Thinking about selling your Westwood home this spring? You’re right on time. Spring brings more active buyers, faster showings, and stronger offers across Los Angeles, and Westwood benefits from steady demand tied to UCLA and nearby amenities. In this guide, you’ll get a simple 8 to 12 week plan, a disclosure checklist for Los Angeles, staging tips by home style, a launch strategy, and ways to overcome common buyer concerns. Let’s dive in.
Why spring favors sellers
Spring tends to be the busiest season for residential real estate, with more buyers touring and writing offers from late February through May. Los Angeles generally follows this pattern, though exact peak weeks vary year to year. When you list early to mid spring, you can often capture more attention in the first 7 to 10 days, which is when most listings see their strongest activity.
Westwood market drivers
Westwood is desirable for its proximity to UCLA, Westwood Village dining and retail, and access to the broader Westside. The area includes single-family homes as well as many condos and apartments, which attracts a mix of owner-occupiers, downsizers, and investors. Because prices are higher than many parts of Los Angeles, buyers often look closely at condition, permitted work, and for condos, HOA rules and financials. Work with your agent to review current inventory and days on market to fine-tune your pricing and timing.
Start 8 to 12 weeks out
A smooth spring launch starts with a clear plan. Use this timeline to guide your prep.
8 to 12 weeks: plan and inspect
- Hire a listing agent for a Comparative Market Analysis and a custom timeline.
- Order a general home inspection and a termite inspection, plus roof, plumbing, or major systems checks if needed.
- Review permit history through Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety records and identify any unpermitted work to disclose or address.
- Confirm any sewer lateral requirements for City of Los Angeles properties.
- For condos or HOA communities, request the full resale packet early. Financials and meeting minutes can take time.
- Decide on updates. Prioritize low-cost, high-return items like paint, lighting, hardware, and light landscaping.
6 to 8 weeks: repairs and curb appeal
- Complete repairs from inspections, especially safety, electrical, plumbing, or structural items.
- Refresh interiors with neutral paint. Update cabinet hardware, lighting, and fixtures. Refinish or deep clean floors and carpets.
- Improve curb appeal. Pressure wash, tidy walkways, and plant drought-tolerant greenery.
- If the home is tenant-occupied, review lease dates and notice requirements to avoid timing conflicts.
3 to 4 weeks: staging and paperwork
- Deep clean and declutter. Remove personal items and extra furniture to open up rooms.
- Hire a professional stager if budget allows. Staging is especially effective for Westwood condos and smaller units.
- Schedule professional photography, a floor plan, and a virtual tour. Plan drone or twilight shots if they add value.
- Prepare disclosures: Transfer Disclosure Statement, Natural Hazard Disclosure, lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes, any notes on unpermitted work, HOA documents, and termite or inspection reports you will share.
1 to 2 weeks: marketing launch
- Walk the property and complete staging touch-ups. Confirm all systems are working and lights are bright.
- Discuss MLS timing. Consider a “Coming Soon” strategy only if allowed by your MLS rules. Plan broker tour and open house dates.
- Upload photos, floor plan, and details. Finalize list price and pricing strategy.
- Check the calendar for local events. Consider the UCLA academic schedule and major city events when choosing show dates.
Disclosures and rules in Los Angeles
Prepare key items early so buyers have what they need and escrow isn’t delayed.
- Transfer Disclosure Statement and Natural Hazard Disclosure.
- Lead-based paint disclosure for homes built before 1978.
- Any known material facts that could affect value or desirability, including past pest or water issues.
- Notices about deaths on the property when required by California law.
- Tax-related notices such as Mello-Roos or special districts, if applicable.
- Unpermitted work and permit history from LADBS records.
- Sewer lateral inspection or certification if required by the City of Los Angeles.
- For condos and HOAs: CC&Rs, rules, financials, reserve studies, meeting minutes, and any rental or subletting guidelines.
- Confirm smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and operable as required in California.
Stage for Westwood styles
Staging should spotlight light, flow, and the local lifestyle. Keep decor warm and neutral, and show how indoor and outdoor areas connect.
Spanish Colonial or Mediterranean
- Feature original tile, arches, and wrought-iron details.
- Use natural-fiber rugs and warm tones with potted Mediterranean plants.
- Keep the historic feel while making finishes look fresh.
Craftsman or Bungalow
- Highlight built-ins, woodwork, and a welcoming porch.
- Use simple, period-appropriate furniture with warm lighting.
- Refinish original wood floors if needed.
