For the first time in nearly a decade, the national housing market is showing signs of cooling—and it’s happening sooner than many expected. The latest Realtor.com Weekly Housing Trends Report reveals that the national median list price fell 1.1% year-over-year, following nine straight weeks of either flat or increasing prices.

While this isn’t a massive drop, it marks a notable turning point. Combined with rising inventory and economic uncertainty, this data signals that we may be entering a more balanced—if still complex—market for summer 2025.

📊 What’s Behind the Shift?

This dip in prices didn’t come out of nowhere. It’s the result of several market forces converging:

1. 🏘️ Inventory Is Climbing Fast

There are now over 1 million homes for sale nationwide—the highest number since December 2019. That includes a 29.7% year-over-year increase in total inventory, and an 8.2% rise in new listings.

In areas like Brea, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, and Walnut, we’re seeing more homes come on the market each week—giving buyers more options and sellers more competition.

2. ⏳ Homes Are Taking Longer to Sell

The typical home is now spending 50 days on the market, which is six days longer than the same time last year. That’s the longest stretch of added time since March, and it gives buyers more breathing room to evaluate their options rather than rushing into offers.

3. 💸 Affordability Remains a Barrier

While prices are softening, high mortgage rates—hovering just under 7%—continue to keep monthly payments elevated. According to Fannie Mae’s recent sentiment index, nearly 80% of Americans believe it’s a bad time to buy a home due to affordability and job security concerns.

Even though inflation ticked down to 2.3% in April (the lowest in 50 months), broader economic anxiety is keeping many buyers hesitant.

🧠 What This Means for You

If You’re a Buyer:

This shift could present a real opportunity—more choices, slower competition, and price softening. For the first time in a while, buyers in Southern California markets like Rowland Heights, La Habra, and Yorba Linda may be able to negotiate more favorable terms.

💡 However, keep in mind that affordability is still a challenge. Running the numbers and getting pre-approved early can help you act quickly when the right property appears.

Use these tools to get started:

• 📊 Mortgage Calculator

• 🔎 Perfect Home Finder Tool

If You’re a Seller:

It’s no longer enough to simply list and wait for offers. With more homes on the market, buyers are more selective, and pricing too high can result in extended time on market or the need for future reductions.

That said—a well-positioned home can still sell fast and well.
In fact, two of my recent listings sold for over $100,000 above asking price. Not because of market conditions—but because of a smart marketing plan built around timing, exposure, and pricing strategy.

A few pillars of that approach:

• Professional photography and video

• Targeted advertising (especially on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube)

• Staging advice and guided presentation

• Price positioning based on hyper-local data

🎯 Curious what your home is worth in today’s market?
Get a free, no-pressure home value report here:
👉 Free Home Valuation

🔮 What’s Ahead for Summer 2025?

Unless mortgage rates drop significantly, buyer activity will likely remain subdued, and sellers will need to adjust expectations. While the market isn't heading for a crash, we're clearly seeing a transition away from the hyper-competitive environment of the past few years.

This is not a time to panic—but it is a time to plan.

📞 Need Help Navigating the Shift?

Whether you’re buying your first home, planning to upsize, or considering a strategic sale, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity—not guesswork.

📍 I serve the San Gabriel Valley and North Orange County, including Brea, Walnut, Rowland Heights, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, and beyond.

🛠️ Get started with these free tools:

• Home Valuation Report

• Mortgage Calculator

• Perfect Home Match Search

📞 Call or text me anytime: 909-610-5188
🌐 Visit: jackmarealestate.com

Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay strategic.
The market may be changing, but with the right approach, your goals are still within reach.