When choosing to sell a house in Chicago, you’ll likely want the process to take as little time as possible. After all, time is money, right? The longer it takes to sell, the more it ends up costing you in the long run. Utility bills, taxes, and insurance payments only stop once the sale is finalized.
Statistically, the longer your home is listed, the less likely you are to get your asking price. To get the highest return on your Chicago house, sell it quickly! In our latest post, check out our…
5 proven tips to sell your home faster in Chicago!
Get Rid of Your Stuff
The process of selling your home starts well before you actually put it on the market by picking up around the house. Since you are planning on moving soon anyway start packing away all of non-essential items and get rid of all of the clutter. You don’t want your prospective buyers walking through the home distracted by your clutter. So be sure to present a clean and organized house so your potential buyers focus will be on them moving into the house instead of feeling like they are intruding on your personal space.
Great Photos
The majority of people are shopping online for their next home. That means you have to capture their attention in only a matter of seconds. People scroll right past a house with bad or sub-par photos. The pictures you use in your ad should present the house in the best possible light. Consider renting a wide angle lens, or hiring a professional to help you get the right shots. Any fees you encounter are well worth it in the end.
Curb Appeal
They say, whether they know it or not, buyers decide right away if they will make an offer on a home. What potential buyers see as they are pulling up to the house, will set the overall tone of the showing. Unlike many other home improvements, curb appeal can usually be done at a low cost.
- Clean up and weed the garden/lawn
- Plant some flowers
- New hardware such as mailbox, address numbers and door handles
- Fresh coat of paint on the door
- New doormat
Price it Right
You only get 1 chance to make your first impression on the market so you want to be sure that you start with the right price. If your starting price is too high you run the risk of sitting on the market for an extended period of time. The longer your house sits on the market the more difficult it will be to sell even with future price reductions. By starting off with a well-researched price, you will be able to hit the market and be competitive with other listings in your area.
Highlight Your Neighborhood
When a person buys a home, they aren’t just buying the structure, they are buying the location and lifestyle. Showcase ALL of the things that make your neighborhood unique and inviting. Put together a packet to give to people viewing your house. Include information about recreational activities, restaurants and commute times. Let them know about parks, lakes, and anything you love about the area yourself. Is the neighborhood tightly knit? Block parties and holiday events? Make sure to highlight that as well! Most people are looking for a great home in a wonderful atmosphere. Highlighting the area can be just as important as highlighting the home itself!