Mid-Century Modern
- Emphasize clean lines, windows, and indoor-outdoor flow.
- Keep staging minimal with a few statement pieces.
- Preserve original finishes when possible.
Contemporary and renovated homes
- Keep decor simple and polished to show open-plan flow.
- Highlight the kitchen, upgraded systems, and any smart features.
Condos and smaller units
- Use multi-functional furniture to show flexible living.
- Declutter heavily and use mirrors or light colors to enhance space.
- Clearly present HOA amenities, parking details, and relevant rules.
Photo and launch plan
Strong visuals and a disciplined rollout can boost your first-week momentum.
- Prioritize high-resolution interior photos of main rooms and a polished twilight exterior.
- Add a floor plan with measurements and a virtual tour to reach remote buyers.
- Use aerial photos only if they enhance the story, and confirm local rules for drone work.
- Consider a short “Coming Soon” period if allowed, then schedule a broker tour for early feedback.
- Expect most showings in the first 7 to 10 days. Keep the home in show-ready condition.
- Mix open houses for visibility with private showings for serious buyers. Higher-end homes may lean more on broker and private tours.
- If appropriate for the price point and interest, plan an offer review date about 5 to 7 days after launch.
Head off common objections
Anticipate questions and provide clear answers from day one.
- Parking: Document garage capacity, any storage, and neighborhood permit rules.
- HOA: Share dues, financials, reserve studies, and rules up front. Highlight amenities and maintenance coverage.
- Permits and systems: Provide inspection summaries and permit history. Address or disclose unpermitted work early.
- Size and layout: Use staging, floor plans, and storage solutions to show versatility in smaller spaces.
Smart budget checklist
Focus first on items that deliver the most impact for the least cost.
High ROI
- Fresh interior paint in neutral tones.
- Deep clean and declutter, plus pro window and carpet cleaning.
- Lighting updates and clean door hardware.
- Curb appeal: pressure wash, tidy landscaping, new house numbers, and a painted front door.
- Professional photography and a detailed floor plan.
Mid-range
- Kitchen refresh with new hardware, faucet, and a targeted backsplash or counters.
- Refinish or repair floors in high-traffic areas.
- Bathrooms: re-grout, swap vanity hardware, and update lighting.
Optional
- Full kitchen remodels are not always recouped unless expected for the price tier.
- Major structural changes or additions only when clear value and permits support them.
Day-of-listing checklist
- Utilities on and all lights on for photos and showings.
- Secure valuables and personal documents.
- Kitchens and baths sparkling, with fresh towels and flowers.
- Agent distributes to MLS and broker network and schedules tours.
- Confirm showing instructions, lockbox access, and occupancy details.
Pricing and timing notes
Pricing in Westwood benefits from a data-driven approach. Ask your agent for current inventory, days on market, and a Comparative Market Analysis to set strategy. The mortgage rate backdrop and available homes can affect buyer urgency, so review these trends again just before you list. Then stick to your launch plan for the first week and adjust only with fresh data.
Ready to sell with confidence?
If you want a hands-on plan tailored to your home, reach out for a custom valuation, a room-by-room punch list, and a step-by-step launch timeline. With a principal-led approach and deep Westside expertise, we guide you from prep to closing with care and clarity. We also donate 10% of net commissions to a client-nominated charity, aligning your move with your values. Connect with Vida Ash to Request a Free Home Valuation & Marketing Plan.
FAQs
When should I start prepping to sell a Westwood home for spring?
- Begin 8 to 12 weeks before your ideal list date so you can complete inspections, repairs, staging, photos, and disclosures on schedule.
What disclosures are required when selling a home in Los Angeles?
- Plan for the Transfer Disclosure Statement, Natural Hazard Disclosure, lead-based paint disclosure for pre-1978 homes, permit history, and any HOA documents as applicable.
How should I stage a Westwood condo to feel larger?
- Declutter heavily, use light colors and mirrors, select multi-functional furniture, and clearly present HOA amenities and parking details.
Do I need a sewer lateral inspection when selling in the City of Los Angeles?
- Los Angeles may require inspection or certification for certain properties, so confirm current rules early to avoid delays in escrow.
Should I use “Coming Soon” status before listing in MLS?
- Only if allowed by your local MLS rules and if it fits your marketing plan; your agent can advise on timing and restrictions.
Is an offer review date a good idea for Westwood listings?
- If you expect strong interest, a 5 to 7 day review window can create order and give buyers time to view and prepare offers.
