Inside February 2026 Insights on Real Estate:

1. The New Wish List: What Buyers Dream Of
2. Is Your Home Ready for Its Close-Up?
3. Home Staging Strategy: Show Off the Space, Not the Stuff
4. Trees and Shrubs Grow Home Value
5. 2026 Real Estate Market Outlook

Average 30-year mortgage rates dropped to near 6% in January. For buyers, lower rates mean the same-priced home costs less per month and you can often qualify for a higher price point with the same income. For sellers, it means increased demand, which puts you in a great position for cleaner negotiations and quicker offers.

 

Let’s connect and plan your next steps. Send us a DM!

———–

CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group

———–

Christine Almarines @christine_almarines

714-476-4637 | DRE #01412944

 

Anaid Bautista @anaidrealtor

949-391-8266 | DRE #02179675

 

Letty Luna @lettylunarealestate

562-879-4181 | DRE #02174000

 

Serving Buena Park, Cerritos, LA County, Orange County and all surrounding areas

Keeping Current Matters | Jan 26, 2026

When you see a house that’s been sitting on the market for a while, the reaction is almost automatic. You start thinking:

• What’s wrong with it?
• Why hasn’t anyone bought it yet?
• Am I missing something?

That mindset made sense a few years ago. But in today’s market, you may actually miss out.

More Time on Market Isn’t Automatically a Concern Anymore

A few years ago, homes sold in just a matter of days. Sometimes, hours. Anything that lingered longer than that raised concerns. But that’s no longer the baseline.

Inventory has grown. Buyers have more choices. And homes are taking longer to sell across the board. Those are some of the reasons why the typical time it takes a home to sell has climbed this year:

And it’s not that 73 days is slow. That’s actually pretty normal for this time of year. It just feels slow because you heard so much about houses being snapped up in the buying frenzy a few years ago.

That shift alone explains a lot of what you’re seeing. It’s not necessarily that there’s anything wrong with the house itself. Although, let’s be honest, sometimes that is the case.

Most of the time today, a house that’s taking longer to sell simply means:

• There are a lot of homes for sale in that area
• The seller priced a little too high at first
• The home didn’t photograph as well online
• Buyers passed it over for flashier listings nearby
• The timing just wasn’t right when it first hit the market

None of those are necessarily deal-breakers.

What Buyers Often Get Wrong About These Listings

Because even though you may assume a house that hasn’t sold must have hidden issues, the reality is, that’s not always the case. And, if the house does have issues, it’ll show up quickly in your inspection.

That’s information you can use to negotiate. Not a reason to walk away automatically. And in many cases, that’s where buyers find the best deals.

The key is knowing which homes that have been sitting for a while are worth a second look – and which ones aren’t. That’s why working with a local agent makes a real difference. They’ll be able to look at disclosures and more to help you uncover hidden gems other buyers may overlook.

Bottom Line

A home sitting on the market isn’t always a warning sign. Sometimes it’s an overlooked opportunity.

If you want help identifying which homes are worth a second look (and which ones to skip), talk to CARE Group.  DM one of us!

—–

CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate

Christine Almarines @christine_almarines
📱 714-476-4637 | DRE #01412944

Anaid Bautista @anaidrealtor
📱 949-391-8266 | DRE #02179675 (Hablo espanol)

Letty Luna @lettylunarealestate
📱 562-879-4181 | DRE #02174000 (Hablo espanol)

Serving Buena Park, Cerritos, LA County, Orange County and all surrounding areas

Hello, Cerritos!

If you’ve been watching the real estate market and wondering whether now is the right time to buy, sell, or simply sit tight, November’s housing data offers some valuable insight. The Cerritos real estate market continues to show movement, but with clear signs that strategy, pricing, and condition matter more than ever.

Let’s break down what’s happening and what it means for homeowners and buyers alike.

Single-Family Homes: Still Moving, But With Intention

Single detached homes in Cerritos remain in demand, especially for properties that are well-maintained and priced appropriately. In November, the market recorded:

• 18 active listings

• 15 pending sales

• 4 homes on hold

• 9 homes sold

The average list price for active single-family homes was $1,342,685, while the average sold price came in at $1,286,667. This gap between list and sold prices signals a more balanced market, buyers are active, but they are negotiating.

Homes spent an average of 27 days on the market, which is still relatively fast and shows that desirable properties are not sitting long. Sellers who understand current buyer expectations are being rewarded, while those who overprice or skip necessary preparation may see longer market times.

Condos & Townhomes: Value-Focused Buyers Take Their Time

Attached homes, condos and townhouses tell a slightly different story. In November, Cerritos saw:

• 9 active listings

• 8 pending sales

• 4 sold homes

The average active list price in this category was $720,449, while the average sold price dropped to $604,750. That difference highlights a key trend: buyers in this segment are price-sensitive and highly selective.

Attached homes averaged 48 days on the market, nearly double the time of single-family homes. This doesn’t mean demand isn’t there, it simply means buyers are weighing options carefully, comparing condition, HOA fees, and long-term value before making a move.

For sellers, this underscores the importance of realistic pricing and presentation. For buyers, it may present opportunities to negotiate more favorable terms.

Why Cerritos Data Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

One of the most important things to understand about the Cerritos market is that not all homes perform the same. Two properties with similar square footage can sell at very different prices depending on:

• Condition and upgrades

• Lot size and layout

• Proximity to schools and amenities

• Overall neighborhood appeal

Market averages are helpful, but they don’t tell the full story. Your home’s value or the value of a home you’re considering depends on hyper-local factors that require a closer look.

That’s why a custom Equity Potential Insight Comparison is so important. It shows how your specific property stacks up against current competition and recent sales, giving you clarity instead of guesswork.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers Right Now

The Cerritos housing market isn’t slowing, it’s normalizing. Buyers are informed. Sellers need to be prepared. And success depends on having a clear plan.

If you’re selling, the right pricing and strategy can help you maximize your equity without unnecessary time on market. If you’re buying, understanding market leverage can save you thousands and help you compete confidently.

Guidance Matters in a Shifting Market

With constant changes in interest rates, inventory levels, and buyer behavior, navigating real estate decisions requires more than online estimates or headlines. It requires local expertise and thoughtful strategy.

CHRISTINE ALMARINES

I’m Christine Almarines, Team Lead of the CA Real Estate Group, where we put care into every transaction. If you’d like a personalized review of your home’s equity potential or want to talk through your next move in Cerritos, I’d be happy to help. Smart decisions start with good information and the right guide.

View Christine's Info

Christine Almarines
CA Real Estate Group | Caliber Real Estate
📱 714-476-4637
📧 christine@carealestategroup.com
DRE #01412944

Serving Buena Park, Cerritos, LA county, Orange County and all surrounding areas.

Facebook Instagram Youtube