L.A.’s luxury homebuyers are a highly discerning segment. Even the smallest sign of neglect, like a squeaky staircase, can diminish the value of a high-end property.
To sell an upscale property at its maximum asking price, take stock of every issue that impacts value, especially overlooked spaces. Commonly missed areas include garages, side yards, driveways, utility closets, cabinet interiors, laundry rooms, hallways, and more.
Use this guide to create a comprehensive checklist of repairs before listing your luxury property for sale.
Garages
Think about the spaces that get treated as afterthoughts. Does the garage come to mind?
Perhaps you own an old upscale property in Laurel Canyon, and your garage became a chaotic storage mess over time.
Without routine maintenance, your garage can also invite pests, hazards, and damage. Moving and storing heavy pieces of furniture can scrape and dent wall treatments and entranceways. Years of maintenance neglect can also lead to exposed wiring and mold from unaddressed water damage.
Of course, that old car rotting away in the garage isn’t helping either. The first order of business is to research junk car pickup in Los Angeles to free up space for a much-needed renovation.
L.A. buyers are drawn to pristine epoxy flooring, sleek storage cabinetry, and new garage doors, with Yahoo Finance reporting that garage door replacements offer the highest ROI at 194%. The garage should maintain design continuity, renovated to match the same architectural style. You want to inspire buyers to envision themselves pulling into this garage in their own luxury car.
Driveways and Side Yards
Driveways can be an overlooked aspect of curb appeal, especially with parked cars obstructing flaws. Next to a new garage door, inspect the ground for any cracks, stains, and spills. Driveway paving can go a long way here.
While your front yard and backyard landscaping may be on point, take a look at your side yards. These spaces often go unnoticed, leading to unruly overgrowth, accumulated debris, and noisy HVAC condenser units. After cleaning up the area, consider adding an HVAC screen or installing a quieter unit.
Check the quality of your perimeter fencing. Make sure there are no rotting wood borders or low-grade vinyl. You may need to upgrade to a style that complements your luxury residence.
Small Functional Spaces
Similar to your garage, your laundry room can become a tightly packed storage area for odds and ends. Buyers still carefully scrutinize these spaces, making visible drain hoses, old towels, and “junk drawer” items stand out.
Instead, create a luxury laundry room experience by installing a new washer and dryer, fresh flooring, glass storage containers, and fine cabinetry.
Buyers will also check the utility closets for a deeper look into your home energy system, wiring, and HVAC setup. Disorganized components can be read as a safety hazard, leading to possible concerns over hidden repair costs.
Another small space that needs attention is your mudroom, which can quickly fill up with wet umbrellas, coats, old packages, and shoes. But a properly maintained mudroom can add a touch of vintage charm to an older upscale home.
Transitory Spaces
Your mudroom is also a transitory space that sees a lot of foot traffic. The aesthetic of such spaces, like hallways and doorways, can influence buyers’ perceptions of quality, space, and movement.
For example, narrow hallways with flat lighting can feel too enclosed and uncomfortable. Consider widening your hallway passages and installing dynamic, adjustable lighting for an ambient glow. You could also revamp your hallway linen closets with new custom interiors and luxury wood shelving.
Inspect your staircases for unsettling squeaks and creaks, loose or low-quality handrails, and worn-out carpet runners.
Think about the first impression of a doorway when a buyer walks into your home. Doors in upscale homes should reflect luxury custom craftsmanship.
Are you installing new wood floors? Don’t forget to inspect your baseboards and replace any thin, generic trim that could distract from luxury hardwood flooring.
Create Your Renovation Checklist
Give the most overlooked areas of your home the attention they deserve, leaving no stone unturned during this stage of the selling process. Start with the garage, followed by the driveway, side yards, laundry room, utility closets, and transitory spaces like hallways and stairs.
Next, discover interior design and decor ideas to complement your new renovations!