The real estate market is constantly evolving, and buyers and sellers have a lot of questions about timing, pricing, and the overall process. Below are some of the most frequently asked questions, along with clear, compelling answers that will help guide you in making informed decisions.

For Home Sellers:

Should I Sell My Home Now or Wait?

This is one of the most common questions, and the answer depends on market trends and personal circumstances. Right now, housing inventory remains tight while buyer demand is still strong. If a home is priced correctly, it can sell quickly, sometimes even with multiple offers. Additionally, sellers in a competitive market often have leverage when negotiating price, terms, and repairs. However, personal factors—such as needing to find a new home—should also be taken into account. As your agent, I can provide a market analysis specific to your area to determine if now is the right time for you to sell.

How Much Is My Home Worth?

A home’s value is determined by several factors, including its location, size, condition, and recent sales in the area. To establish an accurate price, I conduct a thorough market analysis, considering local demand and property trends. A Professional Equity Assessment Report can also help gauge your home's financial value without requiring bank involvement. Pricing correctly from the start is crucial—too high, and your property may sit on the market; too low, and you may leave money on the table.

How Long Will It Take to Sell My Home?

The time it takes to sell a home depends on market conditions, the property's condition, and pricing strategy. On average, homes stay on the market for about two months, but this can vary significantly. A well-staged, competitively priced home in a desirable neighborhood may sell within a week, while other properties might take longer.

What Should I Do to Prepare My Home for Sale?

First impressions matter, so preparing your home is key to attracting buyers. Sellers should consider decluttering, depersonalizing, deep cleaning, and enhancing curb appeal. A well-staged home allows buyers to envision themselves living there. Minor repairs, neutral décor, and professional photography also contribute to a successful sale.

Should I Get a Home Inspection Before Listing?

A pre-listing inspection can be a smart move, as it helps identify potential issues that might arise during the buyer’s inspection. Addressing major concerns in advance can lead to a smoother transaction and prevent last-minute surprises. However, keep in mind that any major defects discovered must be disclosed to potential buyers. The cost of a professional home inspection averages around $500, but it can be well worth it in the long run.

How Will You Market My Property?

A strong marketing strategy ensures your home gets maximum exposure. This includes professional photography, an engaging listing description, social media promotion, virtual tours, open houses, and targeted outreach. I also leverage real estate networks and advertising channels to connect with qualified buyers.

What Happens If My Home Sells Before I Find a New One?

Many sellers worry about being in limbo if their home sells quickly. There are several options to ease the transition: negotiating a longer closing period, securing a rent-back agreement, or exploring new construction homes with flexible move-in dates. Additionally, bridge loans or contingency clauses can help ensure you have a place to go when your home sells.

How Is the Los Angeles Mansion Tax Impacting Luxury Home Sales?

The Los Angeles mansion tax has led many high-end homeowners to reconsider selling, creating uncertainty in the luxury market. With increased transaction costs, some sellers are holding onto their properties longer, which could tighten inventory and influence pricing trends.

For Home Buyers:

Are Mortgage Rates Expected to Drop Next Year?

Most analysts expect mortgage rates to stay in the 6% range throughout the year, with Fannie Mae and the Mortgage Bankers Association both forecasting rates to settle around 6.5% by year-end. A decrease in rates would improve affordability and potentially bring more buyers into the market, but it’s important to stay updated as economic conditions can shift.

Key Factors Shaping Mortgage Rates:

• Inflation Trends – Higher inflation keeps rates elevated.

• Federal Reserve Policies – Rate cuts or hikes influence borrowing costs.

• Economic Growth – A strong economy can sustain higher rates.

• Global Events & Trade Policies – Tariffs, like those imposed by Trump, impact inflation, which in turn affects mortgage rates.

How Intense Is Buyer Competition Right Now?

With housing inventory at just 3.6 months’ supply in Los Angeles County, competition remains fierce. Well-priced homes in desirable locations continue to sell quickly, often sparking bidding wars despite higher mortgage rates. In this low-supply market, buyers must be financially prepared and have a strong strategy to secure their ideal home.

How Do the New Realtor Regulations Impact My Home Search?

Recent industry changes—such as mandatory buyer representation agreements and shifts in agent compensation—are transforming the way buyers engage with realtors. While these updates enhance transparency in transactions, they also require buyers to be more deliberate in selecting an agent who aligns with their needs. In most cases, sellers still cover the buyer’s agent commission, but if a buyer is unable to pay, they should discuss it with their agent. Compensation terms can often be negotiated with the seller to ensure a workable agreement for all parties.

What’s the First Step in Buying a Home?

