Key Takeaways Your personal readiness matters more than timing the market.  Stable income, manageable debt, and clear goals are stronger indicators of success than waiting for perfect conditions. San Mateo’s market has normalized from peak years.  While still competitive, buyers today often have more negotiating power than during the height of the market. January is one of the best times to buy in San Mateo.  Fewer active buyers and motivated sellers can create opportunities before spring competition returns. Why Is Personal Readiness More Important Than Timing the San Mateo Housing Market? If you’re wondering whether you’re ready to buy a home in San Mateo in 2026, the answer depends less on timing the market and more on your personal readiness. According to Keeping Current Matters, the five core factors that determine success are a stable income, a clear budget, savings for emergencies, a realistic timeline, and the right real estate team. In a competitive, high-value market like San Mateo County, clarity and preparation matter more than perfect market conditions. Buyers who focus on what they can control tend to make confident, sustainable decisions. Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, focus on what you can control. Asking yourself the following five key questions  can help you determine whether you’re ready to make your move. 1. Do You Have a Stable Source of Income? Buying a home means committing to a long-term mortgage, often in a market where prices are well above the national average. In San Mateo County, buyers typically need a consistent income to comfortably support payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. A stable job provides: Confidence in qualifying for a mortgage Peace of mind during competitive offer situations Financial resilience in the market shifts If your income is predictable and secure, you’re already laying the groundwork for a strong purchase. 2. Do You Know What You Can Comfortably Afford? Being ready to buy isn’t about qualifying for the maximum loan amount — it’s about understanding what fits your lifestyle and budget. This is where speaking with a trusted lender becomes essential. A lender can help you understand: The pre-approval process Your estimated monthly payment Current mortgage rates Closing costs and other expenses to plan for Clear numbers remove uncertainty and allow you to make informed decisions. 3. Do You Have an Emergency Fund in Place? Life doesn’t stop after you buy a home, and unexpected expenses happen. That’s why having a financial safety net is so important. Most financial experts recommend having enough savings to cover several months of living expenses, including your mortgage payment. An emergency fund helps protect you in case of: Job changes or income disruptions Medical expenses Unexpected home repairs 4. How Long Do You Plan to Stay in the Home? Homeownership makes more financial sense when you plan to stay in the home long enough to offset upfront costs and build equity. Many economists suggest five years  as a comfortable benchmark. If you’re planning to move again in a year or two, renting may still be the better option. But if your plans are more long-term, buying can be a smart move. 5. Do You Have the Right Real Estate Team Supporting You? This is where many buyers either gain confidence — or feel overwhelmed. Having a knowledgeable local agent and lender means: Accurate pricing guidance by neighbourhood Strategic offer positioning in multiple-offer situations Insight into inspections, disclosures, and local norms A smoother, less stressful process As a husband-and-wife team with over 20 years of experience selling San Mateo real estate — alongside a dedicated additional agent — we’ve seen how the right guidance can turn uncertainty into clarity. A Thoughtful Next Step Buying a home is both a financial and emotional milestone. If you’re thinking about buying in 2026 and want to talk through these five questions in the context of your goals, lifestyle, and numbers, our team would be happy to help you build a thoughtful, data-driven strategy around your next move. FAQ: Buying a Home in San Mateo Do I need 20% down to buy in San Mateo? Not always. Many buyers use lower down payment options, though stronger cash positions can improve offer competitiveness. Is 2026 a good year for first-time buyers here? For prepared buyers with stable finances, yes — especially as market conditions have normalized compared to peak years. January is often one of the best times to buy in San Mateo , with less buyer competition, motivated sellers, and opportunities to negotiate more favorable terms before spring demand returns. How competitive is the San Mateo market right now? Well-priced homes still move quickly, but buyers often have more negotiating room than in past peak cycles. Source: keepingcurrentmatters.com

