If you’re planning to list or have already listed your Chicago home, you may be asking yourself what you can do to make it sell faster? Perhaps you’ve already bought your next home, or maybe you’re waiting for the sale before you make the transition. Whatever the case, no one wants to see their house sit on the market for too long. Luckily, there are several things sellers can do to increase the likelihood of a sale. Let’s dive in:

Slow Down

This might seem like the opposite of what you’d want to do for a quick sale, but hear me out. Sellers who are focused on a speedy sale may be motivated for reasons of their own. Maybe they’ve already purchased another home, like I mentioned above, or maybe they’re moving out of state. Whatever the case, even if you feel like you’re in a rush, don’t let that cause you to skip over the details. One common thing that can really sabotage a listing is when sellers rush the photos. Perhaps they don’t give their home a good cleaning beforehand, or maybe the lighting isn’t great. Great photos draw a buyer into your listing and make them want to learn more. They highlight the best things your home has to offer. Don’t let your own need for a quick sale cause you to skimp on key parts of the process.

Be Realistic With Your List Price

Sellers need to be realistic with themselves about what their home is worth and what they’re willing to accept. Sometimes, the price you’d like to get is a bit higher than the price you’d settle for. It’s important to establish these bars in advance so that you can arrive at the right listing price. Of course, you’ll want to check out comps in the area and work with your agent as well. Most homeowners can’t afford to underprice their homes, and it can send a confusing message to potential buyers. On the flip side, too high a price can cause potential buyers to write it off as out of budget. While you know there may be some negotiating, get clear with all things financial in advance.

Do a Property-Wide Tune-Up

You don’t want potential buyers to feel that there’s a to-do list attached to the house. If they’re walking around your open house, for example, all those tiny repairs and touch-ups can help your home appear more move-in ready. Do your own walkthrough of your home, and try to be as objective as possible in spotting things that need attention. Whether it’s fixing some chipped paint, patching up a hole, or addressing a leaky faucet, you don’t want these things distracting potential buyers.

Think Outside the Box

In this case, outside the house. If you have a sprawling yard, it’s easy to think to highlight it in your listing, but don’t overlook the value of a smaller outdoor space either. No matter what size your property is, curb appeal matters. You want your home to be eye catching at first glance. From trimming the grass and cleaning up that shed to repainting the front door or getting a new mailbox, these small touches outside the home are just as important as the touch-ups you make inside.

Are you selling your Chicago home? What are your top priorities as you prepare to list it? Have you sold a home in the past? What things helped you sell it quickly? Or what may have slowed down the process? I’d love to hear your thoughts.