10 Steps To Selling Your Home

Steve LaMothe • June 24, 2021

Steve LaMothe breaks down the 10 steps to Prepare and sell your home

1. Identify your motivation for selling

Spend some time exploring your reasons for selling. The process can be arduous and expensive, so make sure you’re certain you want to sell before you get too far into it.

Address finances: Call your current loan servicer to discuss your remaining mortgage balance. It’s your first step toward understanding how much equity you’ll have when you sell. Knowing this figure can help you budget for improvements you’ll need to make before listing or help you plan for your future home purchase.

Make a list of nonnegotiables: Jot down your must-haves and deal breakers. What’s your time frame to move? What’s your budget for pre-listing home improvements? What’s the minimum sale price you will accept?

2. Research the best time to sell in your area

Understanding the state of your local real estate market — including whether you’re in a buyers or sellers market — can help you identify the best time to sell. If you have flexibility in your timing, you might consider waiting for a sellers market, which occurs when there are more buyers searching for homes than there are homes available. It gives sellers the negotiation power and can drive up prices.

Traditionally, the best time of year to sell your home, both to maximize your profits and to minimize time on market, has been the first half of May. Homes listed for sale in this window often sold six days faster than average and for $1,600 more, according to Zillow research. 2020, however, reset the rules, with the prime selling season extending well into the off season.

This selling window can vary based on your local real estate market, so check out your Zillow Owner Dashboard to learn which month is the best time to list in your local area. Your Owner Dashboard (which can be accessed after claiming your home), also shows your home’s selling price now, compared to the ideal selling month, and it’s based on seasonal sales patterns in your area.

3. Commit to a representation strategy

One of the first things you’ll need to decide is if you’re going to sell your house on your own (which is called “for sale by owner” or “FSBO”) or if you’re going to use a real estate agent. In 2018, just 10 percent of sellers who reported selling in the past year completed the sale of their home without ever engaging an agent. Another 10 percent tried to sell on their own but eventually turned to an agent or broker for help.

Consider the pros and cons of each option, including how quickly you need to sell, the temperature of your local market, and any challenging features of your home that may require expertise in negotiations.

If you plan to sell FSBO:

Allocate enough time to prepare your home for listing and market it across multiple channels — this is why real estate agents work full time.
Research recent comparable sales in your area.
Keep flexible hours for showings or use a lock box.
Listen to feedback from agents and buyers without taking it personally.

If you plan to hire an agent:

Ask for referrals.
Interview each potential agent.
Don’t hesitate to negotiate your contract.
Trust your agent’s home-selling advice.
Hire EXPERIENCE over cost.
Traditional listings sell on average 6-10% more than off market or Instant offer approach.

Instant Offer Approach

Can be very fast and convenient.
Select your closing date and move out date.
Provides certainty.
Most expensive route to sell your home.

4. Complete home improvements

Preparing to sell your home typically takes some work, whether that’s your own sweat equity or some professional improvements. After all, you want buyers to fall in love with your home, like you did when you first bought it. Spend some time getting your home move-in ready, in a way that will appeal to the broadest range of potential buyers.

According to research, sellers who bring in professional help spend an average of $4,953 preparing their home for sale, but the repairs and upgrades you decide to make will probably depend on the condition of your home and what buyers in your area are looking for. Your real estate agent can be a big help in identifying the items that should be on your to-do list. Whatever you decide to do, here are a few tips for home improvements.

Opt for a pre-inspection: While it’s likely that your buyer will do an inspection as part of the purchase process, sellers often opt to do their own pre-inspection. Among sellers who worked with an agent, 25 percent had an inspection done before contacting an agent. Why? A pre-inspection can help you avoid surprises down the road and gives you a chance to fix the items that an inspector would flag for a buyer.

Increase ROI with popular improvements: Consider adding some of the home features that today’s buyers love, like a steam shower, professional kitchen appliances, heated floors or radiant heating, or solar panels.

Don’t forget curb appeal: To make that all-important first impression, spend some time on your front yard. Powerwash driveways and sidewalks, add some seasonal plants to pots and garden beds, cut back overgrown plants and rake leaves.

