Factors to Consider When Buying Mission Viejo Homes for Sale

Buying a home can be an exciting process that turns your dream of homeownership into a reality. Learning about the housing market will make it easier to find Mission Viejo homes for sale that match your criteria. Here are some factors to consider when buying a home in this master-planned community. 

ABOUT MISSION VIEJO, CA

Located in Saddleback Valley, Mission Viejo is a master-planned community encompassing 18.1 square miles in South Orange County. It is home to a population of 93,653 as of 2020. Located approximately 49 miles southeast of Los Angeles and 73 miles northwest of San Diego, the community provides access to world-class museums, restaurants, and events venues.

Residents also enjoy many recreational opportunities close to home. An artificial lake, Lake Mission Viejo, is the crowning jewel of the community. Homeowners have exclusive access to beaches, boat launches, fishing, and boat and paddle board rentals on the lake.

Kaleidoscope Center, Union Market at Mission Viejo, and The Shops at Mission Viejo are vibrant commercial developments offering retail, casual dining, wellness, and entertainment. These shopping centers are home to major retailers, salons, fitness studios, markets, and live music. 

As one of the most desirable communities in South Orange County, Mission Viejo has had more than its fair share of high-profile residents. These include NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez, Boston Red Sox outfielder Allen Craig, and Minnesota Twins pitcher Phil Hughes.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A HOME

It’s easy to get carried away when browsing listings. Taking some important factors into consideration will help narrow down your search: 

Education –

Residents have access to quality education from the Capistrano Unified School District, which serves the northeastern, eastern, and southern areas of the community; and the Saddleback Valley Unified School District, which serves the remainder of Mission Viejo. 

Amenities –

When it comes to greenspace, Mission Viejo has three impeccably maintained golf courses and roughly two parks per square mile. The Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center offers additional amenities for sports and recreation while 

Mission Viejo Youth Athletic Park features baseball fields, soccer fields, and batting cages with a little league and four competitive soccer clubs. 

Community –

Annual and seasonal events help create a sense of community in Mission Viejo. The community hosts athletic events like 5K runs and triathlons to encourage residents to stay active. Holiday decorations and celebrations, including fireworks and a street fair for Independence Day, give residents the opportunity to connect with one another. Lake Mission Viejo also hosts outdoor concerts and film screenings in the summer.

MISSION VIEJO HOMES FOR SALE

This master-planned community offers a variety of property types, floor plans, and architectural styles. These include single-family homes, custom waterfront homes, and condos. Choose a property type that suits your needs and preferences. While a single-family home offers more privacy, a condo might be better for low-maintenance living. A waterfront home offers fantastic views and easy access to water-based activities. 

When it comes to design, Mission Viejo offers two-story homes with Contemporary and Spanish Revival-style architecture. Some of these homes come with flex spaces and two-car garages. Some of the finest homes in the community are undoubtedly its waterfront properties, which offer spectacular sunset and lake views.

THE MISSION VIEJO REAL ESTATE MARKET

Mission Viejo homes for sale command higher prices than the national average. However, these prices are justifiable considering the location and proximity to amenities. The median listing home price was $1.1 million in 2023, according to Realtor.com – slightly lower than $1.2 million in Los Angeles and much more affordable than $4.5 million in Laguna Beach during the same time period. 

As a buyer, you can look forward to new housing stock with real estate projects at The Commons at Aliso Viejo Town Center, where a mixed-use community spanning 4.4 acres is expected to add 362 residential units to the market. Rienda, a new village at Rancho Mission Viejo, offers new construction homes spanning up to 2,000 square feet.

WORK WITH A REAL ESTATE AGENT WHEN BUYING A HOME

There’s simply no substitute for professional guidance. Working with a real estate agent will help you gain access to relevant market data and make informed decisions. This will give you peace of mind when buying a home in Mission Viejo.