Okay, let’s talk about what’s really happening in our neck of the woods because the IE is having a MOMENT and I’m here for it! As someone who grew up right here in Ontario and has watched this area transform from cow pastures to the hottest real estate market in SoCal, I’ve got the inside scoop on where we’re headed in 2025.
First things first – if you think the Inland Empire is still just a “drive-until-you-qualify” destination, you’re about five years behind. We’re sitting pretty at a median price of $628,000 in Riverside County, and before you gasp, remember that same house would cost you double in Orange County. Trust me, I’ve been showing homes here since before Ontario Ranch was the fastest growing area in the I.E., and this price jump we’re seeing? It’s not a fluke.
Here’s what I’m seeing on the ground after eight years in this business: all those coastal folks who used to turn their noses up at the IE are now fighting over our listings. Can you blame them? Where else can you get 2,500 square feet, a three-car garage, and schools that actually care about your kids without selling a kidney?
The magic is happening because interest rates finally came down from that brutal 7% nightmare we lived through last year. Remember when I used to tell clients “location, location, location”? Well, now it’s “rate, rate, rate” and buyers are about to come back with a vengeance.
If you’re buying, buckle up buttercup – especially in areas like Ontario Ranch and Eastvale where I literally watched neighborhoods get built from scratch. Multiple offers will be back, and that cute little house you’re “thinking about”? Someone else isn’t just thinking. First-time buyers, don’t sleep on those down payment assistance programs – I’ve been helping clients use them since they started, and they’re game-changers.
Sellers, this is your moment to shine! That home appreciation means equity is back on the menu, and buyers are hungry this fall. Price it right (and please, listen to your agent who’s lived here for decades), stage it well (I’ve got you covered there), and watch the magic happen.
The bottom line? The IE isn’t the “other” market anymore – we’re THE market. And after watching this area bloom from strip malls to shopping centers to master-planned communities, I can tell you we’re just getting started.
Ready to navigate the 2025 Inland Empire market? Contact me for specific strategies to help you win.
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