How to Read a Real Estate Market Report

Market reports give buyers and sellers a data-driven view of conditions. Here is how to read the main metrics in an East Bay context.

Median vs Average Sale Price

Median is the middle value when sales are sorted - less affected by outliers. Average can be skewed by a few ultra-luxury sales. In the East Bay, median is usually the better headline because prices span from more affordable outer cities to multi-million dollar pockets like Piedmont.

Days on Market (DOM)

Low DOM tends to favor sellers (homes go under contract quickly). High DOM can mean a softer market, overpricing, or both. Many competitive East Bay submarkets often see pending times measured in days to a few weeks when inventory is tight.

Sale-to-List Price Ratio

This ratio compares sold price to list price. Above 100% means sales are clearing over asking on average - a seller-leaning signal. Competitive East Bay neighborhoods can regularly clear above list when inventory is thin and homes are priced to attract traffic.

Months of Inventory

Roughly: active listings divided by the monthly sales pace. Under about 3 months often favors sellers; over about 6 months often favors buyers. Parts of the East Bay have frequently run well under 3 months in spring, which supports firm pricing when demand is present.

Price Per Square Foot Trend

Tracking $/sqft over time shows whether value is rising or falling independent of mix shifts (more large homes one month, more condos the next). It is especially useful for condos in one complex or SFRs in one zip or neighborhood.