We are seven weeks into 2026, and there's not a lot of data for our local real estate markets, making it too soon to see any definitive trends. However, we do note that the low inventory favors sellers. And, we are seeing buyers close on properties that have been on the market for some time, as demand is strong and they want to get into this great town that we all love. Buyers also know that competition will only heat up the further we get into the year. We are now heading into the time of year when activity normally picks up, and we will be keeping a close eye on the trends. 

If you are considering buying or selling, let’s talk about next steps now. Whether you are preparing to come on the market or searching for the perfect place to call home, the earlier you start, the better to get a jump on the spring competition. As always, we are ready to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Please call, text, or email us any time. 

Here's what's happening in all our various local markets:

Portola Valley

• 11 homes have been listed this year, including 2 homes being privately marketed (one call to us, and we can provide you with all the details)
• Of these 11 homes, 2 are pending sale and 2 have already closed escrow 
• Only 2 homes closed escrow in January (compared to 6 in January of last year), and 4 additional ones so far in February
• A high-end home closed for $14.5M in January, which brought the average up
• There are 17 homes for sale right now, including 2 privately marketed homes

Woodside

• 16 homes have been listed this year plus 8 homes being privately marketed and not publicly advertised (one call to us and we can provide you with all the details)
• Of these 24 homes listed this year, 2 are in contract, and 4 have already closed escrow 
• 5 homes closed escrow in January (compared to 6 in January of last year), and 4 additional homes so far in February (3 for more than $16 million)
• There are 15 homes publicly for sale right now

Atherton

• 10 homes have been listed this year, plus 4 homes being privately marketed and not publicly advertised (one call to us and we can provide you with all the details)
• Of these 14 homes listed this year, 3 are in contract, and 1 has already closed escrow 
• 2 homes closed escrow in January (compared to 3 in January of last year), and 2 additional homes so far in February 
• There are just 7 homes publicly for sale right now

Menlo Park

• 60 single-family homes have been listed this year, plus 3 homes being privately marketed and not publicly advertised (one call to us and we can provide you with all the details)
• Of these 63 homes listed this year, 21 are in contract, and 17 have already closed escrow 
• 13 homes closed escrow in January (compared to just 4 in January of last year), and 12 additional homes so far in February 
• There are just 20 homes publicly for sale right now

Palo Alto

• 55 single-family homes have been listed this year, plus 12 homes being privately marketed and not publicly advertised (one call to us and we can provide you with all the details)
• Of these 67 homes listed this year, 20 are in contract, and 12 have already closed escrow 
• 15 homes closed escrow in January (compared to just 7 in January of last year), and 14 additional homes so far in February 
• There are just 28 homes publicly for sale right now

Los Altos

• 49 single-family homes have been publicly listed this year in Los Altos, 17 of which are in contract, and 15 that have already closed escrow
• There are just 15 single-family homes for sale in Los Altos (plus 5 that are being privately marketed, and we can provide you details on these)

Los Altos Hills

• 14 homes have been publicly listed this year in Los Altos Hills, 6 of which are already in contract, and 1 that has already closed escrow
• There are just 10 homes for sale in Los Altos Hills (plus 9 that are being privately marketed)