I’m excited (and a little emotional) to share that my family home at 24891 Lirio in Mission Viejo has officially sold.
This wasn’t just another listing for me. It’s the home where my family made years of memories, so I wanted to make sure I approached the sale thoughtfully. Having the opportunity to handle the sale of my own home reminded me how personal and emotional the process can be, and it reinforced something I’ve always believed: I truly approach every sale as if it were my own.
I wanted to share this sale because it perfectly illustrates how thoughtful preparation before hitting the market can dramatically impact not only the sales price, but also the overall terms of the sale.
PREPARING THE HOME
Before putting the home on the market, I focused on improvements that typically provide the best return on investment rather than taking on major renovations. I invested in new flooring, fresh paint, updated lighting, cabinet hardware, refreshed bathroom mirrors and fixtures, ceiling fans, and a kitchen refresh with a new backsplash and hardware. Those relatively simple updates completely transformed the feel of the home and helped it show at its very best.
Another lesson this sale reinforced is the value of investing in quality staging. I typically work side by side with my stager because I believe thoughtful staging is one of the most important parts of preparing a home for market. Since I was selling my own home, I thought I’d take one thing off my plate and hired a staging company to handle everything. After seeing the initial results, I realized it wasn’t the level of presentation I wanted, so I made the difficult decision to let them go and start over. It cost me additional time and money, but staging is simply too important to compromise. I partnered closely with my go-to stager to thoughtfully curate each room and ensure the home was presented at its absolute best.
This hands-on staging service is something I provide as a complimentary part of my listing services at no additional cost to my sellers. Professional staging often costs homeowners between $3,000 and $6,000. I include it because I believe it’s one of the best investments you can make when preparing a home for sale.
Preparing a home for sale doesn’t stop there. Professional photography, thoughtful video marketing, strategic pricing, and a comprehensive marketing plan were equally important in creating excitement and attracting the right buyers.
THE RESULTS
The results speak for themselves:
• Listed at: $1,299,900
• Received an offer the very first night of the open house
• One weekend on the market
• Four offers, all above asking price
• Accepted the very first offer, which proved to be the strongest overall—not just in price, but in terms
• Sold for: $1,365,000 ($65,100 over asking)
• Closed in: 21 days
It’s About More Than Price
One thing this sale reinforced is that success isn’t just about the highest sales price. It’s about creating enough demand that you have the ability to negotiate favorable terms and choose the buyer who is the best overall fit.
Because I had multiple offers, I was able to select buyers who genuinely loved the home and were wonderful to work with. That also gave me the leverage to negotiate terms that made a meaningful difference, including:
• The buyers assumed the existing solar lease, saving approximately $15,000 in buyout costs.
• The buyers covered approximately $6,000 in termite work instead of requesting I complete it before closing.
• Up to a 30-day complimentary rent-back, making the transition much less stressful.
• A smooth and seamless 21-day escrow.
While saying goodbye to this home was bittersweet, I couldn’t be happier with how everything came together. I’m especially grateful to the wonderful buyers who will now get to create their own memories in a home that meant so much to my family.
This experience reminded me that exceptional results rarely happen by accident. They’re the product of thoughtful preparation, strategic improvements, quality staging, professional photography, compelling video marketing, strategic pricing, and strong negotiation. Every decision before and during the listing matters.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support, your referrals, and your trust. It truly means more than you know. I feel incredibly fortunate to do work I love while helping people through one of life’s biggest milestones.
Warmly,
Joy Lee
Regency Real Estate
DRE #02102122
949-290-4903
P.S. If you’re even thinking about selling in the next year or two, I’d be happy to walk through your home and help you identify the improvements that will provide the greatest return on investment. Whether it’s renovations, staging, pricing, or marketing, having a thoughtful plan well before listing almost always leads to a better outcome—and I’m always happy to share my advice, with no obligation.