Market insights, guides, and resources for Bay Area real estate.
I just spent a day at the Capitol with 2,500 REALTORs® for C.A.R. Legislative Day 2026. Three bills and a ballot measure now sit between Bay Area buyers and sellers and their next move. The full immersive long-read is on this page.
On April 14, I spent the day at UC Berkeley for the 5th Annual California Association of REALTORS® Fair Housing Day. Oscar Wei's closing deck made a hard argument: the demographics have moved, outcomes haven't, and our industry's training has been pointed at the wrong corner. Here are five numbers from that room, and what each one is changing about how I serve clients.
Twenty common home improvements, ranked by what the 2025 Cost vs. Value data says comes back at resale in our metro. The pattern will change how you spend.
A new garage door returned 236.7 percent of its cost in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. Here is why the cheapest project on the list keeps beating the expensive ones.
A steel entry door posted the highest recoup on the 2025 San Francisco metro board at 237.2 percent. The psychology is simple and the check is small.
Stone veneer returned 226.5 percent of its cost in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. Why a strip of stone beats whole room remodels, and where it goes wrong.
A minor kitchen refresh cleared its own cost in the 2025 San Francisco metro data at 112.4 percent. The gut remodel returned less than half. The line between them is the lesson.
Fiber cement siding recouped 109.8 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data, and its fire story matters more in California every year.
Vinyl siding recouped 79.6 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data, but the material carries a fire and fit story here that the national averages never mention.
Vinyl windows recouped 84.6 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. The real decision lives in comfort, Title 24 and what buyers at your price point expect.
Wood windows recouped 81.8 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. At some Bay Area price points they are the expectation. At others they are money on the table.
A shingle roof replacement recouped 72.5 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data, but roofs are not really about recoup. They are about insurability and deal survival.
Metal roofing recouped 47.3 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data, the weakest roof math on the board. The case for it lives in fire country and fifty year horizons.
A wood deck recouped 91.9 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data, the best outdoor project on the board. The maintenance schedule is the real price tag.
Composite decking recouped 66.7 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data versus 91.9 for wood. The premium buys your weekends back, not resale value.
The fiberglass grand entrance recouped 77.5 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. It is the steel door's glamorous cousin with triple the budget.
The midrange bath remodel recouped 73.8 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. Done for the right reason, that gap is the fairest rent you will ever pay.
The universal design bath recouped 50.9 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. It is the best project on the board at what it is actually for, which is not resale.
The major midrange kitchen recouped 48.5 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. Here is what that buys, what it never buys, and the cheaper move that beats it.
The upscale bath remodel recouped 35.1 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. Buy the spa for your mornings if you like, but know exactly what you are buying.
The upscale kitchen recouped 32.1 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. At the top of the market it is a stage set with an audience, everywhere else it is a donation.
The primary suite addition recouped 25.8 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. Before you build one, meet the alternative California law built for you.
A midrange bathroom addition recouped 49.2 percent in the 2025 San Francisco metro data. In a one bath house the case is real. Everywhere else, read twice.
A 3-bed, 2-bath single-story ranch in Mountain View's 94043, 1,234 sq ft on a 5,000 sq ft cul-de-sac lot with a deep back yard, mature persimmon trees, and room the listing describes for an ADU. Listed at $1,980,000, no HOA, two tenths of a mile from Crittenden Middle. Open house Saturday and Sunday, August 8 and 9, 1:30 to 4:30 PM, hosted by Harv Balu, REALTOR®. Listed by Josephine Lim, REALTY EXPERTS®.
The standard mortgage advice says you need about $313,000 a year to buy a $1.3 million home. Real underwriting says $226,000. Here is what it actually takes to finance a Bay Area home in 2026, and the local costs the national guides never mention.
A 3-bed, 3-bath townhome-style condo in Milpitas's Parc Metro community, 1,243 sq ft with a rare first-floor bedroom and full bath plus two upstairs primary suites, listed at $1,068,000. Community pool, spa, and clubhouse, park-facing, minutes to Great Mall and Milpitas BART. Open house Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, 2 to 5 PM, hosted by Harv Balu, REALTOR®. Listed by Shelly Arora, REALTY EXPERTS®.
Congress just passed the most significant housing law in more than a generation. Here is a plain-English breakdown of what the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act actually does, and what it really means for Fremont and Tri-City buyers and sellers.
