What I would do before stepping into a market with limited supply
If you are about to start house hunting, I would spend more time getting ready and less time casually browsing. That is the smarter move in Temple City, CA because supply recently stood at 2.43 months and a typical home sold in 19 days, which leaves less room for indecision.
Recent closings reached a typical $1,205,000, and offers came in around 100.5% of asking. To me, that says the better homes can still pull firm terms, even though the recent typical asking price of $1,254,000 shows some sellers are still pushing above where transactions are typically closing.
I would use that gap to my advantage. In Temple City, CA, some homes may deserve quick action while others may call for patience and stronger price discipline. The point is to know the difference before you get attached to a property that is not positioned well.
Get fully ready before you begin touring so your first good opportunity is one you can actually pursue. Compare every listing to recent closed levels instead of reacting to the asking price alone. Move quickly when the fit is real, and keep your standards intact when it is not. Stay selective.
