Answer: While January is statistically the slowest month for closed sales in Laguna Beach, it is arguably the best month to list. Low inventory means your home has virtually zero competition, and the buyers shopping in January are serious, pre-approved, and motivated—often looking to close before the spring rush.
If you Google "worst time to sell a house," the internet will scream one answer at you: January.
Conventional wisdom says you should wait. Wait for the flowers to bloom in March. Wait for the sun to come out in June. Wait for the "Spring Selling Season" when the masses come out to shop.
But Laguna Beach is not the conventional market. And if you follow conventional advice in an unconventional market, you might be leaving money on the table.
At Marcus Skenderian Real Estate, we have analyzed decades of local data. The truth about "the hardest month" is nuanced. If you are sitting at your kitchen table in Top of the World or Emerald Bay wondering if you should list now or wait, here is why January might actually be your secret weapon.
The "June Gloom" Paradox
Most sellers assume summer is the perfect time to sell because of the weather. They imagine open houses with brilliant blue skies and sparkling ocean views.
But locals know the reality: June Gloom.
In coastal Orange County, May and June are often our grayest months. A thick marine layer can sit over the coastline until 2:00 PM, making ocean views disappear and homes feel darker.
The January Advantage: Believe it or not, January in Laguna Beach often brings crystal-clear days. After a winter rain, the air is scrubbed clean, and the views from Mystic Hills or Arch Beach Heights can stretch all the way to Catalina Island and beyond.
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Lighting: The lower winter sun casts a warm, golden glow into south-facing living rooms, making interiors feel cozy and inviting—a "hygge" vibe that buyers love.
The Inventory Math: Why "Hard" Is Actually "Smart"
Let’s look at the numbers.
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Spring (March–May): This is when everyone lists their home. Inventory spikes. Suddenly, your beautiful mid-century modern home in Woods Cove is competing with five other similar listings. Buyers have choices. They can afford to be picky. They can lowball you.
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January: The market is quiet. Many sellers are "waiting for spring."
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Your Opportunity: If you list in January, you might be the only refreshed, luxury listing in your price range. You become the belle of the ball.
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Marcus Skenderian’s Insight:
"I tell my clients: Do you want to be a small fish in a big pond (Spring), or the only fish in the pond (Winter)? When inventory is low, basic supply and demand works in your favor. We often see 'winter' listings sell faster because the serious buyers have nothing else to look at."
Who Buys a House in January?
This is the most critical point. The type of buyer shopping in January is different from the type of buyer shopping in July.
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The "Looky-Loo" (July Buyer): Summer buyers are often tourists or casual browsers. They might be in town for the Pageant of the Masters and decide to pop into an open house for fun. They aren't always serious.
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The "Mission-Critical" (January Buyer):
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Corporate Relocations: Executives moving for Q1 job starts. They need a house now.
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1031 Exchange Investors: Investors who sold a property in December and strictly need to identify a replacement property within 45 days to save on taxes. They are under a deadline and motivated to close.
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New Year’s Resolutions: Buyers who spent the holidays in a cramped house and decided, "Never again."
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Practical Tips for Selling in the "Hard" Month
If you decide to buck the trend and list this month, you need a specific strategy. You can't just slap a sign in the yard.
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Price It Sharp: Because volume is lower, you don't have as many recent "comps" (comparable sales) from December. We need to price strategically to validate the value to appraisers.
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Light It Up: Sunset is earlier (around 5:00 PM).
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Tip: We ensure all showings happen between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM to maximize natural light.
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Staging: We add "warm" elements—cashmere throws, lamps with warm-tone bulbs, and even fire features in the backyard—to sell the cozy coastal winter lifestyle.
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The "Pre-Spring" Launch: If you aren't quite ready for January 15th, aim for early February. You beat the March rush but still capture the early momentum of the year.
Summary: Don't Fear the Calendar
So, what is the hardest month to sell? It’s arguably December, when everyone is distracted by holidays.
But January? January is a month of opportunity for the bold.
If you are thinking of selling in 2026, don't automatically wait for the crowd. Let’s look at your specific home, your view, and your neighborhood to decide if "now" is actually your best time to sell for top dollar.
