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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. Speak With Our Loan Officer for Mortgage Loans

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. Speak With Our Loan Officer for Sell a house Loans

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!

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.  Connect  With Our Loan Officer for Mortgage Loans

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.

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.

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