This week I was talking with Courtnee Filian branch manager at Old Republic Title Company (OTRC). I’ve been working with Courtnee and her team forever, and we often share information about the market as well as our common experiences living in Terra Linda. Courtnee told me ORTC has been slammed lately with transactions. This should come as no surprise considering macro-economic conditions.
One of the biggest factors driving the market this fall has been a decline in the mortgage interest rates. As of 11/9/25 per Bankrate the national average was 6.26%. On June 1st it was nearly 7%, and not coincidentally that’s when inventories were building and as the market took an early summer siesta. In our bi-monthly meetings at Coldwell Banker in San Rafael for the past few months we’ve been discussing what appear to be historic inventory levels. High interest rates and high inventories inevitably led to lots of price reductions as we moved through the summer and into the fall selling season.
At some price point there is a buyer for every house. As prices declined, and interest rates came down, buyers suddenly had lots of affordable choices this fall. What followed was a flood of homes going into escrow! Some of these homes, like my listing on Wallace Way, attracted multiple offers and got bid up. Others needed to reduce their prices further in order to find a buyer, but most eventually did.
I believe the market shifted in October as many homes went into escrow and others closed escrow. There are still a lot of homes in escrow now closing in the second half of November. We’ve got lower prices, lower interest rates and inventories have been declining. What was a buyer’s market in the summer has become more of a seller’s market this fall, especially when homes are priced attractively. That bodes very well for next year, especially if interest rates come down further.
Unfortunately, prices aren’t where many sellers want them. They are still holding out for yesterday’s values. Realistic sellers are finding buyers though and I’m here to tell you that homes are selling and I’m suddenly optimistic about next year. My own business has flourished this fall, and has been reflective of the larger Marin market. In a typical year I list a property, get it ready, do all the marketing and prep and then attract one or more offers after a week on the market. This year was different, as my listings like so many others sat through the summer.
Finally, the market started to move again after Labor Day. In October I closed escrow on 100 Marin Center Dr #4, 555 Wisteria Way and 88 Wallace Way. This November I have already sold 1081 Las Raposas, 936 Patricia Way and 279 Orange Blossom. I still have 65 Circle Rd and 934 Lea Dr in contract. Plus, I’ve got a new Terra Linda fixer opportunity coming on the market next week. This year was a rough one for Realtors and sellers until it wasn’t. Next year? If we keep going in this direction, the good times will keep rolling.