After a very active 2025, Pasadena’s real estate market is off to a slower start in 2026.
Hi, it’s Eva Lin, and today I’m sharing the latest sales data to keep you in the loop.
Let’s begin with the supply side of the market by taking a look at local housing inventory.
Last year, January brought 85 single-family homes to the market in Pasadena — and that number would have been even higher if not for the Eaton Fire.
This year, only 55 homes were listed for sale in January — a significant drop.
Not surprisingly, this decline in new listings has also contributed to a softening in total inventory.
Typically, we see a noticeable jump in inventory from December to January, but that didn’t happen this year.
In December, on average, there were 95 homes available for sale. In January, that number rose to 102 — a 7.4% increase. By comparison, during the same period last year, total inventory increased by 26% from December to January.
Despite the strong activity we saw throughout 2025, Pasadena is beginning 2026 with lower-than-expected housing inventory.
Now that we’ve covered supply, let’s look at demand.
This past January recorded 39 closed sales — more than both January 2025 and January 2024. So even with lower inventory levels, the number of closed sales is up year over year.
This is encouraging news for sellers, as it shows buyers are still active in the market.
From firsthand experience, I can share that in the past few weeks, I’ve helped several sellers open escrow with multiple offers.
In some cases, these were homes we took off the market in 2025. Now, in early 2026, we’re seeing renewed buyer interest as supply remains limited and new buyers enter the market.
At the same time, I’m working as diligently as ever to find off-market opportunities for buyers because there simply aren’t enough suitable homes available right now.
If you’re wondering whether it’s a good time to sell, the answer depends largely on your specific property.
A desirable home that is well-presented, in good condition, and priced strategically can perform very well in this low-inventory environment. Sellers currently face less competition, and buyer demand for the most appealing homes remains strong.
On the other hand, properties that require significant updates or have notable drawbacks — even when priced appropriately — are likely to take longer to sell.
While buyers are certainly active, they are far more selective and price-conscious than they were a few years ago. They’re taking a measured approach and are more willing to walk away from a home that doesn’t truly inspire them — especially if they anticipate competing for it.
As a result, bidding wars and extremely fast sales are less common in today’s market. Homes are generally taking longer to sell, and the “Days on Market” data reflects this trend.
This pattern is consistent with the seasonal cycle we typically see as we move out of the slower winter months and into the buildup of activity during the spring and early summer.
Every home is different, but for the majority of sellers, it’s advantageous to invest in thoughtful preparation, strategic improvements, and professional staging before bringing your property to market.
The stronger the presentation, the easier it is for buyers to focus on your home’s strengths rather than its shortcomings. Their attention will naturally shift to the possibilities and the future they can envision there.
In a market like this, the upfront effort you put into preparing your home can truly make or break your sale.
Now you’re up to date on what’s happening in our local market.
If you’d like to discuss your real estate plans, feel free to call or text me at 626-807-6581 or email me at eva@linrealtygroup.com. I’d be happy to help.