Why the Pasadena Real Estate Market Tells a Different Story Than National Headlines
If you've been watching the news, you may have seen headlines like “Existing-Home Sales Receded 5.9% in March” from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). While that paints a picture of a cooling national market, it doesn’t reflect what’s actually happening in many local markets — especially here in Pasadena.
Real estate is hyper-local. And right now, the Pasadena real estate market is telling a much more nuanced — and in many ways more active — story.
Pasadena vs. National: Two Very Different Markets
According to NAR:
Existing-home sales, which refer to the number of completed transactions for previously owned homes, fell 5.9% in March nationwide.
The median existing-home price climbed 2.7% year-over-year to $403,700, marking the 21st consecutive month of annual price increases .
Inventory levels rose 8.1% from February and 19.8% from one year ago, reaching 1.33 million units .
But here’s what’s happening locally in Pasadena as of March 2025, per Zillow data:
Pasadena Housing Market – March 2025 - Single Family Homes:
Zillow Home Value Index: $1,356,748 (↑ month-over-month)
Median Sale Price: $1,245,833
Median List Price: $1,216,150
Median Days to Pending: 17
Inventory: 274 homes for sale
New Listings: 123
Sale-to-List Price Ratio: 1.011
52.8% of homes sold over asking
Despite national headwinds, Pasadena’s market remains resilient — and even competitive.
Why So Many Sellers Are Finally Listing
After a year of hesitation, sellers in droves are coming off the sidelines. Many homeowners have realized that high interest rates aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. The “I’ll wait for rates to come down” strategy is giving way to the reality that now might be the best time to make a move — especially before more inventory hits the market and competition increases.
We’re seeing a notable surge in new listings, with 123 new homes hitting the Pasadena market in March alone — a signal that many are finally making peace with today’s mortgage environment.
Pricing Battles: Sellers vs. Buyers
While more inventory is a good thing, it’s also creating a tension point in the market. Pasadena Sellers want peak pandemic-era prices for their homes — often looking to match or exceed record highs.
Buyers looking to buy in Pasadena, on the other hand, are feeling the squeeze. With interest rates still hovering around multi-decade highs and economic uncertainty fueled by international policy shifts like Trump’s new round of tariff threats, affordability is a major concern.
This pricing standoff is creating a delicate balance:
Homes that are well-priced and well-presented are still seeing strong activity and often selling over asking.
Overpriced homes are sitting longer — or requiring price cuts to move.
Real Estate Is Local — And That’s Where the Opportunity Lies
The bottom line? Don’t let national headlines dictate your strategy. Whether you’re a buyer or seller, what matters most is what’s happening here in Pasadena.
If you’re selling, now may be your moment — before more competition hits the market.
If you’re buying, staying nimble and watching local pricing trends is key to making a smart, long-term investment.
Need help navigating today’s market? I specialize in helping Pasadena homeowners who need to sell their home understand the real story behind the stats — and how to act strategically in any climate.
