Market Insight
Los Angeles now has nearly eight additional sellers for every five active buyers.
The Numbers
Redfin estimates that 966,752 buyers were active nationally in July, the lowest figure in its records and 2.5% fewer than in June. The number of sellers also declined, but by just 0.3%, leaving 1.46 million homes competing for attention.
That works out to nearly half a million more sellers than buyers, or a seller surplus of 51.3%. In June, the gap was 47.9%.
Demand has retreated faster than supply. High prices, elevated mortgage rates, and economic uncertainty have persuaded many households to wait. The buyers who remain may be fewer, but their position at the negotiating table has improved.
Los Angeles has more sellers than buyers, but it does not have more buyers than good properties.
Los Angeles
Redfin estimates that Los Angeles had 14,055 active buyers and 22,731 sellers in July. That leaves 61.7% more sellers than buyers, up from 57.4% in June.
Los Angeles is more buyer-friendly than the national market, though less lopsided than Miami, where sellers outnumber buyers by 154%, or Nashville at 151%. It is closer to Seattle at 65% and Riverside at 68.5%.
Other California markets tell different stories. Anaheim had 35.3% more sellers than buyers, Sacramento 32.5%, San Diego 30.3%, and San Jose 18.8%. San Francisco, with 6.3% fewer sellers than buyers, fell within Redfin's definition of a balanced market.
Real estate remains stubbornly local. California alone contains markets ranging from distinctly buyer-friendly to nearly balanced.
Buyer And Seller Read
More leverage does not make a home affordable, but it can make the transaction more negotiable. A prepared buyer may have more room to negotiate price, request repairs, preserve contingencies, or seek a credit toward closing costs.
Listings that have lingered, returned to market, or already received a price reduction deserve particular attention. The payment still has to work, but buyers who can proceed are shopping in the least crowded market in years.
With 22,731 Los Angeles listings competing for an estimated 14,055 buyers, pricing is part of the marketing strategy rather than a ceremonial opening bid.
Buyers have enough alternatives to ignore homes that feel overpriced, poorly presented, or difficult to evaluate. Sellers who prepare carefully, identify what makes the property distinctive, and price close to demonstrated value have a better chance of attracting the market's smaller pool of serious buyers.
The Takeaway
For buyers, July's figures support patience and negotiation. For sellers, they reward preparation, differentiation, and realistic pricing.
A buyer's market does not eliminate successful sales. It makes precision more valuable.
Source note: data and methodology are from Redfin's July 2026 buyer-versus-seller report. Redfin estimates buyer counts using its proprietary data and multiple-listing-service activity; seller counts represent active listings. The figures are seasonally adjusted and may be revised. This page is original commentary intended for informational discussion only.
View Redfin's Buyer And Seller ReportProperty-Specific Read
LA Creative Realty can help you understand the local competition, evaluate the property, and make a clear plan before your next move.