Blog - Stovall Team, Fountain Valley, CA, Real Estate

Top 2026 Housing Markets for Buyers and Sellers

By Tarah Stovall | Published: December 30, 2025

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? Well, here are two top 10 lists for the housing market this year. But before you take a look, there’s something you should know.

If a move is on your radar for 2026, here’s the most important thing you need to understand upfront: there isn’t one housing market this year – there are many.

Experts agree 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most geographically split housing markets in years. Some areas are tilting in favor of sellers, while others are opening real doors for buyers. Who has the advantage depends almost entirely on where you are. Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at Cotality, puts it this way:

“Looking ahead to 2026, regional differences will remain pronounced, with demand favoring areas that offer both economic opportunity and relative affordability.”

To show just how divided the landscape is, here’s a look at where sellers are expected to have the upper hand, and where first-time buyers may finally find their opening this year.

Where Sellers Are Poised To Win Big in 2026

Zillow identified the following metros as some of the strongest seller markets for 2026, based on buyer demand, pricing momentum, and how quickly homes are expected to sell:

In markets like these, buyers are going to be competing for limited inventory, which gives sellers more leverage.

Homeowners in seller’s markets this year can expect:

Stronger buyer interest
Shorter time on market
Better odds of selling close to (or above) asking price

That doesn’t mean every listing is guaranteed success. But it does mean sellers who prepare well and lean on an agent’s expertise should be very happy with their results in 2026.

Markets Where There’s More Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

On the flip side, here’s a look at where buyers have the power – in particular, first-time buyers, since they’ve had the hardest time breaking into the market lately. Realtor.com highlights the top metros where first-time buyers are expected to have better opportunities in 2026:

These markets stand out for a mix of:

More affordable home prices
Better housing availability
Strong local amenities and economic health

For first-time buyers, that combination matters. It’s what could finally turn “someday” into “this could actually work.” In buyer’s markets, they should expect:

Less intense competition
More room to negotiate
A clearer path to getting an offer accepted

What Matters More Than Any Top 10 List

Not seeing your city on the list? Don’t stress. This is just a national snapshot, not a judgment on your local market. The goal here is just to show you how different the market really is depending on where you are.

And remember, you can buy or sell no matter how your local market leans. You just need Stovall Team’s help to figure out the right strategy to get it done. For example:

A seller in a more buyer-friendly metro may need to be aggressive on their price and prep.
A buyer in a seller-leaning area may still need to come prepared with their best offer.

To find out where your market falls and what you should expect, you’ll want the help of a local expert.

Bottom Line

The housing market in 2026 isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a year where local conditions matter more than ever.

Whether your market leans more buyer-friendly or seller-friendly, the right strategy can put you in a strong position. And that’s where a local expert comes in. Connect with Stovall Team today 714.343.9294.

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Selling Your Parent’s Home: A Complete Guide Stovall Team

By Tarah Stovall | Published: November 17, 2025

Selling a parent’s home is more than just a real estate transaction—it’s an emotional journey. Whether your parents are downsizing, moving closer to family, or transitioning to a senior living community, careful planning is key to a smooth sale. This guide will walk you through every step of the process, helping families in Orange County make informed decisions while maximizing value.

Selling a parent’s home is often more than a real estate transaction—it’s a delicate process that combines financial decisions with emotional considerations. Choosing the right realtor can make all the difference, ensuring the sale goes smoothly while preserving your family’s peace of mind.

This guide will walk you through how to select a trustworthy, experienced realtor who understands the unique challenges of selling a parent’s home.

1. Look for Experience with Senior or Inherited Properties

Not all realtors have experience handling homes for seniors or inherited properties. These sales can involve:

Legal documentation, such as power of attorney or estate executor paperwork
Emotional decision-making for the family
Homes that may need repairs or updating before listing

Choose a realtor who has successfully handled similar sales, understands the sensitivity, and knows how to guide families through complex transactions.

2. Check Local Market Knowledge

A realtor familiar with the local Orange County market will know:

Recent home sales in your parent’s neighborhood
Current buyer demand
Pricing strategies that attract serious buyers

Local expertise helps you price the home accurately, avoid prolonged time on the market, and sell for top dollar.

3. Ask About Marketing Strategies

Selling a parent’s home often requires professional marketing to reach the right buyers quickly. When interviewing potential realtors, ask:

Do they provide professional photography and virtual tours?
Will they list the home on major platforms like MLS, Zillow, and Realtor.com?
What strategies do they use to highlight unique features of the home?

The right realtor will have a proven marketing plan tailored to your property.

