CA Real Estate Group is a Southern California real estate team led by Christine Almarines, a Realtor® licensed since January 2004, helping buyers, sellers, downsizers, and investors across Orange County and Los Angeles County. The team works under Caliber Real Estate Group.
If you want to keep up with what we are doing for our clients and community, including events, market updates, and educational videos and articles, you can find us on our website and on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. All the links are in this article.
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County. Here is who we are, what we have done, and how to follow along.
Christine started in real estate right out of high school, as a secretary in a real estate office, working to help pay for college. She realized quickly that real estate could help other people create and build wealth too. In her words, it was a path that was designed for her, and she has been on it ever since.
She has been licensed since January 2004. She was previously CEO and Team Leader of a large real estate office, and she has personally invested in, flipped, renovated, staged, and rented properties herself. That means she has stood on every side of this business: agent, mortgage lender, investor, renovator, and landlord. Her certifications include Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA), Probate Specialist, and Luxury Agent.
Her tagline is "Navigating Your Next Move."
CA Real Estate Group, also called CARE Group, is the team Christine leads, operating under Caliber Real Estate Group. It helps people buy and sell homes in Orange County and Los Angeles County, with a focus on:
The team works in Cerritos, Buena Park, Anaheim, Bellflower, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Long Beach, Lakewood, Placentia, and the surrounding Southern California communities. The website also offers home valuations, buyer and seller education, community guides, market updates, and home maintenance tips.
Contact: 📱 (714) 476-4637 | 📧 christine@carealestategroup.com
Every client starts with a strategy conversation built around their actual goal, before any home is shown or listed. Our approach follows the CARE Roadmap: Consultation, Assessment, Roadmap, Execution, and Protection.
A few things we do on every deal:
We believe a real estate team should show up for the neighborhood beyond real estate. This season that includes:
Watch the Events section of our website and our social channels for the next one.
Follow along, like what is useful, and leave a comment with your questions. We share market updates, educational pieces, community events, and what we are doing for our clients.
| Where | What you will find | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Website | Market updates, blog, buyer and seller resources, community guides, events | carealestategroup.com |
| YouTube (long-form) | Longer educational videos | @TeamCARealEstateGroup |
| YouTube (short-form) | Short videos | @bestlifeinsocal |
| Reels, events, and community updates | @carealestategroup | |
| Reels, events, and community updates | CA Real Estate Group | |
| TikTok | Short videos | @carealestategroup |
Looking for something specific?
Book a conversation with Christine and we will start with your goal. Book a consultation.
Who is Christine Almarines?
Christine Almarines is a Realtor® with CA Real Estate Group, licensed since January 2004, helping buyers, sellers, downsizers, and investors across Orange County and Los Angeles County. She is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos.
What is CA Real Estate Group?
CA Real Estate Group, also called CARE Group, is a Southern California real estate team led by Christine Almarines and operating under Caliber Real Estate Group.
What areas does CA Real Estate Group serve?
Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Cerritos, Buena Park, Anaheim, Bellflower, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Placentia.
Does CA Real Estate Group work with both buyers and sellers?
Yes, including first-time buyers, move-up families, downsizers and seniors (including probate and trust sales), and investors.
Where can I follow CA Real Estate Group on social media?
On Instagram at @carealestategroup, on Facebook at CA Real Estate Group, on YouTube at @TeamCARealEstateGroup and @bestlifeinsocal, and on TikTok at @carealestategroup. Links are above.
Where can I find market updates?
In the Market Updates hub on our website.
How do I contact Christine Almarines?
Call (714) 476-4637, email christine@carealestategroup.com, or book a consultation.
If you’d like to talk about your next move in Southern California real estate, I’d be happy to help.
Looking for family-friendly October events in Orange County? Here are nine to put on the calendar between Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 31, 2026, from a Japanese food festival and zoo nights to the Anaheim Halloween Parade and a harbor full of haunted ships.
Want even more ideas? Our full guide to 100+ things to do in Orange County in October has the whole month. Prices, hours, and ticket rules can change, so check each event’s official page before you go.
The fair runs Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday from noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Expect more than 250 vendors, including over 60 Japanese food vendors, plus taiko drumming, J-pop performances, a cosplay competition, a kimono show, and a live tuna-cutting demonstration. Children 6 and under are free. Ticket prices change by purchase date, so see this Hoodline report and the fair’s official ticket page before you buy.
OC Parks opens the historic grounds from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. for fall photo spots, a straw maze, and a scavenger hunt. Admission and parking are free, costumes are welcome, and leashed pets are allowed. Light refreshments are for sale. The park is at 25151 Serrano Road. Details are in the OC Parks flyer.
The zoo’s Halloween night for kids runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 1801 E. Chestnut Ave. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 12, and one ticket works for any one of the four nights. Buy online ahead of time. Balloons are not allowed, and costumes should be child-friendly. Santa Ana residents and zoo members get discounted tickets with ID. See the zoo’s ticket page.
The festival and classic car show run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Center Greens, next to Anaheim City Hall, with costume contests, local artists, live entertainment, kids’ crafts, food, and a scavenger hunt. The Halloween parade rolls through downtown Anaheim at 7 p.m. See the Anaheim Fall Festival website for the details.
More than 30 local makers sell handmade goods from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at 4820 Barranca Parkway. There is live music, a kids’ craft station, and a costume contest at 1 p.m. Admission and parking are free, and pets are welcome. See the Eventbrite page.
From 5:30 to 9 p.m., the harbor turns into a Halloween adventure with haunted ship tours, bioluminescence laser tag, a Mad Scientist Lab, aquarium access, a photo booth, and a costume contest. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18.50 for seniors and military, and $17 for children 19 months to 13 years. Younger toddlers are free. Food and drinks are extra. See the Ocean Institute event page.
Kids can hear spooky stories, make creepy crafts, try wacky science experiments, and meet animals from local wildlife groups from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2301 University Drive. The event and parking are free, costumes are welcome, and rain cancels it. See the Visit Newport Beach listing.
Main Street turns into a Halloween party on October 31. The Guide OC lists trick-or-treating at participating businesses, a costume parade, and a costume contest from 4 to 7 p.m. HB Downtown confirms the date on its signature events page but had not posted the hours when we checked, so confirm the schedule before you head out.
