SoCal Buyers Regain Leverage: Why The Market Shift Matters for You

Andrew Georgitsis
1 day ago
2 min read

Homes Are Selling Below Asking for the First Time in Six Years

Here’s How to Use It to Your Advantage.

🏡 What’s Happening Nationally

Redfin’s September 2025 report shows a noticeable cooling.

Homes sold for 1.4 % less than final list price—the biggest September discount since 2019.
Only 25 % of homes went above asking.
Average time on market rose to 50 days.

In short, buyers have options, and sellers are having to get realistic.

☀️ The Southern California Angle

Locally, the story’s mixed—but promising.

Riverside County posted an 11.6 % rise in pending sales.
Homes in Temecula, Murrieta, and Menifee that are priced right are still drawing multiple offers.
Coastal markets like Carlsbad and Vista are stabilizing, giving move-up buyers a better shot at upgrading without massive competition.

💸 What It Means for Buyers

More listings = more negotiating power.Buyers today can often ask for:

Seller credits toward closing costs or rate buydowns
Repairs and concessions that were unheard of in 2021
Additional time to close

If you’ve been renting or waiting for rates to drop, this is your moment to act strategically—not emotionally.

🏠 What It Means for Sellers

Pricing smart is everything.A correctly priced home still sells fast; an overpriced one sits. With buyers more selective, presentation, condition, and digital marketing matter more than ever.

At SoCal Realty & Investments, we offer a $10,000 Flat-Fee MLS Listing and advanced marketing campaigns designed to help you stand out—even in a slower market.