4. Evaluate Communication and Responsiveness

Selling a parent’s home can involve quick decisions and multiple stakeholders. Your realtor should:

Respond promptly to calls, emails, or texts
Keep the family updated at every step
Explain options clearly and professionally

Good communication reduces stress and helps the family feel in control of the process.

5. Check References and Reviews

Ask for client references and read online reviews. Look for a realtor who:

Has a track record of satisfied families selling homes for seniors
Handles sensitive situations with empathy
Delivers on promises, such as timely sales and smooth closings

References can give insight into a realtor’s integrity, professionalism, and negotiation skills.

6. Consider Staging and Home Preparation Support

The right realtor will guide you through home preparation, including:

Decluttering and depersonalizing
Repair recommendations and minor renovations
Professional staging to maximize appeal

These steps can help the home sell faster and for a higher price.

7. Look for Negotiation Skills

Your realtor should be a skilled negotiator who can:

Evaluate multiple offers carefully
Advise on counteroffers and contingencies
Protect your parent’s interests while keeping the sale moving

Negotiation experience is especially important in competitive markets like Orange County.

8. Verify Licensing and Professional Credentials

Always confirm your realtor:

Holds a valid California real estate license
Is in good standing with the California Association of Realtors (CAR)
Has additional certifications for senior or estate sales (optional but helpful)

This ensures your transaction is legally sound and professionally managed.

9. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your gut. Selling a parent’s home is often emotional—choose a realtor you feel comfortable with, who listens, and who demonstrates empathy. The right fit will make the process smoother and less stressful for the whole family.

Conclusion

Choosing the right realtor is one of the most important decisions when selling your parent’s home. Look for someone with:

Experience handling senior or inherited properties
Strong local market knowledge
Excellent communication and marketing skills
Negotiation expertise and professional credentials

The Stovall Team and Micah Stovall specialize in helping families in Orange County sell their homes with care, professionalism, and experience you can trust.

Contact us today to learn how we can guide your family through this important transition

Selling a parent’s home in Orange County can be complex, but with careful planning, the right professional guidance, and a clear strategy, it can also be a smooth and rewarding experience.

Ready to get started? Contact the Stovall Team and Micah Stovall, 714.343.9294 your trusted Orange County real estate experts, for guidance every step of the way. Experience you can trust.

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OC Home Prices & Real Estate Market Analysis. Would You Let $100 a Month Hold You Back from Buying a Home?

By Tarah Stovall | Published: November 14, 2025

How to buy a home in Orange County in 2026. Explore Orange County housing market trends, price changes, and expert insights for buyers, sellers, and investors across all major OC cities. Call Stovall Team today 714.343.9294. I am seeing a lot of buyers stuck in “wait and see” mode right now. They’re watching rates hover a little above 6% and thinking, I’ll buy once they hit the 5s. Because who doesn’t want a better rate?

But here’s the thing: that 5.99% number might not save you as much as you think. Most of us don’t think twice about spending a few dollars on a cup of coffee at our favorite local coffee shop. But what if you invested the same amount in your home?

I know that affordability is a challenge. There’s no question about that. But the market has given savvy buyers a head start. Mortgage rates have already come down over the past few months. And the drop we’ve seen saves you more than you’d think.

How Much You’ve Already Saved, Without Realizing It

Let’s put some real numbers to it. Rates peaked for the year in May when they inched above 7%. But since then, they’ve been slowly declining. Now, they’re sitting in the low 6s. And while that may not sound like a big deal, that change translates to real dollars.

According to data coming out of Redfin, the typical monthly payment on a $800,000 home is already down almost $800 since May.

That means if you’re buying a home now, you’re saving hundreds of dollars every month compared to what you would have been able to get earlier this spring. That’s real money that makes a real difference for buyers who paused their plans because they thought homeownership was out of reach.

And while it may be tempting to wait even longer to see bigger savings, that’s a gamble that could cost you. Here’s why.

Where Experts Say Rates Are Headed

For starters, most experts say mortgage rates are likely to stay pretty much where we are today throughout 2026. So, there’s no guarantee we’ll see a rate much lower than what we have now. Only one expert forecaster is saying rates could fall into the upper 5s next year (see graph below):

And even if rates do dip below 6%, the extra savings you’re holding out for won’t move the needle as much as you might expect.

The Real Math Behind a 5.99% Rate

Let’s break it down. If rates come down to 5.99% from where they’ve been lately that’s a difference of only about $100 a month on an average priced home – give or take a bit based on your price point and the rate your lender quotes you (see chart below):

Eighty dollars. That’s it. And for the typical family, that’s about one dinner out (or one dinner in, if you have it delivered). That’s not enough to change the game for most buyers. But the savings of nearly $400 we already have compared to when you paused your search in the spring? That might be.

