Are you considering selling your home in Illinois and moving to Northwest Indiana? You have a few options if you’re ready to make a move. You can go through an Illinois realtor or do it yourself, but either way, there are several things you should know before you decide to sell your home. The team at Steiner Homes has compiled a list of things to consider before and during the sale to make the process as simple as possible.
Consider the Best Time To Sell Your Illinois Home
Putting your house on the market at the right time can significantly increase the chances of finding a buyer quickly, and it can boost the selling price so you make more of a profit. According to data collected over several years, the best time to sell a home in Illinois is May and June, so if you have some flexibility in when you can relocate, waiting until these months could be your best bet.
Put It on the Market at a Competitive Price
Deciding on the right price to list your house for is half the battle; if you do it right, you’ve already won. A competitive price will not only help you attract buyers, but it’ll also help you attract the right ones who’ll be willing and able to make you a good offer. The best price isn’t too low, which could create a debt for you as the seller, but it also can’t be too high, or the property won’t sell.
You can find the right price for your home in a few ways. Most real estate agents will provide you with a comparative market analysis, or you can create your own using websites such as Zillow or Redfin if you’re putting your house on the market yourself. A comparative market analysis considers several factors to estimate a property’s price. It looks at the location, size, construction, age, condition, and style to help buyers choose the best listing price.
Know Your Obligations Under the Seller’s Disclosure Notice
When you sell a home in Illinois, you’re expected to produce the Seller’s Disclosure Notice. This is a standard form with a checklist that sellers use to disclose various facts about the property. Some of the details that you need to divulge include the following:
- Material defects in the basement or foundation.
- Leaks or material defects in the roof, ceiling, or chimney.
- Material defects in the electrical system.
- Material defects in the plumbing system.
- Material defects in the heating, air conditioning, or ventilation.
- Current infestations of termites or other wood-boring insects.
- Unsafe concentrations of radon on the premises.
- Material defects in the septic, sanitary sewer, or other disposal systems.
These are just a few facts that must be disclosed in the notice. Providing complete information about the property is essential when filling out the form. The disclosure ensures that all stakeholders involved in the transaction are aware of the property’s history. It also protects the seller against any legal liabilities. Once you disclose all the known defects during the inspection, you can be exempt from future liability due to these issues.
Create the Perfect Property Description
Another crucial step in the selling process is creating the perfect description. Painting the right picture can make a big difference in attracting buyers. It should highlight desirable features in the home, describe upgrades and renovations, and mention brand-name appliances. A compelling description will persuade the buyer and simplify the real estate agent’s job. The aim is to accomplish the following:
- Tell the story of the home better than the photographs alone.
- Make a property stand out from other listings in the area.
- Give potential buyers a positive impression of the property and the real estate agent.
- Make buyers want to schedule an appointment to see the home.
An adequate property description is an essential piece of the overall marketing package for a home going up for sale. The description should include the following:
- A headline or title.
- Property type and key facts.
- Property details that focus on the good aspects and downplay but don’t ignore the drawbacks.
- Property photos.
- A call to action.
Getting Your House Ready To Sell
Before putting your house on the market, there are a few things you can do to make sure it’s ready to sell. One of the first things is to declutter and remove the more distinct personal touches, such as unusual color choices on feature walls. Decluttering includes removing unnecessary furniture and appliances and tucking toys out of sight when potential buyers come to view the home. Before a showing, clear the kitchen counters and clean up the living spaces and bedrooms. Open the curtains and shades to let in natural light.
Making minor repairs to get your home in its best possible condition will help you get a higher offer. Some repairs might be required before it can sell, but others, such as touching up paint, repairing appliances, or updating the bathroom, will give you more negotiating power.
You might even consider replacing old appliances with Energy-Star-certified ones to make the home more modern and appealing. Updating the lighting can make a big difference in how the rooms look. Soft white LED light bulbs give the room a cozy feel, and modern fixtures give it a contemporary look.
When making repairs, don’t forget about the exterior. It’s the first thing buyers see when they come to a showing, so take some time to spruce it up. Mow the lawn and weed any beds, clean and clear off any paths leading to the doors, and put a fresh coat of paint on the front door.
Selling your home is the first step to getting into a new one. Steiner Homes can help you go from your old home to your dream home with everything you’ve ever imagined. Contact us today to find out how to get started.
Photo Credit: Home For Sale Sign – Credit to https://electrosawhq.com/ by Mark Moz is licensed with CC BY 2.0
