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s the market awakens from its winter slumber, activity is picking up on both sides of the ledger. According to BARIES MLS, Sonoma County ended 2024 with a significant increase in available homes for sale - 28% more than in 2023. However, sellers listed fewer new properties in January, down 28% from the previous year and another all-time low.

    Buyers, on the other hand, are gaining momentum, with 200 new deals secured in January, a 13% increase from last year. Completed sales also rose to 248, an 8% gain over the same period in 2023. This trend is reflected in the months' supply of inventory (MSI), which has shifted towards a seller-favorable reading of 2.2.

    The MSI metric indicates that it would take approximately two and a half months to sell the current inventory at the current rate of sales, affirming the market's shift towards favoring sellers. This trend is expected to continue in 2025, with both sales volume and prices potentially increasing.

    In specific submarkets, Sonoma Valley reported 66 homes for sale as December concluded, a 27% increase from last year. Buyers secured accepted contracts on 20 more properties, while sellers awarded keys to 26 new homeowners, leading to an MSI of 2.5. Healdsburg and Petaluma's Westside also saw significant activity, with low inventory levels and high demand driving the market in favor of sellers.

    As we enter 2025, it appears that the market is gaining momentum, with a greater volume of homes potentially being sold at higher prices. The coming year may bring increased sales and price growth, making it an exciting time for buyers and sellers alike.