This ticketed family morning runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 661 Spectrum Center Drive, with a Halloween breakfast buffet, a costume contest, a scavenger hunt, and coloring. An arcade combo is optional. See the event listing for tickets.
Pumpkin patches and trick-or-treat events run all month, and our October things-to-do guide lists 100+ more events, festivals, and Halloween fun across the county. The Guide OC keeps a running list of the best pumpkin patches in Orange County and the best trick-or-treat events. Our own SoCal pumpkin patch guide covers patches near Cerritos and Buena Park.
Good neighborhoods are more than the house. A short drive to a zoo night, a harbor event, or a free park program is part of why families love living in Orange County, and part of what to look at when you are deciding where to live. If you are thinking about a move, ask yourself which of these events are close to the neighborhoods on your list.
For more ideas, browse our guide to 100+ things to do in Orange County in October, last week’s family-friendly weekend roundup, or our Halloween Movie Calendar for a family movie night.
Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest (October 16 to 18 and 23 to 25), the Halloween Market at Woodbridge Village Center in Irvine (October 24 and 25), and Boo at the Bay in Newport Beach (October 24) all have free admission.
The OC Japan Fair in Costa Mesa runs Friday through Sunday, Fall-O-Ween at Heritage Hill in Lake Forest runs Friday through Sunday evenings, and Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Ana Zoo is on Saturday and Sunday evening.
Try Boo at the Zoo in Santa Ana, Spooky Seas at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point, the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, and the Surf City Spooktacular in Downtown Huntington Beach on October 31.
The parade is Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 7 p.m. in downtown Anaheim. The Fall Festival and classic car show run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Center Greens.
General admission is $25 for adults and $20 for children ages 3 to 12, and Santa Ana residents and zoo members get discounted tickets with ID. Tickets are valid for any one of the four nights.
If you’d like to talk about your next move in Southern California real estate, I’d be happy to help.
CLIENTS ONLY: This photoshoot is for current and past CA Real Estate Group clients. Not a client? You can still enter to win a free session: enter the Photoshoot Giveaway.
CA Real Estate Group is hosting its 8th Annual Client Appreciation Photoshoot on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Heritage Park in Santa Fe Springs. It is complimentary and by invitation for current and past clients.
Each session is a quick 10 to 15 minutes with Erin of Captured Grace Photography. You receive 5 to 7 professionally edited, high-resolution digital photos in about two weeks, which makes it a good fit for holiday cards. Space is limited and sessions are first come, first served, so request your time slot early.
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County. This is her team's way of saying thank you to the clients who have trusted them with one of the biggest decisions of their lives. Here is everything you need to know.
It is a free mini photo session that CA Real Estate Group hosts for its clients, now in its 8th year. You show up at the park, you get a short session with a professional photographer, and you leave with edited photos you can use however you like, a holiday card, a family update, a new profile photo, or a keepsake.
The event is by invitation for current and past CA Real Estate Group clients. If you bought or sold a home with Christine and her team, or you are working with them now, this is for you and your family. This event is for clients only.
Your exact time slot is confirmed after you request it, so you will not need to guess when to arrive.
Space is limited and sessions are first come, first served.
Holiday cards go out in December, and most families are scrambling for a good photo in late November. A session on November 7 with delivery in about two weeks puts your edited photos in your hands around the time you would order cards. It is also a nice way to get everyone in one place, in good light, with someone else behind the camera.
The Client Appreciation Photoshoot is for clients only. If you are not a client, you still have a chance to join us: we are giving away 3 free mini photoshoot sessions at the November 7 event. Entries close Friday, October 23, 2026, and winners are announced Monday, October 26. No purchase necessary. Enter the Photoshoot Giveaway here.
What is the CA Real Estate Group Client Appreciation Photoshoot?
A complimentary mini photo session hosted by CA Real Estate Group for its current and past clients. This is the 8th annual event.
When is the 2026 Client Appreciation Photoshoot?
Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Heritage Park, 12100 Mora Dr, Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670.
Who can attend?
By invitation for current and past CA Real Estate Group clients.
Does it cost anything?
No. It is completely complimentary.
How long is the session and what do I receive?
Each session is 10 to 15 minutes. You receive 5 to 7 professionally edited, high-resolution digital photos in about two weeks.
Who is the photographer?
Erin of Captured Grace Photography.
How do I sign up?
Request your photoshoot time here. You will choose a preferred and a backup time slot, and Jennifer will confirm your actual time separately.
I am not a client. Can I still get a free photoshoot?
The photoshoot is for clients only, but you can enter to win one of 3 free mini sessions in our giveaway. Entries close Friday, October 23, 2026. Enter the Photoshoot Giveaway.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, on a leash at all times.
Who is hosting this event?
CA Real Estate Group, led by Christine Almarines, a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, operating under Caliber Real Estate Group.
If you’d like to talk about your next move in Southern California real estate, I’d be happy to help.
If you have already decided you can't afford a home in Buena Park, hear this before you give up. In Christine's experience, most people who rule themselves out never actually ran the numbers. A lot of first-time buyers assume they need 20% down and perfect credit. That is not true. There are low-down-payment loan programs, first-time buyer assistance, and lenders who can give you a straight answer in about fifteen minutes, not a runaround.
You might be closer than you think. You might need six more months. Either way, you deserve to know the real answer, not a guess.
In Buena Park, the step into ownership is smaller than in most of Orange County. In Q3 2026, condos and townhomes averaged $830,520, about $215,000 less than the average Buena Park house ($1,045,412). Sellers of attached homes received 98.8% of their original asking price, and from January through September 80 attached homes sold, up from 63 a year ago (CRMLS, pulled October 3, 2026).
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, and she works with first-time buyers every week. Buena Park is her home market. Here is how to find out where you actually stand.
No. Putting 20% down avoids mortgage insurance on many loans and lowers your monthly payment, but it is not a requirement. Several loan programs allow a much smaller down payment.
The tradeoff is real. A smaller down payment means a larger loan, usually mortgage insurance, and a higher monthly payment. So the useful question is "which payment fits my budget, and which program gets me there?" The minimums depend on the program, the loan amount, and the type of property, so ask your lender which ones fit.
