The Honest Blog
Real numbers, no fluff. Practical guides for selling your house — written by people who actually buy houses, not marketers.
Latest articles
Guides for actual sellers
Each one answers a question we actually get from Sacramento and Bay Area homeowners.
Will a Homeless Shelter Affect Home Values? Natomas Guide
3511 Arena Blvd. The lawsuit. The "for sale" signs going up. What 30 years of research actually says about shelters and Sacramento property values, plus three realistic paths for Natomas homeowners.
PricingCash Offer vs Realtor: The Real Cost
Realtors say "list with us, you'll get top dollar." Cash buyers say "skip the hassle, close in 7 days." Both leave out the math that actually matters.
ForeclosureHow to Stop Foreclosure in California (2026)
California's 90-day timeline gives you more options than most homeowners realize. Here's the practical breakdown of what works, what doesn't, and what to do this week.
Inherited PropertySelling an Inherited House in California
Probate vs. trust, stepped-up basis tax savings, dealing with siblings who can't agree, and the clean-out problem. The practical guide nobody hands you.
Market DataHow Long to Sell a Sacramento House
Median is 38 days on market plus another 30-45 to close. But the median is barely useful — your specific house can move in 14 days or sit for 6 months. Here's what controls which.
Inherited PropertyCapital Gains Tax on Inherited Property
Most inherited California houses can be sold with little or no capital gains tax thanks to stepped-up basis. But the rule has nuances that, if missed, cost tens of thousands.
ProbateProbate Sale California: Full Timeline
California probate is 9-18 months on average. Selling a house through probate isn't the whole timeline — but it's tightly bound to it, and the steps don't happen in the order you'd expect.
Tenant IssuesSelling a House with Tenants
You can sell a tenant-occupied California house. The rules are stricter than most states, and getting them wrong is expensive. Here's what actually applies in 2026.
PricingHow Much Do Cash Buyers Pay?
Most "we buy houses" sites won't show their formula. Here's the actual math we and most reputable cash buyers use, and how to verify any cash offer is fair.
DivorceSelling a House in Divorce California
California's community property rules add complexity. Most divorcing couples wait too long to make decisions about the house — costing them tens of thousands in legal fees and lost sale value.
Property ConditionSelling a House with Foundation Problems
Sacramento's clay soil and the Bay Area's fault zones produce houses with foundation problems. Selling them is harder — financing falls through, buyer pool shrinks, prices drop. Here's the path forward.
Market DataBest Months to Sell in Sacramento
April-July gets the highest prices. May-June sells fastest. September is underrated. Here's the actual seasonal data and what it means for different selling goals.
Liens & TitleSelling a House with a Tax Lien
A tax lien doesn't stop you from selling. It changes how proceeds are distributed. Here's the process for property tax, IRS, and FTB liens — and what to do when proceeds don't cover.
Trust & VerificationCash Buyer Scams to Watch For
Most cash buyers in California are legitimate. A small minority operate predatory schemes targeting distressed homeowners. Here are the seven common scams, the red flags, and how to verify any cash buyer.
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