Minor Tweaks, Major Gains: How Small Changes Can Sell Your Luxury Home Faster

In competitive markets like Laguna Beach and its surrounding areas, most homeowners have one question in mind when listing their homes for sale: “How fast can I sell my house?”

While many homeowners want a quick sale, the reality is that the average selling time can range from 50 to 100 days. In Laguna Beach, it takes an average of 68 days to sell a home. The good news, however, is that there are certain steps you can take to make your house sell quickly, even in a buyer’s market like Laguna Beach, CA.

If you’re looking to get your listing off the market ASAP, here are some minor updates that can help sell your home fast:

Enhance its Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, especially in a competitive market like Laguna Beach, CA, which puts a premium on aesthetics. Before listing your home, take the time to do the following updates to enhance your home’s curb appeal:

• Give your landscaping touch-ups. Trim overgrown bushes and trees to make your yard look tidy and well-maintained. In light of ongoing water shortages in California, consider adding drought-resistant plants native to the state, such as California lilac, manzanita, or sage. This not only reduces water consumption but also enhances your home’s connection to its natural surroundings. To create an inviting atmosphere during evenings. install landscape lighting that subtly illuminates pathways and architectural features.
• Give your home’s exterior a makeover. A fresh coat of paint in a color that complements your home’s exterior can make a big difference. Coastal-inspired hues like deep blue, sage green, or warm terracotta work well in places like Laguna Beach. Upgrading your door hardware with modern, high-quality fixtures is another way to reflect the area’s luxury market. A stylish welcome mat and potted plants or succulents at the entrance can further create a welcoming vibe. If the exterior paint is faded or chipped, touch up those areas, or consider a full repaint for a fresh, new look.
• Deep clean your driveway. One of the easiest things you can do to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to use a power washer (you can either purchase, rent a unit, or hire a professional cleaning service) to deep clean your home’s pavement, sidewalk, and driveway. This will make it look fresh and squeaky clean without putting in too much effort or spending too much money.

Update Your Kitchen

If you’re still asking “How fast can I sell my house?” you might want to give your kitchen an upgrade. The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home, making it an essential selling point. Many buyers in this market are looking for high-end finishes and a space that’s both functional and stylish. Here are some things you can do to enhance your kitchen:

• Give your cabinets a refresh. If they’re in good condition but appear outdated, consider repainting or refinishing them. Opting for light, neutral colors can brighten the space and create a sense of openness, while darker tones can add a touch of sophistication. Replacing old hardware with modern knobs and pulls in finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or polished chrome, is a simple yet effective way to instantly modernize the look.
• Update your kitchen’s lighting. Lighting is crucial for both aesthetics and functionality. Installing under-cabinet LED lights can brighten work surfaces and add a cozy glow. You can also replace outdated fixtures with more contemporary designs that match your home’s overall style. Pendant lights over an island or a statement chandelier in the dining area are excellent for adding a touch of luxury.
• Give your countertops and sinks an upgrade. Resurfacing your countertops is an affordable alternative to replacing them entirely. Light-colored surfaces can help to brighten the kitchen and create a clean, airy feel. Additionally, consider upgrading the sink and faucet, which usually show obvious signs of wear and tear after years of use. A modern under-mount sink made from stainless steel or composite material paired with a high-arc faucet featuring a pull-down sprayer can significantly enhance both style and functionality.
• Add a backsplash. Another way to update a kitchen is to add a backsplash. Available in a variety of materials, colors, and patterns, backsplashes provide an opportunity to add personality to your kitchen. Not only that, adding a backsplash effectively seals off the wall underneath and protects it against water damage, helping maintain the long-term quality and durability of your kitchen.

