East Bay Market Update - April 2024

Thinking of buying or selling a home in Berkeley?

At Calia Homes, we specialize in helping East Bay clients navigate the Berkeley real estate market with confidence. Whether you're a first-time buyer searching for the perfect home near the Gourmet Ghetto or a longtime homeowner preparing to sell in the Elmwood or Northbrae neighborhoods, our experienced Berkeley Realtors offer trusted guidance, local expertise, and a people-first approach. With decades of experience and a reputation built on referrals, we’re here to help you make smart, successful real estate decisions in Piedmont and the surrounding East Bay communities.

Real Estate Then & Now: Why 2009 Buyers Are Winning in 2024 A Snapshot of Appreciation in the East Bay Market An Energized Spring Market. There’s a wave of new listings and steady buyer activity, even as external pressures like rising tariffs, global tensions, and shifting federal policies ripple through the economy. New tariffs are already increasing construction and renovation costs, affecting affordability and timelines, especially for “fixer-uppers.” Meanwhile, evolving housing policies, climate risks, and insurance challenges add complexity for local buyers and sellers, particularly in older, high-risk areas. Still, despite national uncertainty, the East Bay market continues to move with purpose. As conversations about a potential recession begin to resurface, many buyers are wondering: Is now the right time to buy? To answer that, we ask how Bay Area homebuyers fared if they bought in 2009, during another time of economic uncertainty. We looked at East Bay data for 43 homes that sold in 2009 and then sold again in 2024. The results for those homebuyers who bought during a time of economic turbulence

were, simply put, fantastic. At Calia Homes, we track market trends, guide informed decisions, and help clients build a future they can count on—through all seasons of the market. Want to explore smart buying or selling opportunities right now? We’re here to help. ** With Real Estate Investments, property owners are earning compounding appreciation on the total market value of their home which may be notably larger than their actual investment. Homebuyers often buy with as little as 5%-20% down and their home also provides a place to live and can provide mortgage interest tax deductions. We are not financial advisors, as always, we encourage you to speak with your own financial advisors and CPAs.