Everything you need to sell for top dollar, step by step.
Before anything else, understand what your home is worth in today's market. Online estimates are a starting point, but a professional Comparative Market Analysis from a local agent accounts for your home's specific condition, improvements, and what comparable homes have actually sold for in the past 90 days. Request your free valuation to start with accurate data.
The first two weeks on market generate the most buyer interest. Pricing correctly from day one drives competing offers and stronger final sale prices. Overpricing stalls momentum and forces price reductions that signal weakness to buyers. We use real comparable sales, current inventory, and active buyer demand to set a price that attracts offers, not just showings.
Buyers form an impression within seconds, so presentation matters. We walk through your home before listing and identify the repairs and improvements with the highest return on investment. Typically this means fresh paint, deep cleaning, decluttering, landscaping touch-ups, and ensuring all systems are in working order. Staging, whether full or partial, consistently increases final sale price and reduces days on market.
Your listing's photos are its first showing. We work with professional real estate photographers and, for appropriate properties, include aerial drone footage and video walkthroughs. Your home will be listed on the MLS and syndicated to Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and hundreds of other sites. We also run targeted social media campaigns and reach out directly to our network of buyer's agents and active buyer clients.
When offers arrive, we review each one with you in detail, including price, contingencies, earnest money, financing type, and proposed close of escrow. Multiple offers create leverage. We advise on which terms matter most and negotiate firmly on your behalf, whether that means countering for a higher price, waiving contingencies, or a faster close.
Once your offer is accepted, the 30 to 45 day escrow period begins. The buyer's lender will order an appraisal, and the buyer will conduct inspections. We help you respond strategically to inspection requests, navigate repair negotiations, and keep the transaction moving. California disclosure requirements are extensive, and we ensure everything is complete and delivered on time.
At the close of escrow, you sign final documents, the buyer's funds are wired, and title transfers. Net proceeds are typically wired to you within one to two business days. We stay involved through the final signature to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Typical costs for sellers in California include agent commissions, escrow fees, title insurance, transfer taxes, and any negotiated credits or repairs. We walk you through a full net sheet before you list so there are no surprises at the closing table. Ready to sell? See how we market homes or contact us for a free consultation.
Well-priced and well-presented homes in most Los Angeles area markets sell within 30 to 60 days of listing. Some in-demand neighborhoods see offers within the first week. Homes that are overpriced or need significant work can sit for months. Preparation and pricing strategy are the biggest variables within your control.
Sellers typically pay 4 to 6 percent in agent commissions (split between listing and buyer's agents), plus escrow fees of roughly 0.1 to 0.2 percent of the sale price, title insurance, city and county transfer taxes, and any credits or repairs negotiated with the buyer. On a $1 million home, expect total closing costs of $60,000 to $80,000 before your loan payoff.
Not always. The right repairs depend on your home's condition, your price point, and the current market. Some sellers list as-is at a discounted price and attract investors or buyers who want to customize. Others invest in targeted improvements and capture a much higher sale price. We advise on which repairs and upgrades yield the best return for your specific home.
Spring (March through May) and early fall (September through October) typically see the most buyer activity in Southern California. That said, LA's year-round mild climate means the market never truly goes dormant. Inventory is often lower in winter, which can benefit sellers who list then since there is less competition.
It depends on your financial situation. Selling first gives you certainty about your proceeds and avoids carrying two mortgages. Buying first avoids the stress of a temporary move but requires bridge financing or strong cash reserves. We help you evaluate both approaches and, where it makes sense, coordinate the timing so you do not end up in a gap.