If you’re thinking about selling your home in Los Angeles, brace yourself. Because spoiler alert: it’s often a lot more expensive than most sellers expect.

Let’s start with the biggest hit: agent compensation. That’s a major chunk of your closing costs. You’ve got your listing agent, and then potentially offering compensation to a buyer’s agent too. With today’s shifting market, hiring the right agent—not just the cheapest—is critical. You need someone who’s not just listing your home, but solving problems, negotiating strategically, and guiding you every step of the way.

Another big reality check? The net sheet. Before accepting any offer, you should be reviewing this document—it breaks down your full estimated closing costs, including escrow, title, taxes, fees, agent compensation, city and county transfer taxes, and more. Don’t forget to factor in how much you owe on your mortgage—and if you have solar panels, that’s another cost to consider.

Then there’s moving, which most sellers seriously underestimate. It’s not just about hiring a truck—it’s about packing, time, labor, and logistics. Moving out of state? Costs can double or even triple. Always get an in-person quote—not just over the phone—and plan early.

Don’t overlook pre-listing prep either. Landscaping, painting, flooring, staging—it all adds up. A little curb appeal online goes a long way, and today’s buyers expect your home to shine on screen. Just painting can cost $7,500 or more. That’s where our Concierge Plus Program comes in—helping sellers fund improvements up front and deducting the cost at closing. No out-of-pocket, no markup.

Timing is another overlooked factor. You can’t just list next week—you need time to prep, stage, and market properly. And once listed? It may sit. Average days on market are now in the 30s and 40s—not the 5 to 10 days we saw during the pandemic. That slower pace can throw off even the best plans.

You’ll also deal with emotions and inspections. From buyers criticizing your home to receiving a 200-page inspection report, the process can feel overwhelming. Our advice? Do a pre-listing inspection. It builds trust with buyers and reduces surprises.

Repairs? Always offer a credit if you can—it saves time, reduces conflict, and keeps the deal alive. Because after weeks of cleaning, staging, and negotiating, the last thing you want is a deal falling apart over a $2,000 fix.

Lastly, be aware of compensation rule changes in 2024. Buyer agent commissions are now part of the offer and negotiated separately. This adds transparency—but also more complexity. You need an expert on your side.

Selling your home isn’t just a transaction—it’s a strategy, a marathon, and a major financial move. If you want a smoother, more profitable experience, we’re here to help.

I’m Scott Himelstein with the Scott Himelstein Group—your trusted Los Angeles real estate expert. Let’s talk strategy when you’re ready to sell.