Why Buyers and Sellers Can Lose More Through Delay Than Through Imperfect Conditions Many real estate decisions get postponed for the same reason: waiting for the market to feel better. Buyers wait for mortgage rates to fall further. Sellers wait for prices to rise more. Homeowners wait for more certainty before making a move. The instinct is understandable. Real estate is a major financial decision, and people naturally want to move under ideal conditions. The challenge is that perfect markets are rare — and waiting for one can carry costs that are less visible, but very real. According to Keeping Current Matters in its April 2026 analysis, many consumers remain focused on broad housing headlines rather than the specific conditions affecting their own market. In a place like San Mateo County, where supply remains relatively constrained and demand can return quickly in key segments, delay does not always create advantage. For many buyers and sellers, the bigger risk may not be acting in an imperfect market. It may be waiting for a perfect one that never fully arrives. Why “Better Later” Is Often Hard to Predict A common assumption is that market conditions will soon become clearly more favorable. Rates may drop. Prices may soften. More listings may arrive. Competition may ease. Any one of those things can happen. The problem is that markets rarely improve in only one direction. If rates fall, buyer demand can increase. If inventory rises, stronger homes may still attract attention. If prices soften in one segment, they may remain firm in another. San Mateo is especially nuanced because it does not behave as one uniform market. Timing can vary by neighborhood, property type, and price tier. That means waiting for a single “perfect moment” often oversimplifies a market that moves in layers. The Hidden Cost for Buyers: Lost Time, Lost Options, Lost Leverage Buyers often focus on future savings while overlooking current opportunity costs. Waiting can mean: missing homes that already fit long-term needs facing more competition if rates improve delaying equity-building through ownership continuing to rent while prices remain resilient in target areas losing negotiating opportunities available on today’s selective listings According to the Compass San Mateo County Real Estate April 2026 Report with market data through March, spring activity strengthened through rising accepted-offer volume and higher sales activity as new inventory came on more gradually. That matters because buyers waiting for conditions to “improve” may find that stronger demand returns faster than affordability improves. The best buying window is not always the cheapest-looking one. Sometimes it is the one with the least competition and the right property available. The Hidden Cost for Sellers: Waiting for More While Competing With More Sellers often delay listing because they believe a stronger future market is around the corner. Sometimes that works. Often, the tradeoff is underestimated. Waiting can mean: entering the market alongside more competing listings missing prime seasonal demand windows carrying additional ownership costs postponing a move tied to family, work, or lifestyle goals launching later when buyers have more choices and become more selective The April local report reflects a market that moved into spring with rising listings and active buyer engagement. For many sellers, the relevant question is not whether prices might improve modestly later. It is whether stronger timing exists now relative to personal goals and current competition. Why San Mateo Makes Waiting More Complex Broad national housing advice often assumes markets respond evenly. San Mateo County rarely does. Local performance can differ based on: single-family homes versus condos turnkey homes versus properties needing updates commute-friendly locations versus less central areas luxury tiers versus entry-level segments school-driven neighborhoods versus broader county averages The Compass report notes that house markets remained stronger than condo markets, while luxury sales activity increased meaningfully year over year in March. That means two buyers waiting six months for “the market” may experience completely different outcomes depending on what they are targeting. What Smarter Timing Looks Like in 2026 Instead of asking, When will the market be perfect? ask: Buyers: Can I comfortably afford the right home today? Is current competition manageable in my segment? Would owning now serve my next 5–10 years? Sellers: Does current demand support my goals? How much competition would I face now versus later? What is the cost of delaying my next move? These questions are often more useful than trying to predict an ideal future headline. What the Current Market Suggests The April San Mateo report reflects a market entering spring with: more new listings stronger accepted-offer activity higher sales volume continued differences between property types and price tiers That is not a market offering one obvious answer to everyone. It is a market where preparation and property-specific timing matter more than broad forecasts. FAQ Should buyers wait for lower mortgage rates? Rates may improve, but increased buyer demand can offset some of that benefit through stronger competition. Should sellers wait for higher prices? Not automatically. More future inventory and changing seasonal conditions can also affect outcomes. Is San Mateo