Welcome to December: What November Told Us and What This Month Requires

Thanksgiving is behind us, the inbox is slowly coming back to life and we are entering one of the most strategic months in real estate. December is short but it often reveals more about market behavior than people expect. What happened in November offers a clear view into how buyers, sellers and investors should navigate the final stretch of the year across LA and OC.

This is the clean version of what the data showed and what December will require.

What November Really Showed Us

Investor grade demand started to return

Mortgage activity increased in November which is unusual for that time of year. This rise signals that a mix of well qualified buyers and investors began positioning for early movement. Showings increased on clean listings and interest rose across several segments even as seasonal expectations suggested a slowdown.

Inventory climbed and created strategic opportunity

We saw more properties come online in November than typical late fall patterns. Some owners wanted to get ahead of January. Others were watching how elevated inventory might influence pricing behavior. This created a more balanced environment for negotiations.

Pricing held steady as the market favored clarity and preparation

Strong listings performed. Soft listings struggled. Both commercial and residential segments showed the same pattern. Buyers responded to realistic pricing and clean presentation. Overpriced assets lingered. Negotiation room existed but not enough to shift leverage entirely.

What This Means for December

December is often mistaken as a quiet month. It is not. It is a month where motivation becomes visible.

Well capitalized buyers move with intention

There is no window shopping in December. Activity is driven by real timelines, strategic planning and financial readiness. Buyers who are active now tend to be serious and decisive.

Sellers and owners can benefit from reduced noise

With fewer listings hitting the market, high quality properties stand out immediately. Buyers and investors who are active this month often have clearer decision frameworks which leads to smoother negotiations.

Inventory may tighten slightly

As inventory pulls back, the market moves into a brief equilibrium. This balance sets the stage for the first quarter and gives December transactions a strategic edge.

December Priorities for Buyers and Investors

• Focus on assets priced accurately for current conditions
• Move promptly on high quality opportunities
• Leverage the balance created by elevated November inventory
• Expect stronger competition as early as mid January

December Priorities for Sellers and Owners

• Prioritize pricing accuracy over timing
• Capture motivated buyers and investors who prefer to move before Q1
• Position your asset with clarity to stand out in a lower noise environment
• Prepare now if early January is your true target

Final Takeaway

November provided early signals of returning demand and December will confirm how both sides of the market respond. It is a short month but an important one. When inventory levels shift and buyer intent strengthens, opportunities appear for those who understand timing.

Follow The FJO Group for clean, data driven guidance you can trust.