This first week of 2024 has been pretty quiet. This situation is not unique to me though. In my Terra Linda neighborhood there are currently only 2 homes on the market: 871 Tamarack Dr, which has been on the market for 62 days, and 711 Montecillo Rd which has been on a whopping 101 days and counting. The low inventory situation will change, but the question is, how soon?
I’m pretty sure sellers will once again be holding out for the warmer weather, brighter colors and the longer days of spring. I’ve got a listing coming up in Marinwood in either late March or early April. We are going to reseed the lawn sometime in late February, weather permitting, and hope to present the property with a lush, green lawn. The inside of the house is also going to look fantastic, with a remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, refinished wood flooring, fresh paint and staging. It’s currently a work in progress and we are on schedule.
These are the days most sellers start getting ready for the market. Over the years I’ve sold plenty of homes in January and February, but the bulk of real estate activity happens mid-March into July. It does feel a little weird not having a listing on the market currently. Typically, this time of year I’m thinking about the NFL playoffs, wondering if my favorite teams will be playing during my open houses. That’s a good problem to have, and why I like my DVR.
When I do Sunday open houses in January, even if the 49ers are playing at the same time, I don’t turn on the television. I think it’s distracting, and despite being a lifelong 49er fan, who suffered through the miserable 70’s teams before the rise of our beloved 80’s dynasty, I keep the television off. While I was pretty devastated when the 49ers moved down to Santa Clara, eventually I got over it (side note: when they started winning again!).
Weekends this January are pretty clear for me right now. I’ve got a couple of buyers who are looking and I’ll be happy to take them out to see houses, but in those situations, I’ll try to schedule around the 49er games. Open house times are usually pretty set so they always get priority over games, but buyers showing times are often flexible. The main thing is, if a property comes on the market and the sellers aren’t going to wait to look at offers, I’m going to get my buyers in that house ASAP. Even if it means firing up the DVR and watching the 49ers after house hunting.