Hermosa Beach, one of California's nicest coastal communities, is a very desirable real estate market. Our ideal location, quality beaches, award winning school system, unbeatable climate, and community involvement are just a few of the unique qualities that drives our real estate markets value.

Property in this area is in high demand and can command top dollar, sometimes well above that of surrounding areas. Now, much of what drives these prices is location, location, location and here in Hermosa location is what we have to offer. If you have a home that you are considering selling it is important that you prepare your home to show its best. As a 5th generation Hermosa Beach resident and a top producing Realtor, I have a good idea of what sells homes here in Hermosa Beach. I have put together a list of the most important steps I take when listing a clients home to insure that they get TOP DOLLAR for their property. All eight tips are designed to help you make the most out of what you have to work with.

1. Price Your Home Right
The Current Market will determine the price of your home. The importance of pricing your home correctly for the market cannot be overemphasized. Over-pricing your home could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars. Listings that are over-priced to start with often take a long time to sell, this may cause them to sell for less than they are worth or could have sold for if priced correctly to begin with.

It is hard to be objective about the value of your own home, which is why its important to get a professionals help with this. As an agent my job is to find out the market value of your home by preparing a comparative market analysis (CMA). I research comparable sales and available properties in your area and advise you of the appropriate price range for your property. With this information, you can better determine an accurate asking price for your home. Competitive pricing is the best way to get the most money possible for your sale.

A buyer wont pay more for your home just because you think you need more money in order to purchase your next home. After you know what your home is likely to sell for, your lender or I can prepare a sellers net sheet for you. With this tool you can tell approximately how much cash you will receive from the sale. This information will help you in your discussions with your mortgage broker when determining what price range you can afford when purchasing your replacement property.

2. First Impressions Are Golden
First impressions are lasting ones. Buyers and agents remember what they see. If a property shows well from the beginning it is to your advantage. If your home shows like a model agents are more likely to bring their most qualified buyers. If a property looks like a mess when it hits the market that is how agents and buyers will remember it. Believe it or not sales have gone south thanks to unkempt lawns, cluttered closets, unpainted front doors, hard-to-work locks, blown light bulbs, bad colors, stains, unlit areas, and unpleasant smells.

My advice, spend time on the little things. Paint the front door for a fresh look, and evaluate the door knob. Quality hardware shows pride of ownership and is the first thing that the buyer will notice when they are evaluating your home. Double up on your gardening, plant new flowers in the yard to give a pleasing curb appeal. Keep things cleaner than usual, and take serious control of your pets during this time period. Putting a little extra time into your home to help potential buyers see it the way you do can make all the difference. You wouldnt put your car up for sale without getting it washed and waxed so why treat your home any differently? Most people lack the vision to imagine what your home will look like with their furniture in it, let alone what it will look like when its completely fixed up. Also, realtors are more excited and likely to show your home when it is in mint condition. It is usually best to delay marketing a home until its spruced up and ready for sale.

3. Stage Your Property Correctly
In order for someone to want to buy a home, they must be able to envision themselves living there. Depersonalize your home when you are showing it. Most sellers have to de-clutter and clean their homes in order to get it ready for that For Sale sign. Put some items in storage, create more light, play music, light candles, put fresh flowers on display, and otherwise improve the ambience. Remember, buyers pay premium for homes that are in move-in condition.

4. Use The Latest Marketing Technology
Make sure your agent utilizes the latest technology, such as internet sites that cater to homebuyers like Realtor.com, L.A.times.com, Craigs list, etc. Plus make sure your realtor is using the sites that they have exclusive access to, to your best advantage. For Hermosa the Greater South Bay Multiple Listing Service (GSBRMLS) is the site where your Realtor will list your home. This will allow buyers agents to search your home when looking for their clients needs. Make sure that your property is accurately described, beautifully represented in photos, and that its best attributes are accurately highlighted. I make sure that each one of my listings is represented on at least 20 of the online sites that I have access to. Some agents also use 800-number interactive voice response systems. A good agent will know where you can get the best exposure.