While properties can be sold in Chicago all year-round, the city’s real estate season typically runs from March through October. If you’re planning to put your home on the market this summer, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to make sure it sells before the September school season starts. Here are some tips on how to get your condo ready to capitalize on the sizzling summer selling season.
This summer, not only the temperature will be hot in Chicago, but also the real estate market. Earlier this year, national real estate brokerage Redfin reported that the number of active property listings in the country had declined 40% from 2020 levels, reaching an all-time low. This means that there are far fewer homes listed for sale today than a year ago.
While there’s still a high demand and lots of buyers actively seeking homes, there aren’t enough properties listed to meet the demand. This has created a classic seller’s market in many U.S. cities, including Chicago, while boosting home values at the same time. Therefore, this summer is a great time to sell your condo. Here are six essential steps to take to be sale-ready:
Tackle necessary repairs prior to listing
If you complete repairs prior to listing your property, you will not only likely end up with a higher sale price, but also save time and money later by avoiding back-and-forth negotiations over minor repair issues. Walk through your condo and look for cracked windows, peeling or damaged paint, or any imperfections. This way, when your buyers look around, instead of making a mental list of what needs to be fixed, they’ll be able to focus on your home’s positive qualities.
Depersonalize and declutter your home
We all have a home full of family heirlooms and personal knick knacks. However, when it comes to selling your condo, buyers will want to picture themselves in the property and not you. It’s time to take personal mementos down. The concept that ‘less is more’ is at the heart of making a home sellable, so generally freeing up space is a great idea. Walk around your home and decide with each item if you want to save it, store it, sell it, or get rid of it. A little extra breathing room, along with a sense of expansiveness, makes your home feel more luxurious, calming, and comfortable. A buyer will naturally be drawn to, and pay more for, a property that feels more spacious. Remove everything that is not needed to live on a daily basis.
Improve the curb appeal
First impressions are everything. Take advantage of the summer season to get a jump on your curb appeal. Summer staging tips include placing fresh and bright flowers in a vase, putting lush plants in a window box, and using summer-scented candles or air fresheners. Some simple and cheap solutions can really make your home stand out.
Keep your home bright and cool
One of the most important tips for selling a home during the summer is to keep it at a comfortable temperature while it’s being looked at by potential buyers. Crank up the AC or install window air conditioners, turn on ceiling fans, or place floor fans around your property. In summer, the sun is also on your side. Open the shades for a showing and turn on the lights, too. Light and bright looking homes feel more inviting and homey.
Offer summer refreshments
Make your buyers feel at home right from the start. There’s nothing better on a sizzling hot summer day than a glass of iced tea or lemonade on the kitchen counter. You can also fill the sink with ice cubes and chill bottled beverages for visitors, or you can put a few bottles of water in the fridge. Serving a few light snacks and drinks will make potential buyers feel comfortable and leave feeling happy and content, which are two things you’d love your home to be associated with.
Hire a real estate professional
An experienced and skilled real estate professional can have a tremendous effect on the success, simplicity, and financial results of the transaction. They can help you with everything from setting the right price — which is one of the most important steps — to marketing, finding the right buyer, and navigating legal requirements. Working with a real estate agent can take a lot of stress and responsibility off your shoulders so you can enjoy a summer vacation while your home gets sold.
At Hales, our brokerage team helps overwhelmed condo owners become confident sellers. We know your building inside and out and can help you get the best price for your home. Click here for a free home estimate and a member of our brokerage team will be in touch with you today!
