Adding Value When Preparing to Sell
South Bay & Los Angeles

Change Subtitle to Guidance for South Bay and Los Angeles homeowners on updates that add real value, with clear insight into which improvements matter most when preparing to sell

Adding Value

Which items will add value to your LA County home and help with resale when the time comes to sell in the Los Angeles housing market?

The answer is: “Only the ones that future buyers will also want and be willing to pay for.”

As a general rule, choosing the functional over the merely cosmetic and choosing neutral over unusual or exotic will pay at resale as these will appeal to a broader audience. Taste and current trends can also affect the value of an update. Unusual colors have a limited appeal.

Which updates will add the most value to your Los Angeles home?

  • Updates that increase usable space and square footage (an extra bathroom, larger and/or upgraded kitchen, master bedroom suite, more closet space, conversion of unused space to a home office).
  • Updates that will lighten and brighten your rooms (white or light color paint and floor coverings, new window fixtures, light woods, skylights, larger windows, French doors).
  • Updates that will open your home to the outdoors for fresh air and entertaining (French doors to the patio or garden, area windows).
  • Updates that will increase privacy and security (fencing, landscaping).

Why Work With Jesse Dougherty

Why work with Jesse Dougherty? As the #1 Compass real estate agent in the South Bay with top rankings from RealTrends/MLS based on proven statistics across residential, luxury, investment, and trust & probate real estate sales – Jesse is your go-to agent & advisor.

Jesse Dougherty combines hyperlocal market knowledge with marketing-driven prowess, strong negotiation skills, and seamless experience making each transaction a client-first approach that avoids common pitfalls of real estate endeavors.

With 150+ 5-star reviews from loyal clients who respect my integrity as much as my effort to get the job done right – you will receive crystal clear communication every step of the way using Compass technology to your benefit.

From your first call to your closing day, trust that my decade + experience will put you first always!

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Selling Your Home in the South Bay

In most cases, yes. Decluttering helps buyers focus on the home rather than belongings and makes spaces feel larger and more inviting.

If personal items make it hard for buyers to imagine their own lives in the home, it’s usually a sign to simplify. Neutral presentation helps buyers connect more easily.

A pre-listing inspection isn’t required, but it can be a useful planning tool. It helps sellers understand potential issues early, avoid surprises in escrow, and make informed decisions about repairs, pricing, or disclosure.

No. Staging is most helpful when a home is vacant or when room function or scale isn’t clear. Many homes show well with thoughtful decluttering and light editing alone.

They often impact perceived value, which influences buyer interest, engagement, and willingness to act especially early in the listing period.

Not necessarily. If the home feels clean, open, and well maintained, presentation alone may be sufficient.

No. It can support a range of preparation decisions, from storage and cleaning to light cosmetic updates to staging to more involved improvements, when those changes clearly support market readiness.

Preparation timelines vary. Some homes need only a short reset, while others benefit from more planning. The key is aligning preparation with your desired launch timing.