Selling a house in California: Dos and Don'ts

Step up your home-selling game with our top tips for getting your house ready for The Golden State market.

Do…

Call in the
Experts

So, you're ready to sell! Start by finding the right REALTOR® to help you navigate the fast-moving California market. You want someone who knows what's happening in your community and what buyers are looking for in your area. Ease the entire process by starting with a California REALTOR®, who will talk you through the typical home-selling timeline, get your house ready for the market, help set the right listing price and most importantly, tackle all that necessary, but oh-not-so-fun paperwork.

Need help with your sale? Find a California REALTOR®

Don't

List Without Improvements

For a quicker sale and higher offers, make sure to prep your house for the market. Walk through your home with your REALTOR® to see what needs to be done. He or she will tell you the smartest repairs and/or updates that'll give you the most return on investment. And where not to waste your money!

CURB APPEAL

Tip 1

Curb Appeal is Everything

Wowing potential buyers from the moment they drive up means a lot in the home-selling world. Whether you need to lay sod, paint your front door or plant new flowers, let your home's curb appeal make a lasting first impression.

MINIMIZE

Tip 2

Minimize, minimize, minimize

Clear your home of clutter, from the entryway to the bathrooms. You want a home that looks spacious and organized to draw the buyer in. And don't forget to work on all those storage spots – the garage, sheds, utility closets – buyers will look in every cranny of your home.

UPDATES

Tip 3

Be Smart With Updates

Now is not the time for a major home renovation (mainly because it'd be hard to recoup your investment), but it is the time to deal with any repairs you've been putting off. Plus, look for smaller ways to make sure your house is in the current style – a fresh coat of paint, new cabinet hardware or updated light fixtures.

Do…

Set the Right
Price

Too high and you miss out on potential buyers; too low and you miss out on $$$. Your REALTOR®, using his or her knowledge of your area, will show you a Competitive Market Analysis, which will help you figure out exactly the right price to list your home. Right now, California inventory is low, making it a seller's market.

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Multiple offers?

Your Realtor® will advise you on what to accept, what to reject and what to counter.

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Do…

Stage Your Home

Don't miss this opportunity to ensure a faster sale and potentially more money. Simple, no-fuss style, neutral furnishings and minimal accessories and photos set the stage so buyers can imagine your home as their own. Style each room so it has a role in the house and clear out closets so they look roomy and streamlined. Finally, clean until your house sparkles (and continue to do so throughout showings), including getting rugs and carpets professionally cleaned. Some REALTORS® offer staging services, so be sure to ask your REALTOR® if they provide this to their sellers.

Don't

Forget to
Market

Better photos instantly create more interest from buyers. Look for a professional photographer who specializes in interiors and will know how to get the right angles to make your home look its absolute best. Your REALTOR® will then work to get your house in front of as many buyers as possible, listing your home on the Multiple Listing Service, with online websites, social media, and their network.

Whether you're ready to upgrade your home, discover a different city or move closer to your new job, there is a California REALTOR® ready to make your home-selling (and then buying again) dreams a reality.