Are you wondering how to sell your Stockton house? As a local real estate investor and general contractor who’s been buying and selling properties in Stockton for over a decade, I’ve seen firsthand how our market has evolved.
I’m Peter Westbrook, and I want to help you understand your options for selling your Stockton home in today’s changing market.
Understanding Today’s Stockton Real Estate Market
The Stockton real estate market isn’t what it used to be. I was born and raised right here in the Central Valley, and I’ve seen how things have changed. Gone are the days when you could simply list your house and expect it to sell within 30 days.
Today’s market requires a more strategic approach, with typical selling timelines extending to 90 days or more. As someone who’s actively buying and selling properties in Stockton every month, I’ve noticed this shift firsthand.
Your Three Options for Selling Your Stockton House
1. Working with a Real Estate Agent

The traditional route of selling through a real estate agent might be right for you if:
- Your house is in excellent condition
- You have time to wait for the right buyer
- You can afford to make necessary repairs and updates
- You’re comfortable paying around 6% in commission fees
However, be prepared for a process that typically takes 3-6 months and includes:
- Multiple home inspections
- Potential repair negotiations
- Appraisal contingencies
- Financing delays (remember, about 25% of traditional sales fall through due to financing issues)
2. Selling By Owner (FSBO)

With today’s technology, selling your house yourself is more feasible than ever. This option might work if:
- You’re comfortable marketing your property
- You have time to show the house to potential buyers
- You’re willing to handle negotiations and paperwork
- You want to save on agent commissions
Keep in mind that FSBO sales typically take just as long as agent listings (3-12 months) and require significant time investment on your part.
3. Selling to a Cash Buyer
As a cash home buyer in Stockton, I can tell you that this is often the fastest and most straightforward option. It’s particularly suitable if:
- You need to sell quickly
- Your house needs major repairs
- You want to avoid showing your house to countless strangers
- You’re facing foreclosure or other time-sensitive situations
A cash sale typically closes in 7-30 days, with no repairs needed and no commissions or closing costs to pay.
But don’t take it from me. Here’s a story from a local Stockton homeowner I recently helped:
Making the Right Choice for Your Situation
Your best option depends entirely on your specific circumstances. Ask yourself:
- How quickly do you need to sell?
- What’s the condition of your house?
- Can you afford to make repairs?
- Do you have time to deal with showings and negotiations?
- Are you facing any pressing financial deadlines?
Get a No-Obligation Cash Offer
If you’re interested in exploring the cash buyer option, I’m here to help.
While I can’t promise to buy every house sight unseen, I can guarantee a fair, no-obligation cash offer that often exceeds what you might net through traditional selling methods after accounting for repairs, commissions, and holding costs.
Ready to Learn More?
Call me directly at (209) 481-7780. I buy houses throughout Stockton and surrounding areas including Lodi, Manteca, Modesto, and Sacramento.
Even if you decide not to sell to me, I’m happy to discuss your options and help you make an informed decision about selling your Stockton home.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in real estate. What matters is finding the right approach for your specific situation, and I’m here to help you do exactly that.
About the Author: Peter Westbrook is a local real estate investor and general contractor in Stockton, California, with over a decade of experience buying and selling properties. He specializes in providing fast, fair cash offers to homeowners who need to sell quickly.