Buying or selling a home comes with many questions, and having the right information can make all the difference. To help guide you through the process, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions from our clients in Westside Los Angeles.

 
 
  • It depends on many factors, as a real estate agent we look at the size, condition, finishes, and location of the home. The Lot size, the bed-bath count, the flow of the layout whether your home is one-story or two-story whether you have an ADU. We look at the neighborhood. We also anticipate where the market is heading. These are the basic things we consider when doing a valuation of your home.

  • There are things that negatively impact a homes value versus things that positively impact the homes - negatively influences could be too close to an airport, highway, busy street, school, industrial zone, train tracks or other nuisance. - things that positively affect value of a home could be walkability, close to parks and recreation, beaches, shopping & entertainment, good medical facilities etc.

  • There are a lot of things you can do to prepare your home that do not involve major renovations. It is best to consult a local market expert to help you determine where the most return on investment for your money.

  • Most homeowners should expect total selling costs to range from about 7% to 9% of the home’s final sale price. That will include commissions, standard closing costs and voluntary prep & taxes vary.

  • It depends on your neighborhood. Time frames vary from area to area. Typically, well priced and positioned homes will sell in 30 days or less. The luxury market is typically a little slower. In 2026, the median days on market for 2.5m+ for 90045 for example was approximately 60 days.

  • There are a lot of things you can do to prepare your home that do not involve major renovations. It is best to consult a local market expert to help you determine where you get the most return on investment for your money.

  • Think of pricing your home to sell as a strategy rather than a verdict. Pricing is about how you engage with the market. A local real estate expert can show you what the different strategies will look like.

  • In California to simplify, escrow begins once a seller accepts an offer and a neutral escrow company is hired to manage the transaction. During this time, the buyer deposits earnest money, completes inspections, secures financing, and reviews disclosures while the seller provides required documents and negotiates any repair requests or credits. Once all contingencies are removed, loan documents are signed, funds are transferred, and the county records the sale, officially transferring ownership to the buyer.

  • Yes, of course provided you have the funds to do so. It is best to speak to a lender and your real estate agent about the best way to do so.

  • Typically if a home does not sell quickly it means that it either was not priced or positioned well on the market. In that case, you should speak to your real estate agent about whether the price or presentation needs to be changed.

  • Yes if you are ready to sell, there are buyers looking and there is a housing shortage.

  • If interest rates are high it is more difficult for buyers to afford a home. This leads to fewer qualified buyers and less competition for properties. If interest rates are low it makes homeownership more affordable which brings more buyers out and increases competition which can drive prices up.

  • A seller’s market occurs when there are more buyers than available homes, which often leads to higher prices, multiple offers, and faster sales that favor sellers. A buyer’s market happens when there are more homes for sale than buyers, giving buyers more negotiating power, more choices, and often lower prices or seller concessions. The market type is usually influenced by inventory levels, interest rates, and overall buyer demand.

  • If interest rates are high it is more difficult for buyers to afford a home. This leads to fewer qualified buyers and less competition for properties. If interest rates are low it makes homeownership more affordable which brings more buyers out and increases competition which can drive prices up.

  • It depends on your area. Time frames vary from area to area. Typically, well priced and positioned homes will sell in 30 days or less. The luxury market is typically a little slower. In 2026, the median days on market for 2.5m+ for 90045 for example was approximately 60 days.

  • The Westside of Los Angeles is seeing its highest real estate demand concentrated in coastal luxury enclaves and walkable beach communities such as Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Venice, Westchester.

  • Location can dramatically affect home values in Los Angeles.

  • Often times people choose the South bay due to the school districts and in some areas being able to get more house for the money.

  • Both Venice and Santa Monica remain highly desirable coastal markets. Today’s buyers are selective and willing to pay a premium for well-priced, turnkey homes in prime locations. Sellers should also understand that many properties fall under the California Coastal Commission, which oversees development in coastal zones to protect public access, views, and environmental resources. That means major remodels, additions, or redevelopment may require extratime and longer permit approval. Homes that are updated, compliant, and move-in ready typically attract the strongest offers. 

 
 
 

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