Market Update

Reading the 2026 Local Market: The 5 Numbers That Actually Matter

How to read median price, days on market, inventory, sale-to-list ratio and mortgage rates — and what they mean for your move.

Headlines talk about “the housing market,” but real estate is hyper-local. These five numbers tell you what’s happening on your street.

1. Median sale price

The middle sale price for a period. Useful for trends, but it shifts with the mix of homes sold — a month with more large homes will push it up. Compare the same month year over year. Pleasant Hill this month: [$ median — add from MLS].

2. Days on market (DOM)

How long homes take to go under contract. Low DOM means buyers are acting quickly; rising DOM gives buyers more negotiating room. Local: [median DOM].

3. Months of inventory

How long it would take to sell all current listings at the current sales pace. Lower numbers generally favor sellers; higher numbers favor buyers. Local: [months].

4. Sale-to-list price ratio

Sale price divided by final list price. Above 100% means homes are typically selling over asking. Local: [%].

5. Mortgage rates

Rates change weekly and directly affect buying power. Freddie Mac publishes a weekly national average in its Primary Mortgage Market Survey; your actual rate depends on your credit, loan type and down payment.

Where to find reliable data

Statewide data is published by the California Association of REALTORS®. For your neighborhood, the most accurate source is local MLS data — which Erik summarizes every month in the local market update.

Want these numbers for your neighborhood every month? Get the free monthly report.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or lending advice. Consult the appropriate licensed professional for your situation.

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