Selling a home can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially in Long Beach, CA – a coastal community between Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach to the north and Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach and Laguna Beach to the south. While every homeowner have a journey that is different and unique, there are common regrets that many sellers share after they've listed their homes for sale. Let’s take a look at the top seven (7) largest regrets homeowners often have in Long Beach.
- Pricing It Too High: One of the most common regrets homeowners have is overpricing their homes. It's understandable that the goal is to walk away with the most money possible, but setting an unrealistic price can lead to your property sitting on the market for an extended period. Helping you determine the optimal listing price based on market conditions and comparable sales in your Long Beach neighborhood are key to maximizing what you put into your pocket at the end of the day.
- Skipping Repairs and Updates: Ignoring necessary repairs and updates is another common mistake. Homebuyers in our area, like everywhere else, prefer move-in-ready homes. Neglecting maintenance issues can lead to lower offers and longer time on the market.
- Ignoring Curb Appeal: Most home sellers I speak to have heard the saying, “First impressions matter”. Many regret not paying enough attention to their property's curb appeal. As a long time agent in the Long Beach and surrounding area, I’ve come to realize that a well-maintained exterior and landscaping can greatly influence a buyer's interest, decision and support for higher offer.
- Minimizing the Importance of Home Staging: Home staging is crucial for making your property look its best. Many sellers regret not investing in professional staging services, as a well-staged home can attract more potential buyers and often sells faster and at a higher price.
- Inadequate or Generic Marketing: Not having or investing in an effective marketing strategy is a regret many homeowners share with me. To attract potential buyers, you need a comprehensive marketing plan that includes professional photography, online listings, and even social media promotion. As an advertising and marketing agency owner for over 25 years, I understand and am well-versed in these strategies and their value.
- Not Being Flexible with Showings: Being inflexible with showings can definitely be a deterrent to potential buyers. Some sellers regret not accommodating more viewing requests, as this can limit your pool of potential buyers and slow down the selling process.
- Not Having an Experienced Agent By Your Side: The seventh and most significant regret homeowners in Long Beach have is not having someone along the journey that knows how to navigate the sale of your home seamlessly. Having an experienced agent like myself by your side can help you navigate the complexities and uniqueness of the Long Beach real estate market, avoid costly mistakes, and maximize your selling price.
Selling your home in Long Beach doesn't have to be complex. By addressing common pitfalls up front can ensure a smoother and more successful home-selling experience. If you want to know more about selling your home, Let’s chat!