ServicesSeller's Agent
Seller's Agent in Santa Monica
We represent you when you sell on the open market. We set a price from real sales, go over every offer and disclosure in plain English, and walk you through escrow so you always know what happens next and what it will cost you.
What a seller's agent does for you
A seller's agent works for one side of the deal: yours. Our job is to put the property in front of as many qualified buyers as we can, then help you choose the offer that leaves you with the most money and the fewest surprises. That is not always the highest number on the page.
This route usually brings the strongest price, but it takes more time and a bit of preparation compared with a direct sale. If speed matters more than top dollar, our We Buy Houses for Cash page covers that option. Plenty of sellers around Santa Monica and Culver City ask us for both numbers before they decide, and we're glad to lay them side by side.
What's included when we represent you
- Pricing grounded in nearby sales
- We start with what similar properties close by actually sold for recently, then adjust for square footage, condition, lot size and parking. You get to see each comparable and the reasoning behind it, so the price has a clear basis.
- A short prep list, not a remodel
- We point out the small fixes that tend to pay back, like fresh paint in a worn room or a repaired gate, and the bigger projects that usually don't. You decide what gets done.
- Getting buyers through the door
- Professional photos, a clear written description and outreach to agents who are working with active buyers. Every visit is scheduled around your life and confirmed with you first.
- Offers compared line by line
- Price is one line of a purchase agreement. We walk you through the deposit, loan type, contingency periods and proposed closing date on each offer so you can compare them fairly.
- Disclosures done carefully
- In California, sellers have to share what they know about a property's condition, using paperwork like the Transfer Disclosure Statement along with a report on natural hazards. We explain every question in everyday language, and we keep watch over each due date so nothing slips.
- Escrow through closing
- We stay in contact with escrow, title and the buyer's side, handle inspection requests and repair negotiations, and tell you before anything changes.
Signs a market sale with an agent fits you
You want the best price and have some time
If you can give the sale a month or two, competition among buyers usually brings a higher number than a direct offer.
The property is in livable shape
Buyers using loans need a property that passes an appraisal and lender review. If yours does, the full buyer pool is open to you.
You don't know what it's worth
Online estimates can swing widely for the same address. A confidential valuation based on local sales gives you a real starting point.
Someone already made you an offer
If a buyer or investor approached you directly, we can tell you what their terms actually mean before you sign anything.
You're torn between two routes
Not sure whether to go to market or take a cash offer. We show you both, including what you'd likely net after costs.
What affects your cost of selling
Selling through an agent has real costs, and we'd rather you see them early than at the closing table. Our commission is agreed in writing before we start, and we estimate your net proceeds with you up front. These are the items that move that final number.
Commission terms
Commission is negotiable in California and set in your agreement with us. We also walk you through how compensation for the buyer's side is handled, since that has changed in recent years.
Prep you choose to do
Paint, minor repairs or a deep clean cost money before closing. We help you weigh each one against what buyers are likely to pay for it.
Escrow, title and transfer taxes
Sellers typically pay part of the escrow and title fees, county and city transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes. We list each one in your net estimate.
Requests after the buyer's inspection
Once the buyer's inspector has been through, a request for repairs or a price credit is common. Each answer you give changes what you walk away with, so we weigh every item with you before responding.
Time on the market
Every month the property is unsold means another round of mortgage, insurance and utility payments. Pricing it right from the start keeps that cost down.
How selling with us works
- 1
An unhurried first call
Reach us by phone, set up a video chat or stop by our office, and tell us about the property, your timing and what the sale needs to accomplish. Nothing gets signed on that first call.
- 2
Valuation and a written plan
You get a suggested price range with the sales behind it, plus an estimate of your net proceeds after typical selling costs. Then we agree on a plan together.
- 3
Prep and going to market
You handle any fixes you chose, we arrange photos and the written description, and the property goes live to buyers.
- 4
Offers and negotiation
We review each offer with you in plain English and negotiate on your behalf. You make every decision.
- 5
Escrow and closing
For a financed buyer, California escrow often runs about a month or a little longer. We track inspections, appraisal and contingency removals and keep you posted until the deed records and your funds are released.
Questions sellers ask us
How is using a seller's agent different from selling for cash?
A market sale reaches buyers who use loans, which usually means a higher price but more time, inspections and appraisal steps. A cash sale is faster and simpler, sold as-is with no repairs, but the offer is typically lower. We also run a Guarantee cash offer program, so we can show you both paths and the likely net from each.
Is the commission negotiable?
Yes. In California, commission is set by agreement between you and your agent, not by law. We go over our terms on the first call and put them in writing before any work starts.
Do I have to fix everything before selling?
No. Many properties sell well with only small touch-ups. We tell you which items buyers and lenders tend to care about and which ones you can leave, and you decide.
How long does a market sale usually take?
Time on the market varies with the asking price, the property's condition and the time of year. Once you've signed with a financed buyer, the escrow period is often around 30 days and occasionally runs a little longer. During the valuation step we give you a realistic timeline for your specific property.
Can I keep living in the property while it's for sale?
Yes, most of our sellers do. We schedule buyer visits ahead of time and confirm each one with you, so you're never caught off guard.
What if I change my mind after signing with you?
Your agreement with us states its length and how it can be ended. We read through those terms with you before you sign, so you know your options from day one.
See what a market sale could leave you with
Tell us about the property and your timing. We'll explain your options in plain English and help you decide whether selling on the open market makes sense.