No. Different loan programs have different credit requirements, and many buyers qualify without a perfect score. A lender can tell you where your credit stands and what to fix first. Sometimes a few months of paying down a credit card changes the answer.
There are down payment and closing cost assistance programs for first-time buyers in California. Eligibility, such as income limits, price limits, and a homebuyer education class, and the funding available both change, and some programs run out of money. Ask a lender what is open right now.
This is an illustration only. 5% is an example, not a program minimum, and it does not include closing costs, cash reserves, or mortgage insurance.
| Example price (Q3 2026 average) | 20% down | 5% down |
|---|---|---|
| Buena Park condo or townhome: $830,520 | $166,104 | $41,526 |
| Buena Park house: $1,045,412 | $209,082 | $52,271 |
The point is not that 5% is easy. It is that the cash you need to start depends on the program, and it can be far less than the 20% most people assume. A smaller down payment also raises your monthly payment, so the monthly number matters as much as the cash.
From the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), pulled October 3, 2026. Buena Park, California (Orange County).
| Measure | Condos and townhomes, Q3 2026 | Condos and townhomes, Jan to Sep 2026 | Houses, Q3 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average sale price | $830,520 | $824,100 | $1,045,412 |
| Closed sales | 25 | 80 | 67 |
| New listings | 39 | 122 | 77 |
| Average days active in MLS | 32 | 37 | 25 |
| Percent of original price received | 98.8% | 98.9% | 98.5% |
About the sample size: 25 condo and townhome sales in a quarter is a small sample, and one larger or smaller unit can move the average by tens of thousands of dollars. The nine-month column (80 sales) is the steadier read.
What first-time buyers can take from it:
Condos and townhomes come with HOA dues, which count toward your monthly payment, and lenders have their own rules for condo buildings. Ask your lender before you fall in love with a building.
Start with a conversation with a lender. In Christine's experience, a good lender can give you a straight answer in about fifteen minutes about what you might qualify for and what to work on. Christine will connect you with a lender she trusts, and you can compare programs side by side.
When you are ready for a formal pre-approval, the lender will ask for a full loan application, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, ID, and your Social Security number, among other documents. What buyers actually need to do before they start shopping walks through the whole order, and it starts with your budget, not the lender's maximum.
Then you need a plan, not a no. A lender can tell you what to save, what to pay down, and when to check back. That might be six more months. Waiting with a plan is very different from giving up.
If rates are what is holding you back, should you wait for rates to drop before buying in Buena Park? covers buydowns, refinancing, and the real monthly number.
Message Christine. She will connect you with a lender, and you will find out exactly where you stand. Book a buyer consultation or start the Buyer Bootcamp course.
Can I buy a home in Buena Park with less than 20% down?
Yes. Several loan programs allow a much smaller down payment, and there is down payment assistance for first-time buyers in California. A smaller down payment usually means mortgage insurance and a higher monthly payment, so ask a lender which programs fit your situation.
Do I need perfect credit to buy a home in Buena Park?
No. Different programs have different credit requirements, and many buyers qualify without a perfect score. A lender can tell you where you stand and what to improve first.
How much does a condo or townhome cost in Buena Park?
Buena Park condos and townhomes averaged $830,520 in Q3 2026 and $824,100 from January through September (CRMLS). Q3 had 25 sales, a small sample, so the nine-month figure is the steadier read.
How much does a house cost in Buena Park?
Buena Park single-family houses averaged $1,045,412 in Q3 2026, up 4.3% from a year ago (CRMLS).
What first-time buyer assistance is available in California?
There are down payment and closing cost assistance programs, and eligibility and funding change. Ask a lender what is open right now.
What if I need more time before I can buy in Buena Park?
A lender can build a plan with you: what to save, what to pay down, and when to check back. You might be closer than you think, or you might need six more months.
Who can help me buy my first home in Buena Park?
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, licensed since 2004. Start with the Buyer Bootcamp course or book a buyer consultation.
Source: All market data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. InfoSparks © 2026 ShowingTime Plus, LLC. Buena Park attached homes (condominiums, townhomes, and attached single-family) and single-family detached, monthly data January 2025 through September 2026, as of October 3, 2026. Quarterly and year-to-date figures calculated from monthly data. The down payment table is an illustration and is not a loan offer or financial advice. Loan programs, eligibility, and assistance funding change, so confirm current details with a lender.
If you’re thinking about buying and want to know what makes sense for you in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
If you have already decided you can't afford a home in Cerritos, hear this before you give up. In Christine's experience, most people who rule themselves out never actually ran the numbers. A lot of first-time buyers assume they need 20% down and perfect credit. That is not true. There are low-down-payment loan programs, first-time buyer assistance, and lenders who can give you a straight answer in about fifteen minutes, not a runaround.
You might be closer than you think. You might need six more months. Either way, you deserve to know the real answer, not a guess.
The Cerritos entry point is a condo or townhome. In Q3 2026, Cerritos condos and townhomes averaged $709,563, about $512,000 less than the average Cerritos house ($1,221,457). From January through September, attached homes averaged $706,061 across 37 sales (CRMLS, pulled October 3, 2026).
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, and she works with first-time buyers every week. Here is how to find out where you actually stand in Cerritos.
No. Putting 20% down avoids mortgage insurance on many loans and lowers your monthly payment, but it is not a requirement. Several loan programs allow a much smaller down payment.
The tradeoff is real. A smaller down payment means a larger loan, usually mortgage insurance, and a higher monthly payment. So the useful question is "which payment fits my budget, and which program gets me there?" The minimums depend on the program, the loan amount, and the type of property, so ask your lender which ones fit.
No. Different loan programs have different credit requirements, and many buyers qualify without a perfect score. A lender can tell you where your credit stands and what to fix first. Sometimes a few months of paying down a credit card changes the answer.
There are down payment and closing cost assistance programs for first-time buyers in California. Eligibility, such as income limits, price limits, and a homebuyer education class, and the funding available both change, and some programs run out of money. Ask a lender what is open right now.
