First-time buyers grew, reflecting seasonal strength and slightly improved affordability conditions. A smaller share of buyers waived inspection and appraisal contingencies as homes remained on the market longer, creating a more balanced market in some areas.
NAR is pleased to share the latest consumer guide offering sellers 15 essential steps to take before every showing—from picking everything off the floor to wiping fingerprints from the refrigerator. By following these steps, and consulting with an agent who’s a REALTOR®, sellers can maximize their chances of selling their home more quickly and for top dollar.
As a reminder, all guides in this series are available for download—in both English and Spanish—on facts.realtor. Please allow up to two weeks for the Spanish version of the latest resource to be translated and uploaded.
For ease of reference, below is a list of the most recent guides:
California home sales decline in January to lowest level since May 2025 amid 23-month price low, C.A.R. reports
Existing, single-family home sales totaled 256,550 in January on a seasonally adjusted annualized rate, down 10.8 percent from 287,570 in December and down 1.3 percent from 260,040 in January 2025.
January’s statewide median home price was $823,180, down 3.2 percent from $850,680 in December and down from $839,130 in January 2025.
Year-to-date statewide home sales were down 1.3 percent in January.
For full report, visit https://www.car.org/aboutus/mediacenter/newsreleases/2026releases/jan2026sales
