Secrets for First-Time Home Sellers

If you blinked, you missed it. That’s how fast the Laguna Beach Real Estate market changed in the last few years. New rules, new faces, new realities. A time traveler from ’07 would hardly recognize the territory.

Nobody is feeling the drastic transformation more than you first time home sellers. Like it or not, you’ve been forced to remove your crown. In the market-sluggish year of 2011, the buyer is king of the hill, especially those with deep pockets and deep credit.

Does this mean you first-timers are completely at the mercy of the market? Definitely not. In fact, I’m about to reveal seven amazing secrets proven to send a home’s sales appeal soaring -- even in today’s anemic market. If this is your first go at selling your Laguna Beach home or any other property, pay close attention. It could mean the difference between a timely sale and an eternity of waiting.

1. Price Competitively – Buyers are looking for the deal they can’t refuse. So give your Laguna Beach home the sweet aroma of a competitive price right from the get go. You’ll have to do some digging to find out what numbers are enticing buyers to comparable homes in your community. But it’ll be worth it. Unless you prefer long waits.
2. Get Ready to Part With Some Green – You and your friendly appraiser think your Laguna Beach home is worth such and such. But buyers are thinking a figure somewhere south. Depending on what you shelled out for your property, there’s a chance you’ll be selling at a loss. Sure, it’s a tough pill to swallow. But it’ll get some sugar coating when your home flies off the shelf.
3. Connect With Your Target Market – Modern buyers shop the modern way. And that means starring roles for smarphones and websites. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to provide property info via quick response bar codes accessed through smartphones. You’ll also get plenty of marketing mileage out of photo and video tours featured on the websites listing your home.
4. But Wait There’s More – Got a few large items you don’t want lug along?  Throw in that mega wide screen TV, bulky billiard table, or rambunctious pet llama as an added bonus. Perks like this often can tip the scales in your favor – and sometimes nudge the sales price up.
5. De-Clutter – Buyers are more likely to snap up a clean, spacious home. Therefore, you’ll want to de-clutter your house – mercilessly. Clear those countertops, move unneeded furniture to the nearest storage facility, get rid of leftovers. But don’t go overboard with the evacuation. Remember, you’re selling a home, not a cave.
6. Make It Ready to Go – Aside from exorbitant pricing, nothing drives buyers away like a home screaming for repairs. So exert yourself. Fix that leaky faucet, mend the broken fence post, and trim the overgrown berry bush that’s now engulfing half of your backyard. Because buyers sure don’t want to. That’s a guarantee. 
7. Upgrade Smart – When it comes to converting hunters into buyers, the two most effective home improvements are new carpeting and fresh paint, both of which have a powerful effect on a person’s olfactory senses. Transforming your kitchen into a designer showplace won’t have half the impact as the springtime fragrance of new, cushy carpeting and lovingly painted walls. So go for the nose.

If you’re selling your Laguna Beach home for the first time, these seven secrets are indispensible. Naturally, you’re more than welcome to contact me for any additional info. As an experienced professional well-acquainted with this prime beachfront community, I can answer all of your questions and help you discover the numerous opportunities the Laguna Beach Real Estate market has to offer.

Feel free to contact me at 949.922.8490 or hillary@thecoastalpropertyexperts.com.

Until next time, keep it classy, Laguna.

Regards,

Hillary Caston