San Mateo County Market Update January 2026
Setting Real Estate Goals for 2026: Stability, Strategy, and Smart Decisions
As we begin a new year, I always encourage my clients to pause before rushing into big real estate decisions. January is not about reacting, it is about planning. And when I look ahead to 2026, one word defines what I see coming: stability.
Despite all the headlines and speculation, I do not expect 2026 to be a dramatic departure from 2025. This will not be a boom year, and it is unlikely to be a bust. Instead, we are heading into a market that rewards clarity, preparation, and realistic goal-setting. Buyers and sellers who succeed this year will be the ones who act strategically, not emotionally.
My 2026 Market Predictions
First, let us address the question I am asked most often: interest rates.
Yes, there may be modest rate cuts in 2026. However, many of the reductions people are hoping for have already been priced in by lenders. Banks have adjusted in anticipation of rate changes, which means we would need additional or unexpected economic action to see meaningful drops. Buyers should not sit on the sidelines waiting for a dramatic shift, because that shift may never come.
Beyond rates, the broader economic picture matters just as much. Job security remains a concern across many industries, especially in the Bay Area. Consumer confidence is still relatively low, and that uncertainty influences how people approach major financial decisions like buying or selling a home.
What does this mean for real estate? It means a steady market with selective activity. Well-qualified buyers will move forward when the numbers make sense. Sellers who price and prepare correctly will succeed. Everyone else may wait.
Why Goal-Setting Matters More Than Timing
In a stable market, success comes from alignment, not urgency. Before making any move in 2026, you should be asking yourself a few foundational questions:
- How does this decision support my long-term financial goals?
- What does stability look like for my household over the next three to five years?
- Am I making this move because it makes sense, or because I feel pressure to act?
Some of the most impactful guidance I provide does not result in a transaction right away. In many cases, I advise clients to stay put, build equity, improve their financial position, or simply wait for a better window. Real estate should support your life, not complicate it.
When Buying or Selling May Not Be the Right Move
There are very real situations where buying or selling in 2026 may not be the best decision.
For buyers, this could mean finances that are not yet where they need to be, income that feels uncertain, or goals that would be better served by waiting another year. Buying a home is not just about qualifying for a loan, it is about feeling secure in your ability to sustain the investment.
For sellers, timing matters just as much. If you have not owned your home long enough to build sufficient equity, or if your specific property type is facing softer demand, selling now may not maximize your return. Sometimes the smartest move is preparation, not action.
Why Experience and Honesty Matter More Than Ever
When clients tell me why working with me made a difference, a few themes come up consistently.
First, they value honest advice.
I do not push people to buy or sell if it does not align with their goals. My role is to protect your interests, even when that means saying “not yet.”
Second, they appreciate strategic planning. Whether we are preparing a home for sale months in advance or helping a buyer position themselves competitively without overextending, every decision is intentional.
Third, they trust my ability to navigate uncertainty. Stable markets require more nuance, not less. Pricing, negotiation, and timing all matter more when conditions are not clearly favoring one side.
Advice for Buyers in 2026
If buying is one of your goals this year, focus on readiness, not predictions. Understand your numbers clearly, including what monthly payments look like under current rates. Be flexible on timing, but decisive when the right opportunity appears. The best homes will still attract competition, even in a stable market.
Advice for Sellers in 2026
If selling is on your radar, start with a strategy conversation. Preparation will be your biggest advantage. Homes that are thoughtfully positioned, priced correctly, and marketed professionally will stand out. Those that are rushed or misaligned with buyer expectations will struggle.
A Thoughtful Start to the Year
2026 is not about chasing the market. It is about making confident, informed decisions that align with your life and financial goals. Stability can be a gift if you know how to work within it.
The best time to start your strategy was yesterday. The next best time is today.
If you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply want clarity on whether a move makes sense this year, I am here to help you evaluate your options with honesty and care. Let us build a plan that truly serves you.
Success in 2026 Starts with a Clear Strategy.
Contact me for a private consultation to evaluate your goals with honesty and build a strategic plan that truly serves your future.
