• Low End ($5,000–$6,000): Older homes (pre-2000), basic updates, no pool. Seen in central Irvine or near freeways.
• Mid-Range ($6,000–$7,000): Updated kitchens/baths, 2-car garage, small yard. Most common for 2.5-bath configs.
• High End ($7,000+): Newer construction, pools, smart features, or views. Rare but in demand for short-term leases.

• Size & Condition: Aim for $2.50–$3.50 per sq ft. A 2,500 sq ft home could fetch $6,250–$8,750.
• Amenities: Add $300–$500/month for a pool, solar panels, or EV charger. Pet-friendly? +$100–$200.
• Lease Type: Long-term (12+ months) stabilizes at mid-range; furnished/short-term can add 10–20%.
• Market Trends: Rents rose 2.4% YoY as of September 2025, but houses saw minor softening (-1.4% in some data). Inventory is low (only ~300–350 4BR houses listed citywide), so well-maintained properties lease fast (under 2 weeks).
• Costs to You: Expect 8–10% vacancy, plus maintenance (~1% of rent annually).

• Woodbridge: 4BR/2.5BA, 2,100 sq ft, updated kitchen—$6,200/mo.
• Turtle Ridge: 4BR/2.5BA, 2,800 sq ft, pool—$7,500/mo.
• Northwood: 4BR/2.5BA, 2,000 sq ft, bonus room—$5,400/mo.

• If you’re a homeowner considering selling, the question isn’t just “Should I sell?”—it’s “When?” With 2025 unfolding as a year of transition, and 2026 on the horizon, timing your sale could mean the difference between a good outcome and a great one.

📈 2025: A Sweet Spot for Sellers

This year offers a rare blend of seller advantage and buyer motivation:

• Prices Remain Strong: While appreciation has cooled from pandemic peaks, values are still high. Sellers in desirable areas are seeing solid offers—especially for move-in-ready homes.
• Inventory Is Rising, But Still Tight: More listings are hitting the market, but demand continues to outpace supply in many regions. That means less competition and faster sales.
• Buyers Are Motivated: With mortgage rates stabilizing around 6–7%, buyers are eager to lock in before potential rate drops spark bidding wars.

If your home is well-maintained, priced right, and marketed effectively, 2025 could be your moment to shine.

⏳ 2026: More Listings, More Uncertainty

Waiting until next year might seem wise—but it comes with risks:

• More Competition: If rates drop, more sellers may list, flooding the market and diluting buyer attention.
• Price Pressure: A surge in inventory could soften prices, especially for homes that need updates or lack curb appeal.
• Economic Unknowns: From election-year volatility to global shifts, 2026 carries unpredictability. Selling now means locking in today’s certainty.

💡 Seller Strategy: Act Before the Crowd

If you’re thinking of downsizing, relocating, or cashing out equity, 2025 offers a strategic window. You can:

• Capture strong pricing before competition increases
• Attract serious buyers while inventory remains moderate
• Move on your timeline, not the market’s

🌟 Final Thought: Your Home Is More Than a House

It’s a story, a sanctuary, a legacy. Selling it isn’t just a transaction—it’s a transition. Whether you’re stepping into retirement, investing in something new, or simply turning the page, the right timing can make all the difference.