Seller Questions FAQ Part 2 – Your Top Home Selling Questions Answered

Selling your home in California—pretty exciting, right? But let’s keep it real: it can also get stressful fast. From understanding home values and market conditions to choosing the best real estate agent and handling multiple offers—there’s plenty to figure out.

The good news? You’re not alone—and I've got your back.

In this blog, I’m answering the most common questions sellers ask again and again, including:

• How do recent sales in my neighborhood affect my home’s value?

• What’s the difference between a buyer’s market and a seller’s market?

• How do I pick the right real estate agent?

• How do you market homes effectively?

• How can I make my listing pop?

• And much more!

Let’s jump right in!

1. How Do Recent Sales in My Neighborhood Affect My Home’s Value?

Recent sales, known as comps, are huge when figuring out your home’s value. Why? Because they're the clearest indication of what buyers are actually paying in your area.

Factors that matter:

• Home size, style, and upgrades

• Condition of homes sold

• Market conditions (interest rates, demand, etc.)

• Economic trends

If your home is in a neighborhood of similar houses (like most tracts in Southern California), these comps become even more accurate. If your property is unique, a professional appraisal might be your best bet.

2. What’s the Difference Between a Buyer’s Market and a Seller’s Market—And Which Are We in Now?

Great question!

Quick breakdown:

• Seller’s Market: Few homes, tons of buyers = sellers in control. Faster sales, higher prices.

• Buyer’s Market: Lots of homes, fewer buyers = buyers negotiate better deals.

• Balanced Market: Pretty rare, equal opportunities.

Currently (mid-2025), California has shifted toward a more balanced market—but it's still leaning slightly toward sellers in popular areas. Pricing your home correctly is key to staying competitive.

3. How Do I Choose the Right Real Estate Agent to Sell My Home?

Picking the right agent is critical. Here’s what you should do:

• Ask around: Personal referrals are gold.

• Check their track record: Who sells the most homes in your area?

• Interview a few agents: Go with your gut and their experience.

Big mistake to avoid:
Choosing an agent based on the lowest fees or highest promised price. Seriously, it never ends well. Find someone experienced, professional, and trustworthy.

4. What Kind of Photos and Videos Will You Use to Market My Property?

First impressions matter—especially online!

You want:

• Professional photos (no blurry cell-phone shots)

• Expert video walkthroughs

• Drone footage (shows neighborhood highlights)

• Virtual tours and 3D floorplans

Quality media captures attention and gets buyers off the couch and into your open house.

5. How Can I Make My Listing Stand Out in a Competitive Market?

Want your home to pop? Here's how:

• Clear clutter: Buyers can’t see potential through a mess.

• Professional staging: Shows your home’s potential beautifully.

• Deep cleaning: Sparkling clean sells homes.

• Great photos: Again, hire a pro!

• Price right: The #1 way to attract multiple offers and sell quickly.

Tip: Pricing slightly below market (2-5%) can ignite a bidding war and ultimately get you more money!

6. How Much Notice Will I Get Before Showings?

You'll get as much notice as you'd like! Here’s the standard process:

• Receive a text message request.

• Approve or reschedule conveniently.

• Receive agent info for security.

• Get feedback after every showing.

Transparency is key, so you always stay informed and comfortable.

7. What Happens If the Buyer Backs Out at the Last Minute?

Rare but possible. Here’s what protects you:

• Contingency periods give buyers time to back out without penalty early on.

• After contingencies are removed, buyers who back out risk losing their earnest money deposit (usually around 3% of purchase price).

Bottom line? The system discourages late cancellations and protects your interests.

8. Can I Sell My Home If I Still Have a Mortgage?

Absolutely! Super common, actually.

Escrow handles everything at closing, paying off your mortgage seamlessly. No extra hassle for you.

9. How Do You Handle Multiple Offers—And How Do I Pick the Best One?

Receiving multiple offers is a great situation! Here's our approach:

• Clearly organize each offer’s terms.

• Use counteroffers strategically to get better terms or higher prices.

• Evaluate buyer strength, financing, and contingencies—not just price.

Highest isn't always best. Trust your agent’s guidance here.

10. What’s the Risk of Pricing Too High at the Start?

Big risk! Overpricing can:

• Scare buyers away.

• Lead to fewer showings.

• Make your house seem undesirable after sitting too long.

• Usually result in selling below actual market value later.

Pricing smartly upfront attracts more buyers, creating competition and potentially higher offers.

Remember this:
You always want to negotiate up from your list price, not down.

11. How Do I Know If It’s Really the Right Time to Sell?

Forget timing markets, seasons, or interest rates.
The right time to sell = whenever you are ready.

Consider personal timing—job relocation, family changes, lifestyle goals. When it makes sense personally, it’s the right time, period.

12. What Should I Avoid Doing While Selling My Home?

Definitely DO NOT:

• Overprice (as mentioned!)

• Skip staging and cleaning

• Ignore repairs that buyers notice

• Hire based solely on commission

• Ignore your realtor’s advice

Avoiding these pitfalls can save you headaches, money, and frustration.

Final Thoughts (Not Quite a "Conclusion") 😉

Selling your home doesn't have to be stressful—at least not when you've got answers to your biggest questions.

Quick takeaways to remember:

• Price smart, stage right, and market effectively.

• Understand market conditions clearly.

• Choose the right agent who prioritizes your goals.

You’ve got this, and I've got your back every step of the way.

FAQs (Quick Recap):

Q: Do neighborhood comps matter that much?
A: Yes—they’re critical for accurate pricing.

Q: Are we currently in a buyer’s or seller’s market?
A: Still slightly seller-favored, but heading toward balanced.

Q: Should I hire based on low commission?
A: Never. Experience matters way more.

Q: Professional staging—worth it?
A: Absolutely. Homes staged professionally sell faster and often for more.

Q: Can buyers back out last-minute without penalty?
A: Not usually—once contingencies are gone, their earnest money is at risk.

📲 Ready to talk through your selling strategy? Just reach out—I’ll guide you every step of the way.

🔔 Book your Free Real Estate Consultation with Frank - Click Here

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