California Housing Begins 2026 on Uneven Ground—but Momentum Is Building
As 2026 begins, California’s economy is sending mixed but telling signals. Home sales are gaining traction and reaching their strongest levels in more than two years, while prices are stabilizing after a volatile stretch. At the same time, softer retail activity, a cooling labor market, and uneven inflation data are adding uncertainty to the outlook. For homeowners across Southern California, these crosscurrents point to a market that remains resilient—but increasingly selective—as we head into 2026.
California Home Sales Reach Highest Level Since Fall 2022
California home sales improved again in November, rising both month over month and year over year to their highest level since September 2022. Existing single-family home sales increased 2.6% compared to last year, signaling steady recovery despite higher borrowing costs. Total sales through the first eleven months of 2025 also exceeded last year’s pace.
That said, momentum slowed toward the end of the year. Pending home sales declined 4.6% year over year in November and dropped sharply from October, reflecting typical seasonal patterns compounded by mortgage-rate volatility and broader economic uncertainty. While 2025 is expected to finish with modest gains, early 2026 may begin at a slower pace before activity picks up in the spring.
Home Prices Continue to Stabilize Across the State
California’s median home price remained essentially flat from a year ago in November, settling at $852,680 after a seasonal month-to-month decline. While prices dipped more than usual heading into winter, the broader trend shows stabilization rather than retreat.
Regional performance varied. Southern California posted a 1.2% year-over-year increase, while the Far North and Central Coast also saw modest gains. Meanwhile, the Bay Area and Central Valley experienced slight annual declines, underscoring the increasingly localized nature of today’s housing market.
Inflation Data Surprises—But Comes with Caveats
October’s inflation report showed slower-than-expected price growth, with the Consumer Price Index rising 2.7% year over year—its lowest level since June. While this was welcome news for financial markets, economists cautioned that the data may be distorted due to disruptions caused by the government shutdown, which delayed data collection and forced reliance on alternative sources.
As a result, inflation could rebound in upcoming reports, keeping interest rates—and housing affordability—sensitive to future economic data.
🔦 Local Spotlight: Long Beach & Orange County
📍 Long Beach
Home sales activity remains steady, particularly in neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, Los Altos, and Bixby Knolls, where limited inventory continues to support pricing. While seasonal slowdowns are evident, well-priced and move-in-ready homes are still attracting strong interest. Entry-level buyers and downsizers remain active, especially as price stability brings more confidence to the market.
📍 Orange County
Orange County continues to show resilience, especially in high-demand areas such as Irvine, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach. While buyer activity has become more selective, homes that are priced correctly and well presented are still selling. Luxury segments remain relatively insulated from short-term economic swings, while sub-$1M listings continue to see the strongest competition.
Across both Long Beach and Orange County, stabilizing prices and improving sales trends suggest a healthier foundation heading into 2026—even as broader economic uncertainty remains.
As we navigate these evolving conditions, thank you for trusting us as your local real estate resource.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year!
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13616 Cornuta Ave.
Bellflower, CA 90706
4 Bed | 1.5 Bath | 1,231 SF | $797,000
Welcome to this charming and spacious 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath home located in one of Bellflower’s most desirable neighborhoods, served by the acclaimed Downey school district. This well-maintained residence features a nicely updated kitchen complete with Corian countertops, a custom tile backsplash, and solid wood cabinetry. The home offers wonderful indoor–outdoor living, with an attached 2-car garage, a long driveway that can easily accommodate up to three additional cars, and a generous backyard with a covered patio ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or play. Located on a quiet street with wide roads and a true neighborhood feel, this home is close to top-rated schools, local parks, great dining, and shopping. Commuters will appreciate easy access to the 105, 91, and 605 freeways, providing quick connections to both Los Angeles and Orange County. Just minutes from St. John Bosco High School, this home blends comfort, convenience, and an unbeatable location—ready for its next owner to enjoy. Some lenders may offer special financing incentives, including down payment assistance or grants, subject to lender availability and buyer qualifications.
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday (1/4) 12:00 - 3:00 pm
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7428 Bothwell Rd.
Reseda, CA 91335
5 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,420 SF | $810,000
Discover an exceptional opportunity in the heart of Reseda! This spacious 5-bedroom, 3-bath home offers approximately 2,420 sq. ft. of living space on a 5,388 sq. ft. lot, presenting the perfect blank canvas for investors, contractors, or buyers seeking a full renovation project. The home features a desirable two-story layout with generous living areas and excellent natural light potential. A main-level bedroom and full bath offer flexibility for multi-generational living, a convenient in-law suite, guest room, or a home office setup. Three spacious bedrooms upstairs with primary on-suite, walk in closet and extra shared full bathroom. With creativity and vision, this property can be transformed into a modern family retreat or a profitable investment. Located on a quiet residential street, just minutes from schools, parks, restaurants, and freeway access, this property combines a prime location with unlimited potential. Property is being sold in as-is condition with no repairs or credits. Bring your contractor and imagination to realize this home’s full potential.
