Selling in the Conejo Valley isn’t what it used to be.
Even in a region known for its top-ranked schools and postcard-ready neighborhoods, today’s buyers are more cautious. In mid-2025, interest rates are holding steady in the mid 6% range, inventory is rising slightly, and the days of instant bidding wars are fading fast.
But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for less.
It’s not impossible to sell within your timeline and for a decent price, but you’ll need to make the right preparations— smart updates, strategic timing, and a clear understanding of buyers’ priorities.
These are the six strategies that will put you in the best position before your home hits the market.
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Know where you stand before pricing your home
Before you start making improvements or any serious moves, you need to know your home’s current market value. Below are three key points to consider.
Conejo Valley is a collection of micro-markets, not a uniform market
Prices can vary wildly based on school districts, lot sizes, views, or even which side of a street you’re on. For example, a single-family home in Lang Ranch, for example, typically lists for $1.3 million, whereas a similar property may list for as much as $2 million in Dos Vientos.
Zoom in on your local market to get a better idea on pricing. Start by identifying three to five recent sales in your immediate area that match your home in size, style, and condition.
Broad statistics give you context if you know to read them
Nationwide, statewide or even county-wide statistics can help paint a more comprehensive real estate picture. But solely relying on them can lead to pricing inaccuracies.
If you’re seeing headlines about rising rates or slowing sales, find out how that’s playing out specifically in your neighborhood. Use broad stats to understand general trends, but always ground your pricing strategy in local, recent comps.
Use online valuations wisely
While online real estate sites can help you come up with rough estimates, these don’t accurately capture the nuances of micro-markets. A trusted local agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis that reflects what buyers are actually paying.
Want to go a step further? A professional appraisal can give you a neutral, detailed baseline—especially if your home has unique features.
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Focus on upgrades buyers are willing to pay for
Costly renovations aren’t a guarantee for strong ROI. Instead, look for smaller improvements that enhance the best qualities of your home. Not every home improvement needs to be a major overhaul. Conejo Valley buyers are less dazzled by over-the-top renovations and more drawn to clean, modern, move-in-ready homes.
Here are the updates and improvements where you should focus your energy.
Cosmetic updates that add impact
Simple cosmetic updates have a big impact on perceived value. Refreshing fiber cement siding, for example, recoups about 86% of its cost, while basic lawn care and landscape improvements can return up to 104%, according to a Remodeling Impact Report by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR).
Similarly, fresh paint in neutral tones, updated light fixtures, refreshed landscaping, or a good power-wash can instantly lift a property’s appeal—without draining your wallet.
Cost-effective kitchen updates
Kitchens consistently rank high on buyers’ wish lists, but that doesn’t mean you need to invest in a full renovation. According to NAR’s most recent Remodeling Impact Report, both minor and major kitchen remodels deliver similar returns, at around 60%.
In the same vein, repainting or refacing cabinets, swapping out hardware, replacing countertops, and updating the backsplash can all create a fresh look without stretching your budget too far.
Midrange bathroom updates
Similarly, bathroom updates can also deliver impressive returns when chosen carefully.
Remodeling Magazine’s 2024 Cost vs. Value Report shows that a midrange bath remodel can generate a strong 74% ROI.
Even smaller improvements can potentially yield good returns and refresh the space, from upgrading vanities, changing lighting fixtures to installing new tiles.
Improve your home’s energy efficiency
Today’s buyers pay a lot more attention to energy-saving features. LED lighting updates, newer HVAC, insulation upgrades, and even weatherstripping are things you should consider before listing your property. Fortunately, these improvements don’t cost a fortune.
What about solar panels? Installing a new system solely to boost value isn’t always practical, as the upfront costs can outweigh the return—if you’re planning to sell within months. However, if you already solar panels, that’s a strong selling point that a number of buyers will gladly pay top dollar for.
Tailored touches win buyers
When considering the best ways to increase the value of your home, it all starts with your target buyer. Families typically appreciate safe, low-maintenance yards. Retirees value easy-care landscaping. Remote workers pay attention to dedicated office nooks and even a home gym. The list goes on.
So, whoever your ideal buyer is, try to visualize the things that matter to them and start from there.
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Skip upgrades that waste time and money
Sometimes the smartest move is knowing what not to do. Certain projects can waste money, alienate buyers, or even make your home harder to sell. Here are the big ones to avoid.
Over-personalized design choices
Bold colors and ornate tile patterns may showcase your personality, but they can make it harder for buyers to see the space as their own. Even functional extras like wine rooms or theater setups can narrow your audience. In Conejo Valley, where many buyers want flexibility, neutral and adaptable spaces always sell faster.
Overbuilding for the neighborhood
It’s tempting to think a lavish remodel will automatically translate into higher offers, but upgrades need to make sense in context. For instance, a high-end kitchen remodel might boost a luxury estate in Hidden Valley, but in a modest Wildwood property, it simply prices you out of the surrounding market. Buyers compare your home against others nearby, and if yours feels “too upgraded,” it can actually slow down offers.
Big-ticket additions that don’t bring in ROI
Pools, garage conversions, and large-scale additions often return less than they cost. When done right, a pool can be a selling point in a Dos Vientos home with a sprawling backyard. However, in a smaller Thousand Oaks property, it can feel like a liability. Plus, pools typically recoup only about 54% of their installation cost.
Similarly, garage conversions add interior square footage at the expense of storage and parking—two things that most Conejo Valley buyers will care more about.
