Inside Dana Point’s Biggest Deal and How We Saved It!

The South Orange County real estate market delivered another unusually active week across the Beach Cities — Dana Point, San Clemente, Laguna Niguel, and San Juan Capistrano. My own listing at 70 Ritz Cove closed as the week’s high sale, and the story behind it highlights exactly why having a proactive, experienced agent matters more than ever in today’s market.

This sale took place in one of Dana Point’s most exclusive gated coastal enclaves overlooking Salt Creek Beach. We generated four strong offers, and the winning buyer came in at the very last minute during a competitive negotiation. Everything appeared to be moving smoothly until an inspector incorrectly identified a potential major issue. The buyer panicked and sent a cancellation.

Instead of letting the deal collapse, which is increasingly common in this market, my team immediately brought in three additional experts who confirmed the problem was minor and easily solved. Within days, we addressed the issue at a marginal cost and revived the buyer’s confidence, ultimately closing the sale. In a market where cancellations are rising, sellers need representation that is persistent, responsive, and solution-oriented.

If you're buying, selling, or comparing neighborhoods in South Orange County, connect with our team for personalized guidance, local insights, and a data-driven strategy tailored to your goals.

South OC Market Numbers This Week

This week brought a shift: demand finally dipped after six consecutive weeks of increases. Homes in escrow slipped from 185 to 180 properties across the Beach Cities.

But what’s more notable is supply. Active inventory fell nearly three times faster — from 430 down to 416 homes. That is extremely low for South Orange County. Buyers searching for Dana Point oceanfront homes, San Clemente ocean-view properties, Laguna Niguel neighborhoods, or San Juan Capistrano family homes are left with limited options across all price points.

If you’re a buyer in today’s market, this combination of tight inventory and slight demand softening creates a rare window of strategic opportunity — especially when motivated sellers re-enter the market.

Mortgage Market Update

The mortgage environment shifted again this week. With the government shutdown reducing available economic data, lenders have been relying heavily on payroll company reports, which showed modest job growth. That caused mortgage rates to tick up.

Why does small job growth push rates higher?
Because the current Federal Reserve is looking for any reason to delay a rate cut. The bond market is pricing in a potential 25 basis point reduction in December, but stronger labor data could disrupt that expectation.

As national leadership changes, the selection of the next Fed chair may have more influence on the bond market than current commentary — potentially creating tighter spreads and eventually lower interest rates. Timing, however, remains uncertain.

National Real Estate Insight: Florida vs. New York

Florida continues to surge as one of the hottest real estate markets in the country. Agents are reporting increases in calls from high-net-worth clients in New York considering relocating to Miami and surrounding areas.

Political shifts often influence migration patterns, and early signs suggest another wave of movement from the Northeast toward Florida’s luxury markets. Whether this trend holds or fades will be an interesting factor to watch as we head into next year.

Deal of the Week: 1205 Via Catalina, San Clemente

This beautifully remodeled ocean-view home in San Clemente came back on the market — and that alone makes it an opportunity. Properties that fall out of escrow often come with highly motivated sellers.

Buyers who can review existing inspections, move quickly, and negotiate strategically often secure exceptional value during this window. With panoramic sunset views and updated finishes, 1205 Via Catalina is worth seeing for anyone looking for ocean-view homes, luxury real estate, or move-in-ready properties in San Clemente.

Inventory is falling faster than demand. Rates are adjusting weekly. And the best opportunities often appear when sellers return to market feeling uncertain.

If you want insider access to what’s hitting the market before everyone else, and the shifts happening daily in the Beach Cities real estate market, reach out anytime. We’ll keep you informed every single week.

FAQS:

Q1: Why is South Orange County inventory dropping so quickly?
Seasonal patterns normally reduce inventory in late fall, but this year the decline is sharper because demand for Dana Point homes, San Clemente ocean-view properties, and Laguna Niguel family neighborhoods remains steady. Many sellers are waiting until spring, creating tight supply.

Q2: Are back-on-market homes good buying opportunities?
Yes. When a property returns to the market in San Clemente, Dana Point, or Laguna Niguel, sellers often become more flexible. Buyers with strong financing can secure better pricing, faster timelines, and improved negotiation leverage.

Q3: How are mortgage rate changes affecting buyers in South OC?
Rates fluctuated again due to limited job data and uncertainty around future Fed decisions. Buyers may see short-term rate bumps, but long-term expectations still lean toward gradual declines. This creates opportunities for both first-time buyers and luxury buyers prepared to refinance later.

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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.