Hunter Prestige Properties

10/22/2026

New Homes Offer Better Value Nationwide | When Experience Matters...
Across the country, new construction homes are becoming a compelling value, especially as builders adjust prices and offer incentives that stand apart from what’s typically seen in the resale market. With many homeowners choosing to stay put due to current mortgage conditions, there’s a tighter supply of existing properties. This makes new builds especially attractive for buyers weighing costs and flexibility. In areas where building activity is stronger, we’re seeing how increased supply can ease affordability challenges and expand options for homebuyers—builders are responding with price reductions and perks like mortgage rate buydowns. For anyone considering a move, it’s wise to weigh both new construction and resale options, since builder incentives can sometimes tip the scale. Of course, these affordability benefits could be short-lived if permitting and development slow down, which is why ongoing construction and streamlined local policies are so important for keeping buyer choices open. In my own experience guiding clients through Sonoma County’s diverse market—including everything from residential homes to country estates and horse properties—staying informed about the latest trends helps ensure you find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs.

10/21/2026

San Francisco Bay Area: Smarter Density Designs | When Experience Matters...
Watching how the Bay Area is embracing smarter density designs offers valuable insight for those of us navigating Sonoma County’s evolving real estate landscape. Buyers in our region are welcoming a wider variety of home types—from four-story stacked flats to three-level detached and attached homes. This flexibility gives developers the creative room they need to work within California’s complex entitlement processes, while still honoring the unique character of each neighborhood.

It’s especially interesting to see how three-story detached townhomes have commanded a premium over their attached counterparts. This illustrates how thoughtful design—not just increasing density—can add real value. In areas like Silicon Valley, features such as alley-loaded homes, welcoming porches, and walkable sidewalks are helping to blend higher density with a neighborhood feel, keeping that sense of community we all appreciate.

These projects are able to balance affordable and market-rate housing by shifting densities within a single community, and even in dense areas, many buyers still value dedicated parking. As someone who specializes in unique properties, including equestrian estates and country homes, I see these trends as a sign that with the right design approach, we can accommodate growth while preserving what makes our communities special.

10/20/2026

California Housing Market Forecast for the Next 2 Years: 2026-2028
Looking ahead to 2026–2028, California’s housing market appears to be settling into a more predictable rhythm, with annual price growth anticipated in the 2.5%–4% range. For those of us navigating Sonoma County’s unique mix of estates, country homes, and equestrian properties, this kind of stable growth brings both challenges and opportunities. With inventory on the rise and mortgage rates leveling out, buyers now have a broader array of options to consider—even as affordability continues to be a concern for many. I’m seeing a noticeable uptick in interest for entry-level homes and properties in more accessible areas, a trend that’s shaping the market conversation across all property types, from residential to horse facilities. As always, understanding how these broader market shifts play out locally is key for anyone looking to make a thoughtful move in the coming years.

10/19/2026

10/19/2026

Bay Area Luxury Home Sales Gain Momentum | When Experience Matters...
Luxury home sales are picking up steam across the Bay Area, and as someone who’s seen the effect of shifting markets on unique properties—from equestrian estates to country homes—these dynamics catch my attention. Recently, many affluent AI professionals have been fueling demand for high-end homes, often paying cash or making substantial down payments, which means mortgage fluctuations aren’t slowing them down. The result? A clear divide: well-positioned buyers are acting quickly, while those with fewer resources are finding it tougher to compete. The anticipation around upcoming AI company IPOs is adding urgency, with some buyers rushing to secure their dream property before new wealth enters the market. I’ve witnessed this momentum firsthand—like the recent story of a buyer landing a five-bedroom home in Orinda after a year-long search, spurred by the prospect of increased competition. For those of us guiding clients through specialized purchases, understanding these fast-moving trends is essential to navigating an ever-evolving Bay Area market.

