How to Prepare for Selling Your Home in 2021

If you’ve done some soul searching and made the momentous decision that 2021 is the year to sell your home, it’s time to get down to the nuts and bolts of the matter. In truth, preparing to sell your home can be a lengthy process, but putting in the extra effort can help you make the right sale. The fact is that 2020 was a doozy of a year, and getting a handle on the home sales landscape in 2021 is a good place to start. If you’re getting ready to sell your home, it’s time to consult with a dedicated Chicago home appraisal professional. 

Consider the Pandemic

The global pandemic we find ourselves weathering has changed the way we work, socialize, and do nearly everything else, and it’s also changed the way we purchase and sell homes. Consider the following:

• Many of us are now working from home, which means we not only have specific office needs but also can work from anywhere in the nation. This makes big moves more viable.
• Many people have reevaluated what’s most important to them and have determined to move closer to family.
• Downsizing has been picking up speed for a while, and the pandemic has helped sell the idea that less really is more.
• Record low mortgage rates make the real estate market more fluid.

Those in the know regarding the housing market are expecting (and experiencing) an early market. Instead of waiting for the traditional spike in spring sales, 2021 is getting off to a busy start, so the time to prepare for selling your home is now. 

Take these Steps

Now more than ever, purchasers are in the market for homes that are move-in ready. Taking the right steps can help you get your home ready to shine in today’s housing market. 

Get a Home Inspection

While the home inspection is typically the purchaser’s responsibility, in today’s fast-paced market, having the home inspection in the bag can help put you ahead of the game. Further, if the inspection turns up something that you need to repair, you can take care of it before negotiations begin – thus bypassing a time lag that could lead to a lost sale. The better prepared you are in 2021’s market, the better off you are. 

Get Started on those Repairs

Once you identify the repairs that need to be made, including the ones you’ve been planning on getting to for quite a while, have at them by either hiring them out or rolling up your shirtsleeves. While you’re at it, think about what buyers are looking for in 2021, including:

• A designated home office space that has Zoom appeal
• Modern kitchens with all the amenities (there’s nothing like a pandemic to make people turn to the kitchen for comfort)
• Cozy family space

Making your repairs and staging your home with these in mind can help your home resonate with today’s home buyers. 

Seek the Professional Guidance of a Dedicated Chicago Home Appraisal Professional  

There are things you can do to maximize your home’s market appeal, and the home appraisal experts at Allstate Appraisal in Chicago can help you with that. For more information, please don’t wait to contact us today.