🚨 Orange County Real Estate Update: Why Costa Mesa Buyers Finally Have the Upper Hand 🚨
For the first time in years, the Orange County housing market—Costa Mesa included—has officially tipped in favor of buyers. With the highest active inventory level for June since 2019 and demand holding steady, buyers are seeing more options and negotiating power than they’ve had in a long time. If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, this could be your best shot to make a move before rates drop and competition heats up again.
Compared to the frenzy of 2020–2022, today’s pace feels almost calm. Inventory in OC is up 61% year over year, and nearly 37% of homes on the market have already seen at least one price reduction. That means less bidding war stress, more breathing room at open houses, and a higher chance of snagging a home that checks more of your boxes. However, values haven’t dropped off a cliff—they’re down just 0.4% month-over-month—so don’t expect a fire sale. The market is simply more balanced.
Sellers, this shift means pricing accurately is everything. Gone are the days of wildly over-asking offers within 24 hours. Today’s buyers are savvy and selective, and if your property isn’t priced to compete, it’ll sit—and likely need a price cut later. The good news? Well-prepared, well-marketed homes in Costa Mesa still move, especially in lifestyle-friendly neighborhoods like Eastside or the Mesa Verde golf area.
📲 Thinking of buying or selling in Costa Mesa while the market is in this rare window of opportunity? Let’s chat. I’ve got the strategies—and the stats—to help you win in this new landscape.
