The just released Case-Shiller Index reading for January for the high-tier price segment of the 5-county San Francisco Metro Statistical Area declined slightly from December. This reflects seasonal market issues, not a decline in values, and it occurs every year – indeed, the decline was smaller than what is typical.
From January 2012 to January 2013, the Index indicates an 11% increase in house values for this segment of the metro area market. However, the real estate market of the city of San Francisco itself has outperformed the general market of the 5-county metro area. And due to its methodology, the Index is 4 to 7 months behind what is currently occurring in the market. In a quickly appreciating market, that can be a long period of time.
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Our full report on the Case-Shiller Index is here: http://www.paragon-re.com/Case_Shiller_Index_Deciphered_for_SF