Orange County Real Estate Insights
The Orange County Market Journal
Expert analysis, neighborhood guides, and practical advice for navigating the dynamic Southern California real estate landscape.
Featured · July 7, 2026
Orange County Home Values Hit a Plateau: Why Balance Is Good News for Buyers and Sellers
The July 6 report from Steven Thomas shows Orange County home values up 1.2 percent year over year and a market in rare balance. Neither side holds all the cards, and that stability creates real opportunity for both buyers and sellers.
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July 7, 2026
What the July Housing Numbers Mean if You Are Buying in Orange County
A 90 day market, values holding steady, and condo sellers ready to negotiate. The July 6 report gives Orange County buyers their calmest window in years, and a few clear reasons not to wait forever.
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July 7, 2026
Selling in Orange County This Summer: The Numbers Are More on Your Side Than You Think
Well priced homes are still fetching 100 percent of asking, inventory is below last year, and detached market time beats last summer. Here is how sellers come out ahead in the July 6 data.
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June 28, 2026
Orange County Property Taxes: Rates, Due Dates, and Exemptions
A clear, honest breakdown of how property taxes work in Orange County: what you actually pay, the deadlines that matter, Mello Roos, supplemental bills, and the exemptions that can lower your bill.
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June 22, 2026
Orange County Housing Eases Into Summer: Where the Market Stands in Late June 2026
Inventory climbed to 4,681 homes, the highest since last September, while pending sales eased to 1,606. Here is what the cooler summer pace means in OC.
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June 22, 2026
Detached Homes Are Selling Faster Than Condos in Orange County. Here Is Why It Matters
Detached OC homes are selling in about 80 days while condos have slowed to 100. The widening gap changes the game whether you own or want to buy either type.
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June 22, 2026
Orange County Luxury Is Splitting in Two: Where the Top of the Market Is Heating Up and Cooling Down
Orange County luxury is splitting. Homes from $2.5M to $4M sped up to 125 days, while $4M to $6M slowed to 267 and above $6M stretched to 284.
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June 14, 2026
Orange County Real Estate: The June 2026 Halftime Report
Inventory hit 4,551, the highest since last September. Demand has peaked and rates are stuck at 6.68%. Where the OC market stands at the midpoint of 2026.
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June 14, 2026
OC Luxury Market Update: Homes Between $4M to $6M Are Now Sitting for 229 Days
Luxury above $2.5M just posted its slowest Expected Market Time since January at 177 days, with the $4M to $6M range the real story at 229 days.
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June 14, 2026
The OC Market Has Split in Two: Detached Homes Are Speeding Up, Condos Are Slowing Down
Detached homes are selling at 76 days, faster than last year's 91. Condos slowed to 94, up from 77. The two markets are now moving in opposite directions.
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May 26, 2026
What's Happening in Orange County's Luxury Real Estate Market: May 2026
Expected Market Time for luxury just hit 167 days, the slowest since January. With 1,041 active listings above $2.5M and falling demand, here is what to know.
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May 26, 2026
The Real Talk on Affordability for First Time Buyers in Orange County
The median OC home payment now equals 71% of median household income, the highest in modern history. Programs, paths, and the real cost of waiting.
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May 26, 2026
What Orange County Home Sellers Need to Know Right Now
Thinking about selling your OC home this summer? Sales to list ratio is still 100%, but inventory is climbing and demand has peaked. List now, not in August.
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May 26, 2026
Is Now a Good Time to Buy a Home in Orange County?
The honest answer depends on your situation. Here is what the data says about inventory, affordability, and the real risk of waiting for rates to drop.
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May 26, 2026
Orange County Real Estate Market Update: May 2026
The OC market is steady but slow. Inventory is up 4%, demand flat year over year, and affordability is the real story. An honest, data driven breakdown.
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April 28, 2026
Why Orange County Condos Are Taking Twice as Long to Sell
Attached homes are sitting at 93 days on market, nearly double the pace of detached. Rising HOA dues, insurance, and rate sensitivity are all driving the gap.
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April 28, 2026
Inventory Is Up 6%: What Orange County Sellers Need to Know Right Now
4,206 homes are active in Orange County, up 227 in two weeks. Seller competition will keep rising through summer. What it means for your pricing strategy.
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April 27, 2026
One Market, A Spectrum of Speeds: OC Housing by the Numbers
OC Expected Market Time ranges from 41 days at its fastest to 303 at its slowest, depending on price range and property type. Where your home fits.
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April 14, 2026
Is Spring 2026 the Right Time to Sell Your Orange County Home?
Spring is in full bloom. March 2026 recorded a 100% sales to list ratio across Orange County. What sellers need to know before the summer slowdown.
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April 13, 2026
Orange County Housing Market Update: April 2026 by the Numbers
A data driven breakdown of the OC housing market as of April 13, 2026: inventory, demand, market time by price range, and what trends mean into summer.
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April 10, 2026
More Homes, More Choices: What Orange County Buyers Need to Know This Spring
Inventory is rising, rates are lower than last year, and buyers have more breathing room than in years. Not all homes are equal, here is how to navigate.
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April 8, 2026
Orange County Luxury Real Estate Is Moving Faster Than You Think
Luxury inventory is down 15% year over year while demand is up 15%. Market times across $2.5M+ have dropped, with $2.5M to $4M the fastest in years.
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