Sell Your Silicon Valley Home for Maximum Value
Strategic preparation, precision pricing, and expert negotiation. Lisa M. Lum has guided over 140 transactions to successful closings across the Peninsula.
Four steps to a successful sale
Showcase What's Great
Every home has a story. We identify the features that resonate most with today's buyers -- whether it's a sun-drenched backyard, a remodeled chef's kitchen, or proximity to top-rated Peninsula schools. Professional photography, twilight shoots, virtual tours, and cinematic video bring your home's best qualities to life before a single showing.
Invest Where It Counts
Not every improvement delivers a return. Through my Concierge Service, I assess your home with a contractor's eye and a marketer's instinct. We focus on high-ROI updates -- fresh interior paint, modern light fixtures, landscaping refresh, and minor kitchen or bath improvements -- that typically return 2-3x the investment in Silicon Valley's competitive market.
Attract Qualified Buyers
Exposure wins offers. Your home is marketed across the MLS, Zillow, Realtor.com, social media, targeted digital campaigns, and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury network. I host strategic open houses and broker tours, generating urgency and competition from the widest possible audience of qualified buyers.
Expert Negotiation
When offers arrive, experience becomes your greatest asset. I analyze each offer beyond price -- evaluating contingencies, financing strength, timelines, and buyer motivation. In multiple-offer scenarios, I structure counteroffers and best-and-final rounds to drive maximum value while keeping the transaction on track to close.
Everything you need, handled
From initial valuation to closing day, every detail is managed with precision and care.
Free Home Valuation
Receive a comprehensive market analysis using recent comparable sales, current inventory, and neighborhood trends. Understand exactly where your home sits in today's market before making any decisions.
Request YoursProfessional Staging
Staged homes in Silicon Valley sell faster and for more. I coordinate with top staging firms to transform your space -- expect to invest $3,000 to $7,500 depending on home size, with a typical return of 3-5x in final sale price.
Learn MoreCurb Appeal & Preparation
First impressions close deals. From fresh exterior paint and updated landscaping to power-washed driveways and new house numbers, we ensure buyers feel the pull from the moment they arrive. My prep checklist covers every detail.
View ChecklistStrategic Pricing
Pricing is both art and science. I study hyperlocal data -- your specific street, lot size, school district, and micro-neighborhood -- to set a price that generates maximum interest and competition in the critical first two weeks on market.
Pricing GuidePre-Sale Inspections
In Silicon Valley, savvy sellers order inspections before listing. A pre-sale pest, roof, and general inspection removes surprises, builds buyer confidence, and puts you in control of the narrative. I coordinate the entire process.
Cost DetailsImprovements That Pay Off
Through my Concierge Service, I connect you with vetted contractors for strategic upgrades -- kitchen refreshes, bathroom updates, smart-home additions, and EV charger installations that today's Peninsula buyers expect and reward.
Concierge ServiceWhy sellers choose Lisa
Deep Market Expertise
With 140+ transactions and $550M+ in sales across the Peninsula, I know the nuances of every neighborhood -- from Atherton estates to Menlo Park cottages. This hyperlocal knowledge translates directly into accurate pricing, targeted marketing, and stronger offers for your home.
Concierge-Level Service
Selling a home involves dozens of moving pieces. I manage them all: contractor coordination, staging, photography, inspections, disclosures, marketing, showings, and negotiations. You receive a single point of contact who handles every detail with the care it deserves.
Results-Driven Approach
My listings consistently sell at or above asking price because of disciplined preparation and aggressive marketing. I invest in professional photography, drone footage, virtual tours, targeted social campaigns, and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury network to ensure your home reaches the right buyers.
Multilingual Reach
Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Japanese, I connect your home to Silicon Valley's diverse buyer pool -- including international buyers relocating for tech opportunities who often represent the most motivated and qualified segment of the market.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost to sell a home in Silicon Valley?
Typical seller costs include broker commission, staging ($3,000-$7,500), pre-sale inspections ($1,000-$2,000), property preparation and repairs (varies), transfer tax, and title/escrow fees. On a $2.5M Peninsula home, total seller costs generally range from 6-8% of the sale price. I provide a detailed net sheet estimate before you list so there are no surprises.
How much does staging cost, and is it worth it?
Professional staging in Silicon Valley typically costs $3,000 to $7,500 for an initial setup plus a monthly rental fee. For most Peninsula homes, this investment returns 3-5x in higher sale price. Staged homes sell faster and photograph dramatically better, which drives more online interest, more showings, and ultimately more competitive offers.
What is the transfer tax in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County's documentary transfer tax is $1.10 per $1,000 of sale price. On a $2.5M home, that's $2,750. Some cities impose an additional transfer tax -- for example, San Mateo city adds $0.55 per $1,000. Santa Clara County cities have their own rates; Palo Alto charges $3.30 per $1,000. I calculate the exact amount for your specific property and city in your net sheet.
Should I do repairs before listing?
In most cases, yes. Pre-sale repairs and inspections remove negotiation leverage from buyers and demonstrate transparency. Focus on structural issues, deferred maintenance, and cosmetic updates with high ROI. Through my Concierge Service, I help prioritize which repairs deliver the best return and which to leave for the buyer.
How long does it take to sell a home on the Peninsula?
Well-priced homes in desirable Peninsula neighborhoods typically receive offers within 7-14 days of listing. The full timeline from preparation to closing runs 60-90 days: 2-4 weeks of preparation and staging, 1-2 weeks on market, and 30 days to close escrow. I create a custom timeline for your property based on current market conditions.
Ready to sell your home?
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