OC & Placentia Real Estate Market Update

Your Go-To Market Update

As we kick off 2025, one question I frequently hear is, “How’s the real estate market doing?” While the answer can vary widely depending on your specific city, neighborhood, and type of home, I’ve compiled an overview to give Placentia and our Orange County neighbors a clear picture of the current landscape.

January Sales: A Minor Dip, But Not the End

Let’s dive into the numbers. January home sales in Orange County took a slight step back, decreasing by 4.9% compared to December. It’s tempting to read too much into this, but let’s think of it as a brief nap rather than a full-on slumber—more of a snooze button hit than a cancel on the alarm! It’s important to remember that the market often slows down during the holiday months, and January is no exception.

But here’s the silver lining: In the bigger picture, we’ve witnessed four consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases! That’s right; despite January’s dip, momentum is building. With more homes appearing on the market, we’re starting to see a refreshing boost in inventory—a welcome sign for buyers who may have felt constrained last year.

Adapting to Higher Interest Rates

January's market activity took place against the backdrop of higher interest rates and seasonal factors. Many potential buyers were bundled up, navigating holiday distractions while contemplating their housing goals for the new year. After all, January in real estate can be akin to a Monday morning—full of potential but also a bit sluggish.

What’s Ahead? Key Economic Reports to Watch

Mark your calendars, because this week promises to be illuminating for the real estate market. On Friday, we’re expecting the Federal Reserve’s favorite inflation metric: the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index. This report will shed light on economic conditions and consumer spending, much like a report card for the market.

The upcoming week will be bustling with crucial data:

Tuesday: Home appreciation figures will tell us if those home values continue to ascend.
Wednesday: New home sales will reveal buyer interest in the new build segment.
Thursday: A jam-packed day with pending home sales, jobless claims, and a second look at last year’s economic performance.

Expect these developments to provide clear directions for where the market is heading.

Looking Forward to a Strong Year

In summary, while January may have started off a tad slower, the outlook for Southern California real estate—particularly for our beloved Placentia and Orange County—is bright. With increasing inventory and positive year-over-year trends, we can gear up for an exciting year ahead.

Stay tuned for updates, and if you’re curious about testing the market, don’t hesitate to reach out! Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just exploring your options, I’m here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of real estate. Here’s to a prosperous 2025!

If you have any questions about the current market in Placentia or anywhere in Orange County, feel free to contact me for personalized insights or to discuss your real estate needs! Let’s make this year a successful one!