It is common for homeowners to postpone putting their property up for sale during the holiday season. Between the hustle and bustle of the month of December, it is nearly impossible for buyers or sellers to coordinate showings and closings. However, December can be the ideal month to prepare your home to put on the market in the new year. Here are a few ways you can begin this process without adding extra stress this month.
Plan Your Timeline
While you can’t be sure how long your home will be on the market, the real estate environment is relatively healthy throughout the Chicagoland area right now. The average time a home sits on the market anywhere from 2 weeks (25% of Chicagoland homes sold in 2 weeks in 2019) to 6 months (50% of homes were sold within this time from in 2019). Before you can put your home on the market in the new year, you should take the time to plan out your desired timeline. For example, if you don’t want to move until the summer of 2020, perhaps you can wait a few months into the new year before putting your home officially on the market.
Make a Project List
Your home is probably not in perfect selling condition, and that’s okay! Take the time to walk around the interior and exterior of your home and develop a project list. Prioritize the tasks you need to get done before selling and which ones can wait until you have the extra time or money. Then, start making calls to professionals who can make the changes for you or begin your projects yourself if you are more of a DIYer.
Start to Look Around Your Neighborhood
Begin looking at homes that are for sale in your neighborhood as well as those homes that have sold recently. This can help you value your home appropriately as well as determine what home buyers are looking for.
Make Your Team
Finally, if you are planning on putting your home up for sale in 2020, begin making your support team now. Find a Realtor you want to work with as well as an experienced real estate attorney. The team here at Bell & Shah has experienced attorneys who are ready to work with you during your sale process. We will advocate for your best interests all the way through the closing process.
