Everyone looks at prices and interest rates — but those aren’t what predict next year’s winners. The smart money watches the quiet indicators that move before the headlines do.

Inventory Velocity

The speed at which homes enter and exit the market is the heartbeat of future pricing. Pasadena’s velocity index — the ratio of pendings to actives — has stayed above 0.8 for six months. That means for every 10 listings, eight find buyers within 30 days. Sustained momentum like that predicts price growth ahead.

Population Pipeline

Pasadena Unified and private school enrollments have risen 4 % year-over-year — a sign families are staying, not cycling out. Stable school growth correlates with community equity retention.

Job Migration

Look east of Downtown. Tech and creative firms relocating from Santa Monica to Pasadena’s Innovation Corridor are bringing new salary bands and housing demand. Follow employment clusters to find the next price surge.

Renovation Permits

Permit activity is a leading indicator of confidence. Pasadena’s 2025 residential remodel applications are up 19 %, and Linda Vista alone has filed more ADU permits than any other zip code in the San Gabriel Valley.

Takeaway

Forget click-bait forecasts. Real wealth builders read the small numbers. That’s how you spot the next hot neighborhood before it makes the news.

“Data is the language of discipline,” Jason says. “When you understand it, you stop guessing and start positioning.”

FAQ

Q: Which metrics should I track to predict home values?
A: Inventory velocity, permits, and school enrollment growth.
Q: What’s Pasadena’s outlook for 2026?
A: Moderate appreciation of 3–5 % driven by stable demand.

Request Jason Bergman’s monthly Pasadena Market Indicator Report via Google Business Profile.