Step-by-Step Guide to Selling a Home by Owner in Glendale
1. Understand the Glendale Real Estate Market
Glendale’s housing market is competitive, with diverse neighborhoods, high demand, and unique buyer expectations. Researching the market will help you set a realistic price and prepare your home for the right audience.
Key Points to Research:
Recent sales in your area (comparables).
Current market trends, such average price/SF and understanding why some homes sell for a lot while others don’t sell at all.
Buyer preferences in Glendale (e.g., proximity to top-rated schools or attractions like The Americana).
2. Set an Accurate Price
Pricing your home correctly is critical. Overpricing can deter buyers, while underpricing could leave money on the table. The strategy of pricing it lower to get a bidding war will probably not work as a FSBO.
Tips for Pricing Your Home:
Analyze comparable homes by touring them during open houses and noting what they sell for for when they close escrow. Use online tools for a rough estimate, but remember they’re not always accurate.
Consider hiring an appraiser for a professional valuation.
3. Prepare Your Home for Sale
First impressions matter. To attract serious buyers, your home should be clean, well-maintained, and staged to highlight its best features.
Steps to Prepare Your Home:
Be very honest and objective about your home’s issues. This is not easy for many people but it’s critical.
Declutter and Clean: Remove personal items and deep clean every room.
Make Repairs: Fix minor issues like leaky faucets or chipped paint.
Stage Strategically: Showcase features like a spacious kitchen, hardwood floors, or a landscaped yard.
4. Market Your Property
Marketing is one of the most challenging aspects of selling FSBO. Without access to the MLS, you’ll need to find creative ways to get your home in front of potential buyers.
Effective FSB Marketing Tips:
High-Quality Photos: Invest in professional photography to make your home stand out.
Online Listings: Post on platforms like Zillow, Realtor.com, and local social media groups. Write compelling descriptions that highlight your home’s features and its location in Glendale.
Yard Signs: These are simple but effective for capturing local interest.
Connect with Local Real Estate Agents: Even as a FSBO seller, reaching out to local agents can help get your home seen by more qualified buyers. Many agents may be willing to show your home to their clients for a small fee or commission.
Have Open Houses when other listings in your neighborhood are also open and be sure to use many open house signs to bring people to your home.
5. Show Your Home
Be prepared to manage inquiries and schedule showings. Ensure your home is clean and inviting before each visit. Open houses can also be a great way to attract multiple buyers at once.
6. Negotiate Offers
When offers start coming in, review them carefully. Look beyond just the price—consider contingencies, closing timelines, and the buyer’s financial situation. You may want to hire an attorney to review the offer.
Make sure your buyer is pre-approved.
Be careful of the neighbor looking for the “neighbor discount” They want your home for various reasons but usually don't want to pay anything near market value.
Negotiation can be a challenge for FSBO sellers, as buyers may see it as an opportunity to push for a lower price or additional concessions.
7. Handle the Paperwork
Real estate transactions require extensive paperwork, including:
Purchase agreements.
Seller disclosures (required by California law).
Title transfer documents.
Mistakes or just a lack of understanding of the process can cause delays or legal issues, so consider hiring a real estate attorney to review your paperwork.
8. Close the Sale
The final step involves inspections, appraisals, and coordinating with escrow. Stay organized to meet all deadlines and ensure a smooth closing process.
Is FSBO Right for You?
Selling your home by owner can work well if you have real estate experience, ample time, and confidence in your pricing and negotiation skills. However, it’s important to consider all the factors, including your goals and the current Glendale market conditions.
While FSBO may save on listing agent commissions, it’s worth noting that homes sold without an agent tend to sell for less on average. This isn’t a guarantee—success depends on how well you execute the process—but it’s a factor to keep in mind.
Why Work with Dave Robles and Think Real Estate Group?
If you’re exploring FSBO but want to understand how a professional can help maximize your sale, Dave Robles and the Think Real Estate Group are here to guide you. With deep knowledge of the Glendale market, we can:
Help you price your home competitively to attract buyers.
Provide unmatched marketing exposure through the MLS and other channels.
Negotiate on your behalf to secure the best deal.
Handle all the details, saving you time and stress.
Final Thoughts
Selling a home is a big decision, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. FSBO can work for some homeowners, but others find greater value in partnering with an experienced real estate agent. Whether you’re considering FSBO or want expert guidance, Dave Robles and the Think Real Estate Group are here to help you every step of the way.