December 10, 2025

🏡 Should You Sell in Early 2026?

Timing Insights Every Conejo Valley Homeowner Should Know

As we head toward a new year, many homeowners across Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, and Newbury Park are asking the same question:

“Should I sell my home early in 2026… or wait until spring?”

With the holiday season settling in and market activity shifting, this is the perfect time to evaluate whether listing early in the year could work to your advantage. Here's what our local numbers — and current buyer behavior — tell us.

📉 1. Inventory Has Been Trending Downward — Giving Early Sellers More Visibility

According to the latest Conejo Valley data, active listings have been declining week over week, moving from the 430s in November to the 360s in early December.
This seasonal tightening means:

Fewer new listings hitting the market
Less competition for sellers entering January
More visibility for well-prepped homes
A stronger chance of standing out before spring activity increases

While inventory isn’t historically low, this downward trend creates a strategic window for early 2026 sellers to capture buyer attention before spring listings surge.

🔍 2. Serious Buyers Re-Enter the Market in January

One of the most reliable patterns we see at Lydia Gable Realty Group is the surge of motivated buyers right after New Year’s.

Why?

Relocation for new jobs
Lease renewals ending
Buyers who paused during the holidays
Families planning ahead of the school calendar
Military + corporate transfers

This early-year buyer activity is strong across the Conejo Valley — especially for move-in-ready homes and single-level properties, which remain in high demand.

If you want serious buyers, early 2026 delivers them.

💵 3. Preparing Early Helps You Beat the Spring Rush

January and February are ideal for sellers because:

Compass Concierge projects can be completed before March
Contractors have more availability
You avoid competing with the heavy wave of spring listings
Buyers still have limited options, increasing your home’s visibility

Homes listed in late winter often receive strong engagement simply because buyers have fewer choices.

🌤 4. Spring Isn’t Always “Better” — It’s Just Busier

Spring brings more buyers into the market…
but also a LOT more listings.

That means:

More competition
More similar homes hitting at once
Potential pressure on pricing
Longer days on market if you're not positioned correctly

By listing in early 2026, you’re presenting your home at a time when buyers are active and competing inventory isn’t yet at its peak.

👨‍👩‍👧 5. Your Lifestyle Goals Matter More Than Perfect Timing

Even with all the market data, the most important question is:

What kind of lifestyle do you want in 2026?

Ask yourself:

Do I need less space?
Do I want a single-story home?
Is maintaining this home taking up more energy than I’d like?
Am I relocating to be closer to kids or grandkids?
Do I want to take advantage of my equity now?
Is the next chapter waiting for me?

If the answer leans toward yes, early 2026 may be the right moment to make your move — with strategy and support guiding each decision.

🧭 6. What We’re Seeing Right Now

Across the Conejo Valley:

Westlake Village

High demand for well-maintained single-story and move-in-ready homes.

Thousand Oaks

Families are actively planning ahead for summer moves, increasing early-year buyer activity.

Agoura Hills

Inventory remains moderate but declining, making quality listings stand out.

Newbury Park

Strong interest from buyers relocating for lifestyle, schools, and affordability.

These trends suggest that the early 2026 market will reward sellers who prepare now and position their homes strategically.

🔧 7. Early Sellers Can Maximize Value With Compass Concierge

Want to update your home before selling — without paying upfront?

Early-year sellers benefit most from Compass Concierge, because:

Upgrades can be completed before spring
Small cosmetic improvements yield big returns
Buyers entering 2026 are hungry for move-in-ready options

Homes we prepare with Concierge often sell faster and for more, especially in competitive neighborhoods.

✨ So… Should You Sell in Early 2026?

Early 2026 could be ideal if you:

✔ Want less competition
✔ Prefer motivated buyers
✔ Need time to prepare before spring
✔ Plan to downsize or relocate
✔ Want to take advantage of declining inventory levels
✔ Are ready for your next chapter

With thoughtful strategy, early-year listings often deliver excellent results.

💙 Thinking About Selling in 2026? Let’s Start Planning Now.

A successful sale begins months before the sign goes in the yard.
Let’s build a tailored plan that aligns with your goals, home, and lifestyle.