Think Nobody’s Buying Homes Right Now? Southern California Sellers Should Think Again
If you’re thinking about selling a home in Southern California but keep hearing that buyers are sitting on the sidelines, you may be wondering whether it makes sense to put your home on the market right now.
The housing market has certainly changed. Today’s buyers may be more selective, mortgage rates remain higher than many would like, and not every home is selling overnight.
But that doesn’t mean buyers have disappeared.
In fact, recent housing data shows that serious buyers are still actively purchasing homes — including right here in Southern California.
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Buyers Are Still Buying Homes in 2026
One way to measure buyer activity is by looking at pending home sales — homes where a buyer and seller have already entered into a contract but the transaction has not yet closed.
Keeping Current Matters recently highlighted data showing that more homes have been going under contract than during the same period in the previous two years.
The takeaway for homeowners thinking about selling is simple:
People have not stopped buying homes.
Life continues regardless of mortgage rates. Families grow. Jobs change. People relocate. Homeowners downsize. Renters decide they’re ready to buy. Others simply reach the point where waiting no longer makes sense.
Those buyers may be more cautious than they were a few years ago, but many are still motivated and ready to make a move.
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Southern California Buyers Are Still Active
What does the June 2026 pending home sales data show? While pending sales softened nationally, the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metro recorded a 9.6% year-over-year increase, showing that Southern California buyer activity remains stronger than national headlines might suggest.
The latest California housing numbers make this especially relevant for homeowners in Orange County and Los Angeles County.
California: +6.0%
Los Angeles Metro: +9.1%
Southern California: +10.8%
According to the California Association of REALTORS®, existing single-family home sales throughout California increased 6.0% in June 2026 compared with June 2025.
Southern California performed even better, with home sales increasing 10.8% year over year.
There are also encouraging numbers closer to home.
The National Association of REALTORS® reported that the Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim metropolitan area saw pending home sales increase 9.6% year over year in June, placing it among the strongest large metro areas in the country for annual pending-sales growth.
For homeowners in communities such as Cerritos, Buena Park, Cypress, Anaheim, Fullerton, Lakewood, Long Beach, Bellflower, Garden Grove, Placentia and surrounding Southern California cities, this is an important reminder:
There are still buyers looking for homes.
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But Today’s Buyers Are More Selective
This is where sellers need to understand how the 2026 real estate market is different.
Having buyers in the market does not mean every property will immediately receive multiple offers.
Buyers generally have more choices today, and they are paying close attention to:
- Asking price
- Property condition
- Updates and improvements
- Floor plan and location
- Comparable home sales
- How well the home shows online and in person
- Whether the home feels like a good value
Keeping Current Matters points out that sellers can no longer assume they can price a home however they want or skip preparing it properly for the market. Buyers are willing to wait for the right property at the right price.
That means pricing and positioning matter.
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We’re Seeing Buyer Demand Locally Too
National and statewide statistics are helpful, but what matters most is what buyers are actually doing in your local market.
We recently listed a home in Buena Park and welcomed approximately 50 groups of buyers through the property during the first weekend of open houses.
The home also generated multiple offers.
That doesn’t mean every home will receive the exact same response. Every property, neighborhood, price range and market is different.
But it does reinforce what the broader housing data is showing:
Buyers haven’t disappeared. They’re simply becoming more selective about which homes they pursue.
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What Does This Mean If You’re Thinking About Selling?
For sellers, the question may not be:
“Are there buyers?”
A better question is:
“How do I position my home so the buyers who are already looking choose mine?”
That starts with having the right strategy before your property ever goes on the market.
1. Price Your Home Based on Today’s Market
Your home’s value isn’t determined by what a neighbor sold for several years ago or by an automated online estimate.
Pricing should consider recent comparable sales, current competing listings, neighborhood demand, lot size, condition, upgrades, floor plan and current buyer behavior.
A home priced correctly from the beginning has a much better opportunity to attract serious attention.
2. Make a Strong First Impression
Today’s buyers usually see your home online before they ever walk through the front door.
Professional photography, thoughtful preparation, curb appeal and proper presentation can make the difference between someone scrolling past your listing and scheduling a showing.
3. Understand Your Competition
Buyers are comparing your property with every other home available in their preferred location and price range.
Understanding that competition helps determine how your home should be priced, presented and marketed.
4. Market Beyond Simply Putting the Home in the MLS
Listing a property is only one part of selling it.
A comprehensive marketing plan may include professional photography and video, digital advertising, social media exposure, open houses, direct marketing, agent networking and outreach to potential buyers.
