January 2026 Market Trends

January’s numbers paint a market that’s still moving fast in the right pockets, but with fewer completed sales and more listings coming to market across many East Bay cities.

One of the biggest takeaways is that speed is back in many single-family segments. Days on Market is down sharply in several areas, which suggests that well-priced, well-presented homes are getting picked off quickly, often before buyers have time to “wait and see.”

At the same time, inventory is building, but it doesn’t look like a flood. Listings are up in a lot of markets and months of supply is rising in many places, which can give buyers a bit more choice. However, supply levels are still relatively tight in many single-family categories, so the best homes are continuing to attract strong attention.

Another theme is that closed sales are down across much of the region. Even with demand signals like faster Days on Market and healthy list-to-sale ratios, the lower sold counts point to buyers being more selective, affordability pressure in certain price points, and typical seasonal patterns rather than a lack of interest.

Pricing is also mixed by city and by product type. Some areas posted solid gains, especially in a few higher-end single-family markets, while others saw declines. That’s a reminder that micro-markets matter more than ever, and results can change dramatically based on neighborhood, condition, pricing strategy, and how a home shows.

Finally, negotiating power really depends on the segment. Where list-to-sale ratios are still around or above 100%, sellers who price correctly and present the home well can still hold meaningful leverage. In segments with higher months of supply, often condos and townhomes, buyers may have more room to negotiate and take their time.