A Steady Market with Growing Opportunities
Orange County’s real estate market remains robust, with home values holding steady at a median of $1.04 million, consistent with recent weeks. Inventory has seen a slight increase, with approximately 4,200 homes available for sale, up from 4,136 last week. This modest growth offers buyers more choices, a welcome shift in a market that has favored sellers for much of the past year. However, with 1,787 homes going pending this week alone, buyer demand is far from slowing down. Well-priced properties are moving fast, with an average of just 11 days to pending, though the overall days on market has ticked up to 34 days.
This balance signals a market in transition. Buyers have more negotiating power thanks to the uptick in inventory, but competition remains fierce for move-in-ready homes. Sellers, meanwhile, must price strategically to stand out in a landscape where buyers are increasingly discerning. Our team is here to help you navigate these nuances with tailored strategies that maximize your success.
What’s Driving the Market?
Several factors are shaping Orange County’s real estate trends this Memorial Day:
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Inventory Growth: The rise to 4,200 homes for sale reflects a 1.5% increase week-over-week, giving buyers more options. New listings are hitting the market at a healthy pace, with 677 added last week, the strongest week for new inventory in 2025 so far. This trend suggests sellers are capitalizing on the seasonal surge in buyer interest as summer approaches.
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Swift Sales for Well-Priced Homes: Homes priced competitively are going under contract in record time, with 17% of pending sales (329 properties) achieving immediate contracts within seven days. This underscores the importance of pricing right from the start to attract serious buyers.
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Balanced Competition: While Orange County remains a seller’s market, the slight increase in inventory is moderating the frenzy. Buyers are taking more time to evaluate options, as evidenced by the uptick in average days on market to 34 days. For sellers, this means staging, marketing, and pricing are more critical than ever to capture attention.
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Stable Values with Room for Negotiation: The median home price of $1.04 million reflects stability, but 45.7% of homes sold below asking price in April 2025, indicating room for buyers to negotiate, especially on properties that linger. Sellers who overprice risk longer market times, while buyers can seize opportunities on realistically priced homes.
Tips for Buyers and Sellers This Memorial Day
For Buyers:
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Act Quickly on Great Finds: With well-priced homes going pending in just 11 days, be prepared to move fast. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to strengthen your offer and work with our team to identify properties that match your budget and lifestyle.
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Explore New Listings: The influx of 677 new listings last week means fresh opportunities, including single-family homes, condos, and townhomes across Orange County. Let us help you uncover hidden gems, including off-market properties.
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Leverage Negotiation Power: With nearly half of homes selling below asking, don’t hesitate to negotiate, especially on properties with longer days on market. Our expertise ensures you secure the best deal possible.
For Sellers:
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Price Smartly: In a market with growing inventory, overpricing can lead to extended days on market. Our team uses advanced market analysis to set a competitive price that attracts buyers quickly.
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Enhance Appeal: Staging and professional marketing are key to standing out. Highlight your home’s unique features—think ocean views, pools, or proximity to Orange County’s top amenities—to capture buyer interest.
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Time It Right: Memorial Day weekend brings heightened buyer activity. Listing now can position your home in front of motivated buyers eager to settle before summer.
Why Choose The Shepherd Real Estate Team?
At The Shepherd Real Estate Team, we’re more than realtors—we’re your partners in navigating Orange County’s ever-evolving market. Our deep local expertise, data-driven strategies, and personalized approach ensure you achieve your real estate goals. Whether you’re buying your dream home, selling for top dollar, or exploring investment properties, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
This Memorial Day, we’re proud to honor our heroes and serve our community with the same dedication. Ready to make your move? Contact us today for a free consultation, market analysis, or exclusive access to off-market listings. Let’s turn your real estate dreams into reality in Orange County’s vibrant market!
