Rising Listings Give Buyers More Leverage
For much of the past three years, Southern Californiaās housing market has been defined by low inventory, fierce bidding wars, and record-setting home prices. Sellers held the advantage, while buyers often felt pressured to move fast, waive contingencies, and sometimes pay well above asking just to get their offer accepted.
But as we move deeper into 2025, a noticeable shift is underway: listings are rising, competition is cooling, and buyers are starting to gain the kind of leverage that hasnāt been seen in years. Could this be the start of a more balanced market in SoCal?

š Inventory on the Rise
Recent market data shows that active listings in key Southern California countiesāincluding Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Diegoāhave grown between 8% and 12% year-over-year.
While the total supply is still below preā2020 norms, the increase is giving buyers more breathing room:
- More homes to compare before making an offer
- Less pressure to bid immediately and over asking
- Greater likelihood of negotiating price or terms in their favor
š¦ Rates Are High, But Predictable
Mortgage rates remain in the 6.4%ā6.7% rangeāhigher than preā2022 levelsābut stability has been key. Many buyers are reāentering the market knowing they can refinance later if rates drop, rather than waiting indefinitely and risking higher home prices.
š„ Buyers Regaining Negotiating Power
The shift in market balance is allowing buyers to:
- Include inspection and appraisal contingencies again
- Request closing cost credits from sellers
- Negotiate repairs or updates before closing
In prime markets like Newport Beach, Irvine, or La Jolla, competition still exists, but even there, strategic buyers have a better chance to secure favorable terms than in the frenzied 2021ā2023 period.
š Why the Shift Is Happening
Several factors are driving the market toward balance:
- Seasonal inventory peaks during summer selling months
- Some homeowners deciding to sell before potential economic slowdowns
- Increased new construction in both coastal and inland regions, adding fresh supply to the market
š® What to Watch in the Coming Months
This window of buyer leverage may not last forever. The market could tilt back toward sellers if:
- Mortgage rates drop significantly, triggering a demand surge
- Inventory contracts after the summer peak
- Investor activity ramps up in high-yield areas
š Why Work with Amin Vali Real Estate Investment Group
Market shifts in Southern California donāt affect every neighborhood equally. Having the right strategyāand the right representationācan mean the difference between a good purchase and a great one.
At Amin Vali Real Estate Investment Group, we:
- Track local micro-trends to find areas where buyers have the most leverage
- Negotiate aggressively to save clients money through credits, concessions, and repairs
- Connect you with top lenders offering competitive programs in todayās rate environment
- Help you target properties with the strongest long-term equity growth potential
If youāre ready to take advantage of todayās more balanced market, now is the time to act.
š Call us at (310) 300-0011
š Visit www.aminvali.com to book your Market Advantage Consultation today.
B.S in Civil Engineering,MBA, Realtor
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