If you’re considering selling your Chicago home, I’m sure you’d like to get the maximum amount possible. There are some strategies that can improve your chances of getting top dollar for your house. Here are a few to keep in mind:

Curb Appeal

Making prospective buyers feel welcomed is the first step in getting them to want to see the rest of the home. Spend some time getting the yard in place — mow, trim and edge the grass, cut back the shrubs and any branches that may be blocking the windows or the view of the home from the street, and sweep the walkways to remove any debris. Garden beds and potted plants are always a nice touch. If it’s in the budget, and the house needs it, a new coat of paint on the exterior can really brighten everything up. You want your house to stand out as a must-see, so put in some work to make it as inviting as possible.

Declutter

Once you get the potential buyers through the door, you want to make it easy for them to imagine themselves living in the space. Remove as many personal effects as you can without making the home look empty. This could include collectibles, photos, figurines, trophies, etc. Put away any small appliances in the kitchen to highlight your counter space. Remove any unnecessary, bulky furniture that might make the space look smaller than it is. Clean and organize your closets so they don’t appear crowded and small.  If a buyer is able to picture themselves living there, they’re more likely to put in an offer.

Deep Clean

Buyers are discerning, and they’ll notice every instance of dirt, dust, and odor. Clean everything — from baseboards to ceiling fan blades. Any odors of pets, smoke, or mold are an instant turnoff, so you’ll want to address any should they exist. Some simple fixes are to shampoo your carpets and furniture, swap out the old shower curtains for new, clean and bleach the grout in your kitchen and bathrooms, and paint the walls if they need it. 

Work With an Experienced Listing Agent

You may not be convinced that you need to partner with a Realtor, but they can be extraordinarily helpful. Experienced listing agents can increase your chances for selling at top dollar, and they will also increase your chances of getting multiple offers. Realtors have access to an assortment of tools to market your home. A listing agent will also act as your guide through the home-selling process, screening potential buyers to ensure they’re qualified, and ll helping you price your home accordingly to catch buyers’ attention.

The key to selling your home for its maximum value is to make it stand out from all the other homes for sale.  

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