Selling A Chicago Suburb Home

Click the link for an in-depth step-by-step Home Selling Tutorial. Even if you've sold property before you might learn something new. Here is a Quick Selling Guide that's easy & fast to follow:

1. Your first step might be to search your area through my MLS Search to get an idea of what homes are selling for. But keep in mind that these are asking prices.

2. Call Judy Orr at 708-536-8200 or Contact Me to get a detailed Comparative Market Analysis on your home. I will give you suggestions on what should be done to get top dollar on your property from the list below.

3. Your next step should be to fix your home up as much as you can, if need be. The most important items would be:

Spruce up the exterior to get good curb appeal
De-clutter rooms and closets
Paint or clean walls, if necessary
Consider new flooring if you have old carpet, tile, vinyl or badly worn hardwood
Kitchens and bathrooms are very important rooms - make any necessary updates or improvements that you can afford
De-personalize your home and make it neutral. Remove family photos and neutralize loud color themes, if necessary
Visit model homes and get some ideas on showcasing your home
Watch some of the home selling tv shows, especially Designed to Sell and Buy Me, both on HGTV. House Hunters (also on HGTV) will also give you an idea of what buyers are interested in when viewing different properties.

4. Decide on whether to use a lockbox if you're not home a lot. You don't want to miss showings.

5. Learn how to show your home:

It should be as spotless as possible & free of clutter.
All lights should be turned on, even during the day. Don't make the agent search for light switches.
Burn some scented candles or use an air freshener if you think you have pet, baby or cooking odors but don't overdo it.
On a hot day turn on your a/c; on a cold day people will have coats on so you don't need to keep your home too warm. If you're home you might want to start the fireplace if you have one.
Cage, or better yet, remove pets if possible. Even if you have friendly pets, some people fear and/or don't like animals.
Stay out of the way. Walk outside if possible. Do not volunteer information. Answer any questions you feel comfortable with. Don't let the buyer(s) try to "deal" with you during the showing. Let them write up an offer with their agent.

6. There are different ways I can present your offer. You don't have to sit across from the selling agent if you don't want to. In this case, the selling agent will usually fax or drop off the contract to me.

7. Keep in mind that your responses are to accept the offer as is without making any changes or to negotiate. Once a change is made the offer is still open. The buyer is no longer legally resposible to go through with the purchase unless they agree to and initial all changes. You have the opportunity to review any other offers until one of them is fully accepted by both parties.

8. Once you have an accepted offer I will fax the contract to your attorney.

9. Be prepared for a home inspection. The buyer's agent and the buyer(s) will usually be at the inspection. Although you don't have to be there it is nice to be able to answer any questions and to hear exactly what the inspector is saying.

10. Your attorney or I will order any further inspections or paperwork such as title, survey and termite inspection (if required by contract). Your town might require an inspection which you will need to set up. You will be required to provide any paperwork necessary to get the sale to closing.

11. The buyer(s) will have a final walk-through of the property, usually done the day or night prior to closing.

12. As a seller you do not have to attend the closing. You can make an appointment with your attorney to pre-sign the closing paperwork and make arrangements to drop off keys and collect your closing funds and final paperwork.

Congratulations! You have sold and closed your Chicago suburb home.

Here are some helpful links:

Home Selling Tutorial
Mortgage Guide
Real Estate Glossary
Staging Your Home to Sell

Judy Orr-Chicago Suburb Real Estate
Classic Realty Group
15545 S. 71 Ct., Orland Park, IL 60462
4223 W. 55th St., Chicago IL 60632
(708) 536-8200