Recent sale pace and pricing can help you decide how aggressive to be before you write.
If you are trying to decide how hard to push on price, I would not walk into West Hills, CA assuming every seller has to negotiate. The better rule is to stay selective and move decisively on the homes that are positioned well. Last month, recent supply stood at 1.9 months, a typical sale took 22 days, and accepted offers landed at 100% of asking.
Those numbers tell me the market is still competitive enough that delay can cost you choices. When supply sits at 1.9 months and homes are closing at full asking, serious buyers need a plan before they start touring. That does not mean overpaying. It means knowing which homes deserve a fast response and which ones deserve patience.
The typical sold price last month was $1,075,000, while active homes carried a typical asking price of $1,160,000. I would use that spread carefully. It tells me some current sellers may be aiming above where recent closings came together, so your leverage is strongest when you compare each listing to actual recent closings instead of reacting to the sticker price alone in West Hills, CA.
Get fully clear on your ceiling before you tour. Prioritize the homes that fit both your budget and your timing. Write clean offers on the right properties instead of spreading attention across too many maybe options. I would also look closely at homes that have missed the first wave of interest, because that is where negotiation can become more realistic.
