Welcome to today's episode where we delve into the intriguing world of real estate, comparing the US market to the bustling Silicon Valley. Join us as we explore the latest trends, economic indicators, and market dynamics shaping these two influential regions. In this comprehensive analysis, we'll cover everything from home sales and prices to the labor market and inventory. So, let's dive in and uncover the fascinating story behind these markets.
In the US market, home sales have faced challenges, with a 3.4% month-over-month decline. Volatile mortgage rates and low inventory have contributed to this decline. Moreover, new listings have been 24% below the long-term average in May. While home prices have contracted slightly from their peak in June 2022, the housing market has slowed significantly compared to the white-hot market of 2020-2022.
After narrowly avoiding a catastrophic credit default, the US can now focus on its robust labor market and overall strong economy. The Federal Reserve, however, faces a challenging decision regarding interest rates. Recent jobs data and the strength of the labor market may sway the Fed toward a potential 0.25% rate increase, despite the impact of higher mortgage rates on the housing market. We anticipate a rate hike pause at the June meeting, followed by a potential hike again in July.
Now, let's shift our focus to the Silicon Valley counties. Home prices in San Mateo and Santa Clara have experienced significant year-to-date increases, rising over $300,000. The market in Silicon Valley is witnessing rapid sales growth as more new listings enter the market, satisfying the growing demand and driving prices higher. The competitive environment for buyers is becoming increasingly intense, reflected in declining Months of Supply Inventory and greater competition among buyers.
Price appreciation has been substantial in most of Silicon Valley this year. San Mateo and Santa Clara counties have seen a remarkable 21% increase in single-family home prices. Despite elevated mortgage rates, demand has risen again, and the market has responded with more homes coming to market and inventory growth. This counterintuitive supply and demand relationship has given sellers more pricing power, leading to price increases. As we head into the summer months, we can expect competition among buyers to further raise home prices.
While single-family home and condo inventory, sales, and new listings have increased over the past four months, they all remain at depressed levels. However, these trends indicate a healthier market compared to the previous year. Sales have jumped 148% since January, while new listings rose 100%. Sellers are gaining negotiating power, receiving a greater percentage of their listed price. With inventory expected to remain low throughout the year, the market is likely to become even more competitive in the summer months.
In Silicon Valley, Months of Supply Inventory (MSI) has been declining over the past four months for both single-family homes and condos. This indicates a stronger sellers' market, with more buyers than sellers. The proportion of sales relative to active listings has increased, along with reduced time on the market. The low MSI in Silicon Valley highlights the advantage sellers currently have in the market.
That wraps up today's insightful analysis of the US market compared to the dynamic Silicon Valley market. We've explored key factors shaping these regions, from home sales and prices to the labor market and inventory. Remember, while the broader market trends are important, local variations also play a crucial role in real estate. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the ever-evolving housing and economic markets. Thanks for joining us, and we'll see you next time!