If you’re looking for a Cerritos housing market outlook for the second half of 2026, you’re probably asking the same question many homeowners are asking: “Should I make my move now, or should I wait?”
“Should I make my move now, or should I wait?”
The first six months of 2026 have given us valuable insight into how the Cerritos housing market is performing. While no one has a crystal ball, market trends often provide a good indication of where things may be headed over the next several months.
The numbers tell an interesting story. Buyers are still active. Sellers continue to receive strong offers. Homes are selling faster than they were at the beginning of the year. At the same time, inventory remains relatively limited, which continues to support home values.
This report focuses exclusively on single-family homes in Cerritos. Condominiums and townhomes are not included, as they often follow different pricing trends and attract a different group of buyers.
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During the first half of 2026, 137 single-family homes were listed for sale in Cerritos.
While there was a noticeable increase in new listings during May, inventory quickly returned to lower levels in June.
This is significant because inventory plays one of the biggest roles in determining market conditions. When fewer homes are available, buyers have fewer options, which often creates more competition for desirable properties.
Although buyers had a little more selection in May, the overall supply of homes remains relatively tight by historical standards.
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One question I hear frequently is whether buyers are still purchasing homes with today’s mortgage rates.
Based on the numbers, the answer is yes.
During the first half of the year, 102 homes went under contract.
While activity slowed during May, buyer demand rebounded in June.
That tells us something important.
Many buyers are no longer waiting for the “perfect” interest rate. Instead, they’re purchasing when they find the right home because they understand that interest rates may change in the future, but finding the right property is much harder to control.
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The Cerritos market also continued producing steady closed sales.
A total of 95 homes closed escrow during the first half of the year.
The consistency of these numbers shows that buyers and sellers are continuing to reach agreements despite changes in financing costs and broader economic uncertainty.
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Perhaps the most noticeable trend this year has been the speed at which homes are selling.
By June, the average home was selling in less than two weeks.
That’s a dramatic improvement compared to the beginning of the year.
Fast-moving markets usually tell us one thing.
Buyers recognize value when they see it, and they’re prepared to act.
This doesn’t necessarily mean every home sells immediately. Homes that are overpriced or need significant work may still take longer to sell.
However, well-maintained homes that are priced appropriately continue to receive strong attention.
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Another important indicator of market strength is how close homes sell to their original asking price.
From February through June, the average seller received at least their asking price.
In several months, buyers paid above asking.
That doesn’t happen in weak markets.
It typically indicates that buyers are competing for limited inventory and are willing to submit strong offers for homes that are priced correctly.
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Average sales prices remained above one million dollars throughout the first half of the year.
Monthly averages naturally fluctuate because different homes sell every month.
Some months include larger homes, remodeled properties, or premium locations that influence the average price.
Instead of focusing on one month’s average, it’s better to look at the overall trend.
That trend shows that Cerritos home values have remained remarkably stable during the first half of 2026.
If you’re considering selling your home later this year, the current market continues to present favorable opportunities.
Limited inventory means buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which can work to your advantage.
Homes that show well and are priced appropriately continue to attract strong interest.
Many sellers are still receiving multiple offers, and recent data shows buyers continue paying at or above asking price in many cases.
That said, today’s buyers are educated.
Before scheduling a showing, they’re reviewing photos, comparing nearby sales, checking school information, researching neighborhoods, and watching market trends online.
First impressions matter more than ever.
A clean, well-maintained, professionally marketed home is far more likely to attract serious buyers than one that isn’t properly prepared.
Pricing also becomes increasingly important.
Many homeowners assume they should price high because inventory is limited.
In reality, the homes generating the strongest activity are often those priced strategically from the beginning.
An accurate pricing strategy can create more interest, generate multiple offers, and sometimes produce a higher final sales price than starting too high and reducing the price later.
If you’re planning to sell before the end of the year, now is also a great time to begin preparing.
Small improvements such as fresh paint, landscaping, decluttering, professional photography, and minor repairs can make a noticeable difference in both buyer interest and final sales price.
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For buyers, the second half of the year may continue to present opportunities, but preparation will be important.
Inventory is still relatively limited, so desirable homes may continue selling quickly.
If you find a home that checks your boxes, you may not have the luxury of waiting several days before making a decision.
Having your financing already in place can make the buying process much smoother.
Getting pre-approved before beginning your search also helps you understand your budget and allows you to compete more confidently when the right home becomes available.
Buyers should also remember that not every home will receive multiple offers.
Properties that need updating or have been on the market longer can sometimes provide opportunities for negotiation.
Working with someone who understands the Cerritos market can help you recognize which homes are likely to generate competition and which ones may offer more flexibility.
