Did you know you might be quietly draining your home’s equity without even realizing it? Most homeowners focus on how much equity they’ve gained—but not how much they’re losing by waiting too long to sell.
Here’s what most homeowners miss: yes, you’ve likely gained $140,000+ in equity over the past five years, which is incredible. But holding onto that equity too long can start to backfire. Why? Maintenance adds up and time brings wear and tear. Old homes need more prep. The longer you wait, the more maintenance and repairs your home may need—roofing, HVAC, flooring, new regulations that you now need to comply with—all of which eat into your profit when it’s finally time to sell.
On top of that, buyer expectations shift. A home that felt turnkey five years ago may now feel dated to today’s buyer, who’s comparing it to newer or freshly renovated listings. That can lead to longer time on market, steeper price cuts, and tougher negotiations.
And here’s the big one: when everyone rushes to list in spring—like they always do—you’re suddenly competing with more inventory, which gives buyers more leverage and options. Selling in a quieter window with less competition can actually mean more money, more control, and a smoother move.
So if you’re sitting on equity and thinking “maybe later,” it might be worth taking a second look at your timing. DM me and I’ll run a detailed home value report so you can make an informed decision based on today’s numbers—not last year’s assumptions.
I’m Tanja Odzak, Realtor with eXp Realty. I help people sell and buy homes right here in the East Bay! With over $90 Million in homes sold and going on 10 years of experience, I know how to help you win in any market. I’m Tanja and I sell homes. Call me today and let’s get you going!
I’m a Top Producing Realtor® in the OAKLAND / BERKELEY / EAST BAY AREA. I’ve been in the San Francisco East Bay Area since I came up to do my undergrad at UC Berkeley (a long time ago!), with a short stint at UC Davis while getting my Master’s. I take my duties as a Realtor® and Fiduciary very seriously, I enjoy educating my sellers and buyers along the way. Putting People, Before Profit.
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