The Early 2026 Housing Trends Are Here

What Orange County Sellers and Buyers Need to Know

January is complete, and the 2026 trends are solidifying. New listings came in nearly flat (+1.7%), inventory is growing at a similar pace to last year, and buyer demand is underperforming Orange County compared to all of Southern California—but the Expected Market Time just plunged 26 days in two weeks, the largest two-week January drop since 2019. Steven Thomas, Orange County's leading housing economist, breaks down what the early trends reveal about supply, demand, and market speed—and what it means for buyers and sellers right here in Orange County.

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OC-Trends
  • New listings nearly flat year-over-year
  • Demand underperforming compared to all of SoCal
  • Market time plunged 26 days in 2 weeks—sharpest January drop since 2019

What You'll Learn in
This Guide

This isn't generic advice. This is Orange County-specific strategy based on Steven Thomas's latest market data and our team's experience selling homes in Cypress, Anaheim, Buena Park, and surrounding cities.

  • Spring Market Timing Strategy: Understand exactly when demand peaks, when competition among sellers intensifies, and how to position your listing ahead of the March flood.
  • The New Pricing Reality: The market punishes overpriced listings immediately. Learn how to analyze comps, interpret buyer feedback, and price for activity from day one..
  • What 6% Rates Mean for Your Price Point: See exactly how rate changes affect buyer affordability in your price range—and what that means for your list price strategy.
  • Preparation That Actually Matters: Not every update adds value. Learn which improvements buyers care about and which ones waste time and money.
  • How We Guide Sellers Through Spring 2026: See how The Whitney Team approaches pricing, presentation, and timing to help sellers maximize results in this specific market environment.

Ready to Level Up Your Market Knowledge?

Download your free guide now and get started on the road to success.