If you took your house off the market in late 2024, you’re not alone. According to CoreLogic and the Wall Street Journal, nearly 73,000 homes were pulled from the market in December—the highest number for any December since 2017.

Many sellers hit pause for various reasons: slow offers, the holiday season feeling overwhelming, or waiting to see if market conditions improved in the new year. But with spring approaching, it’s time to reassess your selling strategy. The Conejo Valley real estate market—including Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, and Newbury Park—is already picking up, and waiting longer may mean facing more competition from other sellers.

Why This Spring Could Be Your Best Opportunity

Selma Hepp, Chief Economist at CoreLogic, notes that many sellers pulled their listings with the intention of trying again in the spring:

“Another reason for a step back could be that sellers wanted to wait and see how the spring home-buying season goes, and if mortgage rates fall, which would bring more home buyers and competition back in the market.”

Spring is traditionally the busiest season for home buying, especially in areas like Calabasas and Oak Park, where families aim to move before the next school year. More buyer demand means a better chance to sell your home at a competitive price.

Plus, while mortgage rates haven’t dropped significantly, they have come down slightly, and buyers are already becoming more active. If you’re thinking about selling, now is the time to take advantage of this renewed interest.

What to Do Differently This Time

If you withdrew your listing last year, this is your opportunity to reassess your approach and come back stronger. Here’s how to boost your chances of a successful sale:

1. Check Your Listing Agreement

Before relisting, check the status of your contract. If your listing hasn’t expired, reconnect with your agent to explore new strategies. If it has expired, consider partnering with an experienced local real estate professional who understands the Conejo Valley market.

2. Evaluate Your Pricing Strategy

Was your home priced too high? Buyers may have overlooked your listing if it wasn’t competitive. Your agent can analyze recent sales in Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, and nearby neighborhoods to help you set the right price. Pricing correctly can attract multiple offers, increasing your chances of a quick sale.

3. Improve Your Home’s Presentation

• Was your home staged to highlight its best features?

• Did you invest in high-quality professional photography?

• Would fresh spring listing photos make your home stand out?

Small updates—like new photos, fresh landscaping, or minor repairs—can make a big difference in attracting buyers.

4. Be Open to Buyer Incentives

With more homes expected to hit the market, offering concessions (such as covering closing costs or offering a home warranty) can make your listing more attractive.

5. Maximize Showings and Flexibility

Could limited showing availability have hurt your sale? The more accessible your home is for buyers, the more likely you are to receive offers. Making showings easy and accommodating can significantly improve your chances.

The Bottom Line

If your home didn’t sell last year, spring presents a fresh opportunity to reenter the market with a strong plan. Buyer activity is rising in Conejo Valley, and now is the time to take advantage of it.

Thinking about relisting? Let’s talk about your options and craft a strategy to get your home sold this time around.