If it’s time to sell your Chicago home, paying close attention to some specific areas will help you catch the attention of potential buyers. Whether you’re looking to make a few minor upgrades, invest in some staging, or invest in some larger renovations, here are some ideas to get your home ready to put on the market, and increase your chances for a speedy sale for top dollar: 

Home Office

Over the past couple years, as more people have been working remotely, a home office has moved very high up on buyers’ lists of must-haves. If you already have a designated home office, ensure that it’s well-lit, tidy, and attractive. If you don’t, some creativity could give your home an edge over the competition. Maybe you convert a bedroom into a partial office, showing how it could function as both a guest room and home office in one. If you’re really limited on space, you can designate a section of the living room or repurpose your dining room. Of course, it's all dependent on the house. This shouldn’t require any major renovations. You just want to highlight the potential for a home office to help buyers see the opportunity.

Outdoor Space

Outdoor gatherings are always popular, so patios, decks, and other outdoor areas are also a big enticement for many prospective buyers. Sprucing up the space that you do have or putting in some work to create one could make your home more appealing. Again, this doesn’t mean investing thousands of dollars in a brand-new patio. Work with what you have. A few pieces of outdoor furniture in the backyard can make for a great outdoor space when done right. Add some colorful cushions, twinkle lights, or a firepit to really pull it together.

Multi-Functional Family Space

Showcasing the potential of your home to be adaptable is great. Keeping things neat and free of clutter is a good first step. And staging in a way that demonstrates multiple possibilities can help potential buyers to imagine all their options.

Kitchen

With more people still opting to cook in, kitchens are another area many potential buyers will be focusing on. If you are planning to invest in upgrades, kitchen appliances may be something you consider. If you’re looking for more DIY on-a-budget fixes, making your kitchen feel as spacious as possible can really help. Clear off counters, organize your pantry and cupboards, or maybe even add some shelving to take advantage of the vertical space. Even if you have a small kitchen, highlighting its practicality is key.

If you’d like a recommendation for an experienced, local Realtor to assist you, or if you’d like to get preapproved for a mortgage, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.