Uncategorized • September 12, 2025

Should You Buy Now or Wait? Breaking Down the Fall 2025 Market in LA & Ventura

by Anthony Guetzoian

The real estate market in Los Angeles and Ventura counties is shifting, and buyers are asking the same question: “Should I buy now, or wait for rates to drop further?” With mortgage rates still higher than historical lows but showing signs of easing, understanding the timing, trends, and local market dynamics is crucial for making the right move.

Current Mortgage Rates & What They Mean for Buyers:
As of September 2025, average mortgage rates have begun to trend downward after a period of steady increases. While rates aren’t at the historic lows of 2020-2021, even a small drop can save buyers tens of thousands over the life of a loan.

Why Waiting Can Be Risky:

Home prices are stabilizing but not dropping sharply. Delaying a purchase in hopes of huge price declines could mean missing out on the perfect property.
Inventory is still tight in many desirable neighborhoods — especially West Hills, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, and Thousand Oaks — so selection may shrink.
Competition remains strong for well-priced homes, meaning buyers who wait may face more bidding wars when rates do fall.

Opportunities for Today’s Buyers:

Lock in favorable rates now: Even a 0.5% difference can add up.
Negotiate with motivated sellers: Homes that have been on the market longer may offer flexibility.
Focus on neighborhoods with long-term growth: Look at micro-markets along the LA/Ventura corridor, where value tends to hold over time.

Conclusion:
The decision to buy now or wait is personal, but the Fall 2025 market is presenting unique opportunities. With mortgage rates showing signs of easing, inventory still tight, and competition active, many buyers may find acting sooner rather than later is the smartest financial move.

CTA:
Have questions about the best strategy for your situation? Contact Anthony Guetzoian at Century 21 Valley Properties, 818.266.1100, for a free, personalized consultation.

Buyers • Sellers • September 10, 2025

Q4 2025 & 2026 Real Estate Forecast: Los Angeles & Ventura Counties

by Anthony Guetzoian

The housing markets in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties are entering Q4 2025 with a mix of challenges and opportunities. While high mortgage rates have kept many homeowners locked in and buyers on the sidelines, conditions are expected to improve in 2026 as borrowing costs decline and more inventory comes online.

Unlike the 2008 crash, today’s market is supported by low housing supply, steady employment, and stable economic fundamentals. That means price drops are limited, but real momentum may not arrive until next year.

Mortgage Rates: Relief Ahead

Rates remain the biggest obstacle for buyers and sellers across Southern California.

End of 2025: Average 30-year fixed expected around 6.0–6.5%.
2026: Projected decline to 5.5–6.0%, unlocking more listings.
Local impact: Many homeowners in Los Angeles and Ventura with 3–4% mortgages remain reluctant to sell until rates ease further.

Home Prices: Cooling, Not Crashing

In high-cost areas like Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and Woodland Hills, appreciation has slowed, but prices remain stable thanks to limited supply.

2025: Modest growth of +1.8% to +4.4% nationally; locally, prices are flat in some luxury segments but holding firm in mid-tier markets.
2026: Growth expected to accelerate slightly, with Ventura County’s affordability edge giving it a stronger outlook than LA’s ultra-luxury markets.

Sales & Inventory: More Movement in 2026

2025: Sales remain sluggish, with many “move-up” buyers waiting on rate cuts.
2026: Forecasted rebound of 10–15% in existing-home sales as rates ease.
Inventory: LA and Ventura continue to face low housing supply — about 4.6 months nationally, even tighter locally. New-home construction is limited, but builders are offering incentives to attract buyers.

Rental & Commercial Trends

Rentals: With affordability still a hurdle, Ventura County rental demand is projected to stay strong in 2025–2026.
Commercial: Data centers, industrial space, and senior housing show resilience across Southern California.

Key Risks for Southern California

Tariffs and inflation may slow mortgage rate relief.
Labor shortages restrict new construction.
Luxury oversupply risk: Some LA submarkets (e.g., Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills) could see softer demand compared to Ventura’s more affordable suburban appeal.

