We're seeing a shift across the country as sellers adjust their expectations—median listing prices per square foot dropped about 2% year-over-year in mid-Q3, marking the tenth straight month of annual declines. This change has opened up opportunities for homebuyers, with more owners trimming their asking prices as we transition into autumn. Years of fast-paced price growth are giving way to a more balanced market.

With higher mortgage rates and some economic uncertainty, many buyers are taking their time to consider all their options, double-checking financing and value before making a move. As property owners ourselves and with decades spent leasing and selling in L.A., Ventura, and Riverside Counties, we know firsthand how quickly a seasonal slowdown can affect momentum. Many sellers are now willing to negotiate, aiming to secure strong deals before winter sets in.

If you’re pre-approved, the expanding inventory could be your window to explore neighborhoods, compare choices, and negotiate terms that once seemed out of reach. Protecting your investment and finding the right fit—whether it’s a home or a tenant—comes down to timing and experience. We’re here to help you make the most of this evolving market.

As long-time specialists in leasing and selling both rental units and single-family homes across L.A., Ventura, and Riverside Counties, we always keep a close watch on market timing—because it can make all the difference for both buyers and landlords. According to the latest national data, the period from September 27 to October 3 in 2026 is projected to be prime for homebuyers. During that week, active listings could be up by 31.9% compared to the start of the year and 13.3% higher than a typical week, opening up more choices nationwide. Prices are expected to sit about 3.5% below their seasonal peak, which could mean a savings of around $14,000 on a median-priced home near $416,000. Even more encouraging, competition is likely to be 30.1% lower than the yearly high, and homes may spend an average of 64 days on the market—giving buyers extra breathing room to make thoughtful decisions. As property owners ourselves, we know how valuable it is when timing lines up with opportunity. Whether you’re looking to buy, lease, or position your rental property, understanding these seasonal shifts can help you make the most of your investment.

As longtime leasing and sales professionals—and multi-unit owners ourselves—we’re always watching Los Angeles housing trends closely for what they mean to both buyers and landlords. Right now, high home prices and limited affordability continue to make things tight across the LA market. But there’s a silver lining: with price growth starting to ease up, we may see more breathing room for folks hoping to buy in the coming years.

Demand remains steady, mostly because there just aren’t enough homes available. Still, higher borrowing costs have made it tough for many households to make the leap. If mortgage rates start to come down gradually, we could see a wave of previously sidelined buyers re-enter the market, which would spark more activity and help push things toward better balance.

Looking ahead to 2027, we’re optimistic. A healthier market could come from better affordability, stronger incomes, and lower financing costs—not another wild surge in prices. For those of you navigating these changes—whether you’re considering purchasing, leasing, or filling vacant units—staying informed and proactive is the best way to turn these market shifts into opportunity.

The Federal Reserve has just raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 3.75%-4%. This is the first increase since July 2023. For those of us who own or manage rental properties, these changes can influence everything from mortgage costs to potential returns. With inflation still above the Fed’s 2% goal, officials are hinting that another rate hike could be on the horizon later this year. The next review is set for October 27-28, 2026, when they’ll be reassessing both inflation and broader economic conditions.

As multi-unit owners who’ve worked with hundreds of landlords and tenants across L.A., Ventura, and Riverside Counties, we understand how shifts like this can impact your investment strategy. Our day-to-day focus is on helping property owners navigate changes—big or small—by connecting them with dependable tenants and staying ahead of market trends. Making sense of the numbers is just one part of keeping your rentals successful.

We've seen firsthand how much the landscape of single-family homes has shifted over the last decade. The average new home in the U.S. has shrunk from 2,700 sq-ft to 2,400 sq-ft, even as the price per square foot has soared by about 72%. By 2025, one in four new single-family homes sold measured under 1,800 sq-ft—up from roughly one in six ten years ago. Meanwhile, the share of new homes at 3,000 sq-ft or larger has dropped from about one in three to one in five. Builders are clearly responding to rising land, labor, and material costs, turning to smaller footprints to help keep prices more manageable as mortgage rates hover between 6% and 7%.

For buyers—especially those working within a tight budget or purchasing for the first time—these smaller homes can offer some relief when it comes to down payments and monthly expenses. But the reality is, with price per square foot up so dramatically, affordability remains a real challenge.

As property owners ourselves, we've navigated these market changes both personally and for our clients across L.A., Ventura, and Riverside Counties. Understanding how home size trends impact both buyers and landlords is just one way we look out for your investment.