The First Thing You Should Do When Considering Selling
When you’re thinking about selling your home, the first call you should make is to a top real estate agent in Culver City who really knows the market. And I mean really knows it… not just the comps, but the quirks.
Here’s the thing about the Culver City real estate market: timing influences the pricing more than you’d think. Homes on the same block in Veteran’s Park can sell for wildly different amounts. It’s just because one hit the market during spring break when families were actively looking at school districts, and another listed in late December when everyone was distracted. A top realtor in Culver City understands these rhythms.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Whether you want a basic cleanup, a quick fix, or full professional staging, the right improvements can add thousands to your final sale price and get you into escrow faster.
How to Give a Good First Impression
Perform a Walk-through as Though You Were a Buyer to Gauge Your Impressions
Stand across the street from your house like you’re pulling up for the first time. What catches your eye first? In Culver City’s older neighborhoods—think Sunkist Park or Carlson Park—mature landscaping can be a huge asset, but sometimes those 60-year-old ficus trees need trimming so buyers can actually see your charming Spanish tile roof. I once worked with sellers near Culver Crest whose eucalyptus tree was so overgrown it made their house look dark in every photo. We trimmed it back and suddenly the home felt twice as large.
Depersonalize Your House – Give Buyers a Clean Slate
This can be the hardest part for sellers. You’ve got family photos from that day at the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, your kids’ artwork from El Rincon Elementary, souvenirs from years of hitting up the Mar Vista farmers market. But, here’s what I tell clients: buyers need to imagine their family making memories here. Pack up about 75% of the personal stuff. You’re moving anyway. Think of it as getting a head start.
I know of one seller on Duquesne Ave who had an entire wall dedicated to their vinyl collection (very Culver City, right?). It was cool, but it dominated the living room. Once they boxed most of it up and styled the built-ins neutrally, buyers could finally see those original 1930s details instead.
Caring for the Exterior and Interior
Remove Clutter Regardless of Emotional Attachment
I know that vintage Helms Bakery truck sign you found at the Rose Bowl swap meet is amazing. But when you’re selling, less is more. Culver City homes, especially the older ones, often have smaller closets than modern houses. When buyers open your closet and clothes are jammed in there, they assume there’s no storage. Clear out half of what’s in there—even if you have to rent a small storage unit on Washington Blvd for a month.
Remove Dirt, Cobwebs, Paint Splashes, etc.
Our coastal proximity means we get that marine layer rolling in, which is great for sleeping… but, not so great for keeping windows clean. Those screens get grimy fast. Same with the weird spider situation we all deal with—they love those stucco corners. A professional deep clean makes a shocking difference, especially if you haven’t moved furniture in a few years. (Pro tip: Culver City real estate agents know that dust bunnies under beds show up in photos of hardwood floors. Trust me on this.)
Clean and Polish Door Hardware and Handrails
Many Culver City California real estate agents will tell you that original details sell homes here. If you’ve got vintage brass hardware, a little Brasso goes a long way. Same with those gorgeous banister rails in the old Craftsmans and Spanish revivals. Buyers on the Westside pay a premium for original details, so make them shine.
Clean Wall Switches and Outlet Covers
This sounds nitpicky until you notice how yellowed they’ve gotten. They’re cheap to replace. You can probably grab them for $2 at the hardware store on Washington Boulevard. But, I’ve seen buyers get hung up on stuff like this during walkthroughs. Fresh white switches make everything feel cleaner.
Add Houseplants and Flowers Throughout the House
Head to Armstrong Garden Center and grab some potted plants. Not fake ones. Real ones. Nothing says “I care about this home” like fresh flowers on the kitchen table or a fiddle leaf fig in the corner. In our neighborhoods where lots of homes still have the original hardscaping and mature trees outside, bringing some of that greenery inside creates continuity.
What Sellers do for the House Exterior
Trim Trees and Shrubs, Remove Weeds
Culver City’s older neighborhoods have spectacular landscaping. It’s common to see giant magnolias, mature jacarandas, those iconic coral trees. But, they need maintenance. If you’re near Fox Hills or Blair Hills, chances are you’ve got some overgrown lantana or pride of Madeira. Trim it back hard. Buyers want to see the house, not a jungle.
