Selling a house in Los Angeles is a big decision and one that often comes with a lot of expenses. Though the Southern California does have a lot of charming homes, those a large percentage of those homes were built before 1950, so when you decide to sell your house in Los Angeles, there’s some time and money to spend getting it ready if you plan to sell the house on through an agent (which is not your only choice). Between repairs, staging, and real estate commissions, it can be easy to feel like you’re hemorrhaging money. But fear not! There are ways to save money when selling your house in Los Angeles. Keep reading to learn more about some of the great options available to you!
Stage Your House Yourself
Staging is the process of making your house look as appealing as possible to potential buyers. This can involve anything from decluttering, rearranging furniture, cleaning floors or carpet, or adding a fresh coat of paint. At the moment, homes are not selling very fast, so staging your Los Angeles house will help you stand out from the neighborhood compeition. Most real estate agents will recommend hiring a professional stager, but this can be expensive.
According to a Seller’s Guide to Home Staging on Rocket Homes, home staging costs can range between $787 – $2,837. The average cost to stage a home is $1,790. Some home stagers charge by project or by hour. Staging fees will vary depending on different factors, such as a home’s location, size and whether it’s vacant.
If you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease, you can stage your house yourself and save a lot of money. Start by clearing out any unnecessary clutter and giving everything a deep clean. Then, focus on making each room feel as spacious and inviting as possible. Rearrange furniture to maximize space, and add a few well-placed accessories (like a vase of fresh flowers or a stack of coffee table books) to make everything feel more homey. Again, if you choose to sell your house as-is, you can skip this step entirely because direct buyers don’t expect you to clean
Make Repairs on Your Own
If you’re selling your house in Los Angeles, chances are there are a few things that need fixing. From leaky faucets to creaky floorboards, these minor repairs can add up quickly. But instead of hiring a handyman in Los Angeles where labor rates are not cheap, consider doing the repairs yourself. Three repairs that would cost you less than $1,000 and take you one weekend are below:
- Apply a fresh coat of paint, especially inside the house
- Replacing light fixtures and replacing dead light bulbs
- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
- Fixing a toilet so that it does not leak nor make hissing sounds
- Landscaping such as cutting the grass or planting flowers to increase curb appeal
There are plenty of DIY tutorials online that can walk you through everything from fixing a toilet to replacing a light fixture. Not only will you save money on labor costs, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing you did it yourself. If you’re the house you’re selling has a much longer longer and expensive list of repairs to make, check out How to Sell An Old House With Expensive Repairs In Los Angeles, CA.
Sell Your House Using An FSBO
FSBO (For Sale By Owner) is a method of selling your house without the help of a real estate agent. While this can be intimidating, it’s also a great way to save money. Real estate commissions can be as high as 5% or 6%, which can add up to tens of thousands of dollars on a high-priced home, especially with homes in Los Angeles. By selling your house FSBO, you can avoid paying these commissions and keep more money in your pocket. There are plenty of resources available to help you sell your house FSBO, from online listing services to yard signs to open houses. That said, it can be a lot of work. And typically, FSBO listings sell for less than traditional ones.
Work With a Direct Buyer When Selling Your House
While selling your house FSBO can save you money, it also requires a lot of work. If you’re looking for a simpler solution, consider working with a direct buyer. Worrying with a direct buyer or investor can be very beneficial, but the process is often overlooked. Direct buyers are companies that buy houses directly from homeowners, often for cash. They typically buy houses as-is, which means you don’t have to worry about repairs or staging. Additionally, there are no costs or fees, which means you’ll save money on commissions. Working with a direct buyer can be a great option if you’re looking to sell your house quickly and without a lot of hassle.
Selling your house in Los Angeles doesn’t have to be a drain on your bank account. By staging your house yourself, doing your own repairs, selling FSBO, or working with a direct buyer, you can save money and still get a great price for your home. Fair Sale Homes can help with the process no matter how you choose to sell. Reach out to our team today if you are thinking about selling your house in Los Angeles or the surrounding areas! (626) 863-7006