6 Things That Can Trip You Up When Selling Your Home in Laguna Hills

Laguna Hills, California, is a unique and beautiful city in Orange County. The community is 20 minutes from Irvine and close to stunning natural areas like Crystal Cove State Park, Niguel Botanical Preserve, and Laguna Beach State Marine Reserve. Despite being in a large metropolitan area, it stands out from other cities with the small-town feel.

Selling a Laguna Hills home can be stressful, with so many tasks and potential outcomes. Avoiding common mistakes is one of the best ways to minimize that stress. Homeowners can fall into several pitfalls when selling their homes, such as overpricing the property or failing to stage it properly. By understanding these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, homeowners can maximize their chances of selling their homes quickly and at a desirable price. Here's what to avoid when listing your Laguna Hills home for sale:

When it comes to selling a home, many homeowners fail to take into account the various costs associated with the process. These expenses can add up quickly, whether it's commission fees for a real estate agent, closing costs, or staging and marketing the property. Failing to prepare for these additional expenses can lead to financial strain and a lower overall profit from the sale. Homeowners should consult with a trusted real estate agent to understand necessary costs and budget accordingly to ensure they are well-prepared to sell their Laguna Hills home.

Hiring the right realtor is crucial to the success of selling a home. One common mistake homeowners make is hiring a friend or family member who is a realtor rather than doing their due diligence and finding the right fit for their specific needs. A qualified and experienced realtor with knowledge of the local market and a successful sales portfolio can make a difference in getting a quick sale at a desirable price. Homeowners should do their research, read reviews and testimonials, and interview potential realtors before making a decision.

While online research or referrals can be an excellent starting point, it is important to interview potential realtors. Meeting in person can help you gauge the agent's personality and feel their level of professionalism. You can also ask about communication style, commission fees, selling strategies, marketing experience and tools, and support staff.

Another common mistake sellers make is choosing to sell independently without the assistance of a realtor. It can be tempting for homeowners looking to save on commission fees. However, consider the disadvantages of this approach, such as limited exposure to potential buyers and lack of access to professional marketing tools. Navigating the complexities of real estate transactions without a qualified agent can be stressful, time-consuming, and lead to costly mistakes. Sellers can weigh the potential savings against the risks to realize saving on commission fees is not worth the work, stress, and potentially lengthy sale experiences of selling independently.

When selling your home, it can be easy to get caught up in the process and forget an important step: preparing the house for potential buyers. Failing to do so can lead to limited interest from buyers and a lower selling price. Before listing your home, take time to assess its value and determine if it is comparable to other homes for sale in the area. You may find that your home is not competitive and requires upgrades and renovations to attract the right buyers for your desired price point. Preparing your home can include many different steps, such as a home appraisal, renovations, cleaning, staging, and enhancing curb appeal.

Many sellers incorrectly believe that staging is an unnecessary expense and that buyers will be able to see the potential of their home without high-end furniture and decor. However, staging can elevate your home and give potential buyers an idea of their future by showcasing the property's best features.

Real estate photography is also critical for attracting buyers. A listing without images or with low-quality images is quickly overlooked and can sit on the market much longer than listings with photos. Professional images are your home's first impression and can pique buyer interest, leading to in-person viewings and offers.

Although opening up your home to strangers can be intimidating and inconvenient, it is crucial to allow potential buyers to see your home and make connections. Limiting showings could create the impression that the seller is not truly motivated to sell or that there may be issues with the property that are being concealed. It also decreases the pool of potential buyers and can significantly delay the selling process. Sellers can ease their concerns and allow buyers to view their property by having their real estate agent vet serious buyers for private showings or exclusive open house events.

When it comes to setting the sale price for your home, it is important to avoid the mistake of being overly optimistic. While it can be tempting to aim for an above-market price, this can lead to a lack of interest from potential buyers and a longer time on the market. It is essential to work with your realtor to determine a realistic price that considers factors such as location, condition, and comparable homes in the area. If your property has been listed for an extended period without interest, it may be necessary to consider a price reduction to attract buyers.

Once you have listed your property, you may receive offers from potential buyers. Avoid focusing solely on the highest monetary offer, as it may not necessarily be your best option. Consider other factors, such as the buyer's financing, contingencies, and timelines. Ignoring offers that do not meet your monetary expectations without considering these factors could result in missed opportunities and a longer time on the market.

It is important to remember that offers can be negotiated, and a lower initial request does not necessarily mean the buyer is not serious about purchasing your home. Consider all offers carefully and work with your real estate agent to determine if negotiations can lead to a mutually beneficial agreement for both parties.

Carly Zamani is a Laguna Hills real estate agent providing expert guidance and top-tier services for buyers and sellers. Work with Carly to sell your Laguna Hills home and enjoy a seamless and professional experience.

_{*Header photo courtesy of Shutterstock}