California’s housing market opened 2026 with higher listing activity and steady buyer interest, even as real estate professionals reported slower momentum in completed transactions, according to a new report from the California Association of Realtors.
The January 2026 market snapshot, based on statewide Multiple Listing Service data and a weekly REALTOR survey, provides an early look at conditions shaping the new year. The data reflects daily averages for the week ending Jan. 24.
Sales Activity And New Listings
Statewide, California averaged 266 closed home sales per day during the reporting period. Pending sales, which often signal future closings, averaged 469 per day. New listings continued to outpace demand, with 592 homes listed daily across the state.
The imbalance suggests sellers remain active, while buyers continue to weigh affordability and interest rate concerns. Higher inventory levels may offer more choice for buyers but can place pressure on pricing in some local markets.
Recent Performance Among REALTORS
Survey results show that 24.2 percent of REALTORS statewide closed at least one sale during the previous week, a slight increase of 0.4 percent from the prior reporting period. Meanwhile, 16.9 percent reported entering escrow, a notable decline of 6.4 percent, indicating fewer new contracts moving forward.
Listing activity remained strong. About 25.8 percent of REALTORS listed a property during the week, though that figure slipped 1.4 percent from the prior period. The combination of steady listings and fewer escrows points to a market adjusting after several years of volatility.
Outlook For The Week Ahead
Despite softer short-term indicators, many REALTORS expressed cautious optimism. About 12.4 percent believe sales will increase in the coming week, although that share declined 2 percent from the previous quarter. Fewer professionals expect prices to rise, with just 5.9 percent anticipating an increase, down 1.6 percent.
Expectations around inventory remain more pronounced. Nearly 28.8 percent of respondents believe listings will increase in the week ahead, a sharp drop of 16 percent from earlier survey results but still the strongest sentiment among the three indicators.
Local Impact In The San Gabriel Valley
For communities across the San Gabriel Valley, including Rosemead, El Monte, and surrounding cities, the statewide trends suggest a market that favors preparation and patience. More listings may create negotiating opportunities for buyers, while sellers may need to price strategically to attract interest.
Industry observers note that early-year data often reflects seasonal patterns, with activity typically picking up in spring. Local market conditions can also vary widely depending on neighborhood demand, school districts, and housing supply.
The report draws on weekly MLS statistics collected across California and survey responses gathered at the start of the current quarter. Full market data and methodology are available through the California Association of Realtors at https://www.car.org.
As 2026 unfolds, housing professionals and residents alike will be watching whether rising inventory translates into greater affordability or continued price stability across local markets.
