November 2025 housing market 

TIM SMITH REAL ESTATE GROUP

The Orange County housing market is finishing the year on solid ground, with improved affordability and steady demand. After spending much of 2024 above 7%, mortgage rates have now held below 6.5% for nearly two months—the lowest in over a year—and are projected to stay in this range into early 2026. This drop has boosted buyer confidence, saving roughly $550 per month on a $1.4 million home compared to earlier this year. Inventory remains higher than last fall, with 4,288 active listings—up 18% year-over-year and the most late-season selection since 2019. However, supply is already tightening again, down 4% in the last two weeks, as sellers pull homes off the market heading into the holidays.

ADVICE FOR SELLERS

This is a window of opportunity—lower mortgage rates, more available homes, and motivated sellers mean stronger negotiating power. Buyers who move now can secure favorable terms before competition increases in spring.

ADVICE FOR buyers

Inventory is beginning to tighten again, creating less competition for well-presented homes. With serious buyers still active, listing before the spring rush can give you a strategic edge—just be sure to price smartly and market effectively to stand out. Click to Calculate Your Mortgage Budget