It involves numerous preparations when you’re selling your house. During the initial phases, ensuring your property is in top condition is crucial to attracting a stream of potential buyers. To maximize your chances of achieving a quick and lucrative sale, it’s essential to complete these three key tasks before selling your house in Chicago, Illinois.
Declutter Inside and Out
Before selling your house in Chicago, declutter every corner, including the garage. When your real estate agent mentions the extensive plate collection from various states, it’s code for “less is more.” Your role as the seller is to create a clean and inviting space where potential buyers can picture themselves, quirks and all.
To expedite your moving process, start packing non-essential items such as photos, collectibles, vases, and books. Sort through closets and cabinets, discarding or donating unused items. Evaluate every surface like countertops and shelves to ensure a minimalist look for listing photos.
Remember, this decluttering task must be completed before the listing photos are taken, as most buyers conduct their initial research online. Waiting until the open house to declutter is a missed opportunity!
Clean, Scrub and Polish
Why settle for living in someone else’s dirt? Decluttering can reveal dust balls and dirt lurking in unexpected places. From under the sofa to behind the curtains, on bookshelves, and beneath beds, a thorough cleaning is essential. By ensuring a top-to-bottom clean, potential buyers will envision themselves kicking off their shoes and freely exploring the space without worrying about dirty socks.
Embark on your cleaning journey starting from the top and working your way down. Begin by tackling dust-coated ceiling fans and meticulously cleaning light fixtures on fans, ceilings, and walls. Give these fixtures a wash and dry before making them sparkle with glass cleaner. Walls should be wiped down with a mild bleach solution, followed by a thorough sweep, vacuum, and mop.
Next, focus on making the bathrooms shine. Go beyond a surface-level clean and tackle grout, tubs, and mineral buildup on shower doors and fixtures. Ensure the toilet is scrubbed clean, free of any rings or stains. If cleaning isn’t your forte, consider hiring a professional crew to handle the task – the investment will prove worthwhile.
Once you’ve achieved a sparkling clean, strive to maintain it. Consider limiting home use where possible – designate specific bathrooms for daily use to simplify upkeep, or close off spare bedrooms to prevent additional cleaning work caused by pets or kids.
Stage for Success
Impress potential buyers with a home that shines like a star on HGTV! Start by decluttering and cleaning your countertops until they sparkle. Set up the dining room table elegantly with neutral tableware and placemats. Ensure all light bulbs are replaced for consistent and bright lighting. Arrange furniture to create open and inviting spaces. Make sure beds are neatly made and personal items like toothbrushes and laundry baskets are out of sight. Frame windows with light, sheer drapery to welcome natural light into the rooms.
Remember, curb appeal matters just as much as the interior. Keep porches and patios clean and clear of clutter, tools, and toys. Spruce up the landscaping by trimming trees, removing dying plants, and power washing driveways and walkways. Don’t forget to clean the exterior window frames and glass to showcase your home beautifully before selling your house in Chicago.