Why 2020 Homebuyers in the Rio Grande Valley Could Be Sitting on a Goldmine
If You Bought a Home in 2020, You Could Cash In Big
Home prices in 2020 were relatively low, but thanks to market growth, many homeowners are now seeing their property values surge. Buyers are actively looking for homes like yours, and you could be in the perfect position to cash in on that appreciation. That’s exactly what’s happening with homes in the Rio Grande Valley real estate market. If you purchased a home in 2020, you may be sitting on tens of thousands of dollars in equity, and the market is still favoring sellers.
December 2024 Median Estimated Property Value for Cameron County, Texas
A nearly 50 percent increase in home values from January 2020 to December 2024.
I have been conducting research in Cameron County and Hidalgo County, where home values have appreciated significantly over the last five years. Many homeowners in neighborhoods across the city are seeing their properties jump by 40% or more, making this a prime time to sell. I’ve been analyzing market trends in Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen, Edinburg, and Mission, where equity gains are creating opportunities for sellers.
According to the National Association of Realtors, home prices have risen an average of 30-50% since 2020 in many regions, meaning the value of your home could be significantly higher than when you purchased it.
Mortgage Rates Show Little Movement
January 30, 2024
The 30-year fixed-rate has hovered between 6% and 7% for most of the last two and a half years. That trend continued this week, with the average rate remaining essentially flat at 6.95%. Driven by these higher rates and a persistent supply shortage, affordability hurdles still exist for many homebuyers and a significant number of them remain on the sidelines.
Source: https://www.freddiemac.com/pmms
The 5-7 Year Home Selling Rule & Why It Matters
Most real estate professionals cite the 5-7 year rule as the sweet spot for selling a home. This is because:
Your equity has likely built up enough to provide a substantial profit.
Lifestyle needs change – families expand, jobs relocate, and preferences shift.
Market cycles favor turnover – real estate historically follows buyer and seller cycles, and 2025 might be one of the last great seller's markets before conditions shift.
For instance, Freddie Mac’s latest interest rate data shows that mortgage rates are rising, which could reduce buyer affordability in the future. Selling now means locking in buyer interest before affordability drops.
🔗 Explore the benefits of selling in today’s market
Understanding Home Equity – It’s Like a Savings Account You Live In
If equity were a superhero, it would be compounding interest’s big brother. Equity is the difference between what you owe on your mortgage and what your home is worth today. Think of it like a growing piggy bank you can cash out when the time is right.
Here’s an example:
You bought your home in 2020 for $150,000.
Home values in the Rio Grande Valley have jumped 30-50%.
If your home is now worth $225,000 and you’ve paid down part of your mortgage, your equity could be over $80,000.
This isn’t Monopoly money—it’s real wealth that can be leveraged to buy a bigger home, invest in rental properties, or even start a business.
Why 2025 Might Be the Last Big Seller’s Market for a While
2025 Realtor.com home sales forecast,
count and % YoY
Real estate isn’t just about location—it’s about timing. While home values are still high, we are seeing early signs that demand may slow due to higher mortgage rates and market adjustments. According to Realtor.com’s housing market forecast, sales volume is expected to decline in late 2025, meaning sellers who wait too long might face a softer market.
Key reasons to consider selling now:
✔️ Buyer demand remains strong – Many buyers want to lock in today’s prices before affordability worsens.
✔️ Your home has likely peaked in value – Selling at the right time locks in your profit.
✔️ Interest rates are rising – Fewer buyers may qualify for homes at current price points in the coming years.
🔗 Check your home’s value today
Who Should Consider Selling?
✅ Homeowners looking to upgrade – If your family is outgrowing your home, now’s the time to move up using your equity.
✅ Those ready to invest – Turning profits into rental properties or reinvesting in other assets can be a smart move.
✅ Empty nesters or downsizers – Cashing out while values are high can help you move into something more manageable.
If you’re unsure whether selling now makes sense for you, let’s discuss your unique situation.
📩 Get a Free Home Valuation: Click Here
Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Too Long to Decide
If you bought in 2020, you’re in an excellent position to sell and maximize your investment. Real estate is all about timing, and waiting too long could mean missing out on your best window to sell at peak value.
🔗 Explore the latest Rio Grande Valley real estate trends
📲 Call/Text Rudy Mireles: (956) 230-7733
📩 Email: rudy@rudymireles.com
🌐 Website: www.rudymireles.com
Make informed decisions, and let’s strategize your next move today!