Most home sales in California close smoothly within 30 to 45 days. But I've also watched deals derail at day 28 over issues that could have been prevented. The difference usually comes down to how proactively sellers handle predictable challenges.
According to recent Inner East Bay data, 70.3% of homes sold over list price at 111.9% of asking in November. With inventory down 14.1% to just 420 homes, sellers who prepare strategically achieve premium results. Those successful sales happened because sellers anticipated problems before they became deal killers.
Before Listing: Handle the Predictable Issues
The best time to solve problems is before buyers discover them during inspection. Walk through your home like a skeptical buyer would. That slow draining sink? Fix it now. The cracked tile? Replace it. The loose handrail? Tighten it this weekend.
These repairs cost maybe $2,000 but prevent $10,000 in concessions later.
Order your own pre-listing inspection if you're uncertain. This costs $400 to $600 but reveals exactly what buyers will discover. You can address issues proactively or disclose everything upfront.
I recently worked with sellers who discovered foundation cracking through pre-inspection. We got repair quotes before listing and disclosed everything. Buyers felt confident rather than concerned.
Getting Disclosures Right Matters
California requires extensive disclosures. The Transfer Disclosure Statement, Natural Hazard Disclosure, and Seller Property Questionnaire aren't suggestions. Complete them honestly.
I've seen deals collapse because sellers failed to disclose known issues. Buyers discover problems, feel misled, and either cancel or demand concessions. Had the seller disclosed upfront, buyers would have factored it into their offer.
When in doubt, disclose it. That furnace noise? Mention it. The basement water intrusion from five years ago? Disclose it. Buyers appreciate transparency.
The First Two Weeks Set Your Trajectory
With median days on market at 15 days in the Inner East Bay, you need immediate traction. If you're not getting strong showing activity within the first week, something's wrong.
Don't wait three weeks to address it. Have honest conversations with your agent after the first weekend if activity feels light.
I listed a home in Oakland that got only two showings the first weekend. We immediately reviewed feedback and adjusted. By the second weekend, we received multiple offers.
Make showings easy. Don't restrict times. Don't require 24 hour notice. Every barrier gives buyers a reason to skip your property.
Navigate the Inspection Period Strategically
The inspection period is when most deals hit turbulence. Buyers discover issues, request repairs, and sellers decide how to respond.
Expect buyers to find something. Even well maintained homes have minor issues on inspection reports. The question is how you respond.
Evaluate each request. A non-functioning appliance? Reasonable. $5,000 in credits for landscaping preferences? Not reasonable.
Be willing to address genuine safety issues. Be firm on cosmetic preferences disguised as inspection concerns.
I worked with sellers who received an $8,000 repair request. We agreed to fix $3,000 in legitimate issues and declined the cosmetic requests. The buyers accepted.
Keep Communication Flowing
Most delays happen because people don't respond promptly. Your agent asks for documentation. You take three days. The lender requests verification. You forget. These delays accumulate into missed deadlines.
Respond the same day when possible. If you need more time, communicate that immediately rather than going silent.
Set up a system for tracking deadlines. Know when contingencies need removal, when you need HOA documents, when final walkthrough happens. Don't rely on memory.
The Final Week: Stay Focused
The week before closing, small issues often emerge. A document needs re-signing. Wire transfer instructions need verification. These aren't deal killers unless you ignore them.
Stay accessible. Answer calls promptly. Don't schedule a vacation or become unreachable right before closing.
I've watched sellers nearly lose deals because they were unreachable and couldn't sign documents. The buyers got nervous. Stay engaged until recording confirmation.
When Problems Arise, Address Them Immediately
Despite preparation, issues emerge. The appraisal comes in low. The lender requests documentation. A title issue surfaces.
These problems don't kill deals automatically. They kill deals when sellers panic or delay. Address problems immediately. Work with your agent to find solutions.
Your goal is smooth closing with maximum net proceeds. That requires proactive problem solving from listing through closing day. Sellers who achieve the best results stay engaged, respond quickly, and address issues before they become crises.
If you're preparing to sell and want guidance on keeping your transaction on track, I'm here to help. The approach that works is anticipation, preparation, and quick response. That's how 70.3% of Inner East Bay sellers achieved premium results in November.
-Kelly
