The U.S. housing market is showing continued, if gradual, signs of rebalancing—an important trend we’re tracking closely for our clients here in Orange County and beyond. Active inventory has increased by about 4% year-over-year nationwide, though this pace of growth has cooled for the first time in over a month. For buyers, this means a more balanced environment is developing, but without any sudden surges in available homes.
Homes are averaging 61 days on the market—unchanged from last year and consistent with the typical late-third-quarter slowdown we expect after a brisker start to 2026. New listings have dipped slightly, down around 1% year-over-year, bringing us back to 2025 levels. This is a reflection of ongoing affordability challenges that are prompting both buyers and sellers to move thoughtfully.
The median listing price now sits at $419,000 (down about 1% from last year), and the price-per-square-foot has edged lower to $222—the lowest we’ve seen since early 2026. These shifts, combined with steady inventory gains and higher mortgage rates, are slowly tilting the market toward buyers, even though change is happening at a measured pace rather than all at once.
With our proprietary systems, we help sellers, buyers, and investors adapt to these evolving conditions—ensuring your approach is as strategic and results-driven as the market demands.
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