If I had a dollar for every time a client told me they were "waiting for Spring" to list their home or start buying, I could retire to a beach in Hawaii.
Most people look at the calendar and think the real estate market wakes up in April when the flowers are blooming. But if you are a serious buyer or seller in North Orange County, waiting until April is a mistake. The reality is that the Spring Market doesn't start in Spring.
When Does the Spring Market Actually Start?
Contrary to popular belief, the real estate market in Brea and Yorba Linda starts the day after the Super Bowl.
Think about your own schedule for the last two months.
- November and December: You were busy with Thanksgiving and the holidays.
- January: You were recovering from spending and waiting for W-2s.
- Early February: You were distracted by the Super Bowl.
But today? The taxes are filed. The football season is done. For thousands of local families, the focus shifts today to one big goal: "We need to move before the next school year starts."
When Does New Inventory Hit the Market?
Historically, this week marks the first real wave of new listings hitting the MLS in North Orange County.
Sellers who spent January painting and decluttering are finally ready to go live. If you are a buyer, this is your moment. You have a "Golden Window" of about 3-4 weeks where inventory is rising, but the casual buyers haven't woken up yet.
What Is the Cost of Waiting Until Spring?
If you wait for the traditional Spring season, you will likely face higher prices and stiffer competition. By April, the secret is out.
- The open houses are packed.
- The "bidding war" energy returns.
- Prices typically tick up as demand outpaces supply.
If you buy in February, you are often competing against 1 or 2 other serious buyers. If you buy in April, you are competing against the 10 other families who decided to wait for "better weather."
Should I Buy a House in February?
My advice is simple. Don't wait for the perfect weather. If you see a home in Brea or Fullerton this week that checks 80% of your boxes, go see it. The lack of competition right now is the best discount you will find all year.
When Is the Best Time to Sell a House?
If your house is ready, list it immediately. You don't need to wait for the grass to be greener. There is a backlog of buyers who have been refreshing Zillow since Christmas, desperate for something new. Be the first house they see, and you will likely call the shots.
Bottom Line
Are you trying to time the market, or are you trying to find the right home? Let’s look at the numbers together. Call me at 714-844-5696, and let’s build a timeline that gets you into your new home before the competition wakes up.