Sell your Chicago home fast by taking advantage of the summer selling season, when buyers are active and the market is buzzing.
While spring may kick things off, plenty of homes close during those hot summer days—if you know how to stand out.
Start with great curb appeal and professional photos to catch attention online.
Price your home competitively and consider working with cash buyers or offering flexible terms to speed up the process. With the right strategy, you can beat the heat and close your sale quickly.
First, if you're thinking, 'I want to sell my house for cash,' consider contacting a top real estate agent in the Chicago area who can guide you through a fast and efficient sale
Next, get your home ready to sell by following a few of the staging tips below that will drastically increase your chances of selling your Chicago home quickly and for a great price.
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Upkeep the Yard
Nothing draws in more buyers than a beautifully manicured yard. In fact, a manicured yard and perfectly crafted curb appeal will increase your home’s value significantly and according to top HomeLight real estate agents increase your chances of selling your home.
General yard upkeep should include:
- Mow the lawn
- Remove and kill weeds
- Repair and patch thin or bare grass areas
- Remove debris, twigs, and sticks
- Clean around bushes
- Trim back trees and overgrown bushes
- Plant easy to care for flowers
- Add a fresh layer of mulch
You should also power wash your home’s exterior as well as the driveway and walkways.
In addition, clean the exterior of the windows, clean the front door, and if it is needed paint the front door and swap out old hardware with new more modern versions.
Upgrade Your Insulation and Heat Pump
Upgrading your home's insulation and installing a modern heat pump can be a significant investment, with costs for a new heat pump ranging from $4,200 to $7,600, depending on the unit's capacity and necessary ductwork modifications.
While these expenses might seem daunting, they are crucial for ensuring your home meets current energy efficiency standards.
In Chicago, the Energy Conservation Code mandates specific insulation requirements, and non-compliance can deter potential buyers who are increasingly energy-conscious.
Investing in these upgrades not only brings your property up to code but also enhances its market appeal.
Homes with efficient heating systems and proper insulation are more attractive to buyers looking for comfort and lower utility bills.
Moreover, these improvements can prevent your home from lingering on the market, as properties lacking in energy efficiency often face extended selling periods.
By proactively addressing these aspects, you position your home as a move-in-ready option, potentially leading to a quicker sale and better offers.
Dress up the Front Porch
No, you don’t need to tie balloons and ribbons around the front porch, but you should dress up the front porch to attract potential buyers.
Start with a clean front porch that is void of cobwebs, dirt, and left over debris. Next, create a sitting area.
Use Adirondack chairs or a porch swing for a casual feel.
Dress up the seating with new outdoor cushions and add brightly colored throw pillows.
Add a welcome mat and put a fresh summery wreath on the front door. Finally, add a pot of flowers or ferns for a bit of extra color.
Let in the Light
Nothing brightens up a room more than natural light. When you stage your home make sure you pull dark curtains and heavy blinds off the windows so that as much natural light as possible can come in.
Replace dark curtains with sheer ones and remove blinds altogether. Wipe down windows and remove leftover dirt from the exterior as well.
Create an Outdoor Seating Area
Summers are meant to be spent outdoors. Showcase outdoor entertaining spaces to potential buyers by creating an outdoor seating area that is perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
If you have a covered patio, use the area as a spot for an outdoor sofa and outdoor chairs.
Make sure the seats are fitted properly with outdoor cushions and throw pillows. Next, add a small outdoor table where you can place candles, a centrepiece of flowers, or a piece of art.
Finally, spruce up any other items you may have outdoors, such as an outdoor kitchen, dining area, or fire pit.
Each of these will add to your home’s value and attract a variety of buyers.
Deep Clean Your Home
Of course, no amount of staging will be seen if your home is cluttered or dirty. So, tackle decluttering and deep cleaning before you stage.
That means removing photos, art, and knick-knacks that are overly personal or take away from the neutral tone of the house. Scrub and polish every square inch of the house so that it shines.
Finally, if your home is in need of a fresh coat of paint on the walls, do that before staging.
Adding a neutral paint color to the walls will only enhance your home's beauty and add to its value and marketability.
FAQ'S
To sell your Chicago home quickly in the summer, focus on enhancing curb appeal and staging. Start by maintaining a well-manicured lawn, trimming overgrown bushes, and adding vibrant flowers to create an inviting exterior.
Power wash the home's exterior, clean windows, and consider repainting the front door for a fresh look. Inside, declutter spaces, let in natural light by removing heavy drapes, and use neutral paint colors to appeal to a broad range of buyers. These steps can make your home more attractive and expedite the selling process.
Staging your home can significantly impact how quickly it sells and the price you receive. By arranging furniture to highlight the home's best features, adding tasteful décor, and creating a welcoming atmosphere, you help potential buyers envision themselves living there. Staged homes often sell faster and at higher prices compared to non-staged homes.
Not necessarily. While addressing minor issues like leaky faucets or peeling paint can enhance appeal, major renovations aren't always required.
In fact, some buyers are looking for homes they can customize themselves. However, ensuring your home is clean, well-maintained, and priced appropriately is crucial for a quick sale.
Curb appeal plays a vital role in attracting potential buyers. A well-maintained exterior creates a strong first impression and can set your home apart from others on the market.
Simple enhancements like mowing the lawn, planting flowers, and updating the front porch can make a significant difference in how quickly your home sells.
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