When’s the Best Time to Sell Your Pasadena or Orange County Home?

Selling a home in Southern California is both an art and a science. It’s about more than just putting a “For Sale” sign in the yard — timing, strategy, and presentation all play critical roles in maximizing your return. If you’re a homeowner in Pasadena, Orange County, or anywhere in Greater Los Angeles, one of the most common questions you’re probably asking is: When is the best time to sell my home?

As a top-producing agent in Pasadena and Orange County, I, Jason Bergman, can tell you this: the “best” time is not always what you read in the headlines. Yes, spring is traditionally the busiest season. But homes that are prepared and priced properly can sell for top dollar year-round. In fact, some of my most successful sales have happened in so-called “slower” months because motivated buyers were competing for limited inventory.

So let’s break it down.

Seasonal Trends in Pasadena and Orange County Real Estate

Spring (March–May):
Spring tends to attract the highest number of buyers. Families want to move before the new school year, the weather is beautiful, and homes show their best with fresh landscaping. In Pasadena, I’ve consistently seen single-family homes and historic properties fetch competitive offers in April and May. In Orange County, spring is also peak season for coastal luxury buyers scouting in Newport Beach and Corona del Mar.

Summer (June–August):
Conventional wisdom says summer slows down because of vacations. But in my experience, Pasadena’s housing market stays active, especially with buyers who need to close before fall. In Orange County, summer is prime time for beachside and vacation home sales.

Fall (September–November):
Fall brings fewer listings, but that scarcity can actually drive prices up. In Pasadena, buyers relocating for jobs at Caltech, JPL, and the medical centers often house-hunt in September and October. In Newport Coast, I’ve seen fall attract serious luxury buyers who want to be settled before the holidays.

Winter (December–February):
While winter historically shows fewer sales, inventory is at its lowest — and that means less competition for sellers. I once sold a San Marino estate in January after generating multiple offers because high-net-worth buyers were eager to invest before year-end tax deadlines. In Orange County, international buyers often shop in winter, especially around the holidays when they’re visiting family.

Local Market Data Matters More Than the Calendar

Timing is important — but what really matters is supply, demand, and strategy.

• According to the California Association of Realtors (CAR), Pasadena’s median home price in 2025 is hovering around $1.3M, while inventory remains low at under 2 months of supply. That means homes sell quickly, regardless of season.

• In Orange County, the median price sits closer to $1.2M, with luxury markets like Newport Beach and Laguna Beach averaging well above $3M. These properties often attract buyers year-round due to global demand.

In both markets, the real deciding factor isn’t when you list — it’s how your home is positioned to stand out.

Why Some Homes Sell in “Off-Season” for Record Prices

One of my favorite examples is a South Pasadena bungalow I listed in November. Many homeowners would have waited until spring. Instead, we leaned into the scarcity factor, prepped the home with staging and professional photography, and launched a high-energy marketing campaign. The result? Seven offers in 10 days, well above asking price.

In Orange County, I recently sold a Newport Beach contemporary in February. The buyer was an executive relocating from San Francisco who couldn’t wait until spring. Because the home was well-prepared and positioned, it sold quickly — even in what most would call the “slow season.”

The lesson: when supply is tight, motivated buyers will pay a premium to secure the right property.

How I Help Sellers Maximize Value Year-Round

Selling a home is less about timing the market — and more about controlling the controllables. Here’s how I, Jason Bergman, make sure your home stands out:

1. Strategic Pricing

Data-driven pricing is key. I use local comps, absorption rates, and current buyer demand to position your home competitively.

2. High-Impact Staging

Every property is staged to tell a story. From historic Craftsman homes in Pasadena to modern estates in Newport Coast, staging creates an emotional connection that drives offers.

3. Cinematic Marketing

Luxury-style video, lifestyle photography, and targeted social media ads showcase your home to local, national, and international buyers.

4. Global Reach Through The Agency

As part of The Agency, your home is syndicated to global luxury networks, reaching affluent buyers in Los Angeles, New York, and overseas markets.

5. Negotiation Expertise

I’ve built relationships with over 3,000 agents across Los Angeles, giving my clients leverage to generate multiple offers — even when inventory is low.

Tips for Pasadena and Orange County Sellers in 2025

If you’re considering selling this year, here are three key steps:

1. Don’t wait for spring if you’re ready now. Buyers are active every month in Southern California.

2. Invest in preparation. Homes that are staged and marketed well sell faster and for more money.

3. Work with a connected agent. Access to networks, off-market buyers, and global reach can make all the difference.

Final Thoughts: The Best Time Is Your Time

There will always be market chatter about “the best time to sell.” But here’s the truth: with the right preparation, positioning, and representation, you can achieve outstanding results in any season.

As a leading Pasadena and Orange County Realtor, I’ve guided sellers through every kind of market — and time and again, the strategy mattered more than the month on the calendar.

👉 Burning Question: Are you waiting for the “perfect season,” or are you ready to create the perfect season for your home sale?

📍 Learn more about how I can help you maximize your sale on my Google Business Profile here.