Steps To Selling a House With a Realtor Fast For Top Dollar

In this article, we will cover and discuss the steps to selling a house with a realtor fast for top dollar. We interviewed John Hartnett, a veteran licensed Illinois real estate agent who is an expert in representing both home sellers and buyers in the Chicagoland area. Do you want your home to look like a model home? These strategies help maximize the number of people interested in your home.

This guide on steps to selling a house with a realtor fast for top dollar was prepared by Alex Carlucci by interviewing John Harnett of Compass Real Estate of Crystal Lake. In the following sections below, we will go in depth covering the steps to selling a house with a realtor fast for top dollar.

Selling a House With a Realtor: What Is The Secret To a Fast Sale of a Property

The more interest, the more buyers, and the better chance your home will sell, fast! These tips will help you sell your home quicker at the best possible price. When asked John Hartnett on what is the secret to a fast sale of a property, John responded:

We have spent the past month with John Hartnett combing the Western Suburbs of Chicago to see the top producing real estate agent at work. Despite the slowdown recently of both listing and homebuyers, John Hartnett did not experience a bit of a pullback. Actually, he said his business has picked up 25% over the past quarter which is amazing.

What Should You Not Fix When Selling The House

Pricing it Right Is The first of the Top 10 Best Kept Secrets For Selling Your Home Fast is pricing your home right. Price sells a home faster than any other factor. Again, John Harnett offers the following advice to home sellers on his expertise:

If a listing price is set higher than 5% above market it discourages buyers. As these buyers look around they know they can get more elsewhere and may not come back for a second look if you lower the price.

What Makes a House Hard To Sell?

Move-in Condition- The second of the top 10 best-kept secrets for selling your home is making it in move-in-condition. Next to the right price, buyers want a property that is move-in ready. Get rid of the clutter, make it Q-tip clean, and refurbish where needed. Elbow grease can be just as effective as cash. John Hartnett adds the following comments:
John Hartnett is one of our top preferred realtor partners at Gustan Cho Associates who sells homes between $500,000 and $28 million with partnering with Alex Carlucci, a top mortgage loan officer and regional managing director at Gustan Cho Associates. Both John Hartnett and Alex Carlucci agree unanimously on the following list of good investments to be done prior to listing the house. Good investments are:

• shampooing the carpet
• polish the floor
• stronger light bulbs
• open curtains, oil for hinges
• window cleaner
• brass polish
• bagged limestone for damp odors
• hydrogen peroxide mixed with cream of tartar for stained porcelain
• soap scum remover for ceramic tile

A clean home will show better and your light fixtures will sparkle like jewelry!

What Makes a House Easy To Sell?

Curb Appeal- There is only one chance to make a first impression, right? This is the first impression buyers have of your home. If they fall in love with the outside they will want to see the inside. If a buyer isn’t immediately drawn from the outside, chances are the first impression will not be counteracted by the perfect floor plan or interior décor. John Hartnett said the following on the FAQs on what makes a house easy to sell:

Spruce up the outside by keeping the lawn mowed and shrubs trimmed. Make sure shutters are straight and blinds are at the same height across the front of the home for a uniform appearance. Clean or paint the front door and mailbox. Make sure windows are clean and walkways are clear. Put away garbage cans, garden hoses, and lawn ornaments. You may love your gnomes but the buyer may not.

How Do You Sell a House Full of Everything

Brighten the Décor- Consider fresh paint in neutral colors. They are less likely to clash with other people’s furniture and accessories. This is probably the best dollar for dollar investment in selling a home.

Also, think about replacing the carpet. A buyer can steam clean an old or stained carpet but new carpeting can make a big difference and be a nice return on investment.

What Are The Top Things That Sells a House?

There are a few factors sellers should take the advice of their listing real estate agent, according to John Hartnett. First concentrate on cleaning up the clutter and do not make the showing claustrophobic. Here is what John Hartnett said:

Focus Rooms- The kitchen, master bedroom, and garage are the three most inspected areas in any home. In the kitchen, clear counters and cabinets. Yes, buyers will look in your cabinets, pantry, and refrigerators. Some buyers may judge the whole house on the cleanliness of the appliances. Create spaciousness in the master bedroom by removing or moving furniture. Clear the closets of unused or seasonal clothes to make them appear larger. Get the junk out of the garage. It too will appear larger and ensure there is enough room for cars and storage.