There was a listing off Braddock where the bottlebrush trees were scraping against the windows. The house showed dark and cramped. After a tree trimmer’s visit for half a day, suddenly natural light flooded the living room. Made about a $30,000 difference in offers.
Wash Front Steps and Porch
Concrete gets that weird dingy look from car exhaust and dirt. Power washing your front walkway and porch is probably the best $150 you’ll spend. Makes the whole house pop. If you’ve got original tile on your porch (common in the Blair-Duquesne area), get it cleaned—buyers notice stuff like that.
Make Sure All Exterior Lights Work Properly and are Debris-free
Since a lot of showings happen after work when people are driving over from West LA or Santa Monica, your exterior lighting matters. Also, we have those lovely possums and raccoons that like to nest in light fixtures. Check them.
Clean or Replace Your Welcome Mat
You’d be surprised how many buyers remember a ratty welcome mat. Get a new one. Coco fiber, simple design. Done.
Wash Windows and Screens
The marine layer leaves a film on everything, especially windows. Clean windows completely change how bright your house feels inside. And those screens—yeah, they’re probably kind of gross. Take them down, hose them off, let them dry in the sun.
Repaint Your House – The Most Dramatic Way to Make a Good First Impression
Here’s where working with top Culver City real estate agents really pays off. We know what colors sell in this market. Generally, you want to stick with warm neutrals that complement the architectural style.
If you’re in one of the Spanish revivals near Lindberg Park, think warm cream or sandy beige. The Craftsmans in Sunkist Park look amazing in soft sage or warm gray. Those mid-century moderns in Fox Hills? Crisp white with dark trim is the right move.
Paint gives you the best return on investment. Period. I’ve seen $3,000 paint jobs result in $20,000 higher sale prices. It’s the cheapest way to make your house look like you care about it. And, you’re showing your house a lot and not getting offers? Repainting your house could be the right move.
Repaint or Replace Fences and Gates
If you’ve got an original picket fence or those classic wood side gates, give them some love. Either fresh paint or replace them. Buyers in Culver City neighborhoods notice curb appeal, and a sagging gate suggests deferred maintenance throughout.
What You Can do with the Interior to Help Sell Your Home
Clean and Wax Floors, Shampoo Carpets, Drapes, and Blinds
Real estate agents in Culver City will tell you: floors matter. A lot. If you’ve got original hardwood (lucky you), get them professionally cleaned and waxed. They’ll photograph ten times better and catch light beautifully during showings.
If you’ve got carpet, get it professionally cleaned. If it’s really bad or has that old-house smell, just replace it with builder-grade neutral carpet. It’s $2-3 per square foot and makes everything feel fresh. Nobody wants to inherit someone else’s carpet problems.
Repaint or Touch Up Paint in Needed Spots – Use Neutral Colors
Stick with Swiss Coffee, Alabaster, Agreeable Gray. Those warm neutrals that work in almost any light. I know you love that sage green accent wall, but buyers need to see themselves here. Save the personality for your next place.
Here’s a Culver City-specific tip: our older homes often have beautiful molding and built-ins. Paint them crisp white so they stand out. Makes the period details pop.
Make Sure to Wash Away Dirt, Scrape Off Peeling Paint, Patch Holes, and Replace Damaged Wood
Our homes were built between 1920 and 1960 in many neighborhoods, which means there’s usually some deferred maintenance. Take an afternoon and really look at your baseboards, door frames, and window sills. Patch, sand, repaint. It’s tedious but it matters. This can be another situation where calling in a professional handyman could help, but most sellers prefer to tackle this themselves.
Bathrooms
Seal Caulking around Tub, Shower, and Toilet
In our competitive Culver City real estate market, buyers are looking for reasons to negotiate down. Gross caulking is an easy target. Get a caulk gun and some white silicone caulk from the hardware store. It takes an hour and makes bathrooms look 100% cleaner. Not interested in doing it yourself? Since our real estate company does property management as well, we have access to a network of vendors. They’re often willing to work with our clients at below market costs.