The Bottom Line

For Los Angeles and Ventura County homeowners, Q4 2025 will likely feel “stuck” — stable but slow. By 2026, however, easing rates should free up inventory and improve sales activity.

✅ Buyers: Waiting until rates fall closer to 5.5% could create better affordability.
✅ Sellers: Stability is on your side — with limited supply, values remain protected.

📌 If you’re considering a move in West Hills, Calabasas, Thousand Oaks, or anywhere in the LA–Ventura corridor, 2026 could present the best window in years.

Buyers • September 8, 2025

Achieving Financial Independence Through Real Estate: A Smarter Path to Wealth

by Anthony Guetzoian

What is Financial Independence (FIRE)?

At its core, FIRE means having enough assets to cover your living expenses without needing a traditional job. Retiring early is optional—many who achieve FIRE still work on passion projects, but they do so on their own terms.

A popular benchmark is the 4% rule: If you spend $50,000 per year, you’d need around $1.25 million invested to safely withdraw for life. Budgeting tools like Mint or YNAB help track progress, but to reach FIRE faster, you need assets with stronger returns. That’s where real estate comes in.

Why Real Estate is a FIRE Accelerator

Real estate isn’t just about owning a home—it’s an investment class that creates wealth from multiple angles:

1. Passive Income

Rental properties generate consistent cash flow, reducing your reliance on a paycheck.

House Hacking: Live in one unit of a duplex, rent out the rest, and slash your housing costs.
Short-Term Rentals: Airbnb and similar platforms can turn properties into high-yield assets.

2. Appreciation + Equity

Homes historically appreciate 4–5% per year, outpacing inflation. On top of that, paying down a mortgage builds equity—like compounding interest on steroids.

3. Tax Benefits

Real estate offers powerful perks:

Write off mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation.
Use 1031 exchanges to defer capital gains.
House hackers can even deduct a portion of personal expenses as business costs.

4. Diversification

Stocks swing. Bonds lag. Real estate provides a tangible, less volatile hedge that helps stabilize your FIRE portfolio.

How to Add Real Estate to Your FIRE Plan

Step 1: Build a Solid Foundation

Calculate your FIRE number (expenses × 25).
Save a 3–6 month emergency fund.
Pay off high-interest debt, but keep low-rate mortgages working in your favor.

Step 2: Educate Yourself

Read Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki) and The Book on Rental Property Investing (Brandon Turner).
Engage with communities like BiggerPockets or Reddit’s r/financialindependence.

Step 3: Choose Your Strategy

REITs: Stock-like, liquid, and simple—great for beginners.
House Hacking: Live for free while tenants pay your mortgage.
Buy-and-Hold Rentals: Build steady cash flow with the 1% rule (rent = 1% of purchase price).
Fix-and-Flip: Higher risk, higher reward for the hands-on investor.

Step 4: Mitigate Risks

Diversify locations to avoid being tied to one market.
Budget 1–2% of property value annually for repairs.
Leverage pros: property managers, tax advisors, and experienced real estate agents.

Real-Life FIRE Successes

Mr. Money Mustache retired at 30 using house hacking and rentals.
Paula Pant of Afford Anything built a six-figure rental portfolio that funds her lifestyle and travel.

Both show that with discipline and smart real estate plays, FIRE isn’t just a dream—it’s a timeline.

Conclusion: Your Path Starts Now

Real estate isn’t just an investment—it’s a system that fuels financial independence. From passive income to tax breaks, it accelerates FIRE in ways traditional savings can’t. Start small, keep learning, and scale strategically.

👉 Calculate your FIRE number.
👉 Scout your first property.
👉 Take the first step toward freedom today.

What’s your next move toward financial independence? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

Both show that with discipline and smart real estate plays, FIRE isn’t just a dream—it’s a timeline.

Conclusion: Your Path Starts Now

Real estate isn’t just an investment—it’s a system that fuels financial independence. From passive income to tax breaks, it accelerates FIRE in ways traditional savings can’t. Start small, keep learning, and scale strategically.

👉 Calculate your FIRE number.
👉 Scout your first property.
👉 Take the first step toward freedom today.

