Seller’s Guide: Get Your Home Sold
Los Angeles, California.
Selling a home in Los Angeles could be one of the biggest transactions of your life — it’s an exciting opportunity, but it also comes with unique obligations, challenges, and competition. Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating, understanding the local market and properly preparing your home can make a significant difference in both your selling timeline and final sales price. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you move forward with confidence.
1. Understand the LA Real Estate Market
Los Angeles is a diverse and dynamic market. Home values vary widely depending on the neighborhood, architectural style (some styles are especially popular with buyers), views, and proximity to landmarks. Real estate is cyclical — you may hear terms like “seller’s market” and “buyer’s market” — and conditions can shift over time. In general, however, Los Angeles remains a highly competitive market. Understanding what's selling in your neighborhood is a great place to start.
Pro Tip: Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent will help you understand current conditions specific to your area. You can always start talking with an agent even if you’re not planning to list your home any time soon.
2. Decide Whether to Sell FSBO or With an Agent
You have two primary options: selling by yourself (For Sale By Owner, FSBO) or working with a real estate agent.
A great agent acts as your strategist, negotiator, and guide throughout the transaction. Look for someone who:
Specializes in your neighborhood
Has a strong, proactive marketing plan
Knows how to position your home effectively
Has a proven record of successful closings
Demonstrates strong work ethic and attention to detail
If you already have a trusted agent, you likely won't need to dive too deeply into the rest of this guide — a good agent will set you free.
Note: It’s completely legal to sell your home yourself in California. However, FSBO sellers are still responsible for full legal compliance — including disclosures and possible local point-of-sale regulations and requirements — and must be prepared for the complexity involved. The majority of homes are sold with professional representation, so for the rest of this guide, we'll assume you're working with an agent.
3. Gather Information About Your Home
You may have lived in your home for decades or just a few years, but you will need to disclose everything you know about the property to potential buyers.
As soon as you begin thinking about selling, start gathering information about the home — permits, repairs, upgrades, and any known issues. If you have an active solar lease, you will need to contact your solar company to learn the rules of transfer or payoff and obtain all necessary paperwork. Once you sign a listing agreement, your agent will provide disclosure forms for you to complete.
4. Prepare Your Home for Sale
First impressions are crucial — especially in image-conscious Los Angeles. Before listing:
Set your goals: Let your agent know your ideal closing timeline and desired net proceeds. If you have a firm deadline, it’s critical to plan around it.
Declutter and depersonalize: Create a neutral space where buyers can envision themselves.
Deep clean and stage: Consider professional staging to highlight your home’s strengths.
Make necessary repairs: Address minor issues like leaky faucets, scuffed walls, and broken fixtures.
Boost curb appeal: Fresh landscaping and an inviting entryway make a big difference.
Optional Upgrades: Minor updates, like new paint, updated lighting, or modern fixtures, can yield a high return on investment.
5. Consider Staging
While staging is optional, it often has a significant positive impact on how your home is perceived. (Check out this article from NAR on why staging matters.) Professional staging can help buyers emotionally connect with the space — leading to quicker and higher offers.
Exception: If you are selling a distressed or "fixer" property to investors, staging is usually unnecessary. Investors care more about the structural condition and potential value.
6. Price Strategically
Pricing is both an art and a science. Overpricing can cause your home to sit on the market and become “stale”; underpricing may leave money on the table.
Your agent will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to recommend a competitive price based on:
Comparable recent sales
Current inventory
Market demand
Your home’s unique features
Pro Tip: Price is the number one factor buyers consider. While your agent will recommend a range, you ultimately decide the final list price.
7. Market Your Property
Effective marketing is critical to capturing buyer attention. A strong marketing campaign should include:
Professional photography and videography
2D floor plan
Virtual tours or 3D walkthroughs
Eye-catching MLS and website listings
Targeted online advertising
Open houses and private showings
Brochures and flyers
Pro Tip: In Los Angeles, presentation is everything. High-quality visuals and strategic marketing can give your home a major competitive edge. Your agent will typically handle most of this on your behalf — your agent is a crucial part of your marketing presentation.
8. Navigate Offers and Negotiations
With the right pricing and marketing, you may attract multiple offers. Your agent will help you:
Review each offer’s terms (beyond just price — contingencies, financing, timelines, etc.)
Strategically counteroffer if needed
Negotiate repairs or credits after inspections
Navigate multiple-offer situations
The best offer isn’t always the highest one — it’s the one that best aligns with your financial and logistical goals.
9. Manage Escrow and Closing
Once you accept an offer, the escrow process begins. Your agent will stay actively involved to coordinate with the escrow company. During escrow:
Sellers order and deliver all disclosure forms (highly recommended before escrow opens)
The buyer conducts inspections
The lender orders an appraisal
Additional requests from the buyer(s) may arise
Contingencies are removed in stages
Final paperwork is prepared and signed
Typical escrow periods in Los Angeles are 30 to 45 days. Your agent and escrow officer will guide you through document signing, move-out coordination, and final steps.
10. Celebrate Your Successful Sale!
Once escrow closes, you'll receive your proceeds, hand over the keys, and step into your next chapter. Whether you’re purchasing a new home, relocating, or exploring new investments, selling your home in Los Angeles can open the door to exciting new possibilities!