Avoid improvements by selling as-is: While you will likely pocket less money in the end, selling a home as-is, without completing any major improvements, is a way to speed up your overall sale process and limit upfront out-of-pocket costs.

5. Price your home competitively

Finding the right listing price for your home can be a challenge, but it’s one of the most important factors in a successful home sale. Homes that are accurately priced are more likely to sell in a timely manner. According to Zillow research, 57 percent of homes nationwide sell at or above listing price when they accept an offer in the first week. In the second week on the market, that drops to 50 percent and trends downward as the weeks go on.

To sell quickly, use all the tools at your disposal to help you price your home for sale.

Research comparables: Also known as “comps,” comparables are records of recent homes that have sold and their sale price. It’s important that the comps you use as reference are of a similar size and condition as yours, and in a very similar area — the closer to your home, the better.

Hire an appraiser: Having a professional appraisal done on your home can cost between $300 and $700, but it can be a small price to pay if it helps you sell your home quickly and for an appropriate price.

Reference the Zestimate: Zillow’s Zestimate is the estimated market value for your own home, and you can find it by searching your address on Zillow. Your home’s Zestimate is computed daily, taking into consideration millions of public and user-submitted data points. It can be a great place to start your home-pricing conversation.

Lean on your agent: Your real estate agent should be an expert in home values in your area, so they’re a great resource for finding the right listing price. Plus, they can provide guidance on a pricing strategy that will spark the most interest and maybe even inspire a bidding war.

6. Stage your house to sell

Preparing your home to sell should also include arranging your furniture, organizing and decorating in a way that appeals to the widest range of potential buyers.

Staging your home can take many different forms and require varying levels of effort, but here are a few key tips:

Declutter, clean and depersonalize: Too much stuff in a room can make your home feel small, crowded and lacking in storage. And having too many personal items, like family photos, can make it hard for buyers to picture themselves living in the home.

Select a staging plan that fits your needs: There are multiple degrees of home staging to choose from, based on your budget, timeline and how valuable staging is in your local area. Some staging can be done in a DIY manner, while other larger staging projects are typically completed by a professional.

Pare down pets’ and kids’ belongings: While many buyers are pet owners or parents of young kids, they want to visualize their own families in the home, not yours. Take the time to repair pet damage, remove pets’ belongings, and clear away kids’ items like gates, highchairs and piles of toys.

7. Market your listing effectively

Once your home is ready for buyers, the next step is getting your listing in front of as many buyers as possible. Here are some tips for how to list a home for sale.

Advertise across multiple channels: Today’s home buyers search for homes in many ways, from surfing online listings, to looking for ‘for sale’ or ‘open house’ signs in front yards. The more places your listing shows up, the more buyers will see it — and the more likely you are to find a buyer.

Invest in professional marketing photos: With the majority of buyers (and their agents) searching online, your home’s MLS or Zillow listing is your home’s first impression, and professional photos can go a long way toward making your home stand out. Make sure the photos are realistic and high quality. You might even consider doing a video tour.

Craft an enticing listing description: Your listing description should highlight your home’s best features and the amenities that buyers in your area are looking for. If a rooftop deck, backyard pool, access to public transit or nearby green spaces are popular where you live, make sure to include them. Overall, though, keep your listing description short and avoid confusing real estate jargon.

Schedule showings: You’ve done all the work to get your home ready for buyers, so make sure you accommodate as many showings as possible, whether that’s remote viewings, private tours or open houses. And there’s more to a showing than just a clean house. Make sure there’s a way to let shoppers leave feedback. Keep records of who visits, and if you’re selling on your own, consider having a third-party representative host your tours so buyers feel comfortable speaking their mind.

8. Watch for closing hurdles

If your home has been on the market for a while and isn’t selling as quickly as you had hoped, you may need to rewind and address some of the steps discussed above, such as making home improvements, setting a competitive price and marketing effectively.

