December closed with a quieter surface and a more instructive undercurrent. Compared to November, active inventory pulled back modestly while pending sales accelerated, signaling that serious buyers stayed engaged even as seasonal distractions set in. Median pricing held relatively steady countywide, but days on market edged higher—an indication that pricing precision mattered more than momentum alone. Sellers who adjusted quickly were rewarded; those anchored to earlier-year expectations saw longer exposure.
This dynamic matters heading into early 2026. Buyers showed patience and selectivity rather than retreat, while sellers tested the market with fewer but more deliberate listings. The result is not a slowdown, but a recalibration: less frenzy, clearer signals, and a narrower margin for error.
Across Sonoma County, December’s recalibration showed up locally in different ways—Sebastopol rewarded well-priced homes with steady buyer follow-through, Petaluma reflected selective but active demand, and Healdsburg saw fewer transactions, reinforcing the importance of precision over momentum. December quietly reset expectations—creating a cleaner runway for disciplined buyers and well-positioned sellers entering 2026.
By Summer Olson Stubblefield, Compass REALTOR®
Real estate markets are shaped by more than headlines. Local inventory patterns, micro-neighborhood dynamics, buyer psychology, and timing all matter—and they vary meaningfully from town to town and coast to inland.
This page is where I share my market perspective for Sonoma County, Marin County, and the Mendocino Coast, informed by on-the-ground experience, current data, and the real conversations I’m having with buyers and sellers every day. My goal is simple: to help you understand what’s actually happening, so you can make decisions with clarity and confidence.
I believe good market guidance balances data with context. I track pricing trends, days on market, inventory levels, and interest-rate impacts closely—but I also pay attention to how homes are being prepared, how buyers are responding emotionally, and which strategies are working right now.
Each of these areas behaves differently, and broad “Bay Area” narratives often miss the nuance that matters most at the local level.
As a Compass REALTOR®, I regularly reference Compass Research and proprietary market reports as part of my analysis. These resources provide valuable macro-level context, which I then interpret through a local, client-specific lens.
You can view Compass market research and outlooks here:
Compass Intelligence: 2026 Real Estate Market Outlook
I also incorporate MLS data, local sales trends, and firsthand transaction experience when advising clients.
Markets evolve. The insights shared here reflect current conditions and are updated as trends shift. If you’re planning a move—now or in the future—I’m always happy to talk through what the market looks like specifically for you.
While my practice is rooted in Sonoma County, I also represent buyers and sellers in Marin County and along the Mendocino Coast, bringing the same thoughtful strategy and client-first approach to each market.
If you’d like a tailored perspective on your neighborhood, property type, or buying timeline, I’m glad to be a resource.
Transparency, kindness, integrity and compassion in every collaboration. Our clients’ joy is our joy. Connect with the Sonoma County expert today!