This is an illustration only. 5% is an example, not a program minimum, and it does not include closing costs, cash reserves, or mortgage insurance.
| Example price (Q3 2026 average) | 20% down | 5% down |
|---|---|---|
| Cerritos condo or townhome: $709,563 | $141,913 | $35,478 |
| Cerritos house: $1,221,457 | $244,291 | $61,073 |
The point is not that 5% is easy. It is that the cash you need to start depends on the program, and it can be far less than the 20% most people assume. A smaller down payment also raises your monthly payment, so the monthly number matters as much as the cash.
From the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), pulled October 3, 2026. Cerritos, California (Los Angeles County).
| Measure | Condos and townhomes, Q3 2026 | Condos and townhomes, Jan to Sep 2026 | Houses, Q3 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average sale price | $709,563 | $706,061 | $1,221,457 |
| Closed sales | 17 | 37 | 59 |
| New listings | 18 | 49 | 76 |
| Average days active in MLS | 54 | 41 | 17 |
| Percent of original price received | 98.9% | 100.1% | 99.7% |
About the sample size: Cerritos has few condo and townhome sales, so one quarter can swing on a single unit. The nine-month column is the steadier read.
What first-time buyers can take from it:
Condos and townhomes come with HOA dues, which count toward your monthly payment, and lenders have their own rules for condo buildings. Ask your lender before you fall in love with a building.
Start with a conversation with a lender. In Christine's experience, a good lender can give you a straight answer in about fifteen minutes about what you might qualify for and what to work on. Christine will connect you with a lender she trusts, and you can compare programs side by side.
When you are ready for a formal pre-approval, the lender will ask for a full loan application, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, ID, and your Social Security number, among other documents. What buyers actually need to do before they start shopping walks through the whole order, and it starts with your budget, not the lender's maximum.
Then you need a plan, not a no. A lender can tell you what to save, what to pay down, and when to check back. That might be six more months. Waiting with a plan is very different from giving up.
If rates are what is holding you back, should you wait for rates to drop before buying in Cerritos? covers buydowns, refinancing, and the real monthly number.
Message Christine. She will connect you with a lender, and you will find out exactly where you stand. Book a buyer consultation or start the Buyer Bootcamp course.
Can I buy a home in Cerritos with less than 20% down?
Yes. Several loan programs allow a much smaller down payment, and there is down payment assistance for first-time buyers in California. A smaller down payment usually means mortgage insurance and a higher monthly payment, so ask a lender which programs fit your situation.
Do I need perfect credit to buy a home in Cerritos?
No. Different programs have different credit requirements, and many buyers qualify without a perfect score. A lender can tell you where you stand and what to improve first.
How much does a condo or townhome cost in Cerritos?
Cerritos condos and townhomes averaged $709,563 in Q3 2026 and $706,061 from January through September (CRMLS). It is a small market, 17 sales in Q3 and 37 over nine months, so treat it as a starting point.
How much does a house cost in Cerritos?
Cerritos single-family houses averaged $1,221,457 in Q3 2026, up 0.9% from a year ago (CRMLS).
What first-time buyer assistance is available in California?
There are down payment and closing cost assistance programs, and eligibility and funding change. Ask a lender what is open right now.
What if I need more time before I can buy in Cerritos?
A lender can build a plan with you: what to save, what to pay down, and when to check back. You might be closer than you think, or you might need six more months.
Who can help me buy my first home in Cerritos?
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, licensed since 2004. Start with the Buyer Bootcamp course or book a buyer consultation.
Source: All market data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. InfoSparks © 2026 ShowingTime Plus, LLC. Cerritos attached homes (condominiums, townhomes, and attached single-family) and single-family detached, monthly data January 2025 through September 2026, as of October 3, 2026. Quarterly and year-to-date figures calculated from monthly data. The down payment table is an illustration and is not a loan offer or financial advice. Loan programs, eligibility, and assistance funding change, so confirm current details with a lender.
If you’re thinking about buying and want to know what makes sense for you in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
If you have already decided you can't afford a home in Orange County or Los Angeles County, hear this before you give up. In Christine's experience, most people who rule themselves out never actually ran the numbers. A lot of first-time buyers assume they need 20% down and perfect credit. That is not true. There are low-down-payment loan programs, first-time buyer assistance, and lenders who can give you a straight answer in about fifteen minutes, not a runaround.
You might be closer than you think. You might need six more months. Either way, you deserve to know the real answer, not a guess.
The local entry point is lower than the headline suggests. In Q3 2026, Orange County condos and townhomes averaged $953,992 and Los Angeles County condos and townhomes averaged $891,716, compared with $2,090,835 and $1,551,572 for single-family houses. Sellers of condos and townhomes received 97.1% and 96.8% of their original asking price, so buyers have room to negotiate (CRMLS, pulled October 3, 2026).
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, and she works with first-time buyers every week. Here is how to find out where you actually stand.
No. Putting 20% down avoids mortgage insurance on many loans and lowers your monthly payment, but it is not a requirement. Several loan programs allow a much smaller down payment.
The tradeoff is real. A smaller down payment means a larger loan, usually mortgage insurance, and a higher monthly payment. So the useful question is not "do I have 20%?" It is "which payment fits my budget, and which program gets me there?" The minimums depend on the program, the loan amount, and the type of property, so ask your lender which ones fit your situation.
No. Different loan programs have different credit requirements, and many buyers qualify without a perfect score. A lender can tell you where your credit stands and what, if anything, to fix first. Sometimes a few months of paying down a credit card changes the answer.
There are down payment and closing cost assistance programs for first-time buyers in California. Eligibility, such as income limits, price limits, and a homebuyer education class, and the funding available both change, and some programs run out of money. Ask a lender what is open right now rather than relying on an old article or a friend's experience from two years ago.
This is an illustration only. 5% is an example, not a program minimum, and it does not include closing costs, cash reserves, or mortgage insurance.
| Example price (Q3 2026 average) | 20% down | 5% down |
|---|---|---|
| Orange County condo or townhome: $953,992 | $190,798 | $47,700 |
| Los Angeles County condo or townhome: $891,716 | $178,343 | $44,586 |
The point is not that 5% is easy. It is that the cash you need to start depends on the program, and it can be far less than the 20% most people assume. A smaller down payment also raises your monthly payment, so the monthly number matters as much as the cash.
