How to Maximize Your Home Value Before Selling It
It’s a great time to sell a home in Chicago. The city has a long history of attracting buyers from across the country. However, it is a big city, and your home will face competition. As strong as the market is, you’ll need to put in some effort to make the most of your home sale. But what can you do to maximize your home value before the sale? Read on for tips to help you get the highest sale price possible.
Chicago Real Estate Market Watch
According to recent reports, Chicago’s median home sale price is up 9.1% from this time last year. However, Chicago real estate trends are always changing. Contact the MG Group team for assistance buying or selling homes anywhere in Chicago.
Take These Steps to Maximize Your Home Value
Clean and Tidy Your Home
One of the key steps to maximizing the value of a home sale is to thoroughly clean and remove clutter. Even if you already keep a tidy home, a deep cleaning is important. That cleaning places you don’t always get to—get behind appliances, wash windows, scrub baseboards, wipe the vents, etc.
Beyond cleaning, take time to declutter and depersonalize the home. Remove excess furniture, pack away personal photos, and clear away keepsakes. The goal is to create a space that feels open and inviting, allowing potential buyers to imagine themselves living there.
Simple Repairs and Landscaping
Handling basic repairs and landscaping will also help your home sell for a higher price. You’re not looking at anything high-cost or extensive. Take care of repairs like leaky faucets, loose doorknobs, and windows that stick. Even something as simple as making sure all the light bulbs work can make a difference.
After handling interior repairs, head outside for some light landscaping. Make sure you stay on top of cutting the grass. Trim hedges or bushes and edge around the yard. Pay special attention to the front of the house since it makes the first impression when people arrive. You might even want to consider steps like polishing the front door’s hardware or cleaning the exterior of the house.
A Smart Pricing Strategy
Poor pricing can often be an issue that causes sellers to lose value. And the issue isn’t always pricing the home too low. Setting the price too high can deter buyers from reaching out. That can cause the property to sit on the market for longer and necessitate price cuts.
The key to setting the right price is to research the current market. That extends beyond looking at the city as a whole. Chicago’s real estate market varies by area. When considering comparable sales, they should be in your neighborhood or nearby.
Marketing Your Property
Effective marketing is a crucial element in achieving the highest sale price for your home. Once you have your home cleaned and staged, get professional photos for the listing. You could also consider options like drone shots or creating a video tour to post online.
In addition to photos and video, you’ll want to craft a compelling description. Beyond highlighting property features, be sure to mention nearby amenities such as parks, schools, and nearby train lines. Post your listings with photos on online real estate platforms. You could also use social media to raise awareness.
Maximizing your home’s value takes time and effort, but the payoff can be significant. Sellers should also consider working with a local real estate agent. A good agent can optimize efforts like staging, pricing, marketing, and negotiations.
Do you need help getting the most from selling your Chicago home? The MG Group is your expert team. We know the city well and can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us to start developing a strategy to sell your home for the highest price.
