If I Were Selling My Home Today

The Truth About Selling in Today’s Market

If I were selling my home today, I wouldn’t just hire an agent — I’d hire a strategist.

Someone who knows how to position my property, protect my interests, and expose my home to every qualified buyer in the market.

The truth is, the rules of real estate have changed.
Between national headlines, off-market temptations, and the confusion surrounding commissions, homeowners have more questions than ever — and too many are making the wrong decisions.

The Biggest Mistake Sellers Make Today

The #1 mistake I see homeowners make — especially in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Lake Sherwood, and surrounding communities — is choosing the wrong representation.

Many sellers assume that going with a large, corporate brand means better exposure or higher offers. Unfortunately, that’s rarely true.

In fact, some sellers unknowingly sign with agents who steer them toward “private” or “off-market” listings — limiting exposure, reducing competition, and often leaving tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars on the table.

At Avant ONE Real Estate, we believe every seller deserves full-market representation, not a behind-the-scenes deal that benefits someone else.

Why Boutique Brokerages Deliver Bigger Results

There’s a growing shift in the real estate industry — and for good reason. As Inman News recently reported, agents and clients alike are gravitating toward boutique brokerages that prioritize culture, ethics, and personalized service over production volume.

Here’s why that matters when you’re selling your home:

1. Your Home Isn’t “Just Another Listing”

Boutique firms hand-select their listings. That means more time, strategy, and focus goes into your sale.

We treat each property as its own campaign — from pricing analysis and staging strategy to negotiation and closing.

2. You Get a True Advisor, Not a Transactional Agent

In a boutique setting, your broker isn’t hidden behind layers of management. You get direct access to expertise.

At Avant ONE, you work with seasoned professionals who’ve navigated every type of market — not a rotating cast of team members.

3. Innovation Happens Faster

Because boutique brokerages are independent, they adopt new technology and marketing strategies without corporate red tape.

We leverage data, AI, and real-time analytics to reach buyers across every platform — Zillow, MLS, Google, Instagram, and luxury syndications — ensuring your property is seen everywhere that matters.

4. You Stay Protected

Dual agency — when one agent represents both buyer and seller — can create serious conflicts of interest. At Avant ONE, we don’t do that. We believe in single-side representation so your goals remain uncompromised.

If I Were Selling My Home Today…

Here’s exactly what I would do:

1. Start with a strategy session, not a price.
   The right listing plan takes data, market timing, and positioning — not guesswork.
2. Prepare the home with intention.
   Small updates like paint, flooring, and lighting can make a measurable difference in final sale price.
3. Demand full-market exposure.
   Every serious buyer should have a chance to compete for your home. Never sell it “off market.”
4. Hire the right team.
   From photography and design to escrow, lending, and negotiation — a coordinated team delivers higher returns and less stress.
5. Choose a broker who puts your interests first.
   Ask tough questions about representation, marketing strategy, and how they’ll attract qualified buyers.

Why Sellers Are Moving to Boutique Representation

In markets like Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, and the Conejo Valley — where properties are often unique and high-value — representation makes all the difference.

A boutique brokerage like Avant ONE provides the luxury of focus — meaning fewer listings, deeper strategy, and better outcomes.

It’s why our sellers consistently outperform market averages, and why our clients come back again and again.

Before You List — Get a Second Opinion

If you’ve already spoken to an agent or received an off-market offer, pause before you sign.

We offer a Second Opinion Seller Review, where we’ll evaluate:

• Your home’s true market potential
• Whether your pricing strategy is realistic
• How to position your home for maximum competition
• What your representation agreement really means

No pressure. Just transparency — because that’s how every seller deserves to be treated.

Final Thoughts

The real estate industry is evolving. Agents and brokerages are, too.

But one thing remains constant: your home deserves the best strategy, not just the fastest sale.

At Avant ONE Real Estate, we combine decades of experience, ethical representation, and full-market marketing to help sellers achieve the highest possible results — with less stress and more confidence.

Because selling your home isn’t just a transaction — it’s a life moment.
And you deserve a team that does it right.

About Avant ONE Real Estate

Serving Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Lake Sherwood, Oak Park, and the Conejo Valley, Avant ONE Real Estate is a boutique brokerage founded by Teri Pacitto, Broker and Real Estate Advisor with over $1 billion in sales.

We do real estate differently — with strategy, transparency, and client-first representation.