What’s your next move toward financial independence? Share in the comments—I’d love to hear it.

Buyers • Sellers • September 5, 2025

Good news: The 2025 housing market is finally looking up after some challenging years

by Anthony Guetzoian

After two years of whiplash—rates spiking, inventory freezing, buyers and sellers staring each other down—the 2025 market is finally tilting in a better direction. Is it perfect? No. Is it workable? Absolutely—and the window is opening wider than it’s been in months.

The tide is (quietly) turning

Mortgage rates have eased to the mid-6s. As of early September, the 30-year fixed averaged 6.50%, the lowest since last fall. That’s not “party like it’s 2021,” but it meaningfully boosts purchasing power and unlocks refinancing opportunities for a slice of owners.
Payments are backing off their peak. The median U.S. monthly payment has fallen to $2,593, the lowest level in roughly a year—easing the affordability crunch that sidelined so many shoppers in 2024.
Prices: flat-to-mixed, not free-fall. The U.S. average home value sits at $368,581, up 0.3% year-over-year—with about half of large markets down and half up. Translation: leverage is better balanced, and price cuts are back on the table without signaling a crash.
New-home market is doing real work. July’s new-home median price dipped to $403,800 and builders continue to supply options (often with incentives), helping fill the resale gap. Sales ran at a 652,000 pace in July.

Bottom line: softer rates + more realistic pricing + builder inventory = a market that’s finally functional again.

What this means if you’re buying

Your budget stretches farther at 6.5% than 7%+. A ~50–75 bps drop can add tens of thousands to purchase power or shave hundreds off the monthly. Don’t wait for “sub-6% or bust”—competition will heat up fast if/when that happens.
Leverage is improving. With payments off the highs and prices mixed, buyers are seeing more seller flexibility and credits (especially on homes that missed the mark first time out). Yes, nice homes still move quickly—but you’ve got room to negotiate again.
New construction is a real option. Builders are trimming prices and offering rate buydowns and closing-cost help. That can out-net many resale deals right now.

What this means if you’re selling

Price to the market, not your memories. Buyers are payment-sensitive; pricing inside the active search bands (and offering a targeted buydown) keeps you in the conversation and shortens days on market. The data confirms buyers jump when monthly cost pencils.
Presentation still wins. With more choice and balanced leverage, homes that are clean, photo-ready, and pre-inspected rise to the top. “List high and pray” is how you donate days on market to your competition.
Don’t fear contingencies; manage them. Reasonable inspection and appraisal plans are back. Structured right, they widen your buyer pool without risking your net.

The realistic outlook for the rest of 2025

Rates likely chop around the mid-6s near-term. They’re tied to 10-year Treasury yields and Fed expectations; recent labor data has markets leaning toward easier policy into year-end, but volatility isn’t going anywhere. Plan for wiggles, not a straight line.
Volume should improve modestly. As financing costs cool and builders feed supply, expect more transactions—still below pre-2022 norms, but rising off the bottom.
Prices: call it “sideways with pockets.” With half the big markets up and half down, this is what a normalizing market looks like. Skill matters: local comps and micro-trends will make or break your strategy.

How to play it (no fluff, just strategy)

Buyers

Get rate-locked with float-down optionality—then shop aggressively while competition is still waking up.
Run scenarios with and without a 2-1 buydown; sometimes the seller credit beats a price cut for your payment.
Don’t sleep on new construction with incentives—compare net cost over 5–7 years.

Sellers

Pair a sharp list price with a pre-advertised buydown or closing-cost credit to hit buyers’ monthly-payment target ranges.
Front-load your disclosure package and pre-inspection to keep deals together in a still-cautious market.
If you’re move-up/move-down, the “buy first then list” strategy is back on the table with rate stability and builder spec inventory.

👉 Bottom line: The 2025 market isn’t “easy mode,” but it’s finally functional. Smart buyers and sellers who adapt to payments, leverage, and incentives are going to win.

