Market Update: January 2026
Hi, it’s Eva Lin with my first Pasadena real estate market update of 2026.
If you followed my updates last year, you know that our local housing market experienced a noticeable shift in 2025—and those changes are shaping how buyers and sellers should approach the year ahead.
A Quick Look Back at 2025
Here’s what we saw in Pasadena last year for single-family homes:
- Inventory increased by 28%
- Closed sales rose by 21%
- Home values climbed by approximately 3.6% year over year
As we move into 2026, I expect the market to remain competitive and increasingly nuanced. Below is some straightforward, practical advice to help you whether you’re planning to sell or buy.
Advice for Home Sellers in 2026
Expect More Competition—and Plan for It
With more homes coming onto the market, buyers have more choices. That means they’ll be comparing properties carefully, and only the best-presented and best-priced homes will truly stand out.
1. Appearance Matters More Than Ever
If your goal is to sell for the highest possible price, preparation is key. In most (but not all) cases, I recommend doing some pre-sale work, which may include:
- Fresh paint
- Landscaping improvements
- Decluttering and staging
- Minor repairs or updates
I know this process can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. Last year alone, I helped over 40 Pasadena families sell their homes, and I specialize in making the entire process smooth, efficient, and low-stress. My team manages the preparation process so you don’t have to!
2. Strategic Pricing Creates Opportunity
Once your home looks its best, pricing becomes critical. The goal is not just to list—it’s to attract multiple offers and sell for top dollar.
- If a home is priced too high, buyers focus on flaws.
- If it’s priced strategically, buyers focus on potential.
Multiple offers put you in control. They allow you to negotiate stronger terms and, with the right strategy, drive the price upward. In 2025, I negotiated over $200 million in real estate transactions, so I know exactly how to protect and maximize your interests during this critical phase of the sale.
3. Marketing Is the Final Differentiator
Marketing plays a huge role in standing out—but that’s a topic I’ll dive into more deeply in an upcoming update.
Advice for Home Buyers in 2026
Make Informed Decisions
As a buyer, the last thing you want is to think you’ve found your dream home, only to discover later that it comes with costly issues. Unfortunately, I encounter several recent buyers every year who find themselves in that exact situation.
To avoid this, it’s essential to work with an agent who can:
- Spot both major and minor property issues
- Provide realistic expectations around renovation costs, appreciation, and risk
- Advise you not to buy when a property doesn’t serve your long-term goals
Any agent can write up a purchase offer for you, but deep knowledge of houses, neighborhoods, and the overall market is what will serve you best.
Gain an Edge When Making an Offer
More buyers are expected to enter the market in 2026, which means more competition for your dream home.
This is why you want to have an advantage when it comes to getting your offer accepted.
A skilled buyer’s agent will always gather as much information as possible before submitting an offer for their client.
It’s critical to connect with the listing agent and ask questions like:
- What matters most to the seller…price, terms, something else?
- Is there a specific price that would immediately secure the home for my buyer?
- How many other offers have been received so far?
- Does the seller want a quick escrow, a lease back, or a longer escrow?
- And more…
I always gather as much intel as possible BEFORE crafting an offer because it consistently gives my clients a competitive edge in winning their dream home.
As competition increases in 2026, a strategic approach to writing offers will become even more important.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re planning to sell or buy a home around Pasadena, understanding how the market is shifting—and having the right strategy—will be key to your success.
If you have questions or would like personalized guidance, I’m always happy to help.
You can call or text me at 626-807-6581, or email me at eva@linrealtygroup.com.