Layoff & Income Loss
My severance runs out in 4 months. What's my timeline if I need to sell?
Short answer
Start listing prep now. East Bay listings typically take 4-8 weeks of prep + 10-20 days on market + 30-day escrow = 12-16 weeks total. That's exactly your runway.
A 4-month runway is tight but workable if you start now. Here's the typical East Bay timeline:
Weeks 1-4: Prep - Walkthrough with Roger, pricing strategy, comp review. - Decide on improvements (paint, landscaping, minor repairs). Vendors scheduled. - Photography and marketing materials prepared. - Disclosures completed (Roger handles).
Weeks 4-6: Pre-listing - Improvements completed. Final walkthrough. - Staging (optional, often returns 3-5x cost in Bay Area). - Listing photos shot.
Week 6: Go live - Listing hits MLS Friday morning. Showings start that day. - Open houses Saturday/Sunday.
Weeks 7-9: Negotiation and contract - East Bay median days-on-market is currently 12-18 days for well-priced homes. - Multiple offers common with the right pricing strategy. - Accept offer, open escrow.
Weeks 9-13: Escrow - 30-day escrow is standard. Inspections, appraisal, loan funding all happen here. - Sometimes can close in 21 days if buyer is cash or pre-underwritten.
Total: 12-13 weeks for a clean process, with a buffer week or two.
Roger's average days-on-market is 11. If you start the conversation now, you'll have flexibility on the back end if your re-employment situation changes.
I can give you a better answer with more information. Every situation I've handled in 18 years has had its own wrinkles. To talk it through with someone who's done this before: (510) 504-0402 during business hours, (406) 205-9003 anytime, or roger@grubb.net.