10/18/2026

Bay Area Luxury Sales Surge 39% | When Experience Matters...
It’s been remarkable to see a 39% surge in Bay Area luxury sales, with high-income buyers linked to the AI sector actively purchasing multimillion-dollar homes. The recent expansion in AI hiring and compensation has certainly widened the pool of buyers able to compete for these premium properties—often by offering well over the asking price. As someone who works closely with clients pursuing unique estates and country homes, I recognize how this intensity is shaping the entire region’s market. If two major AI companies go public, we may see even more buyers enter the fray, fueled by newfound wealth and an appetite for luxury living. For example, a recent transaction in Orinda saw a buyer secure a five-bedroom home for $3.3M after it listed for $3.5M, aiming to move before competition ramps up further. The landscape is evolving quickly, and it’s fascinating to watch how shifts in one industry can ripple through our local real estate scene.

10/17/2026

Bay Area Housing Outlook Stays Resilient | When Experience Matters...
The Bay Area’s housing market continues to show its trademark resilience, even as affordability remains an ongoing challenge. Looking ahead through 2026, home prices are anticipated to stabilize with modest growth—welcome news for both buyers and sellers navigating this competitive landscape. Demand stays strong, and with limited inventory, properties that are move-in-ready in sought-after neighborhoods are especially coveted. Luxury markets in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Marin are holding their ground, buoyed by tech-driven wealth and recent stock market trends. Sales activity is expected to maintain a steady pace into late 2026, although shifts in mortgage rates may still sway buyer confidence and overall momentum. For those of us guiding clients through specialized markets like equestrian estates or unique country properties, understanding these broader trends helps us position each listing to thrive in the current climate.

10/16/2026

Why I’d Be Watching the Bay Area Right Now | When Experience Matters...
It’s fascinating to watch how AI-driven wealth is shaping the Bay Area’s real estate landscape. In San Francisco and the Peninsula, luxury homes are seeing unprecedented demand, with all-cash offers becoming the new normal among tech buyers vying for scarce listings. While San Francisco’s market tightens, areas like San Jose and Santa Clara are experiencing more varied activity. For those not focused on the luxury tier, there are still appealing opportunities—especially in neighborhoods where inventory is more plentiful and sellers are adjusting expectations. As someone who’s navigated both distinctive estates and unique country properties across Sonoma County, I’m always interested in how these trends ripple out to specialty markets like equestrian properties and mini farms. The dynamics unfolding in the Bay Area often signal what’s ahead for other sought-after communities.

10/15/2026

Bay Area home prices keep rising despite typical fall slowdown
Even as we head into fall, Bay Area home prices continue to climb—August saw increases across all nine counties, with San Francisco leading the way at a 1.8% rise. What’s driving this momentum? Strong cash buyers, many riding the wave of the AI boom, and ongoing mortgage demand are keeping our market vibrant, even as interest rates remain elevated. In Sonoma County, I’ve seen firsthand how these market dynamics shape opportunities for buyers and sellers, especially when it comes to unique properties like estates, country homes, and equestrian properties. It’s an active season, and understanding these trends is key to making smart decisions in our local market.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/julie-hunter/2077632-Bay-Area-home-prices-keep-rising-despite-typical-fall-slowdo

10/14/2026

Is my Bay Area home value going up or down?
Curious about where Bay Area home values are heading? August brought positive news, with values rising across all nine counties. San Francisco led the way with a 1.8% monthly bump and a typical home value hitting $1.42M—an impressive 13.7% jump compared to last year, though still 4.6% shy of its 2022 peak. Atherton topped the charts among cities with a 1.9% increase. As someone who has guided clients through a range of Sonoma County properties—from estates to equestrian facilities—I keep a close eye on these trends. Whether you’re considering a move or simply want to understand how broader market shifts might impact your home or land, staying informed is key to making confident decisions.


https://www.roomvu.com/agent-news/julie-hunter/2082747-Is-my-Bay-Area-home-value-going-up-or-down%3F