Costa Mesa Real Estate Update: The Seller’s Blueprint for a Strong Spring Market

As we move closer to spring, the Orange County housing market is beginning to shift — and for sellers in Costa Mesa, strategy matters more than ever. The latest housing report makes it clear that guessing, hoping, or relying on last year’s headlines is not enough. Today’s market rewards preparation, precision pricing, and understanding current trends. If you’re thinking about selling a home in Costa Mesa or anywhere in Orange County, now is the time to rely on real data.

One of the biggest takeaways from January is how important pricing has become. In Orange County, 66% of homes sold below their original asking price. That tells us buyers are careful and informed. They compare homes, watch pricing closely, and move quickly when something is positioned correctly. Homes that sold at or above asking price averaged just 8 days on the market. But homes that reduced their price later often sat for around three months before selling. The lesson is simple: pricing correctly from the start protects your time and your equity.

The good news is that buyer demand is picking up quickly as we approach the Spring Market. In just two weeks, buyer demand surged by 19%, showing that more buyers are stepping back into the market. At the same time, inventory only increased by 6%. When demand rises faster than supply, the market naturally speeds up. In fact, the Expected Market Time — the number of days it takes to sell all listings at the current pace — dropped from 75 days to 67 days. That’s a noticeable improvement and a strong sign that momentum is building across Orange County real estate, including here in Costa Mesa.

Mortgage rates are also playing a major role. Rates are hovering near 6%, about a full percentage point lower than this time last year. That drop translates to roughly a 10% increase in buyer purchasing power. When buyers can afford more, confidence rises — and that fuels activity. While the Spring Market is typically the busiest time of year, it’s also when more sellers enter the market, increasing competition. Sellers who list before peak competition, and who price strategically with strong presentation and “wow factor,” are often in the best position for success.

For Costa Mesa homeowners, the message is clear: this is not a chaotic market — it’s a strategic one. The homes that sell fastest and strongest are the ones that are move-in ready, thoughtfully priced, and supported by accurate data. As the Orange County housing market transitions into spring, the opportunity is there — but the blueprint matters.