The complete Milpitas, CA single-family home market report for June 2026. The median sold price was $1,800,000 and homes closed at 104.1% of list in a median of just 12 days, with only 1.31 months of inventory, firmly a seller's market. Full breakdown of prices, supply and demand, and a free branded PDF report. Prepared by Harv Balu, REALTOR®, REALTY EXPERTS®.
The complete Newark, CA single-family home market report for June 2026. The median sold price was $1,388,500 and homes closed at 102.3% of list in a median of just 14 days, with 2.48 months of inventory, still a seller's market even as supply builds. Full breakdown of prices, supply and demand, and a free branded PDF report. Prepared by Harv Balu, REALTOR®, REALTY EXPERTS®.
The complete Fremont, CA single-family home market report for June 2026. The median sold price was $1,715,000 and homes closed at 102.6% of list in a median of just 11 days, with only 1.73 months of inventory, firmly a seller's market. Full breakdown of prices, supply and demand, and a free branded PDF report. Prepared by Harv Balu, REALTOR®, REALTY EXPERTS®.
You do not need 20% down to buy a home. See the real down payment numbers for the Bay Area, the low down payment loan options most buyers never hear about, and how to get ready, from Harv Balu, REALTOR®.
The complete Union City, CA single-family home market report for June 2026. The median sold price was $1,327,500 and homes closed at 102.1% of list in a median of just 15 days, with only 1.76 months of inventory, firmly a seller's market. Full breakdown of prices, supply and demand, and five-year trends, plus a free branded PDF report. Prepared by Harv Balu, REALTOR®, REALTY EXPERTS®.
Overpricing a Fremont home feels safe, but it can quietly cost you six figures. Here is the pricing strategy that actually wins in the Tri-City market.
This listing has been taken off the market. 4780 Cabello St, a turnkey 1990 KB Homes contemporary in Union City's California Gallery community (4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 1,781 sq ft), is no longer available. Browse current active listings across Union City (94587), or reach out to Harv Balu, REALTOR®, to find a similar home in the area.
The open house weekend has wrapped, Harv Balu hosted Saturday and Sunday, June 27 to 28, 2026. Updated two-story Ponderosa contemporary in Union City's Ponderosa Crossroads. 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, 1,968 sq ft on a 4,500 sq ft lot, built 1985. Owned solar, a full bedroom and bath on the first floor, a remodeled kitchen with island and gas range, fully remodeled baths, a custom deck with a park-like yard, and no HOA. Listed at $1,550,000 ($788/sq ft). Hosted by Harv Balu, REALTOR®.
Price improved $77,000 to $1,098,000. Rarely available end-unit Iris model in Hayward's Bridgeport at Eden Shores. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 1,703 sq ft, built 2008, on a 2,779 sq ft corner lot. Updated kitchen, Brazilian hardwood floors, smart home wiring, gas fireplace, private patio with stamped concrete and turf. Now listed at $1,098,000 ($645/sq ft). HOA $232/month. Walk to Bay Trail. Presented by Harv Balu, REALTOR®.
The complete Union City, CA housing market report for May 2026. The median sold price was $1,340,000 and homes closed at 103.5% of list in a median of just 13 days, with only 2.67 months of inventory, firmly a seller's market. Full breakdown of prices, supply and demand, and five-year trends, plus a free six-page PDF report. Prepared by Harv Balu, REALTOR®, REALTY EXPERTS®.
UPDATE, This Regency Park home is now pending. A fully remodeled single-level home in Union City, 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,357 sq ft on a 5,000 sq ft lot, built 1971. Updated chef's kitchen with an oversized island and breakfast bar, remodeled baths, and a park-like backyard with a custom pergola and covered patio. Listed at $1,298,000, about $139,500 under the Union City median sold price. Looking for a home like this? See every active Union City listing and the newest homes just on the market, and reach out anytime.
UPDATE, This Foothill Glen home is now pending. A move-in ready two-story home in Union City, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2,000 sq ft on a 3,168 sq ft lot, built 2004. Brand-new wide-plank floors, an airy open-concept great room, a kitchen with a pantry, a primary suite with a soaking tub and walk-in closet, and a low-maintenance backyard. Listed at $1,399,900 ($700/sq ft), under the Union City median. Looking for a home like this? See every active Union City listing and the newest homes just on the market, and reach out anytime.