Replace Old Toilet Seats
This is like a $25 fix. It has a disproportionate psychological impact. Nobody wants to think about the previous owner’s toilet seat. Get a new white one. Done.
Replace Shower Curtains
If you still have a shower curtain (many older homes do), replace it with a crisp white one or a clean clear liner. Same deal. It’s a cheap change that makes a huge difference.
Clean Tile and Repair Grout
Period tile is a huge selling point in Culver City. Those vintage hex tiles, the classic subway tile, the colorful Spanish tile. Get a grout pen and touch up any discolored grout. If you’ve got really bad grout, hire someone to regrout. It’s not that expensive and it transforms bathrooms. Again, we know people who can help.
Paint or Wallpaper Using Neutral and Light Colors
If your bathroom is dark (common in older Culver City homes), paint it white or a light neutral. Makes it feel twice as large. Save the bold wallpaper for your next place. And, if you have some statement pink and purple walls? Definitely go for the white or light neutral. Buyers want to imagine their dream colors.
Make Sure Drawers and Cabinets Open and Close Properly
Those old medicine cabinets and vanities sometimes stick. WD-40 and a screwdriver can fix most issues. Buyers open everything during showings.
Clean Out the Medicine Cabinet
Seriously, buyers will open it. Don’t give them something to talk about.
Kitchen
Clean Cabinets and Appliances and Refrigerator Interior
I’m just going to say it: your refrigerator is probably grosser than you think. Take everything out, throw away anything expired (yes, even that fancy mustard from the Culver City farmers market circa 2019). Then scrub it down. Same with your oven.
Cabinet fronts get greasy and dull. Murphy’s Oil Soap and a good scrub will make them look way better. If your cabinets are beyond help and you can’t afford a remodel, consider just painting them. White or light gray kitchens photograph beautifully in listings and appeal to more buyers.
Clear Clutter from Countertops
The Culver City real estate market is competitive, so your house needs to show like a model. That means you can have a coffee maker and maybe a nice bowl of lemons out. Everything else—the toaster, the knife block, the vitamins, the junk mail—goes in drawers or cabinets. Buyers need to see counter space.
I know a family on Braddock who were excellent cooks. Their kitchen reflected that with about 40 items on the counters. Once we cleared it to just a coffee maker and some fresh flowers, showings went way better. The feedback changed from “crowded kitchen” to “spacious and ready for a chef.”
Make Sure Drawers and Cabinets Open and Close Properly
Those soft-close drawer mechanisms sometimes get wonky. Fix them. If cabinet doors are crooked, adjust the hinges. This stuff takes 20 minutes and buyers notice.
Make Sure All Appliances Work Properly
Test everything. If your garbage disposal sounds like it’s grinding up gravel or your dishwasher doesn’t drain right, fix it. Buyers will either ask for credits or walk away. Also, clean your dishwasher filter. It’s probably disgusting.
Home Tours
Always Be Ready, Keep Home Clean and Organized
Working with a top real estate agent in Culver City means showings can happen with as little as an hour’s notice, especially in a hot market. Yes, it’s annoying to keep your house spotless for weeks, but that’s the game. Make your bed every morning, keep dishes out of the sink, and have a “showing basket” where you can quickly throw clutter if you get a last-minute request.
Give the Agent More Time than Necessary to Show the Space Because Buyers May Arrive Late
LA traffic is real. You know it. I know it. Everyone knows it. Someone coming from the larger West LA area during an evening commute might hit that nightmare stretch on Venice or Washington. Build in buffer time. The last thing you want is a rushed showing because buyers got caught in a Sepulveda mess.
Pets Should be Out of the House, Preferably Off the Property Entirely
Everyone loves dogs… except Buyers might not. More importantly, some buyers are allergic. Even if you have the world’s friendliest golden retriever, they should be at a friend’s house or at the Boneyard Dog Park during showings.
