Whether you're at a holiday party in Redlands, gathering with family in Yucaipa, or catching up with friends around the Inland Empire, one topic always finds its way into the conversation: the housing market.
Here are the three questions everyone keeps asking — and clear, local-friendly answers to help you feel confident about what’s really happening.
1. “Will I even be able to find a home if I want to move?”
Yes — especially in Redlands and the surrounding Inland Empire communities.
Housing inventory has been rising nationwide, and locally we've seen the same trend. According to Realtor.com, the number of homes for sale has topped one million for six straight months, something we haven’t seen since 2019.
What that means for Redlands–area buyers:
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Far more choices than last year
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Less pressure and competition
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Homes staying on the market long enough for buyers to make thoughtful decisions
And for sellers?
More inventory also means more move-up opportunities, which is something many homeowners in Redlands, Highland, and Loma Linda have been waiting for.
2. “Will I ever be able to afford a house?”
Affordability is gently improving — finally.
The past couple of years were tough, but today we’re seeing meaningful progress:
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Mortgage rates have been easing
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Home price growth is slowing to more normal levels
For buyers in Redlands, Mentone, Beaumont, and nearby areas, that means lower monthly payments compared to earlier this year and more realistic paths to homeownership.
Buying still takes planning and preparation — but for the first time in a while, the numbers are moving in the right direction.
3. “Should I wait for prices to come down?”
A lot of people hope for a price dip, but nationally the data isn’t pointing toward a crash — and that includes Southern California.
Here’s why:
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Inventory is rising, but not enough to push prices down significantly
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Homeowners today have high equity and strong financial positions
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Fannie Mae forecasts continued price growth, just at a slower, more sustainable pace
Some inland markets saw rapid price spikes during the pandemic and have since cooled, but Redlands and nearby cities remain stable with steady buyer demand.
Waiting for a big price drop could backfire — and often, people who try to time the market end up paying more later.
Bottom Line
Housing conversations can feel overwhelming, especially during the holidays when everyone has an opinion. But the Redlands and Inland Empire markets are shifting in a healthy direction — not crashing.
If you want to break down what these trends mean for your budget, timeline, and goals, let’s connect and walk through it together.
