After months of a slower housing market, mortgage rates are finally moving in a favorable direction, and Bay Area buyers are starting to return.
Recent data shows that home loan applications jumped 23% compared to the first week of September last year, following a new low in 2025 mortgage rates.
If you’ve been waiting to sell your Bay Area home—or had a listing expire because demand wasn’t where you hoped—now is a smart time to reconsider your strategy. Buyer interest is now at its highest level since July, creating an opportunity you won’t want to miss.
Why Falling Rates Matter for Bay Area Buyers
The 30-year mortgage rate recently dropped to 6.13%, the lowest it’s been since October 2024. This decline comes amid slower job growth and other economic signals that suggest the Federal Reserve could reduce the Federal Funds Rate later this year. Markets have already started pricing in these moves, making home loans more attractive.
Bay Area buyers are especially sensitive to mortgage rates because affordability is always top-of-mind in this market. Even small decreases in rates can significantly improve purchasing power, prompting more buyers to take action. After a period of muted demand, the local housing market is starting to pick up again. As affordability improves, so does buyer demand (see graph below).
What This Means for Bay Area Homeowners
If you’re thinking about selling your home on the Peninsula or the surrounding Bay Area, now is the time to pay attention. Perhaps your listing stalled earlier this year, or you delayed selling because the market felt slow. Buyer interest is returning, and while we’re not seeing the frenzied market of past years, this could be your opportunity to capitalize.
Listing now allows you to attract motivated buyers before more homes hit the market in your neighborhood. Waiting could mean facing more competition—even if rates continue to decline.
Ready to Make Your Move?
The Bay Area market is shifting, and knowing local trends makes all the difference. With buyer activity on the rise, now is the time to position your Bay Area home for success. The Vano Maurry Team can provide insights on neighborhoods, buyer behavior, and pricing strategies—so you’re prepared to make the next move with confidence.
Content and graph courtesy of Keeping Current Matters
