Your Guide to Selling Your Home

Selling a home is more than just a transaction—it's a significant life event. My name is Alan Levy, and as a dedicated realtor serving Calabasas and surrounding areas, I am committed to guiding you through the selling process with expertise, care, and a personalized approach. My goal is to ensure that your home sale is smooth, successful, and achieves the best possible outcome for you.

Step 1: Preparing Your Home for Sale

1. Increase Curb Appeal
First impressions matter. A well-maintained exterior sets the tone for the rest of your home. Here's how you can boost your home's curb appeal:

Mow the lawn and trim shrubs.
Edge gardens and walkways.
Remove weeds and add mulch around trees and bushes.
Replace damaged screens, shutters, and old storm doors.
Check and repair loose or damaged roof shingles.
Clean and replace bricks, wood, and trim.
Add a fresh coat of paint to the mailbox and front door.
Polish brass door hardware and outdoor lighting fixtures.

2. Make the Interior Shine
A clean, organized, and welcoming interior allows potential buyers to envision themselves living in your home:

Paint walls in neutral colors.
Shampoo or replace carpeting.
Clean and polish hardwood floors and porcelain surfaces.
Wash windows, windowsills, and baseboards.
Dust and vacuum blinds and curtains.
Organize closets with shelves and storage bins.
Replace loose caulking or grout in bathrooms and kitchens.
Clean and polish kitchen appliances, including the refrigerator, oven, and sink.
Store everyday items like papers, toys, and pet accessories out of sight.
Add soft lighting with lamps in cozy areas.

3. Get It Camera Ready
Before your home is photographed for listings, make sure everything is clean, organized, and staged to highlight the lifestyle your home offers:

Turn on all lights.
Vacuum and clean any lingering dust.
Clear last-minute clutter.
Open draperies, shades, and blinds to let in natural light.
Place accent items throughout, such as a set dining table, an open cookbook, a bowl of fruit, or fresh flowers.

Step 2: Setting the Right Price

Determining the right asking price is crucial for attracting buyers and achieving a timely sale. I provide a thorough Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) to evaluate your home against similar properties in your area, helping you set a competitive price that reflects its true market value.

Step 3: Marketing Your Home

Once your home is ready and priced right, I will implement a comprehensive marketing strategy to maximize its exposure:

Professional Photography: High-quality images that showcase your home's best features.
Online Listings: Your home will be featured on popular real estate websites, my personal site, and social media platforms to reach a broad audience.
Virtual Tours: Interactive 3D tours that allow buyers to explore your home from anywhere.
Targeted Marketing: Email campaigns, direct mail, and targeted ads to attract serious buyers.

Step 4: Negotiating Offers

When offers start coming in, I will guide you through the negotiation process to ensure you receive the best possible deal:

Reviewing Offers: We’ll carefully evaluate each offer, considering factors like price, contingencies, and closing timelines.
Counteroffers: If necessary, I’ll help craft a counteroffer that aligns with your goals while remaining attractive to buyers.
Finalizing the Deal: Once an agreement is reached, I’ll handle the paperwork and coordinate with all parties to ensure a smooth closing process.

Step 5: Closing the Sale

After accepting an offer, several steps lead to closing:

Home Inspection: I’ll assist in coordinating inspections and addressing any issues that may arise.
Appraisal: I’ll ensure the appraisal process is handled efficiently and that the value aligns with the agreed-upon sale price.
Final Walk-Through: We’ll schedule a final walk-through to ensure the home is in the expected condition.
Closing Costs: I’ll help you understand and prepare for closing costs, ensuring a clear and smooth transaction.

Let’s Get Started

Selling your home is a detailed process that requires expertise, attention to detail, and a dedicated approach. With my experience and commitment, I’m here to help you every step of the way, from preparing your home to negotiating the best possible sale. Contact me today to discuss how we can work together to achieve your real estate goals.