If you live outside of California and own property here, you might be asking:
Is it possible to sell my house in California without actually being in the state
The short answer is yes
The better answer is yes, and it’s easier than you probly think
Thanks to tools like remote notaries, e-signatures, and flat fee MLS listing platforms like ListLean, you can sell your California home from wherever you are—without flying in or hiring a full commission agent.
Let’s walk through how it actually works and what to look out for.
Why Someone Would Sell Remotely
Remote selling isn’t just for big investors. It’s actually pretty common, especially for:
- People who moved out of California but still own property here
- Landlords selling a rental while living in another state
- Heirs selling an inherited home
- Military or corporate relocation
- Owners wanting to avoid costly travel
In all these cases, there’s no rule saying you have to be physically in California to sell. You just need to know how to handle the process smartly.
Can You Legally Sell Without Being in California
Yes. California law does not require the seller to be present.
All you need is:
- Legal ownership of the property
- Signed seller disclosures
- A signed contract with a buyer
- Ability to complete paperwork remotely
Everything else—MLS listing, photos, showing the home, signing documents—can be done from your laptop or phone.
Here’s How Remote Selling Works Step by Step
Step 1: Prep the Property for Listing
Even if you’re not in town, you can:
- Hire a local photographer (or ask a neighbor)
- Coordinate cleaners or repairs remotely
- Use a combo lockbox for agent or buyer access
We’ve seen sellers manage it all through a property manager or family member too.
Step 2: List the Home on the MLS
You don’t need a full-service agent for this anymore.
At ListLean, you can list your property on the MLS for a small flat fee and reach thousands of buyers via:
- Zillow
- Redfin
- Realtor.com
- Local brokerage websites
We’re a licensed CA broker, so we input the listing legally, you stay in control of everything else.
Step 3: Disclosures and Offers
California is heavy on paperwork, but it’s all e-signable.
We’ll send you the required seller disclosure forms
Once a buyer makes an offer, you’ll recieve it by email, review terms, and e-sign if you accept.
Step 4: Escrow and Closing
Once you’re in escrow:
- Escrow officers coordinate all the legal docs
- A mobile notary comes to you, wherever you are
- Funds are wired
- Title is transferred, all without you flying in
That’s it. You can close from your couch in another state or even another country.
Real Example: Joe in Florida
Joe inherited his aunt’s house in Riverside.
He lives in Tampa and didn’t want to deal with a California agent or book a flight.
He used ListLean to list the home on the MLS, got multiple offers in 10 days, used a mobile notary in Florida to sign everything, and closed in under a month.
Saved over $15,000 in commission, didn’t leave the state once.
What About Showings and Open Houses
You don’t have to host open houses or meet buyers in person.
You can:
- Ask a neighbor, friend or tenant to let buyers in
- Hire a local showing agent (we can help)
- Use a lockbox for agent access
Buyers today are used to remote communication and virtual walk throughs. You’re not at a disadvantage.
Common Questions from Remote Sellers
What if I don’t have a printer or scanner
No worries. All our documents are e-signable. You just need a phone or computer.
Do I need to hire an attorney
Not in most cases. Escrow and title handle all the closing legalities in California.
Do I have to pay a buyer’s agent
It’s optional. Most sellers still offer 2 percent to attract more buyer traffic, but you choose.
What if I need help with the paperwork
We offer broker support and transaction coordination add ons if you want help navigating escrow.
Why Remote Sellers Use ListLean
- No 5 to 6 percent listing commission
- Full MLS exposure
- Simple flat fee, one-time cost
- You keep control of pricing, terms, and communication
- You save money and time
You don’t need to be here. You just need the right tools and team.
Final Thoughts
Selling a house in California while living out of state is not only possible, it’s becoming common.
Whether it’s an inherited home, investment property, or a past residence, you can handle the whole sale remotely—with confidence.
ListLean gives you the tools to get your listing on the MLS, manage your sale, and close the deal—all without ever getting on a plane.
Ready to sell from wherever you are
👉 Explore pricing or learn how ListLean works
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