The CA Association of Realtors has released the Mayl 2025 Housing Market Statistics. Most of these sales went into contract in April with a 30 day escrow to result in a May closing. These statistics represent the early stage of the spring selling season.
In the Los Angeles County real estate housing market statistics the median price decreased 1.7% in May over April in Los Angeles County. Interestingly last year prices decreased the same amount from April to May which suggests a seasonal component (more houses coming onto the market in May). Median price increased this year in Ventura County an impressive 4.3% whereas last year same time the median price fell 1.6%. Median price is still up almost 3% in Los Angeles County from same time last year while Ventura County is up strongly 6.5% according to the California Association of Realtors.
I also like to follow where the median price stands compared to it’s highest level. Los Angeles’ all time high median price is still $960,370 from September 2024. The current median price is 13.1% lower than the high. Ventura County just set a new all time high median price at $985,000.
2025 sales activity is gaining seasonal momentum. Los Angeles County sales increased 5.7% month to month which is not as strong as last year’s increase of 11.7%. In Ventura County the sales volume jumped an amazing 9.7% vs last years 6.4% increase. I have to repeat myself – real estate markets are very local so pay greater attention to the local real estate news.
Here are the interest rate levels for the past year.
In January mortgage rates increased to over 7%. Since then they have dropped to 6.77% depending on loan and borrower’s qualifications.
In the San Fernando Valley it is still a slight Seller’s market as inventory increased in May to 4.5 months and dropped to 4.4 months in June. In Ventura County inventory hit a low of 2.5 months in December (which is not unusual for the holiday season) and now has increased to 3.4 months from 3.7 months in April. It is still a stronger Seller’s market in Ventura County than Los Angeles County.
Current Event – Mortgage Rates
Per Katherine Watt/CNET.com
Mortgage rate forecast for 2025
Despite hopes that 2025 would bring relief to the housing market, economic and political instability have kept it stuck in neutral. Median family income has not kept pace with the surge in housing costs, requiring many households to earn double or triple their salary to afford a modest home in some cities.
Meanwhile, the “lock-in” effect, where current homeowners with low-rate mortgages are reluctant to sell and take on higher interest rates, has kept housing inventory tight and fueled price competition in high-demand areas.
According to Jeb Smith, licensed real estate agent and member of CNET Money’s expert review board, mortgage rates could inch down slowly and steadily, but numerous risks could also keep rates elevated. Fannie Mae now expects rates around 6.1% by the end of 2025 and 5.8% by the end of 2026.The ongoing discussions around tariff negotiations have created notable volatility in the stock market, which is directly impacting consumer confidence and real estate decisions. When retirement portfolios fluctuate due to trade policy uncertainty, seniors often postpone major housing decisions like downsizing or moving to assisted living communities. This “wait and see” approach becomes particularly pronounced when stock market swings affect the perceived value of their overall financial picture.
My Opinion
When interest rates went up some Real Estate Gurus, like Barbara Corcoran, said it was still a good time to buy because when rates fall more Buyers will enter the market pushing prices up. I was skeptical at first but I do think now is a good time to buy and a decent time to sell. I believe rates will fall later this year and into 2026. And if rates drop under 6% I do believe it will put pressure on prices upwards. If rates fall to the low 5%s the market will take off. So if you buy now and get a reasonable price on the property then you really can refinance after rates fall. Although I hate to see people refinance repeatedly as they reset the 30 year clock every time and will never pay off their loan.
The current economic uncertainty reinforces why working with an experienced professional becomes even more critical during major life transitions. Understanding how broader economic forces affect personal decision-making timelines allows families to make informed choices rather than reactive ones. Whether the decision is to move forward with a sale or wait for more stability, having expert guidance helps ensure the timing aligns with both market conditions and family needs.
If you would like to discuss these housing market statistics, the real estate market in general or anything in particular, I hope you’ll reach out to me.
Who to Call
General real estate agents are great for working on every day transactions but if you are a Senior who is downsizing, a family settling an Estate in Probate or Trust administration or a family in a Divorce you need a real estate professional trained for these cases.
For a free consultation on your home’s value, how to prepare your home to sell or the real estate market in general call me at (818)570-1144 or email [email protected] or visit https://janeybishop.com
SRES, CPE, CPRES, RCSD
Senior Real Estate Specialist
Certified Probate Expert
Certified Probate Real Estate Expert
Real Estate Collaborative Specialist – Divorce