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4700 Clair Del Ave #620
Long Beach, CA 90807
2 Bed | 1 Bath | 779 SF | $377,000
Top-Floor Condo with Pool Views and Garage Parking! Welcome to this nicely updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath top-floor corner condo, offering abundant natural light and serene views of the sparkling pool and spa. Inside, you’ll find a spacious living area with newer dual-pane windows and modern laminate flooring. The open kitchen features white cabinetry, granite counters with a stylish tile backsplash, and gas range — perfect for cooking and entertaining. This home includes two dedicated parking spaces, one in a private garage and another reserved spot. The Clair Del community offers fantastic amenities including a pool, spa, barbecue area, two community rooms (one with a pool table and ping pong, and another available for private gatherings), plus two laundry facilities. With low HOA dues that cover water, trash, gas, and community upkeep, this is an excellent opportunity for convenient and affordable living.
Ideally located near Lakewood Country Club, Bixby Knolls, and the Long Beach Exchange (LBX), you’ll enjoy easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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1849 Fanwood Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90815
3 Bed | 1 Bath | 1,054 SF | $900,000
Charming Remodeled Home in Highly Desirable Los Altos! Welcome to this beautifully updated 3-bedroom home, perfectly situated on a picturesque tree-lined street in one of Long Beach’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Just two blocks from the award-winning Minnie Gant Elementary School and one block from Cal State Long Beach, this home offers both charm and convenience in an unbeatable location. Step inside to find a bright and inviting interior featuring a stunning remodeled kitchen with sleek white soft-close cabinetry, granite countertops, new modern flooring, and stainless-steel appliances, including a 5-burner gas range. The updated bathroom shines with a stylish vanity and contemporary finishes. Additional highlights include dual-pane windows, modern ceiling fans in every bedroom, and original hardwood floors throughout the living areas and bedrooms.
Situated on an expansive 6,828 sq. ft. lot, the backyard offers exceptional space and privacy—perfect for entertaining, gardening, or even adding an ADU. A long driveway provides ample parking, with room for a boat or RV, plus a detached 2-car garage. Conveniently located near parks, shopping, Trader Joe’s, and major freeways, this Los Altos gem combines modern updates with classic charm in a prime location!
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4340 Pixie Ave.
Lakewood, CA 90712
5 Bed | 3 Bath | 2,459 SF | $1,175,000
Beautifully updated 5-bedroom, 3-bath home on a tree lined street in the sought-after Lakewood Mutuals neighborhood! Step inside to find new modern flooring, fresh interior and exterior paint, smooth ceilings, and custom wood shutters that add timeless charm. The open layout features a welcoming living room, a large dining area, and a bright kitchen with white cabinetry, new quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The main level includes three bedrooms and two full baths, including a spacious primary suite with three closets (one walk-in) and a spa-like bath with dual sinks, walk-in shower, and jetted tub. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms and a full bath with walk-in shower provide flexible living space. The backyard is a private oasis with pavers that match seamlessly with the driveway making an expansive area that is perfect for entertaining day or night with ambient lighting, turf play area, or relaxing in the swim spa under the stars. Additional features include central heat and A/C, indoor laundry, and parking for up to 6 cars with a detached 2-car garage and long driveway.
Close to Lakewood Country Club, Bixby Knolls, and Long Beach Exchange (LBX), this home offers both tranquility and prime access to shopping, dining, and entertainment.
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179 Santa Ana Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90803
3 Bed | 3 Bath | 3308 SF | $1,937,000
Modern Coastal Luxury in the Heart of Belmont Shore!
Prepare to be impressed by this stunning 3-bedroom, 3-bath, four-story contemporary home offering over 3,300 sq ft of sleek, modern living. Located just steps from the best of Belmont Shore, this light-filled residence features an open-concept living area with hardwood floors, a gourmet kitchen with quartz island and stainless steel appliances, and multiple balconies to enjoy the ocean breeze. The luxurious primary suite boasts a double-sided fireplace, spa-like bath with soaking tub, and a custom walk-in closet. Additional highlights include a ground-level entertaining space with bar, private loft, laundry room, solar panels, and a two-car garage with extra parking. Thoughtfully designed for comfort, style, and coastal living, this is a rare opportunity you don’t want to miss!
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