How do I know what my home is worth?

Your home's value is determined by more than an online estimate. At Riley Real Estate we analyze recent comparable sales, current competition, location, lot size, condition, architecture, improvements, views, buyer demand, and current market conditions to develop a realistic opinion of value.

How is the asking price for my home determined?

Pricing is both a valuation and a marketing decision. We analyze comparable sales and current market conditions, then determine how to position the property based on your goals. Depending on the home and market, that could mean pricing near expected market value or using a more competitive price to generate additional interest and offers.

Should I price my home high so I have room to negotiate?

Usually, pricing substantially above the market simply to create negotiating room can work against a seller. Buyers compare your home with competing properties, and an overpriced home may receive fewer showings and spend longer on the market. The best strategy depends on the property and current buyer demand trends in your neighborhood.

Should I renovate my home before selling?

Not necessarily. Some improvements can increase a home's appeal or value, while others may not return what they cost. Before undertaking a major renovation, we evaluate which improvements are likely to matter to buyers and whether selling the property in its existing condition may produce a better financial result.

What should I fix before putting my home on the market?

The highest priorities are generally issues that affect a buyer's first impression or could create unnecessary concerns during inspections. Painting, landscaping, lighting, minor repairs, cleaning, and decluttering can often make a meaningful difference without requiring a major renovation budget.

Should I stage my home before selling?

Staging can help buyers understand a home's layout, scale, and potential while improving photography and online presentation. Whether full staging, partial staging, or simply editing existing furnishings makes sense depends on the property, price point, and target buyer.

How long does it take to sell a home in Los Angeles?

There is no fixed timeline. Some homes receive offers within days, while others take weeks or months. Pricing, condition, location, inventory, interest rates, seasonality, and buyer demand all affect how quickly a property sells.

When is the best time of year to sell a home in Los Angeles?

Spring is traditionally an active selling season, but Los Angeles real estate trades pretty consistently throughout the year. The best time to sell often depends more on your personal timeline, competing inventory, property type, and current market conditions than on the calendar alone.

How much does it cost to sell a home?

Seller expenses can include listing agent and buyer’s agent compensation, escrow and title charges, transfer taxes, required reports, inspections, preparation or staging expenses, repairs or negotiated credits, and other transaction-specific costs. We prepare an estimated seller net sheet so you can understand the potential proceeds before deciding to sell.

How much is the real estate commission when selling a home?

Generally 2.5% is paid to both the buy and sell side agents, however real estate compensation is negotiable and is established in the listing agreement. Sellers should evaluate not only the fee but also the services, marketing, experience, representation, and strategy being provided.

Does the seller have to pay the buyer's agent?

Buyer-agent compensation is negotiable. A seller may agree to provide compensation or concessions toward a buyer's representation as part of the transaction, but the structure and amount depend on the listing strategy, offers received, and negotiated terms.

What documents do I need to sell my home?

The required documents vary by property and transaction. Initially California sellers commonly complete property disclosures and provide information concerning the property's condition, known defects, improvements, and other material facts. Escrow, title, HOA documents, leases, permits, and other records will become relevant as the transaction proceeds.

What am I required to disclose when selling a home in California?

California generally requires sellers to disclose known material facts that could affect the value or desirability of the property. Depending on the transaction, this can include disclosures regarding the property's condition, repairs, environmental or natural hazards, neighborhood issues, insurance claims, and other known circumstances.

Do I have to disclose problems that I already repaired?

A past problem can still be relevant even if it has been repaired. Sellers should generally disclose known material facts rather than assuming a repair eliminates the need for disclosure. Specific disclosure questions should be discussed with the appropriate real estate or legal professional.

What happens if I don't disclose a known problem?

Failure to disclose a known material fact can create significant problems, including disputes or potential legal liability after closing. Thorough and accurate disclosure is an important part of protecting both the seller and the transaction.

Can I sell my home as-is?

Yes and we see sales like this consistently in both the Los Feliz and surrounding area’s markets. A home can generally be marketed and sold in its present condition, but selling "as-is" does not eliminate applicable disclosure obligations. Buyers may also retain inspection or other contractual rights depending on the purchase agreement.

