Most buyers start their search for a new home online these days. You obviously want your Chicago home to sell as quickly as possible, so it’s going to have to stand out and get attention among all the competition. If you’re working with a Realtor, they can be a big help with this. If you’re not using a Realtor, you should be aware of some of the things that you can do to catch the catch buyers’ eyes. Here are some things to consider:

Listing Photos

Listing photos give buyers a sense of the home for sale, but when you take high-quality photos, it makes a big difference. If it’s in the budget, a professional photographer can do the best work. If you’re doing it on your own, you’re going to want to use better equipment than your smartphone. Consider buying (or borrowing) a good camera. You’ll want pictures of the exterior at different times of the day, and you’ll want well-lit interior photos that capture each room as realistically as possible. Something those professional photographers know that you may not, is that the ‘golden hour’, right before dusk is often best for exterior photography.

Staging

Staging the interior of your home before taking pictures or hosting an open house is a must. You’ll want each room to appear as simple and as organized as possible. You want buyers to feel comfortable in the space, and rooms that feel empty (and rooms that feel too busy) won’t have the desired effect. If you want to best highlight the potential of each room, hiring a professional stager is your best bet. If that’s not in the budget, or if you just want to go it alone, appoint the rooms with a simple, attractive display of furniture. The idea is to make it as easy as possible Filling the rooms with a simple, attractive display of furniture and decor will help buyers be able to better imagine themselves living there.

Include Thorough Information

After the visual aspect of your listing, you’re going to want to give some thought to the words and information that accompany your listing. If you’re not confident in your writing skills, you can either a) ask someone else to write the description, or b) read other listings and take note of the language and tone that stands out to you. In the description, you’ll want to cover the basics: square footage, number of rooms, type of construction, amenities. Be as detailed as possible — the whole idea is to get viewers to want to learn more and come to see the house in person. List any high-end appliances, flooring, countertops, and any other special features that can help your listing stand out.

After you’ve compiled the basic information, highlight any other features that make your home unique. Molding, built-ins, or arched doorways often appeal to buyers. Also note any upgrades that you’ve made to the home. Don’t forget to include an accurate description of the outdoor area surrounding the home.

Include Neighborhood and School District Information

Potential buyers will want to know more than just the property details. If they don’t know the area (or don’t know it very well), they will almost certainly want to know more about the neighborhood your home is situated in. Provide information on local restaurants and cafes, parks, stores, etc., as well as ease of access to highways and public transportation.  To some buyers, the neighborhood is as (or more) important than the house itself.

You should also include information about the school district in which the property is located. Many home buyers pay close attention to those details if they have, or plan to have, a family with children. Make a point to include any awards or positive ratings the district may have.

 
If you’d like some suggestions for experienced Realtors to work with, or if we can help you get preapproved for a mortgage, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help.