Don’t List Yet! What Every LA Seller Needs to Do Before Selling in a Shifting Market

If the Los Angeles real estate market is shifting—and it is—then sellers need to shift their strategy too. In today’s market, buyers are more selective, inventory is rising, and competition is no longer limited to price alone. So if you’re wondering how to get your home ready for sale in a changing market, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing expert strategies that will help you sell faster and for top dollar—even in a cooling market.

August 6, 2025

I’m Scott Himelstein with the Scott Himelstein Group, your trusted Los Angeles real estate agent. I’ve helped hundreds of clients navigate the ups and downs of this market, and today I’m sharing expert strategies that will help you sell faster and for top dollar—even in a cooling market.

1. Declutter Like You Mean It

Most sellers think they’ve decluttered enough. They haven’t. In a buyer-sensitive market, you need to remove 30–45% of your belongings. That means taking down personal photos, vacation souvenirs, knickknacks, trophies—anything that reminds buyers this is your home. Our goal? Make them feel like it could be their home.

2. Neutralize Everything

From bold accent walls to quirky decor, now’s the time to tone it down. Neutral paint like Swiss Coffee, White Dove, or Whisper photographs beautifully and makes rooms feel larger. This isn’t just a trend—it’s what buyers are searching for in Los Angeles real estate listings right now.

3. Flooring and Odors Matter

If your carpet is stained, worn, or smells like pets, replace it. Don’t offer a credit—buyers tend to overestimate the cost and move on. Stick with light, neutral tones that open up the space and give the impression of cleanliness and care.

4. Deep Clean Like a Pro

This goes beyond mopping floors. Think baseboards, blinds, vents, and light fixtures. Many buyers will pass on a house that feels neglected. I provide clients with a deep-clean checklist and even connect them with pros who specialize in pre-sale cleanups.

5. Staging Sells Homes

Even if you’re living in the house, smart staging can transform it. We often rearrange furniture to maximize flow and space. White or neutral towels in bathrooms, minimal accessories, and symmetry in design all contribute to a “model home” feel—something buyers love.

6. Lighting and Functionality

Replace every burned-out bulb. Bright, well-lit homes photograph better and feel more inviting. Also, fix everything—leaky faucets, noisy fans, broken blinds. Buyers don’t want to walk into a to-do list.

7. Curb Appeal Still Reigns Supreme

Buyers do judge a book by its cover. Mow the lawn, trim the trees, replace dead plants, and clean your walkways. Bonus tip: avoid scheduling showings or photography on trash day. It may seem small, but details like this can affect first impressions—especially in drone photography, which we use for all our listings.

8. Professional Photography is Non-Negotiable

Once you’ve done all the work, don’t let bad media ruin it. We provide high-end photography, video tours, and drone footage for every listing. Your home needs to shine online first—that’s where buyers start.

9. Ask About Concierge Plus

Through our Concierge Plus program, we’ll front the cost of necessary improvements—repairs, painting, flooring, staging—and you won’t pay a dime until closing. This helps sellers maximize their home’s value without any upfront stress.

If you’re thinking of selling and want to make sure your home is market-ready in today’s Los Angeles housing market, reach out. I’ll walk you through every step of the process and ensure your home stands out in a crowded field.

Want our full checklist to get your home ready for sale? Email me and I’ll send it your way.

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Buying a house in Los Angeles today is no easy task. The market is competitive, inventory is limited, and affordability continues to be a challenge for many buyers. Even compared to just a few years ago, the process has gotten tougher. But having owned multiple homes myself, along with investment properties, and having worked closely with clients all across LA, I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. So in this vlog, I want to share exactly what I would do if I were buying a home in Los Angeles right now. Step 1: Face the Reality of the Market The first thing I would do is take a hard, honest look at the local market. Los Angeles overall is fairly balanced, but depending on the neighborhood, conditions can swing in different directions. Some areas are still hot sellers’ markets, with multiple offers and bidding wars. Other neighborhoods are flatter, with prices correcting by 7–8% across LA County. It’s crucial to know which market you’re shopping in. If it’s a strong sellers’ market, you’ll need to be ready for competition. If it’s leaning more toward a buyers’ market, you’ll have a stronger position to negotiate. Ignoring this reality leads to frustration—understanding it gives you strategy. Step 2: Get Financially Ready The second step is making sure you’re financially prepared. That means having your down payment, closing costs, and emergency funds lined up before even talking to a lender. Personally, I like to put 20% down, but that’s not always realistic. Many buyers get in with as little as 3–5%. The important part is knowing your number and sticking to it. And don’t forget closing costs, which typically run around 2% or more of the purchase price. On top of that, you’ll want to keep money aside for repairs and unexpected expenses. I learned this the hard way with my first home—we spent so much on furniture after closing that when things went wrong with the house, we didn’t have enough in reserves. That’s a mistake I would never make again. Step 3: Look at Homes Sitting on the Market One of the smartest strategies is to focus on homes that have been sitting on the market for a while. Often the main reason is price. Sometimes it’s location, like being on a busy street or near train tracks, but many times sellers simply overshoot what their home is worth. I’ve had clients get great deals on homes that sat for 90 to 120 days. In one case, we secured a solid price reduction along with seller credits just because the seller was motivated. Don’t overlook these opportunities—you never know what kind of deal you can make until you ask. Step 4: Hire the Right Agent and Shop Lenders Of course, hiring the right real estate agent makes all the difference. Here in Los Angeles, I’d love to be that trusted advisor for you. And if you’re moving outside of LA, I work with top agents all across the country who can help. On the financing side, I’d shop multiple lenders. Rates are higher now than they were a few years ago, so even a small difference—like an eighth of a percent—can have a big impact on your monthly payment. Always compare offers, and don’t be afraid to ask your lender to match a better deal. At the same time, I’d pay down as much debt as possible. Lenders look closely at your debt-to-income ratio, and keeping it under 50% is key. Less debt means better rates and more buying power. Step 5: Be Strategic About Location and Condition Real estate has always been about location. I’d focus on neighborhoods with easy access to highways, shopping, and parks. I’d also keep an open mind about homes that need updates. A property that looks dated can often be bought for less, and with some investment, you can build equity quickly. That’s exactly what I did with one of my homes years ago, and it paid off. School districts are another major factor. Homes in top-rated school boundaries tend to hold value better and are always in higher demand. Step 6: Make Smart Offers and Inspect Thoroughly When it comes time to make an offer, strategy is everything. In a sellers’ market, I’d put down a strong down payment, offer flexible closing, and shorten inspection timelines without waiving them. In a buyers’ market, I’d negotiate for repairs, credits, or closing cost concessions. These are becoming more common again, and buyers should take advantage of them. Inspections are critical—general home, roof, termite, sewer, and even mold if needed. Spending a little upfront can save you from big headaches later. Step 7: Think Long-Term Finally, I’d focus on the long-term. Interest rates may be higher now, but they’re already coming down from the sevens into the sixes. At some point, you’ll likely have the opportunity to refinance. What matters most is buying what you can afford today, not what you hope to afford tomorrow. Don’t overstretch. If I were to buy a house

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Don’t List Yet! What Every LA Seller Needs to Do Before Selling in a Shifting Market

1. Declutter Like You Mean It

2. Neutralize Everything

3. Flooring and Odors Matter

4. Deep Clean Like a Pro

5. Staging Sells Homes

6. Lighting and Functionality

7. Curb Appeal Still Reigns Supreme

8. Professional Photography is Non-Negotiable

9. Ask About Concierge Plus

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