06/12/2026
☀️ Orange County Market Update: Spring Wrap-Up
One thing has become very clear over the last few months:
This market is frustrating almost everyone.
Buyers are frustrated because rates are still higher than they'd like.
Sellers are frustrated because their neighbor's house sold in three days with ten offers a few years ago.
And the people waiting for a major crash are frustrated because Orange County home prices continue to show more resilience than many expected.
In other words, nobody is getting exactly what they want.
Which is usually a sign of a market finding balance.
As we head into summer, homes that are priced well and presented well are still attracting strong interest. Homes that miss the mark are sitting longer and seeing price adjustments.
That's a very different market than the one we had a few years ago, but it's also a healthier one.
One interesting trend I've noticed this quarter is that the conversation has shifted from interest rates to the broader economy. Recession concerns seem to be replacing rate concerns as the topic of choice.
Historically, though, as mentioned in the last update isn't all doom and gloom. In fact, most have not produced major nationwide home price declines, actually it's the opposite. The exception was 2008, when housing itself was the problem (but let's be honest, what were we doing giving gigantic loans out to people who were basically unemployed, those lending practices would never fly today).
The bigger story right now isn't fear.
It's patience.
Buyers are taking more time.
Sellers are having to be more realistic.
And the market continues to reward strategy over emotion.
We'll see what summer brings, but for now Orange County real estate feels less like a roller coaster and more like a negotiation.
Wishing you all an amazing Summer!
