Current Key Metrics (as of early/mid-2026)

•  Median/Average Home Values: Countywide around $880K–$955K for single-family homes (medians vary by source and type); Zillow’s home value index at ~$885K (down ~1% YoY as of late March).

•  Days on Market: Recently around 32–44 days (faster in strong segments, longer for overpriced or fixer properties). Homes in Ventura proper or well-priced listings can still move quicker.

•  Inventory: Improving with more new listings (e.g., 412 in one recent period vs. 365 sold), leading to healthier months of supply in some reports. This gives buyers more choices than in tight pandemic-era conditions.

•  Sales Activity: Solid but selective—e.g., 548 closed sales in April in one report. Competition remains for well-priced, turnkey homes (especially under ~$1M), while higher-end or needing-work properties see more negotiation.

•  Sale-to-List Ratios: Often near 98–99%, showing pricing discipline matters.

Mortgage rates are hovering in the low-to-mid 6% range for 30-year fixed (recently ~6.2–6.5% nationally), which continues to influence affordability and buyer caution.

Outlook for Remainder of 2026

Analysts and local realtors generally expect a more balanced, selective market rather than a boom or crash.

•  Prices: Modest appreciation (e.g., 1–5% in strong/well-located segments) or flat overall, with variation by city and property condition. Structural limits on new supply (coastal/hillside constraints), lifestyle appeal, and demand from buyers seeking Ventura’s quality of life support stability. Overpriced or dated homes are more likely to see concessions or longer market times.

•  Key Drivers: Limited inventory in desirable areas, steady buyer interest (especially in more affordable pockets like parts of Oxnard or Simi Valley relative to LA/Orange County), and rates. If rates ease toward high-5%, activity could pick up; persistent 6%+ rates keep things measured.

•  City/Submarket Differences: Stronger resilience in lifestyle/coastal spots (e.g., Ventura, Camarillo); more negotiation in higher-price areas like Thousand Oaks or luxury segments. Entry-to-mid-range turnkey homes (<$1M) often perform best.

Implications for Buyers

More inventory and selective demand create opportunities for negotiation, especially on condition or pricing. Act decisively on well-matched properties, as desirable ones still move reasonably quickly. Focus on total payment affordability given rates.

Implications for Sellers

Strong values persist if you price accurately, prepare the home well, and stage/market effectively. Overpricing leads to longer days on market and reductions. This is still a good environment for many sellers due to equity positions and limited forced sales.

Longer-term fundamentals remain positive: Limited land supply, desirable location (coast, climate, proximity to LA jobs), and consistent demand. No signs of broad distress.

This is a high-level synthesis based on available 2026 data through early May—local conditions vary by neighborhood, property type, and exact timing. For personalized advice, consult a local realtor and review the latest MLS data, as markets shift with new listings, economic news, and rates. Data sources include Zillow, local realtor reports, and market analyses.

The post Ventura County Outlook for the Rest of 2026 appeared first on Gary and Lisa.

•  Closed Sales: Approximately 1,211 countywide across all property types. Activity accelerated month-over-month, with buyers returning more actively in February and March after a slower January.

•  Median Sale Price (All Types): Around $880,000–$900,000. Single-family homes (SFR) median was higher, near $955,000. Some monthly snapshots showed medians in the $857,000–$900,000 range, with slight year-over-year increases (e.g., +3.3% in one January report).

•  Median Days on Market: 35 days overall for Q1, though it varied monthly (e.g., 44 days in March, longer in winter months). Homes in desirable areas or well-priced properties often sold faster (as low as 23 days in spots like Camarillo).

•  Sale-to-List Ratio: Strong at 98.8%, indicating homes still largely sold close to asking price when priced appropriately.

•  Price per Square Foot: Around $512–$540.

•  Inventory Trends: Active listings rose modestly (e.g., over 1,200 in March), with some reports noting an 8–10% uptick early in the quarter. Months of supply reached levels like 3.4 in February—the highest in years—signaling a shift away from extreme seller dominance. Pending sales fluctuated but showed rebounds (e.g., +10% in February, +20% from Feb to March).

City/Submarket Highlights (approximate Q1 or recent monthly medians):

•  Camarillo: Strong performance with median sale ~$984,250, 106 homes sold, and fast 23 days on market—described as high-volume, seller-friendly.

•  Ventura: Median around $859,000–$905,000; some softening noted (e.g., -2% YoY in one March snapshot).

•  Thousand Oaks / Westlake Village: Higher-end areas often exceeded $1M median, with pockets of stability or modest gains.

