Selling
Selling your Orange County home
A successful sale comes down to the right price, a well-prepared home, and marketing that reaches the right buyers. Here's how Katherine approaches each step.
The selling process
Pricing consultation
A walkthrough of your home and a review of recent comparable sales and current competition, to set a price that attracts buyers.
Prepare the home
Repairs, decluttering, cleaning, and staging where it helps. Small fixes before listing can prevent bigger negotiations later.
Market the listing
Professional photography, a strong listing on the MLS and major home search sites, and showings and open houses to reach serious buyers.
Review offers
Compare every offer on price and terms, including financing, contingencies, and timing, then negotiate for the best overall result.
Escrow
Disclosures, buyer inspections, appraisal, and repair requests are handled here. Clear communication keeps the timeline on track.
Close
The sale records with the county, proceeds are disbursed through escrow, and you hand over the keys.
Before you list
- Gather HOA documents, permits, and receipts for upgrades
- Take care of small repairs and deferred maintenance
- Consider a pre-listing inspection to surface issues early
- Declutter and deep clean every room
- Refresh curb appeal: landscaping, front door, and lighting
- Plan the timing of your move and your next home
Seller questions
When is the best time to sell?
Spring is traditionally the busiest season, but the right time depends on local inventory, interest rates, and your own plans. A pricing consultation looks at current conditions.
How do I get ready to sell?
Start with your finances and a lender conversation about the payoff, then a seller consultation to set the plan, decide which updates are worth making, and read the market before pricing. Watch: top tips to maximize value and sell faster
What does it cost to sell?
Typical costs include agent compensation (which is negotiable), escrow and title fees, the county documentary transfer tax, and any repairs or credits negotiated with the buyer. Watch: what you actually keep from a $1 million sale
Do I need to make repairs before listing?
Not always. Some repairs pay for themselves, and others are better handled through pricing or a credit. Katherine can help you decide what is worth doing. Watch: three renovations to think twice about
Does unpermitted work matter when I sell?
It can. Unpermitted improvements can complicate seller disclosures, inspections, appraisals, financing, and buyer negotiations, so check the permit history of past work before listing and sort out any gaps early. Watch: which renovations need a permit in Orange County
Is staging worth it?
Often, in moderation. NAR's 2025 staging research finds it can change how buyers see a home, but the goal is to appeal to likely buyers while keeping selling costs reasonable, not to spend as much as possible. How far to take it depends on the home's condition, the target buyer, and the competition. Watch: is home staging worth it?
What stays with the house when I sell?
Fixtures attached to the property, such as light fixtures and built-ins, generally go with the sale unless the purchase agreement says otherwise. Appliances, mounted TVs, and smart home devices are not automatic, so list what is included and excluded in the contract to avoid a walkthrough dispute. Watch: what actually stays with the house
Should I sell before I buy my next home?
It depends on your finances and timeline. The three common routes are an offer contingent on your sale, buying first with bridge financing, or selling first and negotiating a rent-back so you have time to find the next home. Watch: sell first or buy first?
How long does it take to sell?
It varies with price, condition, and the market. Once you accept an offer, escrow in California commonly takes about 30 to 45 days.
I inherited a home in a trust. What happens now?
The trustee, not the beneficiaries, has authority over the house, and the bills, mortgage, and property taxes keep running in the meantime. Proposition 19 has filing deadlines that affect the tax bill. Watch and read: inheriting a California home in a trust
Is downsizing worth it?
Often, yes: less to maintain, lower insurance and utility bills, and cash freed up for the next home. Katherine walks through seven reasons it can be the right move. Watch: seven reasons to consider downsizing
General information only, not legal or tax advice.
Curious what your home could sell for?
Start with a pricing consultation. Katherine will walk through recent sales and what buyers are looking for right now.