If you’ve been around Silicon Valley real estate long enough, you know the rhythm: when the market heats up, homes move fast—and offer due dates start popping up. Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen this happening again in two of the South Bay’s most desirable neighborhoods, Almaden Valley and Los Gatos. Several listings have launched on the MLS and quickly set offer deadlines about seven days out, a sure sign of strong buyer demand.

So, what’s driving this shift as we move into the end of September, and what does it mean for buyers and sellers in our market? Let’s break it down.

Why Almaden Valley & Los Gatos Remain Highly Desired

If you’ve been following real estate in Silicon Valley, you know why buyers gravitate toward these ZIPs:

• Quality of life: Almaden Valley offers a mix of excellent schools, green space, and relatively more privacy, while Los Gatos combines charming downtowns, scenic hills, and easy access to both tech hubs and recreational escapes.

• Strong school districts: Schools are a major draw in both areas, with reputations that tend to support long-term home value.

• Lifestyle and location: Proximity to highways, nature, amenities, views—and yet still within reach of the Valley’s biggest job centers—makes them premium.

• Scarce supply: Because there’s limited lot space, hillside restrictions, and mature neighborhoods, new inventory is infrequent. Homes here tend to move quickly when priced & presented well.

All that means when conditions shift even a little, buyers in these areas often respond quickly.

What Might Be Driving the Return of Offer Due Dates Now

Several factors seem to be converging as we approach late September 2025, which may explain why offer due dates are creeping back into listings:

1. Mortgage rates are at their lowest point in nearly a year.
   The average U.S. 30-year fixed mortgage rate recently dropped to ~6.35%, its lowest level in almost 12 months. That dip is pulling buyers back into the market. (AP News)

2. Growing buyer demand + increased certainty.
   When rates are trending downward and there’s talk of a Fed rate cut, buyers who were previously waiting begin to feel a sense of urgency. That pushes more homes into competitive situations (i.e., multiple offers), and sellers may respond by setting offer due dates to manage the influx.

3. Seasonality and timing.
   As we head into the fall, many buyers who paused during summer are returning. Sellers who want to move before the holidays are motivated, and offer due dates can help streamline timing.

4. Inventory constraints still matter.
   While several factors are encouraging buyers, supply remains relatively tight—especially in high-demand neighborhoods. According to the latest reports, there are about 1,135 active single-family homes currently on the market in Santa Clara County. That’s still far below historic averages, and it’s creating competition for well-priced homes.

Implications & Strategy: What This Means If You’re Buying or Selling

If you see a listing in Almaden Valley or Los Gatos come up and it has an offer due date 7 days out, here’s how to think about it:

For Buyers

• Be ready early: Have your pre-approval, financing, and (where possible) inspections lined up before the deadline.

• Do your homework: Understand comps and recent sale prices so you’re confident in your offer strategy.

• Move with intention: Deadlines force faster decision-making. Don’t let fear of missing out push you too far, but don’t wait and lose a home you love either.

For Sellers

• Create urgency: Offer due dates communicate scarcity, which can drive up buyer interest and tighten timelines.

• Prep pays off: Homes that show well and are priced smartly are the ones that spark multiple offers.

• Time it right: Listing now could capture this renewed buyer energy before the slower winter months hit.

Bottom Line

Yes—offer due dates are making a comeback in neighborhoods like Almaden Valley and Los Gatos. The combination of mortgage rates at their lowest in nearly a year, constrained supply, and buyer urgency as we approach the end of September is creating conditions that favor multiple-offer situations.

If you’re in the market—whether buying or selling—this is the moment to pay close attention. Homes that are priced right and marketed well are the ones driving competitive activity.

Ready to Talk Strategy?

If you’re wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell in Silicon Valley—or if you want to navigate a listing with an offer due date—let’s connect. With deep experience in Almaden Valley, Los Gatos, and beyond, we can help you make the most of this shifting market.

📩 Reach out today, and let’s talk about your next move.