April Market Shift: What Buyers and Sellers Need to Watch

Shasta County’s housing market is shifting with rising inventory, changing absorption rates, and steady home prices. With mortgage rates still fluctuating and new economic signals from the Fed, here’s what’s shaping the market this month

Table of Contents

• Inventory Rises, But Buyers Pull Back

• Prices Hold Steady (For Now)

• Months of Supply Surges

• Buyer Behavior Signals a Cautious Market

• 📌 Why This Matters for You

Inventory Rises, But Buyers Pull Back

Active listings jumped 34% year-over-year (583 this April vs. 433 last year). But closed sales dropped 13%, creating a wider gap between supply and demand.

We’re seeing more “For Sale” signs, but fewer buyers are stepping up—likely due to affordability concerns and uncertainty about interest rates. This trend has been building for months, with active listings climbing steadily since February while pending and sold activity has stayed mostly flat.

Understanding these trends helps buyers and sellers navigate the market with realistic expectations. Rising inventory means more choices for buyers, while slower sales may require sellers to be more strategic. With prices holding steady, the market remains competitive, but shifting conditions could impact negotiations and timing.

Prices Hold Steady (For Now)

The median sale price per square foot held at $241, almost identical to last year.

This signals a tug-of-war: sellers are holding firm on price, while buyers aren’t chasing aggressively. If that balance tips, price softening could follow.

Understanding the real estate market can feel overwhelming, but two key indicators can tell us a lot about whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market: Absorption Rate and Months of Supply.

Months of Supply Surges

Months of supply rose from 2.5 to 3.8—a 52% increase, pushing us closer to a neutral market.

At this pace, we’re drifting away from the strong seller’s market of the past few years. If supply keeps building, we may see longer market times and increased negotiation leverage for buyers.

Buyer Behavior Signals a Cautious Market

Homes are taking a median of 57 days to sell, and 36% of listings saw price reductions. Only 1% of homes had price increases.

Buyers are clearly shopping around, and they’re not rushing. Sellers who overprice are getting passed over quickly, especially with so many options now on the market.

📌 Why This Matters for You

Sellers: strategy matters more than ever—this isn’t the market to “test” a price. You need to be the obvious choice, not just another listing.

Buyers: opportunities are quietly building. With more listings and less urgency, you don’t have to overpay—but you do need to act when the right one comes along.

I’m watching the data closely and can help you navigate whether it’s time to move—or time to wait. Just hit reply and let me know where your head’s at. I’d be happy to chat.

📞 Thinking of buying or selling? Let’s discuss your strategy in today’s evolving market. Reach out to start the conversation!