Let’s Be Honest — Selling Your Home Can Feel… A Lot

If you’ve ever stared at your overflowing “to-do” list before putting your house on the market, you know the feeling. Declutter, paint, fix, stage, photograph, market, negotiate — all while keeping your house spotless for showings?

That’s where I come in. I’m LuAnn Shikasho, Sacramento realtor and firm believer that selling your home shouldn’t feel like a second job. With the right prep, pricing, and local strategy, you can sell fast — without leaving money on the table.

Step 1: Get the Timing Right

Sacramento’s housing market has its rhythms. Spring and early summer traditionally see the most buyer activity — but 2025’s market is more balanced, meaning the “best time” depends on your goals, not just the calendar.

💡 Local Insight:

• Elk Grove and Folsom homes often move quickly in spring when families plan for the next school year.

• Midtown and East Sac stay strong year-round because urban buyers don’t wait for school schedules.

• Inventory remains tight county-wide, so well-priced homes can shine any month of the year.

Step 2: Price It Like a Pro (Not an Algorithm)

Online estimates are fine for fun — but Sacramento buyers are savvy, and pricing too high can kill your momentum fast.

Here’s how I price strategically:

• Analyze your micro-market (specific neighborhood, not the county average)

• Compare pending and sold listings, not just active ones

• Adjust for upgrades, lot size, and even your home’s positioning (corner lots in Elk Grove? Premium!)

📊 Pro Tip: In 2025, homes priced right in Sacramento County are averaging 22 days on market — overpriced ones? Over 60.

Step 3: Prep Like You Mean It

You don’t need to gut-renovate. You just need to make buyers fall in love.

Focus on:
✅ Curb appeal: Fresh mulch, trimmed hedges, and a clean entryway — first impressions matter.
✅ Light & flow: Open blinds, remove bulky furniture, and brighten with warm lighting.
✅ Neutral, not boring: Paint in light, modern tones (think soft beige or light greige).

For my clients, I personally guide what’s worth fixing versus what to leave alone. (Spoiler: You don’t need to replace every faucet.)

Step 4: Market It Like a Modern Pro

Gone are the days of just a “For Sale” sign. My listings get:
📸 Professional photography that tells a story
🎥 Short-form video & reels — perfect for Sacramento’s Instagram and YouTube crowd
🖥️ Digital marketing across Facebook, Google, and high-traffic real estate platforms
📅 Open houses optimized for local traffic (and paired with community events when possible)

And yes, I handle all of it so you don’t have to worry about a thing — except where to celebrate your sale dinner.

Step 5: Negotiation & Closing — Where Experience Pays Off

Once offers start rolling in, it’s all about strategy. Do we push for top dollar? Shorter contingencies? Rent-back options? That’s where I shine — balancing data with intuition.

Sacramento buyers are still motivated in 2025, but they’re also cautious. That means strong negotiation skills and communication matter more than ever.

Average closing timeline in Sacramento County? About 25 days if everyone stays on track — and I make sure they do.

Step 6: Celebrate the Win 🎉

When escrow closes, you’ll look back and realize how seamless it actually felt (that’s the goal!).
My sellers often tell me: “LuAnn, that was smoother than I expected.”
And that’s exactly the compliment I aim for every time.

Why Sacramento County Sellers Still Have the Edge

Despite shifting mortgage rates, Sacramento remains one of California’s most in-demand regions.
Here’s why sellers continue to win:

• Migration from the Bay Area keeps buyer demand steady

• Strong job market and government stability buffer against market dips

• Inventory shortages give well-presented homes a competitive edge

(Source references: Sacramento Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors, Zillow Market Report 2025, SHRA)

Final Thoughts

Selling your Sacramento home doesn’t have to be stressful or confusing. With the right plan — and a local pro who actually knows every street corner from Arden Park to Galt — you can list with confidence, sell strategically, and move on with ease.

If you’re even thinking about selling, let’s start the conversation early — a 15-minute strategy call could save you thousands later.

📞 Let’s connect: LuAnnsHomes.com