Fresh Starts, Local Energy & Early Market Signals
January arrived with a sense of renewal, intention, and momentum. The real estate market began the year by waking up alongside the new calendar, and while January is traditionally a quieter month, early indicators suggested that buyers and sellers were already paying attention.
In Oakland, the city felt energized. From First Fridays in Uptown to Friday Nights at the Oakland Museum of California, community events returned in full force, reinforcing that home is not just about a house but about neighborhood, culture, and connection. There was also continued excitement around new restaurant openings and refreshed dining spots across neighborhoods like Temescal, Uptown, and West Oakland, adding to the city’s vibrancy and appeal.
January Market Highlights:
📊 Early Buyer Interest Was Building: Zillow trend data showed growing buyer engagement. Homes were being saved more frequently, listing views increased, and early-year searches rose as buyers planned for spring moves.
🏡 Sellers Tested the Waters: New listings began coming online as homeowners looked to get ahead of the spring market.
📈 A Thoughtful Start to the Year: While activity had not yet reached peak levels, January shaped up as a strategic month, with buyers researching and sellers preparing.
The word of the month was preparation. Successful buyers used January to get organized by reviewing finances, tracking neighborhoods, and watching pricing trends.
Tips for January Sellers:
The word of the month was positioning. Homes that entered the market early benefited from less competition and more focused buyer attention. January proved to be an ideal time to evaluate pricing, make small improvements, and plan a strong launch.
A New Year Rooted in Community & Opportunity
January was about setting intentions, whether that meant attending local events, trying a new restaurant, or making plans for a new home. Oakland continued to shine as a place where culture, creativity, and community meet, and those qualities remained a powerful draw for buyers.
As the market gradually built toward spring, January offered clarity without chaos and a chance to move forward thoughtfully and strategically.
For those buying, selling, or planning ahead for 2026, we are here to help navigate the market with insight, local knowledge, and confidence.
Wishing you a grounded, energized, and opportunity-filled February!
