When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Los Angeles?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Los Angeles?

According to Elmer, January and February are the worst months to sell a house in Los Angeles. “People are exhausted after the holidays. Maybe they spent too much during the holiday season, and they just kind of take a little bit of a break,” she explains.

What seller concessions help close a sale in Los Angeles?

To finalize a sale, sellers in Los Angeles often provide concessions or extend credits to buyers. “Buyers are stretched right now, coming up with every penny possible to be able to have enough money for their down payment, with interest rates being where they are today,” says Elmer. She notes that buyers commonly request home warranty plans, termite clearance, and completion of repairs.

Here are typical seller concessions and credits that can help you sell your Los Angeles property:

• Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Provide funds toward a temporary mortgage interest rate reduction
• Give a repair allowance to cover issues found during the home inspection
• Cover fees for the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal
• Pay the initial months of HOA dues, if applicable
• Pick up the tab for the buyer’s agent commission
• Advance property taxes or homeowners’ insurance premiums for the first year

Insider tips to help sell your house in Los Angeles

As a top-rated agent in Los Angeles, Elmer specializes in guiding homeowners to successfully sell their properties, regardless of timing or challenges.

Here are some expert suggestions for selling your home:

1. Set the right price from the beginning

Overpricing can cause your listing to linger and require multiple price drops. A well-planned pricing approach grounded in recent sales data (comparable properties) can attract strong early interest and competitive bids.

“If you’re putting your home on the market, it’s generally better to price your home a little bit lower than higher because many buyers won’t even bother coming to look at it if it’s priced too high, and yet if it’s priced just right, you may still even get multiple offers in today’s market,” Elmer advises.

2. Select an expert agent

Partner with a knowledgeable local professional who understands your neighborhood and can assist you in pricing, advertising, and negotiating effectively. The right agent will position your Los Angeles property to achieve a successful sale. According to HomeLight’s data, the top 5% of agents sell homes for roughly 10% more than their average counterparts.

3. Focus on essential repairs

Address noticeable problems such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint — buyers often worry these minor flaws point to bigger issues. Prioritize repairs that offer great returns and reassure prospective buyers. A skilled Los Angeles agent can also advise you on which repairs to skip.

4. Boost curb appeal both offline and online

Well-maintained landscaping, a tidy exterior, and bright entry lighting create appealing curb appeal and leave a positive impression during in-person visits. On the digital side, professional photos and virtual tours ensure your Los Angeles listing stands out right away.

5. Clear clutter and remove personal items

Remove belongings such as extra furniture, family photographs, and collectibles to make rooms appear bigger and more welcoming. A neat, neutral setting helps buyers picture themselves living there.

6. Provide a home warranty

Offering a home warranty can help ease buyer concerns about unforeseen repairs, especially for older properties in Los Angeles. It may also increase your home’s attractiveness in a competitive environment.

7. Stay flexible with showing times

Making your home readily available for viewings typically speeds up the sale process. Being open to weekend and evening showings is particularly useful for buyers who live out of town or have hectic schedules.

8. Think about staging

Homes that are staged tend to sell quicker and often fetch higher offers because staging helps buyers better envision the space. Even partial or virtual staging can enhance your listing’s appeal.

Answers to other Los Angeles home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Los Angeles?

While some homes in Los Angeles may sell quickly, a quick sale is never guaranteed. If you need to sell fast or don’t have the time or resources to make necessary repairs, consider requesting an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.

In just minutes, you can answer a few basic questions and receive a no-commitment cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale delivers cash offers for homes in nearly any condition throughout Los Angeles, enabling you to avoid lengthy prep work, open houses, and costly repairs — and close in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Los Angeles home sellers make?

Elmer points out overpricing as the most common error sellers make when listing a home in Los Angeles.

“I have found that a home that’s on the market for 30 days or less on average sells for 5% more than a home that’s been on the market for 30 days or more, and that’s generally considered after they’ve had a price reduction,” she says.

Find a top Los Angeles agent for a successful sale

The best time to sell a house in Los Angeles depends on your goals. However, selling your property quickly and for the best price doesn’t need to be complicated. With accurate guidance, you can make sound decisions and avoid common mistakes.

“Ultimately, agents, sellers don’t set the price; the market sets the price of the home, and it’s our job as agents to try to figure out what exactly the best position to start a seller out in is, and sometimes we’re wrong,” says Elmer.

That’s why partnering with a skilled agent is important. Working with a leading local agent means gaining a reliable advisor to help you complete a successful sale. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re simultaneously buying and selling a home, explore HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This modern approach lets you tap into your equity to simplify the process. Submit a non-contingent offer on your new property and move only once. Watch this short video to find out more. 

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