Seller Questions FAQ 

Thinking of selling your home but not sure where to start? You’re not alone. Selling a house is a big deal, and it's totally normal to have a laundry list of questions before jumping in. So, let’s break down some of the most common questions sellers ask — and give you the no-fluff answers you actually need.

1. How do I know it’s the right time to sell?

Here’s the truth: There’s no “perfect time” stamped on a calendar for selling your home. The only time that really matters is when you’re ready. Market trends, interest rates, and even seasons will always shift. You can’t control any of that — but you can control your readiness.

So, if your life plans are lining up and you're thinking it's time to move on, then it's time. Don’t wait for the stars (or mortgage rates) to align. When you're ready, that's the right time. And hey, if you're unsure, I'm always here to help you walk through the decision-making process.

2. What should I fix or upgrade before listing the house?

Ah, the million-dollar question (literally, sometimes). The honest answer? It depends.

• Got time and cash? Then small improvements like paint, landscaping, or a kitchen refresh could bump up your price.

• Short on time or funds? Selling "as-is" might be the way to go. Just be ready to list it a bit lower.

Regardless, the house should be clean, clutter-free, and inviting. Think of it this way — buyers are trying to picture themselves living there for years. If it’s too much to spruce up, no worries, just be prepared to price accordingly.

3. How long will it take to sell my house?

The magic number? There isn't one. It all depends on:

• The condition of your home

• How competitively it's priced

• The buyer appeal (does it have charm, upgrades, curb appeal?)

• Market conditions and even what's going on globally

That said, homes priced right and presented well tend to move quicker. Want a custom estimate based on your house? Let’s chat!

4. Should I stage my home — is it really worth it?

Short answer: Yes — especially if it’s vacant.

Staging adds that emotional “wow” factor that helps buyers fall in love. Ever notice how model homes look so perfect? That's no accident — builders know staging sells.

If you still live in the home, staging might still help depending on how tidy things are. Kids and pets? You’ll need a solid strategy. But if you're able to vacate before listing? Even better.

5. Do open houses actually help sell a home faster?

Honestly? Not really.

Open houses can be great for initial exposure, especially during the first week on the market or after a price drop. But in most cases, serious buyers are scheduling private showings anyway.

If your home is hard to show (due to kids, pets, or schedules), an open house can be a helpful workaround. But flexibility is key. If buyers can’t get in when they want, they might move on.

6. What happens if my home doesn’t appraise for the sale price?

It’s frustrating, but it happens. And when it does, you’ve got a few options:

1. Drop the price to match the appraisal — easiest and most effective.

2. Stand firm — risky, since the buyer might walk.

3. Meet halfway — negotiate with the buyer to split the difference.

Most sellers choose option #1 to keep the deal alive and avoid restarting the process.

7. What do I have to disclose to buyers in California?

California’s got your back with a stack of well-structured disclosure forms. You’ll go through them and disclose anything you know about the property — from plumbing issues to noisy neighbors.

The key is honesty. Disclose what you’re aware of, and you’re protected. If anything’s unclear, don’t sweat it. I’ll help you make sure everything’s in order.

8. What are the most common reasons homes don’t sell?

Easy answer: The price doesn’t match the product.

If your house is overpriced, buyers will skip it. Even if it’s gorgeous. The trick? Price it right from the start.

Here’s a pro tip: Plan to negotiate UP, not down. If you start too high, you’ll end up chasing buyers. Price it well, attract interest, and drive offers above asking.

9. Can I still live in the home while it’s on the market?

Absolutely. Plenty of folks do it. But here's the catch — you’ve got to keep it spotless, manage pets, and be ready to vacate on short notice for showings.

It’s a hustle, especially with kids or furry friends. If you can move out first, it’s way less stressful. But if not, it’s doable with the right prep.

10. Can I sell my house and buy another at the same time?

Yep — and it's super common.

This is called a contingency sale. Basically, you sell your current home while buying your next one, aiming to close both deals around the same time.

If your buyer is flexible, you’ll get extra time to find and close on your new home. If not, you can either:

• Close and move into temporary housing

• Or request an extension (the buyer can say yes or no)

It sounds tricky, but I’ve handled tons of these. With the right planning, it’s a smooth process.

Key Takeaways

• Only sell when you're ready — not when the market says so.

• Fix what you can, but don’t overdo it if time or budget is tight.

• Price it right, and it’ll sell. Simple as that.

• Staging helps — especially if the home is empty.

• Open houses are optional but helpful early on.

• Appraisal issues? Negotiate wisely.

• Disclosures in California are straightforward — be honest.

• Don’t fear living in the home while selling, just be prepared.

• Simultaneous selling/buying is totally doable with the right plan.

FAQs

Q: Should I repaint my house before selling?
A: If the paint is old, bold, or banged up — yes! Neutral tones go a long way.

Q: Do I need a professional cleaner before listing?
A: Highly recommended. First impressions matter, and buyers notice every speck.

Q: Can I sell a home in “as-is” condition?
A: Absolutely. Just be transparent and price it accordingly.

Looking to dive deeper into your own selling situation? Feel free to touch base anytime. I’ll walk you through the whole process and make sure your sale is smooth, smart, and profitable. 

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👉 Frank Kenny | 310-791-0123
📍 eXp Realty of Greater Los Angeles