If you’ve been watching the real estate market and waiting for a “normal” shift, June brought some changes, but maybe not the ones you were expecting. Prices are steady, inventory is up, but buyers? They’re cautious. And as we look toward the second half of the year, interest rates and economic uncertainty continue to shape how everything plays out.
Let’s take a real, down-to-earth look at what’s happening in the Shasta County housing market right now. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just trying to stay informed, here’s what the data says, and what it might mean for you.
A Market Update That Might Surprise You
June was full of mixed signals. You’d think more listings would mean a livelier market, but that’s not quite how things unfolded. Instead, we’re seeing a market that feels cautious, steady, but slower. Sellers are getting strategic. Buyers are taking their time. And the numbers show a market that’s not crashing, but definitely adjusting.
Here are the key takeaways in Shasta County.
Inventory Is Up, But Homes Are Sitting Longer
We saw a nearly 29% increase in active listings this June compared to last year. That’s one of the biggest jumps we’ve had in a while. New listings are up too (around 14%), so it’s clear more homeowners are stepping into the market.
But here’s the catch: homes are staying on the market longer, which is helping inventory stack up. Compared to June of last year, average days on market jumped by nearly 18%. That brings the typical time to sell up to 86 days.
So what does this mean? If you’re a seller, you’ll need to go beyond just listing and hoping for the best. The right strategy, pricing, and preparation are key to standing out.
Buyers Are Still Active, Just Moving More Carefully
Even with more homes available, we didn’t see a major surge in sales. About 205 homes closed in June, which is just under 4% lower than this time last year. Year-to-date, sold homes are down about 7%.
Pending sales in June held steady at 219, barely down from last year. So buyers are still out there, they’re just being more selective, more patient, and more cautious about what they’re willing to move on.
Interestingly, the price range between $399,000 and $500,000 is seeing the most activity, with over 1,000 closings so far this year. That’s where buyers seem to feel the most comfortable right now.
The Absorption Rate Signals a Shift Toward Buyers
This number doesn’t always get talked about, but it matters: the absorption rate tells us how long it would take to sell all current listings if no new homes hit the market. In June, that number rose to 5.14 months.
For context:
-
0–3 months = Seller’s market
-
3–6 months = Neutral market
-
6+ months = Buyer’s market
Last June, we were at 3.83 months. Just last month, it was 4.9. Now we’re over 5, and that slow creep suggests we’re inching toward buyer territory.
That doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling, but it does mean buyers feel like they have more room to negotiate, ask questions, and make decisions on their timeline. And many are doing exactly that.
Interest Rates Are High, and the Fed Isn’t in a Rush to Cut
Right now, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering between 6.7% and 6.8%. That’s definitely keeping affordability tight, especially for first-time buyers or those moving up from a smaller home.
Many people were hoping we’d see rate cuts by now, but at a recent event, Fed Chair Jerome Powell made it clear: they’re staying cautious. With new tariffs recently announced and inflation not spiking as expected, the Fed is in watch-and-wait mode.
The bottom line? Rate cuts could still happen in late 2025, but they’re not guaranteed. It’s all going to depend on inflation, jobs, and how those tariffs ripple through the economy in the coming months.
For now, rates are elevated, and that’s shaping every real estate conversation, from financing to timing to how much wiggle room buyers and sellers think they have.
It’s a Strategic Market, Not a Broken One
It’s easy to look at all these shifts, more inventory, slower closings, fewer bidding wars, and think something’s wrong. But the truth is, this isn’t a broken market. It’s just a thoughtful one.
Sellers are having to be realistic, buyers are doing their homework, and every move feels a little more intentional than it did a year ago. That’s not a bad thing. It just means you need the right guidance.
If you’re a seller, your price and presentation matter more than ever. A house that’s well-prepped and priced to meet today’s buyer expectations will still sell. Especially if you’re in that $399K–$500K range, where most of the action is happening.
If you’re a buyer, there’s an opportunity out there, but you have to stay sharp. The market is shifting in your favor, slowly but surely, and being ready when the right listing shows up can make all the difference.
The Barrett Team in Redding, CA has been walking alongside buyers and sellers through markets that are hot, cold, and everything in between. If you’re not sure where you stand or you just want someone to help you make sense of the numbers, we’d love to connect.
Because this market isn’t about fear. It’s about strategy. And with the right plan, you can still make your move, whether you're buying your next home, selling your current one, or just exploring what’s possible.
