The condo market in Chicago is very competitive. For every listing there are dozens of properties that have the same specs and a similar price point—which is why your condo needs to be prepped to impress before you put it up for sale.
Use these tips to get your Chicago condos ready for the market. These ideas can be used by any condo owner, whether you live in a courtyard condominium, a high-rise unit or a walk-up flat. This is just the beginning of what you can do to make your condo attractive to potential buyers. For additional selling tips and more information about the entire sales process, contact an experienced Chicago real estate agent.
#1) Lights, fixtures, accessories. Little details make a big difference to buyers, and this is your chance to make the little things count. Designers suggest you have three types of lighting: ambient, task and decorative. In the kitchen, for example, you could have recessed overhead lights (ambient), under-cabinet bulbs (task) and wall sconces (decorative). Exchanging the cabinetry hardware, doorknobs, faucets and other fixtures with brand new, updated versions will also help give your condo a fresh look. Do this throughout the unit—replacing all handles, drawer pulls and bathroom fittings—to create continuity from room to room and to give the entire place a clean, sleek attractiveness. Accessories are a final touch that will impact buyers’ impressions of your Chicago condo. While it is good to use color, pattern and texture, remember that less is usually more. Plants, throw pillows, vases and framed artwork are great for infusing life and vitality into your condo, as well as make it feel cozy and lived-in. This is where you can get creative with everyday items, so check out some design magazines and hit the Internet for DIY home décor projects.
#2) De-Clutter and de-personalize. The cardinal rule of staging a property for sale is de-personalization. Put away all family photos, your kids’ masterpieces hanging on the fridge, any collections, knick-knacks or quirky mementos… You want it to be a neutral space that any buyer could imagine themselves living in. Let them picture their own family pictures on the mantel. As for the clutter, it just has to go. Clutter not only makes your condo feel smaller than it is, but it is a major deterrent to buyers. Think simple, clean, minimal. The great thing about living in a city is there are plenty of rental storage spaces and lockers where you can keep your excess belongings while you are selling the place. Take everything off the countertops—even the coffee maker and toaster oven. Same goes for the table surfaces. Make sure they are clear of stuff, leaving only a vase of flowers or centerpiece in the middle. Bookcases that aren’t built-in should be packed up and taken down, unless in a library or study where they help define the room’s purpose.
#3) The Stainless Steel Standard. In Chicago, it is common for condos to have stainless steel appliances in the kitchens—especially in newer construction properties. This isn’t necessarily the standard for Chicago condo units, but buyers wish it were. And, for that reason, buyers expect to see those shiny, metal dishwashers, fridges and ovens in every the condo they look at. If you don’t have the funds to purchase an all-new set of stainless steel kitchen appliances, check into getting used models or wait for a sale to make your purchase. That’s not to say you must have stainless steel appliances for your Chicago condo to sell. Just be prepared to point out your condo’s other highlights and remind the buyer that appliances are an easy thing to change.
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