likely to have one perfect buying moment? Usually not. Different neighborhoods and segments move differently. What matters more than perfect timing? Financial readiness, property fit, local competition, and a clear long-term plan. Planning Your Next Move Many people wait for perfect market conditions and discover later that the real opportunity was available earlier. Whether you are buying, selling, or evaluating your next chapter, the strongest decisions are often based on your goals, your numbers, and your local market — not on the hope of flawless timing. Ready to evaluate the San Mateo market through the lens of opportunity instead of uncertainty? The Benson Group is here to help you build a strategy grounded in today’s realities and tomorrow’s goals. Sources: keepingcurrentmatters.com Compass San Mateo County Real Estate April 2026 Report with market data through March

Spring 2026 in San Mateo: Demand Is Accelerating Faster Than Supply One of the clearest signals in San Mateo this spring is that more inventory has not translated into less competition. While more homes are coming to market, buyer demand is moving quickly enough to absorb much of that supply, keeping pressure on pricing, timing, and negotiating leverage in key market segments. According to the Compass San Mateo County Real Estate April 2026 Report with market data through March, contracts, total sales activity, and luxury transactions all strengthened through March, reinforcing a market where momentum is being shaped less by headlines and more by active buyer participation. This is the central demand story in San Mateo right now. The market is not merely active. It is tightening because demand is expanding faster than supply can materially catch up. More Listings Have Not Meaningfully Softened Competition One of the most common spring assumptions is that rising inventory should automatically improve buyer leverage. The March data suggests a more nuanced reality. New listings rose about 4% year over year, indicating that more homes are entering the market. But demand moved faster: listings accepting offers rose about 13% year over year, while total sales increased about 7% year over year. That distinction matters. More listings are appearing, but they are being met by even stronger buyer response. The result is not a market that is loosening. It is a market where incoming supply is being absorbed quickly enough to preserve competition. In San Mateo this spring, more listings are creating more choice — but not less urgency. Demand Is Showing Up First in Contracts and Absorption The clearest sign of rising demand is not just price movement. It is the speed at which buyers are acting relative to available inventory. The report shows that absorption rate is rising as the market moves deeper into the new year’s spring cycle. Compass defines absorption rate as the comparison of buyer demand versus the supply of homes on the market — and the higher the percentage, the more heated and competitive the market. The report also notes that March is typically one of the months when supply is lowest relative to demand, especially for houses. That helps explain why the market can feel tighter even as seasonal inventory improves. The issue is not whether listings are appearing. The issue is whether they remain available long enough to shift leverage. Right now, the data suggests they often do not. A stronger spring market often appears first through contracts, absorption, and faster sales pace before it is fully reflected in broader pricing trends. The Strongest Pressure Remains in Houses and Higher-End Segments The April report also makes clear that demand is not spreading evenly across all property types. Compass states that affluent markets have typically remained more heated than less expensive markets over the last two years, and that house markets remain considerably stronger than condo markets. That matters because San Mateo is not moving as one uniform market. The report shows that the Q1 2026 median house sales price rose about 3% year over year, while the 3-month rolling median condo sales price in March fell about 8% year over year. This divergence sharpens the strategic picture: single-family homes remain the more competitive and demand-driven segment condo conditions are softer and more selective higher-end demand continues to exert outsized influence on market momentum That last point became even more visible in March, when luxury home sales rose about 27% year over year. The demand story in San Mateo is not simply that buyers are active. It is that the strongest buyer pressure is being concentrated in the segments where supply is already most limited. Why Faster Sales and Overbidding Still Matter The report states directly that as buyers competed for an inadequate supply of homes for sale, overbidding increased and listings sold faster. That matters because it changes how current market signals should be interpreted. In a demand-led market, list price becomes less of a fixed value statement and more of a positioning tool within a competitive process. When contracts are rising faster than listings, and absorption is increasing alongside them, faster sales and over-asking outcomes are signs that supply is not keeping pace with buyer intent. This is not a market where everything sells automatically. It is a market where the right homes, in the right segments, are being met by concentrated and timely