Main Thoughts: Vintage Christmas décor brings nostalgic warmth and character, using antique finds, colorful glass ornaments, ceramic trees, and bottle-brush accents to create a classic, old-fashioned holiday atmosphere. Mixing old and new is essential for balanced holiday styling—pairing retro pieces with modern touches, layered textures, and curated focal points helps create a cohesive, inviting look in any home. Vintage elements work beautifully indoors and outdoors, from cozy hot cocoa stations and mantel villages to blow-mold outdoor figures, mercury glass, and creative uses of holiday lights that add charm and festive sparkle. Looking for holiday decor with real nostalgic charm?  According to Better Homes & Gardens, vintage holiday décor brings back the warmth and character of classic Christmas traditions with handmade touches, colorful glass ornaments, and nostalgic accents. Incorporating finds from antique shops or flea markets — like mercury glass trees, bottle brush trees, or brass deer — adds history and charm to any space. Simple details such as vintage Santa mugs, faux snow displays, or a small wooden village scene help create a cozy, old-fashioned atmosphere. And if you’d like to blend a touch of modern style with your vintage holiday look, explore the top design trends for 2026 — an inspiring way to bring fresh, contemporary balance to your seasonal décor. Antique Finds and Vintage Charm The holiday season is the perfect time to infuse your home with nostalgic charm, and vintage Christmas decor offers a unique way to celebrate with warmth and character. Incorporating retro ornaments, classic decorations, and timeless accents can transform your living space into a festive haven reminiscent of simpler times. Exploring antique shops, estate sales, and flea markets can help you discover unique ornaments, festive figurines, and decorations that bring personality and warmth to your holiday home. Colorful Ornaments and Christmas Trees Using a variety of colorful vintage glass ornaments on your tree can create a visually appealing and festive display. Mixing shiny and matte finishes adds depth, while widely spaced branches on artificial trees allow each ornament to shine. Combining retro pieces with a few new accents produces a playful and eclectic look, capturing the joy and nostalgia of traditional Christmas celebrations. Hot Cocoa Stations and Cozy Corners A cozy corner with a hot cocoa station can become a festive focal point in your home. Vintage-inspired mugs and glass bowls filled with marshmallows or treats create a welcoming atmosphere. Adding handmade tags or small signs, along with faux snow or glitter, enhances the charm and gives your guests a memorable holiday experience. Flocked Trees and Mercury Glass Flocked Christmas trees paired with vintage ornaments and battery-operated candles convey classic holiday charm. Mercury glass decorations, popular since the mid-19th century, bring elegance and history to tabletops, mantels, or nightstands. Pairing these pieces with small-scale decorations or architectural accents adds creativity and uniqueness to your holiday displays. Vibrant bottle brush trees offer a playful pop of color, completing the whimsical vintage look. Blow Mold Figures for Outdoor Decor Classic blow-mold figures, widely used in the 1950s, remain a nostalgic choice for outdoor decoration. These life-sized, illuminated ornaments create warmth and charm in front yards or gardens. Complementing them with string lights arranged along pathways or in clusters can elevate the festive atmosphere, bringing a welcoming glow to your outdoor spaces. Creative Uses for Holiday Lights Vintage holiday lights aren’t just for the tree—they can double as decor accents. Displaying antique lights on cake stands or integrating them into table centerpieces adds sparkle and interest. Lights can also enhance cozy corners or outdoor arrangements, adding a magical touch to your holiday ambiance. Mantel Decor and Miniature Villages Mantels offer the perfect opportunity to showcase vintage charm. A classic village scene with wooden miniatures, greenery, and brass deer figurines creates a nostalgic winter tableau. Adding antique candlesticks, mirrors, and greenery adds elegance. For a unified look, spray-painting mismatched frames and pairing them with traditional decorations completes the festive display. Chunky knit stockings add a cozy, homemade feel. Ceramic Christmas Trees Ceramic Christmas trees, popular in the 1970s, originated as paint-your-own crafts. Today, decorative ceramic trees, ornaments, and nightlights continue to bring nostalgic charm into modern homes. They are versatile, stylish, and an easy way to incorporate a vintage aesthetic into your holiday setup. Silver Accessories and Mini-Trees Silver decor with natural patina adds elegance and a timeless vintage look. Arranging mini holiday trees, decorative signs, and metallic accents on sideboards or tables enhances