3 Things That Will Send Buyers Running

When you’re selling a condo or loft in DTLA, your real estate agent will talk to you about all the things that buyers do – and don’t – want to see when they tour your space. The list is huge… and it changes frequently, too, and it can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. People in City West, for example, might not want something that people are fighting for in Bunker Hill.

Your real estate agent is the best resource when it comes to getting your home ready for sale – but check out these three things that will send buyers running, every time, in every neighborhood.

Buyers like wide open spaces and spotlessly clean kitchens. They love big mirrors in the lavatories, and they want as much closet and storage space as possible. That’s true anywhere (not just in DTLA), and anything you can do to deliver on a prospective buyer’s “want” list will help.

But if your space has any of these things, it’s time to get rid of them. That way, buyers can spend more time focusing on what they do like about your condo or loft and less time focusing on what they don’t.

Here’s what buyers don’t want to see:

Bold wall colors
Gold fixtures
Carpet

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Buyer Turnoff #1: Bold Wall Colors

Bold wall colors are a fabulous decorative accent – they can really complement your space. However, that’s only true when it’s your space.

When buyers come to call, they want to see neutral colors that can match their decor. They want a palette they can work with – and while a burnt sienna wall might be perfect with your sofa and all your decor, it probably won’t work with the things your buyers already own.

The solution: Hire a professional painter to come in and take all your walls back to neutral. You can do it yourself, too, as long as you know what you’re doing – a sloppy paint job could cost you much more at the closing table than it would cost to hire a pro.

Buyer Turnoff #2: Gold Fixtures

Gold fixtures really date a home. While designers do a lot of work mixing metals and making things look just right by combining brass and iron, gold and silver, and other tones, once your condo or loft is empty, none of it is going to make sense.

The solution: Stick to more neutral and modern fixtures, like nickel, that can go with anything. Otherwise, you run the risk of forcing buyers into getting the impression that your home is dated. While that’s not terrible on its own (anyone can modernize after they buy a home), it is terrible when it contributes to an overall unfavorable impression of your space.

Buyer Turnoff #3: Carpet

Flooring is expensive – we know. But carpet sends the wrong signal to buyers, who realize that it can trap dirt, grime, odors and germs. No matter how much you clean a carpet, potential buyers still won’t feel like it’s their own.

The solution: If your condo or loft has carpet, talk to your real estate agent about whether you should install new floors to make the space more desirable to buyers.

Are You Buying a Loft or Condo for Sale in DTLA?

Call us at 213-254-7626 or get in touch with us online to start exploring your options when you want to buy a loft or condo in downtown Los Angeles.

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