Thinking of buying or selling in Los Angeles or Ventura County? Let’s talk strategy. With over 30 years of local expertise, I’ll help you win in today’s market. Call or text me directly at 818.266.1100.

Buyers • Sellers • September 3, 2025

Navigating the 2025 Real Estate Market: What Buyers, Sellers, and Agents Need to Know

by Anthony Guetzoian

The 2025 real estate market is no place for guesswork—it’s a landscape that rewards adaptability, insight, and a willingness to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you’re buying, selling, or representing clients, success in today’s market comes down to understanding shifting expectations and delivering real solutions.

What Buyers Want in 2025

Today’s buyers aren’t just looking for four walls and a roof—they want value, flexibility, and transparency. Rising costs and tighter budgets mean buyers expect their dollars to stretch further. They’re prioritizing smart layouts over square footage, energy efficiency over luxury finishes, and homes that can flex with evolving lifestyles (think remote work, multi-generational living, or even future rental potential).

Transparency is no longer a bonus; it’s the baseline. Buyers expect clear communication on pricing, property details, and market conditions. Anything less feels outdated.

What Sellers Must Do to Stand Out

For sellers, “just list it and they will come” doesn’t cut it anymore. Homes that align with lifestyle and tech trends rise to the top. That means upgraded smart home features, eco-friendly improvements, and spaces that resonate with how buyers are actually living today.

The most successful sellers also understand that buyers aren’t only comparing homes—they’re comparing experiences. From professional media to virtual tours, the marketing package matters just as much as the product itself.

The Agent’s Edge in 2025

Here’s the truth: the agents who thrive in 2025 aren’t just selling homes—they’re selling confidence. The role of a Realtor has evolved into that of a strategist, tech guide, and trusted advisor.

AI tools streamline searches, pricing strategies, and client communication.
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a growing decision-maker for both buyers and sellers.
Diversity in service is critical—different clients have different goals, and one-size-fits-all approaches won’t fly.

Most importantly, agents must listen. A recent study shows 62% of consumers want their feedback to shape the process. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a roadmap. The clients who feel heard are the ones who stay loyal, refer their friends, and ultimately fuel long-term success.

Final Takeaway

The 2025 real estate market is fast-moving, tech-driven, and client-centered. Buyers are sharper, sellers are more strategic, and the best agents are those who adapt with them. If you’re navigating this market, don’t just follow the trends—partner with someone who knows how to stay ahead of them.

Buyers • Sellers • September 1, 2025

The 2025 Reality Check: Why Today’s Market Isn’t 2008

by Anthony Guetzoian

If you’ve been following real estate headlines, you’ve probably noticed a familiar theme: whispers of a “housing crash” like we saw in 2008. But here’s the reality—2025 is not 2008, and the fundamentals of today’s market are dramatically different.

1. Lending Standards Are Stronger Than Ever
In the mid-2000s, loans were being handed out with little to no documentation. Today, buyers must meet far stricter lending requirements, with higher credit standards and income verification. This creates a more stable foundation for homeowners.

2. Inventory Is Still Limited
One of the biggest differences? Supply. In 2008, there was a flood of homes on the market. Today, inventory in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties is still well below what’s considered “normal.” That shortage continues to support home values.

3. Equity Is Protecting Homeowners
Most homeowners today have significant equity, unlike 2008 when many were over-leveraged. This means fewer people are forced into foreclosure if they face financial challenges.

4. Demand Is Still Strong
Southern California remains a highly desirable place to live. Between job opportunities, lifestyle, and limited land, demand continues to outweigh supply. Even as interest rates fluctuate, serious buyers are still in the market.

Conclusion
While no market is without its ups and downs, the 2025 housing market is fundamentally more secure than what we saw in 2008. If you’re considering buying or selling, understanding the real factors driving today’s market can give you the confidence to make your next move.

👉 If you’d like to talk specifics about your neighborhood in Los Angeles or Ventura County, reach out anytime—I’m always here to provide clarity and strategy.

Buyers • Sellers • August 29, 2025

📉 How a 0.25% Mortgage Rate Drop Could Impact Your Monthly Payment

by Anthony Guetzoian

Mortgage rates continue to dominate the conversation for homeowners and buyers. Even a small change can make a noticeable difference in your monthly budget.

