Kim Caterino Napa Realtor

04/11/2026

JUMPing for joy for these first time buyers...five years later & they’re finally home. ✨🔑

I first started working with these amazing clients five years ago, right in the middle of the incredibly competitive COVID market. We wrote several offers together, and each time we were outbid in a market that felt nearly impossible for first-time buyers.

Rather than forcing the process, they made the smart decision to take a step back and wait until the timing felt right.

Five years later, I was SO honored that they reached back out and trusted me to help them begin the search again.

This time, the goal was clear: find a home with great bones, long-term value, and in a wonderful neighborhood.

When we resumed the search just over a month ago, they immediately saw a home with huge potential. Because it had been sitting on the market for some time, we were able to come in with a strong offer, get it accepted, and then strategically negotiate credits to make the numbers work even better.

When they told me they felt like they had “gamed the system” because they got such an incredible deal, it brought the biggest smile to my face and made the whole journey feel so worth it.

After everything they went through in the past market, seeing them step into homeownership feeling excited, confident, and like they truly won is exactly why I love what I do.

What a journey it has been with them. From clients to friends, and with the fun coincidence that both of our husbands are Adams and huge drummers, this one feels even more special.

Here's to new beginnings and many drum solos on that sweet DW kit in your new home! 👏🥁🤘

Kim Caterino
Compass
DRE #: 01985003

01/20/2026

📉📈 The Napa market is shifting — and recent sales data is starting to tell the story.

Here’s what we’re seeing right now in Napa 👇

• Median sales price in 2025: $940K
• Median days on market in 2025: 48 days
• 2024 marked a 5-year high at $975K, but prices remain up 22.9% since 2020
• December median sales price: $923,500, up 10% year over year
• December sales volume: up 11.5% YOY

But here’s the nuance most headlines miss:

The median list price in December was $1.5M, while the median home sold for $923,500. Homes in 2025 sold for 96.1% of list, and 47% of listings had price reductions.

Translation:
The market is active — but aspirational pricing is being punished.

At the same time, mortgage rates have dropped to their lowest levels since 2022. Since that shift, mortgage applications jumped 16% week-over-week and 13% year-over-year — a clear signal that buyers are re-engaging thoughtfully, not rushing.

It’s also worth noting that early national data released this week shows a short-term increase in pending sales activity — though, as always, one week doesn’t make a trend.

What this means right now:

• For sellers: Preparation and pricing matter more than ever. Acting early can mean less competition before spring inventory builds.

• For buyers: This remains a transition window — lower rates combined with homes that have been sitting can create opportunity.

The market didn’t flip overnight but it is adjusting.

If you’re buying, selling, or simply watching, I’m happy to pull local stats or a personalized home value report. No pressure — just clarity.

Kim Caterino
Compass
DRE #: 01985003
       

01/13/2026

This Week in Real Estate

Mortgage rates recently dipped to around 6%, but it’s important to note that this change is very recent and not yet reflected in Napa Valley sales or pricing data. It also remains to be seen if they will stay at that low level or continue to increase again.

What current MLS data shows is a market that remains selective. Nearly half of active Napa Valley listings have adjusted pricing, inventory is still constrained, and buyers continue to respond to value rather than headlines.

The key question now isn’t whether rates have moved — it’s whether buyer behavior follows. Over the next several weeks, I’ll be watching closely to see if lower rates lead to increased activity or fewer price reductions. That response will tell us far more than the rate change itself.

I shared a deeper local market update on my website for anyone who wants additional context.

https://kimcaterino.com/blog/this-week-in-napa-valley-real-estate-mortgage-rates-hit-6-what-buyers-and-sellers-should-know

In Napa Valley, every market cycle looks a little different. Property type, location, and timing continue to matter more here than national headlines suggest. Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or simply watching the market, understanding these dynamics is key to making confident decisions.

If you’d like to talk through how these trends apply to your specific property or goals, I’m always happy to have that conversation.

Kim Caterino
DRE #01985003
Compass

Napa | Napa Real Estate | This Week in Real Estate

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, I’m spotlighting a project that means a lot to our community — the Napa Food Project.

As a Neighborhood Coordinator since 2018, I’ve had the privilege of helping collect hundreds of green bags filled by generous neighbors. The non-perishable food items are taken directly to the Napa CANV Food Bank warehouse. Each collection makes a real impact… one bag at a time.