While mortgage interest rates remain an important factor, many buyers are choosing to purchase now with the expectation that they may refinance if rates decline in the future.
For many families, finding the right home is ultimately more important than trying to perfectly time interest rates.
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Several factors will influence the Cerritos housing market during the second half of the year.
The first is inventory.
If more homeowners decide to list their properties after the summer, buyers could see more choices and competition among sellers may increase slightly.
If inventory remains low, sellers will likely continue benefiting from favorable market conditions.
Mortgage interest rates will also remain one of the biggest influences on buyer activity.
Lower rates could bring additional buyers into the market, increasing competition.
Higher rates could reduce affordability for some buyers, although the first half of the year has already shown that motivated buyers continue purchasing homes despite higher borrowing costs.
Seasonality also plays a role.
The late summer and early fall months are traditionally active in Cerritos as families try to move before the holiday season.
Activity often slows as Thanksgiving and the end of the year approach, making the next few months particularly important for buyers and sellers who hope to complete a transaction before winter.
Based on everything we’ve seen during the first half of 2026, the Cerritos single-family housing market appears positioned to remain healthy.
While we may continue to see normal month-to-month fluctuations, the combination of limited inventory, steady buyer demand, relatively quick selling times, and strong pricing suggests that the market continues to favor well-prepared buyers and sellers.
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Remember that this report reflects overall averages for single-family homes only.
Every home has its own story.
Two homes with the same floor plan can have very different values depending on their condition, upgrades, location within the neighborhood, lot size, and recent improvements.
That’s why online estimates should only be used as a starting point.
If you’d like a complimentary personalized home value report, I’d be happy to prepare one based on your home’s specific features and the most recent comparable sales in your neighborhood.
Whether you’re thinking about selling this year, planning for next year, or simply curious about your home’s current market value, feel free to reach out anytime. I’d be happy to help you understand where your home stands in today’s Cerritos market.
CHRISTINE ALMARINES
Real Estate Agent | CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate
📱 714-476-4637
📧 christine@carealestategroup.com
DRE #01412944
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s a good time to buy or sell a home in Cerritos, the first half of 2026 has provided some encouraging signs. The local housing market has remained active, home prices have stayed strong, and well-priced homes continue to attract buyers quickly.
This report focuses exclusively on single-family homes in Cerritos. Condominiums and townhomes are not included, as those segments often perform differently due to price point, inventory levels, HOA fees, and buyer demand.
Whether you’re considering selling your home, buying your next property, or simply keeping an eye on your investment, here’s a look at what happened during the first six months of 2026.
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A total of 137 single-family homes were listed for sale during the first half of the year.
Inventory remained relatively limited throughout the first half of the year, although May experienced the largest increase in new listings. Even with that spike, Cerritos continues to have fewer homes available than many buyers would like, helping support home values.
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Buyer activity remained fairly consistent throughout the first half of the year, with some month-to-month fluctuations.
A total of 102 homes went under contract during the first six months of the year.
Pending sales are often one of the best indicators of buyer demand because they represent homes that have gone under contract before officially closing. While buyer activity slowed in May, it rebounded in June, suggesting demand remains healthy despite changing market conditions.
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A total of 95 single-family homes successfully closed escrow during the first half of 2026.
April recorded the highest number of closed sales during the first half of the year, while overall sales activity remained steady throughout the period.
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One of the strongest indicators of buyer demand is how quickly homes are selling.
The market showed a noticeable improvement in selling speed over the six-month period. Homes averaged 43 days on the market in January, compared to only 13 days in June.
That trend tells us buyers are acting quickly when desirable homes become available. Homes that are priced appropriately and presented well continue to attract strong interest.
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Another key measure of market strength is the percentage of the original list price sellers ultimately receive.
From February through June, the average home sold at or above its original asking price.
March stood out, with sellers receiving an average of 104.9% of their original list price, indicating multiple-offer situations remained common for desirable homes.
These numbers demonstrate that buyers are still willing to compete for quality properties when inventory is limited.
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Home values remained strong throughout the first half of the year.
The average sales price exceeded $1.2 million in five of the six months and peaked at $1,329,682 in April.
While monthly averages naturally fluctuate depending on the size, location, condition, and features of the homes that sold, the overall trend shows that Cerritos home values have remained resilient throughout the first half of 2026.
Looking at the data as a whole, the Cerritos single-family housing market remained healthy through the first half of 2026.
Although new listings increased in May, inventory continues to be relatively limited compared to buyer demand. Buyers remained active throughout the year, with pending sales rebounding in June after a temporary slowdown in May.