Here’s an easy formula:

👉 For every $100,000 borrowed, a 0.25% drop in interest rate lowers your mortgage payment by about $15/month.

Example:

Loan balance: $500,000
Rate drop: 0.25%
Estimated savings: $75/month

This quick calculation gives you a ballpark idea of potential savings without needing a mortgage calculator.

Of course, we don’t know yet if the Fed will cut rates at their next meeting. But once they do, you can use this formula to adjust your numbers and plan ahead.

Bottom Line:
If you’d like to see the exact savings for your specific situation, let me know and my team can run the numbers for you. It’s one more way we can help you make the smartest real estate decisions.

—
Anthony Guetzoian, Broker/Owner
Century 21 Valley Properties
📲 818.266.1100

Buyers • Sellers • August 27, 2025

Blockchain’s Next Frontier: Tokenizing Luxury Real Estate for Discerning Investors

by Anthony Guetzoian

Blockchain isn’t just about cryptocurrency anymore — it’s reshaping how high-value assets like luxury real estate are bought, sold, and invested in. For discerning investors and high-net-worth buyers, tokenization is opening doors that were once considered impossible.

Here’s why it matters:

💠 Fractional Ownership Opportunities
Tokenization allows investors to purchase shares of luxury properties, making high-end assets more accessible without requiring full ownership.

💠 Global Accessibility
An international investor can now buy into a Beverly Hills estate or Malibu beachfront with a few clicks, broadening the buyer pool like never before.

💠 Increased Liquidity
Unlike traditional real estate, tokenized assets can be traded on digital platforms, providing greater flexibility for investors.

💠 Enhanced Transparency & Security
Blockchain ensures every transaction is verified, secure, and immutable, reducing fraud and increasing confidence.

For luxury buyers and sellers, this isn’t just a futuristic concept — it’s a rapidly approaching reality that will transform how wealth interacts with property.

As a Realtor with over 30 years of experience in luxury real estate, I stay ahead of emerging trends so my clients are always positioned to make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or explore new investment models, having the right guidance is essential.

📩 If you’d like to discuss how tokenization and blockchain may impact the future of luxury real estate, I’d be happy to connect.

#BlockchainRealEstate #LuxuryRealEstate #Tokenization #WealthManagement #DiscerningInvestors #Century21ValleyProperties #FutureOfRealEstate

Buyers • Sellers • August 25, 2025

Why Real Estate is the Cornerstone of Building Long-Term Wealth

by Anthony Guetzoian

When people talk about building wealth, most think of the stock market, retirement accounts, or even starting a business. But there’s one wealth-building vehicle that has proven itself for generations: real estate holdings.

From cash flow to appreciation, tax benefits to generational wealth, real estate provides multiple pathways to financial security that very few other investments can match. Let’s break down why property ownership has become the cornerstone of long-term wealth — and how you can use it strategically.

1. Tangible Value That Lasts

Unlike stocks or cryptocurrencies, real estate is a tangible asset. Land and property carry intrinsic value that has stood the test of time. Even during economic downturns, real estate rarely goes to zero, and history shows that property values generally rise over the long term.

This durability makes real estate one of the safest ways to hedge against inflation, ensuring your wealth grows while maintaining purchasing power.

2. Appreciation Over Time

One of the most powerful aspects of real estate is appreciation. While the market may fluctuate in the short term, values tend to trend upward over time. Owning property means that you benefit from this natural growth, compounding your wealth as your assets increase in value.

For example, a home purchased for $500,000 today could easily be worth $650,000–$700,000 in ten years, depending on location and market conditions — all while you’ve potentially collected rental income or paid down your loan balance.

3. Steady Cash Flow & Passive Income

Investment properties, whether single-family homes, multi-units, or commercial spaces, provide consistent rental income. This cash flow can cover expenses such as mortgage payments, property management, taxes, and maintenance, while still leaving profit on the table.

