11 questions to ask to ensure your San Diego home sells and for the highest price
George Lorimer
Tuesday, January 28, 2025
Top 11 Questions to Ask Before Listing Your San Diego Home
Call or text George Lorimer at
619-846-1244 for a quicker response.
Homeowners are often eager to make informed decisions before listing their homes. Here’s what they are most interested in knowing:
1. Home Valuation and Pricing
- What’s my home worth?
Homeowners want a clear understanding of their home’s market value based on comparable sales, neighborhood trends, and current market conditions.
- How is the asking price determined?
They want assurance that the pricing strategy will attract buyers without leaving money on the table.
2. Selling Costs and Net Proceeds
- What are the total costs involved?
Questions about commission fees, closing costs, and other expenses are common.
- How much will I walk away with?
Homeowners want to calculate their net proceeds after all fees and expenses.
3. Market Conditions
- Is now the right time to sell?
Understanding whether it’s a seller’s or buyer’s market and how long homes are staying on the market is crucial.
- What’s the demand like in my area?
They want data on local buyer activity and trends specific to their neighborhood.
4. Realtor’s Strategy and Expertise
- How will you market my home?
Homeowners are curious about your marketing plan, including online listings, social media, open houses, and professional photography.
- What’s your track record?
They’ll ask about your experience, number of homes sold, and success in their area.
5. Home Preparation Tips
- What do I need to do to get my house ready?
They seek advice on decluttering, staging, repairs, or upgrades that can increase their home’s appeal and value.
- Do I need professional staging?
Understanding the role of staging and its potential ROI is key for some homeowners.
6. Timeline and Process
- How long will it take to sell?
Homeowners want an estimated timeline for the entire process, from listing to closing.
- What happens after I list my home?
A clear breakdown of steps—marketing, showings, offers, negotiations, and closing—is helpful.
7. Legal and Contractual Obligations
- What disclosures am I required to make?
Understanding what they’re legally obligated to disclose is important.
- What does the listing agreement entail?
They’ll want to know about exclusivity, contract duration, and cancellation terms.
8. Negotiation and Offer Management
- How will offers be handled?
They want to understand how offers are presented, negotiated, and countered.
- How do I choose the best offer?
They often need help evaluating offers beyond just the price, such as contingencies and financing terms.
9. Impact on Their Next Steps
- How will selling affect my next move?
They might want advice on timing their sale with their next purchase or finding temporary housing if needed.
- Can I buy a new home before selling?
Questions about bridge loans, contingency sales, and other strategies are common.
10. Potential Challenges
- What can go wrong during the process?
They’ll want to know about common issues (e.g., low appraisals, inspection problems) and how you plan to address them.
- How will you handle slow offers or lowball bids?
Confidence in your ability to manage challenges is essential.
11. Tax and Financial Implications
- Will I owe taxes on the sale?
Questions about capital gains taxes or other tax implications frequently arise.
- Should I consult a financial advisor?
They may want guidance on how selling fits into their broader financial goals.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners want to feel confident, informed, and supported before listing their homes. Proactively addressing these topics can build trust and position you as the expert they need for a successful sale.
If I can help, call or text me at
619.846.1244 or visit GeorgeLorimer.com