Is it a good time to sell my house in Laguna Hills is one of the most common questions we hear from homeowners in Orange County. The answer might surprise you: there's really only one thing you need to know before we get into the details. You should sell a home when the time makes sense for you personally. Everything else is secondary. Real estate isn't the stock market, and it's definitely not a spin on the roulette wheel. As top Orange County real estate agents, our number one goal is helping you make the right personal decision for your own unique situation and long-term plans. Plus, the market is unpredictable. If you need to sell, there's little point in postponing your life just hoping the market will get a little better in a few months. And if you don't need to sell, it's not smart to uproot your life and sell your home just because you have some negative premonition about the market. Nobody has a crystal ball. We help you make the best informed personal decisions based on your situation and current market conditions. |
That said, let's talk about money.
Most homebuyers will turn a profit when they sell, as long as they've been in a home long enough to let the market do its magic. The median home sale price in Laguna Hills has risen from a low of around $400,000 at the bottom of the housing crisis in 2009 to over $1.2 million today. That's more than triple in 16 years.
For comparison, the S&P 500 is nearly 10 times higher today than its 2009 low. Laguna Hills real estate has historically been a great investment over time. It may have a lower rate of return than the stock market, but it's generally less risky than choosing individual stocks.
Real estate is also a 'sticky' asset class, with home prices being slower to move up or down compared to fast-moving financial markets.
Homeowners also get the benefit of higher leverage. You can buy a home with only 20% down, or as little as 3% or even 0% down with some FHA or VA loans. So a 20% gain when you sell is really doubling your 20% down payment, or even more, depending on your down payment amount and how much your property has appreciated over time.
Our real estate listings portfolio showcases the luxury properties and housing options available throughout Orange County, including sought-after communities like Nellie Gail Ranch where we frequently help both buyers and sellers.
Real estate is a long-term investment. Most people don't want to move all the time. There are also closing costs and fees associated with real estate transactions, so you're less likely to come out ahead if you move within a year or two of buying, or more depending on the state of the market.
RELATED: Real Estate Closing Costs in Laguna Hills
Historically speaking, US homebuyers have always come out ahead, as long as they have been patient enough to wait. Even those who bought at the pre-housing-crisis market peak in the early 2000s are now sitting on profit today.
If you're curious about your home's current value and potential profit, our free home valuation tool can give you a comprehensive analysis of your Laguna Hills property's worth in today's market.
Most importantly, you should sell when the time is right for you personally. Real estate is a big investment, but it's much more than that. It's your home, the foundation for your family, community, and lifestyle. It's also an unavoidable expense, like food. You wouldn't buy or not buy food just because the price went up this week.
Most homebuyers see owning their home as preferable to paying rent each month with nothing to show for it in the long run. Owning also locks in a large part of your housing costs, unlike rent that keeps going up. The fact that American homeowners tend to turn a profit when they sell is just icing on the cake.
If you're considering homes in Laguna Hills, nearby Laguna Niguel, Dana Point, or exploring other Orange County neighborhoods, the decision should ultimately align with your personal and financial goals.
The best time to sell your Laguna Hills home is when it makes sense for your life circumstances, not when market predictions suggest you should. As experienced real estate professionals who understand the Orange County market, we focus on helping you navigate your unique situation rather than trying to time the market perfectly.
Learn more about our team and how we help Laguna Hills homeowners make informed decisions about buying and selling. When you're ready to explore your options, we're here to provide expert guidance tailored to your specific needs and timeline.
Ready to discuss your situation? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see how we can help you make the best decision for your Laguna Hills home.