Condos, townhomes, and attached single-family homes, July through September 2026, from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), pulled October 3, 2026.
| Measure | Orange County | Los Angeles County |
|---|---|---|
| Average sale price | $953,992 (up 1.3%) | $891,716 (up 4.2%) |
| Closed sales | 1,841 (down 6.3%) | 3,243 (up 6.3%) |
| New listings | 2,712 (down 2.6%) | 6,234 (about flat) |
| Average days active in MLS | 41 | 50 |
| Percent of original price received | 97.1% | 96.8% |
About the Los Angeles County data: Los Angeles County homes are listed on more than one MLS. These figures cover LA County homes in CRMLS, so the totals may not include every sale in the county. The trends are still a reliable read on the market.
What first-time buyers can take from it:
Condos and townhomes come with HOA dues, which count toward your monthly payment, and lenders have their own rules for condo buildings. Ask your lender before you fall in love with a building.
Start with a conversation with a lender. In Christine's experience, a good lender can give you a straight answer in about fifteen minutes about what you might qualify for and what to work on. Christine will connect you with a lender she trusts, and you can compare programs side by side.
When you are ready for a formal pre-approval, the lender will ask for a full loan application, pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, ID, and your Social Security number, among other documents. What buyers actually need to do before they start shopping walks through the whole order, and it starts with your budget, not the lender's maximum.
Then you need a plan, not a no. A lender can tell you what to save, what to pay down, and when to check back. That might be six more months. Waiting with a plan is very different from giving up, and a date on the calendar is better than a guess.
If rates are what is holding you back, should you wait for rates to drop before buying? covers buydowns, refinancing, and the real monthly number.
Message Christine. She will connect you with a lender, and you will find out exactly where you stand. Book a buyer consultation or start the Buyer Bootcamp course.
Can I buy a home in Orange County or Los Angeles County with less than 20% down?
Yes. Several loan programs allow a much smaller down payment, and there is down payment assistance for first-time buyers in California. A smaller down payment usually means mortgage insurance and a higher monthly payment, so ask a lender which programs fit your situation.
Do I need perfect credit to buy a home?
No. Different programs have different credit requirements, and many buyers qualify without a perfect score. A lender can tell you where you stand and what to improve first.
How much does a condo or townhome cost in Orange County and LA County?
In Q3 2026, condos and townhomes averaged $953,992 in Orange County and $891,716 in Los Angeles County (CRMLS). Single-family houses averaged $2,090,835 and $1,551,572.
What first-time buyer assistance is available in California?
There are down payment and closing cost assistance programs, and eligibility and funding change. Ask a lender what is open right now.
How long does it take to find out if I qualify?
A first conversation with a lender can give you a read in about fifteen minutes, in Christine's experience. A formal pre-approval takes your documents and a little more time.
What if I need more time before I can buy?
A lender can build a plan with you: what to save, what to pay down, and when to check back. You might be closer than you think, or you might need six more months.
Who can help me buy my first home in Orange County or Los Angeles County?
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Anaheim, Bellflower, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Placentia. She has been licensed since 2004. Start with the Buyer Bootcamp course or book a buyer consultation.
Source: All market data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. InfoSparks © 2026 ShowingTime Plus, LLC. Attached homes (condominiums, townhomes, and attached single-family) and single-family detached, Orange County and Los Angeles County, monthly data January 2025 through September 2026, as of October 3, 2026. Quarterly figures calculated from monthly data. The down payment table is an illustration and is not a loan offer or financial advice. Loan programs, eligibility, and assistance funding change, so confirm current details with a lender.
If you’re thinking about buying and want to know what makes sense for you in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
By Christine Almarines | Published September 2026
Veterans Day 2026 falls on Wednesday, November 11. Here are the Veterans Day Orange County ceremonies and observances, plus the ones just over the line in Los Angeles County — starting closest to Cerritos and Buena Park, and saying honestly which cities haven’t posted their details yet.
Several Veterans Day Orange County observances fall on a different day than November 11. Artesia and La Palma are both on Saturday, November 7, and Buena Park’s honor lunch is Wednesday, November 4. Cerritos holds its ceremony at the Veterans Memorial on November 11 itself.
One thing worth doing today: La Palma’s ceremony requires an RSVP and public registration opens Monday, September 28. Veterans get priority.
| Ceremony | City | 2026 date & time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buena Park Veterans Honor Lunch | Buena Park | Wed, Nov 4, 12pm | Free, registration required |
| Artesia Veteran’s Day Celebration | Artesia | Sat, Nov 7, 10am–1pm | Free |
| La Palma Veterans Day Ceremony | La Palma | Sat, Nov 7, 11am | Free, RSVP from Sept 28 |
| Placentia Veterans Day Ceremony | Placentia | Wed, Nov 11, 10–11am | Free |
| Paramount Veterans Celebration | Paramount | Wed, Nov 11, 10–11:30am | Free, lunch after |
| VA Long Beach Healthcare System | Long Beach | Wed, Nov 11, 10am–2pm | Free |
| Norwalk Veteran’s Day Ceremony | Norwalk | Wed, Nov 11, 11am–1pm | Free, arrive by 10:45 |
| Irvine Veterans Day Ceremony | Irvine | Wed, Nov 11, 11am–12:30pm | Free |
| 37th Annual Veterans Day Program | Lake Forest | Wed, Nov 11, 11am | Free, rain or shine |
| SFV Veterans Day Parade | Pacoima | Wed, Nov 11, 11:11am | Free to watch |
| Mission Viejo Veterans Day Ceremony | Mission Viejo | Wed, Nov 11, time TBD | Sign language interpreted |
| Yorba Linda Veterans Day Ceremony | Yorba Linda | Wed, Nov 11, time TBD | Shade tent provided |
| Santa Fe Springs Veterans Day Program | Santa Fe Springs | Wed, Nov 11, time TBD | Free |
| Nixon Library free admission | Yorba Linda | Wed, Nov 11, 10am–5pm | Free for veterans |
Ehlers Event Center, 8150 Knott Avenue, Wednesday, November 4 at noon. Lunch and a resource fair for local veterans, free with registration at 714-236-3870. Note this is Buena Park’s main observance — the city has no separate November 11 ceremony posted. buenapark.com
Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Avenue, Saturday, November 7, 10am to 1pm. A community celebration with veteran services booths. Free. cityofartesia.us
La Palma Community Center at Central Park, 7821 Walker Street, Saturday, November 7 at 11am. A City Council ceremony, free but RSVP required, with veterans given priority. Public registration opens Monday, September 28. lapalmaca.gov
Cerritos Veterans Memorial at the Civic Center, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue, on November 11. Free, parking available at the Civic Center, and it runs rain or shine.
