California’s housing market closed out 2025 with steady daily activity and mixed expectations heading into the new year, according to a December report from the California Association of Realtors.
The report, based on statewide multiple listing service data for the week ending Dec. 6, shows an average of 481 closed sales per day across California. Pending sales averaged 389 per day, while new listings slightly outpaced both at 482 per day. The figures suggest a market that remains active despite ongoing affordability pressures and seasonal slowdowns.
For local readers in the San Gabriel Valley, the statewide snapshot offers context for conditions seen closer to home, where buyers and sellers continue to navigate higher interest rates and tighter household budgets. Realtors across California reported that nearly one in four, or 24.2 percent, closed at least one sale during the previous week, a modest increase of 0.4 percent from the prior reporting period.
Activity inside escrows showed more caution. About 16.9 percent of Realtors entered escrow, a decline of 6.4 percent from the previous week. Listing activity also dipped slightly, with 25.8 percent of agents reporting they listed a property, down 1.4 percent. Industry observers say the combination reflects buyers taking longer to commit while sellers remain selective about timing.
Looking ahead, expectations among Realtors point to continued uncertainty. Only 12.4 percent of respondents believe sales will rise in the week ahead, down 2 percent from the previous quarter’s outlook. Confidence in price growth also softened, with just 5.9 percent expecting prices to increase, a decline of 1.6 percent. These figures align with a market adjusting to reduced buyer urgency and increased price sensitivity.
Listings remain the standout expectation. Nearly 28.8 percent of Realtors believe listings will increase in the coming week, even though that share represents a sharp 16 percent drop from earlier sentiment. Analysts say the data suggests more homeowners may test the market, even as demand remains uneven.
The December report captures a market that is no longer surging but continues to move. Daily closings remain consistent, new listings are keeping pace, and expectations point to gradual rather than dramatic shifts. For communities like El Monte, Rosemead, and surrounding cities, the data reinforces what many residents already see: homes are still selling, but patience has become a key part of the process.
The California Association of Realtors compiles the weekly report using data collected statewide and surveys completed at the start of the current quarter. More information about the report and ongoing housing trends is available at https://www.car.org.
