Story Highlights
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Property was overcrowded with belongings, delaying the ability to start prep and complete value-driving improvements
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The home went into escrow in ~1.5 weeks with multiple offers over asking and achieved a 5–8x return on investment
Some homes require more than minor touch-ups before they’re ready for the market. In this case, the biggest obstacle wasn’t a renovation—it was simply the amount of belongings inside the property.
Orange County real estate agent Lars Nordstrom, who has spent nearly two decades helping sellers navigate competitive markets, quickly recognized that the home couldn’t reach its full potential without first clearing the space and making a few targeted updates.
But moving forward with that work required funding the sellers didn’t have readily available.
Through Notable’s pay-at-close home preparation funding, Lars and his clients were able to take action. With access to funds upfront, the team could clear the property and complete several straightforward improvements that dramatically improved how the home showed to buyers.
What made the difference wasn’t a full renovation—it was making the right changes at the right time. Those updates helped transform the property from a cluttered space into a home buyers could clearly envision themselves living in.
Once listed, the market response was immediate.
The home received multiple offers and entered escrow in just a week and a half, with offers coming in above the asking price. The improvements ultimately produced an estimated five to eight times return on investment, showing how impactful thoughtful pre-listing improvements can be when sellers have the ability to move forward with them.
For Lars, having access to this kind of funding allows him to approach every listing with a stronger strategy—giving sellers the opportunity to invest in the improvements that help maximize their home’s value.
About FirstTeam
First Team is one of the largest independent brokerages in Southern California, known for its high-performing agents, local market expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional client results.
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¹ Results may vary, and are neither warrantied nor guaranteed. Subject to the terms and conditions of your loan agreement. Loans are provided by Notable and made by either Notable Finance, LLC, an affiliated lender, or Quorum Federal Credit Union. Notable Finance, LLC, NMLS# 1824748 loans are made or arranged pursuant to a California Finance Lenders Law license. Loan eligibility is not guaranteed and all loans are subject to credit approval and lender underwriting. Rules and exclusions apply. Subject to terms and conditions (notablehome.com/terms).
² Interest may apply. Loan funds, interest and fees are due upon the sale of your home, twelve months after origination, or the occurrence of other acceleration events as provided in your loan agreement, whichever occurs sooner. Subject to the terms and conditions of your loan agreement with one of Notable’s affiliated lenders, Notable Finance, LLC or Quorum Federal Credit Union.
³ Results may vary. Based on data published here:
www.thezebra.com/resources/research/home-staging-statistics
www.opendoor.com/articles/improvements-that-increase-home-value www.nar.realtor/blogs/styled-staged-sold/why-staging-matters-even-in-a-sellers-market
www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/home-improvement/painting/paint-colors-increase-home-value
www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/move-in-ready-ranks-as-no-1-priority-among-2025-homebuyers-bright-mls-national-survey-finds-302346761
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