Journal · selling
I'm Sidney Manzo with RE/MAX Dream Properties, in real estate since 1990. I can personally review your property, look at recent nearby sales, and give you an opinion of value and a suggested listing-price range.
You don't have to be ready to list to find out what your home could sell for.
Meet Sidney In real estate since 1990 · RE/MAX Hall of Fame · RE/MAX Dream Properties Sidney Manzo, CA DRE #01108914 ·
What are the stages of selling a Pasadena home?
Prep. Cleaning, any repairs you choose, photos and paperwork.
Pricing. The list price is set against recent sales of comparable homes. For citywide context, see What is the median home value in Pasadena?
Listing and offers. Buyers tour the home and offers arrive on their own schedule.
Escrow. The California Department of Real Estate explains that the length of an escrow is largely determined by the mutual agreement of the parties and is written into the purchase contract and escrow instructions, and that a buyer's loan approval can delay closing. (Source: California DRE, Surviving the Real Estate "Escrow" Process in California, read Nov 3, 2026.)
Could Pasadena's presale certificate delay your sale?
As of November 2026, the City of Pasadena says that under Pasadena Municipal Code Section 14.17, before escrow closes on a single-family house, condominium, townhouse or duplex, the owner is responsible for obtaining a Presale Certificate of Completion or a Presale Certificate of Inspection. Properties that meet the eligibility requirements can self-certify for a Certificate of Completion; properties that don't need a City inspection for a Certificate of Inspection. (Source: City of Pasadena, Presale Self-Certification Program, read Nov 3, 2026.)
Under Ordinance 7337, a home is not eligible to self-certify if it has unpermitted additions or conversions, an unpermitted accessory structure over 120 square feet, non-compliance with fire protection, detection and exiting requirements, an open code compliance case, or living area 10% or more larger than the County Assessor's record. (Source: City of Pasadena, Ordinance 7337, PMC Chapter 14.17, read Nov 3, 2026.)
If a City inspection finds deficiencies, the City says the owner can address them and schedule a re-inspection (an additional fee applies), or execute a Transfer of Responsibility that makes the buyer responsible for the fixes. (Source: City of Pasadena, Presale Self-Certification Program, read Nov 3, 2026.) I'm not an attorney, so confirm what applies to your property with the City or your attorney.
One of the things I'll review when we discuss your timeline is whether your property may need extra preparation for Pasadena's presale requirements, so issues surface before escrow, not during it.
Can I sell my house fast in Pasadena?
You can work toward a faster sale, but no one can promise a date. Time is usually saved by pricing to recent comparable sales, finishing prep before the first showing, and negotiating an escrow length that fits your plans. Buyer response is not in your hands.
When are you hoping to sell?
On a short deadline. Tell me your date and we'll plan prep, price and escrow terms around it; nothing about the outcome is guaranteed.
Downsizing. We can map the sale and your next move together before you list.
An inherited home. Probate or a trust can add steps to a sale; ask your attorney what applies to the estate.
Just curious about value. A review is a reasonable first step even if you're a year or more away.
What I look at when I review your timeline
- Prep and disclosures: what you want to fix, what you'll disclose and which reports to gather early.
- Pricing: comparable recent sales and the competing listings buyers will see.
- Presale requirements: whether your property may need a City inspection.
- Marketing: how and when your home is presented to buyers.
- Escrow planning: the escrow length and terms that fit your next move.
Questions homeowners ask next
- Do I need a presale certificate before selling my Pasadena home?
- As of November 2026, the City of Pasadena says that for a single-family house, condominium, townhouse or duplex, the owner must obtain a Presale Certificate of Completion or a Presale Certificate of Inspection before the close of escrow. (Source: City of Pasadena, Presale Self-Certification Program, read Nov 3, 2026.)
- Can I sell my Pasadena house without making repairs?
- An as-is listing means you are offering the home in its current condition and are not agreeing in advance to make repairs. Buyers may still inspect the property and negotiate repairs, credits or other terms. An as-is sale does not eliminate applicable seller disclosure obligations. Ask your agent or attorney how this applies to your home,.
- How do I find out what my Pasadena house is worth?
- Ask me for a home value review. I review your address personally, compare it with recent nearby sales and your home's condition, and send you my opinion of value with a suggested listing-price range. It is not an appraisal, and asking doesn't commit you to selling. For the wider Pasadena picture, see the Pasadena city guide.