•  Oxnard / Simi Valley: More affordable entry points, with medians in the $800,000s and varied YoY changes.

Overall, the market was not crashing but becoming more balanced. Well-priced, turnkey homes in popular areas attracted competition, while others required negotiation or updates. Mortgage rates hovering around 6% continued to influence buyer selectivity.

Commercial and Industrial Segments

•  Industrial Market: Mixed signals. Direct vacancy rose to 5.0% (up 120 bps YoY), with availability at 6.5%. However, Q1 saw positive net absorption (+64.7K SF), a rebound from prior negative trends. Leasing activity totaled ~474K SF (down slightly YoY), driven by small-bay users. Asking lease rates held steady at ~$1.28/SF/month. No major new supply delivered.

•  Office Market (combined with San Fernando Valley): Tight vacancy (~20.2% regionally, but strong tenant retention in Ventura areas). Positive net absorption led the broader LA region in some metrics, with steady asking rents around $2.69/SF/month.

Broader Context and Outlook

•  Affordability Challenges: California-wide, home prices remained far above national averages, with Ventura reflecting coastal premiums. Inventory growth helped slightly, but sales stayed below pre-pandemic peaks due to rates and pricing.

•  Key Drivers: Limited new housing supply, strong local appeal (beaches, lifestyle), and equity-rich buyers (often move-up or downsizing homeowners) supported the market. Early 2026 saw some “reversal” months with rising inventory and softer demand, but spring momentum picked up.

•  Looking Ahead: Analysts described 2026 as a year of stable, competitive conditions with modest price growth potential (3–5% in well-located areas) if inventory continues loosening without a flood. Buyers benefit from more choices and negotiation room; sellers succeed with realistic pricing and preparation.

This is a snapshot—local conditions vary by neighborhood, property condition, and price point (e.g., sub-$1M vs. luxury segments differ). For the most current personalized insights, check sources like the California Association of Realtors, local MLS data, or consult a Ventura County real estate professional.

Data compiled from Q1 2026 reports; real estate markets shift quickly, so verify with fresh listings for specific decisions. If you’d like deeper dives into a specific city, forecasts, or comparisons to Q1 2025, let us know!

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Inventory levels have notably increased, providing buyers with more options than in recent tight markets. Active listings have grown, with reports showing around 1,000-1,500 homes available countywide and new listings contributing to a healthier supply.  This uptick—estimated at 8-12% in some metrics—eases the extreme competition of previous springs. Buyers now encounter greater selection, particularly in suburban areas like Simi Valley, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks, where well-maintained single-family homes remain in demand.

Sales volume demonstrates resilience despite the shift. February 2026 saw roughly 419-422 homes sold, up from 367 the prior year, indicating steady buyer interest.  Average sale prices hover above $1 million in some reports, while median figures reflect a more accessible entry point in the mid-$800,000s. Price per square foot sits around $509-$546, showing slight softening but overall firmness in desirable coastal and hillside locations.

The market favors prepared sellers who price competitively. Well-staged and realistically priced properties continue to attract multiple offers and close efficiently, especially in the under-$1 million segment. However, overpriced listings linger longer, underscoring the need for strategic marketing. Ventura County’s enduring appeal—coastal lifestyle, strong schools, and proximity to Los Angeles—supports long-term value, with new developments and infrastructure enhancements boosting certain neighborhoods.

Rental demand remains robust, complementing the ownership market. Average rents stand near $3,000, well above national averages, driven by limited new construction and consistent population inflows. Low vacancy rates in key cities like Ventura, Oxnard, and Thousand Oaks keep the rental sector competitive for landlords.

Looking ahead through 2026, experts anticipate modest price appreciation of 1-5%, fostering a balanced environment. Increased inventory should continue into spring and summer, benefiting buyers with negotiating power while supporting sellers in a still-competitive landscape. Factors like limited buildable land and lifestyle attractions position Ventura County for sustainable growth rather than dramatic swings.   Overall, the market offers opportunities for both sides with realistic expectations in this evolving California coastal area.

The post Ventura County Numbers for March 2026 appeared first on Gary and Lisa.

Baseline: No Extra Payments

When no extra payments are made, the loan is paid off in approximately 30 years, with total interest paid amounting to $949,900. This option offers predictability in terms of monthly budgeting, but it results in the highest overall interest cost.

