What the Market’s Telling Us This Fall — And Why It Still Might Be a Smart Time to Move

 

If you’re a homeowner or buyer trying to make sense of the real estate market right now, you’re not alone.

We’re hearing a lot of conflicting messages — talk of high interest rates, buyer hesitation, inventory building up — and it’s easy to assume things are headed in the wrong direction. But when you zoom in on the actual data in our local market, a clearer picture starts to emerge:

Prices Are Still Rising — Just Not As Fast
In Ventura County, the average sales price in September 2025 was $865,000, up just slightly from $857,500 a year ago — about a 0.9% increase.

In Los Angeles County, prices rose from $889,000 to $912,000 over the same period — a 2.6% jump year-over-year.

That means prices aren’t dropping — but the rapid growth we saw during the pandemic years has definitely slowed. It’s a more stable market now, which is good news for both sides: buyers aren’t chasing prices, and sellers are still seeing solid value.

Homes Are Sitting Longe
One of the biggest shifts we’re seeing right now is how long it’s taking homes to sell:
• In Ventura County, homes are staying on the market 30.4% longer than they were this time last year.
• In LA County, that number is even higher — homes are taking 33.3% longer to sell.

That’s not a crash — it’s a reflection of buyer caution and rising inventory. But it also means buyers have more time to make decisions, and sellers need to be thoughtful about how they position their homes. The “list it and leave it” approach doesn’t work anymore.

Why Fall Still Brings Opportunity
This season often gets overlooked, but fall can be a great time to make a move — especially in a market like this:
• There’s less competition from other buyers and sellers.
• Inventory is up, so buyers have more choices.
• Sellers still have time to close before the holidays (or prep for 2026).

Let’s Talk About What This Means for You
Every move is different — and whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just want to plan ahead for early 2026, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.

We keep a close eye on the data, but we also know how to interpret it for you. We believe the best decisions are made with good information, smart timing, and the right people in your corner.

If you’re wondering whether now’s the right time, let’s talk through it together.