By Suzanne Dyer | Strand Hill | Forbes Global Properties

Selling a home in Palos Verdes has always required a strategic blend of timing, pricing awareness, strong marketing, and a deep understanding of national and local trends. In today’s market where inventory remains historically tight and buyers are becoming increasingly motivated, the decisions you make in the months ahead can either maximize your return or leave money on the table.

October’s U.S. housing statistics delivered several important shifts, and for Palos Verdes sellers, these trends offer clarity, advantage, and opportunity. Whether you’re preparing to bring a home to market in Rolling Hills, Lunada Bay, Valmonte, Miraleste, or Rancho Palos Verdes, understanding these trends will help you position your home for the strongest possible outcome.

1. October Housing Market Snapshot: What Moved and Why It Matters

In October, the U.S. housing market hit its strongest sales pace in eight months, signaling renewed confidence from buyers nationwide. While the increase was modest, a slight gain from September, this shift is meaningful in a market where affordability pressures have dominated for over a year.

Key National Stats

• Sales of existing homes: Up from September and 2% higher than a year ago

• Median home price: $415,200, up 2% year-over-year

• Inventory: 4.4 months (still far below balanced market levels)

• Inventory growth: Up 11% from last year, but still historically low

• First-time buyers: Represent 32% of all sales, up from 27%

For context, a balanced market typically sits near six months of inventory. At 4.4 months, sellers still hold the advantage but buyer activity is rising.

Why This Matters for Palos Verdes Sellers

Palos Verdes is one of the most supply-constrained markets in Southern California. Even in softer national cycles, PV inventory rarely rises enough to meet the steady demand from families, relocation buyers, coastal-lifestyle seekers, and international clients.

When national demand trends upward like we’re seeing now Palos Verdes usually experiences the effects earlier and more intensely, because:

• The number of homes available is always limited

• The school districts attract year-round demand

• Luxury coastal buyers tend to return sooner when economic confidence increases

• PV’s value retention during market dips encourages move-up and out-of-area buyers

In other words: when the national market warms up, Palos Verdes heats up even faster.

2. Rising Prices—Even Slightly—Are a Signal of Market Resilience

With the median U.S. home price up only 2% year-over-year, some markets are experiencing stagnant growth. But Palos Verdes is not one of those markets.

Historically, PV home values:

• Increase faster during strong cycles

• Decline more slowly during national downturns

• Outperform most Los Angeles County coastal markets

Buyers see Palos Verdes as a “protected” market one with unparalleled schools, ocean views, equestrian lifestyle options, low crime, and abundant privacy.

So even though national prices showed only a modest increase, demand on the Peninsula remains robust, especially for:

• View homes

• Updated coastal ranches

• Large usable lots

• Turnkey family homes near schools

• Homes with ADUs or flexible layouts

This slight nationwide uptick signals that prices have stabilized and buyers are ready to move again providing momentum right when Palos Verdes sellers need it.

3. Inventory Remains Tight—Giving PV Sellers a Strategic Edge

Even though the national inventory level rose 11% year-over-year, we are still at just 4.4 months of supply, well below what is needed for a balanced market.

In Palos Verdes, most neighborhoods continue to sit at:

• 1–2 months of inventory for move-in-ready homes

• 2–3 months for larger estates

• Less than 1 month for entry-level PV homes

This tight supply is one of the strongest advantages sellers have right now.

Why Low Inventory Helps You Sell for More

• Buyers compete more aggressively

• Serious buyers make fewer demands

• Homes sell with shorter market times

• Unique features (views, flat yard, renovations) carry a higher premium

• You have leverage in negotiations, especially around repairs or rent-back terms

As more buyers re-enter the market especially first-time buyers making up 32% of today’s purchases the demand pool grows without the inventory needed to satisfy it.

For sellers, this is one of the rare windows where you can:

• Capture rising demand

• Face less competition

• Secure strong offers from highly motivated buyers

4. What Rising Builder Sentiment Means for Your Home Sale

The latest NAHB Housing Market Index rose unexpectedly from 37 to 38, the highest since April.

Even though the index remains below 50 (signaling cautious builder optimism), this uptick is telling.

Key Points from Builder Sentiment

• Builders are slowly regaining confidence

• 41% of builders are cutting prices to move inventory

• Material costs and tariff uncertainty are squeezing builder margins

How This Helps PV Sellers

When new-construction builders nationwide cut prices, resale homes become more attractive by comparison.

Most Palos Verdes homes already have built-in advantages:

• Established neighborhoods

• Mature landscaping

• Larger lot sizes

• Ocean and canyon views

• Architectural diversity

• No HOA restrictions in many PV communities

• Highly ranked public schools

As builders discount their product elsewhere, PV resale homes look even more premium and more desirable to buyers seeking a turnkey coastal lifestyle.

5. Economic Watch: What Investors, Buyers, and Sellers Are Watching This Week

A few critical economic events have the potential to influence mortgage rates, buyer activity, and overall market sentiment.

What’s Coming Up

• Producer Price Index (PPI) – Tuesday
  Measures inflation at the wholesale level.
  Higher readings could impact mortgage rates.

• New Home Sales Report – Wednesday
  A strong number can signal rising buyer demand.

• Bond/MBS Market Closures – Thursday & early Friday
  These closures can create temporary rate volatility.

