Summary
To sell your home quickly in the Conejo Valley, focus on curb appeal, decluttering, and staging each space to feel warm and inviting. Small upgrades like fresh paint, modern lighting, and landscaping can make a big difference in catching buyers’ attention fast.
Preparing Your Home to Sell Quickly in a Stagnant Seller Market: A Conejo Valley Guide
by: Kevin Webber
Selling your home in the Conejo Valley—whether in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, or Newbury Park—has always felt like a strong bet. But 2025 is telling a different story. With inventory levels rising and buyer urgency cooling, homes that once flew off the market are now sitting longer and competing harder.
The good news? You can still sell quickly and profitably. It all starts with smart, strategic preparation.
Understand the Market You’re In
The Conejo Valley is currently experiencing a shift toward a more balanced—or even buyer-leaning—market. According to local MLS data and sources like the Ventura County Coastal Association of Realtors, inventory levels have risen significantly since mid-2024, with a 40–45% increase in active listings in some neighborhoods. Meanwhile, homes are sitting on the market longer, with the average Days on Market (DOM) now exceeding 50 days in some parts of the Valley.
This means buyers are more selective. They have options—and they know it.
First Impressions Are Everything
Curb appeal still reigns supreme. Trimmed landscaping, a fresh coat of paint on the front door, and clean, visible house numbers are low-cost upgrades that yield major ROI. Power-wash walkways, refresh mulch beds, and make sure exterior lighting is clean and operational.
Pro tip: Consider hiring a professional photographer for your listing photos. In a crowded market, high-quality visuals are key to standing out online.
Declutter and Depersonalize
Buyers want to envision themselves in your space—not feel like guests in yours. Remove family photos, excess furniture, and personal collections. Closets and pantries should be tidy and no more than 75% full to convey ample storage space.
If budget allows, working with a home stager can be a game-changer. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), staged homes sell 88% faster and for 20% more than non-staged homes, even in slower markets.
Focus on Light and Neutral Appeal
In the Conejo Valley, natural light is a huge selling point. Maximize it by cleaning windows, removing heavy drapes, and using mirrors to reflect light into darker areas. Repaint walls in soft neutrals like warm greys or creamy whites, which appeal to the widest range of buyers.
Replace outdated light fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options. It’s a simple update that can transform the feel of a room instantly.
Make Minor Repairs—and Consider Strategic Upgrades
Walk through your home with a buyer’s eye. Fix leaky faucets, squeaky doors, cracked tiles, or chipped baseboards. These small issues can signal deferred maintenance and lower your perceived value.
If you’re considering upgrades, prioritize the kitchen and bathrooms. In this market, even a modest renovation—like new cabinet hardware or resurfaced countertops—can move the needle.
Price Realistically—Not Aspirationally
One of the biggest mistakes sellers make in a slow market is overpricing.
In Conejo Valley’s current climate, overpricing can cause your listing to linger and lead to eventual price drops.
Work with your Realtor to analyze comparables (comps), current inventory, and pricing trends. A well-priced home will draw more attention and could even inspire multiple offers if demand outpaces supply in your neighborhood.
Be Flexible With Showings and Terms
Buyers are shopping around—and sometimes slowly. Make your home as accessible as possible for showings, even if it means adjusting your schedule.
Offering incentives like a seller credit toward closing costs or a home warranty can also make your home more attractive compared to others in the same price range.
Leverage Local Expertise
This market calls for more than just listing your home on the MLS. At Webber Estates, we combine local market expertise with data-driven strategies to help you price, market, and sell your home faster—even when conditions aren’t ideal. This is one of the tenets that have kept our team among the top 1% or real estate agents nationwide, with an average of over $50 million in annual sales volume.
We live and work in the Conejo Valley. We know the neighborhoods, the buyer behavior, and the inventory patterns. Let us guide you through this shifting market with a custom plan that works.
Selling in a stagnant market isn’t impossible—it just takes preparation, patience, and the right partner.
If you’re thinking about listing your Conejo Valley home, reach out to us at Webber Estates at 805-558-3360 for a personalized consultation. We’ll help you navigate the market and make the most of your home sale, no matter the climate.