The goal is to create as much qualified exposure as possible.
5. Adjust Based on Buyer Feedback
Once your home is on the market, showing activity, online engagement and buyer feedback provide valuable information.
A strong real estate strategy shouldn’t stop once the listing goes live. The market should continually be evaluated so adjustments can be made when necessary.
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Southern California Inventory Is Still Relatively Limited
From June 2025 to June 2026, unsold inventory declined:
- California: 3.8 → 3.1 months
- Los Angeles Metro: 4.0 → 3.4 months
- Southern California: 3.9 → 3.2 months
Another factor sellers should keep in mind is housing supply.
California’s Unsold Inventory Index fell to 3.1 months in June 2026, compared with 3.8 months one year earlier. Active listings were also down 10.4% from June 2025.
That doesn’t automatically mean every seller has the upper hand, but relatively limited inventory can create opportunity for homeowners whose properties are well positioned for today’s buyers.
California homes also sold in a median of 23 days in June, and the statewide sales-price-to-list-price ratio was 100%.
Again, real estate conditions vary significantly by city, neighborhood and price point, which is why local market analysis is so important.
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The Buyers Are There. The Strategy Matters.
The 2026 real estate market may feel different from the fast-moving market of several years ago.
That’s okay.
A slower or more balanced market does not mean nobody is buying.
Recent California and Southern California housing statistics show that homes are still selling and buyers are still making offers. The difference is that today’s buyers tend to be more deliberate about which homes they choose and what they’re willing to pay.
For sellers, that makes preparation, pricing, presentation and marketing more important than ever.
The buyers are there.
The opportunity is there.
The right strategy is what connects the two.
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Thinking About Selling Your Southern California Home?
Before you decide whether now is the right time to sell, let’s look at what is actually happening in your neighborhood and your price range.
CA Real Estate Group can help you evaluate recent comparable sales, current competition, buyer demand and your home’s potential market value so you can make an informed decision — whether you’re ready to sell now or simply planning ahead.
Serving homeowners throughout Cerritos, Buena Park, Anaheim, Bellflower, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Lakewood, Long Beach, Placentia and surrounding Orange County and Los Angeles County communities.
Curious what your home could sell for in today’s market? Contact CA Real Estate Group for a personalized home value and selling strategy.
Inspired in part by housing-market insights from Keeping Current Matters. Local and California market statistics sourced from the California Association of REALTORS® and National Association of REALTORS®.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Home in Southern California
Are buyers still buying homes in Southern California in 2026?
Yes. Buyers are still purchasing homes throughout Southern California, although today’s buyers may be more selective about price, condition and overall value. Recent housing data has continued to show sales activity throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County markets. The key for sellers is making sure their home is positioned competitively for the buyers who are actively searching.
Is 2026 a good time to sell a home in Southern California?
Whether 2026 is a good time to sell depends on your specific property, neighborhood, financial goals and future plans. Rather than trying to time the entire housing market, homeowners should look at current inventory, comparable sales, buyer demand and competition within their individual price range and community.
Why isn’t my home selling even if buyers are still active?
When buyers have more choices, homes that are overpriced, poorly presented or not marketed effectively may take longer to sell. Price, condition, photography, online presentation, competition and local buyer demand can all affect how quickly a property receives offers.
How should I price my home in today’s market?
Your asking price should be based on current local market conditions rather than an online home-value estimate alone. A comparative market analysis should consider recent sales, competing listings, location, lot size, square footage, upgrades, condition, floor plan and current buyer activity.
Do I need to renovate my home before selling?
Not necessarily. Some improvements may increase buyer appeal, while others may not provide enough return to justify their cost. Before completing major renovations, it’s helpful to have a real estate professional evaluate the property and identify which repairs or improvements are most likely to influence today’s buyers.
How can I attract more buyers to my home?
Strong pricing, professional photography, thoughtful preparation and comprehensive marketing can help generate greater exposure. Depending on the property, marketing may include online promotion, social media, video, open houses, direct marketing, agent networking and targeted outreach to potential buyers.
How do I know what my Southern California home is worth?
Your home’s potential market value depends on much more than its square footage. Recent comparable sales, neighborhood, lot size, property condition, upgrades, layout, location and current competition should all be considered. A personalized comparative market analysis can provide a more accurate picture of what buyers may be willing to pay today.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or lending advice. Mortgage qualification requirements, interest rates, loan programs, and underwriting guidelines change over time. Buyers should consult with a licensed mortgage professional to obtain current financing information tailored to their individual circumstances.
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.
>> How Much Is My Southern California Home Worth?
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.