The first step is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This helps buyers understand their budget, strengthens their negotiating power, and signals to sellers that they are serious. Pre-approval involves providing financial details to a lender, who then determines the loan amount and interest rate. Some high-demand markets even require pre-approval before scheduling home tours.

What Happens If My Offer Is Rejected?

If an offer is declined, buyers have a few options:

• Increase the Offer: If price was the issue, raising the offer may make it more competitive.

• Negotiate: The seller may counter with different terms, allowing room for compromise.

• Keep Searching: Sometimes, it’s best to move on and find another home that better aligns with your needs and budget.

How Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid When I Buy a Home?

Buyers typically don’t pay their agents directly. Instead, the seller covers the commission, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. While this means buyers don’t pay out-of-pocket for representation, commissions are factored into the home’s sale price.

Home Prices Are Dropping—Should I Wait to Buy?

Market fluctuations are normal, but waiting for prices to hit rock bottom is risky. Experts predict varying trends across regions, with some areas seeing slight appreciation and others experiencing price corrections. Additionally, mortgage rates and housing inventory play a crucial role. Rather than trying to time the market perfectly, buyers should purchase when it aligns with their financial and lifestyle needs.

What’s the Difference Between a Seller’s and Buyer’s Market?

When Do Sellers Have the Advantage?

A seller’s market happens when the number of buyers outweighs the available homes for sale, leading to rising property values and increased competition. Typically, when housing inventory drops below a six-month supply, sellers gain the upper hand. With fewer homes to choose from, buyers often face bidding wars, allowing sellers to secure higher prices and favorable contract terms.

Key drivers of a seller’s market include:

• Limited housing supply

• Strong economic conditions and job growth

• Lower mortgage interest rates

• Relaxed lending standards, making it easier for buyers to qualify

• Slow-paced new construction, restricting fresh inventory

When Do Buyers Have More Negotiating Power?

A buyer’s market occurs when housing supply exceeds demand, giving buyers the upper hand. If there’s more than a seven-month supply of homes, buyers can take their time, negotiate lower prices, and secure better terms. In these conditions, sellers may need to adjust their expectations and offer incentives to attract offers.

Key factors that contribute to a buyer’s market include:

• An oversupply of available homes

• Economic downturns or rising unemployment

• Higher mortgage rates, reducing buyer affordability

• Stricter lending requirements, making it harder to qualify for loans

• An increase in new construction, adding to inventory faster than demand can absorb

Will an Increase in Foreclosures Lower Home Prices?

While foreclosure rates have risen slightly, they remain significantly below the 2008 crisis levels. Unlike the Great Recession, homeowners today have strong equity positions, making widespread distressed sales unlikely. Lenders are also more inclined to offer loan modifications instead of foreclosure, reducing the impact on home values.

How Will California’s Housing Market Withstand the Impact of the Fires?

Before the fires broke out on January 7, Californians were already struggling with affordability and availability in the housing market, especially in Los Angeles County. Now, tens of thousands of displaced residents are scrambling for short-term rentals in an already strained market, further driving up demand.

"In 2024, there were roughly 36.1 percent fewer homes for sale in L.A. compared to 2019," a Realtor.com analyst noted. "The recent fires could exacerbate price growth and inventory scarcity as more shopper demand is funneled into fewer for-sale homes."

With insurance hurdles adding another layer of uncertainty, will homeowners be able to rebuild, or will this disaster push more Californians to relocate permanently?

Will California’s Housing Policies Worsen the Shortage?

The nation has been underbuilding since the 2007-2008 crisis, but California faces even greater challenges due to restrictive development regulations that slow new construction.

"California consistently underproduces new homes in relation to its population size," said Lawrence Yun. "Excessive development regulations have resulted in homebuilders preferring other states. This has contributed to high home prices and low homeownership rates in California," he added. "The recent destruction of homes will exacerbate the housing shortage."

As rebuilding efforts begin, will state policies ease construction barriers, or will the housing crisis deepen in the wake of disaster?

How often should I check in with my realtor?

Communication is key in real estate transactions. I tailor my approach based on client preferences, whether that’s through phone calls, emails, or text updates. I also provide access to online portals where clients can track progress in real time. Transparency and responsiveness ensure a smooth experience from start to finish. Your Realtor is working for you and being compensated for their services, so reach out as often as you need. I make myself accessible to my clients, ensuring they feel confident and prepared and have all their questions answered throughout the process.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re buying or selling, the real estate journey comes with important decisions. By providing clear, well-informed answers, I help clients navigate the process with confidence. Have more questions? Let’s discuss your specific goals and create a plan tailored to your needs.