This Article Is About Realtors Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago By Realtors

Realtors Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago:

• Do you want your home to look like a model home?
• These are my top ten strategies to maximize the number of people who will be interested in your home
• Why does that matter?
• The more interest, the more buyers, and the better chance your home will sell quickly—at the best possible price!

Julie Hayward Explains Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago

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!

About The Author Of The Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago

Julie Hayward is an associate contributing editor for Gustan Cho Associates and the author of the Top 10 Secrets In Selling A Home In Chicago. Julie is the President and Managing Broker for Edge Realty LLC and an expert in many areas of real estate and lending. Plus she is launching her new book, Opportunity Knocks in the coming weeks. Many of the topics covered in this article will be in her new book. We will announce to all of our viewers when Julie Hayward’s new book hits the market.