Getting that great offer is probably the biggest hurdle to the home-selling process, but once your home goes under contract, that doesn’t necessarily mean the challenges have ended. Consider these potential issues that can come up between the time you accept an offer and closing day.

Bad home inspection report: The home inspection a buyer does on your home can raise all kinds of red flags, and when major issues are uncovered, a buyer might decide the fixes are too expensive and walk away from the deal. Whether the inspection report reveals small fixes or big problems, be prepared to negotiate after the report is completed.

Home appraisal too low: If your buyer is financing the home, their lender will typically order an appraisal to make sure the home is worth the amount being financed. If the value of the home comes in below the loan amount, the buyer will have to come up with the difference in cash or walk away from the deal.

Financing failure: During the underwriting process, it’s possible that your buyer’s financing could fall through. This can be caused by many different things, such as new debt, missed credit card payments, or a change in employment that makes the bank feel like there’s too much risk in financing the home.

9. Move out

Plan for moving costs: No matter where you’re moving, moving is expensive and time-consuming. Even a local move of less than 100 miles, serviced by two movers and a moving truck, has an average charge of $80 to $100 per hour.

Make sure you take steps to prepare to avoid any costly surprises on moving day.

Time it right: Not only is moving expensive, but the timing is crucial — according to the Zillow Consumer Housing Trends Report 2018, 61 percent of sellers also buy within a 12-month period. If you’re buying and selling simultaneously, you might consider temporary housing so you don’t have to worry about timing your sale and purchase perfectly, which rarely happens.

Be prepared to move quickly: The average time it takes to sell a house in 2018 is between 65 and 93 days, from list to close, so you’ll need to be prepared to move out in a short period of time. It’s a must that you be out of the home by the closing date.

10. Fulfill closing obligations

When it comes time to close on the home, you as the seller are responsible for some legal documents and processes.

Complete repairs and obtain certifications: If you are obligated to complete repairs as a condition of your post-inspection negotiations, it is your responsibility to complete those tasks before closing. Additionally, if the buyers asked for (and you agreed to) any specific inspections or certifications, like a sewer line inspection or roof condition certification, those should be completed as well.

Submit property disclosures: In most states, as a seller you’re required to disclose any known defects or issues that could affect the value or safety of the home — this is known as a property disclosure. These must be documented in writing prior to closing, and the specific rules and procedures vary based on where you live.

Review expected closing costs: Selling a house can be expensive, so review your estimated closing costs ahead of closing day to prepare for the charges you’ll see. Closing costs for sellers can be as high as 8 to 10 percent of the sale price of the home, and that amount is made up of your agent’s commission, the buyer’s agent’s commission (which is typically paid by the seller), and taxes and fees. But, assuming you have some equity in the home you’re selling, these costs will come directly out of the profits you’ll be receiving upon closing.

Sign documents: One of the very last steps is showing up for your closing appointment, where you’ll sign all the legal documents related to the sale of your property. Depending on the state you live in, you may sign during the same appointment as your buyer, or you may do it separately.

Hand over keys: The keys are handed over to the buyer once you vacate the premises, and as dictated in your contract with the buyer. If the buyer is taking immediate possession, you might hand over the keys at the closing appointment. Or, depending on the terms of your agreement, it could be much later.

Close the transaction: At closing, the settlement agent (either the closing attorney or escrow company hired at the outset of the transaction) will record the new deed for the home with the county, pay off your remaining mortgage balance, pay all closing costs and make sure you receive your profit.

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What To Consider Before Getting a 50-Year Mortgage

