When Is the Best Time to Sell a TIC Unit in LA?

Timing Is Everything—Especially with TICs

Selling a home is always about strategy—but for Tenants in Common (TIC) units, the timing of your sale can be even more critical. Whether you're the sole owner of your TIC share or selling both units after a conversion, knowing when to list your property in Los Angeles can impact:

• How fast you sell

• What kind of buyers you attract

• How much you net at closing

In this blog, we explore the seasonality, market trends, buyer behavior, and TIC-specific considerations that affect your listing success. If you're planning to sell your TIC unit, this guide will help you choose the best moment to go live with confidence.

TIC Units Require More Buyer Education—So Timing Really Matters

Unlike traditional condos or single-family homes, TICs often require buyers to:

• Understand a less familiar ownership model

• Secure fractional financing

• Review legal agreements with their lender or attorney

Because of this, marketing and escrow often take longer—and your ideal buyer may need more time to process the decision. That’s why choosing a market window with high engagement and fewer obstacles is key.

Best Seasons to Sell a TIC in Los Angeles

Spring (March–May)

Best Overall Window for TIC Sales

Spring is traditionally the busiest season for real estate in LA, and TIC units benefit from:

• High buyer activity

• Beautiful weather for showings and open houses

• Buyers eager to close before summer relocations or school changes

Why It Works for TICs: Buyers have more time to explore non-traditional options, and lenders are at full staffing to process fractional loans.

Ideal Listing Month: Late March to mid-April

Summer (June–August)

Great for Lifestyle-Oriented TICs

While some buyers take vacations in summer, others—especially first-time buyers—actively look while school is out or during job transitions.

Why It Works: Lifestyle buyers may be more flexible with move-in timelines, which is helpful if your TIC needs a longer escrow or legal prep.

Caution: High temperatures can reduce attendance at open houses, and family-focused buyers may be less active late summer.

Fall (September–November)

Mixed Results for TIC Sellers

Fall can be a solid secondary window, especially in early September and October. However, as the holidays approach:

• Buyer urgency tends to drop

• Escrow officers and attorneys take more time off

• Lenders may slow down, which can affect TIC-specific closings

When It Works: If your unit is priced competitively or in a desirable neighborhood like Silver Lake, Echo Park, or Los Feliz.

Winter (December–February)

Not Ideal for TIC Sales

The holiday season and year-end financial cycles often mean:

• Fewer active buyers

• Distracted or unavailable agents/lenders

• Less time for buyers to learn about TICs

Exception: A well-staged, affordably priced TIC in a walkable neighborhood may still attract motivated buyers during this “off-market” time—but it's more effort for less reach.

Market Conditions That Also Influence TIC Sales

1. Interest Rate Trends

TIC buyers often rely on specialized fractional loans, which may carry slightly higher rates than traditional mortgages. When rates spike, these loans can become less attractive.

Pro Tip: Watch for rate stability or reductions—this is when buyer confidence returns, especially for TICs.

2. Local Inventory in Your Neighborhood

If there are few comparable properties (e.g., small condos or single-family homes under $1.5M), your TIC unit stands out.

Hot Zones for Low Inventory TIC Sales:

• Los Feliz

• Silver Lake

• Highland Park

• Venice

• Echo Park

3. Legislative or Lending Changes

Changes to rent control laws, fractional lending programs, or TIC-friendly zoning policies can influence when to list.

Stay connected with:

• Your TIC attorney

• A TIC-savvy lender

• Your listing agent (🙋‍♀️ Hollywood Estates has your back!)

Signs You're Ready to List Your TIC Unit

• Your TIC agreement is up-to-date and lender-reviewed

• You’ve confirmed eligibility for fractional financing

• Your unit has been professionally cleaned and staged

• You’ve identified the ideal season for your target buyer

• You have a marketing plan in place that educates as much as it sells

Additional Tips to Maximize TIC Sale Timing

• Pre-market your listing with “coming soon” teasers during buyer-heavy seasons

• Offer a TIC buyer guide or FAQ to reduce hesitation

• Coordinate with your co-owners (if applicable) to avoid overlapping listings or open houses

Lock in your escrow, lending, and legal team before going live

OLIVER THORNTON
CO-CEO AND R.E AGENT | HOLLYWOOD ESTATES
PARTNER | THORNTON DEVELOPMENT GROUP

310.704.1794
[email protected]
DRE# 01969227