• Fed commentary will be closely monitored for

  • rate outlook

  • recession concerns

  • inflation movement

  • the timing of future policy changes

Why Sellers Should Care

Economic reports have an immediate impact on:

• Mortgage rates

• Buyer confidence

• Appraisals

• Luxury buyer sentiment

• Cash-buyer investment activity

The good news is:
Today’s data trends are moving toward stabilization, not deterioration.

This means Palos Verdes sellers can list with more confidence and buyers can act with greater clarity.

6. How These Trends Translate to Palos Verdes Pricing Power

Demand Drivers Unique to Palos Verdes

Buyers are motivated by:

• Top-ranked PV schools

• Large lots and privacy

• Ocean views and open space

• Equestrian lifestyle options

• Luxury estates with coastal access

• Lower density living compared to Westside and South Bay

• Easy commute options for hybrid workers

These buyer motivations are not impacted by small month-to-month national fluctuations. They are foundational. They are lifestyle-based. And they are consistent year after year.

If You’re a PV Seller, Here’s Your Advantage

• Competition remains low

• Demand is rising

• Rates are stabilizing

• Prices are firm, not falling

• Buyers are active again

• Builder discounts elsewhere reinforce PV value

• First-time buyer participation is growing

• Investors are returning to coastal markets

This creates the ideal environment for Palos Verdes homeowners considering a move in 2025.

7. The Strategy That Gets PV Sellers the Highest Price in This Market

Selling in Palos Verdes is not like selling in an average market. The lifestyle, architecture, lot sizes, terrain, equestrian zoning, and school enrollment structure all influence buyer psychology.

A high-performing listing strategy today requires:

1. Strategic, Data-Backed Pricing

Not underpricing.
Not overpricing.
But positioning—based on ultra-local PV sub-market analysis.

2. Visual Storytelling at a Luxury Level

Buyers must feel:

• the morning ocean breeze

• the privacy of your backyard

• the quality of renovations

• the connection to trails, golf, or schools

This comes through:

• Magazine-quality photography

• Lifestyle-driven video

• Drone cinematography

• Twilight shoots that showcase architecture

3. A Multi-Channel Digital Strategy

The modern PV buyer is finding homes through:

• Google

• Instagram

• YouTube

• Luxury real estate platforms

• Forbes Global Properties

• Relocation networks

• Targeted paid digital ads

Your home needs visibility where qualified buyers are looking.

4. A Local Expert Who Lives and Works the PV Lifestyle

As a long-time Palos Verdes resident, equestrian property owner, and one of the top agents across 90274 and 90275, I understand:

• the micro-market influences

• buyer expectations

• the value of coastal vs. canyon views

• school boundary impacts

• neighborhood nuances

• appraisal strategies

• and how to position a property to emotionally connect with buyers

This is a level of expertise national data alone cannot provide.

8. What October’s Market Means for You if You’re Thinking About Listing Soon

Here’s the bottom line for Palos Verdes sellers:

✔ Buyer demand is rising

Higher sales, more first-time buyers, and stronger builder sentiment show renewed movement.

✔ Prices are stable and trending upward

Even modest national growth supports long-term value on the Peninsula.

✔ Inventory remains historically low

You are still in a strong negotiating position.

✔ Economic clarity is improving

Fed direction, inflation readings, and market stabilization create momentum.

✔ Coastal luxury markets are showing early recovery

Palos Verdes typically leads Los Angeles in demand comeback cycles.

✔ This is one of the best windows to sell since 2022

And early 2025 is expected to bring even more buyer activity.

9. Should You Wait or Sell Now? My Recommendation for PV Homeowners

If you’re considering selling in:

• Lunada Bay

• Rolling Hills

• Valmonte

• Montemalaga

• Country Club

• Crest

• Eastview

• Oceanfront neighborhoods like Paseo del Mar

…your timing has never been better.

Why Selling Now Makes Strategic Sense

• Inventory is low

• Buyers are active

• Rates are stabilizing

• The national market is creeping toward recovery

• Economic uncertainty is fading

• Palos Verdes retains premium demand

If inventory rises in spring, as it often does, you may face more competition.

Right now, you’re selling into:

• Momentum

• Scarcity

• pent-up demand

That combination always yields stronger offers.

10. Preparing Your Home Now Means You Can Hit the Market at Peak Value

If you’re 30–90 days away from being ready, I can help you with:

✔ Pre-listing walkthrough & pricing strategy

Customized to your neighborhood and micro-market.

✔ Vendor recommendations

Painters, stagers, landscapers, contractors, decluttering specialists—only the best.

✔ High-impact upgrades

I’ll tell you exactly what improves value…and what doesn’t.

✔ Concierge-level listing preparation

My team coordinates everything so you can focus on life, family, and your next home.

Final Thoughts: October’s Market Trends Are Good News for PV Sellers

The U.S. housing market is stabilizing. Buyers are re-entering. Inventory remains constrained. Prices are resilient. And coastal markets like Palos Verdes are once again leading the rebound.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to sell—this is it.

The next 6–12 months offer a powerful window for sellers who want:

• Top dollar

• Strong, qualified buyers

• Clean terms

• A smooth escrow process

• A stress-free transition

As one of the top Realtors in Palos Verdes and California, and a proud member of Forbes Global Properties, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Thinking About Selling in 2025? Let's Talk.

I’d love to evaluate your home, discuss timing, and help you maximize your results.

You deserve the best representation—and I’m here to deliver it.