The Subtle Shift Happening in the Sonoma & Marin Housing Market

Expect More Activity in the 2026 Housing Market

If you’ve been watching homes in Sonoma or Marin lately, you may have noticed something:

There’s more movement than there was last year.

More listings.
More activity.
More options for buyers.

This shift is tied to what many called “The Great Stay” of 2024 and 2025, when homeowners felt locked into low mortgage rates and chose to delay their moves.

In 2026, that pause is starting to thaw.

Why Some Homes Feel Familiar

Many of the homes coming back onto the market right now actually tried to sell in 2025 — and didn’t.

Rather than continuing to reduce their price, many sellers chose to withdraw their listings and wait for a different market.

Now they’re re-listing.

But this isn’t just more inventory. It’s a change in who the sellers are.

These Sellers Have Already Tested the Market

Homeowners re-listing today aren’t testing the market for the first time.

They’ve already experienced what it feels like to sit without offers.

That experience tends to make sellers:

• More realistic about pricing

• More open to negotiation

• More motivated to complete their move

For buyers, this creates a very different experience than shopping brand-new listings with high expectations.

Inventory Is Up While Prices Are Flat

At the same time, inventory has increased while prices have remained relatively flat compared to last year.

That combination didn’t exist in 2025.

Buyers now have:

• More options

• Less urgency

• Stronger negotiating conditions

Without the headlines calling it a “buyer’s market.”

What We’re Seeing Across Sonoma and Marin

We’re watching this pattern play out in real time locally.

Homes that paused their sale last year are re-entering the market, and buyers are finding more opportunity and flexibility than they had just 12 months ago.

This isn’t a dramatic market swing. It’s a subtle but important shift in seller behavior.

And for buyers, that can make a meaningful difference.

We’re realtors, moms, locals, and dog lovers serving Sonoma County and Marin County, who love sharing everything about where we live and the neighborhoods we explore. Follow along by signing up for our weekly newsletter with local favorites and the latest in real estate.