California does not have a real estate season. Houses are sold year round. The great recession messed that up though! It took until last year for the foreclosed houses to be moved from the market. Flippers are starting to have a hard time here too nowHousing, at least here, is not commonly put up for sale mid winter. No one wants to move in the cold weather. Probably different in more temperate climates.
Houses are usually bought and sold with contingencies on selling old and new one ready to move in. The domino thing makes it difficult but it somehow works out. Best buyer is someone who is currently renting, no sale contingency.
Good luck!
Nice to see that the straw on Winter is changing to feathers.