The latest housing data is in—and it's clear: Orange County is experiencing one of its slowest markets in years. According to The Orange County Housing Report, the average time it takes to sell a home has jumped to 96 days—the highest mid-July number since 2011. Even in hot neighborhoods like Costa Mesa, many sellers are sitting and waiting… or pulling their homes off the market altogether.
But don’t let the headlines fool you—this slowdown isn’t a signal to panic. It’s a moment to get strategic. For homeowners with equity and low interest rates, it could actually be a great time to explore creative options. That might mean tapping into your equity for a smart refinance, buying a future home and renting it out, or adding an income-producing ADU to your property. The key is knowing your numbers and playing the long game.
Sellers who do want to move now need to price with precision and make sure their home shines—especially with more inventory and stable (but limited) buyer demand. Buyers, meanwhile, have a little more negotiating room—but don’t expect fire-sale prices. It’s all about fair market value, preparation, and working with an agent who knows how to navigate this new pace.
Whether you're planning to sell, upgrade, invest, or simply stay informed, I’m here as a resource. If you'd like a breakdown of your home’s value and what’s possible in this market, email me anytime. I can also send you the full July report from Steven Thomas with all the local stats. Reach out to [email protected].
