**[O/T]** Hi Joanna, Yes, I have first-hand experience with the California real estate market, so I know what you're going through and how you feel. Fortunately, I was a seller in the great Los Angeles boom of the late '80s. I had 9 months advance notice of a corporate relocation transfer so I had time to study the R.E. market. Got an agent in a couple of months and set a ridiculously high sales price to be offered in about 4 months from that time. I was setting an asking price about $70K higher than a home of my 'model' had ever sold for.
About 3 months later, the agent called and asked to show the house to a couple she felt would meet my price, and they did. We closed within 30 days with the stipulation that we stayed in the house rent-free until the date of official relocation, some 4 months later. By the time we did move, prices for my 'model' had gone about $35K higher than what I had gotten. Sure, I could have gotten more by holding the house off the market longer, but for peace of mind and the easiest real estate sale I ever had, it was well worth leaving the money on the table.
Thank you, California!! I know you're on the opposite side of the deal from where I was, Joanna, and that is a difficult position to be in - especially if you're balancing stock market positions at the same time. Good luck to you! |
