Considered by many to be among the most beautiful cities of the world, San Francisco continues to lead homebuyers on a merry chase.

"San Francisco Bay Area home sales and prices edged-up again in September as a steady stream of buyers took advantage of affordable home financing and more homes came on the market," says Realtor Paul Ryan. "Sales volume and prices have started up again over the past month or so. Additionally, due to the current level of inventory, and a strong local economy, low interest rates (presently 6%+/- for a conventional 30-year fixed rate loan), property values are continuing to hold steady with above listing price offers still common.

Ryan explains, "According to the San Francisco MLS, the average amount of days on the market, for a single family home, is now approximately about 30 days. Some concessions are still very typical."

Says Realtor Jeffrey Tung, "With mild temperatures year-round, San Francisco is a multicultural area that is close to everything (mountains, ocean, snow, etc. ), lots of job opportunities, a wide variety of entertainment and activities, and much much more."

Tung says that most of the areas in San Francisco and San Mateo counties are now experiencing a change in the market.

"Here are some signs of a market shift," he says.

• more price reductions
• real estate agents are offering lunch or other incentives to attract agents to visit their listings
• agents are following up with other people to get feed back about the home they are selling
• properties are staying on the market longer
• more open houses

"Properties need a little help in order to be sold in this type of market place," advises Tung, "unlike the hot seller's market where everything sold quickly. There are a lot of buyers still interested in purchasing a property even though the consumer confidence level has dropped again. Interest rates have gone up and down but are still pretty low. Prices in the region are still increasing, compared to the same time last year, however the amount of properties sold have decreased in San Mateo county."