If you’ve seen headlines saying foreclosure activity has been climbing for 10 straight months, it’s easy to assume that’s a warning sign for the housing market. But when you look at the full picture—especially here in Conejo Valley—a few important truths stand out:

• Today’s foreclosure numbers are within a normal range

• Strong home equity continues to protect most homeowners

• There’s no data pointing to a surge of distressed sales

This matters for homeowners in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Newbury Park, where market conditions, pricing stability, and equity levels remain very different from what we saw during the last housing crisis.

Foreclosure Filings Are Up — But That Doesn’t Mean the Market Is in Trouble

A year-over-year increase in foreclosure filings can sound alarming, especially for those who lived through 2008. Back then, risky lending practices and an oversupply of homes caused prices to fall sharply, leading to a dramatic rise in foreclosures.

Today’s market is not operating under those same conditions.

Yes, foreclosure filings are higher than last year—but when viewed in context, they remain far below crisis levels. Compared to the last truly balanced housing years (2017–2019), current activity aligns much more closely with what’s historically typical.

This shift reflects a market adjusting after several years of unusually low foreclosure activity—not a return to instability.

What “Normalization” Actually Means

ATTOM CEO Rob Barber explains it clearly:

“Foreclosure activity increased in 2025, reflecting a continued normalization of the housing market following several years of historically low levels . . . While filings, starts, and repossessions all rose compared to 2024, foreclosure activity remains well below pre-pandemic norms and a fraction of what we saw during the last housing crisis . . . today’s uptick is being driven more by market recalibration than widespread homeowner distress, with strong equity positions and more disciplined lending continuing to limit risk.”

That word—“normalization”—is critical.

While some homeowners may be feeling financial pressure, this is not a flood of distressed homes. Headlines may imply otherwise, but the underlying data tells a much steadier story.

Why This Isn’t a Repeat of 2008 — Especially in Conejo Valley

The local housing market across Conejo Valley cities is fundamentally different today:

• Lending standards are stronger

• Buyers are more qualified

• Homeowners have significantly more equity

Over the past several years, home values in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Newbury Park have risen substantially. That equity gives homeowners options.

If someone faces hardship, selling the home is often a viable solution—sometimes even allowing the homeowner to walk away with proceeds—rather than entering foreclosure. That safety net simply didn’t exist during the last housing downturn.

Bottom Line for Conejo Valley Homeowners

Foreclosure activity may be rising nationally, but it remains within normal limits and nowhere near the danger zones of the past. The bigger issue is how headlines are framed—often creating fear without context.

That’s why having a trusted, hyper-local real estate expert matters.

If you have questions about how these headlines affect your home value, your neighborhood, or your future plans in Conejo Valley, reach out to Lydia Gable Realty Group. We serve Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Oak Park, and Newbury Park, and we’re here to help you understand what’s really happening—so you can make decisions based on facts, not fear.