Is Coastal OC Becoming a Buyer’s Market? Let’s Compare the 4 National Red Flags

Missy Wiesen
Jun 18, 2025
3 min read

The headlines are loud: “Buyer’s Market Emerging!” “Sellers Losing Power!” “The Shift Is Here!”

But is all that noise really showing up in Coastal Orange County real estate?

Close-up of a newspaper front page with the bold headline "BUYER'S MARKET EMERGING!" printed in large black letters under the masthead "THE NATIONAL Daily Newspaper." — National headlines are signaling a shift: Is the U.S. housing market finally turning in favor of the buyers? Let's break down what's happening and how it compares to Coastal Orange County.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Missy Wiesen — your Coastal Orange County real estate pro. I show you what it’s really like to live in The OC. Thinking about buying, selling, or investing in Orange County real estate?Call, text, or scan the QR code to book a quick Zoom with me.

📲 Call or text: 949-887-6644

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1. Homes Are Selling Below Asking Nationally

National Trend: According to Redfin, more homes are closing below their list price in 2025, sparking buzz about buyer leverage.

Coastal OC Real Estate Check-In: In our coastal cities, the list-to-sale price ratio is still strong — hovering between 96% and 99.2%. In Corona del Mar and Laguna Niguel especially, pricing remains tight.

✅ Verdict: Not a buyer’s market here… yet.

2. Inventory Is Rising Faster Than Demand

National Trend: Across many U.S. metros, supply is growing faster than buyer demand.

Coastal OC Real Estate Check-In: Not so fast. Inventory in Newport Beach, CDM, Laguna Beach, and Laguna Niguel has remained stable. In Dana Point, it’s actually down 30%. Pending sales are steady too. The Dana Point market is still pretty warm.

⚠️ Verdict: Inventory isn’t exploding — but the market is a little more watchful.

3. Time on Market Is Stretching Out

National Trend: Days on market (DOM) is climbing across the country.

Coastal OC Real Estate Check-In: Yes, DOM is ticking up slightly in Newport, Laguna Beach, and CDM. But in Dana Point and Laguna Niguel? DOM is falling. And well-priced homes that are priced under $2.5M, are still moving fast. What's more compelling is how fast well priced homes are moving in the ultra luxury market!

❌ Verdict: This isn’t buyer control — it’s balance. Price it right, and you’ll still see action, no matter what the price point is.

4. Economic Uncertainty + Rate Paralysis

National Trend: Mortgage rates are hovering near 7%, and buyer nerves are real.

Coastal OC Real Estate Check-In: Coastal OC buyers are more resilient, especially in the under $2.5M price range. Are they a little hesitant? Sure. But they haven’t disappeared. Tariffs, inflation, and affordability all play a role — but interest rates alone haven’t frozen this market.

Yes, there’s buyer caution thanks to tariffs and interest rate jitters. But 60% of CDM sales in the last 30 days were all cash. The ultra-luxury market plays by different rules.

🟡 Verdict: There’s hesitation, but savvy buyers are still making moves.

So… Is Coastal OC Becoming a Buyer’s Market?

Not quite. The U.S. may be flirting with a buyer’s market, but here in Coastal OC, seller strength still shows, especially in certain price ranges and neighborhoods.

The key takeaway? Strategy is everything. If you’re selling, pricing, presentation, and expert market knowledge are critical. If you’re buying, you might score some negotiating room, especially on homes that have lingered longer than 30 days. But don’t expect deep discounts.