1. Valuation from real comparables
Burlingame values vary sharply by neighborhood, lot, and condition, and single-family sales in any one neighborhood are few. A credible valuation uses closed single-family sales from the same part of the city, adjusted for lot size and usability, condition, square footage, school assignment, and noise exposure. Thomas provides a written analysis showing each comparable and adjustment.
2. For long-time owners
Many Burlingame sellers have owned for decades. Before listing, get advice on:
- Capital gains and the limits of the primary-residence exclusion.
- Proposition 19, which can allow eligible owners (for example, those 55 and older) to transfer their property-tax base to a replacement home. See the State Board of Equalization.
- Trust and estate questions if the property is held in a trust or inherited.
3. Prepare the house and the paperwork
- Pre-sale inspections: general, pest, roof, and sewer lateral.
- Point-of-sale requirements: ask the City of Burlingame early about any requirements that apply at sale (for example, sewer-lateral rules) so they don’t delay closing.
- Permit history: gather records for additions and major work.
- Trees: if buyers will want to know about protected trees or arborist reports, have them ready.
- Presentation: landscaping, paint, lighting, and staging, focused on how buyers will use the house and yard.
Thomas’s perspective · opinion
For older Burlingame houses I often recommend presenting two stories at once: the house as a comfortable home today, and the lot and location as the long-term value. Some buyers will renovate; some will rebuild. Marketing should speak to both without overstating what the city would approve.
4. Pricing and launch
Whether to list near expected value or set an offer date with a lower list price depends on current inventory, competing listings, and how unusual the property is. Check the Burlingame market report for current single-family data before deciding.
5. Seller costs
- San Mateo County documentary transfer tax (customarily seller-paid; negotiable). Your escrow officer can confirm the exact transfer taxes for the property.
- Brokerage compensation, set by written agreement and negotiable.
- Owner’s title policy and share of escrow fees, per contract and local custom.
- Pre-sale inspections, repairs, and staging.
Sources & where to verify