How Much Is Your Home Worth?
Home Selling Checklist
9 Things to Consider BEFORE Listing Your Home
1. HIRE A PROFESSIONAL: We have the tools. We know the
market. We are a network of hard-working individuals and
teams that want to help our clients achieve their real
estate goals. We want what you want and will be able to
adjust your marketing plan accordingly. This not only
applies to your real estate agent but also your
photographer, real estate attorney, painter, stager,
landscaper…anyone who is helping you maximize the
value of your home.
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2. DECLUTTERING: If you’re anything like my family and
friends (or me), you may still have boxes in the basement
or storage from your last move. You were going to get to
those, right? Well, it’s time. If you’re going to list your
home, it’s a great time to declutter and purge. Remove
those personal family photos from the walls & refrigerator
and anything else that will get in the way of potential
buyers being able to see how their story will unfold.
3. CURB APPEAL: Besides the photos that are posted online,
this is the most important first impression you can make.
As people walk up to their showing or even as potential
buyers drive by, there is nothing more important. You get
one chance to make a first impression. Make it a great
one!
4. DEPERSONALIZE: One quote I’ve read this year that had an
impact on me (that is sometimes the most difficult thing
for people to realize) is that you are not the main
character in everyone’s story. And when it comes to selling
your home, it’s true. I understand, it’s still your property.
It’s still your home. But you’ve decided to sell and move
on; so, this chapter is coming to a close as you await your
new chapter. You want your buyers to feel like the main
character in their new chapter. Yes, we want to tell a story
about what life would or could be like if they purchased
the property, but remember you want your buyers to feel
like the main characters in this story.
5. NEUTRALIZE: As you may or may not be aware, I am an art
teacher as well. No one loves all the colors more than I do.
However, colors impact how a space is perceived. Colors
impact human experience. Think about how you want
your future buyers to experience the property. Bright,
open, functional, comfortable - a home that they’re able
to preview and imagine how their life story will unfold.
6. HONEY DO LIST: You know the list that’s been running
through your mind for the past 6 months, scribbled on
post-its as reminders? The little scuff mark that you have
yet to put the magic eraser to... the loose doorknob,
replacing the burnt-out bulb, etc. Well, there’s no better
time than now to accomplish this list. If everything is
“dialed in”, buyers will not get nervous. When buyers see
evidence of a well-maintained home, they see a purchase.
7. CLEANING: I’m talking about as if you’re having the most
important people over and you need to make a great first
impression. Let’s start with a deep clean. Everywhere.
Cookies baking in the oven is out. Crisp, Clean and
Sanitized is IN!
8. REMOVE VALUABLES: Real estate agents will always
accompany their clients through properties they are
showing. However, I always recommend that you secure
your valuables.
9. CONSIDER STAGING: From personal experience: Stage.
Your. Home. Also, bring the outdoors in. Fresh, green
plants can really brighten up a space and literally breathe
new life into it.
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Business Referrals
As a real estate professional, I have had the opportunity to work with many amazing people. If you have your own preferred vendor with which to work, great! If not, I have had the pleasure of working with the following people/companies and would love to work with any of them again! It’s all up to you! This is just a list to help you get started…
LENDERS
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Dan Yelovich, Huntington Bank
630-935-1917
Sheldon Straim, Prism Mortgage
847-278-2240
Todd Becker, Loan Depot
630-929-3593
Raymond Bravo, DK Mortgage
815-405-8198
Mary Beth Wright, Cherry Creek Mortgage
630-234-7669
REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYS
Mary Lin Nicholson Real Estate Attorney (Naperville, IL and surrounding areas) MaryNicholsonLaw@gmail.com
630-453-2909
Robert J. Russo Real Estate Attorney (Morris, IL and surround areas)
815-942-5710
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Portraits of Home
Daniel: 847-800-6827
VHT
INSPECTORS
The BrickKickers, Naperville, IL
Mark Duoma, Summit Ridge Inspection Group
815-269-5075
ESTATE SALES & CONSIGNMENT
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Kate Martin, The Perfect Thing (2 storefronts in Wheaton, IL)
https://www.theperfectthing.net/
Kate@ThePerfectThing.net 630-665-5200 STAGING
STAGING/INTERIOR DESIGN
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Two Hands Interior Design, Glen Ellyn, IL
https://www.twohandsinteriors.com/
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Gretchen Dockendorff
On Instagram @CoreInteriorDesign
Beth Keller
(224) 578-1222
bethkeller@ivylanehomedesigns.com
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PAINTERS/HOME IMPROVEMENT
Dustin Perry 630-908-9955
Insurance
Diane Harke
Office : (630)501-3636
Fax : (877)501-9942