The chart and graphs below are based on overall Orange County housing data from 1976 to 2009. The news media often reports on percentages of appreciation (more recently, percentages of depreciation). While the highs and lows in this data can often be sensationalized and could be of deep concern to the short-term homeowner, it is of much less concern to the long-term homeowner.
Historically, the value of a home - even when viewed over just a 10-year
period - has proved homeownership to be a solid investment. In the last 10
years, which has included some of the housing market's greatest ppreciation
and depreciation fluctuations, a home's value has appreciated nearly 38%,
while a home purchased in 1976 is now valued at more than 6 times what it
was at the time of purchase.
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