Orange County’s housing market has been on quite the ride. Over the past year, home prices have continued to climb, with the median sale price reaching around $1.2 million by early 2025. That’s about a 9% jump from where things stood this time last year. For locals, it's a familiar pattern—prices have been steadily rising over the past few years, making real estate here one of the priciest in the state.

Even with higher prices, homes aren’t sitting around for long. Most are selling in just over a month, only slightly slower than last year. And more people are jumping in, too—sales numbers nudged up, showing that buyers are still motivated, whether they’re chasing the coastal lifestyle or banking on long-term value.

The takeaway? Orange County is still hot. It’s competitive, expensive, and in demand—which means whether you’re buying or selling, timing and strategy matter more than ever.

As of 2024, the way real estate commissions work is evolving. Traditionally, the seller paid the full commission—usually split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. But recent legal changes and industry shifts are shaking that up.

Now, commissions are no longer automatically offered to a buyer’s agent through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service). This means buyers may need to negotiate and agree on compensation directly with their agent, and in some cases, may pay that fee themselves—unless the seller still chooses to offer it.

What hasn’t changed? Commissions are always negotiable. Sellers can negotiate the fee they pay their listing agent. Buyers can do the same with their agent. It's all about clear communication and understanding who’s paying what—before you sign anything.

Bottom line: whether you’re buying or selling, it’s more important than ever to talk openly with your agent about fees and expectations right from the start.

In a real estate transaction, both buyers and sellers are responsible for certain closing costs. For buyers, these typically include loan-related fees like the appraisal, loan origination, and underwriting costs. They’ll also pay for escrow and title services, a home inspection, homeowner’s insurance, and prepaid property taxes and interest. Recording fees are common as well. And with the 2024 commission changes, buyers may sometimes be responsible for paying their agent directly—though this is always negotiable.

Sellers, on the other hand, usually cover the real estate agent commissions, which tend to be the largest portion of their closing costs. They’re also responsible for escrow and title fees, transfer taxes, and any repairs or credits agreed upon during negotiations. If they still owe money on their mortgage, that payoff amount will be deducted from the final sale proceeds. While the exact costs can vary depending on location and deal terms, both parties should expect to pay several thousand dollars and review a closing statement early to avoid surprises.

Before hiring a real estate agent, it’s crucial to ask the right questions to make sure they’re the best fit for your goals. Start by asking how long they’ve been in the business and how familiar they are with your specific market or neighborhood. Experience matters, but local expertise can make all the difference.

Ask about their recent transactions—how many homes they’ve helped buy or sell in the past year, and whether they typically work with buyers, sellers, or both. It’s also wise to understand their marketing strategy: how will they promote your home or help you find the right one? Inquire about their communication style and availability—how often will you hear from them, and through what channels?

Lastly, don’t forget to ask about their commission, any additional fees, and whether they work solo or as part of a team. These questions will give you a clear picture of their professionalism, approach, and commitment to your needs.

Great question—this comes up a lot, especially for people trying to decide who to hire when buying or selling a home. Here's a clear breakdown:

A real estate agent is someone who has taken the required coursework and passed the state exam to earn a real estate license. They can help clients buy, sell, or rent properties, but they must work under the supervision of a licensed real estate broker. Agents cannot work independently.

A real estate broker, on the other hand, has gone a step further. Brokers take additional coursework and pass a more in-depth state exam. They’re licensed to do everything an agent can do, plus they can work independently, manage their own brokerage, and supervise other agents. In short, all brokers can be agents, but not all agents are brokers.

Why work with a broker?

Working with a broker can have some added benefits such as, More experience and education – Brokers have deeper knowledge and usually more years in the field.