Found on buzzfeed.comGotta love March in Chicago. While the weather is in like a lion and out like a lamb, our real estate market is just the opposite. Things are starting to heat up and if you’re even thinking about listing your house this Spring you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared. It takes time and planning to get the most for your home, follow these tips and rest assured you’ll get the biggest bang for your buck
Find a Listing Agent: Even if you know it’ll be some time before you’re ready to put your house on the market you can enlist the help of an agent. Agents know better than anyone what needs to get done before your home should go on the market.
Pony Up For a Home Inspection: Before you start painting and updating you should know more about your home’s condition. A home inspection can reveal issues you aren’t aware of. The last thing you want is to have an inspection uncover these problems once you’re in contract. Addressing any concerns before you put your home on the market will save you money in the long run.
Fresh Paint Prevails: Cosmetic improvements should be made before you list or photograph. Kitchens sell houses. New hardware, fresh paint, and clean grout on your backsplash make a huge difference. If you don’t have time to make these improvements yourself hire a contractor. Your agent should have more than a few recommendations.
Make it Picture Perfect: Once your house is on the active market it gets compared to all the other listings on a daily basis. Enhance what makes your home unique. The pictures that accompany your listing will heavily influence a homebuyer’s interest. Make sure your ‘bay of windows’ is clean, your planters are overflowing with flowers, and your stainless steel appliances are smudge free.
Less Is More: I know you love your overstuffed chair, fully stocked library, and stash of funny coffee mugs. However, to a buyer, it’s clutter. Stow large furniture, make room on your shelves, and clear out your cabinets. Cozy to you can mean not enough room to a prospective buyer.
Now that you’re pointed in the right direction you have a lot of work to do. Find an agent you can trust, make your to-do list, and get ready to take part in what is sure to be one of the biggest deals you’ll ever make. Good Luck!
