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THE ULTIMATE HOME SELLING GUIDE

(Without Losing Your Mind in the Process)

Selling your home can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got your back. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or just ready for a change, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to get your home sold for top dollar in Los Angeles. Let’s dive in!

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Step 1: Call Your Favorite Realtor

First things first...​
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Hire a real estate professional (preferably one who knows how to market like a pro, negotiate like a shark, and make the process as stress-free as possible). A great agent will help you price your home correctly, market it to the right buyers, and handle all the nitty-gritty details so you don’t have to.

Step 2: Get Your Home Ready to Sell

Buyers have high expectations. That means:

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  • Declutter & Depersonalize – Say goodbye to personal photos, excessive decor, and anything that screams "I’ve lived here for 20 years."

  • Deep Clean – Hire-a-professional deep. (Yes, even the baseboards.)

  • Minor Repairs & Touch-Ups – Fix the leaky faucet, patch holes, and refresh paint where needed. First impressions matter!

  • Stage Like a Pro – Buyers need to visualize themselves in the home. Strategic furniture placement, neutral decor, and fresh flowers can make all the difference.

 

Step 3: Pricing Strategy – Don’t Let Zillow Fool You

Pricing your home correctly is the difference between multiple offers and sitting on the market for months. LA is a dynamic market, so:
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  • We’ll analyze recent comparable sales (aka "comps") in your neighborhood.

  • Consider current market trends (Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market?).

  • Factor in your home’s unique features (pool, view, upgrades, etc.).

  • Avoid the temptation to overprice—buyers (and their agents) are savvy and won’t overpay.

Step 4: Lights, Camera, Action – Marketing Like a Boss

Now, we showcase your home to the world. Here’s what your agent should bring to the table:

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  • Professional Photography & Videography – No iPhone photos here, folks.

  • Virtual Tours & Drone Shots – Because buyers love a good aerial view.

  • Social Media Blitz – TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn—you name it, we're on it.

  • Targeted Ads – Reaching the right buyers where they already are.

  • Broker & Public Open Houses – Let’s get those serious buyers in the door.

Step 5: Showings – The Fun (and Slightly Inconvenient) Part

Be prepared for:

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  • Last-minute showing requests (the more, the better!).

  • Keeping your home "show ready"—beds made, dishes put away, lights on, fresh scent.

  • Weekend open houses with lots of foot traffic.

The goal? Make buyers fall in love with your home the moment they walk in.

Step 6: Negotiating Like a Pro

Offers are in—now what? Here’s where your agent works their magic:

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  • Reviewing Offers – We’ll break down price, contingencies, and terms.

  • Counteroffers & Negotiations – If there’s room for improvement, we’ll make sure you get the best deal possible.

  • Selecting the Best Buyer – The highest offer isn’t always the best. Financing, contingencies, and closing timelines all matter.

Step 7: Escrow & Inspections – The Not-So-Glamorous But Important Stuff

Once you accept an offer, we enter escrow (aka, the waiting game). Here’s what happens:

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  • Buyer’s Inspections – They’ll check for issues (plumbing, roof, electrical, etc.). Minor repairs may come up, but don’t panic!

  • Appraisal – If the buyer has a loan, their lender will order an appraisal to ensure the home is worth what they’re paying.

  • Negotiations (Again!) – Buyers may request repairs or credits. we’ll help you navigate this smoothly.

Step 8: Closing Time – Almost There!

Finish line ahead!

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  • Final Walkthrough – The buyer ensures the home is in the agreed-upon condition.

  • Sign Closing Docs – Lots of paperwork, but I’ll walk you through it all.

  • Handoff the Keys – And just like that, you’re officially SOLD!

Selling your home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have the right expert by your side. From pricing to marketing to closing the deal, I handle everything so you can focus on what’s next.

Thinking about selling? Let’s chat! Schedule a consultation today.

national association of realtors
Equal housing opportunity
Melissa Paul Olson Local Expert

310-883-8254

melissa@melissapaulproperties.com

24025 Park Sorrento # 110

Calabasas, CA 91302

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Copyright ©2025 Melissa Paul Properties, LLC, All rights reserved. Melissa Paul CA DRE 02102968. PInnacle Estate Properties, INC DRE  00905345. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

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