If you’ve been following the housing market lately, you’ve probably heard conflicting opinions. Some people say buyers finally have the advantage. Others say there still aren’t enough homes available and sellers remain in control. Here in the Conejo Valley, the answer isn’t quite that simple. As we move through the second half of 2026, the market across Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Newbury Park has become much more balanced, and who has the uppe

Quick answer: Selling a home in the Conejo Valley in 2026 typically costs between 6% and 8% of the sale price, depending almost entirely on the listing commission you negotiate. On a $1,000,000 home, non-commission closing costs run roughly $6,000 to $10,000. The listing commission is the single largest and most negotiable line item. Debra Levine Realty charges a 1.5% listing commission, which is $15,000 on a $1,000,000 sale. That is the whole answer up front. The rest of thi

If you’ve been following the national headlines, you’ve probably seen a mix of opinions about where the housing market is headed. Some articles say it’s slowing down. Others predict prices will fall. Then you’ll see another report saying buyers are coming back. So, what’s actually happening here in the Conejo Valley? After helping buyers and sellers throughout the first half of 2026, I can confidently say this: our local market has been remarkably steady. The frantic pace of

One of the biggest reasons people choose Thousand Oaks isn't just the schools, the parks, or the beautiful weather - it's the variety of neighborhoods. While the city as a whole offers an exceptional quality of life, each community has its own personality, architecture, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for a first home, a luxury estate, a family-friendly neighborhood, or a property with room to spread out, there's likely a neighborhood that fits exactly what you're looki

Buying a home is exciting, but if you've never been through the process before, it can also feel overwhelming. Most people know they need a loan and eventually get the keys, but everything that happens in between isn't always clear. The good news is that buying a home isn't nearly as complicated when you understand what's coming next. My job is to keep you informed, answer your questions, and make sure there are no surprises along the way. Here's what the process typically lo

Why Simi Valley Continues to Attract Homebuyers Simi Valley has long been one of Ventura County's more desireable places to live, offering a combination of affordability, spacious neighborhoods, excellent parks, and convenient access to Los Angeles. Whether you're a first-time buyer, growing family, or looking for more home for your money, Simi Valley offers an outstanding balance of value and lifestyle. As Ventura County's third-largest city, Simi Valley is home to approxima

Why More Buyers Are Discovering Moorpark If you're looking for a community that offers more space, excellent schools, beautiful scenery, and a slower pace of life without being far from Los Angeles, Moorpark deserves a closer look. Located in southeastern Ventura County, Moorpark has become one of the area's most desirable communities thanks to its family-friendly atmosphere, highly rated schools, low crime, and strong sense of community. While neighboring cities have experie

Why More Homebuyers Are Choosing Newbury Park Nestled at the western end of the Conejo Valley, Newbury Park offers a unique blend of suburban living, scenic mountain views, and easy access to some of Southern California's best outdoor recreation. With highly rated schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, and miles of open space, it's no surprise that Newbury Park continues to attract buyers looking for more space and an exceptional quality of life. One of the things that sets

Why People Are Drawn to Oak Park Tucked between Agoura Hills, Westlake Village, and Thousand Oaks, Oak Park is one of Ventura County's most desirable communities. Although it's unincorporated, Oak Park offers many of the amenities buyers look for: award-winning schools, beautiful neighborhoods, abundant parks and trails, and a strong sense of community—all while maintaining a quieter, small-town feel. One of Oak Park's biggest advantages is that it's almost entirely residenti

Why Thousand Oaks Continues to Be One of Southern California's Most Desirable Cities Thousand Oaks has earned a reputation as one of the best places to live in Ventura County—and for good reason. Known for its excellent schools, beautiful neighborhoods, abundant open space, and exceptional quality of life, it's a city that appeals to first-time buyers, growing families, retirees, and luxury homebuyers alike. Located in the heart of the Conejo Valley, Thousand Oaks combines th

Why People Love Living in Westlake Village Westlake Village is consistently one of the most desirable places to live in Southern California—and it's easy to see why. With beautiful neighborhoods, highly rated schools, scenic walking paths, golf courses, shopping, and the iconic Westlake Lake, the community offers a lifestyle that's difficult to match. One thing many buyers don't realize is that Westlake Village spans both Los Angeles and Ventura Counties. While the neighborho

Why So Many Buyers Are Moving to Agoura Hills Located at the western edge of Los Angeles County, Agoura Hills offers a unique combination of excellent schools, beautiful open space, convenient freeway access, and a relaxed suburban lifestyle. It's one of the few communities where you can enjoy hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains in the morning and still be in Los Angeles for work. Having helped buyers and sellers throughout the Conejo Valley for over 12 years, I've watched A