The Real Estate Super Bowl Is Here
There’s a reason people in real estate say the Super Bowl is the real start of the market.
Once it’s over, buyers start moving, sellers stop waiting, and activity picks up across Orange County. More showings, more conversations, more momentum. This year, that shift is happening right on schedule.
So who’s winning this season?
It’s not buyers versus sellers. It’s prepared versus unprepared. And just as important, the market looks different in every pocket.
Inventory is still relatively tight, but results vary by neighborhood and price point. Some homes are moving quickly, while others need a smarter strategy to stand out. Sellers who are winning right now understand their local market, price intentionally, and come out strong from day one.
For buyers, opportunities exist, especially for those who act early. Certain areas are competitive, while others offer room to negotiate. Waiting until later in spring often means more pressure and fewer options.
Why does this matter? Because Orange County is not one market. What’s happening in Newport can look very different from Irvine, Laguna, Costa Mesa, or South OC. Local insight matters more than headlines.
I stay closely connected across all of OC and regularly compare notes with agents who are actively doing business, writing offers, negotiating deals, and closing homes right now. That on-the-ground insight is what allows me to guide clients based on what’s actually happening, not just what the stats say.
The stretch from now through late spring is typically the most active part of the year. The Super Bowl marks the moment the market stops warming up and starts moving!
Final take
The winners this season are the ones with the right timing and the right strategy.
That’s what wins in this market.