Update Your Bathroom

Bathrooms are another crucial area for potential buyers, and in Laguna Beach, they often expect a spa-like retreat. Try following the next steps to significantly boost its appeal:

• Update your vanity. Installing a modern, luxurious vanity is one way to update your bathroom. However, if a full replacement isn’t within your budget, try giving the existing one a new coat of paint or stain to refresh its look. For a more substantial upgrade, consider replacing the countertop with durable materials like quartz or granite, which are highly sought-after for their luxurious feel.
• Refresh your bath fixtures. Replacing your old bathroom fixtures is another relatively low-cost update that can have a big impact. Before listing your home, make sure to replace older faucets, showerheads, toilet paper holders, and other small fixtures with modern, stylish options. Just remember to choose finishes that complement one another, such as brushed nickel or matte black, as this will help create a cohesive and polished look for your bathroom.
• Illuminate the space. Install new fixtures that provide flattering, ample light, especially for tasks like grooming. Adding a dimmer switch can help set the perfect mood for relaxing baths, creating that spa-like atmosphere. Additionally, updating mirrors can enhance the room’s aesthetic and illumination. When choosing mirrors, framed or beveled models are perfect for adding a touch of elegance. Large mirrors can help create the illusion of more space for small bathrooms.

Change the Flooring

High-quality, durable flooring is a must in Laguna Beach homes, as it significantly contributes to the overall aesthetic and can withstand the challenges of coastal living. Here are a few ways to update the flooring in your home to enhance both style and durability:

• Refinish your hardwood floors. Sanding down the existing finish and applying a new stain on your hardwood floors can revitalize any space. Lighter, natural tones can create a relaxed, beachy atmosphere, while darker stains offer a more sophisticated look. Make sure to select a durable finish that can withstand the coastal environment to ensure your floors stay beautiful and protected from sandy feet and moisture.
• Replace carpets. Replace worn or outdated carpets with fresh, neutral-toned options in carpeted rooms. High-quality, low-pile carpets offer a modern, clean look and are easier to maintain. In areas with heavy foot traffic or prone to moisture like entryways or kitchens, consider replacing old or cracked tiles with large-format tiles or wood-look tiles. These options can create a stylish, spacious feel and offer enhanced moisture resistance.
• Switch to vinyl flooring. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) can mimic the appearance of hardwood or stone while offering superior water resistance and durability, making it ideal for homes in coastal areas. When choosing new flooring, consider both the style of your home and the preferences of Laguna Beach buyers. Aim for flooring that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for coastal living.

Give Your Home a Fresh Coat of Paint

A fresh coat of paint can significantly enhance the appeal of your Laguna Beach home when preparing it for sale. Here are some things you should consider:

• Choose neutral, light colors. Opt for light colors to make spaces feel larger and brighter. Consider incorporating popular coastal colors such as soft blues, greens, and sandy beiges, as these can help create a calming atmosphere and subtly highlight the home’s proximity to the beach. Just remember to keep a consistent color scheme throughout the home, as this will help establish a sense of flow from one room to the next and enhance its overall appeal.
• Refresh your trim and molding. Painting baseboards, crown molding, and door frames can give a room a crisp, clean appearance. Make sure all trim is painted uniformly throughout the house for a polished, cohesive look. While neutral tones are recommended for broad appeal, consider subtle accent walls to add interest. Opt for a slightly darker shade of your main color or textured wallpaper for added depth. Keep the accents understated to enhance the space without overwhelming potential buyers.
• Don’t overlook the ceiling. A fresh coat of ceiling paint can brighten rooms and make them feel more spacious. Flat white is typically the best choice as it reflects light effectively. However, in some spaces like dining rooms or bedrooms, pale blue or other light colors on the ceiling can introduce a soft, luxurious touch. Pay special attention to areas that may show wear, like around light switches or door frames, to ensure a well-maintained appearance throughout the home.

Update the Home’s Lighting and Electric Fixtures

Effective lighting is a crucial element in home staging that can significantly impact a property’s appeal to potential buyers. To enhance your home’s ambiance through lighting, follow these steps:

• Get new lighting fixtures. Update outdated fixtures with contemporary, energy-efficient alternatives. Install pendant lights over kitchen islands and under-cabinet lighting to brighten work areas. Choose statement chandeliers or stylish ceiling fans for living spaces to serve as focal points while providing illumination and comfort. Incorporate outdoor lighting to accentuate architectural features and create an inviting atmosphere for evening showings.
• Install dimmer switches. Another way to update your home’s lighting is by installing dimmer switches in key areas such as the dining room, living room, and primary bedroom. This allows for adjustable lighting to suit various occasions, which can be particularly appealing in a Laguna Beach home where buyers may envision themselves entertaining or enjoying quiet evenings with ocean views. As with any electrical update, it’s essential to hire a licensed electrician to ensure the work meets safety standards and complies with the code. This not only ensures safety but also gives potential buyers confidence in the home’s electrical system.

