Dining room with blue upholstered chairs, wood floors, and sliding glass doors to a garden.

March 2023 Market Update: Silicon Valley Trends

David Kim March 31, 2023

In the wake of the banking crisis, the Federal Reserve opted for a 0.25-point increase in the Federal Funds Rate at their recent meeting, instead of the expected 0.5-point increase or avoiding any rate increase due to the crisis. From a long-term perspective, the Fed's actions since 1981 can be reviewed in the chart below.
 

What we're currently seeing

  • Still historically low inventory
  • In most cities, the active vs. sold ratio is lower than 1, which means that the current inventory is not enough to cover the next month's demand, and we call it a "hot" real estate market.
  • High demand in most cities and multiple offer situations
  • The Fed raised 0.25 points of the rate.
  • Some are saying the rates will go up again because of credit tightening.

What does this mean for you?

For the sellers who are thinking of selling in the near future, it might be a good idea to sell before this market changes, especially for those who need to downsize.
 
For the buyers who want to buy before the interest rate increases further, they can take advantage of the lower purchase price than last year and refinance once the rate goes down.
 
If you plan on making a move this year or next, let's get together to discuss your scenario and strategize for your next move. Reach out to us at (650) 988-5114.
 
Bar chart of 30-year fixed mortgage rates, February–March 2023, peaking at 7.10% before declining.
 
Chart of weekly 30-year mortgage rates from January 2022 to March 2023, ending at 6.42%.
 
Chart of mortgage rates since 1976, showing the 1981 peak, pandemic-era lows, and 2023 rates.
 
Chart comparing S&P 500 and Nasdaq declines from January 2022 to March 2023, with annotations for 2023 and the SVG collapse.
 
Infographic charting Federal Funds interest rates from 1981 to 2023, with annotations about Federal Reserve interventions.
 
Monthly U.S. inflation chart, rising to 8.9% in June 2022 before declining to 6.0% in February 2023.
 
Chart of University of Michigan consumer sentiment from 1978 to March 2023, highlighting recessions and market crashes.
 

Flipbook Reports by County

Santa Clara County Real Estate March 2023 Report by Compass
 
San Mateo County Real Estate March 2023 Report cover with a bird perched among white blossoms.
 

What We’ve Been Up to

 
Single-story cream house with a two-car garage, brick facade, landscaped flower beds, and broad lawn.
 
JUST SOLD | 1139 Katie Court
 
Cuesta Park
 
3 Bed | 2 Bath
 
Gray house with a two-car garage, stone accents, and flowering shrubs along the front lawn.
 
JUST SOLD | 1079 Ticonderoga Drive
 
Cherry Hill
 
4 Bed | 3 Bath
 
Blue midcentury-style home with an attached garage and mature trees along the front lawn.
 
JUST SOLD | 3520 Arbutus Avenue
 
Palo Alto
 
4 Bed | 2 Bath
 
Gray multi-unit home with four garage doors, peaked gables, and landscaped front driveways.
 
JUST SOLD | 705 Mendocino Way
 
Redwood Shores
 
3 Bed | 2.5 Bath
 
Modern multi-unit building with colorful façades, balconies, and hedges along the street.
 
JUST SOLD | 1004 Plover Lane
 
Palo Alto
 
3 Bed | 3 Bath
 
Living room with floor-to-ceiling bay views, leather lounge chairs, and an open kitchen.
 
PENDING WITH MULTIPLE OFFERS - 202 SOUTH ST, #8
 
Sausalito
 
1 Bed | 1 Bath
 

Upcoming local events

Photos & Visits With Easter Bunny 2023: Stanford Shopping Center, Palo Alto

Through April 8 - Hours vary by day
 
Strike a pose, the Easter Bunny is here for photos! 
 
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Make Bunny reservations today by clicking here. 
 
Reserve your visit now and make it an Easter Tradition!
 
More info & reservation links here
 
Rabbit mascot waving in round glasses, a pastel bow tie, and a teal jacket.
 
Sat, Apr 29 - 7pm, Sun, Apr 30 - 2pm
 
Symphony San Jose will present Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert featuring a screening of the complete film with Oscar® and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed live to the film. 

San Jose Center for the Performing, 255 Almaden Blvd.. San Jose, CA

More info & ticket links here

 
Coco: In Concert Live to Film poster advertising Symphony San Jose performances at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts.
 
Blossom Festival - Kids' Fun & Petting Zoo
 
Sat Apr 29 - 10 am-4 pm
 
The event is free and open to the public.
 
Activities include a wide range of music; organizations such as the Master Gardeners, Beekeepers of Santa Clara Valley and more; local civic organizations such as the Saratoga Library, AAUW, Rotary, BookGoRound, Saratoga historical characters; book authors; Saratoga history lectures; and artisans.
 
Gourmet food trucks will also be part of the fun.
 
Over 15 children’s activity tables, petting zoo, and entertainment for all ages.
 
Heritage Orchard and Saratoga Civic Center, 13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA
 
 
Pale pink blossoms and buds clustered along a branch.
 
Questions? Contact us

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