What is the greatest need for homes in Southern California right now? What properties are flying off the market when they hit the MLS? Which open houses are packed?
If your guess was a “Starter House,” you’d be absolutely right!
But what exactly is a Starter House? It’s typically an entry-level home, often with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms—affordable for first-time homebuyers. With inventory levels remaining tight over the last few years, the availability of starter homes has decreased, making competition fierce whenever one hits the market.
In the Foothill Communities, depending on the city, a single-family residence starter home may start in the mid-$700k to $800k and above. Of course, pricing will vary by city, but one thing is consistent across the board: Starter homes are in high demand.
You may currently be living in what was your “starter home” when you bought it. Traditionally, homeowners move when they’ve outgrown their space, or their property no longer suits their needs. Perhaps you lived in your home for 5-7 years, upgrading when you got a promotion, grew your family, or needed more space.
Here’s something wild: “In Los Angeles, where homeowners hold onto their homes longer than in any other U.S. metro, the median tenure was 19.4 years in 2024.”**
That’s nearly two decades! Our guess is that for many homeowners, the house may not be a perfect fit, but they don’t know the right steps to take to sell and find something better.
If you’re considering selling your home, we want you to have the guidance you need. Many homeowners initially think that selling and buying another home won’t make financial sense. But once we meet, review comparable properties, and go over your estimated sale proceeds, you may realize that it can work—especially with the equity you’ve gained in your home. Lenders will often say that this equity can help offset the higher mortgage rates keeping you from moving.
We don’t want you staying in a home that no longer suits you for 20 years just because you don’t have enough information to make a move.
This is your open invitation to reach out—call, text, or email us to schedule a time to discuss the process of selling your home. If your home fits the “Starter Home” profile, there is strong demand for it right now.
