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October 29, 2026 | Berit Hayden, REALTOR®
If you’ve been following the Orange County real estate market, you’ve probably noticed that things are changing.
Homes are still selling, but buyers are becoming more selective, inventory is increasing in some neighborhoods, and sellers are having to rethink their approach.
So, are we shifting from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market?
The answer isn’t quite that simple.
Here in Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and surrounding Orange County communities, every neighborhood and price range tells a slightly different story.
The market hasn’t stopped moving. The strategy for selling successfully has changed.
What Are the Latest Local Market Numbers Telling Us?
According to the October 2026 Market Snapshots from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), both Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa are experiencing changes worth paying attention to.
Huntington Beach — ZIP Code 92646
- Average sales price: $1.40 million, up 2%.
- Median list price: $1.29 million, down 5%.
- Properties sold: 34, down 23%.
- Months of inventory: 3.47, up 68%.
- Sales-price-to-list-price ratio: 99.7%.
Costa Mesa — ZIP Code 92626
- Average sales price: $1.62 million, down 3%.
- Median list price: $1.52 million, down 5%.
- Properties sold: 16, down 35%.
- Months of inventory: 4.31, up 90%.
- Sales-price-to-list-price ratio: 98.6%.
Source: CRMLS October 2026 Market Snapshots. Data includes single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums. Percentage changes are compared with the preceding three-month average (July–September 2026), not the same period last year.
What Does This Mean for Homeowners?
One of the most interesting trends is the increase in housing inventory.
In Huntington Beach’s 92646 ZIP code, months of inventory increased 68%, while Costa Mesa’s 92626 ZIP code experienced a 90% increase.
At the same time, the number of properties sold declined in both communities.
This suggests buyers may have more options and sellers may face additional competition.
However, there’s another important detail.
Huntington Beach’s average sales price increased 2%, while Costa Mesa’s decreased 3%.
That’s why looking at your specific neighborhood matters more than relying on broad market headlines.
A changing market doesn’t necessarily mean a declining market, and it certainly doesn’t mean homeowners can’t sell successfully.
It means strategy matters.
Pricing Your Home Correctly Matters More Than Ever
There was a time when sellers could list their homes at an ambitious price and still attract significant interest.
Today’s buyers are often more cautious.
They’re comparing properties, evaluating condition, and considering whether a home offers good value.
Overpricing can cause a property to sit on the market, potentially leading to price reductions and missed opportunities.
A well-priced home, however, can still attract strong interest.
The goal isn’t simply to list your home at the highest price. It’s to position it competitively to achieve the best possible outcome.
Preparation Doesn’t Have to Mean Expensive Renovations
One of the biggest questions homeowners face is whether to make improvements before selling or offer their property as-is.
And the answer isn’t always straightforward.
Sometimes fresh paint, updated lighting, landscaping, professional photography, or thoughtful staging can make a meaningful difference.
Other times, particularly with older properties or homes requiring substantial improvements, selling as-is may be the smarter financial decision.
Before investing thousands of dollars in renovations, it’s important to understand what buyers in your neighborhood value and whether those improvements are likely to provide a worthwhile return.
Not every home needs a renovation. Every home needs a plan.
Why a Thoughtful Selling Strategy Matters
In a changing market, successful selling involves more than placing a sign in the yard.
It requires understanding the competition, evaluating buyer expectations, and making informed decisions throughout the process.
A thoughtful strategy includes:
- Competitive pricing: Understanding recent sales, active listings, and current buyer demand.
- Smart preparation: Identifying improvements that help your home stand out without unnecessary spending.
- Effective marketing: Presenting your property professionally and reaching the right audience.
- Flexibility: Evaluating feedback and adjusting when market conditions call for it.
- Strong negotiation: Protecting your interests while keeping a transaction moving forward.
Not every home needs the same approach, and not every seller has the same priorities.
That’s why having a personalized plan is so important.
Is Now Still a Good Time to Sell?
For many homeowners, it certainly can be.
Perhaps you’re considering downsizing, relocating, simplifying your lifestyle, or making a change you’ve been thinking about for years.
Those personal goals matter just as much as market conditions.
And while buyers may be more selective, there are still people looking for homes throughout Orange County.
The key is understanding where your property fits into today’s market and developing a strategy that supports your goals.
The Bottom Line
Homes are still selling. But in a changing market, how you prepare, price, and position your home can make all the difference.
The right time to sell isn’t necessarily determined by interest rates or market headlines.
It’s determined by your personal goals, your property’s value, and having the right strategy in place.
If you’re considering selling your home in Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, or the surrounding Orange County communities, I’d welcome the opportunity to discuss what today’s market means for your property.
Sometimes the best first step isn’t putting your home on the market.
It’s simply having a conversation.
Berit Hayden | REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Realty
CalDRE #01442543
714-552-7754
www.bhaydenhomes.com
