7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell: Before you pay a home staging company to try to entice home buyers to purchase your house, and definitely before you spend thousands on home upgrades, it is important to understand you do not have to invest a fortune or a massive amount of time to prepare your home to sell, unless you want to go down that path and it should be on a case-by-case bases.
What are some of the best ways to prepare your home to sell that do not cost a fortune or demand a lot of time? Here are 7 easy ways to prepare your home to sell that will help you get the most out of your property, and potentially get it sold in multiple offers quickly.
7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell
#1 Clean Everything
Yes, you need to clean everything in your home! The importance of this step cannot be overstated or taken lightly. The carpets do not have to be replaced unless they have stains that will not come out or are thread bare, but they must be cleaned. Any areas where pets may have made a mess will definitely need to be steam cleaned. In addition, furniture should be vacuumed or covered up.
Put on your buyers hat and think of everywhere prospect buyers will be looking when you are looking for places to clean. At a minimum, the bedrooms, kitchen, and bathrooms need to be tidy and spotless. Also, ensure you eliminate cobwebs from under sinks and in closets, make certain that there are no toothpaste splashes on counters, mirrors, or in the sinks, and keep the trash cans empty.
Dust and dust again, and not just the obvious locations, though those should be dusted first. Dust the ceiling fan blades, on shelves and mantles, and all wood or metal furniture. It is also important the counters and sink be clear of dirty dishes as this can be a huge turnoff for some buyers who will be unable to look past the mess and see all the potential your property may have for them.
7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell
#2 Eliminate the odors
The scented plug-ins or incense could trigger an asthma attack, and in many cases buyers just do not like them, so put them away. If you have too many scented candles, or chemical sprays in the house, homebuyers may wonder what you are trying to cover up. The last thing you want is for their mind to wander and think you are hiding a mold or smoke issue.
Kitchen smells can be overbearing to some buyers so keep that in mind as you prepare meals. While you may enjoy the aroma of Indian or spicy Italian cooking, it could overpower some home visitors and turn them off.
7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell
#3 Avoid Home Character Issues
All those little marks and scuffs that give your house its unique character should be fixed if at all possible, because homebuyers may see it as damage. I always encourage my seller clients to repaint rooms as well as removing any dirt marks or fingerprints from the walls and doors. Even something as simple as a floorboard that creaks could put doubt in a buyer’s mind about the home’s structure.
It can be tough for some sellers, but the more you can de-personalize your home, the better able homebuyers will be able to imagine their things in the home. You do not have to put away all pictures, books and keepsakes, but the more you are able to store away the better (and it gives you a jump start for when the home sells and you need to move).
7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell
#4 Clear Out Clutter
The clutter needs to go! No piles of unopened bills on the counter, no heaps of toys in the corner, no shoe piles by the front door, and definitely no closets so full they give the appearance they are smaller than they actually are. Anything you can do to make your spot appear larger than it actually is will help interest more homebuyers.
If you have oversized furniture, it could be wise to remove it from the property before trying to sell. You want potential homebuyers to be able to visualize their items going into the home, not trying to navigate around your stuff.
7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell
#5 Let There Be Light
Dimly lit rooms often make the space look dingy and drab, even when it is not. Pull back the curtains and open the blinds to showcase the natural light your home may have (ensure you first clean the windows, screens, and blinds). If views are obstructed by privacy bushes, trim them back to improve the natural lighting. Buyers love natural light… don’t you?
Do not forget to replace burned out light bulbs throughout the home. It is also worth considering replacing darker drapes and bedding to give those rooms a lighter look which will make them look more spacious… Or you could hire a stager to help. I know a few that are terrific!
7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell
#6 Bring Nature Inside
Within reason, you might want to consider bringing nature indoors. This does not mean you have to go out and buy a bunch of new potted plants to scatter them around, but a few well-placed varieties can make your house feel homey and fresh. If you do have potted plants, make sure they are green and lively, not yellow or brown.
Another nice touch is having a bouquet of flowers in a nice vase on the living room table or a kitchen island to give the room an inviting look. And silk floral arrangements are not a suitable alternative… they suck.
7 Ways to Prepare Your Los Feliz House to Sell
#7 Tend to Nature Outside
When considering your home’s curb appeal, the first thing you should think of is how the house looks from the outside. Is the grass cut? Are the trees well maintained? Are the shrubs lively and a reasonable height or overgrown like a jungle scene? Are there weeds in the front yard? Does it look inviting to someone driving by? Rule of thumb… ask your neighbor what they think about your house. If you don’t like what you hear it’s time to get to work. I know an incredible gardner if you’d like a referral.
Conclusion
As you can see, getting your home ready to be put on the market and attract homebuyers does not have to cost you a fortune. With a little thoughtful planning and preparation, you can get your home listed, seen, and sold in a short amount of time, especially if you price the property according to current market conditions, and work with a savvy real estate professional like myself that has a very specific marketing strategy that’s proven and effective. It’s also wise to know a talented and local mortgage broker.
For more specific information on how to stage your home yourself, as well as proven methods for organizing and decluttering, give me a call and I’m happy to help.
Your Los Feliz Real Estate Agent
I’m a local real estate agent with The Shelhamer Real Estate Group, and It would be my pleasure to help you find the perfect property to call home in Los Feliz CA, or if you’re thinking about selling a house, condo, or multi-family building in Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Glassell Park, Mount Washington, or Downtown Los Angeles, it would be a privilege to help you get top dollar for the sale of your property.
Lets chat sometime. 310-913-9477 or contact me.