Will the buyer inspect my home?

Most buyers conduct a general home inspection and may order additional inspections based on the property. In Los Angeles, these almost always include sewer, roof, foundation, chimney, HVAC, mold, geological, pool, or other specialized inspections.

Do I have to make repairs after the buyer's inspection?

Not necessarily. A buyer may request repairs, credits, or other concessions, but those requests are generally subject to negotiation unless the contract provides otherwise. We evaluate requests in the context of the property's condition, the contract, market conditions, and the strength of the transaction.

What happens if my home doesn't appraise for the accepted price?

If the buyer is financing the purchase and the appraisal comes in below the contract price, several outcomes are possible. The buyer may contribute additional cash, the parties may renegotiate, the appraisal may be reviewed or challenged, or the transaction may be canceled depending on the buyer's appraisal and financing contingencies.

Should I accept the highest offer?

Not always. Price is important, but so are the other contract terms like financing, down payment, contingencies, deposit, requested credits, closing timeline, appraisal risk, and the buyer's overall ability to close. A slightly lower offer with stronger terms can sometimes be more valuable than the highest-priced offer.

What happens when I receive multiple offers?

We compare the price and terms of each offer, evaluate the buyers' financial strength, and discuss potential strategies. Depending on the situation, you may accept an offer, counter a higher purchaseprice to one or more buyers, or request revised offers from interested parties.

What happens after I accept an offer?

Escrow is opened, the buyer submits their deposit, and the transaction enters the due-diligence period. Inspections, disclosures, title review, appraisal, and loan underwriting generally occur during escrow before contingencies are removed and the transaction moves toward closing.

How long is escrow when selling a home?

A financed transaction commonly closes in approximately 30–45 days, although shorter or longer escrows can be negotiated. Cash transactions can usually close significantly faster. The actual timeline is established in the purchase agreement.

Can a buyer cancel after I accept their offer?

Potentially. A buyer's ability to cancel depends on the purchase agreement, applicable contingencies, deadlines, and circumstances. Inspection, appraisal, financing, title, and other contractual provisions may give a buyer cancellation rights during certain periods.

What happens to the buyer's deposit if they cancel?

That depends on why and when the buyer cancels and the terms of the purchase agreement. A buyer who properly cancels pursuant to a contractual contingency may generally be entitled to the return of their deposit. Deposit disputes can become more complicated after applicable contingencies have been removed.

Can I sell a home with tenants living in it?

Yes, but tenant-occupied properties require additional planning. Existing leases, rent-control rules, tenant protections, showing requirements, relocation obligations, and occupancy status can all affect the marketing and sale. These issues should always be evaluated before putting the property on the market.

Can I sell a home that's in a trust or probate?

Yes, but the process differs from a conventional sale. Trust sales involve trustees and beneficiaries, while probate transactions can involve executors or administrators, attorneys, statutory procedures, and potentially court involvement. We regularly work with the professionals involved to coordinate these more complex transactions.

What happens if I have unpermitted additions or improvements?

Unpermitted additions, conversions, ADUs, or other improvements do not necessarily prevent a sale, but they can affect disclosures, valuation, financing, appraisal, insurance, and how the property is marketed. We recommend investigating available records early so the issue can be addressed strategically rather than becoming a surprise for the seller or buyer during escrow.

Do I have to pay taxes when I sell my home?

Potentially. Sellers may be responsible for capital gains taxes depending on their basis, improvements, gain, ownership and occupancy history, and other factors. Qualifying homeowners may be eligible for the federal primary-residence capital gains exclusion. Investment properties and inherited properties can have different tax considerations, so sellers should consult their tax professional regarding their specific situation.

What is the first step if I'm thinking about selling my home?

Start by understanding what your property may be worth, what you could reasonably net from a sale, and what—if anything—should be done before going to market. From there, we can develop a pricing, preparation, marketing, and timing strategy based on your property and your goals.