August 2026: Sonoma County Real Estate Market Update
If you've been watching the Sonoma County real estate market this summer, August brought a clear message: fewer homes for sale, steady prices in Santa Rosa, and buyers who are taking their time. Here's a friendly, local look at what happened last month and what it means for you, whether you're thinking about buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on your home's value.
All numbers below compare August 2026 to August 2025 for single-family homes, as reported to BAREIS, our local MLS.
Santa Rosa housing market: steady prices, tighter inventory
Santa Rosa home prices held firm in August, while the number of homes for sale dropped noticeably.
Santa Rosa, August 2026 | This year | Last year | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Median listing price | $850K | $850K | 0% |
Median sales price | $740K | $760K | -3% |
Active listings | 472 | 548 | -14% |
Pending sales | 133 | 136 | -2% |
Sold listings | 123 | 146 | -16% |
Days on market | 60 | 60 | 0% |
The big story is inventory. With 76 fewer homes on the market than last August, buyers have fewer choices, yet prices stayed essentially flat. Homes are taking about two months to sell, the same pace as a year ago, which tells us buyers are active but thoughtful.
Around Sonoma County: Healdsburg, Rohnert Park and Sonoma Valley
Each community is telling its own story this month.
August 2026 | Median list price | Median sales price | Active listings | Sold listings | Days on market |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Healdsburg | $2.00M (+18%) | $2.10M (+115%) | 98 (-6%) | 13 (-13%) | 46 (-27%) |
Rohnert Park | $750K (-3%) | $750K (0%) | 34 (-60%) | 25 (-24%) | 46 (-34%) |
Sonoma Valley | $1.60M (-2%) | $900K (-25%) | 193 (-2%) | 31 (-16%) | 87 (+5%) |
Healdsburg saw its median sales price jump to $2.10M, more than double last August's $975K. With only 13 sales, a handful of luxury closings can swing that number a lot, but homes are also selling faster, in 46 days versus 63.
Rohnert Park is one of the tightest markets in the county. Active listings fell 60% to just 34 homes, and homes are selling in 46 days, down from 70. Prices held right at $750K.
Sonoma Valley is the most buyer-friendly spot on this list. Homes are sitting about 87 days, and the median sales price dipped to $900K from $1.20M. Pending sales were up 12%, though, so buyers are starting to act.
What this means for buyers
- Be ready to move on the right home. With inventory down 14% in Santa Rosa and 60% in Rohnert Park, good homes don't wait around.
- You still have room to negotiate in some areas. Sonoma Valley's longer days on market can mean more flexibility on price and terms.
- Get pre-approved first. In a low-inventory market, a strong, clean offer makes a real difference.
What this means for sellers
- Less competition works in your favor. Fewer active listings means your home gets more attention from serious buyers.
- Pricing is everything. Santa Rosa's median sales price came in about $110K under the median list price, so pricing right from day one matters more than ever.
- Presentation still wins. Buyers are taking their time, and homes that show beautifully online and in person stand out.
Curious what your home is worth?
Every neighborhood moves a little differently, and the numbers above are only the big picture. If you're wondering how this market affects your home or your search, we'd love to help. Reach out to The Schween Group at Compass for a free, no-pressure home value report or a quick chat about your plans.
Source: BAREIS MLS via Broker Metrics, single-family residences, August 2026 vs. August 2025. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
