No matter the market conditions when selling your home, you want to present it to prospective buyers in the very best condition, and in the very best light.  Doing this requires just a bit of energy.  The return is more than worth the effort; you’ll reap the rewards when you receive the best price and terms for your home.

Keep the following in mind to make the most of your home sale.

Clean & Declutter

Make sure clutter is put away and your house is clean before taking pictures or showing your home.  You want your property looking its best, and having a clean and organized home to show is one of the easiest ways to impress a buyer.  A deep cleaning of your home will make the difference in how others see it. Carpets, decks, pathways and outbuildings must be spotless.

Find Your Paperwork

Owning a home comes with so much paper!  Before listing, locate any manuals, warranties (especially for big items, like foundation and roof replacement) and your survey (if you have one).  You don’t want to be tearing your house apart at the last minute looking for paperwork!

Have Great Curb Appeal

Curb appeal is important.  Replace a broken letterbox or missing numbers.  Make sure that gates are repaired, pathways are even, the garden is neat, and the garage door is working.

Know Your Competition

It doesn’t hurt to go to your neighbor’s open house (or browse photos on the web) to see what you’re going up against.  Seeing other homes buyers have to choose from might change what repairs you make, or maybe even your listing price.

Inspections Are Your Friend

A homeowner is required to disclose what they know is wrong with a property. Sometimes you forget a small repair because you’ve lived with it for so long. Other times you didn’t realize an item needed repairing.  Having an inspection helps you disclose known issues with your home, and prepares you for repairs a buyer may request.

If you are thinking of selling in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, let’s talk soon! My REALTOR®  services are comprehensive, professional, and always conducted with YOUR best interests at heart.