Pet Odors should be Controlled by Keeping your Pet in a Specific Area or Outside
You’ve gone nose-blind to your house, but I promise your house smells like your pets. This is fixable. Wash all pet bedding. Then vacuum everything including furniture. Open the windows before showings and consider an air purifier. If you have cats, the litter box situation needs to be immaculate or ideally out in the garage.
Hire the Services of a Professional Stager
Staging is the process of preparing a home for sale with the goal of getting the most money in the shortest amount of time possible. The statistics back it up. In a 2021 survey of 4,600 staged properties, 73% sold over list price. While the exact percentages vary, it’s absolutely worth the investment to sell the property quickly and above the listing price.
Here’s what a lot of Culver City real estate agents won’t tell you: you don’t always need full staging. Sometimes it’s just consultation. They walk through, make recommendations, you implement them. For vacant homes? Absolutely stage them. Empty houses show poorly and people can’t visualize the space.
For occupied homes, sometimes it’s hybrid staging where they bring in a few statement pieces to elevate what you have. There was a mid-century home in Fox Hills where a period-correct credenza and some abstract art for the living room were brought in. The seller’s existing furniture stayed in the bedrooms. It Cost about $1,800 and the house sold for $45,000 over asking with multiple offers.
The Culver City real estate market is sophisticated. Buyers here expect homes to show well. They’ve seen HGTV, they follow design influencers, they know what good looks like. You’re competing with other sellers who are putting in the effort. Professional staging levels up your game and signals to buyers that this home has been cared for.
Ready to Sell? Work with a Top Realtor in Culver City
The difference between a good sale and a great sale often comes down to preparation and having an experienced real estate agent who knows the Culver City market inside and out. Someone who knows that homes in Blair Hills sell differently than homes in Fox Hills. Someone who understands that Craftsman details need to be highlighted, that mid-century buyers want specific things, that Spanish revivals need to feel warm and inviting.
If you’re considering selling, let’s talk about what your home needs to maximize its value in today’s market. Every house is different, every neighborhood has its quirks, and getting the details right makes all the difference. You can reach me at 310.729.6573. Or, scroll down to the bottom of this page to schedule a virtual meeting.
List of Suggested Maintenance Improvements
The following is a list of suggested improvements and maintenance for major areas of your property.
First Impression
- Perform a walk through as though you were a buyer to gage your impressions
- Depersonalize your house – give buyers a clean slate
Exterior and Interior
- Remove clutter regardless of emotional attachment
- Remove dirt, cobwebs, paint splash, etc.
- Clean and polish door hardware and handrails
- Clean wall switches and outlet covers
- Add houseplants and flowers throughout house
Exterior
- Trim trees and shrubs, remove weeds
- Wash front steps, and porch
- Make sure all exterior lights work properly and are debris-free
- Clean or replace welcome mat
- Wash windows and screens
- Repaint house – Most dramatic way to make good first impression is through paint. It gives you the best value for each dollar invested. It is relatively inexpensive improvement that gives a dramatic increase in “curb appeal.”
- Repaint or replace fences and gates
General Interior
- Clean and Wax floors shampoo carpets, drapes and blinds
- Repaint or touch up paint needed spots – Use neutral colors – whites, creams, etc
- Make sure to wash away dirt, scrape off peeling paint, patch holes, and replace damaged wood
Bathrooms
- Seal caulking around tub, shower, and toilet
- Replace old toilet seats
- Replace shower curtains
- Clean tile and repair grout
- Paint or wallpaper using neutral and light colors
- Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly
- Clean out medicine cabinet
Kitchen
- Clean cabinets and appliances and refrigerator interior
- Clear clutter from countertops
- Make sure drawers and cabinets open and close properly
- Make sure all appliances work properly
Home Tours
- Always be ready, keep home clean and organized
- Give the agent more time than necessary to show the space because buyers may arrive late
- Pets should be out of house, preferable off of property entirely. No need to scare off a buyer
- Pet odors should be controlled by keeping your pet in a specific area or outside