Add Storage Solutions

Storage solutions are a key factor in attracting potential buyers. Here are effective strategies to enhance your home’s storage capacity:

• Update your closets and shelving systems. A well-organized closet can make even a smaller bedroom feel more luxurious and spacious. Installing organizers in bedroom closets is an easy way to optimize space utilization. You can also incorporate adjustable shelves, pull-out drawers, and designated areas for footwear and accessories.
• Add extra storage throughout the home. Identify and utilize unconventional spaces for additional storage. Options include under-stair compartments, storage-integrated window seats, and multifunctional furniture. These clever solutions demonstrate the home’s adaptability to various lifestyle needs.
• Update your pantry. Pantry makeovers can have a lot of impact on your home. One way to do this is by installing sliding shelves or organizational systems to enhance space efficiency and accessibility. You can also employ transparent containers or labels for a tidy appearance. If a dedicated pantry is absent, consider adding a pantry cabinet or repurposing a nearby closet.

Add Energy-Efficient Appliances

Energy efficiency has become a crucial factor for homebuyers in Laguna Beach’s luxury market. To enhance your property’s appeal, consider the following upgrades:

• Install energy-efficient windows. Replacing outdated single-pane windows with energy-efficient models helps maintain comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce energy costs. For properties where full window replacement isn’t feasible, applying window films can improve insulation and mitigate UV damage to interiors—particularly beneficial in Laguna Beach’s sunny climate.
• Add a smart home system. Smart home systems are increasingly sought-after in the housing market. Installing smart thermostats, doorbell cameras, and smartphone-controlled lighting systems adds convenience and appeals to tech-savvy buyers. These upgrades enhance functionality and contribute to energy efficiency. When marketing the property, emphasizing these features as energy-saving and security-enhancing improvements is advisable. Updating old outlets and switch plates, and adding USB outlets in bedrooms and home offices can provide a modern touch that impresses potential buyers.
• Update your home’s insulation. Improving insulation in attics and walls enhances temperature regulation and reduces energy consumption, especially important in older Laguna Beach homes that may not meet modern energy standards. Proper insulation also offers the added benefit of noise reduction, which can be particularly appealing in busy beachside neighborhoods.
• Install water-saving fixtures. With water conservation being a pressing concern in California, installing low-flow faucets, showerheads, and dual-flush or low-flow toilets, are great ways to address this without compromising performance. Not only do they appeal to environmentally conscious buyers but can lead to significant savings on your water bill.
• Don’t overlook your HVAC system. Scheduling professional maintenance ensures peak efficiency. By replacing filters and cleaning ducts, you can improve air quality and system performance. For outdated systems, upgrading to a more efficient model, such as a high-efficiency heat pump, can be an excellent choice in Laguna Beach’s temperate climate. This type of system provides both heating and cooling while minimizing energy consumption.

Sell Your Laguna Beach, CA Home with Shauna & Leita Covington Today!

If you are planning on putting your Laguna Beach, CA home back on the market, make sure to work with the dynamic mother-daughter duo of Shauna and Leita Covington.

One of the best real estate professionals in Orange County, Shauna Covington ranks among the top 1% of over 1.1 million Realtors nationwide.

Both top-tier professionals, Shauna and Leita Covington are known for blending traditional experience with cutting-edge technology and trends, as well as for tailoring strategies to meet their clientele’s specific real estate goals.

Given their deep roots in Laguna Beach, both Shauna and Leita Covington can offer unparalleled insights into the Orange County market, ensuring a seamless and stress-free experience for buyers and sellers alike.

With their combined skill and experience, trust that Shauna and Leita Covington will do their best to sell your home fast and for top dollar.

Want to know how fast you can sell your house? Give Shauna & Leita Covington a call at either 949.412.8088 or 949.395.3037. You can also send them an email to schedule a consultation.