Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Beat the Heat and Attract Buyers with an Open House for your Chicago North Shore Home!

Summer on Chicago’s North Shore has been taken to a whole new level this month with the unusually high temperatures.  While some of you may feel this is exactly how summers should be, there are those of you who are just looking for ways to keep cool!  We hope that you’ve been taking the necessary precautions as you enjoy time outside in your North Shore community as there’s always something fun to do.
If you currently have your home on the Chicago North Shore Real Estate market; the heat may actually play into your favor!  You may feel that summer activities and vacations have many buyers on hold as they take advantage of the summer months.  However, with the excessive heat, Chicago North Shore buyers may be looking for opportunities to stay indoors and keep as cool as possible.  
Hosting an open house for your North Shore home within the next few weeks may be just the thing that will attract buyers to enjoy time indoors!  If you do plan on having your Chicago North Shore Real Estate agent set up an open house, there are a few key things you can do that will make your home even more appealing to potential buyers. 
1. First Impressions- Believe it or not, a nice doormat or attractive porch can really set the tone for the entire open house.  If there’s an old doormat, chipped paint or nothing special about the entrance to your home, buyers may feel that you don’t really care.  A welcoming setting from the start will instantly let buyers know that your home is well-maintained and that each area of your home is cared for.

2. Get to the Heart- The best way to appeal to the buyers’ heart is through offering something special when they walk in the door.  Whether you bake fresh cookies, or have cool lemonade for them on your counter, these added touches will set your home apart.  Lighting a mildly scented candle and having your home cooled can be a welcome retreat from the heat and can make your home instantly feel comfortable to the North Shore buyer.
3. Make it Generic- It’s great to make your home personal; however your pictures, children’s art or your “to do” list on the refrigerator can be a large distraction to potential buyers.  They need to be able to envision themselves in your home, so putting away those personal items will help buyers picture their life in your Chicago North Shore home.

4. Clear Counters- Look at your kitchen or bathroom counters from a outsiders viewpoint.  Do you have too many appliances cluttering your kitchen counter?  Clearing this space will make there appear to be more room for cooking or their own storage.  If your bathroom counters are filled with perfumes, toothbrush holders, etc… take time to put them in cabinets or drawers so buyers can see the actual size of the space.

5. Set the Table- This may not seem necessary, but having your dining room table set with nice place settings add a touch of class and can help the Chicago North Shore buyer envision hosting their own dinner parties.

6. Don’t Stick Around- While it may be tempting to want to hear what the potential buyers have to say, it can be awkward when the seller is present.  They will feel that they can’t openly express their thoughts to the agent and will not feel as comfortable when looking throughout the home.  Even if you take a walk through the neighborhood, being away from the home during an open house can make all the difference.
These six practical tips can be just the thing that helps your North Shore home stand out from other homes currently on the Chicago North Shore Real Estate market.  If you have been considering selling your Chicago North Shore home, but aren’t quite sure where to start; please let us know!  
As a team of experienced Chicago North Shore Real Estate agents, we’ve helped many people sell their North Shore home in a timely and efficient manner.  We would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you over an iced cold drink, or even ice cream, to discuss your home selling needs as well as walk with you throughout the entire home selling process.  
Please feel free to contact us today to get started!  
The Thomas Team
Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

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