2025 so far:
✔️ 70,672 lbs of food collected
✔️ 58,893 meals provided

But the need continues to grow, and the Food Bank relies on consistent donations to keep up.

How the Green Bag Program Works:
1️⃣ Fill a reusable green bag every other month.
2️⃣ Set it outside on pick-up day (second Saturday of every even-numbered month).
3️⃣ Coordinators + volunteers deliver it to the CANV Food Bank, where it’s sorted, weighed, and distributed — often 10,000+ lbs of food per pick-up!

The next pick-up day is Saturday, December 13th. The record for a December collection was 16,124 lbs and our goal this year is to beat that record!

If you’d like to participate or learn how to get your own green bag, feel free to message me — I’d love to help you get involved. 💚🥫

Kim Caterino
Compass
DRE #: 01985003

11/17/2025

Carmel Anniversary Getaway 🌊💞

After a VERY rainy drive down & a rainy forecast for the weekend the next morning opened up into a gorgeous day! We hiked around Point Lobos and soaked in the incredible ocean views before discovering From Scratch for breakfast (so good!). We got our steps in (& then a few!) wandering through Monterey, Pacific Grove, and then down Oceanview Blvd for even more perfect views. We stopped for coffee at Captain + Stoker before then walking Carmel Beach and taking a drive down Scenic Rd — always a must (especially if you love real estate!). Our day ended with sunset and dinner at our hotel because the Hyatt Carmel Highlands is pretty much perfection. 🫶

The rain did return on Saturday, but we we perfectly content wandering and shopping around downtown Carmel, visiting the Carmel Art Association (our longtime favorite) and stopping at A.W. Shucks for oysters before heading back to our cozy room & warming up by the fireplace.

A simple anniversary escape with my favorite person and just what we needed to feel relaxed & recharged for the week! 🤍

Kim Caterino
COMPASS
DRE #01985003

11/11/2025

Honoring our Veterans Today

After graduating from Virginia Tech, my dad served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He flew C-133 cargo planes out of Travis Air Force Base into Vietnam, transporting helicopters in and out of combat zones. Five pilots from his training class did not make it home & are remembered on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Sharing this today in recognition of him, his classmates & others who gave their lives & all who have served.

Thank you to our veterans!

Kim Caterino
DRE #01985003
Compass

🇺🇸

11/11/2025

Napa Valley Market Snapshot: October Trends 🍇

October delivered a mixed picture: more listings, more offers, and more closings — but prices told a different story.

In Napa County:

📈 Listings were up 28%
📈 Pending sales were up 46%
📈 Closed sales were up 6%
💰 But median prices dipped (list price down 4%, sold price down 1%)

What’s interesting?
Even though activity is up, the median sold price was meaningfully lower than the median list price -- $1,495,000 list vs. $900,000 sold in Napa County -- but this was true in all areas of Wine Country.

This reflects what we’re seeing on the ground:
Sellers are holding firm on list prices upfront…
but are more willing to negotiate once a real offer is in play.

And as we head into the holiday season, many assume things “shut down.” Yes, buyer activity does slow — but sales still happen. Taking a property off the market until spring may mean facing more competition when both listings and buyers return in force.

Bottom line: Strategy matters more than ever — pricing, timing, and preparation all shape outcomes right now.

If you’re thinking of buying or selling (this year or early 2026), I’m always here to talk through options. 🤍

Kim Caterino
DRE #01985003
Compass

11/09/2025

17 Years Today! 🤯😍

I had so much fun going through pictures today and remembering so many fun years & so many amazing adventures together! Here's to the next 50! 🥰

09/11/2025

Swing by between rounds! 🏌️‍♂️✨

While you’re enjoying the Procore Tournament at Silverado Resort, take a moment to explore this creekside Napa retreat.

📍 164 Bonnie Brook Dr, Napa
🗓️ Open Houses
Thursday 2-5 PM
Friday 1-4 PM
& Sunday 11-2 PM

Whether you’re looking for a second home, a peaceful retreat, or a full-time Napa lifestyle, this property offers the perfect blend of comfort and resort living.

Kim Caterino
Compass
DRE #01985003

09/11/2025

09/05/2025

So far, there has been nothing from “jobs week” to derail a Fed rate cut on September 17. In fact, the jobs data has generally come in weaker than expected. At the same time, a growing number of Fed members are voicing concerns about the upside risks to the unemployment rate. Markets are already pricing in an expected rate cut and the average current mortgage rate is the lowest this year at 6.5%.

National news and local views for the week