Nestled in scenic Saddleback Valley, Mission Viejo is a growing community that presents many opportunities for real estate investors. If you’re looking for your next investment, here’s why it’s worth looking into Mission Viejo real estate.
A GUIDE TO INVESTING IN MISSION VIEJO REAL ESTATE
This master-planned community offers idyllic lakeside living in South Orange County, California. The mast plan designates 52% of the area for residential development, which means that the majority of investment properties in the community are residences. Upon completion, the community is expected to have about 34,846 homes for 98,039 residents.
In addition to residential development, the remaining 29% of the land will be reserved for park use and recreationals spaces; 10% for schools and places of worship; and 9% for business development and commercial properties.
While there is less space for commercial development, investors may still explore the market for office, retail, and restaurant space. Since there is less commercial space available, investors could potentially be looking for robust demand from local businesses and major brands looking to capture the Mission Viejo market.
The community was originally part of Rancho Mission Viejo. The title for the 53,000-acre land grant dates back to Spanish rule in 1769. The Mission Viejo Company purchased 10,300 acres of the land in 1963 and began selling homes in 1965. The community annexed Aegean Hills in 1992 and added 593 acres to its boundaries.
Today, it is one of the most desirable places to live in Orange County. Mission Viejo offers an array of single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Some of the most coveted homes in the community include waterfront properties with sunset-facing views. These homes have strong potential as high-end vacation rentals and seasonal homes for snowbirds.
Financing options
There are several financing options available depending on your short-term and long-term investment goals. In addition to conventional loans and jumbo mortgages, you can look into seller financing and other arrangements in order to purchase investment properties in the area. In seller financing, the buyer signs a mortgage agreement with the seller of the home.
There are also several companies offering hard money loans. Also known as short-term bridge loans, hard money loans are secured by real property. This type of loan lets you raise money quickly. However, the costs are much higher, which is why it is often considered a last resort for real estate investors.
MISSION VIEJO REAL ESTATE MARKET TRENDS
The median listing home price is $1.1 million as of June 2023 and has remained flat year-over-year, according to Realtor.com. Investors should make their move while home prices stay flat. The sale-to-list price ratio is 100.58% with the average home selling for approximately the asking price at a median of $940,000.
There are also several projects and new developments in the area:
- AvalonBay Communities Inc. has announced plans to build a housing project at The Commons at Aliso Viejo Town Center. The proposed 4.4-acre mixed-use community will bring 362 residential units and 543 parking spaces to the community’s shopping center.
- Rienda, one of the newest villages in Rancho Mission Viejo, has sold out the first two phases of its Dahlia Collection. Built by Trumark Homes, the collection is made up of single-family homes with two-story floor plans, flex spaces, two-car garages, and over 2,000 square feet of living space.
Homeowners will have access to Ranch Camp at Rienda, which has an open-air fitness center, lagoon-style pool, and four-lane lap pool. The development is also located within proximity to community farms and hiking and biking trails at The Nature Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo.
THE BENEFITS OF INVESTING IN MISSION VIEJO REAL ESTATE
Mission Viejo real estate attracts a steady stream of tenants for to the following reasons:
- Location – Mission Viejo is conveniently located about halfway between the major cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. It is situated just five miles east of Laguna Beach and roughly 22 miles south of Disneyland. The community lies about 16 miles from John Wayne Airport and 50 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
- Scenic environment – The community is known for its tree-lined streets and a lake that is surrounded by beaches, boat launching facilities, picnic areas, walking trails and promenades. Lake Mission Viejo is also surrounded by waterfront homes and condos.
- Livability – Mission Viejo is a close-knit community with good schools, sports programs, and healthcare providers.
WORK WITH A REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONAL
Identify investment opportunities in Mission Viejo with a real estate professional. Working with a local expert will help you gain information on proposed real estate projects so that you can
make your move before the homes sell out. A real estate agent will also help you determine which financing option is right for you.
