Selling in the Future? It's Not Too Early to Make a Plan

If you know you want to sell your home but aren't planning to move for another six, eight, or even twelve months, when should you talk with a real estate agent?

Maria's experience selling her Fairfield condo is a great example of why that first conversation can happen much earlier than many homeowners realize.

She first met with Sidra Perez and Anne Kennedy from EO&A at the end of October 2025. Her goal was clear: she wanted to continue living in her condo through the end of June 2026.

Rather than waiting until spring to start thinking about the sale, that early consultation gave everyone an opportunity to understand Maria's timeline and begin planning around it.

From an October Consultation to a Summer Closing

As 2026 began, some of the details surrounding Maria's plans evolved, so she met with Sidra and Anne again in February.

The important thing was that her larger goal remained possible: Maria could stay in her condo through the end of June.

During the February meeting, they determined what needed to be done to prepare the property for sale and created a plan for bringing it to market.

The condo was listed at the end of April. Maria remained in her home through June as planned, and the sale closed at the end of July.

Afterward, she shared:

“From the start, Sidra and Anne were clearly and genuinely committed in helping make the whole process of selling my condo as smooth and stress free as possible. They were always ready to answer my questions and clarify anything I was unclear about. Thank you for all your help!” — Maria

Why Talking to a Realtor Early Can Help

Maria didn't contact EO&A in October because she was ready to list her condo.

She contacted us because she knew where she wanted to be months down the road.

That distinction makes this story particularly useful for homeowners who know a move is coming but aren't ready to make it yet.

Meeting with a real estate agent early can give you time to understand:

• What may need to be done before your home is listed
• Which projects are worth considering—and which may not be
• How your desired move-out date could affect the listing timeline
• What to expect from the selling process
• When preparations need to begin

Most importantly, it gives you time.

Instead of trying to make every decision immediately before listing, you can work backward from the outcome you want.

A Selling Strategy Should Work Around Your Life

A homeowner's timeline doesn't always fit neatly around a real estate transaction.

Maybe you want your children to finish the school year. Maybe you're waiting for retirement, a job change, or another home to become available. Or, like Maria, you simply know when you want to remain in your current home until.

Those details should be part of the real estate strategy from the beginning.

Maria's Fairfield condo went on the market at the end of April, but that didn't mean she had to move out immediately. The plan allowed her to remain in the condo through June before the transaction closed at the end of July.

That's a much better example of what thoughtful planning can accomplish than simply focusing on how quickly a property sells.

Frequently Asked Questions About Selling a Condo in Fairfield

Can I plan the sale of my Fairfield condo around my move-out date?

Yes. Your desired move-out date should be part of the selling strategy from the beginning. Maria wanted to remain in her Fairfield condo through the end of June, and planning ahead allowed the sale timeline to work around that goal.

What should I do before listing a condo for sale in Fairfield?

The right preparation depends on the condo, its condition, your goals, and the current market. A seller consultation can help identify which projects or preparations may be worthwhile and which may not be necessary.

How far in advance should I talk to a Realtor before selling my Fairfield condo?

There’s no requirement to wait until you’re ready to list. Maria first met with EO&A at the end of October, approximately six months before her condo went on the market. Starting early gave her time to plan the sale around her goal of remaining in the condo through the end of June.

Is selling a condo different from selling a house?

It can be. Condo sales may include HOA documents, community information, fees, rules, and other considerations in addition to the disclosures and transaction steps involved in selling other types of residential property. Your agent can explain which requirements apply to your specific sale.

How long does it take to sell a condo in Fairfield?

There isn’t one timeline that applies to every Fairfield condo. Property condition, pricing, buyer demand, financing, HOA considerations, and current market conditions can all affect the process. Maria listed her condo at the end of April and closed at the end of July, but another seller’s experience may be different.

Thinking About Selling Your Fairfield Condo?

You don't need to know exactly when you're moving before you start planning.

If you're considering selling a condo or home in Fairfield, Vacaville, Benicia, or elsewhere in Solano County, an early conversation can help you understand what needs to happen now, what can wait, and what your options might look like.

And if your plans change along the way, that's okay too.

EO&A can help you adjust the strategy and move forward when the timing is right for you.

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EO&A Team



Elizabeth, Anne, Ian, Ksenia, Cliff, Annie, Mike, Nina, Sidra, Karen, Annie, Elizabeth, Steven, Gladys, Venus, Najat, Courtney, and Anú


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