demand. For Sellers, Demand Is Supportive — But Strategy Still Matters For sellers, the current market is favorable, but not effortless. The strongest conditions remain in houses and in more affluent segments, and spring continues to be the part of the year when upward pricing pressure is most likely to build. But even in a seller-leaning environment, the report does not suggest that demand removes the need for thoughtful positioning. What it supports is a market where well-prepared listings can benefit from stronger terms, faster movement, and concentrated buyer attention. The advantage is real — and strongest when paired with smart execution. For Buyers, the Challenge Is Speed and Precision For buyers, the report does not describe a closed market. It describes one where preparation, timing, and flexibility are increasingly valuable. Contracts are rising. Sales are rising. Absorption is increasing. Luxury activity has accelerated. Those are not signs of a market waiting to soften. They are signs of a market gaining energy as spring progresses. That means waiting for more listings alone may not materially improve conditions. More supply is arriving, but the market is taking it in quickly. Buyers who assume rising inventory will automatically create negotiating room may find that the increase in choice is being matched by an increase in competition. The practical implication is straightforward. Buyers need to prepare not only financially, but strategically: understand which segments remain most competitive evaluate homes against current demand, not outdated assumptions recognize that list price may be the beginning of the negotiation, not the conclusion What the March Data Ultimately Shows The most important takeaway from the April report is not simply that the market is strong. It is that the supply-demand imbalance remains intact as spring advances. March added several reinforcing signals: new listings rose, but modestly contracts rose more sharply sales continued to climb absorption increased luxury activity accelerated houses continued to outperform condos Taken together, these are not mixed signals. They point in one direction: San Mateo is moving deeper into a spring market where competition is being sustained by demand rising faster than supply. That is the condition buyers and sellers need to understand now. FAQ Is San Mateo a seller’s market right now? The report points to seller-leaning conditions, especially in the house market, due to rising demand, low relative supply, and increasing absorption. Are more listings helping buyers in San Mateo? More listings are coming on the market, but demand is rising faster, so the supply increase has not materially eased competition. Are houses and condos performing the same way? No. The report states that house markets remain considerably stronger than condo markets, and the pricing trends diverge accordingly. Is the luxury market still active? Yes. Luxury home sales rose about 27% year over year in March, showing continued strength in higher-end demand. Planning Your Next Move In a market where demand is rising faster than supply, preparation and clarity create real advantage. Whether you are buying, selling, or evaluating your options this spring, understanding how these trends apply to your specific goals can make a meaningful difference. Ready to navigate the current San Mateo market? The Benson Group is here to help you interpret these shifts and build a strategy tailored to today’s conditions. Primary source: Compass San Mateo County Real Estate, April 2026 Report, with market data through March.

San Mateo Real Estate Outlook: Spring 2026 Market Conditions Moving deeper into the spring 2026 cycle, the San Mateo housing market is not simply becoming more active — it is becoming more competitive in a structurally important way. Buyer demand is increasing at a faster pace than available supply, creating a market defined less by volume and more by absorption. According to the Compass San Mateo County Real Estate Market Report, April 2026 (data through March) , contract activity, total sales, and luxury transactions all increased through March, while inventory levels did not expand enough to materially shift supply-demand balance. This is not a return to a rapid-growth market. It is a continuation of a constrained one — where outcomes depend increasingly on positioning, timing, and segment-specific dynamics. 2026 Market Highlights: San Mateo County Demand Acceleration Into Spring March data shows a clear increase in buyer activity: listings going into contract rose approximately 13% year over year total sales increased about 7% year over year This reflects a market where demand is not waiting for improved conditions — it is actively engaging with current supply. Inventory Growth — Without Market Rebalance Seasonal patterns are bringing more listings to market: new listings rose approximately 4% year over year however, active inventory remains slightly below prior levels The key distinction is that new supply is being absorbed quickly, preventing inventory from accumulating and limiting any meaningful shift in leverage. Rising Absorption and Competitive Pressure The report highlights an increase in absorption rate  — a direct indicator of how quickly listings are being consumed relative to supply. As absorption rises: competition intensifies sales cycles shorten pricing pressure increases This is one of the clearest