Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Market Trends & Data
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated 5 days ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

15
Posts
3
Votes
Marius Olbrych
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Palm Desert, CA
3
Votes |
15
Posts

Rancho Mirage, CA at a Tipping Point: Buyers Still Rule, But the Window Is Closing

Marius Olbrych
  • Real Estate Agent
  • Palm Desert, CA
Posted

Rancho Mirage at a Tipping Point:
Buyers Still Rule—for Now, But the Window Is Closing

Strategic Market Update – April 2025
Prepared for the BiggerPockets Community
Source: Altos Research | Data as of April 20, 2025

Executive Summary

Rancho Mirage currently reflects characteristics of a slight buyer’s market, with a Market Action Index (MAI) of 28, just below the neutral benchmark of 30. Inventory is elevated at 316 active listings, but demand has been quietly gaining ground. This is the early stage of a trend shift—sales are now consistently outpacing new listings.

Sellers are beginning to make price concessions, and smart investors who move now can still negotiate strong terms before the market rebalances. This is the last phase before upward pressure on pricing begins to return.

Key Market Indicators

MetricValue
Median List Price$1,286,944
Median New Listing Price$1,247,500
Price per Square Foot$485
Median Days on Market70
Average Days on Market103
Inventory316
Price Reduced Listings51%
Price Increased Listings3%
Relisted Properties17%
Median Rent (Monthly)$9,250
Market Action Index28

Market Positioning

Buyers currently retain negotiating power, but momentum is shifting. For the past several weeks, absorption rates have exceeded new listing volumes—a sign that supply may soon tighten.

The high percentage of listings with price reductions (51%) shows that sellers are reacting to softening expectations, especially in mid-tier and luxury product segments. Relist activity at 17% further confirms that overpriced homes are being repositioned for serious buyers.

Expect stronger resistance from sellers in Q2 and Q3 as inventory normalizes and buyer demand—often seasonal in this market—increases.

Segment Breakdown

SegmentMedian PriceSq FtBedsBathsAvg DOMTypical Lot Size
Top 25%$3.65M4,61544770.5 – 1 acre
Upper-Mid 25%$1.595M3,08833700.25 – 0.5 acre
Mid-Tier 25%$1.09M2,53932.5638,000 – 10,000 sqft
Entry-Level 25%$779K2,03632776,500 – 8,000 sqft

Strategic Considerations

1. Short-Term & Mid-Term Rental Viability
The median rent of $9,250 supports executive-level furnished rentals. However, all investors should verify HOA and city zoning compliance for STR/MTR models before acquisition. Focus on communities with documented rental allowances or opportunities for corporate housing.

2. Fix-and-Flip Entry Window
The mid-tier and upper-mid segments ($1.1M–$1.6M) offer the best spread opportunity. Days on market under 70 and high price-reduction rates make these targets ideal for renovation or repositioning plays. Construction-ready properties below $485/sqft are worth underwriting.

3. Long-Term Hold Outlook
Investors looking to hold should prioritize well-located homes with upgraded systems, low deferred maintenance, and strong curb appeal. Appreciation upside remains strong for quality inventory, especially as market conditions tighten.

4. Creative Finance Opportunities
Sellers with over 90 DOM and a history of price adjustments may be open to terms deals. Creative finance structures (seller carry, subject-to, lease options) are more feasible now than they will be once the MAI crosses 30 and sellers regain leverage.

Final Outlook

Rancho Mirage is in a transitional phase. While it is still technically a buyer’s market, the underlying fundamentals are shifting toward equilibrium. Buyers have a narrowing window to capitalize on soft pricing before market conditions begin to favor sellers again.

For serious investors, this is a prime opportunity to secure a foothold—provided you move with due diligence, focus on quality assets, and account for seasonal demand in the Coachella Valley.

  • Marius Olbrych
business profile image
Desert Premium Properties | Renovate Palm Springs
5.0 stars
8 Reviews

Loading replies...