In past years the Cerritos College Community Band has played a prelude around 9:45am with the ceremony at 10am, a wreath laying and a moment of silence. Treat that as the usual pattern rather than a confirmed 2026 time — the most recent flyer still posted is from 2024. Check the city calendar in late October. cerritos.gov
Paramount Armed Forces Memorial, 16400 Colorado Avenue, Wednesday, November 11, 10 to 11:30am. Challenge coins are distributed, and a complimentary lunch follows at the American Legion on Somerset Boulevard. Free.
Careful with this one: Paramount has two live event pages and the older one still shows a 2025 date at City Hall. The 2026 listing is the Armed Forces Memorial. paramountcity.gov
Held in front of the Norwalk Cultural Arts Center, 13200 Clarkdale Avenue, Wednesday, November 11, 11am to 1pm. Free, and the city asks attendees to arrive by 10:45am.
Note the venue change — this used to be held on the City Hall lawn, and older listings still point there. Norwalk also holds a separate, smaller Veterans Recognition Ceremony at the Norwalk Senior Center, 14040 San Antonio Drive, on Tuesday, November 10 from 3:30 to 5pm. norwalk.org
Placentia Civic Center, 401 E. Chapman Avenue, Wednesday, November 11, 10 to 11am. Free. placentia.org
Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Wednesday, November 11, 11am to 12:30pm. Free. The ceremony moves indoors to City Hall in bad weather. cityofirvine.gov
25751 Trabuco Road, Lake Forest, Wednesday, November 11 at 11am. Hosted with VFW Post 6024: color guard, recognition of Blue and Gold Star Mothers, wreath presentations and a rifle salute. Free, outdoors, rain or shine. occemeterydistrict.com
Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Wednesday, November 11. The start time hasn’t posted for 2026; it has historically been 2pm. Notably, the ceremony features sign language interpretation — one of very few in the region that publishes this. missionviejo.gov
Yorba Linda Veterans Memorial, 4766 Valley View Avenue, Wednesday, November 11, time still to be posted (historically 2pm). The city sets up a large shade tent, and attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. yorbalindaveteransmemorial.com
18001 Yorba Linda Boulevard. Veterans get free admission all day November 11, 10am to 5pm, with active military free year-round. Visitor parking is free. The 2026 Veterans Day program hadn’t posted as of mid-September, but the admission policy is standing. nixonlibrary.gov
The largest parade in Los Angeles County, stepping off at 11:11am on November 11 from Laurel Canyon and San Fernando Mission Boulevards, ending at Ritchie Valens Park in Pacoima. Free to watch. sfvveteransdayparade.com
Lot F2 at 5901 E. Seventh Street, Wednesday, November 11, 10am to 2pm. Free, confirmed on the VA’s own 2026 event page. va.gov
Town Center Plaza, 11740 Telegraph Road, Wednesday, November 11. On the city’s 2026 schedule, though the time hasn’t posted. Past years have run a pancake breakfast 8 to 10am with the ceremony at 10am. santafesprings.gov
These run every year but hadn’t posted 2026 details as of mid-September, which is normal this far out. Most city calendars fill in around late October.
This matters to a lot of the people attending, and almost no Veterans Day Orange County organizer publishes it. Here is everything that actually is published:
Everywhere else publishes nothing. Most are outdoor plazas and parks on reasonably level ground, but if mobility, seating or shade is a consideration, call the organizer — you’ll get a better answer than any listing can give you.
Veterans Day Orange County listings get copied forward year to year, so some of what circulates is simply wrong:
Veterans Day is a commemoration rather than a promotion, so this is deliberately short — the Veterans Day Orange County ceremonies above are the point of the day. The one offer confirmed on an official source is the Nixon Library’s free admission for veterans on November 11.
Several national restaurant chains run long-standing free-meal programs that day. Rather than repeat terms that may have changed, check the restaurant’s own website in early November — most post their offer and ID requirements a week or two ahead.
Wednesday, November 11, 2026. Several Orange County and LA County cities hold their ceremonies on a different day — Artesia and La Palma are both Saturday, November 7, and Buena Park’s is Wednesday, November 4.
Yes, at the Cerritos Veterans Memorial in the Civic Center, 18125 Bloomfield Avenue. It’s free, parking is available on site, and it runs rain or shine. The ceremony has historically begun around 10am following a 9:45 prelude, but confirm the 2026 time on the city calendar in late October.
Buena Park’s main observance is the Veterans Honor Lunch and Resource Fair at the Ehlers Event Center on Wednesday, November 4 at noon. Free, but registration is required at 714-236-3870. The city has no separate November 11 ceremony posted.
Placentia at 10am, Paramount from 10 to 11:30am, VA Long Beach from 10am to 2pm, Irvine from 11am to 12:30pm, El Toro Memorial Park in Lake Forest at 11am, and the San Fernando Valley Parade at 11:11am. Cerritos, Mission Viejo, Yorba Linda and Santa Fe Springs also hold theirs on November 11 with times still to be confirmed.
Mission Viejo’s ceremony features sign language interpretation. Long Beach publishes ADA parking and paratransit drop-off on Harding Street. Yorba Linda provides a shade tent and suggests bringing lawn chairs. Most other organizers publish no accessibility details, so calling ahead is worthwhile.
No Veterans Day ceremony is currently published for Los Angeles National Cemetery. Its support foundation lists Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America in December. The grounds are open sunrise to sunset. Call 310-268-4675 to confirm before planning a visit around an event.
Two. La Palma’s ceremony requires an RSVP, with public registration opening September 28 and priority for veterans. Buena Park’s honor lunch requires registration at 714-236-3870. The rest are open to attend.
If you know of a Veterans Day Orange County ceremony that belongs on this list, or your organization is holding one, let me know and I’ll add it.
