Avoid chasing list prices that do not match what closes
You're trying to decide what price range to shop so you do not waste weekends on homes you cannot actually win. In Encino, CA, I set search ranges based on what closes, then I back into a realistic offer ceiling. Keep it simple. Recent deals closed around 97.5% of asking last month, so list price alone is not the full story, but it is still a meaningful guidepost.
Looking at the latest numbers, recent closings in Encino, CA landed around 97.5% of asking last month, and a typical sale took 36 days. That matters because your search strategy should be built around the probability of acceptance, not just the theoretical maximum budget. Some inputs that would refine this further were not reported for this period, like the typical down payment type, buyer financing mix, or offer count per listing. Even without that, the close-to-ask and timeline tell me the market has been rewarding buyers who show up prepared and decisive, because sellers have not needed to accept steep discounts to get a sale done. Set your Encino, CA search range so your top-choice homes still leave room to write a confident offer if the home checks your boxes. Get your decision criteria tight before touring so you can act within the typical 36-day pace without second-guessing every move. When you find the right home, lead with terms that reduce seller risk, then calibrate price with the 97.5% close-to-ask expectation instead of assuming a large discount will be welcomed.
About Faye Daroeian
Faye Daroeian is a licensed Real Estate Professional affiliated with RE/MAX One, specializing in the Encino market. With a focus on strategic marketing and deep local knowledge, Faye Daroeian provides clients with expert guidance in navigating complex real estate transactions. View full profile →