signals that the market is tightening, even as inventory rises. Segment Divergence: Houses vs Condos Market conditions remain uneven across property types: house prices increased approximately 3% year over year in Q1 2026 condo prices declined approximately 8% year over year Single-family homes continue to reflect stronger demand, while the condo segment shows more variability and price sensitivity. Luxury Market Expansion Higher-end activity remains a defining force in the current market: luxury home sales rose approximately 27% year over year This reinforces the role of affluent buyers in sustaining demand, particularly in larger and higher-quality properties. Market Context & Commentary According to the Compass April 2026 San Mateo report, the current market is best understood not as expanding supply, but as accelerating demand meeting constrained inventory . What makes this moment distinct is not just that the market is active — but that: demand is increasing faster than supply listings are being absorbed before inventory can build competitive pressure is rising through transaction activity, not just pricing In this environment, list price functions less as a fixed value point and more as part of a competitive positioning strategy. Buyers are responding to availability and timing, while sellers are benefiting from demand concentration — particularly in the house and luxury segments. What This Means for Buyers and Sellers For sellers, spring continues to represent the most favorable window of the year — but results remain dependent on execution. Strong demand supports pricing, but outcomes are shaped by alignment with current market conditions and buyer expectations. For buyers, increased inventory does not necessarily translate into reduced competition. March data shows that supply is entering the market, but demand is rising alongside it, maintaining pressure on pricing and timing. San Mateo Market FAQs 1. Is April 2026 a buyer’s or seller’s market?  Current conditions remain seller-leaning overall, particularly for single-family homes, due to rising demand and relatively constrained supply. 2. Are more listings making the market easier for buyers?  Not significantly. While listings are increasing, they are being absorbed quickly, limiting the impact on overall competition. 3. Which segment is strongest right now?  Single-family homes and luxury properties continue to show the strongest performance, supported by sustained demand. 4. Is competition increasing in San Mateo?  Yes. Rising absorption rates and increased contract activity indicate that competition is intensifying as the market moves further into spring. Planning Your Next Move As the San Mateo market moves deeper into its peak season, timing alone is not enough to drive outcomes. Strategy, positioning, and an understanding of current demand dynamics are increasingly critical. Whether you are preparing to enter the market as a buyer or positioning a property for sale, aligning decisions with these conditions can materially influence results. Understanding where the market is moving is one thing — positioning yourself within it is another. If you're planning a move this spring, The Benson Group  can help you translate these trends into a clear, data-driven strategy. Source: compass.com

Benson Group is a full service Real Estate Team proudly representing Compass in Burlingame. 1467 Cabrillo Ave Burlingame Let Our Legacy Help Build Yours We started the Benso n Group with a singular mission: client success. We understand that buying or selling a home is a monumental investment, and we approach it with the gravity i t deserves. We blend seasoned expertise, innovative strategies, and the powerful synergy of a family partnership to consistently achieve exceptional results for our clients. Schedule a Consultation BUYERS Get access to the most homes, both on and off the market. "They took the time to understand our hopes and budget, which helped them to keep our searches focused on the right houses rather than just every house that met the Zillow filters." Clarke Family | Buyers SELLERS Don't worry, we'll take care of everything. "When the time to sell arrived, Laurie and Andrew coordinated every aspect including photos, promotional materials, inspections, staging and pricing and at each step kept up a steady line of communication." Jay and Maria | Sellers Burlingame The "City of Trees", excellent schools, and walkability. View More San Mateo Sprawling downtown, great for a night out. Great school system. View More Hillsborough Charming, luxury community in the heart of the Peninsula. Award winning schools. View More Foster City Innovative lagoon system offering waterfront lifestyle. View More Communities Work With Us Laurie and Andrew Benson bring a dynamic blend of experience, innovation, and family synergy to deliver exceptional results for their clients. As lifelong residents, they provide a unique local perspective complemented by expertise in negotiation and marketing. With their dedicated team, they consistently exceed client expectations, ensuring an engaging and successful real estate journey. Schedule a Consultation What Clients Say "Laurie and Andrew are extremely professional and you could always be sure that every step of any transaction would be conducted thoroughly, expertly and in a very timely manner." Jess and Romy | Burlingame Sellers Keep in touch Email Join Our Mailing List Subscribed!