Option 1: Bi-Weekly Payments

Switching to a bi-weekly payment plan involves making half of your monthly mortgage payment every two weeks. This results in making one extra full payment each year, which can have a significant impact on your loan:

Option 2: One Extra Payment Per Year

By making one additional annual payment directly towards the principal—either as a lump sum or spread out monthly—you can also see substantial savings:

Option 3: Bi-Weekly Payments + One Extra Payment

Combining the benefits of bi-weekly payments with an additional annual principal payment provides the maximum savings:

Bi-Weekly Payments

Total Interest     $742,700

Interest Saved   $207,200

Years Saved       5.6

Extra Annual Payment

Total Interest    $744,800

Interest Saved   $205,100

Years Saved        5.5

Both Combined

Total Interest   $676,600

Interest Saved  $273,300

Years Saved      7.5

So

Making small, consistent extra payments towards your mortgage can greatly reduce the amount of interest you pay over the life of the loan, help you build equity faster, and enable you to own your home years sooner. By choosing the payment strategy that best fits your financial situation, you can achieve substantial savings and gain greater financial freedom.

The post The Financial Benefits of Extra Mortgage Payments: What You Need to Know appeared first on Gary and Lisa.

Forecasts show more people are expected to move and have been waiting for something or anything before they move.

When people move more homes sell.

Affordability has played a big part over the past few years, many sellers have been waiting. People can wait but they won’t wait forever. There are always people who need to move and more of them will start to act in 2026.

The numbers for 2024 are about 4.7 million homes sold. 2025 looks to come in around 4.8 million homes. 2026 forecasts are all over the map. We know it’s going to be larger but by how much? Thinking north of 6.0 million homes. Could be a lot more.

Interest rates come down much slower than they go up.

Rates will be lower in 2026 we just don’t know by how much. Rates were north of 7% and we expect rates in 2026 could be as low as 4.99%. Gee I hope I’m right.

Every time rates move even by a little bit it makes a huge difference to buyers.

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If uncertainty is keeping you from making a move, it’s time for some real answers.

Is it a good idea to move now?  As a homeowner you may be tempted to wait because you don’t want to sell and take on a higher mortgage rate on your next house. But your move may be a lot more feasible than you think, and that’s because of how much your house has likely grown in value.

Do you know anyone in your neighborhood that has sold their house recently? Did you see how much it sold for? Homes have increased significantly in recent years. According to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the typical homeowner has gained $147,000 in housing wealth in the last five years.

That’s significant – and when you sell, that can give you what you need to fund your next move.

Will I be able to find a home I like in the right neighborhood? Markets were very tight in recent years and the sellers held the upper hand. But in today’s market, this is starting to ease and in some cases has completely reversed.

Information from Realtor.com shows how much inventory has increased – it’s up nearly 25% compared to this time last year.

Even though inventory is still below more normal pre-pandemic levels, it has vastly improved in the last year. Experts say it could grow another 10% to %15 this year. Your looking at the best chance in years to find your perfect home.

Are there buyers in the market? While homes are staying on the market longer they are selling. Resales in 2024 were roughly 4.24 million homes (excluding new construction), from the National Association of Realtors (NAR). That number should rise in 2025.

The post Do You Have Questions About Selling Your House? appeared first on Gary and Lisa.

They don’t realize the market has shifted as inventory has grown. Price cuts are on the rise, but they really don’t have to be.

According to Realtor.com, in February, price cuts were the highest they’ve been in any other February since 2019.

If you consider that 2019 was the last true normal year for the housing market – that’s a big deal. We’re getting back to what’s typical for the market.

This isn’t the same frenzied seller’s market we saw a few years ago. You may not get the same price your neighbor did at the height of the pandemic. And that means you may need to reset your expectations.

Because here’s the reality. If you shoot too high and have to lower your price after the fact, you could actually end up walking away with lower offers than if you’d priced it right from the start. So, how do you avoid that? You lean on your agent.

How an Agent Helps You Nail the Right Price

A great agent doesn’t just pull a number out of thin air. They’ll use real data and market trends to make sure your house is priced based on what your specific home is valued at today. So, you’re setting a realistic price – one that’ll draw in serious buyers.

And based on your agent’s analysis of your local market, they may even recommend strategically pricing slightly below market value to help your house attract more eyes and more competitive offers. Here’s how your agent will determine the right number for your house:

They look at recent sales. What did similar homes in your area actually sell for? Not list for, sell for.

They analyze local market trends. Your home’s value isn’t just about what you want for it, it’s about what buyers in your area are willing to pay.

They craft the right strategy. They’ll make sure your home is priced to attract attention and create a sense of urgency among buyers.