So, the question to ask yourself is this:

Is an extra $100 savings really worth the wait?

Because while you’re holding out for that small dip, the bigger opportunity might be slipping away.

When Rates Fall, Competition Follows

Right now, you have more homes to choose from, sellers who are ready to negotiate to get a deal done, and fewer buyers to compete with. But once rates fall below 6%, buyer mindsets will shift and all of that will change.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that if rates hit 6%, about 5.5 million more households will be able to afford the median-priced home. Even if only a small fraction of them decide to buy, that could mean hundreds of thousands of buyers getting back into the market.

That creates more competition for you, which would push home prices even higher – maybe high enough to cancel out the extra savings you waited for.

So, if you’re waiting for rates below 6%, just keep in mind… that extra $80 may not be worth it in the grand scheme of things.

Bottom Line

You don’t have to wait for 5.99%. You have the chance to move (and save) right now. So, ask yourself: Would you let $100 hold you back from buying a home?

If you find a home you love and the math makes sense, getting ahead may be the best strategy. Connect with an agent or lender to run your numbers. That way you can see what you’re working with in your market.

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What a Fed Rate Cut Could Mean for Mortgage Rates

By Tarah Stovall | Published: September 12, 2025

The Federal Reserve (the Fed) meets this week, and expectations are high that they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate. But does that mean mortgage rates will drop? Let’s clear up the confusion.

The Fed Doesn’t Directly Set Mortgage Rates

Right now, all eyes are on the Fed. Most economists expect they’ll cut the Federal Funds Rate at their mid-September meeting to try to head off a potential recession.

According to the CME FedWatch Tool, markets are already betting on it. There’s virtually a 100% chance of a September cut. And based on what we know now, there’s about a 92% chance it’ll be a small cut (25 basis points) and an 8% chance it will be a bigger cut (50 basis points):

So, what exactly is the Federal Funds Rate? It’s the short-term interest rate banks charge each other. It impacts borrowing costs across the economy, but it’s not the same thing as mortgage rates. Still, the Fed’s actions can shape the direction mortgage rates take next.

Why Markets Already Saw This Cut Coming

Here’s the part that may surprise you. Mortgage rates tend to respond to what the financial markets think the Fed will do, before the Fed officially acts. Basically, when markets anticipate a Fed cut, that outlook gets priced into mortgage rates ahead of time.

That’s exactly what happened after weaker-than-expected jobs reports on August 1 and September 5. Each time, mortgage rates ticked down as financial markets grew more confident a cut was coming soon. And even though inflation rose slightly in the latest CPI report, the Fed is still expected to make a cut.

So, if the Fed goes with a 25-basis point cut, as expected, that’s likely already baked in to current mortgage rates, and we may not see a dramatic drop.

But if they go bigger and drop their Federal Funds Rate by 50 basis points instead, mortgage rates could come down more than they already have.

So, Where Do Mortgage Rates Go from Here?

While the upcoming cut may not move the needle much, many experts expect the Fed could cut the Federal Funds Rate more than once before the end of the year. Of course, that’s if the economy continues to cool (see graph below):

As Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First American, explains:

“For mortgage rates, investor confidence in a forthcoming rate-cutting cycle could help push borrowing costs lower in the back half of 2025, offering some relief to housing affordability and potentially helping to boost buyer demand and overall market activity.”

If multiple rate cuts happen, or even if markets just believe they will, mortgage rates could ease further in the months ahead. But here’s the catch – all of this depends on how the economy evolves. Surprise inflation data or unexpected shifts could quickly change the outlook.

Bottom Line

Mortgage rates likely won’t drop sharply overnight, and they won’t mirror the Fed’s moves one-for-one. But if the Fed begins a rate-cutting cycle, and markets continue to expect it, mortgage rates could trend lower later this year and into 2026.

If you’ve been waiting and watching the housing market, now’s the time to talk strategy. Even small changes in rates can make a meaningful difference in affordability and understanding what’s ahead helps you make the best decision for your situation.

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StovallTeam.com Online Home-Buying Search Terms Recently Hit 2-Year High

By Tarah Stovall | Published: August 12, 2025

There are recent clear signs buyer interest is heating up again.

Let’s talk about what’s really going on behind the scenes, and why the housing market might not be as quiet out there as it seems.

Buyers Are Looking, and Search Trends Prove It

One of the clearest ways to measure what people are thinking about is to look at what they’re searching for online. And according to Google Trends, searches for phrases like “home for sale” have been climbing steadily this year.

