I was hired to stage this condo last year by the heirs of the original owners. They didn’t have the time or energy to do the suggested repairs, and so I suggested they meet with a Los Angeles real estate investor I often recommend in these circumstances. They met with Jennifer and a deal was struck. Jennifer then completely remodeled the unit (new kitchen cabinets, granite counters, new appliances, hardwood floors, new interior doors, new fireplace facade, new bathroom tile and counters and a fully built-out walk-in closet in the master bedroom). And what a great job she did – this Belair condo looks fantastic. This condo is now back on the market, and I have a feeling its going to sell very quickly with the great location, Hollywood Hills and canyon views and a fresh, updated look.

Here’s information provided by the owner:

Not only the best condo in the complex, but the best in the area! This corner unit is located in the renowned Chateau Chambray complex. Upon entry, you are welcomed into the foyer by rich dark brown floors, which continue throughout. It?s all new. Brand new custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances, new shutters, new stacked stone surrounding the fireplace. All the rooms are accentuated with custom paint and striking white baseboards. The master bedroom is sure to please with its en-suite bathroom, new vanity, and custom walk-in closet. The second bedroom/office is very spacious with ample closet space. The living room and both bedrooms offer spectacular canyon views. Enjoy all the complex amenities, which include a pool and spa, tennis court, fully equipped gym, and quiet garden courtyard. Don’t miss out on the Bel Air lifestyle that you deserve. (STANDARD SALE)

MLS #S662196. Listed at $529,000 (as of 6/9/2011)

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MLS #11-526531

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Home buyers in the Los Angeles real estate market want a house that is move in ready.

Home buyers don’t want an allowance to repair the roof, replace the carpet or repaint. Allowances are for teenagers. They want a well priced home, in a decent location, that they can move right in to without spending another dime.

Its a big fallacy that home buyers want to choose their own carpet or paint colors. If you choose a nice, neutral color carpet and nice neutral color wall paint (both things the best home stagers can help you with) most home buyers will see your home as more desirable because it is move-in-ready. They’ll be thrilled they don’t have to worry about picking out carpet and having it installed or find a painter who has time in their schedule. If your home stager can’t help you with this, then you are working with the wrong home stager.

Most home buyers are maxing out their home purchasing budget by making an offer on the nicest home they can possibly afford. They don’t have extra money to paint, install new carpet or retile the bathroom. They want to move in as soon as escrow closes, not after they have to make a lot of repairs to make their new home livable.

Here’s what happens when you offer a $5,000 allowance for repairing the roof that should have been replaced 5 years ago:

1. The buyer thinks “What else didn’t they repair that they should have?”
2. The buyer thinks “What structure got damaged by the leaky roof?”
3. The buyer thinks “Is it really going to cost only $5,000 to repair the roof?”
4. The buyer thinks “How much time will it take me to get bids, hire a roofing company & get the work done?”
5. The buyer thinks “What happens if (fill in the disaster: it rains, the contractor absconds with the deposit, a worker falls off the roof)?”
6. The buyer thinks “The seller must be desperate since the house isn’t in good shape.”

Here’s what happens next:

The buyer accepts your offer of $5,000 to repair the roof, and then also knocks off another 10% because they think the house is not in good condition or you are desperate…

~or~

The buyer rejects your house and moves on to the house down the street that is move in ready.

Here’s what happens when you offer a $3,000 allowance for new carpet:

1. The buyer thinks “Will $3,000 really cover new carpet for the whole house?”
2. The buyer thinks “I’m not from around here. Where do I buy new carpet?”
3. The buyer thinks “That house down the street already has new carpet. Why should I take on the added stress of shopping for & installing new carpet?”

Here’s what happens next:

The buyer accepts your offer of $3,000 to buy new carpet, and then also knocks off another 10% because they think your allowance won’t cover all the costs …

~or~

The buyer rejects your house and moves on to the house down the street that is move in ready and already has new carpet installed.

By not repairing and updating your home before you put it on the market, you are asking home buyers to assume risk and additional expenses. You add more stress and uncertainty to the situation. Many home buyers are already investing every penny they can get their hands on in order to purchase a home. They are unable or unwilling to purchase a home that will require repairs before they can move in. Additionally, the condition of your home may effect the appraisal causing the buyer’s lender to refuse the loan.

Want to get a Los Angeles home sold? Price it right, hire the best full service Realtor you can find, hire a professional home stager and make sure it is in move-in ready condition.

We were hired to stage another beautifully remodeled luxury Century City condo this past week for one of our Beverly Hills real estate investors. While the logistics of staging in this landmark building are a little tricky, I’m always excited to stage here because we have such a great canvas to work with. This condo has been fully remodeled with new espresso hardwood floors, white Carrara marble counters in the kitchen and bathrooms, new fixtures and stainless steel appliances. Everything is top drawer.

While I wanted the staging to be compelling, luxurious and elegant, I didn’t want it to compete with the view, which is breathtaking. I’d be very happy to wake up every morning and see that view.

This is the view from the living room. The bedrooms have golf course views.

This condo is located in the beautiful I.M. Pei Century Towers. Contact us for more information regarding this listing.

Moving Mountains Design provides expert luxury home staging in Century City, Los Angeles, Pasadena and Los Angeles County. We know what makes homes sell! ™

For more information about this Chateau Chamberay Belair condo, contact the listing agent, Sheryl Scarso, Keller Williams (818)231-0886. MLS# F1860489