Strong markets still require discipline on both price and terms.
If you are wondering how firm you can be when negotiating in this market, I would start with what recent closings already tell us. In Anaheim, CA, offers landing at 100% of asking and homes moving in about 15 days support a stronger posture, but only when the property is positioned well.
Over the previous 30 days, Anaheim, CA recorded recent offers at 100% of asking, a typical sale timeline of 15 days, and supply at 1.7 months. The typical sold price was $890,000. That gives sellers room to stand firmer, while reminding buyers that unrealistic discount expectations may not hold up.
I still would not confuse firmness with inflexibility. In Anaheim, CA, a seller earns leverage by pricing credibly and presenting the home well. A buyer protects leverage by focusing on homes that fit their range and moving decisively when the pricing makes sense. The numbers support confidence, but they do not support careless assumptions from either side.
If you are selling, decide in advance where you will hold your line and where you may need flexibility. If you are buying, stay focused on realistic targets and avoid stretching just to stay in the game. Use the market's pace and pricing evidence to guide your posture rather than letting emotion take over.
