Generally speaking, 4-5 months supply of inventory is considered a balanced market between buyers and sellers; less than 4 months is considered a sellers’ market; and more than 5 months is considered a buyers’ market.
By these definitions (as well as others), the home market in many of San Francisco’s neighborhoods is now a strong buyers’ market – which means more choice, less competitive bidding, increased price reductions, more price negotiation. This doesn’t mean that the best-value homes aren’t still often selling quickly.
SF Real Estate Market Makes Major Shift to Lower-Priced Homes, as Higher-End Market Declines
Comparison of SF House, Condo and TIC sales 10/15/08 – 1/30/09 with one year earlier by price range
Total # of Sales: down 27% – 30%* Total Dollar Volume: down 43% – 46%*