By Steve LaMothe • November 21, 2025

You might be able to afford a larger home or a home in a better neighborhood, but there’s a catch: you’ll pay more interest over time. Are you curious about how a 50-year mortgage could impact your future home-buying plans? While it sounds like a great way to stretch out payments and afford a larger home, it’s important to understand both the benefits and drawbacks before diving in. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this long-term mortgage option and whether it’s a good fit for you in today’s housing market. What is a 50-year mortgage? It’s a loan where you pay off your home over 50 years instead of the usual 30 years. The biggest difference is that the payments are stretched out over a longer period, which can help lower your monthly payments. But here’s the catch: You’ll pay much more in interest over time. Interest is the extra money you pay the bank for borrowing their money. The longer you borrow, the more interest you pay. How this helps you buy a home. One of the main reasons someone might consider a 50-year mortgage is to make homeownership more affordable. If you're struggling to make higher payments on a traditional 30-year mortgage, a 50-year mortgage could lower your monthly costs. This means you might be able to afford a larger home or a home in a better neighborhood. For some people, this can be a way to enter the housing market when they wouldn't have been able to afford it otherwise. "The right choice depends on your personal goals, your ability to pay, and how long you plan to stay in the home." What are the risks? While the lower monthly payments sound good, there are some important risks to consider. First, since the loan is spread out over 50 years, you’ll end up paying a lot more money in interest over the life of the loan. Even though your monthly payment is lower, the total amount you pay to the bank will be much higher than if you took a 30-year mortgage. Also, it's important to remember that most people don’t stay in the same house for 50 years. If you plan to move or sell your home before then, you may not see the full benefit of the lower payments. Who should consider this option? This could be a good option for people who are struggling to afford a home with a traditional loan, but it’s not right for everyone. If you’re planning to stay in one place for a long time and can handle the higher total cost, it could make sense. But if you think you’ll move in the next few years, you might be better off with a traditional 30-year mortgage, where you’ll pay less in interest over time. Is it the right choice for you? Choosing a mortgage is a big decision, and a 50-year mortgage is just one option. It can help make homeownership more affordable in the short term, but it also comes with long-term costs that you should carefully consider. The right choice depends on your personal goals, your ability to pay, and how long you plan to stay in the home. If you're interested in learning more about mortgage options or need help navigating the home-buying process, I can help. Call me today at (916) 862-5463 or email me at STEVE@HOMESBYELEVATE.COM to get started on your journey to homeownership!

Sacramento Homebuyers: Interest Rates Are Now Under 5%!

By Steve LaMothe • November 6, 2025

Rates just dropped, and it’s sparking buyer activity across Sacramento. Find out how to take advantage before the rush. Is now a good time to buy or sell in Sacramento? 2025 is almost over, and it feels like the year just flew by. You might’ve heard lately that the Fed has lowered interest rates. All year, I’ve been calling the market sluggish, and that’s still true. Homes are taking longer to sell, around 50 to 55 days on average. Prices are adjusting too, with average sales down 1% to 2%, meaning some neighborhoods are still seeing values decline. As the holidays approach, I want to share some updates about the Sacramento real estate market. Interest rate trends. Interest rates have dropped a lot since January. Back then, rates were between 7% and 8%, which is very expensive given average Sacramento home prices around $500,000 to $550,000. Now, we’re seeing rates consistently in the fives. On conventional loans, buyers are locking rates around 5.5% to 5.8%, and many are getting 6% or below. Sometimes you might pay a small fee to get under 6%, but almost everyone is well below 6.5%. Rates may continue to drop gradually over the next year, maybe a quarter point every couple of months, but the Fed is being careful not to push prices back up too fast. "The holiday season can be a smart time to buy, with fewer people are looking during this period." Implications for buyers. For buyers, this is great news. Inventory has increased and is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, giving you more choices and less competition. The holiday season can also be a smart time to buy since fewer people are looking during this period, which could mean some great deals. Remember, you can lock rates in the fives now and refinance next year if rates drop further. Implications for sellers. Sellers shouldn’t expect prices to skyrocket immediately, but lower interest rates will bring buyers back into the market. That makes fall or the fourth quarter a potentially good time to sell, with motivated buyers looking for homes at manageable rates. Now, for a little holiday fun, our free pie event is back! From November 19th to 21st, you can come pick up a homemade pie. We’ve been doing this for 10 years, and it’s always a favorite. We’re making 150 pies, but spots are filling fast, so check your email or mailbox to reserve yours. It’s a fun tradition, and we love seeing everyone in person. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just staying informed, we’re always here to help. Visit our website at HomesByElevate.com for more info. We can’t wait to see you at our pie event and connect before the year wraps up!

