Do you want to sell in the least amount of time and for the highest possible price?
Of course you do. And that means your home needs to be priced correctly when it comes on the market for the first time. 
There are several reasons why - the first being that Los Feliz agents with buyers who haven't yet found the perfect home are searching the listings, looking for new possibilities. When those agents see your new listing, they'll examine the photos and read the descriptions. They'll check your square footage and amenities. They'll consider your neighborhood. Then they'll weigh all those elements against the requirements of their buyers who are looking in your price range. If your home looks promising, they'll schedule a showing. As a result, a home for sale will often see the most activity in the first couple of weeks after it comes on the market. It's true that those first buyers may not be "the ones," but if your home makes a good impression on the local agents who show it, they'll be back with other buyers. On the other hand, if they believe it is over-priced, they'll avoid showing it. Agents don't want to waste their time. Next, both buyers and agents search within price ranges. Buyers who can pay up to $600,000 generally don't even look at homes priced at $675,000, nor do their agents. And buyers searching for higher priced homes may want more square footage, more amenities, or a different location. So while sellers may have the idea that they can price high and come down when there's an offer, chances are there won't be any offers. An overpriced house is simply being seen by the wrong buyers.
Overpriced homes become "Stale on the market."
Of course you can list high and reduce the price later, but that's not a good idea because of buyer attitude. One question agents hear from many buyers is "How long has this house been on the market?" They have a preconceived idea that if a home has been for sale for quite a while, there's something wrong with it. The result is that they either won't want to see it, or they'll view it as a house on which they can make an offer well below market value.
The sad truth is that homes first listed above market value often sell for below market value – and only after an extended listing period.
That's why I take my time and do careful research when preparing a market analysis. The price analysis I give you might not be what you'd like to hear, but it will be an accurate estimate of your home's market value on the day it goes on the market.
Jenny Durling
Broker Associate
L.A. Property Solutions
213-215-4758
http://www.LApropertySolutions.com
Copyright © 2011 By Jenny Durling *Selling Your L.A. Home? Get the Price Right the First Time*
Now That You Have Seen Your House From a Buyer’s Perspective, Make a Plan
Replace missing and broken pavers. If you have space, you can all a row of bricks along the edge or plant bright season blooms along the edge to create interest and draw the eye towards the front door. Speaking of doors, a fresh coat of paint on just the front door can make a huge difference in the way your home appears. I have clients who have already told me the first thing they are going to do when they buy a house is paint the front door red! Red may not be your thing, but a bright or contrasting color will definitely add interest and is an inexpensive ‘fix’. Add a nice, new welcome mat and you are good to go.
Agreed, the backyard has nothing to do with curb appeal, but as long as your are working the garden you might as well put some energy in the backyard as well. In Southern California, most people think of the backyards as an extension of their living space. If you have the space and don’t already have one, plant a citrus tree. The Meyer Lemon is a favorite and they grow pretty quickly. I can’t imagine living in L.A. without a lemon tree- it’s almost a requirement! A small tree will grow pretty quickly and won’t cost a whole lot. It will definitely be worth the investment.
