If you’re on the fence about buying a home, you’re probably asking yourself: “Should I buy now — even in winter — or wait until spring when the market usually heats up?” In a region like Santa Clara County, this is a common dilemma. Spring traditionally brings more listings and more buyer activity, but given recent shifts in mortgage rates, inventory, and market dynamics — “now” just might be a smarter time than many expect.

Mortgage Rates: Why Right Now Matters

Mortgage rates have recently moved closer to the mid-6% range for 30-year fixed loans, giving buyers a real opportunity to lock in more favorable financing compared to earlier in the year.

While rates are not at historic lows, they are more attractive than many people anticipated and offer stability in a market that has seen a lot of volatility. Waiting for future rate drops is a gamble — and many buyers are choosing certainty today over guessing where rates might land in six months.

Locking in a rate now can create long-term savings and give buyers more confidence as they move forward.

What the Santa Clara County Market Looks Like Right Now

Santa Clara County remains one of the most competitive and desirable real estate markets in California — but inventory is quietly giving buyers more options than expected.

There are currently 737 homes for sale across Santa Clara County, creating a meaningful window of opportunity for serious buyers. While this isn’t an overwhelming amount of inventory, it does give buyers choices — especially during what is typically a slower season.

With fewer buyers actively shopping during winter, many sellers are more open to negotiating on price, closing timelines, and terms — a dynamic that tends to disappear once spring demand surges.

Buying Now vs. Waiting Until Spring

Reasons Buying Now Can Be the Smarter Move

• Less buyer competition and fewer bidding wars

• Real negotiating leverage with motivated sellers

• Ability to lock in today’s mortgage rates

• Opportunity to settle in before the busy spring and summer months

Reasons Some Buyers Choose to Wait

• Spring traditionally brings more listings

• More variety and “fresh” inventory

• Buyers who need more time to save, organize finances, or improve credit may benefit from waiting

What Most Buyers Overlook

Many people assume spring is automatically the “better” time to buy — but that isn’t always true. When more homes hit the market, more buyers jump in at the same time. That often leads to higher prices, multiple offers, and waived contingencies.

Right now, you may be competing with far fewer buyers while still having access to meaningful inventory and solid financing options.

Waiting only makes sense if you’re not financially ready — not because spring is magically easier.

If you are prepared financially and emotionally to buy, now can be an excellent time to make a move. With mortgage rates settling and 737 homes currently on the market in Santa Clara County, buyers today often have more leverage, more calm, and more clarity than they will during the spring rush.

The “perfect” time doesn’t exist — but a smart time does. And for many, that time is now.