How To Get an Interest Rate at 4% or Less

By Steve LaMothe • October 17, 2025

Buyers can cut costs by assuming existing loans and focusing on homes with low, government-backed mortgages. Are you struggling to find a Sacramento home with a low interest rate? If you’ve been looking at homes lately, you’ve probably noticed how tough affordability is right now. But the good news is there are ways to still land a home with an interest rate under 4%. At Elevate Realty Group, we’re compiling thousands of properties that qualify for rates as low as 2.5% or 3.54%, and I want to walk you through two ways to make it happen. 1. Explore VA loans. If you’re a veteran and qualify for a VA home loan, there’s a great opportunity to get a low interest rate. We can look for homes that already have VA loans with rates below 4%, even if those homes aren’t currently for sale. Then, we focus on the neighborhoods you want to live in and reach out to those homeowners directly. With our 4% guarantee, we can help VA homebuyers secure a home with an interest rate under 4%. 2. Find assumable homes. For everyone else, like conventional and FHA buyers, there are still opportunities to get low rates. In the Sacramento area, I’d say that 60% or more of homes have interest rates below 4%. Many homeowners stay in their current homes because they don’t want to sell and get a higher rate of around 7%. By targeting homes with government-backed loans at 4% or less, we can make offers above the market value that are very attractive to sellers. "There are ways to still land a home with an interest rate under 4%." For example, if a home is listed at $600,000 with a 3.5% FHA loan, we might offer $640,000. Even with the higher price, your monthly payment at 3% could be $400 to $500 less than paying market value at today’s rates. Important considerations. There are a few important things to know if you go this route. First, you still have to qualify for the mortgage, which means having a down payment and meeting the usual approval requirements. You also need to understand the details of assuming the existing mortgage and paying the difference between the mortgage balance and your purchase price. Second, this approach takes time. We usually plan for about 90 days to complete it, so it’s not a quick 14- or 21-day close. At Elevate Realty Group, we have very specific and creative ways to make homeownership more affordable. Our goal is to help you capture the dream of owning a home and start building equity at a lower cost. If this sounds like something you want to explore, reach out to us at homesbyelevate.com or call us at (916) 862-5463 or visit HomesByElevate.com . We’re happy to help you.

How To Get 4.99% Interest Rates in Today’s Market

By Steve LaMothe • September 9, 2025

Forget haggling on the list price - builders rarely negotiate on price, but they will on credits and upgrades. Ever wondered what it really takes to buy a new construction home without overpaying or missing out on deals? Right now, there are some great options on the market, but most buyers don’t fully understand how the process works. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions and go over the top three things you need to know before making a move on a brand-new home. 1. Builders don’t like to negotiate on price. The first thing I tell every client is that big builders, like Lennar and JMC, don’t usually negotiate on price. They’ve been developing these communities for a while, and homes have already been sold to other buyers at set prices. If you come in with a lower offer, the builder isn’t likely to budge because they want to protect the value of the neighborhood. That said, there are ways to work around this. Builders are often flexible with credits instead of lowering the price directly. You can ask for things like lender credits, upgrades, or even having a backyard installed. We had a client recently who ended up with over $90,000 in credits and upgrades, including a completed backyard. Focusing on concessions instead of the list price can be a game-changer. "Builders are often flexible with credits instead of lowering the price directly." 2. Understand how new construction works. Not every home is ready to move in immediately. Many times, you’ll pick a lot and choose a floor plan, which can take patience. You might not be able to wait six months or so. Builders also don’t list all their available homes on the MLS, so it’s not always obvious what’s available. That’s why working with someone who knows the ins and outs of new construction and the communities you’re interested in is so important. 3. The value of experienced representation. Finally, having an experienced agent on your side is critical. If you walk into a new construction community alone, the opportunity is already limited. The salesperson there represents the builder, not you. Meeting with your agent first and going in together ensures the builder recognizes your relationship. Clients who buy new construction with our representation often save 5% to 10% compared to someone represented by the builder’s agent. It’s like hiring your own attorney, and you wouldn’t want them representing the other side. So, whether it’s negotiating credits, understanding the process, or having the right representation, these three points can make a big difference in buying new construction. In today’s market, it pays to work with someone who knows what they’re doing. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home, call us at (916) 862-5463 or visit HomesByElevate.com . We’re happy to help you.

