What Did Homes Like Yours
Actually Sell For?

Since the NAR settlement took effect in 2024, there is no longer a standard expectation that sellers pay the buyer's agent. You can offer a buyer's agent commission, offer nothing, or let buyers negotiate it into the contract. Commissions are fully negotiable, with no standard rate. Offering competitive compensation still attracts more buyers and tends to result in stronger offers, especially in price ranges where buyers are stretching. We'll help you think through the strategy based on your specific market.

Yes. FSBO (For Sale by Owner) is legal in California. You'll skip listing commission, but you'll still be responsible for all disclosures, contracts, negotiations, and likely some buyer's agent compensation if buyers have representation. FSBO sellers often net less than they expect once pricing, exposure, and negotiation are accounted for, and the transaction is significantly more complex without professional guidance. For most sellers, the math still favors working with an agent.

Not necessarily, but condition directly affects price. Buyers tend to discount for visible deferred maintenance, often by more than it would cost to address it, so sensible pre-sale prep usually pays for itself. High-ROI prep typically includes fresh paint, professional cleaning, landscaping, and light staging. Major system repairs (roof, HVAC, foundation) are case-by-case; we'll help you decide what's worth doing and what isn't.

Yes. An as-is sale means you won't make repairs, but you must still disclose all known defects. California's disclosure requirements apply regardless. As-is homes attract investors, flippers, and buyers seeking value, but typically sell at a discount to compensate for the uncertainty. If you need speed over price, or the property needs significant work, as-is can make perfect sense. We'll price it correctly to attract the right buyers quickly.

California has some of the broadest seller disclosure requirements in the country. You're required to disclose any material facts you know that could affect value or desirability, including past repairs, insurance claims, neighbor disputes, HOA issues, death on the property (within 3 years), and any known defects. You'll complete a Transfer Disclosure Statement (TDS) and Seller Property Questionnaire (SPQ). Non-disclosure is a common source of post-closing disputes in California, so don't cut corners here.

Timelines vary by market, price point, and condition, so there is no single number that fits every home. A well-priced home in good condition can move quickly, while an overpriced one can sit for months and often sells for less than it would have if priced correctly from the start, which is why initial pricing strategy is everything. Your agent can give you a current read on pace for your specific neighborhood and price range.

Don't ignore it; counter it. Most buyers expect some negotiation, and a lowball offer is often a starting position, not a final one. Your response (counter or decline) should be strategic, not emotional. In a competitive market, you may have the leverage to push back hard. In a softer market, a lowball offer might reveal a willing buyer who simply needs to be educated on value. We negotiate dozens of these every year, and we'll tell you exactly how to respond.

Possibly, but many sellers don't. The federal capital gains exclusion allows up to $250,000 in gains ($500,000 for married couples) tax-free if you've lived in the home as your primary residence for at least 2 of the last 5 years. Above those thresholds, gains are taxed at capital gains rates. California does not offer a separate exclusion. CA taxes capital gains as regular income. Every situation is different. Always consult a CPA before listing, especially if you've owned the home long-term or have significant appreciation.

Cash offers have real advantages: no appraisal contingency, no loan risk, faster close. But the right answer depends on the price difference and your priorities. A financed offer at $30,000 more might beat a cash offer after you factor in net proceeds and a standard 30-day close. We evaluate all offers holistically: price, contingencies, close date, proof of funds, and buyer strength. Cash is a premium, not always a must-have.

A contingency is a condition that must be met for the sale to proceed. Common ones: inspection contingency (buyer can back out after inspection), appraisal contingency (sale cancels if home appraises below purchase price), and loan contingency (sale cancels if buyer can't get financing). More contingencies = more risk for you as a seller. In hot markets, buyers waive them to compete. In slower markets, they're standard. We'll walk you through exactly what each one means before you sign anything.

If the appraisal comes in below the sale price and the buyer has an appraisal contingency, you have three options: reduce the price to the appraised value, ask the buyer to make up the difference in cash, or split the gap. The buyer can also back out entirely. Good pricing strategy minimizes appraisal risk. If you're in multiple offers and pushing above comps, we'll discuss appraisal risk upfront so you're not surprised.

The classic dilemma: sell first and risk being homeless, or buy first and risk carrying two mortgages. Options include: negotiating a rent-back period after closing (you stay in the home up to 60 days post-close), using a bridge loan to buy before selling, or timing the transactions to close simultaneously. In the LA market, rent-backs are common and can be a valuable tool. We'll map out your options based on your equity position, timeline, and risk tolerance.