If you’re a homeowner in Sonoma County asking yourself, “Should I sell my home now or wait?”—you’re not alone. With shifting market trends, rising inventory, and questions about where interest rates are headed, it’s natural to feel torn.
Luckily, whether you own a cozy mid-market home in Rohnert Park or a vineyard estate in Healdsburg, this guide breaks down what you need to know to make the best move.
Sell Your Home Now If…
Your Home Is Under $1.2M and Move-In Ready
Homes in the $800K–$1.2M range, especially in areas like Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, and Windsor, are hot right now. Buyers are active, and the competition is high for turnkey homes. In fact, 43% of homes that sold in under 30 days fetched 101% of their asking price. If your property is clean, updated, and priced right, you could be looking at multiple offers and a fast close.
Curious about which city is a better fit for you between Healdsburg and Windsor? Check out our new post about these two marvelous cities, comparing their real estate market and the city affinities.
You Want to Ride the Current Seller’s Market
Despite a 55.7% jump in inventory across the county, the absorption rate for homes under $2M remains strong at 34%. That’s still considered a seller’s market. So if you’re priced right, you’re in a solid position to stand out before more competition floods in.
You Can’t Afford to Wait
Here’s the tough truth: homes that linger on the market longer than 120 days typically sell for just 86% of their original list price. If your timeline is tight, maybe you’re relocating, downsizing, or transitioning into retirement, waiting might cost more than it saves.
Your Home Is Manageable in Size
Buyers today are leaning toward smaller, more efficient homes. The average closed sale in the county hovered around 1,634 square feet, making sub-1,842 sq ft homes (the median active listing size) especially appealing.
If you are living in Healdsburg and want to sell your home now, take a look at the most recent market report here. It shows that Healdsburg is now a seller’s market, which means you have more control over prices and homes are selling relatively quickly.
Wait to Sell Your Home If…
You’re Selling a Luxury Property (Over $2M)
The high-end market is facing real challenges. Absorption rates have dipped to 8.2%, and homes in areas like Healdsburg and Sonoma Valley are often sitting for 120+ days with significant price reductions. Unless you’re open to serious negotiation, now may not be the time. Or you can put it on the market and be patient, as it will eventually sell, it just may take longer than the under $1.2M houses, which are moving quickly.
Your Home Needs Work
Buyers are drawn to move-in-ready listings, and with 886 active listings and a median list price of around $950K, competition is stiff. If your home needs updates, waiting gives you time to address them—and potentially increase your final sale price.
You’re Not Ready to Be Flexible on Price
High-end buyers are negotiating aggressively. If you’re unwilling to drop your asking price below recent comps, you may face a longer timeline and fewer serious offers.
You’re Betting on a Better 2025
If mortgage rates stabilize or drop later this year, buyer demand could rebound, especially heading into 2026. A more balanced inventory and improved affordability could lead to stronger offers. June, in particular, has historically been a sweet spot for sellers, bringing up to a 10% bump in prices.
What are the Pros of Selling Your Home Now or Wait?
Pros of Selling Now
- High Demand in the Mid-Market: Homes priced under $1.2M are seeing quick sales, often above asking. If your home fits this segment, you can take advantage of strong buyer activity while it lasts.
- Limited Time Advantage: Properties that sell quickly (within 30 days) tend to bring in 101% of the list price. But once you hit that 120-day mark, you’re looking at offers around 86% of your original price.
- Still a Seller’s Market (for Now): Even with a large jump in inventory, absorption rates for homes under $2M remain in seller-friendly territory. You’re not just listing into a flood of competition—you’re still landing in a space where buyers are actively shopping.
Pros of Waiting to Sell
- Potential for a Better Market in Late 2025: If mortgage rates stabilize or drop, and inventory levels settle down, we could see a stronger, more balanced market. That could translate to higher offers and quicker sales, especially in the upper tiers.
- More Time to Improve Your Home: Need to update your kitchen? Replace a roof? Add curb appeal? Waiting gives you time to make meaningful improvements that can boost your value significantly.
- Seasonal Advantage: Historically, June is the strongest month for home sales in Sonoma County, with homes often selling for up to 10% more than in other months.
Final Thoughts
Sonoma County’s housing market is nuanced, and your decision to sell now or wait should align with your property’s condition, your timeline, and your price segment. If you’re in the mid-market sweet spot, the window of opportunity is open. If you’re in the luxury lane or still prepping your home, patience and planning might serve you better.
Not sure where your home fits in? It may be time to connect with a local Realtor like Emily Martin, who can walk you through current comps, pricing strategies, and market timing specific to your neighborhood.