What Conejo Valley Homeowners Need to Know

If you’re thinking about selling your home in 2026, you’re likely weighing an important decision:

Do you sell as-is and keep things simple?
Or do you make a few updates so your home shows its best and attracts stronger offers?

A few years ago, that choice didn’t always make a big difference.
In today’s Conejo Valley market, it does.

Why Home Condition Matters More Again

Across Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, and Newbury Park, buyers are seeing more options than they did during the peak seller’s market. As inventory gradually rebuilds, buyers are becoming more selective.

That shift means presentation matters again.

Homes that feel clean, updated, and move-in ready tend to stand out — while homes that feel dated or unfinished may require price adjustments or longer time on market.

This is why many sellers are choosing to address at least a few key items before listing.

What “Selling As-Is” Really Signals to Buyers

Selling as-is means you’re letting buyers know upfront that you won’t be making repairs before listing — and that you may not negotiate repairs after inspections.

For some sellers, this is the right choice. It can simplify the process and reduce upfront work.

However, there’s an important trade-off.

When a home needs visible updates, the buyer pool often shrinks. Fewer buyers are willing to take on projects, which can result in:

• fewer showings

• fewer offers

• longer days on market

• and, in many cases, a lower final price

An as-is home can still sell — but it may not sell for as much as it could with the right preparation.

Why Many Sellers Choose Strategic Updates Instead

Most buyers in the Conejo Valley are looking for homes they can move into without major work. That’s why sellers often focus on minor, high-impact improvements, such as:

• fresh interior paint

• updated lighting

• flooring refreshes

• landscaping and curb appeal

• decluttering and staging

These changes don’t require full renovations, but they significantly improve first impressions — both online and in person.

And first impressions matter.

How a Local Agent Helps You Decide

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right approach depends on:

• your home’s condition

• your neighborhood

• your timeline

• and your financial goals

That’s where working with a local Conejo Valley real estate team makes the difference.

At Lydia Gable Realty Group, we help sellers compare both paths:

• what your home may sell for as-is

• versus what it could sell for after strategic improvements

If selling as-is makes sense, we focus on highlighting your home’s strongest features — location, lot size, layout, and lifestyle benefits — so buyers see opportunity, not just projects.

If making updates is the better move, we help you prioritize what truly matters to buyers, avoiding unnecessary work or overspending. In many cases, sellers also use Compass Concierge, which allows improvements to be made without paying upfront.

Want to Talk It Through Before Deciding?

For homeowners who want clarity before making any decisions, we host free Home Seller Workshops where we break all of this down in a clear, no-pressure setting.

At the workshop, we cover:

• whether selling as-is or making updates makes sense for your specific home

• what buyers in today’s Conejo Valley market are actually looking for

• how to prepare your home without over-improving

• and how to time your sale for the best possible outcome

It’s designed to help you make informed decisions — even if selling is still months away.

Timing Still Works in Your Favor

If you’re aiming for a spring or early-summer 2026 listing, there’s still time to make thoughtful updates without rushing. Planning ahead allows you to:

• complete work calmly

• coordinate contractors efficiently

• and enter the market prepared, not pressured

In today’s market, preparation often equals leverage.

The Bottom Line

Selling as-is can still be the right choice in certain situations. But in many Conejo Valley neighborhoods, it may come with a cost.

You don’t have to make repairs before listing — but in 2026, you may want to.

The best way to decide is to understand your options clearly.

If you’re considering selling in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, or Newbury Park, joining one of our Seller Workshops or having a quick conversation can help you determine which path makes the most sense for your home and your goals.

📍 Lydia Gable Realty Group | Compass
Serving Conejo Valley homeowners with clarity, strategy, and care.