Beautifully updated & thoughtfully designed home offers the perfect blend of style & comfort enhanced with multiple smart home features. The entry level welcomes you into a modern shaker-style kitchen featuring frosted glass display cabinetry & granite counters. The adjoining dining area opens to the back patio. The inviting living room is highlighted by recessed lighting & a decorative tile fireplace w/wood mantel, & direct access to the private rear yard. A stylish powder room w/tile flooring. A skylight brightens the stairway to upper level. Impressive primary suite features a versatile loft ideal for a home office and an ensuite bathroom w/large walk-in shower w/steam feature. Two additional bedrooms offer vaulted ceilings & spacious closets, & full hall bath w/soaking tub & shower. A dedicated laundry area w/washer and dryer. The renovated private rear yard, offers paver patio, mature trees/vines, decking & built-in bench seating. Additional highlights include hardwood flooring, dual-pane windows, abundant storage, and an attached 2 car garage w/storage options. HOA dues include pool, trash, water, exterior maintenance including roof, foundation & siding, all just steps from parks, top-rated schools, & shopping. < Back 146 Albacore Ln, Foster City $1,400,000 Bedrooms Bathrooms Size Lot Size Year Built Status 3 2.5 1,630 sqft 1986 Sold Beautifully updated & thoughtfully designed home offers the perfect blend of style & comfort enhanced with multiple smart home features. The entry level welcomes you into a modern shaker-style kitchen featuring frosted glass display cabinetry & granite counters. The adjoining dining area opens to the back patio. The inviting living room is highlighted by recessed lighting & a decorative tile fireplace w/wood mantel, & direct access to the private rear yard. A stylish powder room w/tile flooring. A skylight brightens the stairway to upper level. Impressive primary suite features a versatile loft ideal for a home office and an ensuite bathroom w/large walk-in shower w/steam feature. Two additional bedrooms offer vaulted ceilings & spacious closets, & full hall bath w/soaking tub & shower. A dedicated laundry area w/washer and dryer. The renovated private rear yard, offers paver patio, mature trees/vines, decking & built-in bench seating. Additional highlights include hardwood flooring, dual-pane windows, abundant storage, and an attached 2 car garage w/storage options. HOA dues include pool, trash, water, exterior maintenance including roof, foundation & siding, all just steps from parks, top-rated schools, & shopping. Learn More Andrew Benson (650) 773-1147 Laurie Benson (650) 245-4530 bensongroup@compass.com

Benson Group Properties Properties Sold 146 Albacore Ln, Foster City $1,400,000 Bed 3 Bath 2.5 Size 1,630 sqft Off-Market 16 Engle Rd, San Mateo $2,250,000 Bed 3 Bath 2 Size 1,360 sqft Sold 313 Seville Way, San Mateo $2,524,150 Bed 3 Bath 2 Size 1,720 sqft Leased 719 W Poplar Ave, San Mateo $16,000/mo Bed 4 Bath 2.5 Size 3,675 sqft For Sale 1625 Palmetto Ave, Pacifica $3,294,000 Bed 8 Bath 8 Size 7,480 sqft Sold 647 Vanessa Dr, San Mateo $1,920,000 Bed 3 Bath 2 Size 1,400 sqft Leased 105 Pepper Ave, Burlingame $11,000/mo Bed 4 Bath 2 Size 2,340 sqft Sold 1133 Paloma Ave, Burlingame Price Withheld Bed 11 Bath 9 Size ~8,000 sqft Sold 1201 Bernal Ave, Burlingame $2,900,000 Bed 3 Bath 2 Size 1,730 sqft Sold 2721 Fairbrook Dr, Mountain View $4,150,000 Bed 4 Bath 3 Size 2,307 sqft Sold 132 Lakeshore Dr, Burlingame $2,650,000 Bed 3 Bath 2.5 Size 1,470 sqft Sold 703 W Poplar Ave, San Mateo Price Withheld Bed 4 Bath 4.5 Size 3,285 sqft