The Shepherd Real Estate Team is excited to bring you our weekly pulse on Orange County’s vibrant real estate market. Whether you’re dreaming of a new home, planning to sell, or just curious about local trends, we’ve got the insights you need for the week ending May 16, 2025. Let’s dive into what’s happening in OC!
Market Highlights: What’s New This Week
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Home Values: Orange County homes are holding steady at an average value of around $1.04 million, up slightly by 0.5% from last year.
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Available Properties: We’re seeing over 4,600 homes on the market, up from 4,561 last week, giving buyers a bit more to choose from.
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Time on Market: Homes are averaging 52 days on the market, but the median is a quick 33 days, so well-priced properties are snapping up fast.
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Hot Listings: This week, 329 homes went under contract within just 7 days, making up 17% of pending sales. The market’s moving!
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Pricing Scoop:
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Single-Family Homes: List prices have softened slightly, with closed prices dipping for the second week. Homes are selling for about $13,395 below asking on average.
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Condos & Townhomes: List prices are steady at $888,000, but closed prices dropped to $760,000, down from $795,000 last week.
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What’s Driving Orange County’s Market?
Buyers: More Choices, But Don’t Wait
With more homes hitting the market, buyers have greater options than in recent years. That said, 17% of properties go pending in a week, so the best deals—think move-in-ready homes at the right price—don’t stick around. We’ve noticed a surge in buyer interest, with mortgage applications up 11% in early May. Let our team guide you to the perfect home in Irvine, Newport Beach, or beyond before someone else claims it!
Sellers: Stand Out with Smart Pricing
As inventory grows, sellers are competing for attention—only 684 homes (out of over 4,600) have been listed for over 90 days. To sell quickly, price competitively and highlight what makes your home special, like a renovated kitchen or a prime coastal location. Our expert marketing strategies will ensure your property shines in this evolving market.
The Big Picture
Mortgage rates around 7% are keeping both buyers and sellers cautious, but Orange County’s unbeatable lifestyle keeps demand strong. We expect inventory to keep climbing through summer 2025, which could stabilize prices. Plus, exciting projects like the 3,100-home village planned for Irvine’s Oak Creek Golf Course could reshape the market down the line. We’re here to keep you informed every step of the way!
Where to Look in OC
Every corner of Orange County has its own vibe:
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Coastal Havens (Newport Beach, Laguna Beach): High demand and limited homes mean premium prices—perfect for luxury buyers.
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Inland Gems (Irvine, Tustin): More listings and approachable prices make these areas ideal for families or first-timers.
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North OC (Anaheim, Fullerton): Affordable condos and townhomes are selling fast to budget-savvy buyers.
Want the scoop on your neighborhood? Reach out for a personalized market breakdown!
Tips from Your Shepherd Real Estate Team
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Buyers: Let us set up custom alerts for fresh listings or price drops. With thousands of homes available, we’ll narrow down the ones that match your must-haves and help you get pre-approved to move fast.
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Sellers: Partner with us to price smart and stage your home for maximum appeal. Our proven strategies will attract serious buyers in this competitive market.
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Curious?: Contact us for a no-obligation chat about your real estate goals. We’re your local experts, ready to answer any question!
Why Trust The Shepherd Real Estate Team?
We’re not just realtors—we’re your neighbors, dedicated to making your Orange County real estate journey seamless and successful. From first-time buyers to seasoned investors, we bring local know-how, personalized service, and a passion for helping you achieve your dreams. Ready to take the next step? Let’s connect for a free consultation!
What’s Coming Next?
Orange County’s market is finding its groove: more homes, steady demand, and slight price tweaks. Whether you’re ready to jump in or just watching from the sidelines, we’ll keep you in the loop with weekly updates. Got a question about a specific city, property, or trend?
Here’s to finding your perfect OC home,
The Shepherd Real Estate Team