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Stage your home for success
Staged homes sell faster and get bigger, better offers. It’s one of the guaranteed best ways to increased perceived value of your home. A fresh coat of paint and spotless rooms go a long way, but if you want top-dollar offers, staging is where the magic happens.
According to the NAR’s 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 83% of buyer’s agents said staging made it easier for clients to visualize the property as their home. That emotional connection can make all the difference, as buyers who feel that “spark” are more likely to act quickly, make stronger offers, and stay committed through closing.
If you’re looking for the best ways to increase the value of your home, don’t ignore these staging tips.
The payoff is worth the effort
Staged homes not only sell faster, they sell for more. NAR data shows professionally staged homes go up in final sales price by as much as 10%—a difference worth tens of thousands in Conejo Valley’s market.
Need a bit more proof? Just ask your agent to show you staged vs. unstaged listings in your neighborhood, and you’ll see the difference instantly.
Choosing between professional vs. DIY staging
Professional staging can be a smart investment for luxury properties or homes with unusual layouts. However, it’s not essential for every listing. In more modest neighborhoods, simple steps like decluttering, applying fresh neutral paint, and rearranging furniture for a brighter, more open feel, can already make strong impression.
If the property you’re planning to sell is in the mid-range bracket, start with DIY staging basics. And for higher-end or unique homes, it’s worth reaching out to a professional stager.
Wow buyers with curb appeal
First impressions start at the curb. It’s the first thing people see, after all. A power-washed driveway, freshly painted fence, and a few well-placed landscape lights can tie your exterior to your interior staging
Stand across the street from your home at dusk—what jumps out first, and is it helping or hurting your home’s story?
Follow up with effective marketing
Staging sets the scene, but that alone won’t get the job done if no one knows you’re selling and no one is scheduling a tour. So, make sure you’re spreading the word.
Invest in professional photos and video tours, so buyers notice the property online even before they ever step through the door. Professional services can cost a hefty sum, but it’s one of the marketing tools at your disposal that has the highest ROI.
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Time your sale to your advantage
Even in a sought-after area like Conejo Valley, timing can still have a big impact on final sale price and time on market. Even in a market as desirable as the Conejo Valley, timing can directly influence how quickly your home sells—and for how much. Here’s what you should keep in mind to ensure the timing of the sale is on your side.
Seasonality still matters
While the Conejo Valley’s housing market attracts buyers year-round, general seasonal trends still influence pricing and timelines.
Buyer activity peaks in spring (March through June), when longer days and better weather align with school schedules. Late summer usually slows as vacations and back-to-school take over. Fall brings a smaller second wave of motivated buyers, while winter is quieter—but less competition means standout homes can still do well.
Balancing selling goals and market patterns
The best timing often comes from balancing market patterns with your selling goals. For sellers chasing the highest profit, spring is typically the strongest. For those who want speed, late summer or mid-winter—when fewer homes are on the market—can help your property stand out.
To better inform your strategy, review recent sales with your agent to see how timing affected two key aspects: days on market and final price.
Personal circumstances count too
Not every sale lines up with the calendar. Job relocations, downsizing, estate transitions, or family changes often dictate timing. This is true for both sellers and buyers, and in these cases, certainty matters more than seasonality.
So, before listing your home, decide whether your priority is speed or top price—and let that guide your closing timeline.
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Make thorough preparations before going live
As the saying goes, a home won’t sell itself. You’ll need to put in the work to get the results you want. Strong markets don’t guarantee smooth sales—preparation does. The work you do in the weeks leading up to your listing can make all the difference. Here’s how you can make profitable offers and reasonably quick transactions more likely to happen.
Inspect like a buyer
Walk through your home with a critical eye—or better yet, bring in someone you trust who isn’t emotionally attached to the property. Look for small red flags: chipped paint, loose hardware, a flickering light. These may seem minor, but they can plant doubt in buyers’ minds.
Get your paperwork in order
From appliance warranties to HOA documents, buyers will want transparency. California requires detailed seller disclosures, so be ready to complete them thoroughly. A pre-listing inspection can uncover issues before the buyer’s inspector does, giving you time to address them on your terms.
Start a binder (or digital folder) with receipts, manuals, and disclosures so everything is ready when buyers ask. You can ask your agent to help sort out all the documents before you start marketing the listing and talking to buyers.
Prepare yourself emotionally
Selling a home is as much mental as it is financial. Memories and sentiment can cloud judgment during pricing, staging, or negotiations. Shift your mindset from “my home” to “the property.” That mental distance makes it easier to price realistically, accept feedback, and keep negotiations professional.
Remind yourself why you’re selling—whether it’s downsizing, relocating, or moving closer to family—and focus on that bigger goal
Plan for a smooth close
The more prepared you are, the faster escrow moves. Well-organized sellers signal confidence to buyers, which can reduce last-minute hiccups and keep deals from unraveling. Ask your agent for a pre-closing checklist so you know exactly what’s expected at each stage of escrow.
Maximize home value in Conejo Valley with Deb Kernahan
Selling a home in Conejo Valley isn’t about waiting for trends to go in your favor. It’s about preparation and the right local expertise to pull it all together.
With more than 30 years in Conejo Valley real estate, I’ve helped sellers navigate every kind of market. I know what makes this community unique—and what today’s buyers are looking for. From trusted contractors and stagers to top-tier marketing, my team and I bring the resources to make your home stand out and sell with confidence.
Sell your home for top-dollar without the hassle. Contact my team at 818.519.8357 or send an email to get your free real estate consultation.