Is now the right time to sell?

Honestly, this is a question only you can answer. The real estate market, much like the stock market, tends to follow an upward trend over time. If you're thinking about upgrading your home, it's important to consider the market conditions. Selling your current home in a down market may result in a lower sale price, but it also means you can purchase your next home at a more favorable price. This can essentially help you regain the lost value and potentially even get a better deal than in a stronger market. So, selling in a down market could be beneficial if you're looking to up-size.

If you're thinking about downsizing, it's important to approach it from a cost perspective. Selling your house sooner will allow you to save on monthly mortgage payments and utilities. Additionally, taking advantage of a good market can yield a higher selling price, lower days on the market, and the opportunity to gain equity in your new home. However, keep in mind that a strong market often coincides with higher interest rates, which may impact your buying power down the line. The house you can afford now might become unaffordable in just a few months.

 

When is the best time of year to sell?

Some argue that Spring is the best time of the year to sell real estate. However, I tend to disagree. With a good agent who can price your property correctly and is in tune with the local market, you can sell your property in an "off-season" for just as much or more than in Spring.

 

How much is my home worth?

I also recommend obtaining a property pre-inspection by a certified home inspector. This, along with a market analysis, can greatly enhance the sell-ability of your home. Compare the CMA with the appraisal report to determine a high and low number to aim for when pricing your home for sale. The pre-inspection will allow you to see the home through a buyer's eyes and be prepared for the buyer's inspection. Use it to create a fix-list and negotiate a buyer's inspection contingency out of the contract. Contact us for an experienced Listing Agent.

 

What can I do to make the best first impression during a property showing?

1. Clean the home - Thoroughly cleaning your home before showings is crucial. It shows pride in ownership and creates a positive impression for potential buyers. Consider packing some items to declutter the space.

2. Declutter - Before showings, remove personal items that may distract or prevent buyers from envisioning themselves living in the home. Family photos, knick-knacks, and religious memorabilia can hinder a buyer's ability to see the property's potential.

3. Stage the home - Organize furniture and belongings in a way that maximizes space and promotes flow. Consider removing excess furniture and utilizing professional digital staging services for empty homes.

4. Make sure it smells good - A pleasant smell, like vanilla or baked goods, can make a home appear more inviting. Choose subtle scents and keep warmers on a low setting to avoid overpowering potential buyers.

5. Leave all the lights on - Even during the day, a well-lit home feels more inviting and spacious. Keep all lights on for showings, as it creates a welcoming atmosphere. 

6. Don't be there - Probably the most important of all, leaving your home during showings is important, as it allows potential buyers to explore and envision themselves in the space. Being present can make buyers uncomfortable and hinder their ability to evaluate the property objectively.

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What is the best way to stage my home?

The first rule of staging is to create wide open space or the feel of spaciousness. The more space you can allow the buyer to feel, the better chance of selling fast and for a higher price. Keep in mind that the second rule is to organize the furniture in the rooms to make sense. So, don't remove everything from the house to create spaciousness. Remove only the clutter, personal memorabilia, and furniture that gets in the way.

Take the remaining furniture and organize it so the living room actually looks like a living room and the dining room actually looks like a dining room, etc. For example, if you are using a bedroom as an office, then remove the office equipment and set up a bed and nightstand so it looks like a bedroom again. Think about a nicely decorated hotel suite when staging your home for sale.

Remember that not all humans are creative and that the information age has given us extremely limited attention spans. Our goal of staging is to make a buyer feel like they just walked into their home, and staging allows them to feel that emotion quickly. For more free staging advice, contact a Luxe Living Realty listing specialist.

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How can I get my property sold for the most money?

The answer is easy... do all of the above! Here's the step-by-step from the beginning: 

1. Find the best listing specialist possible (Which, of course, is a Luxe Living Realty real estate professional!)

2. Get a CMA from your agent and home inspection before listing your property. 

3. Price the property right (as close to market value is almost always advised). 

4. Stage it and make sure it is ready for showings. 

5. Have your agent list the property in the MLS. 

6. Receive offers. 

7. Have your awesome agent negotiate the highest price and best terms. 

8. If you have done all of these steps in less than 90 days, then you probably just sold your home for the best possible price. 

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The Luxe Living Realty 90-Day Marketing Plan is designed to sell your home in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana for the highest price possible in 90 days or less.

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How can I get my property sold fast?

This one is simple, although it can vary based on the neighborhood you are in. If you are in a highly sought-after neighborhood with limited homes for sale, you can price the property slightly above market value. In this case, you can expect to be under contract in less than 30 days and possibly even sell for more than your asking price. However, if you are in a slower market, it's best to price the property below market value. Additionally, make sure the property is properly staged, repaired, repainted, and clean. Small details like a fresh coat of paint or proper staging can make a big difference and save you time and money.

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Keep in mind that real estate markets can change rapidly, even within a 30-day timeframe or less. To stay informed about current market conditions, it's advisable to consult with a professional.

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Conveniently enough, Luxe Living Realty offers a "90-Day-Sold or We Work for Free" marketing plan for those looking to sell their homes in the Chicagoland area and Northwest Indiana quickly.