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Happy New Year! As we step into 2026, I am excited to continue building my real estate business in a way that feels true to me. This past year taught me that I don’t need to mirror what other agents are doing, but that my work is strongest when it reflects my own values. I’m intentionally growing my business at a pace that allows me to stay present, responsive, and detail-oriented with every client I work with.
Staying true to my values means taking a transparent, low-pressure approach to real estate. Last year, an out-of-state buyer reached out to me who was considering a relocation to Sonoma County. After honest conversations about different communities and timing, we realized together that the move didn’t make sense—at least not right now. Transparency and relationship building mattered more than a transaction, and that’s exactly how I intend to operate in 2026.
If the New Year has you thinking about buying or selling, I’m always happy to offer honest guidance, answer questions, or just chat about what’s happening here in Sonoma County and beyond!
January Happenings in Sonoma and Napa Counties
Napa Valley Restaurant Month
This event is a great opportunity to experience some of Napa’s most-loved restaurants while enjoying special dishes and limited-time deals. Participating restaurants include Oakville Grocery, Southside, and Angèle.
🕒Jan. 1st-31st
📍Napa Valley
Chowder Day On the Sonoma Coast
A self-guided driving tour in Bodega Bay with chowder tastings from classic New England-style to seafood-rich specialties at local restaurants.
🕒January 31st, 10am-3pm
📍Check in at Valley Ford Hotel or Sonoma Coast Visitor Center
Winter WINEland
A self-guided winery open-house weekend where dozens of wineries across Sonoma County welcome guests for tastings, barrel samples, food pairings, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
🕒January 17-18, 11am-4pm
📍Sonoma County Wine Road (multiple winery locations)
Where the Market Stands as We Move Into the New Year
Right now, the economic picture is a bit mixed, and we’re seeing that play out in both interest rates and the housing market. Even though the Fed recently made a small rate cut, mortgage rates haven’t moved much and are still sitting in the low-to-mid 6% range. That’s because rates are being influenced by a bond market that’s unsure where things are headed.
Consumers spent heavily during the holiday season, with retail sales topping $1 trillion, showing that demand remains resilient despite tighter budgets and lingering economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, layoffs and questions around how AI will impact the workforce have many companies proceeding cautiously and focusing on cost control. The result is an economy that isn’t in recession, but isn’t firing on all cylinders either.
In real estate, this uncertainty means fewer buyers are active and some listings naturally come off the market early in the year. However, many sellers would rather secure today’s value than wait out an unpredictable market. Others are working within real-life timelines such as relocations or downsizing and want to sell before more competition enters the market later in the year. Price flexibility, seller credits in the $10K–$30K range, and interest rate buydowns are common right now.
It’s a quieter market, but not a stalled one. For those willing to stay engaged and negotiate thoughtfully, there are still good opportunities to be found!
