Why Now Is Still a Great Time To Sell Your Los Angeles Home
Buyer demand in Los Angeles remains strong despite higher mortgage rates. Here's what the data says about selling your home now.
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Why Now Is Still a Great Time To Sell Your Los Angeles Home?
Buyer demand in Los Angeles remains strong despite higher mortgage rates. Here's what the data says about selling your home now.
The Market Has Shifted — But Sellers Still Have the Advantage
If you've been worried that buyer demand disappeared when mortgage rates climbed, I want to set the record straight. After 33 years working in Los Angeles real estate, I've seen markets shift dozens of times — and the data right now tells a clear story: there are still plenty of motivated, serious buyers out there.
The housing market isn't as frenzied as it was during what many of us call the 'unicorn' years — that stretch when buyer demand was through the roof, mortgage rates sat at historic lows, and home values rose at a pace we'd never seen before. But that doesn't mean the market has stalled. In fact, nationally and right here in LA, demand is still running well above what we'd consider a normal, healthy market. If you're thinking about selling, the window of opportunity hasn't closed. If you're looking for a clear picture of what today's market means for you, my [seller resources page](/sellers-resources) is a great place to start.
Why Now Is Still a Great Time To Sell Your Los Angeles Home
Showing Traffic Is Up Compared to Pre-Pandemic Norms
One of the most reliable indicators of buyer interest is how often homes are being toured. The ShowingTime Showing Index tracks exactly that, and the numbers are encouraging. When you compare October 2023 data to the last normal years in the market — 2018 and 2019 — buyer activity is measurably higher. Yes, showings have dipped from the unicorn-era peaks, which is a natural response to higher mortgage rates. But the key takeaway is that buyers are still more active than they were during what we'd consider a balanced market. In my experience across neighborhoods like Hancock Park, Silver Lake, and the Westside, well-priced homes are drawing real foot traffic.
Sellers Are Still Receiving Multiple Offers
According to the latest data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), sellers are receiving an average of 2.5 offers on their homes. That's fewer than the four or five offers that were typical during the unicorn years, but it's actually up slightly from last year — and it's higher than the pre-pandemic norm. For Los Angeles homeowners, particularly those with character-rich historic properties or homes in sought-after neighborhoods, multiple offers remain a realistic expectation when the home is properly prepared and priced. If you're a buyer navigating this competitive landscape, I recommend reviewing my [buyers resources](/buyers-resources) for strategies that can give you an edge.
Homes Priced Right Are Selling Fast
It's not just the number of offers that should give sellers confidence — it's how quickly homes are moving. As Zillow recently noted, 'Low inventory levels are spurring surprisingly strong competition… demand has remained resilient, and attractive, appropriately priced listings are moving quickly.'
NAR's data on median days on market reinforces this. Homes today are sitting on the market only slightly longer than during the unicorn frenzy, and they're selling significantly faster than they did in the normal years of 2018 and 2019. In the Los Angeles market, where inventory remains tight and desirable neighborhoods command a premium, this trend is even more pronounced. The takeaway is simple: price your home correctly, present it well, and you'll find eager buyers ready to move.
Key Takeaways for Los Angeles Sellers
- →Buyer demand is still above pre-pandemic norms despite higher mortgage rates.
- →Sellers are receiving an average of 2.5 offers — up from last year and above the historical average.
- →Properly priced homes are selling quickly, with days on market only slightly above the unicorn-era pace.
- →Low inventory across Los Angeles continues to work in sellers' favor, creating competition among buyers.
- →You haven't missed your window — the data shows this is still a strong time to list your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still a good time to sell my Los Angeles home with higher mortgage rates?+
Yes. While rates have risen from their historic lows, buyer demand remains strong compared to pre-pandemic norms. Sellers in LA are still receiving multiple offers and seeing fast sales, especially when homes are priced correctly.
How many offers are sellers getting on average right now?+
According to NAR, sellers are receiving an average of 2.5 offers on their homes. That's up slightly from last year and higher than the pre-unicorn market average.
How long are homes sitting on the market in 2023?+
Homes are selling only slightly slower than during the frenzy of the unicorn years and significantly faster than the normal market years of 2018–2019. Well-priced properties in desirable LA neighborhoods continue to move quickly.
Does low inventory help or hurt sellers in Los Angeles?+
Low inventory strongly benefits sellers. With fewer homes available, competition among buyers intensifies, which supports stronger offers and faster closings.
What should I do to prepare my LA home for sale in this market?+
Focus on accurate pricing, professional presentation, and working with an experienced agent who understands your specific neighborhood. Homes that are attractively priced and well-prepared are the ones generating multiple offers and quick sales.
You haven't missed your chance. Buyers are active, offers are coming in, and well-priced Los Angeles homes are selling fast. Whether you're considering a sale, navigating a probate or trust property, or simply want to understand what your home is worth today — let's talk.
Contact John BarrentineFree Resources from Barrentine Group
Ready to buy or sell in Los Angeles? The Barrentine Group has 33+ years navigating the LA market — from probate and trust sales to historic properties in Miracle Mile, Carthay Circle, and the Wilshire corridor.



