What is a 1031 exchange?

A 1031 Exchange allows owners to defer the capital gains accrued from the sale of an investment property by transferring their profits to a new “like-kind” property. Owners have 45 days from the sale to identify no more than 3 “like-kind” properties, and then an additional 135 days to close on at least one (180 days after relinquished property sale). Fortunately for investors, the “like-kind” designation applied by the IRS is a misnomer; any real estate can be swapped for other real estate, as long as it is held for investment purposes. For example, a rental property in Laguna Beach can be swapped for a cattle ranch in Montana, provided it meets the IRS guidelines. Read More

💡 The Hidden Costs of Waiting: Why Spring 2025 Is Still a Smart Time to Sell in OC

Are you wondering if now is the right time to sell your home in Orange County? With so much uncertainty in the headlines, it’s tempting to wait. But waiting could mean missing out on one of the best seller markets we’ve seen in years—especially in coastal communities like Dana Point, Laguna Beach, and Laguna Niguel.

Here’s why Spring 2025 is still a smart time to make your move 🏡👇

📈 You May Have More Equity Than You Think

Many homeowners don’t realize just how much equity they’ve built over the past few years. Even with market shifts, prices have remained remarkably resilient in desirable South Orange County neighborhoods. If you bought your home prior to 2021, chances are your equity position has grown significantly.

Selling now could unlock:

A sizable down payment for your next home
Cash for lifestyle upgrades, retirement, or debt consolidation
The ability to right-size or relocate with financial confidence

🏠 Low Inventory = Less Competition

While some sellers are waiting, buyers are still actively looking—and there simply aren’t enough homes to meet demand. In fact, active listings in Orange County remain well below pre-pandemic norms.

This low inventory gives current sellers a huge advantage:

Less competition from similar homes
More motivated and qualified buyers
Stronger negotiation power and favorable terms

Homes in sought-after communities like Dana Point’s Lantern District or Laguna Beach’s Village are attracting serious interest from both local and out-of-area buyers.

💵 Prices Are Holding Steady in Prime Areas

Contrary to some national headlines, home values in South Orange County’s coastal zip codes have remained stable—and in some cases, even increased. Well-maintained homes with location appeal are still selling at premium prices, especially those with ocean views, walkability, or unique design features.

If you're waiting for a big price jump, you may actually lose out. Buyers are factoring in insurance hikes, rate sensitivity, and lifestyle shifts now. Smart pricing today can secure a great sale before buyer fatigue sets in.

⏳ The Cost of Waiting

Holding off could cost more than you think:

Interest rate fluctuations could impact buyer affordability and limit your pool of offers
More listings later in the year will increase competition
Market conditions are favorable right now—and timing the market perfectly is nearly impossible

Plus, if you're planning to buy after you sell, it may benefit you to move before demand heats up even more in late spring and summer.

🔍 Final Thoughts: Should You Sell This Spring?

If you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign: Spring 2025 still offers a golden window for OC sellers—especially in areas like Dana Point, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, and Laguna Beach.

Even with shifts in the broader housing market, local trends are showing us that buyers are active, inventory is low, and desirable homes are still commanding top dollar.