The May 2026 RPR market report for Fremont single-family homes, in plain English. Median sold price $1,760,000, just 1.85 months of inventory, homes closing at 104.3% of list in a median of 11 days, and a median estimated value of $1,812,280. Interactive charts for the listing pipeline, the five-year price trend, and how Fremont compares to the county, state, and country, plus the full 15-page report to download free.
This listing has been taken off the market, 33479 Alvarado Niles Rd, a 2019 DR Horton townhome in Union City's Monarch at Soares Ranch (3 bed, 3.5 bath, 1,976 sq ft), is no longer available. Browse current active listings across Union City (94587), or reach out to Harv Balu, REALTOR®, to find a similar townhome or single-family home in the area.
This listing has been taken off the market, 3631 Trenton Court in Fremont's Irvington neighborhood (5 bed, 4 bath, with a detached ADU) is no longer available. Browse current active listings across Fremont (94538), or reach out to Harv Balu, REALTOR®, to find a similar home with a detached ADU in the area.
Fremont's single-family market is firmly in seller territory as of May 5, 2026. Median list price $1,768,000, Market Action Index 64 (up from 57 last month), 103 active listings, 21 day median time to pending. Plain-English breakdown of the latest Altos Research report for buyers and sellers, with an interactive look at the four price tiers and a 5-year trend chart.
As of May 2, 2026, Union City's single-family market sits at Market Action Index 50, a Strong Seller's Market, but cooling from last year's highs. Median list price $1,398,000, $/sqft $764, average 41 days on market. Full snapshot, 5-year context, and what it means for buyers and sellers, plus a Foothill Glen open house this weekend.
SOLD for $1,500,000 on May 14, 2026 (23 days on market). 4-bed, 2.5-bath Braddock & Logan Arbor Rose in Union City's Foothill Glen, 2,138 sq ft, park-facing with no front neighbors, walking distance to BART. Originally listed at $1,498,000. Looking for similar homes in Union City? Browse active listings near Governo Drive.
California's new ballot measure proposes $25 billion in down payment assistance for middle-class home buyers, funded by revenue bonds with no new taxes. Here's exactly how it works, who qualifies, and what it could mean for the housing crisis.
UPDATE, This Mission San Jose home is now pending. A freshly remodeled 4-bed, 2-bath single-story in Fremont's premier 94539 school corridor, quartz kitchen, new paint and carpet, hill view, no HOA, A+ Mission San Jose High. Listed at $2,400,000 ($1,347/sq ft). Looking for something similar? See active Mission San Jose listings nearby.
San Jose April 2026 market report: median sold price $1,441,000 (+7.9% MoM), MAI 60 (strong seller's market), inventory up 36% YoY. Cited to RPR + Altos Research.
UPDATE, 1965 Camargo Drive is no longer on the market. It was a tastefully remodeled 4-bed, 2-bath Berryessa home on a 6,200 sq ft lot, with a solar-ready electric panel, heat-pump HVAC, double-pane windows, a modern kitchen, a primary bath with an oversized walk-in shower, and a pergola-covered turf backyard. Looking for a home like this in San Jose? See every active San Jose listing and the newest homes just on the market, and reach out anytime.
Newark remains a strong seller's market with a Market Action Index of 46. Median list price sits at $1,495,000, homes are selling at 102% of asking, and average days on market is just 30. Here's what it means for Newark homeowners and buyers.
UPDATE, This Glenmoor beauty is now pending. A beautifully reimagined 4-bed, 3-bath home with 2,608 sq ft of entertainment-ready space, a bonus Jr. ADU suite, updated kitchen, and nearly 10,000 sq ft of landscaped grounds. Hosted by Harv Balu, thank you to everyone who visited.
The 30-year fixed mortgage rate just climbed to 6.22%, up from 5.98% at the end of February. Here's what's driving the increase and how it affects your next move in the East Bay and South Bay.
The Bay Area housing market enters spring with renewed energy. Here's what buyers and sellers need to know about pricing trends, inventory levels, and where the market is headed.
Fremont offers an exceptional blend of top schools, tech jobs, and diverse communities. Here's everything first-time buyers need to know about purchasing a home in this thriving city.
Selling your home in Silicon Valley requires strategy and precision. From pricing to staging, here are the five critical things every seller should know before listing.