Start planning your 2027 home sale now

Thinking of selling your home in spring or summer 2027? You might be tempted to wait until late winter to start planning. Especially if you have big holiday plans on the horizon.

Maybe you’ve been in your home for many years. Maybe you bought a condo in San Francisco you want to trade in for a home with more space in Berkeley.

However, the earlier you plan, the better your results — especially if you have a lot of stuff you need to get rid of. (I’ve got help for that!)

Planning early, and maybe even testing your “make me sell” price as a Private Exclusive, could prepare you for a post-IPO offer you can’t refuse.

Planning a home sale early is smart.

My clients typically start thinking about a sale 6-12 months before we put their house on the market!

Six months is short for long-time homeowners. Realistically, minimalist home owners in San Francisco may need no prep time at all.

Either way, there’s a lot to think through to make your selling and moving experience as fulfilling as possible:

• Taxes: What you might owe on your gain, and whether California’s Prop 19 lets you take your low property tax base to your next home. Bring your tax advisor in early.
• Updates that pay off: which repairs and improvements are likely to raise your sale price, and which ones to skip. Having home inspections will point out all of the areas that could be simple fixes. The more move-in ready and insurance-friendly your home, the more buyers and higher offers you’ll be sure to attract.
• Estate planning: Might donating all or part of a property to a charity you care about make sense? This isn’t something a Realtor® advises on. However, I have experts who can walk you through how donating property to charity works. This is a very interesting option for those who don’t have family or friends to whom you want to leave an estate.
• What’s next for you? Many of us stay put because we don’t want to think about what’s next. You might know you want to in the “Inner” East Bay (on the Bay side of the hill), perhaps hop over to Contra Costa or Marin, maybe move closer to family or a favorite vacation spot, or explore local senior and assisted living communities. I’ve been doing just that with some clients. Lots of great options right here in the Berkeley and Oakland areas.
  
  There are lots of great options for buying before selling. Planning early will give you space to choose the strategy that’s just right for you.

Do you really want your low mortgage interest rate to control your life?

The Wall Street Journal wrote about the many homeowners who are “stuck,” not wanting to give up their 3% interest rates. A low mortgage rate or worry about taxes shouldn’t keep you in a home that no longer helps you live your best life. My lender partners can help you do the math and see what a higher rate really means.

Plan for a successful 2027 home sale

Through December 31, 2026, I’m offering a free, no-obligation consultation to help you sort out your options and timeline.

As a former Silicon Valley commuter, San Francisco renter, Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) and a Rockridge homeowner myself, I have life experiences to offer everyone!

I’m happy to chat over coffee or by phone. Feel free to get in touch or DM me @agentsusie on Instagram.

Susie Wyshak, REALTOR® | Compass
510-269-7051 | susie.wyshak@compass.com
CA DRE #02144226