When Is the Best Time to Sell a House in Illinois?

What’s the worst time to list a house in Illinois?

According to Berg, the worst time to sell a house in Illinois is between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, as the majority of buyers are distracted or occupied during the holiday season.

However, Berg notes, “there are some advantages to listing between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Competition is really low, and while showings may be fewer, the buyers who are looking during that time tend to be very motivated — often relocating or needing to buy for specific reasons.”

What seller concessions help close a sale in Illinois?

In today’s market, it’s buyers — rather than sellers — who are more often making concessions to secure a deal in Illinois. With multiple-offer situations still common, buyers area attempting to strengthen their offers by including incentives to make the difference in winning a competitive property.

“A lot of buyers, especially those who’ve been in the market for a while and got burned on the first one or two attempts, try to make their third offer as strong as possible. They’re including things like escalation clauses, buying the home as-is, and appraisal gap waivers,” Berg says.

Below are common types of seller concessions and credits you might use to make your Illinois home sale more appealing and help bring it to a close:

• Pay a portion of the buyer’s closing expenses
• Help finance a temporary reduction through a mortgage rate buy-down
• Provide a repair credit to cover problems uncovered during the home inspection
• Cover the cost of the buyer’s home inspection or appraisal fees
• Take care of the initial months’ HOA dues, when applicable
• Offer to pay for the commission fees for the buyer’s agent
• Advance payment on property taxes or homeowners insurance for the first year

Insider tips to help sell your house in Illinois

As a highly regarded agent in Illinois, Berg brings expert knowledge to assist home sellers in reaching their objectives, regardless of the season or challenges faced. In addition to decluttering and staging, Berg’s two main pieces of advice are pricing the home right and having the best photos possible.

Let’s take a closer look at some of Berg’s top tips on selling your property:

1. Set the right price initially

Overpricing can often cause a listing to stagnate and lead to price drops. An effective pricing approach that leverages the latest market comparables (similar home sales) can generate strong early interest and competitive bids.

2. Select an excellent local agent

Partner with a knowledgeable agent familiar with your neighborhood who can guide you in pricing, marketing, and negotiating. The best agents know how to position your Illinois home to sell quickly and favorably. According to HomeLight’s data, the top 5% of agents typically sell homes for about 10% more than their peers.

3. Address the appropriate repairs

Fix visible issues such as dripping faucets, broken tiles, or peeling paint — buyers often perceive small flaws as signs of bigger issues. Prioritize repairs that offer the best return on your investment and help reassure buyers. A trusted Illinois agent can also suggest which repairs are not necessary.

4. Boost both physical and online curb appeal

Well-maintained landscaping, a freshly painted front door, and a tidy exterior enhance your curb appeal and create a positive first impression for buyers. When searching online, crisp, professional photos and virtual tours ensure your Illinois listing grabs attention from the start.

5. Eliminate clutter and remove personal items

“Probably the biggest impact you can make in getting your home sold is decluttering. It doesn’t cost anything, but if you can get rid of stuff — especially knick-knacks on all the countertops — that would be the number one thing I’d recommend,” Berg says. A neat, neutral setting allows buyers to better imagine themselves living in the space.

6. Provide a home warranty

Offering a home warranty can ease buyers’ concerns regarding future repairs, especially for older homes in Illinois. It can also make your listing more attractive in a competitive market.

7. Be accommodating with showing times

The easier it is for prospective buyers to visit your home, the quicker it typically sells. Making your home available on weekends and evenings for showings can be particularly beneficial for buyers who live out of town or have jam-packed schedules.

8. Think about staging

Homes that are staged tend to sell more quickly and often at higher prices, as they help buyers visualize how to use the space. Even partial or virtual staging options can enhance your listing’s appeal.

Answers to other Illinois home-selling questions

What if I need a fast sale and closing in Illinois?

While some homes in Illinois may sell quickly, a fast sale is never guaranteed. If you need a speedy sale or lack the time and resources to tackle necessary repairs, consider getting an all-cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale service.

In just minutes, you can fill out a brief questionnaire and get a no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. Simple Sale offers cash deals on homes in nearly any condition across Illinois, allowing you to bypass repairs, open houses, and preparations, and close in as little as 7 days.

What is the biggest mistake Illinois home sellers make?

Berg points out that the number one mistake sellers encounter in Illinois is overpricing their homes.

“I can tell you from working with buyers, if your house is listed too high, often the buyer will say, ‘I really like that house, but let’s wait and see if they lower their price.’ Meanwhile, while they’re waiting for the seller to drop the price, another house comes on the market at a better price, and they end up buying that one instead,” Berg says.

Find a top Illinois agent for a successful sale

The ideal time to list your home in Illinois varies depending on your individual goals and circumstances. However, achieving a faster sale at a better price doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Armed with the right knowledge, you can make smart choices and avoid common missteps.

Partnering with a skilled local agent ensures you have a reliable guide throughout the selling process to help you succeed. Connect with a top agent today.

If you’re buying and selling a home at the same time, explore HomeLight’s innovative Buy Before You Sell program. This cutting-edge option lets you access your home’s equity to simplify your transition. You can make a non-contingent offer on your next home and only move once. Watch this short video to find out more.

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