Should you sell this fall or wait for spring? For many Silicon Valley homeowners, “just wait for spring” feels like the safe choice. But after 23 years of selling homes in the area, I’ve seen how quickly that plan can backfire when mortgage rates and buyer urgency change.
The 2026 market has played out in three acts. Spring was weaker than many expected, followed by a typical summer lull. Then, after Labor Day, the 10-year Treasury rose and pushed mortgage rates higher. Freddie Mac’s average 30-year fixed rate climbed from 6.76% to 7.28% in just three weeks. As rates rose, buyer urgency cooled and homes started sitting longer.
For some sellers who waited, offers disappeared, price cuts piled up, and final proceeds dropped by as much as $100,000. We saw something similar in spring 2022, when rising rates changed the market almost overnight.
Spring isn’t always the best time to list, either. The best listing window and the spring premium in San Jose shifted between 2024 and 2025. Spring can also bring more competition from other sellers, and buyers often notice when a home has been listed before.
Nobody knows for sure where mortgage rates are headed, and rate forecasts have a way of being wrong. That’s why your own circumstances should matter more than predictions. Many home sales are driven by life events, and delaying can add costs and family stress. Fall can still be a strong selling window, while a mispriced home won’t sell well in any season.
If you need more time, use it to prepare the house and your paperwork instead of simply waiting. The question to ask is whether you would rather take on the risk of today’s market or the uncertainty of the next one.
Timing should be based on your circumstances, not on hope that the market will improve later.
Does your place need a little work?
Sell As-Is. Sell for More.
No remodel, no lowball investor offer. Most Bay Area sellers net more selling as-is, and I'll show you how to get full market value without fixing a thing.
Show Me How →
From the Bay Area Wayback Machine
The Black Panther Party Is Founded in Oakland (October 15, 1966)
Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale, who met as students at Merritt College, founded the Black Panther Party for Self-Defense in Oakland. The group began by organizing patrols that followed police to monitor their conduct, and soon laid out its goals in the Ten-Point Program, which called for housing, education, employment, and justice. The party went on to launch community programs, most notably the Free Breakfast for Children program. It shortened its name to the Black Panther Party in 1968 and remained active until 1982, becoming one of the most influential and debated political organizations of its era.
This Week in Silicon Valley
Santa Clara Moves Toward Water and Air Standards for Data Centers
The Santa Clara City Council voted unanimously on October 6 to prioritize new water and air quality standards for data centers. The city is home to 56 active data centers, with two more approved projects that have not yet started construction. Data centers bring the city about $40.9 million a year through property and sales taxes, along with payments to the city-owned utility, Silicon Valley Power.
Current rules require data centers to maximize their use of recycled water but don’t set a specific amount. The city will now consider setting numerical recycled water targets and requiring newer, more water-efficient cooling systems for future facilities. About 65% of the city’s data centers already use recycled water, accounting for 26% of Santa Clara’s recycled water use. City staff will also take on a broader review of health and safety impacts, siting, and community benefits, expected to wrap up by the end of 2027.
A proposed moratorium on new data center projects was on the agenda but wasn’t heard before the meeting adjourned at 1 a.m. Councilmember Karen Hardy plans to bring it back at the October 20 meeting.
Accurate Home Price Data Is Just a Click Away!
Live MLS Data
What Are Homes Actually Selling For Right Now?
Median price, days on market, and how many homes are selling over asking, pulled straight from current MLS data for your neighborhood.
See the Live Sales Data →RUSH: Fifty Something
Date: Thursday, October 15 and Saturday, October 17
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: SAP Center at San Jose, 525 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose
Rush is back on the road for the first time since 2015 with the Fifty Something Tour, celebrating more than 50 years of music. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson are joined by drummer Anika Nilles, stepping in for the late Neil Peart, and keyboardist Loren Gold for two nights at SAP Center.
The Wallflowers
Date: Friday, October 16
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Mountain Winery, 14831 Pierce Road, Saratoga
Jakob Dylan and the Wallflowers bring their Grammy-winning rock sound to the Mountain Winery’s outdoor amphitheater. Expect favorites from their best-selling album Bringing Down the Horse, including “One Headlight” and “6th Avenue Heartache.”
9th International Performing Arts Festival
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: California Theatre, 345 South First Street, San Jose
Celebrate cultures from around the world at this 2.5-hour showcase featuring more than 70 local and international performing artists. Presented by a nonprofit dedicated to promoting cultural diversity through dance and choreography, the festival brings heritage and stories from across the globe to the stage of the historic California Theatre.
31st Annual Campbell Oktoberfest
Date: Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18
Time: 10:00 am – 6:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday
Location: Downtown Campbell, East Campbell Avenue, Campbell
Grab your dirndl or lederhosen for two days of Bavarian fun in downtown Campbell. Browse 125+ artisan and business booths, enjoy German food, wine, and beer, and catch live bands on four stages. The Biersch Garten features the Zicke Zacke oompah band, plus a Best Dressed Contest at 2:00 pm and a Stein-Holding Contest at 3:00 pm both days. Admission is free.
Time to talk to a REALTOR?
Senior Friendly Homes in Silicon Valley South
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
