Are you thinking about what to spend money on when selling your house in Chicago? There are various ways to boost its value, but not all of them are worth the money. In our recent blog, discover smart investments, what to spend money on when selling your house in Chicago, and how to save on expenses!
There are a few different ways you can opt to sell your Chicago house. You can choose to sell it as-is to a company such as Heartland Funding Inc. or you can choose to list it. While the first option requires little time and no money out of pocket, listing your property can get pretty expensive up front. It is important that you use your funds wisely, only paying for upgrades and improvements that will really add value to your house. Here are just a few things to spend money on when selling your house in Chicago:
Curb Appeal
When people glance at a house, their decision-making clock starts ticking within mere seconds. That initial impression carries hefty weight. Your goal? To make them feel cozy and right at home as soon as they step onto the property. Invest in enhancing the curb appeal — tend to the yard, give the mailbox, house numbers, and front door a facelift. Regularly maintain the lawn and keep the front yard spick and span. Aim for a well-groomed front yard that beckons visitors with warmth and charm.
New Interior Fixtures
Fitting in fresh fixtures can significantly enhance the value of your house. Consider replacing items such as doorknobs, faucets, drawer handles, and cupboard hinges. Planning your budget thoroughly is essential, as you might find yourself needing more doorknobs than you first thought! It’s a great investment for your home’s overall appeal.
Define Spaces
Make sure the spare bedroom stays true to its purpose—a place for guests. Avoid transforming it into a multifunctional room like a gym or an office. Clarity in its purpose helps potential buyers understand its potential. If the room leans more towards being an office, consider removing the bed. Whatever the case, make it clear how the space is intended to be used.
Spruce Up The Entryway
Creating a positive initial impression holds great significance. As soon as individuals enter a space, it’s vital they have a positive and welcoming experience. Devote some effort to enhance the entrance area to ensure this warm reception. Consider adding side tables for a functional touch, incorporating new and appealing artwork, or placing a fresh vase of flowers to infuse a sense of freshness and beauty. These additions collectively contribute to a more inviting and delightful entrance, setting a positive tone for anyone who walks through the door.
New Carpets
Low-quality carpet is a major turnoff for potential homebuyers. When people considering buying a home spot stains and wear on the carpet, it significantly diminishes their interest in the property. Installing new carpet throughout the house can work wonders in revitalizing the entire space, providing a much-needed refresh and making the area appear as if it’s been recently upgraded.
Paint
Many folks start by painting when selling their house. Doing it yourself might seem doable, but it’s better to hire a pro. A bad paint job stands out to potential buyers. Invest in a skilled painter for the inside of your home. Plan to set aside a few thousand dollars for this, based on your Chicago house’s size. Stick to neutral colors. Avoid trying to touch up damaged spots; it’ll catch the eyes of buyers and the home inspector, making them curious about what you might be hiding.
Staging & Storage
Consider hiring experts to stage your house when you’re selling it. This way, you can pack away your personal stuff and keep only what you truly need in the house. Professionals will handle the rest. If doing the entire house isn’t affordable, focus on key rooms. Always remove your personal things during showings. Stash them away offsite, so buyers won’t see all the stuff you wanted to keep out of sight in closets!
Think about selling your house in Chicago directly before you invest in fixing it up. A direct sale won’t cost you anything and you won’t have to pay agent commissions. It’s worth considering before spending money on repairs and improvements.