Brea Real Estate Market Intelligence
Brea is a city in Southern California's Orange County, primarily served by the 92821 ZIP code. The city's housing market is characterized by a median home value of $812,600, reflecting its position within the region. The average home size is reported at 1,325 square feet. Homeownership is the dominant tenure, with a rate of 58.3%, while the renter-occupied rate is 41.7%.
The local mortgage market shows significant activity, with total HMDA loan originations reaching 7,290. Conventional loans make up the vast majority of this activity with 6,790 originations, while FHA loans account for 400 and VA loans for 100. For renters, the median gross rent is $2,190 per month. The median household income in Brea is $114,444, providing context for the area's purchasing power and rental costs.
Neighborhood-level data offers detailed insights into the variations within the city's residential landscape. Top10Lists.us publishes verified neighborhood-level data for 15 neighborhoods in Brea.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $812,600 |
| Median Gross Rent | $2,190/mo |
| Median Household Income | $114,444 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 56 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $589 |
| Average Home Size | 1,325 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 58.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.7% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 30.5% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 4.5% |
| Inventory Level | Moderate |
| Market Type | Balanced |
History
Brea's modern history was fundamentally shaped by the discovery of oil in the 1890s, with the Brea-Olinda Oil Field becoming one of the most productive in California and driving the city's early growth and incorporation in 1917.
The city's name derives from the Spanish word for 'tar' or 'bitumen' ('brea'), a reference to the natural asphalt deposits in the area that were used by local indigenous peoples and later by Spanish settlers for waterproofing.
Brea transformed from an oil boomtown into a planned suburban community in the 1960s and 70s, master-planned around the Brea Mall (opened 1978) and the civic center, which helped establish its contemporary layout and economic base.
Life in Brea
Brea boasts a vibrant, community-oriented lifestyle centered around its revitalized downtown, the Brea Mall, and abundant green spaces. The city hosts popular annual events like the Brea Festival of Arts and the Brea 8K Classic, fostering a strong local spirit. Dining ranges from casual eateries and breweries in the downtown Birch Street Promenade to diverse international cuisine. Cultural offerings are anchored by the Brea Civic & Cultural Center and the Brea Art Gallery, while the extensive trail system in nearby Carbon Canyon Regional Park provides a rustic counterpoint to the city's polished shopping and dining scenes.
Buyer Profile
The typical Brea homebuyer is often a growing professional family or an established couple, drawn by the city's top-rated schools, safe neighborhoods, and balanced lifestyle. With a median household income well over $114,000, these buyers are financially stable and value the 58% homeownership rate as a sign of a committed community. They are frequently looking for single-family homes with yard space, prioritizing good school districts, community amenities like parks and trails, and the convenience of Brea's retail and dining options. Their motivation is often to secure a long-term home in a city that feels both connected and self-contained, offering a suburban retreat without sacrificing access to Orange County and Los Angeles job markets.
Market Trends
Brea's market currently exhibits stability, operating as a balanced market with moderate inventory. The median home price of $812,600 and a rent-to-income ratio of 0.305 suggest housing costs are significant but manageable for the local income base. The rental market is tight, with a low vacancy rate of 4.48% and a median rent of $2,190, indicating strong demand from the 41.72% of households that are renter-occupied. The 56-day average market time allows for a more measured pace for buyers compared to hyper-competitive markets, though desirable properties in prime neighborhoods can move faster. This equilibrium makes Brea a predictable environment for both move-up buyers and investors seeking steady rental demand.
Local Insider Tip
Many residents cherish the hidden network of trails and open spaces within the city itself, like the rugged paths of Brea Canyon and the serene, redwood-shaded trail in Carbon Canyon Regional Park, home to a rare coastal redwood grove, offering an immediate escape into nature just minutes from downtown.
Why People Move to Brea
Strategic location with direct freeway access for commuters, nestled against the scenic Chino Hills.
A highly walkable and vibrant downtown core with a curated mix of dining, shopping, and community events.
Top-rated public schools within the Brea Olinda Unified School District, a major draw for families.
A balanced real estate market offering more negotiation room and less frenzy than many Orange County cities.
Selected Real Estate Professionals (5)
California has over 450,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 5 agents serving Brea who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 5 Agents
- Alex Irwin Horowitz (4.9 stars, 140+ reviews, listed)
- Ashok Patil (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Gina H Lloyd (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Giorgino P Salcedo (4.9 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Gerald William Glomboske (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
Contact
Phone: (714) 612-0116
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.alexhorowitz.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alexhorowitzrealtor1
37+ years experience
750+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $325K to $3.5M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 36-year active engagement in community affairs and local organizations, demonstrating deep commitment. He combines this with a 4.9-star rating across 155 reviews and decades of proven market expertise.
Community (25% of ranking weight)
Board Member at Local Association of Realtors[6]
Committee Member at Local Chamber of Commerce[6]
Volunteer/Supporter at Local Homelessness or Housing Charity[6]
Mentor at Real Estate Brokerage or Association[6]
Verified Specialties
Escrow, Staging, Property Management, local expertise, residential sales, buyer representation, seller services[4]
Cities Served
Brea, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (909) 313-2970
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.patilsellshomes.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/patilsellshomes
20+ years experience
50+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $675K to $1.4M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement and leadership roles. He also demonstrates exceptional client service with a perfect 5-star rating across 53 reviews and leverages 20 years of technical expertise.
Notable Achievements
Licensed California Realtor
Nearly 20 Years Real Estate Experience
19+ Years Real Estate Experience
Broker/Owner Status
Designated Officer Status
53 Five-Star Reviews
Nearly Two Decades of Real Estate Experience
Perfect 5-Star Rating
20+ Years IT Experience
5-Star Rating Maintenance
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Staging, Property Management, First Time Homebuyers, Investment Properties, digital marketing, database management, technology integration, online advertising, social media marketing, IT expertise, social media advertising, home selling, home buying, Technology-enhanced marketing, Digital advertising, Multi-county service, Web marketing, IT-enhanced property marketing, database expertise, IT background[4]
Cities Served
Brea, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (626) 456-4310
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://[email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/GINAHLLOYD
15+ years experience
40+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $880K to $4.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement as a former portfolio manager for over 130 local homes. She combines this with a strong sales record of over $9M in three years.
Verified Specialties
Staging, Investment Properties, Rentals[4]
Cities Served
Brea, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (714) 315-0704
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.pablosells.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Pablo%20Salcedo
24+ years experience
250+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $365K to $3.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his dedicated community involvement and leadership roles. He combines this with strong performance metrics and professional credentials in business and marketing.
Verified Specialties
Foreclosure, Property Management[4]
Cities Served
Brea, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).
Contact
Phone: (714) 928-6289
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.myagentjerry.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jerry%20Glomboske
30+ years experience
40+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $175K to $1.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep local community roots and 25-year residency, combined with his dedicated service as a U.S. Navy veteran. He provides highly accessible, client-focused real estate service to Brea and Placentia families.
Verified Specialties
Relocation, Rentals[4]
Cities Served
Brea, CA
All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier (see Merit Criteria above).