Answers by Joan Lamond

You have 3 options when a buyer offer comes in: 1) Accept 2) Counter 3) Reject Often times, the 1st offer in is strong and shows a level of commitment that other buyers haven’t shown. Without knowing the specific offer terms and price and your situation, it’s hard to give a complete answer. What I do know is that you have an offer in hand, and you can send a counter offer with your agent’s guidance. An offer is not accepted and official until all parties have signed, and that could take a few days to a week sometimes with back-and-forth during negotiations. If other offers come in during your negotiations, you can also counter, accept, or reject those. With an experienced agent, they could create a situation where 2 buyers can escalate to start bidding higher in order to win the house. If no other offers come in during your negotiations, it is your decision whether you want to move forward with that buyer or wait, but you would be taking a risk. Joan Lamond with The Agency 323.628.6122 📍Pasadena, CA, La Cañada Flintridge & Greater L.A.

Although you don’t need to prep your home before talking to a real estate agent, I recommend my 3 Ds: 1) De-clutter. Clear away clutter throughout the house, especially all countertops in the kitchen and all bathrooms. Remove everything off refrigerator. 2) De-personalize. Take down all pictures with people or pets, any religious relics, any craft projects, etc… 3) Deep clean. Give everything a deep clean. Other than these items, a real estate agent will give you the best guidance on what repairs or upgrades will be the best return on your investment. I would not recommend doing updates without the input of your agent first. We know what buyers are looking for and what is desired in today’s market. Joan Lamond at The Agency 323.628.6122 📍Pasadena, CA, La Cañada Flintridge & Greater L.A.

Depending on where your house is, the market is neighborhood specific. Most areas in greater L.A. are still experiencing low inventory and strong buyer demand. In cities like Pasadena, La Canada, and San Marino, many houses are still selling in multiple offers and selling above the listing price within a month’s time in 2026. There are 3 main factors that influence whether a house sells quickly and for top dollar, or if it gathers days on the market: 1) Good location and floor plan. Back in the pandemic days of 2-3% interest rates, buyers would buy a house on a busy street and an awkward layout and fight 20 other buyers for it. That is not the case anymore. 2) Condition and preparation. A well-prepared house is usually the best way to gain the attention of buyers. If a house is being sold as-is, needing tlc, it can still sell in multiple offers, so long as the price matches the condition, Many times, that pushes the price higher since multiple offers may occur. 3) Listing price. Don’t over-price your home hoping to get the same amount your neighbor with a remodeled kitchen and bathrooms did if you don’t have those same upgrades. Trust your agent’s recommendation. We do this everyday! Joan Lamond at The Agency 📍Pasadena, CA, La Cañada Flintridge, & Greater L.A. 323.628.6122