Real Estate Commissions, Market Shifts & Santa Clarita Housing Trends Feb 2025
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Real Estate Commissions, Market Shifts & Santa Clarita Housing Trends Feb 2025
Connor “with Honor” MacIvor - February 5, 2025** Tags: [Santa Clarita real estate](/-/Blog/tag/Santa Clarita real estate), [Santa Clarita homes for sale](/-/Blog/tag/Santa Clarita homes for sale), [buying a home in Santa Clarita](/-/Blog/tag/buying a home in Santa Clarita), [selling a home in Santa Clarita](/-/Blog/tag/selling a home in Santa Clarita), [real estate market update](/-/Blog/tag/real estate market update), [Santa Clarita housing market](/-/Blog/tag/Santa Clarita housing market), [home prices in Santa Clarita](/-/Blog/tag/home prices in Santa Clarita), [interest rates and real estate](/-/Blog/tag/interest rates and real estate), [best real esta](/-/Blog/tag/best real esta) ** 0 Comments | Add Comment
The Changing Landscape of Santa Clarita Real Estate – What Buyers and Sellers Must Know
Watch Before You Read
Understanding today’s real estate market is critical for both buyers and sellers. Watch the video below for an introduction to key market trends.
The Evolution of Real Estate Commissions & Why It Matters
The real estate industry is undergoing major changes, particularly when it comes to commissions and agent representation. A recent lawsuit against the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has forced real estate professionals to be more transparent about commission structures and the value they bring to their clients.
For years, buyers and sellers have often assumed that commissions were fixed. However, this lawsuit has clarified an important fact: commissions are negotiable, and agents must prove their worth.
Why Buyers & Sellers Need to Be More Selective With Agents
With this shift in the market, buyers and sellers can no longer afford to hire agents based on tradition alone. They need real professionals who:
Questions Buyers Should Ask Their Agent
If you’re in the market for a home, make sure your agent can answer these questions:
If your agent cannot clearly answer these questions, they may not be the right fit.
Santa Clarita Market Update – What’s Happening Right Now?
The Santa Clarita housing market has experienced a shift in early 2025, with increased inventory and slowing sales. Here’s what we’re seeing:
What This Means for Sellers
What This Means for Buyers
Find Your Home in Santa Clarita
If you’re looking for homes in Santa Clarita, explore these listings:
Ready to Sell? Get a Free Market Analysis
Before listing your home, know its true market value. Get a free home evaluation today:
Get Your Free Home Value Report
What’s Next?
This is just Part 1 of a four-part deep dive into the changing real estate landscape in Santa Clarita. Stay tuned for:
Want to stay ahead of the real estate market? Check out the latest Santa Clarita real estate podcast:
The Rise of Online Home Search & Why You Still Need an Expert Agent
Watch Before You Read
Real estate has gone digital, but does that mean buyers and sellers no longer need an agent? Watch the video below to understand how online platforms are shaping the market.
Technology & Real Estate: A Game-Changer or a Dangerous Shortcut?
The way people search for homes has changed dramatically. With websites like Zillow, Redfin, and Realtor.com, homebuyers can browse listings from their phones, while sellers can estimate their home’s value in seconds. But does this mean real estate professionals are no longer necessary? Far from it.
While these tools are valuable, they also create misconceptions and potential pitfalls for both buyers and sellers. Many people assume they can navigate the real estate process without an agent, but that often leads to costly mistakes.
The Illusion of Transparency: Why Online Data Isn’t Always Accurate
Today’s buyers and sellers have access to more real estate data than ever before. A quick search can reveal:
However, what many don’t realize is that much of this information is incomplete, outdated, or misleading. Here’s why:
Why You Still Need a Real Estate Agent in the Digital Age
While online tools make house hunting easier, they cannot replace the expertise of a skilled real estate professional. Here’s why:
1. Agents Provide Hyper-Local Knowledge
Real estate markets vary drastically—even within the same city. A Santa Clarita real estate expert knows which neighborhoods are appreciating, which have hidden costs (like Mello-Roos taxes), and what buyers are willing to pay.
2. Negotiation Skills Save Buyers & Sellers Thousands
Real estate negotiations aren’t just about price. Inspection issues, closing costs, and contingencies all play a role. An experienced agent can save you money and protect your interests by negotiating:
3. Marketing Strategies That Go Beyond a Simple Listing
Sellers who rely solely on listing their home on Zillow are missing out. Top-tier real estate agents offer professional marketing, targeted advertising, and direct buyer outreach.
For example, here’s what a true expert does to maximize exposure:
Looking to sell your home? Get a free home evaluation today:
Get Your Free Home Value Report
The Danger of “Discount Agents” & DIY Real Estate
Many home sellers are tempted by “discount agents” who offer low commission rates. But what they save in commission, they often lose in their final sale price. Here’s why:
Similarly, buyers who go directly to the listing agent may think they’re saving money—but in reality, they’re entering a contract with an agent who only represents the seller’s interests.
Find the Right Home in Santa Clarita
Don’t rely on algorithms alone—work with an agent who understands the market:
What’s Next?
This is Part 2 of our deep dive into the changing Santa Clarita real estate market. In Part 3, we’ll discuss:
Want to stay ahead of the market? Listen to the latest Santa Clarita real estate podcast:
Why Discount Agents Cost Sellers More in the Long Run
Watch Before You Read
Saving on commission sounds great—until you realize how much it could cost you in lost profits. Watch the video below to understand why discount agents often cost sellers more than they save.
