If you pulled your Bay Area home off the market in late 2024, you’re not alone. According to Newsweek, data from CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) shows that nearly 73,000 homes were withdrawn from the market in December – the highest number for any December since 2017. And in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the real estate market is often more dynamic than the rest of the country, many sellers took a step back, waiting to see how 2025 would unfold.
Whether you paused your sale because offers weren’t coming in, the timing around the holidays felt overwhelming, or you were hoping for better market conditions, now is the time to reassess. The spring real estate market is heating up, and waiting too long to relist could mean facing more competition from other sellers.
Why Now Could Be the Right Time to Sell in the Bay Area
Spring has traditionally been one of the strongest seasons for home sales in the SF Bay Area, and 2025 looks to be no exception. According to Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, some of the sellers who withdrew their listings last year may be waiting for better conditions this spring:
“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how spring home buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”
While mortgage rates haven’t dropped dramatically, they have inched down in recent weeks, and early indicators show that buyers are becoming more active. In the Bay Area, where inventory levels have remained relatively low, this increased demand could work in your favor. Reports from the California Association of Realtors (CAR) show that buyer activity has been picking up since January, with open house traffic and multiple-offer situations increasing. Our team has seen this first hand across all Bay Area counties, especially within the past few weeks as the weather has warmed up a bit and the rain has subsided.
What To Do Differently This Time
If you’re thinking about relisting, start by checking the status of your listing agreement. Even if your home was pulled from the market, your contract may still be in effect. Realtor.com offers this advice:
“If you aren’t sure of the status of your listing, whether active, expired, or withdrawn, take a look at your listing agreement and talk to your real estate agent.”
If your listing is still active, now’s the perfect time to work with your agent on a new strategy. If your contract has expired, consider reaching out to a local real estate expert who understands the nuances of the Bay Area market.
Take a moment to reflect on why your home didn’t sell before and what changes might help this time around:
Pricing Strategy
Did buyers overlook your home because it was priced too high? The Bay Area market moves fast, and pricing can make all the difference. Your Bay Area real estate agent can help you analyze recent sales in your neighborhood to make sure your home is positioned competitively. In some cases, a well-priced home can attract multiple offers and even spark bidding wars, driving up the final sale price.
Marketing Approach
Was your home staged to highlight its best features? Did your listing photos capture the space in the best light? These details matter. Something as simple as updating your listing photos to reflect the brighter, more vibrant spring season can make a big difference. If your home wasn’t showcased effectively before, now is the time to work with a skilled agent who can elevate your property’s presentation.
Offering Incentives
Were you open to negotiations? With more homes expected to hit the market this spring, sellers who offer competitive incentives—such as covering closing costs or providing a credit for rate buy-downs—may have an edge. The Bay Area remains a competitive market, and small concessions can sometimes make a big impact.
Showings and Flexibility
Was your home easy to show? In a market where buyers act quickly, limited showing availability can be a dealbreaker. This time, aim for flexibility. The more accessible your home is, the more opportunities you create for serious buyers to see it.
Bottom Line for Sellers in the San Francisco Bay Area
If your home didn’t sell last year, this spring presents a fresh opportunity. Buyer activity is picking up across the Bay Area, making now an ideal time to reenter the market with a new strategy. Whether it’s adjusting your price, improving your marketing, or offering small incentives, working with the right real estate expert can make all the difference.
Thinking about relisting? Contact your Bay Area Modern Realtor today to discuss your best strategy for success. With deep market knowledge and a proven track record, Bay Area Modern Real Estate is here to help you maximize your sale and achieve the best possible outcome. Call us today at 415-233-6821 to get started!
