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!

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CA Real Estate Group | Caliber RE Group

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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!

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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.

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Hello, Buena Park!

If you’ve been wondering what’s really happening in the local housing market, November delivered some pretty interesting data. Whether you’re a homeowner, a future buyer, or just keeping tabs on the market, these numbers give us a clear snapshot of what direction Buena Park is heading.

I’m Christine Almarines with the CA Real Estate Group, and here’s what you need to know.

Single-Family Homes: Buyers and Sellers Still Showing up Strong

As of this recording, Buena Park’s single detached homes continue to move at a steady and competitive pace. November closed with 25 active listings, 20 pending sales, 7 homes on hold, and 20 homes sold. That’s a healthy level of activity for this time of year and shows that serious buyers are still in the market despite seasonal slowdowns and shifting interest rates.

One surprising data point? The average list price for active single-family homes came in at $1,025,312, while the average sold price landed at $1,025,780, yes, slightly above list price. This tells us two things: well-priced homes are still drawing strong demand, and buyers are willing to compete for the right home, even in a market that’s adjusting.

These homes spent an average of 36 days on the market, which is longer than the lightning-fast sales we saw in previous years, but still solid. It indicates a market that’s stabilizing rather than slowing to a halt.

Attached Homes: Affordability Meets Patience​

Now let’s talk condos, townhomes, and attached properties, an important segment for buyers looking for affordability or a lower-maintenance lifestyle.

In November, Buena Park recorded 15 active attached home listings, 10 pending sales, 2 on hold, and 4 closed sales. The average active list price was $803,300, while the average sold price came in at $777,500. This shows a slight gap between asking and selling prices, which isn’t unusual in this category. Attached homes also averaged 48 days on the market, suggesting these properties may require a little more patience from both sellers and buyers.

Still, the demand is present. Pending sales remain strong, showing that buyers are shopping but they’re more selective, and pricing accuracy is crucial.

Different Zip Codes, Different Stories ​

Buena Park isn’t a one-size fits all market. With multiple zip codes, the numbers can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood, property condition, upgrades, lot size, and overall desirability of the area. A home that looks similar on paper may hold a very different value depending on its exact location.

That’s why data alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Your home’s true value can only be understood with a personalized comparison, one that considers real-time competition, micro market trends, and the unique features of your property.

Why It Matters Right Now​​

With constant shifts in interest rates, buyer demand, and inventory, navigating the market requires more than watching headlines. It takes a strategy. Whether you’re planning to sell and want to maximize your equity, or you’re looking to buy and want to avoid overpaying, experience matters.

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 specific Equity Potential Insight Comparison (Home Value Report) of your Buena Park home, message me anytime. Your next move should be intentional and I’d be honored to guide you through it.

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.

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Keeping Current Matters | Nov 24, 2025

When the holidays roll around, travel plans, family gatherings, and all the chaos of the season may make you think it’s better to pull your listing off the market or to wait until 2026 to sell your house. But here’s the thing.

Waiting could mean missing out on a great window of opportunity. Because while other sellers are stepping away, you can lean in – and that might actually give you the edge. Here are 4 reasons selling now may be the better bet. 

1. Buyers This Time of Year Are Serious

Don’t let the season fool you. While casual browsers tend to step back around the holidays, serious buyers stay in the game. The people looking for homes right now usually aren’t just browsing. They’re ready to make a move and they usually want to close before the new year. As Zillow says:

“While more buyers have tended to shop in the spring and summer months, those shopping in the winter are likely to be motivated — often moving because of a job relocation, change in financial situation, or change in family needs.”

Their timelines are real and missing them would create a hassle for the buyer, so they’re eager to get the deal done. And that’s exactly the kind of buyer you want to work with.

2. You Have Control Over Your Schedule (and Showings)

Some homeowners decide not to sell this time of year because they don’t want to juggle showings during the holiday rush. They’re anticipating traveling to see family and thinking about buyers in their home only adds another layer of complexity.

But here’s what no one’s reminded them. You can control your showings and can set times that work for your schedule. You don’t have to stop your plans to keep your sale on track. The right agent can help you manage your calendar, your showings, and your stress level.

3. Other Sellers May Step Back, Which Means Less Competition

Because fewer sellers tend to list this time of year, the number of homes for sale usually falls a bit. Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist at Bright MLS, explains:

“As we approach the end of the year, listing activity tends to slow and would-be sellers decide to wait until after the new year to list . . .”

And in a year when inventory has been steadily rising, that seasonal slowdown works in your favor. With the potential for fewer sellers on the market, your house will stand out. So, a seasonal dip in listings could help you get noticed, especially if your home is priced right and presented well.

4. Homes Decorated for the Holidays Can Feel More Inviting

You may not realize it, but seasonal decor can actually help you appeal to buyers. Maybe it’s that they have an easier time picturing themselves making memories in the home. Maybe it just feels cozier and more inviting. Whatever the reason, it works. Sometimes tasteful seasonal touches can make it easier to sell your house.

But don’t go overboard. Keep your choices simple to let your home’s charm shine through.

Bottom Line

There are plenty of good reasons to put (or keep) your house on the market during this time of year.

If you want to talk strategy for how to make the most of this season in your market, connect with a local agent.