What Is The First Step In Selling a Home Fast?

John Harnett advises to be open minded to various financing options. The more open you are to financing options such as offering the maximum seller concessions or offer the buyers the 2-1 buydown mortgage option. Being open to various financing options means the seal that closes the deal. John Hartnett add the following comment:

The more buyers that can afford your property, the better, and quicker you’ll sell. Consider FHA or VA financing, paying closing costs, points, a decorator’s allowance, a price reduction, or seller financing. Flexibility may give you an edge over the competition.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Work as a Team- Tell your agent what you love about your home and neighborhood for additional selling points. In return, the agent will provide feedback from prospective buyers to ensure the home is at its maximum marketability.

What Makes a House More Attractive To Buyers?

Accenting- Add charm and a welcoming touch by adding color and fragrance. Depending on the time of year, seasonal potted flowers by the front door, fresh-cut flowers, a wreath on the front door, or birch wood in the fireplace, helps to set the stage. You want the buyer to be able to envision living in the space.

Adding potpourri, cinnamon sticks in the oven, (be sure to turn it off just before showing) and placing candles on electric warmers give a warm fuzzy feeling. Lemon is said to entice buyers to buy. Consider running a lemon through the garbage disposal!

How To Sell Your Home Fast With Window Dressing

Before listing a home, make sure to remove all clutter both outside and inside. How to sell your home fast by taking care of the following tasks:

• garbage cans are out of sight
• kitchen is clean
• no dirty dishes are lying around
• toilet seats are down
• all beds in all bedrooms are made
• add floral arrangements in the kitchen and eating areas
• paint the home if it needs it
• make sure the lawn is mowed and shrubs and trees are trimmed

The exterior and entry are your only chance to make a good first impression. Don’t blow that opportunity with clutter, dirt, and weeds. Whether it is a seller or buyers market, how to sell your home fast is by window dressing it.

How To Sell Your Home Fast Hosting an Open House

Hosting an open house can attract potential buyers to visit the listed home and view all the details. Even with all of the internet technology today, the best seller is for the home buyer to see the product they are buying in person instead online. Be present at the open house to answer questions from potential home buyers. The home should be a move-in ready condition with no clutter. Ensure all lights are in working order and all appliances are in perfect condition. Remember that most home buyers will hire a home inspector to comb the property inside and out, so ensure everything is in working order.

What Month of The Year Is Best To Show Your Home For a Fast Sale?

How to Show- During showings and open houses plan to be away from the home. Statistically, buyers spend more time in a property when the owner is not present. The more time a buyer spends in the property, the better the chance at an offer. John Harnett adds that May, June, and July are the best killer months for homebuyers to make offers on a home and the worst months of the year, as expected is October through December.

You want buyers looking at the home not socializing with you or leaving early because they feel like an intruder. Be sure to secure pets. Some people may be afraid or allergic. Set the mood by putting on soft music and turn all the lights on. You want the home to appear bright and inviting.

What Is Reasonable To Negotiate on a House?

Negotiating & Accepting an Offer- Reply as soon as possible. When buyers make an offer they are in the mood to buy. Don’t let too much time pass, you don’t want them to experience buyer’s remorse. Again, John Harnett offers the following statement from his 20 years in the real estate career as a full-time licensed real estate agent:

Be positive and flexible in negotiations. After all, you both want the same thing, a closed transaction. It can be challenging and even fun. Leave the details up to us. That’s what we’re trained to do!

Teamwork With John Hartnett and Alex Carlucci

John Hartnett is one of our top preferred real estate agents at Gustan Cho Associates. Since the team at Gustan Cho Associates is licensed in 48 states including DC, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, our homebuyers nationwide often ask for a reputable real estate agent in their city and state.

John, always takes a leadership role and has thousands of family, friends, and associates who are expert realtors and know the area like its their back yard. John Hartnett is also an associate contributing editor for Gustan Cho Associates and its affiliate and sister media networks and partner subsidiaries. One of John’s viral blogs is the 10 Best Kept Secrets For Selling Your Home.

Best Advice Selling Home For Sellers

The best advice selling home fast is to seek the advice of a trusted real estate professional. The agent should know the area and be an experienced full-time agent. It’s okay to hire a less experienced real estate agent but the rookie agent should co-partner with a veteran homebuyers or homeowners need to get along with the agent.

