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s the year winds down, Sonoma County's real estate market is telling a familiar story - one of modest growth and cautious optimism. After a slow start to the year, prices and sales volume began trending upward in October, with some areas showing significant gains.

    According to recent data from BAREIS MLS, the average sold price per-square-foot (PSF) for single-family homes in Sonoma County is $554 - 2% less than last year at this time. However, this still represents a significant improvement over the 24-month low of $530 PSF.

    Within the county's 15 submarkets, Windsor saw the greatest improvement, with sales closing 25% higher than a year earlier at $529 PSF. Petaluma's Eastside followed closely behind with an 11% gain to $531 PSF. Other areas showing notable gains include the city of Sonoma (12%), our coastal region (9%), and Northwest Santa Rosa (8%).

    However, not all areas are experiencing growth. Petaluma's Westside, along with the Russian River region and Northeast Santa Rosa, saw prices decline by 9%. Sebastopol sales retreated 11%, while Southwest Santa Rosa values were clipped 12%. Healdsburg was the biggest loser, with a 28% drop in PSF prices to $852.

    Despite these fluctuations, market experts are optimistic about the future. With the presidential election behind us, enthusiasm and confidence are returning to the marketplace. As we head into the new year, it's expected that determined buyers will jump back into the pool, driving sales volume upward.