Inventory Is Still Increasing in Sacramento!

By Steve LaMothe • August 11, 2025

Sacramento’s housing inventory is up compared to last year, giving buyers more options while sellers face tighter competition. Are there really fewer buyers in today’s Sacramento housing market? Lately, I’ve been receiving a lot of calls from clients, especially sellers, who are starting to feel frustrated. Most are noticing that their homes are taking longer to sell, and it’s becoming more difficult to attract offers or even schedule showings. Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, these changes will certainly affect how you navigate the market. To help you decide what steps to take next, here’s a quick breakdown of what’s really happening in Sacramento’s real estate. Rising inventory is reshaping the market. One of the biggest shifts in this year’s market has been the significant increase in available homes for sale. With more inventory, sellers are facing increased competition. This has led to more frequent price reductions and has given buyers the space to take their time when making purchasing decisions. Historically, the market follows a fairly consistent seasonal pattern. Inventory tends to peak in the summer months and then begins to decline as winter approaches. But do note that this drop doesn’t mean fewer homes are being sold. It’s just that fewer people are listing their homes during this time. July inventory surge. What stands out this year is the number of active listings in July. Sacramento saw nearly 9,500 homes on the market, which is approximately 35% more than in July of the previous year. With interest rates hovering between 7.5% to 8%, buyers are being cautious about their purchases and are taking longer to commit. Over the past year or two, we’ve also consistently seen 30% to 40% more homes on the market compared to earlier years. While inventory levels today are similar to those in 2021 and 2022, the difference is that more homes were going pending back then. That shift was largely due to lower interest rates, which made it easier for buyers to act quickly and confidently. "The data shows that buyer interest remains strong, but the growing number of listings is creating more competition." Pending sales stay steady. The number of pending sales follows predictable seasonal patterns: dipping during winter and rising again in the spring and summer. This pattern occurs not because there are more buyers during those seasons, but because more homes tend to be listed during those months. Each year, the number of homes going pending remains fairly consistent, typically within a 5% range. The main variable affecting the market is how many homes are listed for sale at any given time. Pandemic shifts still shape the market. Looking at data from the past six years shows a clear trend. In 2019, there were around 11,000 Sacramento homes for sale. In 2020, during the early stages of the pandemic, that number dropped to about 5,000. Now, in 2025, we’re back up to roughly 9,500 homes on the market. During the pandemic, pending sales peaked at around 5,000. Today, they’re sitting closer to 3,500. So while buyer activity has dipped a bit, it hasn’t dropped nearly as much as inventory has grown. This highlights a key point in understanding the current market. What this means for you. Buyers have not disappeared. The data shows that buyer interest remains strong, but the growing number of listings is creating more competition. As a result, prices have started to soften. So far this year, Sacramento has experienced a price reduction of around 3% to 5%, and that trend is likely to continue unless the number of homes for sale begins to stabilize. If you are planning to sell your home, it’s important to recognize that the challenge is not a lack of buyers. Demand remains present, but sellers now face more competition. If you’d like to discuss your options, feel free to reach out at (916) 862-5463 or visit HomesByElevate.com . We’re happy to assist you.

What the HECK Is Going On With Sacramento’s Real Estate Market?