The realtor needs to understand the needs of the home buyer/seller and be accessible at all time. If the realtor has a delayed response in getting back to buyers/sellers, this will be a problem and will not be a good fit.

The realtor can advice selling home on how to window dress home in order to sell home fast for the least cost possible. Most advice selling home by realtors should not be expensive and many times will not cost anything. Homeowners taking advantage of this bridge loan program can purchase the new home with no need of selling their exiting property. They need to still sell their exiting home. In this guide, we will offer tips and advice selling home fast.

Advice Selling Home Quickly

Selling a home quickly with the help of real estate professionals involves several key strategies and considerations. Here are some tips to help you sell your home fast: Hire an experienced realtor who can provide valuable insights, market expertise, and a network of potential buyers. Hire a realtor with a strong track record of selling homes quickly in your area. Setting the right price by pricing your home competitively is crucial to attract potential buyers. Your agent can help you determine the right listing price based on market analysis, comparable sales, and current market conditions.

Advice Selling Home Fast By Staging Your Home

Stage your home: Professional staging can make it look more appealing and help potential buyers visualize themselves living there. Clean, declutter, and depersonalize your space to make it more inviting. High-quality listing photos and virtual tours: Most buyers start their search online. High-quality photos and virtual tours can make your home more attractive to potential buyers and increase the likelihood of a quick sale.

Advice Selling Home Fast By Marketing Aggressively

Your real estate agent should have a comprehensive marketing platform, including online listings, social media promotion, open houses, and networking within the real estate community. Exposure means fast sales. The more your property gets exposure, the faster it’s likely to sell. Be flexible with showings: Make your home as accessible as possible for potential buyers.

Work with a reputable escrow and title company: A smooth and efficient escrow and title process can help speed up closing and ensure a successful sale.

Be willing to accommodate showings at various times, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate potential buyers. If your home isn’t generating interest or offers within a reasonable timeframe, be open to adjusting the price accordingly. A price reduction can often reinvigorate interest in your property. Consider getting a pre-listing inspection to address any potential issues upfront. This can help prevent surprises during the buyer’s inspection and expedite closing.

Typical Advice By Realtors

Selling a home quickly often requires a combination of strategic pricing, effective marketing, and cooperation with real estate professionals. Keep in mind that local market conditions and the condition of your property will also influence the speed of the sale. Consulting with a trusted real estate agent is essential in achieving a fast and successful sale. The realtor advice selling home may be the following:

• Clean up clutter
• Do minor yard work
• Clean windows
• Organize garage
• Rearrange furniture
• Do some minor repairs or minor landscape

Be prepared to negotiate: Be open to negotiation and willing to work with buyers on terms and conditions that can lead to a quicker sale. Flexibility can make your home more appealing. Review and respond quickly to offers: When you receive an offer, review it promptly and respond as soon as possible. Delays in communication can deter potential buyers.

Tips and Advice Selling Home By Most Realtors

Most realtors advice selling home fast is to give potential home buyers a great first impression when buyers drive up to the listed home: Make the most of first impression for not just potential buyers but other realtors:

• Well-Manicured Lawn
• Trimmed Shrubs
• Clutter-Free Porch
• Clear Driveway with no vehicles or vehicle parked in the garage

Paint is cheap and goes a long way: Paint exterior and interior if possible. If it is the fall, rake the leaves. If it is winter, shovel walkway, and driveway. The fewer obstacles between potential buyers and the true appeal of the home, the better chance of getting offers.

Advice Selling Home With Ample Space Without Clutter

A home that is overloaded with furniture and clutter WILL NOT sell. Make sure to make room for space. Potential home buyers are looking for more than just comfortable living space. Most home buyers are looking for storage area. Attics, basements, closets, and other potential areas need to be clean, organized, and clutter-free. Organize Closets:  The better organized a closet is, the larger it will appear. Box up unwanted clothes and store them off-site or donate them to charity.

Bathrooms: Bathrooms sell homes. Let bathrooms shine. Repair damaged areas. Caulk tub and shower areas. For added allure, display best towels, mats, and shower curtains.