the festive atmosphere. Crafting small handmade signs with fabric-covered boards or framed messages provides a personal touch while complementing other vintage elements. Mixing Old and New for Balance The key to successful vintage Christmas decorating is balance. Combining old and new pieces, layering textures, and creating focal points throughout your home make your holiday decor feel curated yet welcoming. From festive trees and cozy hot cocoa stations to elegant mantels and reflective surfaces, vintage touches bring warmth, wonder, and a sense of tradition into your home. Timeless Holiday Appeal By exploring local shops, collecting meaningful vintage pieces, and pairing them with modern accents, your home can become a magical holiday space. Thoughtful decorations create a nostalgic atmosphere that evokes fond memories and sets the stage for new traditions, making your home feel both festive and timeless. FAQs About Vintage Holiday Decorating: 1. How can I make my holiday décor look vintage without buying true antique pieces? Try adding faux patina to ornaments, using muted colors, incorporating aged brass or mercury-glass finishes, and mixing in handmade touches like ribbon, lace, or wooden accents for an instant vintage feel. 2. What’s the best way to combine modern and vintage decorations harmoniously? Balance is key. Pair a few statement vintage pieces with modern accents, and repeat colors or textures throughout your space to create cohesion. Keep larger decorations neutral and allow the vintage elements to stand out. 3. Can vintage decor work in small homes or apartments? Absolutely! Focus on tabletop displays, window sills, and small trees. Incorporating a few nostalgic touches, like ceramic ornaments, mini trees, or antique-inspired lights, can add charm without overwhelming a limited space. Ready to Find Your San Mateo Home?  We live and work in San Mateo every day, so we know the community and market inside out. Let’s connect for a no-pressure strategy session and create a personalized plan that fits your budget and timeline. We’re here to make your home-buying journey in 2026 simple, enjoyable, and stress-free. Source: bhg.com

According to Keeping Current Matters, January can be one of the best times to buy a home in San Mateo, especially for budget-conscious buyers. Home prices tend to be lower, buyer competition is reduced, and sellers are often more motivated to negotiate. These factors can translate into meaningful savings and a smoother buying experience. While every situation is unique, January often offers opportunities that are harder to find during the busy spring season. Main Takeaways: January often means lower prices. Historically, January has one of the lowest price-per-square-foot averages of the year. Buyers who close in January can save significantly compared to peak spring months, making it a smart option for budget-conscious buyers. Less competition creates better opportunities. Fewer buyers are active in winter, which reduces bidding wars and gives you more time to make thoughtful decisions. This calmer pace can make the buying process far less stressful than the spring rush. Sellers are typically more motivated. Homes listed in January are often from sellers who are serious about moving, leading to greater flexibility on price, terms, and concessions. This negotiating power is much harder to find once the spring market heats up. Is January Really the Best Time to Buy a Home? Many buyers automatically think spring is the ideal season to purchase a home. But if you’re focused on value, timing your purchase in January may give you an unexpected advantage. Market data consistently shows that buyers who close early in the year often pay less than those who buy during peak spring months. For example, when comparing similar homes, buyers who purchased in January historically spent tens of thousands of dollars less than those who bought in late spring. While exact savings vary depending on the home’s size, location, and condition, the overall trend remains clear year after year. So what makes January such a smart time to buy—especially in competitive markets like San Mateo? Home Prices Are Often Lower in January January has long been one of the most affordable months to buy a home. Price-per-square-foot figures tend to dip during the winter, while spring typically brings higher demand and rising prices. In San Mateo, where affordability is a major concern for many buyers, even a small price difference can have a big impact on monthly payments and long-term costs. Buying when prices are seasonally lower can help stretch your budget further without compromising on location or quality. Less Competition From Other Buyers Winter is traditionally a slower season for real estate. Many buyers pause their search during the holidays or wait for warmer weather, which means fewer people competing for the same homes. That