Summer Suggestions For Sellers
By Alice York
By Alice York
With over two decades of experience in the most sought-after neighborhoods in Chicago, to say that @properties’ Emily Sachs Wong knows Chicago is an understatement. She brings an unparalleled knowledge of the marketplace to the table, equally admired for her tireless work ethic as she is for her quick turnaround times and high sales prices—both among the best in her field.
If selling is on your agenda for fall 2018, don’t miss these words of wisdom from Sachs Wong:
Take advantage of summer weather to ensure details get done.
This is the best time of year for potential sellers to make sure their house is in the best condition possible for the next market, so make sure your house sparkles. This includes roofing, tuckpointing, and getting your landscaping in fabulous condition.
But first, get a great team in place.
I have the perfect people in place to get you on the right track to make these improvements and increase your property’s sellability. Any agent should have a roster of experts at the ready to help maximize the value of your home.
Take plenty of photos.
Take photos of your interior and exterior now to show your property in full bloom. It is crucial that your agent uses the best photographer for this—and has a keen eye for details themselves. Everything needs to be perfect, from how the bed is made to the color scheme. When buyers see details they don’t like, they move on.
The goal is move-in ready.
Buyers in the suburbs are looking for something move-in ready—young families have little time and little inclination to spend their time fixing things up.
Modernize your space.
Buyers are looking for something ultra-hip and current—they want what they see in magazines. They want the ‘wow.’ For fall, we’re seeing lots of open space and clean, modern design—things are definitely skewing more minimalist. And white is everywhere. I suggest that any seller page through the latest home magazines or make a visit to the Merchandise Mart. Take the time in between selling seasons to rework furniture, stain or paint cabinets, re-carpet, and recover furniture that has shown wear from years of a life well lived in your home.
Don’t feel intimidated about getting it right—ask for help!
I frequently have sellers ask me, ‘How will I know what a buyer will want?’ There are people that make a living in knowing that. I specialize in coming up with ideas for sellers to get a premium for their house and make it sell significantly faster.
The best deals in Chicago are resales.
After 20 years of being in the business, I’ve never seen a busier time than now for empty nesters moving back to the city. While many of these suburban buyers have been focusing on new construction properties to plant their roots for the next phase of their lives, the best deals the city has to offer are actually in resales. Those willing to do updates and create their own vibe in the space are likely to get the best price and have the greatest upsale potential.
Working with your neighborhood expert is all-important.
Though I’m based in Chicago and cover everything from the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park to Bucktown, I have the perfect referrals for each and every neighborhood across the North Shore. Knowing the ins and outs of all active listings—and those not available to the general public—that’s the key to finding your new home. For anyone looking in the city, that is exactly what I provide.
For more information, call 312-286-0800 or visit ESWChicago.com.
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