Bedrooms: Wake up prospects to the cozy comforts of the home’s bedrooms. For a spacious look, get rid of excess furniture. Colorful bedspreads and fresh curtains are a must. Open Up During The Day. Let the sunshine in. Pull back curtains and drapes so potential homebuyers can see how bright and happy the home is. Lighten up at night. Turn on the excitement by turning on all lights in the home: Both interior and exterior lights. When showing home in the evenings, lights add color and warmth and make potential homebuyers feel welcome.

Advice Selling Home on How To Treat Potential Home Buyers

Home sellers should avoid crowd scenes: Potential home buyers often feel like they are intruding when they enter a home that is listed. Homebuyers feeling like they are intruding will often not pay the attention the home deserves. They will most likely want to rush viewing the home. Keep the company present to a minimum. Watch Pets: Most folks love animals. However, this is not the case when it comes to showing the home. Keep pets out of the way so homebuyers can concentrate with viewing home

Keep Volume To a Minimum: Loud noise from television or radio will become a distraction. Keep volume and noise to a minimum when showing home.

Vacating home when showing. Many realtors recommend that home sellers vacate the premises when there is a showing. In the event home sellers are home, be friendly but do not try to force a conversation. Most homebuyers want to view home with minimal distraction. Never apologize for any shortcomings. If a prospect volunteers negative comments about certain features of the home have the real estate agent deal with it. Keep a low profile. Many exiting homeowners will want to sell their furniture. Do not offer any sales of furniture until a contract is in the works.

10 Best Kept Secrets For Selling Your Home

Secret #1 Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago: How To Promote Selling Your Home

The first secret out of Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago is to price your home right. Price sells a home faster than any other factor. If a listing price is set higher than 5% above the market, buyers are discouraged. As these buyers look around your house, they know they can get more elsewhere. Even if you lower your price, they may not come back for a second look.

Secret #2: Make Your House Sell Ready

The second secret out of Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago is to make your home sell-ready. After price, buyers’ next priority is a house that’s move-in ready. Get rid of the clutter, make it Q-tip clean, and refurbish where needed. Elbow grease can be just as effective as cash. Good investments include: shampooing the carpet, polishing the floor, replacing existing light bulbs with high-wattage ones, opening curtains, oiling hinges, cleaning windows, and polishing.

My other tips: use bagged limestone to remove damp odors, clean stained porcelain with hydrogen peroxide mixed with cream of tartar, and use soap scum remover on ceramic tile. A clean home will show better and your light fixtures will sparkle like jewelry! Nothing makes a buyer feel happier.

Secret #3: Paying Attention To Curb Appeal

The third secret out of Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago is making sure that you pay attention to curb appeal. You have only one chance to make a first impression, right?  The outside provides the first impression buyers have of your home. If they fall in love with the outside, they will want to see the inside.

If a buyer isn’t immediately drawn from the outside, chances are that negative first impression will not be counteracted by the perfect floor plan or interior décor. Spruce up the outside by keeping the lawn mowed and shrubs trimmed. Make sure shutters are straight and blinds are at the same height across the front of the home for a uniform appearance. Clean or paint the front door and mailbox. Make sure windows are clean and walkways are clear. Put away garbage cans, garden hoses, and lawn ornaments. You may love your gnomes but the buyer may not.

Secret #4: Brighten Décor

Consider updating walls with fresh paint in neutral colors.

• Neutrals are less likely to clash with other people’s furniture and accessories
• This is probably your best dollar-for-dollar investment in selling a home
• Also, think about replacing the carpet
• A buyer can steam-clean an old or stained carpet but new carpeting can make a big difference and offer you a nice return on investment
• The home will also smell like new

Secret #5: 3 “Focus” Rooms

The kitchen, master bedroom, and garage are the three most-inspected areas in the home. To prepare the kitchen, clear counters and cabinets. Yes, buyers will look in your cabinets, pantry, and refrigerators. Some buyers may judge the whole house on the cleanliness of the appliances.

Create spaciousness in the master bedroom by removing or moving furniture. Clear the closets of unused or seasonal clothes to make them appear larger. Get the junk out of the garage. It too will appear larger and allay concerns that there is enough room for cars and storage.

Secret #6: Accent Strategically

Add charm and welcoming touch with color and fragrance. Depending on the time of year, seasonal potted flowers by the front door, fresh-cut flowers, a wreath on the front door, or birch wood in the fireplace helps to set the stage. You want the buyer to be able to envision living in the space. Add potpourri, cinnamon sticks in the oven, (be sure to turn it off just before showing), and placing candles on electric warmers to give a warm fuzzy feeling Lemon is said to entice buyers to buy, so consider running a lemon through the garbage disposal just before showing.

