15 Simple Steps To Prepare Your Home For Sale From the Best Real Estate Agents in Chicago
Proven tips sellers can apply right now to maximize their home’s value
When it comes time to sell your home, you want to ensure it's in top condition to attract potential buyers and secure a higher sales price. Chicago's best real estate agents recommend professional photographers, cleaners, and even home staging. But we've compiled a comprehensive list of items that will help any home for sale appeal to the widest range of buyers and sell quickly.
In this article, we'll also share simple, budget-friendly ideas to boost your home's curb appeal, ultimately attracting more buyers and increasing your profit. Additionally, a knowledgeable real estate agent with expertise in Chicago's housing market and neighborhoods can assist with a pre-listing home inspection to address any potential issues affecting market value and selling price.
Don't leave money on the table – follow this list to get the best results during your home-selling process:
Handy Checklist from a Top Chicago Real Estate Agent of 15 Easy Ways to Prepare Your Home for Sale:
Exterior Cleanup
A great first impression would be a big selling point to entice buyers. Use a "home wash" attachment (readily available at home improvement stores) to clean the outside of your house; make sure to clean up the front, the lawn is mowed, and the front porch is clear of any debris.
2. Gutter and Window Maintenance
Clean rain gutters and outside windows and screens to give your home a fresh look. Home sellers may have overlooked some of the less important repairs relating to the home's exterior. Still, minor repairs like broken screens could be a major turnoff for potential buyers.
3. Inviting Entrance:
Inviting Entrance
Ensure your front door is inviting by painting it if needed since a fresh coat of paint (neutral colors) could make a big difference with a first impression. Replace outdated exterior light fixtures and replace broken light bulbs to create a warm ambiance for prospective buyers.
4. House Numbers
Invest in new house numbers if the old ones are dated or faded. Make sure they are easily visible from the curb.
5. Welcome Mat
Purchase a new welcome mat to make potential buyers feel at home right from the doorstep. First impressions matter, and a new "welcome home" mat could help a potential buyer envision their future home.
6. Declutter
Besides a deep clean, most real estate agents also recommend removing all of your own belongings, as clutter can deter buyers. Consider renting a storage unit or portable pod for surplus furniture or knick knacks. Alternatively, ask a friend if you can temporarily store items in their garage for extra storage space.
Decluttering and organizing spaces, tackling necessary repairs, and arranging furniture strategically create an environment that feels spacious and inviting. Deep cleaning, especially in the kitchen and bathroom areas, ensures that every inch of your home shines.
7. Organize Closets and Drawers
Organized Closets and Storage Spaces
Organized storage spaces can leave a positive impression on buyers. As part of the deep clean process, many sellers will also clean the closets and storage areas to ensure the house shows well.
8. Repairs
Repairs for Selling Your Home
Tackle any necessary repairs to prevent potential buyers from factoring them into post-purchase expenses. Your local Chicago real estate agent will advise you to repair any small holes and cover them with a fresh coat of paint before listing your house for sale. If selling the home as is, you may not need to address any major repairs. If items that need to be repaired or replaced affect home value, you can expect the potential buyers to negotiate some of the repairs from the listing price.
9. Furniture Arrangement
Rearrange furniture to make rooms appear more spacious and inviting. If the dining room table is too bulky or outdated, it may prevent the potential buyers from visualizing their own furniture. A real estate agent could also recommend a professional stager to help dress up the home's interior.
10. Deep Cleaning
Deep Cleaning Your Home
Make every surface shine, from ceiling fans to baseboards. Don't overlook interior windows, mirrors, and floors.
11. Kitchen and Bathroom Scrub
Give special attention to these areas. Scrub every inch of the kitchen and bathrooms to ensure they are sparkling clean.
12. Depersonalize
Remove personal items such as family photos, personal photos, family heirlooms, excess furniture, or any artwork by a younger family member to allow prospective buyers to envision themselves in the space.
Depersonalization, through removing personal items and introducing neutral-colored linens and pillows, allows potential buyers to visualize themselves in the space. Creating a pleasant atmosphere with air fresheners and fresh flowers further enhances the overall experience for buyers.
13. Fresh Linens
Invest in new, neutral-colored linens and pillows to give bedrooms and living spaces a fresh, appealing look.
14. Air Fresheners
Use air neutralizers and fresh flowers to keep your home smelling pleasant. A welcoming scent can leave a lasting impression.
15. Emotional Detachment
Lastly, emotionally detach from your home and mentally prepare for an offer. The moving process and getting your house ready to sell can be emotional, especially if you have lived in the home for many years.
The 15 simple yet effective steps outlined in this article, compiled from the insights of top Chicago real estate agents, serve as a comprehensive checklist to ensure your home is in its best possible condition and makes a lasting impression on prospective buyers.
From enhancing curb appeal with exterior cleanups to creating an inviting entrance, each step contributes to the overall appeal of your home. Maintenance tasks like gutter cleaning, window maintenance, and small yet impactful improvements such as updating house numbers and adding a welcoming welcome mat can significantly improve your home's first impression.
Finally, emotional detachment from your home and mental preparedness for offers can help streamline the selling process. By following these steps, you increase the appeal of your home and maximize your chances of a successful sale with a higher listing price, potentially leading to a higher selling price and a smoother transaction overall.
Remember that the presentation of your home plays a pivotal role in attracting buyers, and these steps are designed to help you make a significant difference in the eyes of potential real estate purchasers. After following these steps to get the most value, your Chicago listing agent will be ready to call the professional photographer to take the final step of getting the house ready to sell.
