January brought the usual winter slowdown in Big Bear—fewer sales, fewer new listings, and longer market times—while overall inventory continued to trend lower than last year. One thing that stands out this month: pricing metrics pulled back from December’s spike, which is common when a few higher-end closings skew the prior month.
📊 January 2026 Market Snapshot
Number of Sales:
49 closed sales in January, down from 60 in December (-18%). Winter pacing is normal here, and it lines up with the seasonal lull we typically see after the holidays.
Average Sales Price:
The average sales price was $494,378, down from $674,044 in December (-27%). December often includes a handful of higher-end closings that can swing the average, so this looks more like a return to “typical” mix rather than a sudden shift in value.
Median Sales Price:
The median sales price came in at $410,000, down from $520,500 (-21%). Median is often a better “middle-of-the-market” indicator than the average, and it also softened month-over-month.
Average Price per Sq Ft:
$370/sq ft, down from $387/sq ft (-4%). This is a modest decline and generally consistent with a slower winter market.
Average Days on Market:
131 days, up from 123 (+7%). Homes typically take longer in winter—especially if they’re priced aggressively or have winter access/condition considerations.
List-to-Sale Price Ratio:
97%, down slightly from 98% (-1%). Sellers are still getting very close to asking when homes are priced right and well-presented.
Active Inventory:
338 active listings, down from 391 (-14%). Inventory continues to tighten—one of the biggest factors supporting the market even when sales volume is seasonally lower.
🏡 Inventory & New Listings
From the inventory chart, total active listings fell from 391 (Dec) to 338 (Jan)*, and new listings rebounded from a very low December:
- New listings: 86 in January (up from 42 in December)
- Total listings: 338 in January (down from 391 in December)
That’s a pretty classic pattern: owners list less during the holidays, then we see a January “wake-up” in new listings—while overall inventory still trends lower as properties come off the market.
*Total listed inventory numbers as of the 15th of each month.
📈 Sales by Month
January closed with 49 sales, down from 60 in December and below January 2025’s 58. The broader sales-by-month chart still shows a familiar rhythm: stronger late-summer/early-fall closings, softer winter months.
🔍 What This Means for Buyers & Sellers
For buyers:
With inventory down and spring around the corner, January can be a smart time to shop—less competition than peak season, and sellers who are listed now are often more motivated and realistic.
For sellers:
Even with winter seasonality, homes are still selling close to list price (97%). If you’re thinking about selling in 2026, getting ahead of the spring rush—or preparing now to list as demand ramps—can be a big advantage.
*Data derived from Big Bear Association of REALTORS®, Inc. (BBV) MLS. Information herein deemed reliable but not guaranteed.
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