Why Overpricing Backfires

Unfortunately, some sellers still ignore their agent’s advice and prefer to start high just to see what happens. The hope being maybe they get their full asking price, or they at least have more wiggle room for negotiation. But pricing high usually ends up costing you, and here’s why:

Buyers may not even look at it. Today’s buyers are more budget-conscious than ever. If they see a home that seems overpriced, they’re likely to skip it completely rather than try to negotiate.

It could sit on the market for too long. The longer your home sits unsold, the more buyers will assume something’s wrong with it. That can make it even harder to sell down the line.

You might end up getting less. Homes that require a price cut often sell for less than they would have if they had been priced right from the start.

The information from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that the longer a house sits on the market, the less it’ll sell for.

1f a house sells within the first 4 weeks it is listed, it usually goes for full price. Based on experience, that’s what usually happens to homes that are priced at or just below current market value. If it’s priced right, buyers will be interested, and, ultimately, willing to pay the asking price – or compete with other buyers and even go over asking.

But if a house isn’t priced right, it doesn’t sell as quickly. And this graph shows that, after the first 4 weeks on the market, the price starts to drop from there. That’s because buyer interest falls off the longer it sits. So, it becomes more likely a seller will either accept a lower offer because that’s all they have, or opt to do a price drop to draw people back in.

The last thing you want is to list too high, watch your house sit, and then have to drop the price just to get attention. Let’s connect so that doesn’t happen to you.

Want to make sure your home sells quickly and for the best price? Let’s go over the right pricing strategy for your house.

The post The #1 Thing To Know About Your Listing Price appeared first on Gary and Lisa.

Your decision doesn’t just impact your life and your family’s, it starts a ripple effect that has a positive impact on your entire community.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts out a report that breaks down the financial impact that comes from people buying and selling homes.

The data shows that if you buy an existing home, you’re giving the local economy a boost of just over $60,000. If you buy a new construction home, that number goes up to over $125,000.

It takes a lot of people to build, fix up, and sell homes. Robert Dietz, Chief Economist at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), explains how the housing industry adds jobs to your local economy:

“. . . housing is a significant job creator. In fact, for every single-family home built, enough economic activity is generated to sustain three full-time jobs for a year . . .”

Behind every home sale is a network of people involved, included in this partial list are contractors, city officials, real estate agents, lawyers and specialists. Everyone has a job to do to help make sure your deal goes through.

When you buy or sell a home, you’re helping out your neighbors. So, your decision to move doesn’t just meet your needs; it supports their families, strengthens your town, and shapes the future of your community.

While walking through the front door of your next home, know your decision could have helped a local contractor keep their crew working or a small business thrive.

Moving isn’t just a new place to call home it’s an investment in your community. When you’re ready to make a move, let’s us know. You could make a difference for more people than you know.

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Listing on the MLS – We have access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) database. And that’s great for you because having your house on the MLS helps it get more visibility from other agents and buyers. And the more people who see it, the more likely it is to sell.

Using a Yard Sign – A yard sign may seem simple, but it’s one of the best ways to catch the attention of people driving by. When it does, they’ll help spread the word to friends and family who are looking to buy a house for sale in the area. It also puts our contact information on display, making it easy for interested buyers to get in touch with us.

Having Open House’s – An open house is a great way to create a sense of competition and urgency among buyers which can lead to stronger offers. Since you’ll only need to leave during the open house for many buyers to visit, it makes the process easier for you. An open house helps us get real-time feedback about what buyers love and what they don’t.

Showcasing on Zillow – Having your house as a Zillow Showcase presents it in a professional way to buyers. And odds are, people visiting Zillow are serious and ready to make a move, so this is a smart way to get in front of motivated buyers.

Social Networking – Posting your house on our social’s helps get your house in front of buyers who may not have seen it with traditional marketing. It also makes it easy for people to share your listing with friends and loved ones.

Marketing Virtual Tours – All buyers are relocating from somewhere and virtual tours allow them to check out your house anytime from wherever they are. This reachs more potential buyers who may not be able to come to see your house in person.

Utilizing Video – Everything these days is going to video. This is an excellent way for us to show your home and the key details.

Sending Emails – Sending out information about your house to our expansive database is another way we will get it in front of even more people. We may even send emails teasing that your house is coming to the market as a way to boost interest and excitement before we officially have an open house.

This is how it looks. Most good agents will write a description of your house for the listing and pair it with high-quality photos; however, we will do so much more than that.

Sellers not only lean on our expertise throughout the process but we put in the time and effort to make sure your house makes a favorable impression on buyers.

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