Home for the Holidays? Why This Season Could Be Your Best Chance to Buy in Mid-Peninsula

If you've been thinking about buying a home in San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, or elsewhere on the Mid-Peninsula, you might be tempted to wait until the new year. But based on economic projections, 2026 is shaping up to be a much more competitive market for buyers. That makes this holiday season one of the best times to make your move.

The current market feels quiet compared to recent years, but a lot of industry analysts and economists are calling this the calm before the storm. Many people want to buy, or sell and buy again, but are waiting for conditions to improve. Whenever that tipping point occurs, we could see a “boomsday” of pent-up demand flooding back into the market.

Buying is a deeply personal decision and not one to make if you aren’t ready. But if you’re on the fence, here's why waiting until next year could mean facing more competition and higher prices, and why shopping for a home this season might just be the smartest gift you give yourself.

What the 2026 Real Estate Forecast Tells Us

According to the National Association of Realtors' Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in an interview with Homes.com, 2026 looks like “the year you see some measurable increase in sales”. Not necessarily setting records, but definitely gaining speed from 2025.

National Association of Realtors' Housing Market Predictions	2025	2026
Existing home sales	+0%	+14%
New home sales	-2%	+5%
Median home price	+3%	+4%
Mortgage rate	6.7%	6.0%

The NAR predicts a 14% jump in existing home sales next year, with mortgage rates dropping from 6.7% to around 6%. While that might not sound dramatic, even small rate improvements bring buyers back to the market quickly, especially as we get close to 6% or into the fives. And with home prices projected to rise another 4% on top of this year's 3% increase, waiting could cost you more.

Is the “Boomsday” Effect Coming to San Mateo County?

Right now, millions of homeowners are sitting on low mortgage rates from a few years ago and are reluctant to move. Prospective homebuyers in San Mateo County and all over the country have been waiting on the sidelines, hoping for better affordability. But when rates drop into more comfortable territory, all that pent-up demand is expected to rush back at once. In other words, you won’t be the only buyer with the same idea.

If and when that happens, transaction volume for home sales could explode. In tight markets like ours on the Mid-Peninsula, where housing inventory is already limited, this could create fierce competition and push prices even higher. (For example, Redfin already ranks San Carlos as a 90 out of 100 in their ‘Most Competitive’ tier for buyers.) If you're thinking about buying, getting ahead of this wave could save you thousands and spare you from the stress of more intense bidding wars.

Why Holiday House Hunting Is Actually Brilliant

Here's a little known Mid-Peninsula home buying secret. The weeks between Thanksgiving and December 31st can actually be one of the best times to buy a home in San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, and surrounding areas. While most buyers put their search on pause for the holidays, sellers who keep their homes listed during this season are usually motivated to close a deal.

Spring and summer bring out every buyer in the market. But holiday house hunters are serious. There aren't many casual browsers scheduling showings in December, which can be beneficial for sellers too. If you're looking now, you mean business, and that creates a more collaborative negotiation environment.

Another benefit: unlike snowy climates where winter slows everything down, our mild Mid-Peninsula weather makes house hunting comfortable year-round. Real estate doesn't have Black Friday sales, but this season often gives buyers their best leverage at the negotiating table.

While everyone else is fighting over deals at the mall, you could be unwrapping the keys to your new home with far less stress. 🎁 We’d love to help make it happen! Browse our Mid-Peninsula home search to see what’s currently on the market.

Is Buying a Home Right for You Now?

Homeownership offers real benefits: stable housing costs, long-term price appreciation, and the freedom to put down roots in a community you love. If buying fits your budget and long-term plans, moving forward now could position you ahead of next year's rush.

That said, buying isn't right for everyone at all times. If you're planning to move again in a year, the transaction costs might not be worth it. And if you’re in a financial position where you need more time to save for a down payment that makes your monthly payments comfortable, it's smarter to wait until you're ready.

There’s always some stress involved in real estate (it’s a big decision!), but buying a home should feel exciting in a good way. If you're feeling uncertain, let's talk through your situation and create a plan that actually works for your life.

Front door with welcome sign for new home buyers buy a home purchase in winter holidays 2025 before 2026 with the best Mid-Peninsula realtor agents Veritas Homes for San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City real estate.

Let’s Make Your Holiday Home Come True

There are a lot of good reasons to buy a home now, but the window won’t stay open forever if 2026 goes as economists predict. If you've been considering buying real estate in San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, or anywhere in San Mateo County and Mid-Peninsula, now is the time to explore what's out there. We're here to guide you through the process with honest, expert advice that works for your situation. We’d love to help you make your next move with confidence.

And when you work with Veritas Homes, you're not just getting expert real estate service. Through our Change Homes Change Lives program, we donate a portion of our commission to the charity of your choice with every home sold. Your new home can help make a difference in causes that matter to you.

Ready to see if a new home should be on your holiday list? Contact Veritas Homes today. We look forward to hearing from you.