Should I sell my home in 2026, or would I be better off waiting until 2027. "Should we ever sell our home or just hold on to it forever?”
So, I, Mark Bolender, always recommend holding your real estate forever if you can work that into your financial portfolio. Let's face it, real estate is one of the best investments, if done correctly. It creates a financial legacy for your family and future generations. Life goes fast. so HOLD or HODL, and make your future generations/favorite causes, flourish and thrive in your name.
However, for those who want to sell over the next few years, this newsletter is for you.
This is an important decision, especially if you own multiple properties valued between $900,000 and $2 million in Los Angeles or the Santa Clarita Valley. This includes areas like Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Newhall, Stevenson Ranch, Santa Monica (South), Westwood, and Woodland Hills.
NOTES: Homes priced under $900,000 are likely to sell well in any market year, though some neighborhoods perform better than others. Properties with HOAs or attached units may face additional challenges due to evolving insurability issues — a topic we’ll explore in a future blog or newsletter
This newsletter focuses specifically on the $1 million to $2 million market, as most of my recent consumer questions have come from recent internet sellers and or clients from these areas in this price ranges.
Timing the market is never an exact science, but with so many known analysts weighing in on the next two years, I want to give you a clear and balanced picture, from my own analysis and perspective.
What Analysts Are Saying About 2026
Most economic forecasters expect 2026 to be a transition year. Mortgage interest rates, which surged in 2023–2024, have been gradually coming down, but they aren’t expected to drop dramatically. Instead, most projections point toward a “slow easing” environment. That means slightly more affordability, but not enough to open the floodgates for first-time buyers.
At best, the rates will come down into the high 5.9%-6% average area, but inflation is kicking up so don’t count on good interest rate drops. The rate decreases will be minute at best, maybe, (.25%) at a time. I hope I'm wrong and they drop rates deeper but this would come with more inflation. More about that in my upcoming newsletters.
For the $1M–$2M range, especially in Los Angeles and the Santa Clarita Valley, inventory will likely remain tight. Insurance costs are still climbing in California, and this will weigh more heavily on older homes or properties in high fire-risk areas like parts of Newhall, Canyon Country and Saugus.
Still, buyers in these price points are often more insulated — they’re families moving up, professionals relocating, or investors diversifying portfolios.
Translation: 2026 should be steady, not explosive. Think modest price appreciation (2–4% in many LA neighborhoods) and continued multiple-offer scenarios in areas like Valencia, Stevenson Ranch and Santa Monica, where demand remains consistently strong.
What Analysts Expect in 2027 2027:
This is where opinions diverge. Some analysts predict that by then, rates will have stabilized closer to historic averages (5–5.5%). If that happens, affordability improves, more buyers enter the market, and sellers may see stronger offers. Others warn that the drag of higher insurance premiums, rising property taxes, and slower job growth could cool demand. Particularly in markets like Newhall or Woodland Hills, where younger buyers are stretching their budgets, affordability may cap appreciation.
HOA fees will be up even more by 2027 due to insurance and dwindling HOA reserves by many associations to pay for 2025-2026 calamities. For luxury and near-luxury properties ($1M–$2M), however, demand in lifestyle-driven areas — Westside neighborhoods, Stevenson Ranch, or Valencia’s master-planned communities — is expected to stay resilient.
The shortage of quality or true *TURN-KEY homes that are also affordable can’t be solved in two years or even three years. So, 2027 could be a stronger year, but it depends on whether the broader economy avoids recession and whether rate cuts materialize as expected.
What This Means for You Selling in 2026: You capitalize on today’s equity without waiting through another cycle of insurance and tax increases. Insurance will be way up in early February, 2026. Competition could be thinner now is 2026, so your home stands out more. Great for those who want certainty or need to reposition assets sooner.
Selling in 2027: You could benefit from a larger buyer pool if rates ease and affordability expands. Risk: if the economy stumbles, demand could soften just as inventory loosens. Best for those comfortable holding their properties and absorbing carrying costs. Some economists say that 2027 will be good for markets, with 2028 getting choppy again. In short, 2026 looks reliable but modest. 2027 holds more upside potential but also carries more risk. BONUS: My opinion os 2030 will be the best year of the decade.
My Perspective I’ve been working with clients across Los Angeles and the Santa Clarita Valley for decades, and I can tell you this: the market doesn’t move uniformly. Santa Monica won’t behave like Canyon Country. Newhall isn’t Stevenson Ranch. Westwood isn’t Valencia.
That’s why I don’t recommend relying on YouTube, national headlines, Zillow, Redfin or even statewide averages when you’re making a million-dollar decision. Instead, I create property-specific strategies that factor in neighborhood trends, buyer demand in your price range, and your personal financial timeline. As I often tell clients, the best time to sell is not when the market is “perfect” — it’s when the market and your personal goals align. That takes a financial team and guidance from your team of professionals.
*True TURN-KEY homes that are properties, adequately upgraded as far as aesthetics, on the exterior and interior with all major systems being well thing their perceived useful lifetime.
Have a awesome and powerful OCTOBER, 2025.
Until next time,
Mark Bolender
www.MarkBolender.me (Resume)
RE/MAX Gateway
661-714-0510 or 310-857-4956
DRE License 01065007
Listings: www.markbolender.net
Resume: www.markbolender.me
Email: [email protected]