I’ll update this guide in late October, once the remaining cities post their 2026 times.
If you’d like to talk about your next move in Southern California real estate, I’d be happy to help.
In Buena Park, some homes sell in about a week and others sit for two months. It is not luck. It is prep. In Christine's experience, the homes that move fast are not always the nicest ones. They are the ones that were staged, priced right on day one, and photographed well. The ones that sit are often overpriced from the start and take a price cut about three weeks in, and buyers notice.
The Buena Park numbers show a market where buyers are paying attention. Single-family homes were active in MLS an average of 25 days in Q3 2026, and sellers received 98.5% of their original asking price. Fewer homes came on the market than a year ago (77 new listings, down 8% from 84), and fewer sold (67 against 80) (CRMLS, pulled October 3, 2026). Fewer sales with prices still up 4.3% suggests buyers are choosy but still paying for homes that show well.
Put simply: with fewer homes to choose from, a Buena Park home that is prepared stands out, and one that is not gets passed over.
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County. Buena Park is her home market. Here is what your home needs before it hits the market, not after.
Buyers start online. They scroll, compare, and build a short list in minutes, and a home that does not make the short list does not get a showing. A home that is staged, priced right, and photographed well makes it. A home that is not gets skipped, and every week it sits, buyers start asking what is wrong with it.
The same street can produce a house that sells in a week and one that sits for two months. The difference is usually not the house. It is the preparation.
Every other home in their price range, in Buena Park and in the cities around it. Buena Park houses averaged about half the Orange County figure ($1,045,412 against $2,090,835), so many buyers are comparing across city lines to find value. With rates higher than a lot of buyers would like, they are selective. They tour more homes, ask more questions, and pass on homes that are overpriced or not ready.
Staging means making your home easy to picture living in. In practice that is:
Buyers feel it in person, and it shows up in the photos. Christine has staged and renovated properties herself, and a home that looks cared for gets more attention than a nicer one that looks cluttered.
It means pricing from the last 90 days of comparable sales near you, not from the highest sale you remember or a number padded to leave room. Buyers negotiate either way, and an overpriced home just sits.
The first couple of weeks are when a new listing gets the most attention. Miss that window and take a cut at week three, and buyers read it as a home that did not land, and use it to negotiate harder. Every cut becomes a data point.
For the full picture on pricing, this breakdown of the three ways to price a home covers pricing below, at, or above market.
Buyers see your home online before they see it in person, so your photos are your first showing. Good light, a clean and staged home, and professional-quality photography get a home onto the short list. Do the photos after the prep, not before.
Single-family detached homes in Buena Park, California (Orange County), from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), pulled October 3, 2026.
| Measure | Q3 2026 | Q3 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average days active in MLS | 25 | 24 | About 1 day slower |
| Percent of original price received | 98.5% | 98.1% | Up 0.4 points |
| New listings | 77 | 84 | Down 8% |
| Closed sales | 67 | 80 | Down 16% |
| Average sale price | $1,045,412 | $1,002,350 | Up 4.3% |
About the sample size: 67 sales in a quarter is a solid sample for a city Buena Park's size, but a few unusual sales can still move the average.
Month by month, the average moved from 20 days in July, to 35 in August, to 21 in September. One slow stretch is not a trend, and a home that is not ready can sit even in a fast month.
How to read it:
Do the work before launch, not after:
Christine will walk through what your home needs before it hits the market, with no pressure. Request a complimentary market evaluation, book a consultation, or start with the Sure Seller course.
Why do some Buena Park homes sell in a week while others sit for two months?
In Christine's experience, it comes down to prep: whether the home was staged, priced right on day one, and photographed well. The homes that sit are often overpriced from the start and take a price cut a few weeks in, which buyers notice.
How fast do homes sell in Buena Park?
25 days active in MLS on average in Q3 2026, compared with 33 days for Orange County overall (CRMLS). That is an average, and individual homes sell faster or slower depending on price and preparation.
Do Buena Park homes sell for asking price?
Close to it. Sellers received 98.5% of their original asking price on average in Q3 2026, and that figure includes any price cuts along the way.
Does staging help a Buena Park home sell?
Staging makes a home easier for buyers to picture themselves in, and it makes the photos look better. It is one of the three things Christine sees separating fast sales from slow ones, along with price and photography.
Should I lower my price if my Buena Park home is not selling?
Start by checking the price against the last 90 days of comparable sales and the home's condition and photos. A price cut works best as part of a plan, not a reaction. Buyers notice every cut.
Who can help me prepare my home to sell in Buena Park?
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, licensed since 2004. Book a consultation or start with the Sure Seller course.
Source: All market data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. InfoSparks © 2026 ShowingTime Plus, LLC. Single-family detached, Buena Park and Orange County, monthly data January 2025 through September 2026, as of October 3, 2026. Quarterly figures calculated from monthly data.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
Some homes sell in about a week and others sit for two months. It is not luck. It is prep. In Christine's experience, the homes that move fast are not always the nicest ones. They are the ones that were staged, priced right on day one, and photographed well. The ones that sit are often overpriced from the start and take a price cut about three weeks in, and buyers notice.
Buyers today compare your home against everything else in their price range. In Q3 2026, single-family homes in Orange County were active in MLS an average of 33 days and in Los Angeles County an average of 35, with sellers receiving 97.9% and 98.8% of their original asking price (CRMLS, pulled October 3, 2026). An average blends fast listings and slow ones. Prep is how you end up on the fast side of it.
Put simply: you can't control the market, but you can control how ready your home is on the day it launches.
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County. Here is what your home needs before it hits the market, not after.
Buyers start online. They scroll, compare, and build a short list in minutes, and a home that does not make the short list does not get a showing. A home that is staged, priced right, and photographed well makes that list. A home that is not gets skipped, and every week it sits, buyers start asking what is wrong with it.
That is why the same neighborhood can produce a house that sells in a week and one that sits for two months. The difference is usually not the house. It is the preparation.
Everything else in their price range, not only the homes on your street. A buyer in Orange County or Los Angeles County is often looking across several cities at once. With rates higher than a lot of buyers would like, they are selective. They tour more homes, ask more questions, and pass on homes that are overpriced or not ready.
