July 2025 Newsletter

REality Check

Economic volatility in Q2, combined with the absence of any meaningful decline in mortgage rates, led to significant year-over-year weakening across much of the Bay Area. However, San Francisco bucked that trend, with median prices for single-family homes and condos up 4% and 10% respectively. After the pandemic-fueled flight to suburbia, are we now seeing a flight back to the city?

It’s certainly starting to feel that way, and the data supports it. Rent prices in San Francisco have been making national headlines, with average prices increasing 11% this year. This is a very encouraging metric for condo sellers. With interest rates in the mid 6s, many first-time buyers are choosing to rent instead of entering the purchase market. But as rent prices increase, and with already discounted prices on many downtown condos, the rent-versus-buy equation is starting to shift.

That said, the theme of this year in real estate, both in San Francisco and beyond, is discernment. Properties that check all the boxes - great condition, well prepped and staged, strong location, attractive pricing, and so on - are seeing strong demand and even bidding wars. On the other hand, properties with notable flaws - such as a poor floor plan, lack of parking, structural issues, limited natural light, dated finishes, or pricing that’s too aggressive - are often met with hesitation.

During these summer months, there are still good buying opportunities due to reduced demand. However, overall inventory remains low, in line with our typical seasonal slowdown. If you are waiting for more options, September is usually our biggest influx of new listings, beginning right after Labor Day.

If you have any questions about a specific property, the market, or the process in general, I am always here and happy to help.

Making Waves

Did You Know?

• Foreign investment in US residential real estate has seen a notable increase in the 12-month period from April 2024 to March 2025, reaching $56 billion, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). This represents a 33% rise in dollar volume and a 44% increase in the number of purchases compared to the previous year, marking the first annual increase since 2017.

   

• As of 7/14 in San Francisco, 11.93% of all listings available in the market (MLS + Compass) are 'Only On Compass'. There are currently 1366 total listings available in the market, of which 163 are 'Only On Compass' - 113 are Compass Private Exclusives and 50 are Compass Coming Soons (listings that are consumer searchable only on Compass.com).

Shakedown in The City

The city has gone full tie-dye with art exhibits, tribute talks, and cover-band nights across Haight-Ashbury and downtown. Must-see highlights include Grahame Lesh & Friends at Pier 48, Dead & Company’s sold-out shows in Golden Gate Park (with a live IMAX stream), and free outdoor events like the Shakedown Street market and “A Grateful Gathering.” It’s a vibrant, culture-rich celebration of music, art, and community spirit.

Summer in the Sunset – A Group Exhibition at Sealevel

At Sealevel’s annual group exhibition, showcasing local artists whose work reflects the beauty, atmosphere, and spirit of life on the edge of the Pacific. From the muted light and drifting fog to the windswept textures of Ocean Beach, the show captures the unique rhythm of the Outer Sunset through a wide range of media and perspectives.

Meet the artist, connect with neighbors, and experience the creative energy of the Sunset community.

Saturday, Aug 2nd

2:00-5:00pm

Nopa Fish Market is the latest addition to the Ferry Building from the team behind beloved Nopa. This casual seafood spot serves up fresh West Coast fish, from shrimp and egg salad sandwiches to Moroccan spiced fish and chips.

Pending

Central Sunset

1606 34th Avenue

3 BD 2 BA 1540 SF $1,395,000

Coming Soon

THE MARINA

1 BD 1 BA 991 SF $950,000

Spacious and charming condo with formal dining room and office, ideally located between Chestnut Street and the Marina Green. Inquire for more information.

GLEN PARK

Bright top-floor condo with exceptional panoramic views and a generous private patio. Inquire for more information.

2 BD 1 BA 1,120 SF $1,370,000

Let's Get Social!

Debbie Rutledge

DRE#: 01886396

M: 415.860.6375

[email protected]

@compassdebbie