June 11th, 2025 at 10:54 am

arial view of southern california house with text overlay

If you own a home in 2025, you likely have more home equity than you realize, especially if you’ve owned your home for several years. But what exactly is home equity, and how can you use it to your advantage in today’s real estate market?

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June 9th, 2025 at 9:45 am

moving boxes with text overlay

The Southern California real estate market in 2025 offers both chances and challenges for homeowners thinking about moving. When you are upgrading, downsizing, or moving, a big question comes up: Should you sell your home before buying a new one?

It’s a big decision, especially in a fast-changing market like Southern California, where inventory, competition, and affordability can shift quickly. In this blog, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both strategies, share real-life examples, and discuss solutions like bridge loans and temporary rentals to help you make the best choice for your situation.

Why This Decision Matters More in 2025

More homes are available in many areas of Southern California, including San Diego, Orange County, and the Inland Empire. As a result, sellers now have more options than before. At the same time, interest rates remain a concern, and many current homeowners are sitting on low mortgage rates and substantial equity.

Buyer demand is slowing in some areas and rising in others. Timing your sale and purchase is more strategic than ever.

Option 1: Selling Your Home Before Buying

✅ Pros

Stronger Buying Power

Selling first gives you the advantage of being a non-contingent buyer. In competitive markets like Irvine or Pasadena, sellers often prefer offers that do not depend on selling another home.

Clarity on Your Budget

Once you close on your home, you will know exactly how much money you have for your down payment, closing costs, and moving expenses. This eliminates guesswork.

Less Financial Risk

You’re not carrying two mortgages or betting on how quickly your home will sell.

❌ Cons

Temporary Housing Stress

You may need to secure short-term housing, such as a rental or extended-stay hotel. This can be especially challenging in high-demand SoCal neighborhoods like Santa Monica or Newport Beach.

Moving Twice

You’ll need to stay in temporary housing before moving again after you buy your new home—adding cost and inconvenience.

Pressure to Buy Quickly

Once you’ve sold, you may feel rushed to purchase, which can lead to settling on a home that’s “good enough” rather than ideal.

Option 2: Buying a New Home Before Selling Yours

✅ Pros

Smoother Transition

You only move once and have time to prepare your current home for sale after relocating.

More Time to Find the Right Home

You can wait for the right opportunity without the pressure of being between properties.

Ideal for High-Equity Homeowners

If you have significant equity, you may be able to make a down payment without selling first, especially with a HELOC or bridge loan.

❌ Cons

Financing Can Be Tricky

Qualifying for a new mortgage while still carrying your current one can be difficult unless your income supports both.

Risk of Overlap

If your current home doesn’t sell quickly, you could be stuck with two mortgages or pressured to drop your asking price.

Contingent Offers May Be Less Competitive

In hot submarkets like Manhattan Beach or La Jolla, sellers may reject offers that are contingent on another home selling.

What Is a Bridge Loan—and Could It Work for You?

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that lets you borrow against the equity in your current home to fund a down payment on a new one. Once your existing home sells, you use the proceeds to pay off the loan.

Example:
Maria and Carlos in Rancho Cucamonga found their dream home but hadn’t yet sold their current one. They used a bridge loan to make a competitive offer without contingencies. Their home sold within 30 days, and they were able to pay off the loan and enjoy a seamless transition.

Is it right for you? Bridge loans are great for sellers with strong credit and substantial equity. They work well in areas with high buyer demand and fast-moving listings.

Temporary Rentals: A Smart Middle Ground

Some sellers choose to sell first, then rent a short-term property while they house hunt. In Southern California, furnished monthly rentals and corporate housing are easier to find, especially in cities like San Diego, Long Beach, and Glendale.

Example:
A couple from Santa Barbara sold their beachside condo and rented a guest house in Montecito for three months while looking for their next home. The flexibility allowed them to wait until the right property became available—without pressure.

What’s Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Ask yourself:

  • Do you need the equity from your current home to buy?
  • Are you moving within a tight time frame?
  • Are homes selling quickly in your neighborhood?
  • Are you financially able to handle both a mortgage and a short-term rental or bridge loan?

Work With a Local Expert

The best way to buy and sell at the same time is to work with a real estate agent who truly understands your Southern California community. They’ll help you assess your finances, evaluate market timing, and create a strategy that minimizes risk and maximizes opportunity.

Whether you’re selling, buying, or doing both, our forever agents across Southern California are here to help you move with confidence.

Contact us today for a personalized consultation.

June 2nd, 2025 at 10:06 am

southern california homes with text overlay

In Southern California’s fast-moving real estate market, buyers often face stiff competition. Limited inventory, high demand, and rising home values have created a situation where multiple offers are common. Sometimes, this happens within days or even hours of a home being listed. But just because it’s competitive doesn’t mean you have to overpay.

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May 1st, 2025 at 10:29 am

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Southern California’s real estate market has long been known for its competitive nature, sky-high prices, and fast-paced sales cycles. But in 2025, a new force is quietly reshaping the market: the lock-in effect.

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April 29th, 2025 at 9:59 am

There’s nothing quite like the Southern California coastline. With more than 800 miles of beautiful beaches, sunny weather all year, and a relaxed lifestyle, many people dream of living by the ocean.

But let’s be real—homes in coastal hotspots like Malibu, Newport Beach, and Santa Monica often start in the millions. For many buyers, that dream feels out of reach.

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