If you’re thinking about selling your home right now, you might be wondering, “Should I sell now in the fall or wait until the spring?” That’s one of the most common questions we’re hearing at the moment, and today, we’re here to answer it.
Selling your home in Southern California, especially in the Los Angeles area, can be a strategic decision based on market conditions. Let me share a few reasons why this fall might be the perfect time to sell.
Serious Buyers Are Out Now
In the fall, buyers tend to be more motivated and ready to make offers. Many are relocating for work or trying to settle in before the holidays. Others might have growing families or need to downsize. Whatever the case, fall buyers are often serious about closing deals quickly. They’re not just browsing the market—they’re on a mission to find the right home.
Less Competition Means More Attention on Your Home
One of the biggest advantages of selling in the fall is the reduced competition. In the spring, many homeowners put their properties on the market, and the sheer volume of listings can make it harder for your home to stand out. By contrast, the fall months tend to see fewer homes available, which means your property will get more attention from serious buyers.
Current Market Inventory
Right now, we have about 10,222 properties for sale in Los Angeles County. That’s up from roughly 8,000 in the same period last year, but it’s actually down from the spring by about 15 to 20%, depending on the neighborhood. Fewer homes on the market means your property has a greater chance to shine and attract multiple offers.
Interest Rates Are Shaping the Market
A major factor influencing the current market is interest rates. In the 91326 zip code, we’ve seen some interesting shifts. Back in February, only 34 homes were for sale out of about 13,000 single-family units. Interest rates surged to 7.25% in April, driving up inventory. But as rates have started to settle in the low sixes, we’ve seen inventory decrease—now sitting at 87 homes.
As interest rates come down, buyers are becoming more competitive again. While a few months ago, buyers could often come in under the list price, today homes are selling for about 1.7% above list price on average in L.A. County. With lower interest rates and more competition among buyers, now could be the ideal time to sell.
Buyer Demand Is Growing
As rates drop and more buyers enter the market, we’re seeing homes get multiple offers again. For example, a recent listing in Valencia had a couple of offers within a short time, despite having previous price reductions. This is a clear indication that the market is picking up as we move into the fall.
The Beauty of Fall in Southern California
Fall in Los Angeles is an ideal time to showcase your home. With stunning sunsets, mild temperatures, and fantastic weather, your property will look its best in photos, including twilight shots as well as our video tours.
Should You Sell Now or Wait Until Spring?
If you’re considering selling and already have a plan for where to go next, it might make sense to list your home this fall. The combination of lower rates, increasing buyer demand, and less competition makes it a prime opportunity.
So, what’s your take? Would you prefer to sell in the spring or the fall? Feel free to drop a comment below or reach out with any questions. I’m Scott Himelstein with the Scott Himelstein Group, and I’d be happy to help you navigate the best time to sell. Call me at 818-396-3311 to discuss your options. Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you on the next post!