Perhaps the most telling statistics are how quickly homes are selling and the prices buyers are willing to pay. By June, homes averaged only 13 days on the market while sellers still received an average of 102.6% of their original asking price. Those numbers indicate that well-priced, well-prepared homes continue to attract strong buyer interest.
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Although mortgage interest rates continue to influence affordability, buyers remain active in the Cerritos market.
The brief slowdown in pending sales during May appears to have been temporary, with activity picking back up in June. Limited inventory continues to support home prices, meaning buyers who are financially prepared and ready to act when the right property becomes available are still finding opportunities.
If you’re planning to purchase a home later this year, obtaining a mortgage pre-approval before beginning your search can put you in a stronger position when competing for desirable homes.
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The numbers continue to favor well-prepared sellers.
Homes are selling quickly.
Many properties continue to receive multiple offers.
Most homes are selling at or above their original asking price.
That doesn’t mean every home will automatically sell for top dollar. Pricing strategy, professional marketing, home preparation, and skilled negotiation remain critical to maximizing your results.
The homes achieving the strongest outcomes continue to be those that are priced correctly from the start and presented in their best possible condition.
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As we move into the second half of the year, several factors will be worth watching.
If inventory remains limited, Cerritos should continue to experience a competitive housing market. Well-maintained and updated homes in desirable neighborhoods are likely to continue attracting strong buyer interest.
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Remember that this report reflects overall market averages for single-family homes only. Every home is different.
The value of your property depends on many factors, including:
That’s why online estimates can often miss the mark.
If you’d like a complimentary personalized home value report, I’d be happy to prepare a customized market analysis based on your home’s unique features and the most recent neighborhood sales. The condition of your home can have a significant impact on its value, so a personalized evaluation is far more accurate than relying on automated estimates.
Whether you’re thinking about selling this year, planning ahead for the future, or simply curious about your home’s current value, feel free to reach out anytime.
I’d be happy to help.
CHRISTINE ALMARINES
Real Estate Agent | CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate
📱 714-476-4637
📧 christine@carealestategroup.com
DRE #01412944
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
Summer often means more laundry. Whether it’s sweaty workout clothes, beach towels, sports uniforms, or vacation gear, your washer and dryer work overtime this time of year.
A little preventative maintenance now can help your appliances run more efficiently, last longer, and potentially save you from costly repairs later.
Over time, detergent residue, dirt, and moisture can build up inside your washer.
One simple maintenance step is running an empty cleaning cycle using diluted white vinegar or bleach to help eliminate odors and reduce mold growth.
If you own a front-loading washer, don’t forget about the rubber door gasket. This area can trap moisture, detergent residue, and debris.
• Wipe behind the rubber gasket regularly
• Remove detergent buildup and debris
• Leave the door open after cleaning to allow the gasket to dry
• Check for signs of mold or mildew
Many homeowners assume more detergent means cleaner clothes. Unfortunately, the opposite can be true.
Excess detergent can leave residue inside the machine and on clothing. Over time, buildup can create unpleasant odors, interfere with proper rinsing, and even contribute to premature appliance wear.
Always follow manufacturer recommendations for detergent usage.
Dryers also require routine attention to operate safely and efficiently.
After every load:
• Remove lint from the lint screen
• Wash the lint screen periodically if you use dryer sheets
• Check for lint buildup around the dryer opening
If your clothes are taking longer than usual to dry, inspect the dryer vent tube for excess lint accumulation.
Many modern dryers include moisture sensors that help determine when clothes are dry.
Residue from dryer sheets can coat these sensors and cause inaccurate readings. Cleaning them periodically with soap and water helps maintain proper performance.
Professional dryer vent cleaning is one of the most important maintenance services homeowners can schedule.
Lint buildup inside dryer vents can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, increase drying times, and create a potential fire hazard.
Professional vent cleaning typically costs between $100 and $200 and can provide valuable peace of mind.
Regular washer and dryer maintenance helps improve performance, extend appliance life, reduce odors, and improve safety.
A few simple maintenance steps today can help prevent inconvenient breakdowns and expensive repairs tomorrow.
Most homeowners should clean their washing machine monthly, especially during periods of heavy use.
Leaving the door open helps moisture evaporate and reduces the risk of mold and mildew growth.
Most experts recommend professional dryer vent cleaning every one to two years, depending on usage.
Yes. Excess detergent can create buildup, unpleasant odors, poor rinsing performance, and premature wear on machine components.
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Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
Get FREE ACCESS to these helpful resources!
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>> Buy a Home in Southern California with Confidence
Christine Almarines
📱 714-476-4637 | DRE #01412944
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📱 949-391-8266 | DRE #02179675
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📱 562-879-4181 | DRE #02174000
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Real Estate Agents | CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate
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