Over time, as loans are paid down and rents increase, your cash flow becomes a form of true passive income. This is one of the biggest steps in transitioning from working for money to having money work for you.

4. Leverage & Tax Advantages

Few investments offer the same leverage as real estate. With a relatively small down payment, you can control an asset worth several times that amount. For example, a 20% down payment of $100,000 lets you purchase a $500,000 property — allowing your wealth to grow on the entire value, not just the amount you invested.

Additionally, real estate offers significant tax advantages such as:

Mortgage interest deductions
Property tax deductions
Depreciation write-offs
1031 exchanges (to defer capital gains)
Potential deductions for operating expenses

Together, these strategies reduce taxable income and accelerate wealth-building.

5. Generational Wealth & Legacy

Real estate isn’t just about your financial success — it’s about building a legacy. Properties can be passed down to children or heirs, providing long-term financial security for future generations.

Even if heirs don’t keep the property, they have the option to sell or reposition assets, giving them a head start in life. For many families, this transfer of real estate is the foundation of generational wealth.

6. Diversification & Stability

While diversification is important, many portfolios remain overexposed to stock market volatility. Adding real estate to your financial plan helps balance risk by anchoring your portfolio with a stable, income-producing asset.

During periods of market turbulence, real estate often acts as a stabilizer, reducing risk while continuing to build long-term wealth.

7. Why Professional Guidance Matters

While real estate offers tremendous opportunity, success doesn’t happen automatically. Identifying undervalued opportunities, structuring deals, managing risk, and timing the market all require experience and strategy.

This is where working with a trusted real estate professional becomes invaluable. From advising first-time buyers to assisting high-net-worth individuals with complex portfolios, the right guidance ensures that every move you make is aligned with your long-term financial goals.

Final Thought

Real estate is more than just property — it’s a proven path to building security, financial freedom, and lasting wealth. Whether you’re looking to purchase your first home, expand into investment properties, or create a generational legacy, the key is taking action with the right strategy in place.

👉 If you’re ready to explore how real estate can strengthen your financial future, I’d be honored to guide you. Contact me today to discuss your goals and start building your long-term wealth through real estate.

Meta Description:
Discover why real estate remains one of the most reliable ways to build wealth, create passive income, and secure generational financial freedom.

Sellers • August 22, 2025

Should I Sell My House or Rent It Out?

by Anthony Guetzoian

Should you sell your home or rent it out?

It depends on your financial goals, property condition, and local market conditions. Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, helps homeowners in LA & Ventura County weigh both options to make the smartest decision.

Reasons to Sell

Selling may be the right choice if:

1. You Need the Equity

Use funds for your next home purchase
Pay off debt or invest elsewhere

2. The Market Is Strong

Take advantage of high sale prices
Cash out before interest rates or demand shifts

3. You Don’t Want to Be a Landlord

No tenant issues or maintenance calls
Less stress and responsibility

4. You’re Moving Far Away

Managing a rental from a distance is tough
Property management fees can eat into profit

Anthony can help you estimate your proceeds and time your sale for maximum return.

Reasons to Rent

Renting might make sense if:

1. You Expect Property Values to Rise

Hold and build equity over time
Sell later when values are higher

2. You Want Monthly Income

Cover your mortgage and earn cash flow
Could offer tax benefits (talk to a CPA)

3. You Plan to Move Back Later

Keep your options open for future use
Ideal for temporary relocations

Anthony can connect you with trusted property managers if you pursue this route.

Key Questions to Ask

What’s your home worth today?
How much rent could it realistically earn?
Can you handle vacancies and maintenance?
What’s your long-term financial plan?

Anthony provides real-world answers based on current market data and years of experience.

Final Thoughts

Both selling and renting have pros and cons. The right move depends on your timeline, finances, and goals.

Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, helps you explore both options thoroughly so you can move forward confidently in LA & Ventura County.

Still Debating Rent vs. Sell? Let’s Talk.

Contact Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, for a no-pressure consultation to help you make the best decision for your future.

Meta Description:
Sell or rent your house? Anthony Guetzoian, REALTOR, outlines key factors to help you decide in LA & Ventura County.