Your competition is every comparable home listed this month, and what those homes look like online.
Staging means making your home easy to picture living in. That usually looks like:
It does two jobs. Buyers walking through feel the home better, and the photos look better too. Christine has staged and renovated properties herself, and the pattern is consistent: a home that looks cared for gets more attention than a nicer home that looks cluttered.
It means pricing from the last 90 days of comparable sales near you, not from the highest sale you remember, what you hope to get, or a number padded to leave room. Buyers negotiate either way, and an overpriced home just sits.
The first couple of weeks are when a new listing gets the most attention. A home that misses that window and then takes a price cut at week three tells buyers it did not land. Every cut becomes a data point they use to negotiate harder.
If you want the full picture on pricing, this breakdown of the three ways to price a home covers pricing below, at, or above market and what each costs you.
Buyers see your home online before they see it in person, so your photos are your first showing. Good light, a clean and staged home, and professional-quality photography make the short list. Dim, cluttered, or uneven photos make buyers scroll past. Do the photos after the prep, not before.
Single-family detached homes, July through September 2026, from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS), pulled October 3, 2026.
| Measure | Orange County | Los Angeles County |
|---|---|---|
| Average days active in MLS | 33 | 35 |
| Percent of original price received | 97.9% | 98.8% |
| New listings | 3,972 (down 4.7%) | 12,638 (down 5.2%) |
| Closed sales | 3,174 (down 3.0%) | 8,258 (about flat) |
| Average sale price | $2,090,835 (up 11.2%) | $1,551,572 (up 8.0%) |
About the Los Angeles County data: Los Angeles County homes are listed on more than one MLS. These figures cover LA County homes in CRMLS, so the totals may not include every sale in the county. The trends are still a reliable read on the market.
How to read it:
An average describes the mix of homes that sold. Your home's result comes from your price, your prep, and your street.
Do the work before launch, not after. A simple order:
Christine will walk through what your home needs before it hits the market, with no pressure. Request a complimentary market evaluation, book a consultation, or start with the Sure Seller course.
Why are some homes selling in a week while others sit for two months?
In Christine's experience, it comes down to prep: whether the home was staged, priced right on day one, and photographed well. The homes that sit are often overpriced from the start and take a price cut a few weeks in, which buyers notice.
How long does it take to sell a home in Orange County or Los Angeles County?
Single-family homes were active in MLS an average of 33 days in Orange County and 35 days in Los Angeles County in Q3 2026 (CRMLS). That is an average, and individual homes sell faster or slower depending on price and preparation.
Does staging really help a home sell?
Staging makes a home easier for buyers to picture themselves in, and it makes the photos look better. It is one of the three things Christine sees separating fast sales from slow ones, along with price and photography.
Should I lower my price if my home is not selling?
Start by checking the price against the last 90 days of comparable sales and the home's condition and photos. A price cut works best as part of a plan, not a reaction. Buyers notice every cut.
Do homes sell for asking price?
Close to it. Sellers received 97.9% of original asking price on average in Orange County and 98.8% in Los Angeles County in Q3 2026 (CRMLS). That figure includes any price cuts along the way.
Who can help me prepare my home to sell in Orange County or Los Angeles County?
Christine Almarines is a top real estate agent in Buena Park and Cerritos helping homeowners sell in Orange County and Los Angeles County, including Anaheim, Bellflower, Cypress, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Long Beach, Lakewood, and Placentia. She has been licensed since 2004. Book a consultation or start with the Sure Seller course.
Source: All market data is from the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. InfoSparks © 2026 ShowingTime Plus, LLC. Single-family detached, Orange County and Los Angeles County, monthly data January 2025 through September 2026, as of October 3, 2026. Quarterly figures calculated from monthly data.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
If you own a home in Southern California, you probably have a number in your head. It might come from a neighbor, an online estimate, or what you paid years ago. Here is the part that surprises many sellers: the sale price is not the amount that lands in your bank account.
What you keep is called your net proceeds. Knowing it before you list is one of the most useful things you can do. It tells you whether selling makes sense, what you can afford next, and how much room you have to negotiate.
Net proceeds are what is left after everything that has to be paid at closing comes out of the sale price. Think of it as the sale price minus the costs of selling and the balance you owe.
A net sheet is the document that lays this out line by line. A good agent can build one for you before you ever sign a listing agreement.
Every sale is different, but most net sheets include the same categories.
Two homes can sell for the same price and leave two sellers with very different amounts. One may have a large loan balance. Another may own the home outright. One may need repairs, another may close faster and save on carrying costs.
That is why a net sheet works better than a price guess alone. It starts from your numbers, not an average. It also helps you compare offers fairly. A higher offer with heavy credits and a long timeline may leave you with less than a slightly lower offer that is clean and quick. We covered this in Is the Highest Offer Always the Best Offer? and you can read how pricing choices change your result in Rate Buydown vs. Price Cut.
Your equity is the part of your home’s value that you own. It is a big piece of what you take away, and it is the starting point for your next move. If you are curious how that plays out for sellers here, read Could Your Home Equity Change Your Next Move?
Prefer to watch instead of read? Christine walks through net proceeds and the taxes to plan for in this short video.
If you want to know what you would really walk away with, start with a conversation and a net sheet built on your own numbers. Your agent can pull recent sales near you, estimate costs, and show a few price scenarios. For tax questions, speak with a tax professional. For payoff details, call your lender.
Selling a home is a big decision, and it is easier when you know the real number. A clear net sheet takes the guesswork out, so you can decide whether to sell, when to sell, and where you are headed next.
Net proceeds are the money you keep after the loan payoff, closing costs, agent compensation, and other fees come out of the sale price.
It is a line-by-line estimate of what you would pay at closing and what you would take home. Your agent can prepare one before you list.
Sellers typically pay some closing costs, and these come out of the sale price at closing. Your net sheet will show them.
It depends on your situation. A tax professional can tell you what applies to you.
Yes. A net sheet is one of the first things to ask for, and it works best when it is built on your real loan balance and local sales.
If you’re thinking about selling and want to know how your home should be positioned in today’s market, I’d be happy to help.
Please fill out the form below and we will be contacting you shortly
with information about your home.
