How Do I Know If I'm Getting a Fair Price for My Home?
The asking price is not the same as what you actually walk away with. Most Southern California sellers don't learn this until it's too late. Here's how to calculate your real net number before you sign anything.
One of the most Googled real estate questions in Southern California right now is: "How do I know if I'm getting a fair offer on my house?" It's exactly the right question — and most sellers don't get a straight answer until after they've already committed to a path.
The asking price vs. your net proceeds
Every seller focuses on the sale price. The number that actually matters is your net proceeds — what lands in your bank account after every cost is subtracted. These two numbers can be dramatically different.
The costs most sellers underestimate
Agent commissions. Still averaging 5.03% in California as of 2026. On a $900,000 home, that's $45,270 — before you've paid a single closing cost.
Closing costs. Title insurance, escrow fees, transfer taxes, and prorated property taxes typically run 1–3% of the sale price. On a $900K home, add another $9,000–$27,000.
Pre-sale repairs and preparation. Buyers today expect move-in ready homes. Staging, photography, and addressing deferred maintenance come out of your pocket first — before any offer arrives.
Carrying costs while it sits. Your mortgage, insurance, HOA, and utilities don't stop while your home is on the market. In some SoCal neighborhoods, average days on market has stretched to 60–90 days. At $3,000–$5,000 per month, that's real money.
The comparison every seller should run
Before you commit to any path, you should know your net number under each scenario side by side — traditional listing, cash offer, and reduced-commission listing. When you run those numbers honestly, the "higher" sale price from a traditional listing doesn't always produce the highest net proceeds.
How to verify any offer is fair
Ask for a comparative market analysis (CMA) showing recent sales of comparable homes within one mile, sold in the last 90 days. Price per square foot is your most reliable benchmark. Any offer within 85–95% of a well-supported CMA value is within normal range for an as-is, fast-close transaction.
Get your real numbers — both options, side by side.
We show every seller exactly what they'd net from a direct cash offer and what listing on the open market would realistically return — with actual comparable sales, not estimates. No obligation, no pressure.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Open Market Offers operates under a licensed California real estate agent.