The big news in September was that the Fed announced a half-point drop in the Fed Funds rate, bringing mortgage interest rates down to less than 6%. For reference, rates were as high as 8% last October and have stayed near 7% throughout 2024.

What does this mean for you? For buyers, a 1% drop in rates can increase purchasing power by about 10%, making homes more affordable. For sellers, lower rates bring more buyers into the market, driving up demand and prices. For example, a buyer who could afford a $1M mortgage at 7% can now afford a $1.1M mortgage at 6%.

Overall, San Francisco remains a strong seller’s market in most neighborhoods with low inventory and rising demand. Home prices are up 6% year-over-year, and we expect that to continue.

If you’re a seller considering a move, now is the perfect time to start preparing your home for what promises to be a strong 2025 market. And for buyers, we can help you stay ahead of the market. Leverage our connections and extensive network to find top properties and craft competitive offers that get you into your dream home!

Below, check out a recent success story, some of our upcoming listings, available homes & recent sales. And, of course, take advantage of fun things to do in SF and our team’s pick of the month!

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any real estate-related questions; whether you are ready to buy or sell, or just want to explore options, we are here to help! If you need guidance outside San Francisco, remember that we also have an amazing national network of great agents who can help you, your friends, and your family with real estate needs. We look forward to connecting with you soon! Dale can be reached at 415.748.1519 and Alla at 415.748.2550.

SUCCESS STORY: PROPERTY TRANSFORMATION

For this 2-unit Victorian, we boldly proposed a unique strategy for marketing and selling the building. Our approach involved significant property preparation for both units, then marketing and selling them individually to unlock their full market potential. By enhancing both units and listing them separately as TICs, we not only opened the door to a wider range of buyers but also significantly boosted the return for our sellers. The results? A standout $400K+ above asking, with a 275% ROI.

Preparing your home for sale goes beyond aesthetics — it’s a strategic investment. By making smart, cost-effective upgrades, you can significantly enhance your return.

Whether you need landscapers, designers, handymen, painters, or cleaners, we offer a range of affordable services to elevate your home’s appeal without overspending.

We guide you through every step, collaborating with a network of vetted professionals to manage all improvements. Our goal is to boost your sale price and ensure you maximize the value of your asset.

If you are ready to sell, now is the time to prepare your property for the 2025 selling season! Also, If you would like to learn more, please reach out. We are happy to help! ☎️

✨ DA TEAM FALL MARKET UPDATE ✨

Autumn Market Begins with Lowest Interest Rates Since Spring 2023

In August, the real estate market held steady, following typical seasonal patterns as summer came to an end. With declining interest rates, hints of upcoming cuts to the Federal Reserve’s benchmark rate, and improving housing affordability, there was still noticeable volatility in the financial markets. On top of that, the presidential election season added extra attention. As we move into the autumn selling season, which traditionally brings a surge in activity before the winter slowdown hits in late November, some are predicting a strong rebound in demand driven by lower interest rates.

Macroeconomic Factors Report

San Francisco Neighborhood Price Map

If you want to do a deeper dive into what these market insights mean for you, or you are just curious about the market, we’d love to chat!

We’re big fans of Boichik Bagels, a Berkeley-born spot that’s taken the Bay Area by storm with its NYC-inspired bagels. Founder Emily Winston’s passion for recreating the iconic H&H bagel led her on a five-year journey to perfect the recipe. The result? A bagel made with premium, organic ingredients now served in six locations, including three new spots in San Francisco: Pacific Heights, Laurel Heights, and the Financial District.

DA Team Tip: Don’t miss their classic Everything Bagel with chive cream cheese! Pair it with a fresh brew for the perfect breakfast or snack.

Learn More

“Alla and Dale are a true dynamic duo — incredibly professional, knowledgeable and nothing short of a pleasure to work with. In this outrageously competitive market, I would trust no other agent to get the job done with the level of professionalism, honest counsel, and integrity. They are people of their word, and incredibly supportive — even long after the transaction has been completed. They still provide an eager ear whenever I have questions about the market and return my calls and email promptly. They are aggressive without compromising their values, and know the market inside and out. Moreover, their backgrounds in law and finance are incredibly helpful, especially when it came to figuring out the details during complex transactions. Cannot recommend them more highly — and will continue to sing their praises from the highest mountain tops to whomever will listen! You’re in great hands with these two!”

— Betina B.