The graph below shows an index of two common homebuyer search phrases and how popular they were on Google over the past two years. The higher the line goes, the more popular that phrase was. A 100 on the graph shows the most popular time for each phrase:

Here’s what really stands out in this data. Both phrases have been trending up overall this year, and they hit a recent high in mid-July. That’s a pretty strong sign that curiosity (and maybe even interest) in buying a home is improving.

That kind of momentum means something. Despite high mortgage rates and home prices, buyers haven’t given up. They’re still watching the market. They’re still browsing. And many are just waiting for the right opportunity to act. Maybe your house is exactly what they’re looking for. But you’ll never know if it’s not listed yet.

Now, this doesn’t mean demand is going to surge like it did during the pandemic. It just means some buyers are deciding they can’t wait any longer. And those are exactly the kind of buyers you want. Motivated. Eager. Ready to move when the right house comes along.

So, if you’re holding off on selling because you’re not sure if the demand is there, this data suggests it might be time to rethink your plans. Because while it’s not 2021-level demand, it doesn’t need to be. You don’t need ten offers to sell your home. You just need the right buyer.

And that buyer may be searching for a house like yours right now. In addition, Stovall Team will guide you through the home search with an unbiased eye, helping you meet your buying objectives while staying within your budget. Stovall Team is your go-to source when you have questions about local amenities, utilities, zoning rules, contractors, and more.

Bottom Line

If you’ve been thinking, “I’ll sell once buyers come back,” you might want to take another look. Online search trends show they’re already interested.

What would make you feel confident putting your house on the market this year? Connect with Stovall Team today 714.343.9294 to talk through it.

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Pricing Strategy Matters

By Tarah Stovall | Published: August 5, 2025

When selling your house, the price you choose isn’t just a number, it’s a strategy. And in today’s market, that strategy needs to be sharp.

The number of homes for sale is climbing. And that means buyers have more choices and can be more selective. If your price doesn’t line up with what else is out there, they’ll scroll right past it and go on to the next one.

Pricing right from the start is your best move – and a great agent can help make sure you do.

Overpricing Comes at a Cost

And more sellers are finding that out the hard way. They list their house based on how things were a year ago – or based on a neighbor’s sale that happened under completely different circumstances. Then, when their house doesn’t sell, they’re left with three tough choices:

Drop the price: Cutting the price might help get more eyes on the house again, but it can also trigger red flags. Buyers may wonder what’s wrong with it. And that’s going to impact any offers you get after the price cut.
Take it off the market: Some sellers give up on the idea of selling right now. The worst part about this is it means putting their future plans on the back burner. That dream of more space, downsizing, or relocating? On pause.
Rent it out: Others go the landlord route, but managing tenants and navigating leases isn’t always the simple fallback it seems. Renting can work, but it’s often a lot more hassle than people expect.

None of those options were part of the original plan. And honestly, none of them are where you should end up if you wanted to sell. Here’s a look at how a local agent’s expertise can help you avoid these headaches. Let’s use price cuts as an example.

Where You Live Makes a Difference

While the number of price cuts is up nationally, data shows some parts of the country are seeing far more of them than others. It all comes down to how much inventory has grown in that area (see map below):

As Realtor.com explains:

“Regionally, price reductions in June were significantly more common in the South and West (23% of listings) than they were in the Northeast (13% of listings), reflecting the inventory divergence across these regions.”

That means pricing isn’t one-size-fits-all. What’s happening nationally might not reflect what’s happening in your zip code, and that’s why you shouldn’t try to determine your list price on your own.

How Stovall Team Helps You Nail the Price

A skilled agent doesn’t just toss out a number. As Zillow says:

“Well-priced homes are more likely to sell quickly, but pricing your home to sell quickly and for maximum dollar requires strategy and knowledge of your local market. You need to have a clear-eyed view of your home in relation to the competition, and knowledge about whether you’re in a buyers or sellers market. It also helps to know what buyers in your area can afford.”

And that’s all knowledge your agent will have. Stovall Team studies your local market, compare recent sales, and factor in your goals and buyer behavior. Based on what’s happening where you live, sometimes the best play will be pricing right at current market value. Other times pricing a little lower actually will spark more offers and ultimately get you a better final sale price.

So don’t skimp on the strategy or on your agent. With Stovall Team’s local market know-how, you’ll be able to sell quickly, even in a shifting market.

Bottom Line

Overpricing can lead to tough choices you never want to face. But with the right price, and the right guidance, you can skip the stress and sell with confidence. Connect with Micah Stovall 714.343.9294 so you have a pricing strategy that works for today’s market and gets you where you want to go.

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