How’s the Market? — 2nd Quarter 2026
The 2nd quarter of 2026 looked like an Orange County market successfully absorbing more inventory without losing its momentum.
Inventory continued building: After finishing March with 3,735 active listings, the number of homes for sale climbed steadily to 4,118 in April, 4,369 in May, and 4,666 in June. That is a 24.9% increase during the quarter, giving buyers considerably more choices heading into summer. Even with that increase, June inventory remained 4% below June of last year.
Demand stayed active: Pending sales came in at 1,818 in April, 1,865 in May, and 1,909 in June. That gave us 5,592 pending sales during the quarter, which was 4.2% higher than the 2nd quarter of 2025. Buyers clearly did not disappear as inventory increased.
Closings finished the quarter strong: Closed sales registered 1,846 in April, 1,782 in May, and then jumped to 1,961 in June. That June number is the strongest closing month on the entire chart. Total quarterly closings were up 3.4% compared with the 2nd quarter of last year.
The pace of the market remained consistent: Average Days on Market came in at 30 days in April, 31 days in May, and 30 days in June. Homes took slightly longer to sell than they did during the same quarter last year, but the market remained stable throughout the quarter.
Pricing stayed rational: The Original List Price to Sold Price ratio came in at 97% in April, 97% in May, and 97% in June. That consistency tells me sellers who priced correctly and presented their homes well continued to achieve very respectable outcomes.
Saturation stayed below neutral: Months of Inventory based on Closed Sales registered at 2.2 in April, 2.5 in May, and 2.4 in June. Even with inventory increasing throughout the quarter, Orange County remained below what we generally consider a neutral market.
Inventory Trends
Active Listings | Pending Sales | Closed Sales
- Inventory continued its spring build, climbing from 3,735 active listings in March to 4,666 in June. That is an increase of 931 homes in just three months.
But this is where things get interesting...
- Pending and closed sales increased right along with inventory. Quarterly pending sales were up 4.2% compared with last year, while closed sales increased 3.4%.
- June was especially encouraging. Closed sales reached 1,961, which was 9% higher than June of 2025, while pending sales were up 8.4%.
More inventory gave buyers additional choices, but it did not overwhelm demand. The market continued to absorb the homes that were priced, prepared, and positioned correctly.
Speed & Pricing Days on Market | Original List Price/Sales Price Rati
- Average Days on Market came in at approximately 30 days during the 2nd quarter, compared with approximately 27 days during the same quarter last year.
That tells us buyers are taking a little more time to compare their options, but homes are still moving at a healthy pace.
- The Original List Price to Sold Price ratio remained at 97% during all three months of the quarter. That is a strong sign of stability. Sellers who priced to the market and presented their homes well continued to achieve near-asking-price results.
Lastly... Balance : Months of Inventory Based on Closed Sale
- The quarter came in at 2.2 / 2.5 / 2.4 months of inventory.
So while the number of homes for sale increased, buyer activity and closed sales increased right along with it.
----> The biggest takeaway is that Orange County still did not reach a neutral market during the 2nd quarter. The pendulum continued to lean in favor of sellers—just not as dramatically as it has during some of the more aggressive markets of the past few years.
Saturation refresher... I always find it important to remind you what saturation means. It asks this simple question: If no other homes came onto the market, how long would it take to sell all of the current active inventory at today’s sales pace?
That is why this metric matters so much. Even with inventory rising to 4,666 homes, Orange County finished June at 2.4 months of inventory. That remains below neutral territory and well below many of the national averages you may hear about in the news or in other states.
What Does All of This Really Mean?
For Sellers: Price it right!
- As inventory grows, buyers have more choices. That means pricing, condition, presentation, and accessibility matter more than ever.
- Presentation still wins the tie.
- Clean, bright, move-in-ready homes continue to receive the most attention and the strongest terms.
- The market is still favorable... just more selective.
- A good listing will still move. An overpriced listing will sit. If you chase the market, you may simply help sell the house next door.
For Buyers: You have more opportunity than you did a few months ago.
- More inventory gives buyers additional choices and a little more breathing room. That said, do not confuse more inventory with a weak market.
- Pending and closed sales were both higher than last year, and the best homes are still attracting serious buyers.
- When the right home shows up, move like you mean it.
- Especially when it is priced correctly, easy to show, and in good condition.
Bottom Line:
The market remains active and favorable to sellers, but it is becoming more selective. Pricing and presentation are no longer suggestions—they are the strategy.
If you or someone you know is thinking about selling during the second half of 2026, think strategy over swagger—price and presentation. If you are buying, be patient enough to make a thoughtful decision, but prepared enough to move when the right home becomes available.s
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Data source: TrendGraphix Facts and Trends for Orange County, published July 2026, based on information available through June 30, 2026,