Cutting Commission? You Might Be Cutting Your Profits Too
Every home seller wants to maximize their profit, and some believe that choosing a discount real estate agent—one who offers lower commission rates—will save them money. However, the truth is that low commission agents often cost sellers more in lost profits, poor marketing, and weak negotiation.
In this post, we’ll cover:
The Full-Service vs. Discount Agent Difference
Not all real estate agents offer the same level of service. Let’s break it down:
Why Discount Agents Struggle to Sell Homes for Top Dollar
Discount agents typically charge 1-2% commission compared to full-service agents who charge 5-6%. While the upfront savings might seem appealing, sellers often lose money due to:
1. Poor Marketing
Discount agents don’t have the budget for high-end marketing. This means:
Without a strong marketing strategy, homes sit longer on the market and sell for less.
2. Weak Negotiation
A discount agent’s goal is to close as many deals as possible, as fast as possible, to make up for their lower commission rate. This often means:
A skilled agent, on the other hand, knows how to fight for every dollar and ensure their client gets the best deal possible.
3. Limited Availability
Since discount agents make less per sale, they often juggle too many clients at once, resulting in:
How Full-Service Agents Help Sellers Net More Profit
A great real estate agent doesn’t just sell homes—they maximize profits for their clients. Here’s how:
1. Strategic Pricing
Full-service agents analyze real-time market data to price homes accurately. Instead of underpricing or overpricing, they position homes for maximum value to attract serious buyers.
2. High-Impact Marketing
With professional photos, videos, and online advertising, full-service agents make sure homes reach the right audience. This leads to:
3. Stronger Negotiation
A skilled negotiator can add $10,000-$50,000 to a seller’s bottom line. Full-service agents fight to get the highest possible price and protect their clients from unnecessary concessions.
Thinking of Selling? Get a Free Home Value Report
Before you hire a discount agent, get a real market analysis to understand what your home is truly worth:
Get Your Free Home Value Report
Search Homes for Sale in Santa Clarita
If you’re considering buying or selling, check out these local listings:
What’s Next?
This is Part 3 of our deep dive into Santa Clarita’s real estate market. In Part 4, we’ll discuss:
Want the latest real estate insights? Listen to our Santa Clarita real estate podcast:
How Interest Rates Are Shaping Santa Clarita Real Estate in 2025
Watch Before You Read
Interest rates are affecting home prices, affordability, and the overall market. Watch the video below to understand why now is the time for buyers and sellers to make their move.
Why Interest Rates Matter More Than Ever
Mortgage interest rates are one of the most significant factors in real estate. They directly impact home affordability, buyer demand, and overall market activity. As we move through 2025, Santa Clarita’s real estate market is being shaped by interest rate trends that will determine whether prices rise, fall, or stabilize.
In this post, we’ll cover:
How Rising Interest Rates Have Affected Santa Clarita Real Estate
Over the past few years, we’ve seen significant fluctuations in interest rates. In 2021 and 2022, mortgage rates were at historic lows, fueling one of the hottest real estate markets in history. However, as inflation concerns grew, the Federal Reserve raised rates aggressively in 2023 and 2024.
As a result:
Despite these challenges, Santa Clarita real estate remains strong because demand for housing is still high, and inventory levels have remained relatively stable.
What’s Expected for Interest Rates in 2025?
Experts predict that mortgage rates will gradually decrease throughout 2025 as inflation stabilizes. If that happens, we can expect:
What Should Buyers Do Right Now?
If you’re a buyer, you may be wondering: Should I wait for interest rates to drop? While waiting may seem like a good idea, it could actually cost you more in the long run. Here’s why:
1. Home Prices Will Likely Rise
As soon as rates drop, more buyers will flood the market. Increased demand will drive home prices higher, meaning the savings from a lower interest rate could be wiped out by a higher purchase price.
2. Less Competition Right Now
With higher rates, fewer buyers are in the market. That means you face less competition, giving you more negotiating power. You may be able to secure a home below asking price or with seller concessions.
3. You Can Refinance Later
If you buy now and rates drop in the future, you always have the option to refinance to a lower rate. This allows you to secure a great home today while still benefiting from future rate cuts.
Thinking about buying? Search for available homes in Santa Clarita:
What Should Sellers Do Right Now?
If you’re a seller, you might be wondering: Should I wait for rates to drop? Here’s why selling now can be a great strategy:
1. Inventory Remains Limited
Even though rates are high, there still isn’t a surplus of homes on the market. That means sellers can still command strong prices if they position their homes correctly.
2. Motivated Buyers Are Still Looking
Many buyers in today’s market are highly motivated—some are relocating, others are looking for investment properties, and many just want to lock in a home now before prices rise again.
3. You Can Offer Incentives
Sellers who offer interest rate buy-downs or closing cost credits can attract more buyers and make their homes more affordable without reducing the price.
Thinking about selling? Get a free home valuation:
Get Your Free Home Value Report
Final Thoughts: Act Before the Market Shifts
The Santa Clarita real estate market is in a transitional phase. While higher interest rates have slowed demand, we are likely heading into a period where rates will drop, competition will increase, and home prices will rise again.
Buyers who wait may end up paying more for the same home, while sellers who list now can still take advantage of limited inventory and serious buyers.
What’s Next?
This concludes our 4-part series on the evolving Santa Clarita real estate market. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, now is the time to make a move.
Stay informed with the latest market updates:
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Yes, I earn referral fees when you work with agents I recommend. But unlike national platforms like Zillow or Realtor.com, I personally know and vet every single agent in my network of 17 trusted professionals.
My recommendations are based on YOUR specific needs and the complexity of your situation—not who pays the highest referral fee. I live in Santa Clarita Valley, and my reputation in this community depends on your success. Local accountability matters.
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