Create a First Impression that Helps Sell Your Chicago Home

Whether you are selling a condo unit in the Loop or a single-family home in Hyde Park, it is important for your property to give a great first impression. Chicago home buyers are very aware of the market and they probably know what they can get for the price. For that reason, as a Chicago home seller it is your job to ensure your listing not only is up to par, but exceeds expectations. Here are a few helpful pointers on how to get your property a second look from prospective house hunters in the Chicago real estate market.

1. Front Entry
Make an impression on buyers from their first step inside your home. Put a fresh coat of paint on the front door. Don’t be afraid to use a color that stands out and draws attention to the door (but refrain from extremes such as hot pink or lime green!). Put new hardware on the front door and update the house numbers. If your property has an interior foyer or entryway, make it count. Remember, this is the first thing a buyer sees when entering your home. Even if the space is small it should have a welcoming feel and invite visitors to come inside. If your property doesn’t have a designated entry (as is the case in many Chicago condos), you can still create an entrance area directly inside the front door. Use a rug, small table or shelf, plants, and a coat or key rack to indicate the purpose of the space. Buyers notice little details like this and will feel drawn into the house or condo as a result.

2. Floors
Today’s buyers want the durability and lasting style of hardwood floors. If you have old hardwood that could use a touch-up, get the floors refinished before putting the house on the market. If your hardwood is covered by carpeting, it’s time to rip up the rug and get the floorboards in presentable shape. If your Chicago condo or house does not have hardwood flooring, it’s an investment you may want to make in order to get buyers to bite. Laminate wood floors are a more economical option, but be forewarned that buyers are savvy and will take note of the faux-wood appointment. However, in a lot of cases if the home has everything else they want, buyers will be happy to just get that hardwood look they desire.

3. Fixtures
An easy way to boost the style and continuity of your Chicago home is to replace all fixtures, faucets, doorknobs, hardware, draw pulls and handles with new, coordinated upgrades. Get something sturdy with a neutral design (nothing too frilly, nothing too modern). Stay away from gold—brushed chrome is always a good bet. Buyers are impressed by details and this is one you can do on your own for not too much money.

4. Countertops
Yes, every buyer says they want granite countertops, but some interior designers beg to differ… They argue that any type of stone slab counter will do, as long as it’s easy to care for and there are no grout lines to interrupt that smooth working surface. Alternatives such as polished concrete, Corian or even a butcher’s block will give buyers something to smile at when they walk into your kitchen.

5. Lighting
In addition to having a sufficient amount of light in your Chicago condo or house, it’s important to have the correct type of lighting as well. Every room should have 3 lighting aspects – ambient, task and decorative. Most buyers don’t know this, but they definitely know when a home is "too dark" and that doesn’t help with the first impression. The addition of wall sconces, recessed and under-cabinet lighting can make a huge difference that buyers will respond to well.

Spencer Mason writes about advice on how to sell Chicago homes .