Record Prices, Sluggish Sales, and the Calm Before the Clarity

A Record-Breaking Month That Still Felt... Meh? Let’s Break It Down:

April was one of those “good news, bad news” months in California real estate. Let’s start with the headline: the statewide median home price hit an all-time high of $910,160—officially crossing the $900K mark for the first time in 10 months. That’s a 2.9% increase from March and a modest 0.7% bump year-over-year. So yes, equity is up, prices are rising, and that’s a strong signal for long-term homeowners.

But, as we all know, price isn’t everything. Behind the big number, the market actually took a step back—for the second straight month. Home sales dropped 3.4% from March and dipped 0.2% compared to last April. It was also the slowest sales pace we’ve seen in the last three months.

What’s going on? Two words: economic uncertainty.

Between stalled trade talks, recession rumors, and interest rates sitting stubbornly high, a lot of buyers are keeping their wallets close and their options open. Consumer sentiment is cautious—people aren’t quite ready to jump without knowing where they’ll land. The Fed’s decision to hold rates steady while the dust settles isn’t helping speed things up, either.

C.A.R. President Heather Ozur summed it up: 

“The housing market experienced a sluggish start to this spring buying season, as home purchase sentiment declined due to concerns over tariffs and a potential recession.”

And she’s right—buyers are hesitating, and that’s showing up in the numbers.

Still, there are silver linings. While home prices are at record levels, the pace of growth is slowing, which means we may be moving toward a more balanced market. April marked the 22nd consecutive month of year-over-year price gains, but it was also the smallest annual increase since July 2023. That, paired with a slow but steady rise in inventory, could be a sign that we're heading for a softer landing instead of a market cliff.

“Despite reaching a new record, prices are moderating as the latest yearly growth pace slowed to its lowest since mid-2023. Ongoing economic uncertainty has slightly dampened demand, while a steady increase in inventory has contributed to more moderate price growth this year.”  - C.A.R. Chief Economist Jordan Levine noted, 

So, what does all this mean if you’re buying, selling, or just watching from the sidelines?

Here’s the deal: we're in a market that rewards strategy over speed. Prices are strong, but buyers are cautious. That makes it even more critical to work with someone who can read the room, anticipate shifts, and negotiate with precision. Whether you’re thinking of making a move or just want to know how your home’s value fits into the bigger picture, I’ve got your back.

This isn’t a panic moment—it’s a planning moment.

Let’s talk when you’re ready.

And now for the latest data on Los Angeles County real estate trends:

Single family homes  |  Los Angeles County | April 2025

New Listings: 4,787 (Down 3.6% year over year)

Homes Sold: 3,082 (Up 4.69% year over year)

Median List Price: $998,000 (Up 5.05% year over year)

Median Sales Price: $1,012,500 (Up 2.79% year over year)

Median Days on Market:  17 (Up 21.43% year over year)

Average List Price: $1,471,984 (Up 5.91% year over year)

Average Sales Price: $1,463,956 (Up 5.11% year over year)

Average Days on Market: 34 (Up 13.33% year over year)

List/Sell Price Ratio: 101% (Down .92% year over year)

Condo homes  | Los Angeles County | April 2025

New Listings: 1,983 (Up 8.78% year over year)

Homes Sold: 1,142(Down 2.81% year over year)

Median List Price: $699,990 (Up 0% year over year)

Median Sales Price: $708,500 (Down .91% year over year)

Median Days on Market: 25 (Up 47.06% year over year)

Average List Price:  $924,161 (Up 1% year over year)

Average Sales Price: $917,726 (Up .019% year over year)

Average Days on Market: 43 (Up 22.86% year over year)

List/Sell Price Ratio: 99.8% (Down 0.97% year over year)