This blog post takes a look at California’s April housing market through the lens of the California Association of Realtors. It spotlights a record high median price, a rebound in sales, and what these statewide trends might mean for Marin County communities from Mill Valley to San Rafael and beyond.
As Marin buyers and sellers watch valuations climb in towns like Novato and Tiburon, the numbers highlight ongoing competition and tight supply. Mortgage costs are shifting, too, and that’s changing the outlook for a lot of people.
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California’s April housing market: record prices and strong demand
Across California, the market just hit a record median price. Demand stayed steady, even though interest rates went up.
Prices surged, mostly because a bigger chunk of sales happened at the higher end. That signals tight supply and fierce competition in many markets, including the Bay Area and Marin County.
Buyers are still active. Sellers are finding opportunities, even in this tricky environment.
Statewide numbers at a glance
Median home price jumped to $914,810 in April. That’s about a 3% increase from March’s $889,190.
Existing home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 275,580. That’s a 3.9% bump from March and up 4.1% from last year.
Higher prices reflect that more buyers are competing for a limited number of homes. The tight supply is a big factor across California right now.
Why prices climbed
Competition and scarcity really drove prices up this spring. Marin County sits at the higher end, and demand there hasn’t faded—even as buyers keep an eye on mortgage rates.
The California Association of Realtors points out that higher mortgage rates and global uncertainty haven’t scared off most buyers. The pace of growth and the mix of homes sold are shifting, though, and that’s something to watch.
Mortgage costs and affordability
Financing matters a lot in this market. As of mid‑May, mortgage rates in California hovered around 6.63% for a 30‑year fixed loan, up from 6.13% in April.
That jump makes the old forecast—rates under 6% by 2026—look a bit shaky. Buyers across the Bay Area, from San Mateo to Santa Clara and Marin, are definitely feeling more cautious.
Affordability is still a huge hurdle statewide. Jordan Levine, senior VP and chief economist for the California Association of Realtors, says housing affordability is a serious challenge, especially in places like Marin where home prices outpace local wages and lifestyle expectations.
Affordability by county
The association points out that some counties still offer more affordable options. The most budget-friendly regions are mostly in Northern California and the Central Valley.
Counties with medians below the statewide average include Lassen at $285,000 and Siskiyou at $315,000. You’ll also find lower medians in Glenn, Trinity, Del Norte, Lake, Kings, Shasta, Tulare, and Tehama.
Marin County in the mix
Among the Bay Area’s high‑value markets, Marin County ranks near the top. Statewide data puts Marin’s median at $1.81 million.
Mono County leads the region at $2.55 million. Other Bay Area spots like San Mateo ($2.3M), San Francisco ($2.1275M), and Santa Clara ($2.1M) aren’t far behind.
For Marin residents, this means competition is still fierce for single‑family homes in places like Mill Valley, San Rafael, Novato, Tiburon, and Sausalito. There’s no sign of a major slowdown just yet.
What this means for Marin home buyers and sellers
Marin’s market still feels like a classic tug-of-war between supply and demand. Prices are sticking around at high levels, and buyers are wrestling with steeper financing costs.
Activity hasn’t slowed much, especially among people moving within the county or commuting from Silicon Valley to Larkspur and Corte Madera. Levine points out that affordability is shaping how buyers make offers, handle inspections, and pick their timelines.
Sellers in Greenbrae and Ross often see multiple offers if their homes look sharp and show well.
- Marin towns like San Rafael, Mill Valley, and Sausalito are still drawing strong interest from local families.
- The price ceiling remains high in Tiburon and waterfront communities, where lifestyle factors matter as much as price.
- With rates moving higher, buyers are paying careful attention to fixed‑rate financing terms and overall affordability.
When Marin residents look at the latest statewide numbers—like that record price and the changing mortgage scene—it’s hard not to notice Marin’s lasting appeal. Even as the market shifts around affordability and supply, buyers who love the Marin lifestyle keep showing up.
For folks in San Anselmo and Fairfax, the next few months could be telling. Will these unique Marin spots ride out the statewide changes, or will they chart their own course? Guess we’ll see soon enough.
Here is the source article for this story: California home prices ‘hit a new record’ high. What can buyers expect to pay?
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