Selling real estate along the Southern California coastline is unlike selling anywhere else. From Manhattan Beach to Malibu, buyers are looking for more than a home; they’re buying into a lifestyle. And when every detail matters, presentation is everything. At LA Coastal Estates, we’ve helped hundreds of clients prepare their homes to stand out in a competitive market. Here’s how to get your coastal property ready — with strategies that add value and help you sell faster. 
1. Start with a Coastal-Appropriate Deep Clean
Salt air, sea breezes, and sand can take a toll on your home’s exterior. Before staging:
- Power wash windows, patios, and walkways
- Clean glass doors and sliders - these often frame your view
- Remove salt and grime buildup on outdoor furniture and fixtures
First impressions matter, especially when your curb appeal includes the Pacific Ocean.
2. Declutter, Then Depersonalize
Buyers want to see themselves living in the space. Remove:
- Personal photos
- Excess furniture
- Oversized or overly coastal décor (yes, even the seashell lamps)
Less is more. Your home should feel spacious, calm, and move-in ready.
3. Highlight Natural Light and Airflow
Beach homes are known for their bright, airy feel - show it off!
- Use light, neutral tones for walls and linens
- Keep window treatments minimal or fully open
- Let in ocean breezes during showings (if weather permits)
Lighting and airflow sell the coastal lifestyle. Make them part of the experience.
4. Stage Outdoor Living Spaces
Buyers shopping for Hermosa Beach or Redondo Beach real estate expect functional outdoor areas. Even small patios or balconies can shine with a few smart touches:
- Add comfortable seating
- Stage with potted plants or string lights
- Set a scene (coffee cups, open book, beach towel folded neatly)
This isn’t just outdoor space — it’s bonus square footage.
5. Refresh the Small Stuff
You don’t need a full renovation to impress buyers.
- Replace dated hardware or light fixtures
- Touch up scuffs or chips in paint
- Re-grout where needed
- Make sure all doors and sliders open smoothly, especially to the backyard or ocean-view deck
These small updates go a long way in showing care and maintenance.
6. Keep the Coastal Buyer in Mind
Your audience is often relocating, investing, or upsizing. Speak to their priorities:
- Showcase home office setups with good lighting
- Emphasize parking or garage storage
- Provide beach access info or walkability highlights in your listing
At LA Coastal Estates, we tailor your prep and staging plan to the kind of buyer you want, and we help your home rise to the top of their list. 
Selling a Home by the Beach? Don’t Wing It.
Our team knows what sells on the coast and what doesn’t. We’ll walk you through every step of the process, from pre-listing prep to final negotiations, so you don’t leave value on the table. If you’re ready to list your coastal property or just want to explore your options, let’s talk strategy, timing, and how to position your home for maximum impact. The team at LA Coastal Estates is here to help.