February’s numbers are in, and while the housing market continues to move through the typical early-year transition, the Placer County real estate market is still showing underlying strength as we move closer to the spring season.
Seasonality always plays a role during the first few months of the year, but several key indicators from February suggest that buyer activity is beginning to pick up again as we approach the busier months ahead.
Here’s a breakdown of what stood out last month—and what it means moving forward.
Inventory & Sales Activity
February remained firmly in seller’s market territory, with inventory still relatively limited compared to buyer demand.
Homes sold: 293 closed sales
• Up 12.7% from January
• Down 8.4% year-over-year
Homes under contract: 380 pending sales
• Up 12.4% month-over-month
• Up 5.6% year-over-year
Active inventory:
• Down 2.6% compared to last year
• Up 4.6% from January
The increase in pending sales suggests buyers are already beginning to move in anticipation of the spring market, even though inventory remains relatively tight.
Pricing & Value Trends
Home prices showed modest improvement compared to January, though the broader trend still points to stabilization rather than rapid appreciation.
Average sold price: $732,000
• Up 3.4% from January
• Down 2.3% year-over-year
Median sold price: $640,000
• Up 2.4% month-over-month
• Down 1.4% year-over-year
Price per square foot: $340
• Up 1.8% from January
• Down 3.1% year-over-year
Over the past six months, both the average and median price trends are considered neutral, suggesting the market is stabilizing after the rapid swings seen in recent years.
Days on Market & Seller Flexibility
Homes are moving a bit faster again compared to January, though buyers still have more negotiating room than they did during the peak pandemic market.
Average Days on Market: 47 days
• Down 20.3% from January
• Up 6.8% year-over-year
Sold-to-Original List Price Ratio: 97%
• Up 1% from January
• Down 1% compared to last year
Homes that are priced well and properly presented are still moving, while overpriced listings tend to sit longer.
Months of Inventory & Absorption Rates
Inventory continues to be the primary factor shaping the market.
Months of inventory (based on closed sales): 2.6 months
• Up 8.3% from last year
• Down 7.2% from January
Months of inventory (based on pending sales): 2 months
• Down 9.3% year-over-year
• Down 4.7% from January
Both measures remain firmly in seller-market territory, which typically occurs when inventory is below three months.
Absorption rates reinforce this balance:
38.8% absorption based on closed sales
50.3% absorption based on pending sales
Demand continues to absorb available inventory at a healthy pace.
What This Means Right Now
For Sellers
Inventory remains limited, which continues to support home values. However, buyers are more selective than they were in the past, making pricing, preparation, and presentation more important than ever.
For Buyers
While it’s still a competitive market in many price ranges, longer days on market and modest price adjustments compared to last year are creating opportunities—especially for buyers who are prepared and paying attention to recent comparable sales.
Looking Ahead
February often marks the beginning of the market’s transition into the spring selling season.
With pending sales increasing, inventory still limited, and mortgage rates recently dipping below 6%, early signs suggest we could see a fairly active spring market in Placer County this year.
If you’d like a neighborhood-specific breakdown or want to talk through buying or selling plans for 2026, I’m always happy to help.
Call or text: (916) 316-5626
Visit: www.OwnPlacer.com/Patrick-Hake.php
Patrick Hake
Broker Associate
eXp Realty of California
License #01349088
Placer County Weekend Ideas | March 5 – March 8
There’s a great mix of things happening around Placer County and the Sacramento region this weekend. From live music and local festivals to symphony performances and Kings basketball downtown, there are plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the area.
Here are a few events worth adding to your calendar.
Ton of Tone Festival
Blue Goose Event Center
3550 Taylor Rd, Loomis
Saturday, March 7
1:00 PM – 11:00 PM
The Ton of Tone Festival brings a full day of live music, art, and community together in Loomis. Local and regional musicians will perform throughout the day and evening, creating a lively festival atmosphere celebrating the local music scene.
It’s a great opportunity to enjoy live music, support local artists, and spend a day out in Loomis with friends and family.
Tahoe SnowFest
North Lake Tahoe
Now through March 8
One of the Sierra’s biggest winter celebrations wraps up this weekend. Tahoe SnowFest features a wide variety of events throughout North Lake Tahoe including parades, outdoor activities, live entertainment, and family-friendly festivities.
If you’ve been looking for an excuse to head up to Tahoe before winter winds down, this is a great weekend to do it.
Auburn Symphony – Strauss & Tchaikovsky
Placer High School Theater
High & Agard Streets, Auburn
Saturday, March 7 – 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 8 – 3:00 PM
The Auburn Symphony continues its Masterworks series with an evening featuring music from Strauss and Tchaikovsky.
These performances offer a great opportunity to experience live orchestral music right here in Auburn in an intimate and welcoming setting.
Sacramento Kings vs. Chicago Bulls
Golden 1 Center – Sacramento
Sunday, March 8
6:00 PM
Catch the Sacramento Kings at home as they take on the Chicago Bulls at Golden 1 Center. Kings games are always a fun night out downtown with great energy, plenty of nearby restaurants, and one of the best atmospheres in the NBA.
Posted by Patrick Hake on
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