The economy is believed to be the number one factor impacting real estate appreciation. Obviously, there are numerous issues on a national level that alter your property's value: unemployment, mortgage rates, quarterly earnings reports, and more. However, your home's value and the things that play the most significant role in its appreciation depend on the local Sherman Oaks economy and housing market.

Location in a community - People typically want homes in the regions with the most accommodating features, like our jobs and schools. So when it comes to retaining their value, these regions often appreciate much more reliably than areas lacking key features.

Recent home sales - You should receive facts and figures on the recent real estate sales in the regions that you'd like to live in from your real estate agent. You'll need to learn data like time on market and seller discounts.

History of appreciation - In the last 5 to 10 years, have property prices risen or declined? Does location or affordability affect how desirable the neighborhood is believed to be?

Economic factors - Have businesses moved into or away from an area? Are local businesses hiring? Is there a good mix of work in an area, or does it depend on just one industry? Each of these pieces plays a role.