By Steve LaMothe • July 18, 2025

We’ve all noticed the market shift—inventory is up and sales are slower. I’ll share insider tips to help you stay ahead of the market. What’s really going on in Sacramento’s real estate market? For the past four years, the Sacramento real estate market was in a state of "nonexistent inventory,” with a record-low number of homes available for sale. Despite high interest rates climbing from 4% to 8.5%, homes were selling quickly. But in 2025, the market is shifting . We're seeing an increase in inventory, and homes are spending more time on the market. I view this as normalization . Here’s what’s really happening and what this means for you, whether you’re buying or selling: Rising home inventory. This year, we've seen almost 40% of homes go for sale, which has a significant impact on the Sacramento region. With rising interest rates, fewer buyers are entering the market, so a lot of unsold homes roll over to the following month. Now in July, properties are sitting longer as more inventory continues to hit the market. This is a clear sign that buyer demand isn’t keeping up. "Buyers have more room to negotiate, but sellers can still win with the right strategy." Home prices are dropping. Due to the rising inventory, we're starting to see longer selling times and a slight drop in home prices of about 3 percent. This has been going on since January and February, and if it continues, we may see home prices drop by 6% to 7% this year. This is not necessarily a bad thing; houses have become expensive for buyers, and now it's more affordable to get one. As we go through the year, it's important to watch buyer demand. If interest rates go down and more homes become available, prices could drop quickly if there are more homes than buyers. What does this mean for you? For buyers, this could be an ideal time to find homes at a good deal. With homes sitting longer on the market, sellers are willing to negotiate more. If you’re selling, you can still sell in this market, but having a good strategy is a must. With prices going down slowly, there's no need to wait. Got plans to buy or sell this year? We can help. With years of experience in the business, I know exactly what to do to help you find the perfect home or get the best deal for your home sale—even in a tough market. Feel free to reach out to us. Just call (916) 862-5463 or visit HomesByElevate.com . We look forward to hearing from you!

Why 2025 Is the Best Time To Buy a Home in 3 Years

By Steve LaMothe • June 6, 2025

With fewer bidding wars, price drops, and more negotiation power, homebuyers finally have the upper hand after years of intense competition. Is now the best time to buy a home in the last three years? Lately, we’re seeing more homes come onto the market, and they’re staying available a bit longer. This shift is opening up new opportunities for buyers who have been waiting for the right moment. Let’s dive deeper to see why this could be the best time to buy. Buyers are in a better spot. Inventory is up about 30% to 35% compared to last year. At the same time, the number of homes going pending has dropped sharply, especially over the past 60 days. When you put those together — more homes available and fewer are selling quickly — deals are starting to happen. Sellers are dropping prices to compete, and buyers are getting offers accepted well below asking, which hasn’t been common in recent years. This is a change from the last three years when buyers often had to compete with multiple offers or submit very high bids just to be considered. "Sellers are dropping prices to compete, and buyers are getting offers accepted well below asking, which hasn’t been common in recent years." I believe this is the best window we’ve had to buy since the pandemic started. If you’ve been on the fence or wondering if buying is possible, now might be the time to take a closer look. We can help break down the numbers for you. We can also build a plan to help you save and prepare over the next year. A shift sellers didn’t expect. Sellers have held the upper hand for about six years, so this change in the market feels significant. While they’re still getting solid prices and we’re not seeing a major drop in home values, the momentum has shifted. Based on current trends, it wouldn’t be surprising to see values dip by 1% to 5% this year. Buyers are finally gaining some leverage again —and that’s a welcome change. If you’ve been thinking about buying, now’s a great time to explore your options. We’re happy to help—at no cost to you—by putting together a personalized purchase plan. Just give us a call at 916-436-SELL , or check out homesbyelevate.com . We’ll walk you through the steps to save and prepare.