slower pace can work in your favor: Fewer bidding wars Less pressure to make rushed decisions More time to evaluate neighborhoods and properties Instead of competing with dozens of offers, you’re more likely to have thoughtful conversations and a calmer buying experience. Sellers Are Often More Willing to Negotiate Homes listed in January are often owned by sellers who are serious about moving. Whether due to job changes, life events, or timing needs, these sellers tend to be more flexible. In practical terms, that flexibility can show up as: Price adjustments Help with closing costs Repair credits or concessions More accommodating timelines Not every seller will negotiate, but buyers in January are generally taken more seriously, opening the door to better overall terms. Should You Wait Until Spring? Waiting for spring may seem logical, but it often comes with trade-offs. More buyers enter the market, competition increases, and prices tend to rise. That combination can lead to higher costs and more stress. January, on the other hand, offers a quieter market where buyers often have more leverage. If your personal timeline allows it, buying early in the year can be a strategic move—especially in San Mateo’s fast-moving housing market. Bottom Line January may not feel like the traditional homebuying season, but it can be one of the smartest times to purchase a home. Lower prices, reduced competition, and motivated sellers can create real opportunities for buyers who are ready to act. If you’ve been thinking about buying a home in San Mateo, this winter could be your window to make a move with confidence. Frequently Asked Questions: Are there fewer homes for sale in January? Inventory can be slightly lower, but the homes that are listed often come from motivated sellers, which can benefit buyers. Do interest rates change in January? Interest rates depend on broader economic factors, not the season. However, lower home prices can still improve overall affordability. Will I have less competition if I buy in winter? Typically, yes. Many buyers wait until spring, which means fewer competing offers in January. If you’re curious what buying a home in January could look like for you in San Mateo, we’d love to help. Reach out anytime for a friendly, no-pressure conversation about your goals and what’s possible right now. Source: keepingcurrentmatters.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!

Classic traditional appeal and extensive just-completed remodeling define this beautiful home in sought-after Waverly Park. The two-level design with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths is perfectly refreshed with new paint inside and out, brand new hardwood floors on the main level and staircase, new carpet upstairs, plus a remodeled kitchen and primary suite bath. Formal living and dining rooms at the front of the home give way to the stunning all-white kitchen with spacious casual dining room at one end and inviting family room at the other, each opening to the rear yard. Upstairs, the primary suite has a newly remodeled bath, and three additional bedrooms are served by an updated bath. Outdoor enjoyment awaits with an arbor-covered patio, eco-friendly synthetic lawn, and a signature redwood tree. A premier neighborhood location close to top-rated Mountain View schools and El Camino Hospital completes this outstanding home. < Back 2721 Fairbrook Dr, Mountain View $4,150,000 Bedrooms Bathrooms Size Lot Size Year Built Status 4 3 2,307 sqft 7,950 sqft 1964 Sold Classic traditional appeal and extensive just-completed remodeling define this beautiful home in sought-after Waverly Park. The two-level design with 4 bedrooms and 3 baths is perfectly refreshed with new paint inside and out, brand new hardwood floors on the main level and staircase, new carpet upstairs, plus a remodeled kitchen and primary suite bath. Formal living and dining rooms at the front of the home give way to the stunning all-white kitchen with spacious casual dining room at one end and inviting family room at the other, each opening to the rear yard. Upstairs, the primary suite has a newly remodeled bath, and three additional bedrooms are served by an updated bath. Outdoor enjoyment awaits with an arbor-covered patio, eco-friendly synthetic lawn, and a signature redwood tree. A premier neighborhood location close to top-rated Mountain View schools and El Camino Hospital completes this outstanding home. Learn More Andrew Benson (650) 773-1147 Laurie Benson (650) 245-4530 bensongroup@compass.com

Benson Group Properties Properties Available 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 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 Sold 537 Natoma St. #202, San Francisco $450,000 Bed 1 Bath 1 Size 518 sqft Exclusive 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 Sold 1931 Funston Ave, San Francisco $1,400,000 Bed 3 Bath 2 Size 1,360 sqft