What’s Really Happening in the Orange County Housing Market This Summer?

By Danae Aballi-Mecham

Danae Aballi-Mecham is a long-time real estate industry veteran. She has worked in various positions in the industry having grown from an independent real estate agent to running a team of 5 top producing agents.

Some sellers thought summer would bring a rush of buyers because school’s out, the weather’s nice, and it feels like the perfect time to sell. However, many homes are sitting on the market longer than expected. In Orange County, the average home is on the market for about 86 days. That’s longer than what we’ve seen in the past few years. I’ve had buyers and sellers ask me why this is happening, and I’ll break it down for you today:

Pricing is stuck in the past. Many homes that hit the market this spring were priced based on sales from January, February, or March, but the market has since shifted. Inventory is higher now, and buyers have more choices, which means you can’t price your home based on what sold months ago. Buyers are looking at what’s available right now, and if your home doesn’t match up well against similar homes currently on the market, it will likely remain unsold. As a seller, you need to be aware of your competition and the price range of their homes, as buyers are comparing and selecting carefully.

Homes need to look move-in ready. Another significant issue that may be causing homes to sit on the market is their condition. Because interest rates are high, buyers are already stretching their budgets, which is why they are reluctant to take on repairs or remodeling. If your home needs cosmetic updates, such as new paint or baseboard repairs, make them before listing. Buyers are looking for clean, fresh, and ready-to-occupy properties. Even minor updates can make your home stand out and sell faster.

Outdated marketing hurts your sales. I’m still seeing listings with poor photos, bad lighting, and no videos. That kind of marketing no longer works. Buyers scroll quickly; that’s why you want to capture their attention with high-quality photos and videos of your home. If your home doesn’t grab attention online, buyers will move on, and they’ll never take a second look. Professional photos, floor plan scans, virtual tours, and social media videos help homes sell faster.

What does this mean for buyers and sellers? If you’re a buyer, look for listings with poor marketing. There might be a deal waiting there that’s willing to negotiate for a lower price. If you’re a seller, ensure your home is priced correctly, looks fresh, and has strong marketing. Don’t rely on what worked last year because the market is different now.

Understanding what’s happening in today’s market is key to making the right move. If you’re thinking about buying or selling this summer, feel free to call or text me at 949-216-8565 or email me at danae@danaeaballi.com. I’d be happy to walk you through your options, pricing strategy, and what it takes to get results in this market.