2025 Sacramento Real Estate Mid-Year Market Update

By Steve LaMothe • May 21, 2025

Sacramento’s inventory is up 25%, but buyer demand is dropping. Know what’s driving the shift and how it affects home prices for buyers and sellers. What’s going on with the Sacramento real estate market halfway through 2025? This year has been moving fast, but what’s really interesting is how much the market has shifted in just the past couple of months. After a relatively quiet start, things have started to change in ways that are important for both buyers and sellers. Over the last 60 days, some significant trends have emerged that could shape the rest of the year. It’s definitely worth taking a closer look at what’s driving these changes and what they mean for the market right now. Let’s dive in. Looking back: from a slow 2024 to a hopeful start in 2025. Last year, 2024, was one of the slowest on record for home sales in Sacramento, setting a quiet tone for the market. Going into 2025, I expected things to stay fairly similar, with no big changes in interest rates or sudden surges in buyer activity. However, the first few months surprised us a bit— sales picked up by about 10% compared to last year, and buyers seemed noticeably more motivated and confident. This early momentum gave hope that the market might be warming up after a sluggish period. Inventory is rising as buyer demand slows. Over the past 60 days, the Sacramento real estate market has taken a noticeable turn. Buyer demand has slowed down, with fewer people going under contract and purchasing homes. Meanwhile, the number of homes listed for sale has risen sharply. "This isn’t a market crash—it’s simply the housing market rebalancing after being inflated by low inventory." When fewer buyers are buying but new listings keep coming, inventory starts to build up quickly. For example, if 1,000 homes are listed in a month but only 300 go pending, that leaves 700 homes still available the following month. Add another 1,000 new listings on top of that, and you end up with a growing backlog of homes sitting on the market. This increase in inventory alongside slowing sales is exactly what we’re seeing right now. Shifting dynamics are putting pressure on home prices. With more homes hitting the market and fewer buyers actively looking, smart pricing has become more important than ever. A well-priced home might get three to five showings each week, but if it's even slightly overpriced, showings can drop to one every couple of weeks—or none at all. That’s a big change from previous years, when buyers were more aggressive despite high interest rates because there weren’t many options available. Back then, homes went under contract quickly, often within two weeks. Now, inventory is up roughly 20% to 25% compared to this time last year, while pending sales are down 10% to 15% over the past two months. If this continues, inventory will keep rising, and home prices will face more downward pressure. At this point, I expect prices to remain mostly flat or dip slightly for about 1% to 3% in some neighborhoods. That said, this isn’t a market crash—it’s simply the market rebalancing after being inflated by low inventory. If you’re thinking about selling, it’s really important to price and present your home right to attract buyers. For buyers who have been hesitant over the past few years, now is a great time to jump in. We’re seeing homes sell under their asking price, and despite higher interest rates, there are still some great deals available. If you want to learn more, give us a call at 916-436-SELL , or check out homesbyelevate.com . We’re happy to keep you updated about the market.

How We Transformed This Bedroom Into Every Little Boy’s Dream Space

By Steve LaMothe • May 15, 2025

We partnered with Sweet Dreams Foundation to make a Pokémon-themed bedroom and firehouse playroom for a brave young boy. This month, the Elevate team had the immense honor of partnering with the Sweet Dreams Foundation for our second dream bedroom transformation project. Sweet Dreams Foundation is a nonprofit in Folsom, CA, dedicated to creating safe havens called “DREAM ROOMS” for medically fragile children to forget treatments and find joy. Their mission is to spread peace, hope, and love while encouraging a healthy lifestyle to lift each child’s spirit. We collaborated to support Leo, a bright, brave young boy courageously battling a life-threatening illness. With Sweet Dreams leading the vision and Elevate lending our hands and hearts, our shared mission was to bring light, comfort, and joy to Leo’s world by creating a bedroom and playroom that reflected his favorite things and gave him a space to feel safe, playful, and loved. With the help of volunteer firefighters, generous vendors, and the dedicated Sweet Dreams team, we unveiled a completely transformed space for Leo. His new bedroom featured a Pokémon theme and a custom firehouse-themed playroom. It was complete with imaginative details and interactive elements that turned the space into his dream come true. This partnership with Sweet Dreams Foundation is one we deeply value. At Elevate , we believe in using our skills and resources to uplift the communities we serve , and nothing means more than making a difference for children like Leo. If you’d like to learn more, get involved, or explore future partnership opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 916-436-SELL , or check out homesbyelevate.com to learn more. We’d love to hear from you.

How clients are utilizing our elevate concierge renovation program to pocket 20-40k in profit over the traditional agent!

By Steve LaMothe • May 7, 2025

Elevate's concierge program is putting MILLIONS of dollars in customers pockets!

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