Selling in Cambria? Here's What Buyers Want

Cambria Real Estate Market Report: December 2024 – What Sellers Need to Know

The Cambria real estate market continues to show strong demand, with homes selling at a wide range of prices per square foot ($430 to $1,616) and many properties closing in under 30 days. However, buyers are negotiating harder than ever, and understanding current trends can help sellers maximize their returns.

If you're thinking of selling in Cambria, here’s what you need to know about pricing, buyer behavior, and the strategies that can help you sell faster and for more money.

How the Cambria Market Performed in December 2024

• Price Per Square Foot: Ranges from $430 to $1,616, depending on location, home condition, and ocean views.

• Days on Market (DOM): Most properties sold in under 30 days, showing strong buyer demand.

• Negotiations & Concessions: Many sales included price reductions or seller-paid concessions, with discounts ranging from $11,625 to $166,000.

• Cash Buyers Are Dominating: Several high-end properties sold for cash, making all-cash offers highly competitive.

• Vacation Rental Potential Matters: Homes with a successful rental history sold faster, attracting investor interest.

Seller Insights: What You Can Learn From Recent Sales

1. Pricing It Right Leads to Faster Sales

Sellers who priced competitively from the start sold their homes quickly and often at or above asking price. For example:

• 345 Ivar St. listed at $1,295,000 and closed at $1,305,000, slightly above the list price.

• 2279 Pineridge Dr. had unique craftsmanship and sold for $970,000—$75,000 over asking.

On the other hand, overpriced homes saw major concessions:

• 2043 Sherwood Dr. started at $3.5M and closed at $3.3M, after a $166,000 concession.

• 1325 Norton Ln. originally listed for $799,000 but sold for $760,000.

💡 Tip for Sellers: Price it correctly from the start to avoid long market times and price reductions later.

2. Move-In-Ready Homes Attract the Best Offers

Buyers are prioritizing well-maintained, updated homes and are willing to pay more for properties that don’t need immediate renovations. Homes with modern kitchens, new flooring, and curb appeal sold faster and with fewer concessions.

Examples:

• 513 Canterbury Ln. was a charming, well-updated home and closed quickly near its asking price of $907,500.

• 2279 Pineridge Dr. had custom craftsmanship and sold over asking price.

• Meanwhile, 730 Huntington Rd., which needed work, was listed at $495,000 but closed at $465,000.

💡 Tip for Sellers: Make small updates before listing, especially in kitchens and bathrooms, to attract more buyers.

3. Buyer Negotiation Tactics Are Getting More Aggressive

Buyers are pushing for price reductions and repair credits more than in previous months. Many deals included concessions for closing costs, repairs, or buyer incentives:

• 2043 Sherwood Dr. (oceanfront home) required a $166,000 price drop to close.

• 2525 Pineridge Dr. had $16,862 in concessions.

• Even in mid-range homes, buyers negotiated repairs or credits of $20,000+.

💡 Tip for Sellers: Be prepared for negotiations. If your home needs updates, consider offering credits upfront instead of waiting for buyers to demand them during escrow.

4. Ocean View & Vacation Rental Homes Are Selling Quickly

Homes with ocean views or vacation rental potential are highly desirable. Investors are actively looking for properties that can generate rental income.

• 513 Canterbury Ln. was marketed as a vacation rental and sold near its asking price of $907,500.

• 345 Ivar St., located in Marine Terrace with ocean proximity, sold in just 9 days.

💡 Tip for Sellers: If your home has a vacation rental history, highlight that in your listing to attract investors.

5. The Ultra-Luxury Market Requires Patience

High-end homes are still selling, but they take longer and often require deep discounts. For example:

• Moonstone Ranch Estate, a 78-acre luxury compound, was originally listed for $28M but sold for $17.2M after nearly six months on the market.

• 2043 Sherwood Dr., an oceanfront home, had to drop from $3.5M to $3.3M.

💡 Tip for Luxury Sellers: Expect longer market times and be flexible on price to attract serious buyers.

Key Takeaways for Sellers in Cambria

If you're planning to sell in Cambria, here’s how to position your home for a successful sale:

✅ Price it competitively—Overpricing leads to longer days on market and more concessions.

✅ Highlight move-in-ready features—Buyers prefer homes that need minimal updates.

✅ Prepare for negotiations—Buyers are negotiating closing costs and repair credits aggressively.

✅ Emphasize rental income potential—Homes that can function as vacation rentals are selling faster.

✅ Be flexible on luxury pricing—High-end properties require longer market times and deeper price cuts.

The Cambria real estate market is strong, but strategic selling is key. If you’re thinking about selling, working with a knowledgeable agent who understands market trends and buyer expectations can help you get top dollar for your home.

💬 Thinking of selling in Cambria? Let’s discuss your home’s value and create a winning strategy.