Let’s start with a quick question from the Diane & Niki Team: Which investment do your Westlake Village and Conejo Valley neighbors trust more than stocks, gold, savings accounts, and bonds? For 14 years, the answer has remained the same.
It’s real estate. And this year, homeowners throughout Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo are feeling more confident than ever. The Diane & Niki Team sees it every day: people aren’t just talking about homeownership being a smart move—they’re genuinely excited about it. Here’s why.
Real Estate Takes the Top Spot – Again
Every year, Gallup asks Americans to name the best long-term investment. And for the 14th year in a row, real estate came out on top. Here in the Conejo Valley and surrounding communities, we see the same trend play out locally—homeownership consistently leads the way.
That’s not just a national trend—it’s mirrored right here in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo. Fourteen straight years of outperforming stocks, gold, and other investments is no accident.
Think about everything our area has experienced in that time—rising interest rates, local market swings, and more. Yet, buyers and homeowners in our communities keep coming back to real estate. The Diane & Niki Team knows that’s because, historically, homeownership is one of the best ways to build wealth, both in the nation and especially here in Ventura County. As Michelle Egan, Head of Credit Solutions, Impact Finance at JPMorgan Chase, explains:
“Owning a home has long been considered one of the most reliable ways to build wealth. Beyond providing shelter, a home is a valuable asset that can appreciate over time, build equity, and serve as a financial resource for generations.” At the Diane & Niki Team, we see this play out every day for families in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo.
You may have seen headlines suggesting home prices are dropping, and you might wonder if that changes things here in the Conejo Valley or Camarillo. The truth is, while prices have cooled a bit from their pandemic peak, they’re still rising overall—just at a more sustainable pace.
Some neighborhoods may see slight dips, but compared to the growth we’ve seen in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo over the past five years, those changes are minimal. Generally, home prices in our area rise over time. If you plan to stay for several years, your opportunity to build equity remains strong.
More People Say Buying Beats Renting
With so many buyers searching, homes in Ventura County are getting more attention—and more offers. According to the Ventura County MLS, the average home received 3.2 offers last month, compared to just 2.1 during the winter lull. While we’re not in the wild days of pandemic bidding wars, this uptick gives you more negotiating power and a better shot at a strong sale price.
As we always say: more activity = more opportunity for you.
And while homeownership has always been a valued goal in our community, the Diane & Niki Team is seeing renewed excitement. More people are seeing the benefits of putting down roots here in the Conejo Valley and Camarillo.
According to Bank of America’s latest Homebuyer Insights Report, 53% of people now say it’s better to buy a home than to rent or move in with family. Here in Ventura County, we’re hearing the same thing from buyers and renters alike: owning a home just makes sense for the long term.
In that same report, here are a few other signals that confidence in homeownership is on the rise:
- 90% of people see a home as a valuable investment—up from 79% last year. We see this reflected in the confidence of our clients throughout Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo.
- And 94% say owning a home provides stability. That’s something the Diane & Niki Team hears all the time from local homeowners—it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the sense of security and community.
Those are relatively big jumps in a short amount of time. And here’s what may be driving it.
It’s About More Than Money
Sure, affordability can be a challenge, and some neighborhoods are more competitive than others. But that hasn’t changed how people in our communities feel about owning a home. For many, it’s not just a financial decision—it’s a lifestyle choice, a way to build roots and memories.
A home pays you back in ways stocks never could. As Sheharyar Bokhari, Principal Economist at Redfin, says:
"For many homeowners, a home is more than a place to sleep and store belongings—it’s a reflection of who they are. In Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo, homeownership helps you put down roots, build lasting relationships, and create a space that truly feels like home."
You can’t get that from a brokerage account. A home is the one investment that grows your wealth and gives you a place to build your life—right here in the community you love. The Diane & Niki Team knows that’s what truly matters.
For 14 years straight, real estate has been the top long-term investment—both nationally and right here in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, and Camarillo. If you’re wondering if now’s the right time to buy, the Diane & Niki Team is here to guide you every step of the way. Let’s talk about what your next chapter in our community could look like.
