Tips for Selling Your Home Quickly, Even in the “Off-season”

Nearly every business and industry experiences both peak seasons and off-seasons, and real estate is no exception.  When it comes to home buying and selling, spring and early summer are widely considered the best times to explore the market.  These are times when competition can be fierce and tensions run high as home buyers and sellers battle it out for top dollar.  

This prime season could be due to any number of factors.  Perhaps it’s due to the need for families to settle before school years start, or perhaps people simply respond better to the warmth in the air.  Either way, it’s not always possible to choose when your home goes on the market.  Your job may be relocating or you may be facing some major life changes.  Regardless of season, homes are bought and sold year-round. If you find yourself needing to sell your home during the colder winter months (what is considered to be the “off-season”), we have some tips to help you sell your home quickly and for the best possible price.

Agents & Listings

Choosing your real estate agent is perhaps the single most important factor when it comes to a quick and successful sale, so make your choice with great care.  When it comes to listing your house at a fair market price, remember: they are the experts.  Rely on their experience and expertise for a smooth and hassle-free experience.  They have knowledge of the market and will be able to help you list at the most attractive price to draw in homebuyers while also setting a fair return for you.  

Curb Appeal

For those entering the housing market during winter in Chicago, you may be thinking that curb appeal is a lost cause.  But that’s just not true.  Even in the off-season, curb appeal is still possible.  If there’s snow on the ground, make sure that all walkways are shoveled and safe for interested parties to walk around your property.  Even though the grass won’t be green, keep your lawn tidy, and rake up all debris so that buyers can visualize what it will look like in the warmer months.  Also keep in mind that bare trees mean a clearer view of the exterior of your home, so freshen it up with a new coat of paint and proper lighting.  Remember, first impressions are everything, so make sure that your home makes a statement when that potential buyer pulls up.  

Staging

Staging can really make all the difference when it comes to attracting buyers.  It can help you display your home’s strengths and increase your chances of selling your home quickly.  Keep things light and de-cluttered, finding a balance between a clean look and a lived-in appearance.  Professional stagers suggest adding more lighting to the darker corners of your home and taking away some furniture for a brighter, more open feel to better showcase the layout and amount of space in your home.  

Photos and Home Description

Don’t underestimate the power of visuals.  Make sure that your home listing has high-quality photos.  Hire a professional to photographer to showcase your home and all of its best attributes.  Remember, most homebuyers these days will find your listing via the Internet, so give them something eye-catching to make them stop scrolling.  Then, include a well-written description with your photos that is detailed but to the point.  For example, instead of telling potential buyers that there’s a lovey outdoor space, describe it more along the lines of a brick patio great for BBQ’s.

Open House

Hold an open house right from the start, and be ready to show your home on a moment’s notice.  After all, you are selling during the off-season, so you never know when a potential homebuyer might come along.  This means, keeping things around the house not only tidy and clean, but warm and inviting.  When someone walks through your door, you want them to feel comfortable and at ease.  It’s also best to go ahead and put away any personal items or photos.  You want the interested party to be able to clearly visualize their own family in this home so that they’ll be more inclined to make a quick decision.  

With a little extra effort and the help of a trusted real estate agent, you can easily sell your home quickly during the off-season for an excellent price. Contact me at 847-226-8681 or via email at ebooth@ericboothrealty.com.