Secret #7: Be Open To Various Financing Options

The more buyers who can afford your property, the better, and quicker you’ll sell it. Consider FHA or VA financing, paying closing costs, points, offering a decorator’s allowance, a price reduction, or seller financing. Flexibility may give you an edge over the competition.

Secret #8: Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago: Working As A Team

Tell your agent what you love about your home and neighborhood to provide him or her with additional selling points so this can be communicated to buyers and buyer’s agents. In return, the agent will provide you feedback from prospective buyers to ensure the home is at its maximum marketability.

Secret #9: Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago: Know How To Show

During showings and open houses, you should plan to be away from the home. Statistically, buyers spend more time in a property when the owner is not present. The more time a buyer spends on the property, the better the chance at an offer. You want buyers looking at the home, not socializing with you, or leaving early because they feel uncomfortable. Also, be sure to secure pets, as some people may be afraid or allergic. Set the mood by putting on soft music and turn all lights on. You want the home to appear bright and inviting.

Secret #10: Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago: Negotiating And Accepting An Offer

Reply as soon as possible. When buyers make an offer, they are in the mood to buy. Don’t let too much time pass—you don’t want them to experience buyer’s remorse. Be positive and flexible in negotiations. After all, you both have the same goal: a closed transaction. It can be challenging and even fun. Leave the details up to us. That’s what we’re trained to do!

FAQs: Steps To Selling a House With a Realtor Fast For Top Dollar

• 1. What is the secret to a fast sale of a property? According to John Hartnett, generating significant interest is the key to a fast sale. This involves strategic pricing, making the home move-in ready, and enhancing curb appeal to attract more buyers quickly.
• 2. What should you not fix when selling a house? John Hartnett advises against setting a listing price higher than 5% above market value, as it can discourage buyers. Focus on essential repairs and upgrades that offer high returns, like cleaning and decluttering, rather than unnecessary major renovations.
• 3. What makes a house hard to sell? Homes not in move-in condition or with poor curb appeal can be difficult to sell. Buyers prefer properties that are clean, clutter-free, and ready to live in. Ensuring the house is well-presented and making minor, cost-effective improvements can make a significant difference.
• 4. What makes a house easy to sell? Good curb appeal is crucial. Maintaining the lawn, trimming shrubs, and ensuring the exterior looks inviting can make a strong first impression. Buyers are more likely to want to see the inside if they are attracted to the outside.
• 5. How do you sell a house full of everything? Brighten the décor with fresh, neutral paint and consider replacing old carpets. Declutter key areas like the kitchen, main bedroom, and garage to make them appear more spacious and inviting.
• 6. What are the top things that sell a house? Cleanliness, spaciousness, and strategic staging of focus rooms like the kitchen and main bedroom are vital. Ensuring these areas are spotless and well-organized can significantly impact buyers’ perceptions.
• 7. What is the first step in selling a home fast? Be open to various financing options. Being open to various financing options, like providing seller concessions or exploring FHA and VA loans, can expand the range of potential buyers and accelerate the selling process.
• 8. What makes a house more attractive to buyers? Adding charm with seasonal decorations, fresh flowers, and pleasant fragrances can create a welcoming atmosphere. Simple touches like potpourri, lemon in the garbage disposal, and well-placed candles can make the home feel inviting.
• 9. What month of the year is best to show your home for a fast sale? May, June, and July are ideal for selling a home, as buyers are more active during these times. Conversely, October through December are typically slower months for real estate transactions.
• 10. What is reasonable to negotiate on a house? Quick responses to offers and negotiation flexibility are essential. Being positive and accommodating can facilitate a smooth transaction and help close the deal efficiently.

If you have any questions about Steps To Selling a House With a Realtor Fast For Top Dollar or you need to qualify for loans with a lender with no overlays, please contact us at 800-900-8569. Text us for a faster response. Or email us at alex@gustancho.com. The team at Gustan Cho Associates is available 7 days a week, on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Speak With Our Loan Officer for Mortgage Loans

This blog about the Steps To Selling a House With a Realtor Fast For Top Dollar was updated on June 5th, 2024.