How Staging Increased this Home's Value

This week, we’re highlighting a record-setting sale in the prestigious Ritz Cove community, rising demand in Dana Point and surrounding areas, and the latest updates on mortgage rates.

High Sale of the Week – 13 Ritz Cove Drive

A brand-new home at 13 Ritz Cove Drive just closed for $19,050,000, making it one of the most impressive transactions of the year.

• The property is ideally located with Monarch Beach Golf Course views and partial ocean views.

• Homes in this gated community are among the most exclusive oceanfront properties in Orange County, attracting buyers seeking privacy, luxury, and investment potential.

This sale reinforces that luxury homes in Dana Point continue to command premium prices, even as other market segments show signs of slowing.

Beach Cities Market Stats

As we move into the fall housing market, key trends are emerging:

• Active Listings: Dropped from 537 to 518, indicating a tightening inventory.

• Pending Sales: Increased to 173, a strong sign that buyer demand is holding firm despite seasonal changes.

• List-to-Sale Price Ratio: Homes continue to sell close to asking, especially waterfront properties and those priced competitively.

These numbers suggest a healthy balance between buyers and sellers, particularly in desirable areas like Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and San Juan Capistrano.

Mortgage & Economy Update

Mortgage rates have been on a downward trend, hitting a new 2025 low at 6.52% following Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech.

• Lower rates are boosting buyer confidence, especially among first-time homebuyers and those looking for move-in ready homes or affordable condos.

• If rates continue to decline, we could see an even stronger finish to the year, with more buyers reentering the market before 2026.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home in Orange County, now may be the moment to take action.

Featured Success Story – $15K Investment, $170K Return

We recently helped a seller transform their home with just $15,000 in strategic improvements and staging, resulting in an incredible $170,000 over the asking price.

• Curb appeal and presentation are crucial when selling, especially in competitive neighborhoods.

• Small, smart investments can yield massive returns, proving that staging and home preparation are essential for sellers looking to maximize profit.

If you’re planning to sell, talk to us about our proven marketing strategies for selling a home in today’s market.

Deal of the Week – 70 Ritz Cove

Our featured listing is 70 Ritz Cove, priced at $9.9 million.

• This prime ocean-view lot offers tremendous potential, with a projected resale value of $20–25 million after a custom rebuild.

• Perfect for buyers seeking a luxury coastal property or investors looking to capitalize on Orange County’s thriving high-end market.

Opportunities like this are rare—especially in exclusive communities like Ritz Cove.

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From record-breaking sales to improving mortgage rates, the Orange County real estate market remains dynamic and full of opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.

If you’re thinking about making a move in today’s market, you have to know how to use the current conditions to your advantage. Buyer behavior, market timing, and interest rates are all shifting, and staying informed can make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to give me a call at (949) 835-4713 or send an email to simon@sellwiththerightguy.com if you have any questions. Let’s talk strategy and figure out how you can win in real estate this year.