Why Homes Are Sitting Longer in Riverside County (And What Sellers Can Do About It)

Why are homes sitting longer in Riverside County? Buyers have more homes to choose from and fewer of them are buying, so each listing has to earn its showings. The homes that are priced right and presented well are still selling quickly. The ones that sit are usually priced for a faster market than this one.

For everything else that goes into a sale in this market, read our complete Riverside County seller's guide.

What has actually changed?

Compared with a few years ago, there are more homes for sale in Riverside County and fewer buyers closing each month. That means each listing competes harder for attention.

Prices have mostly held up. The slowdown shows up in how long homes take to sell and how many sell, much more than in price. For the current numbers, see our Riverside County housing market page, updated monthly.

Why do some homes sit while others sell?

It depends on how you count. Homes that sell are going much faster than the average listing, because the average includes every home that sits and eventually comes off the market unsold. Our Riverside County housing market page shows both numbers.

The difference between the two groups usually comes down to three things.

Price. This is the most common reason by far. A home priced above what recent sales support gets skipped by buyers who have other options.

Condition and presentation. Buyers compare homes closely, and small issues read as big ones. See what sellers should fix before listing.

Reach. A listing that doesn't reach enough buyers in its first two weeks loses its best window. Here's how we market homes in Riverside County.

What does sitting cost a seller?

I went back through the arm's-length sales I have listed in Riverside County since 2011 and sorted them by how long the home had been on the market when it went under contract. Two weeks or less: a median 101.0% of original list price. 15 to 44 days: 99.6%. 45 to 89 days: 97.4%. Past 90 days: 95.3%.

Price reductions show the same pattern. Listings that reduced at least once closed at a median 96.2% of original list price, compared with 100.0% for listings that never reduced.

For example, on a $630,000 home, the gap between selling in two weeks and sitting past 90 days works out to roughly $36,000.

What can you do before you list?

Price for the first two weeks. Build the price from recent comparable sales and what's actively competing with you, so buyers act early.

Handle the visible condition items. Paint, flooring, fixtures and curb appeal do more than a big remodel. Buyers use visible issues to justify lower offers.

Launch with full reach. Professional photos and video, and a listing that reaches every channel buyers are watching, on day one.

Expect to negotiate on more than price. Buyers are asking for credits toward closing costs and repairs. Seller concessions explained covers when a credit makes sense.

What if your home is already sitting?

Look at what the listing has told you so far: showings, feedback and how long it has been on the market. If it has expired, read why your home didn't sell and what to do next, or see how we relist and sell expired listings.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to sell a home in Riverside County right now?

Once an offer is accepted, most Riverside County sales close in 30 to 45 days. Well-priced homes often go under contract in the first two weeks. Current county figures are on our Riverside County housing market page.

Should I lower my price if my home isn't getting showings?

Low showing activity in the first two weeks is usually a price signal. Look at the comps again with your agent before you decide, since a well-supported adjustment early tends to cost less than a string of small cuts later.

Is it a bad time to sell in Riverside County?

Prices are holding and well-prepared homes are selling. It's a market that rewards accurate pricing and preparation.

Find out what your home is worth. Call or text 951-741-5311.

Chris Leeper, REALTOR®, DRE #01881634, Leeper Realty Group. Brokered by eXp Realty of California, Inc. This content is for general information only and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Market figures come from the sources named, reflect the date shown, and may change. Talk with a qualified attorney, tax professional or lender about your specific situation. Equal Housing Opportunity.