Home Seller Gains Stay High

by | Sep 20, 2025 | Real Estate

California home sellers continue to reap significant rewards from their property sales, with the net cash gains holding near record levels in 2025. According to the California Association of REALTORS® Annual Housing Market Survey, sellers pocketed an average net gain of \$350,000 per sale, up 2.8 percent from \$340,500 in 2024 and just 2.2 percent below the 2023 record of \$358,000. In percentage terms, most sellers doubled their original purchase price, reflecting a 100 percent average return on investment.

Home Seller Gains Trend Continues

While not every transaction ended in profit, 95 percent of sellers recorded net cash gains in 2025, compared with 96.9 percent last year and a long-run average of 90 percent. The slight dip in successful transactions suggests that rising mortgage rates and limited inventory may be cooling some markets. Still, communities such as El Monte and Baldwin Park saw sellers enjoying above-average proceeds. Homeowners in Rosemead and Temple City have reported strong buyer demand for mid-century ranch homes, driving competitive offers and higher sale prices. Sellers in Arcadia and Irwindale also benefited from tight local supply, with bidding multiple-offer scenarios preserving healthy margins.

Local Sellers See Cash Gains

In South El Monte, modest starter homes sold quickly, often above list price, contributing to net gains near the statewide median. REALTORS® in that area note that low interest rates locked in by long-term homeowners helped maintain affordability for new buyers while protecting seller profits. Arcadia’s established neighborhoods saw similar dynamics, with historic craftsman houses commanding top dollar at resale. Investors in Irwindale’s industrial zones reported net gains exceeding \$300,000 on average when selling small residential parcels, reflecting a growing interest in mixed-use redevelopment.

Looking ahead, the survey indicates that sellers who time their listings before year-end may preserve strong returns. Fall and winter inventory typically drops, placing upward pressure on prices. Sellers planning to list in November or December can leverage holiday-weakened competition to secure high net proceeds. To review full survey results, visit the California Association of REALTORS® Annual Housing Market Survey.

Community Impact And Outlook

For Mid Valley News readers, near-record home seller gains signal healthy equity growth for long-time homeowners. Those who purchased properties a decade ago in El Monte or Baldwin Park may see household net worth rise substantially when selling. Rising equity strengthens community stability by enabling reinvestment in local businesses and residential upgrades. School districts benefit when families use sale proceeds to move into higher-performing districts, while local governments may see increased transfer tax revenues.

Sellers should consult licensed REALTORS® and financial advisors to plan effective listing strategies. Tracking weekly market data can help time sales to match seasonal trends. As markets evolve, homeowners in South El Monte, Rosemead, Arcadia, Temple City and Irwindale will want to stay informed about rate forecasts and buyer demand shifts. This Week In Real Estate offers timely updates to guide local stakeholders through the housing cycle.