Prerparing For Sale

Home sellers in Laguna Beach often get too caught up in the selling process that the home itself gets ignored. But remember, paperwork alone doesn't make a good home. Buyers want Laguna Beach homes that are well-kept, nice to look at and a pleasure to live in. In today's competitive market, tiny details can make all the difference between a failed and successful sale.

Part of your agent's job is to help you prepare your home for sale. LagunaOC.com knows what buyers are looking for, and we can help you make all the adjustments to get your home ready for showing. Get started by looking at your home from both the outside and the inside.

Preparing the Exterior

From the well-kept lawns and shiny exteriors, you'll notice that curb appeal has a heavy bearing on Laguna Beach real estate. The way your home looks from the street determines whether or not you can get buyers through your front door. A used-looking home may not even get a second glance, much less a look at the interior. Your agent can give you unbiased advice on what needs to be changed or improved.

If you have a lawn, patio or backyard, make sure it's neatly edged and the plants are regularly watered. Keep the hedges and flower beds trimmed. Check the driveway and walkway for any cracks, and patch them up if necessary. Have a professional check the exterior fixtures such as chimneys and roofing. Clear the area of any junk or clutter-you may want to rent a storage facility for old items that are best kept out of view.

Preparing the Interior

The exterior shows buyers how your home measures up against other Laguna Beach homes. The interior, on the other hand, gives them an idea how it is to actually live in it. You want them to imagine it as their own personal space and see that it's a nice place to live. They probably won't see it the way you do-while you have your favorite spots and views, they may pay more attention to the paint job and the cracks on the floor.

Again, get rid of the clutter-it frees up a surprising amount of space and makes the space look a lot bigger. This may be a good time to hold a garage sale. While it's on the market, do a general cleaning every other week so the dirt and dust don't build up. Check for leaky pipes, faulty wiring and flaws on other major systems. Repaint the rooms a neutral color. Look for little details you can change up, such as cabinet handles and floor moldings.

Budgeting

Many sellers turn to staging professionals and designers to glam up their home for showing. But this often costs a good deal of money, and while it can pay off, there are often more practical ways around it. Your LagunaOC.com agent can give you a realistic opinion of what buyers expect. Often, the changes that matter don't even have to cost a dime.

Once you know which improvements you need, work with your agent to set a home preparation budget. Match it up with your expected sale price, and decide how much you should spend to make it worth the added value.