Simple Sale Chicago brings together local real estate cash buyers on one platform. We compare offers from sites like We Buy Houses Chicago to nearly every other option out there and present you with the best offer.

Need to sell your house fast in Chicago?

Competitive cash offers: There’s no need to sort through dozens of We Buy Houses Chicago websites. Our team of experts understands the local market, and we work with one of the largest cash buyer networks in the nation to ensure you get the best offer possible through HomeLight’s Simple Sale Chicago platform.

No repairs or roadblocks: We specialize in helping Chicago sellers move quickly, even if a house needs repairs or you’re going through a difficult situation such as divorce, death in the family, or financial troubles.

Simple and fast: Get the cash you need to move on to your next chapter without the stress of showings, negotiations, or waiting months to close.

How it worksExploring your options is free and easy

Step 1 Tell us about your home

Step 2 We find you the best offer

Step 3 You accept and decide when to move

Sell My House Fast in Chicago

TestimonialsTake their word for it

Kevin R.
Saint Augustine, FL

HomeLight was a home run for us. We tried using HomeLight to see about getting a cash offer in a quickly changing market. 3 weeks later the house was sold and we were able to move without the worry of two house payments. HomeLight was a success for our family.

Karen S.
Olive Branch, MS

Thanks to HomeLight I was able to sell my home quickly and without any hassle. I was very skeptical at first because of all the many we buy houses for cash that are out there nowadays, but I am thankful that I decided to give them a try. I didn't need to do any repairs and we closed on my timeline. This was the absolute best decision that I could have made.

Lynna L.
Dallas, TX

The experience of selling our home with HomeLight was amazing. We were facing getting the house ready to show and the staging that's necessary in today's market. I filled out a form on Facebook, which offered to tell us what our house was worth, and we received a call from HomeLight. They explained their process and set up an appointment time to come take pictures. Within a day or so, we received a cash offer from HomeLight AS IS. We decided to accept and were thrilled with the experience.

Muriel E.
Grand Prairie, TX

I needed to move my mother into assisted living and sell her old house. Since I needed to sell quickly, I opted for cash offers. HomeLight connected me with a few reputable investors. I received a very fair offer to sell and close in 30 days, which was perfect. We went from having an old home in need of constant repair to having a pool of cash to help care for my mom. HomeLight gave me the confidence to know I was dealing with reputable investors, which was huge.

Nicholas H.
Chicago, IL

My first time using HomeLight, I wasn't sure what to expect. Definitely made the selection process smoother for me and would recommend.

John S.
Chicago, IL

I did not expect the service that HomeLight provided. It was superb. No problems were encountered during the selling and closure process. Thank you for a great job.

Dennis C.
Chicago, IL

HomeLight promises was to recommend the top agents to see our home faster and for more money. Following HomeLight recommendation, HomeLight delivered on the promise.

How to Sell Your House Fast in Chicago: Proven Tips and Strategies

Published on February 23rd, 2024
15 min read

Kelsey Morrison Editor
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Kelsey Morrison Editor

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Kelsey Morrison is an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She brings six years of editorial experience covering real estate, home design, cooking, crafting, and pet care. With a background as a commerce editor at World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and an associate editor at Livabl, Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.

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At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.

As a homeowner in Chicago, finding yourself in a position where you need to sell your house quickly is not uncommon. Life’s unpredictable turns, from financial strains to sudden relocations, can prompt the need for a fast sale in the Windy City. This guide is designed to help you through the process, ensuring you understand the best options for a speedy and successful home sale.

Ahead, we’ll explore the advantages of receiving a cash offer through HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform versus leveraging the expertise of a top Chicago real estate agent. By weighing the pros and cons, potential benefits, and sharing expert tips for fast selling, we aim to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to make an informed decision about selling your Chicago home.

Why you might need to sell your Chicago house fast

If you own a home in Chicago and are dealing with urgent issues, selling your house quickly could be the solution to your problems. Here are a few reasons why you might find yourself in a need-to-sell situation:

Tight finances: Selling fast can alleviate the stress of financial burdens such as medical bills, bankruptcy, or looming foreclosure.
Going through divorce: A quick sale of your marital home can simplify the divorce process and help both parties to move on.
Job relocation: Relocating for a new job opportunity can necessitate a speedy home sale to make the transition smoother.
Sudden job loss: In the event of unexpected unemployment, selling quickly may prevent the risk of foreclosure.
Inherited property: Dealing with an inherited home, along with its taxes and maintenance, can be extremely overwhelming, making a quick sale a more preferable option.
Time-consuming landlord duties: For those tired of managing rental properties or dealing with difficult tenants, selling could be the best solution.
Downsizing: Whether it’s due to health reasons, a family loss, or the urge to live a simpler life, downsizing can prompt the need for a quick sale. Trading in your suburban single-family home for a lakefront condo can be a wonderful adventure!
Significant damage with no repair funds: Selling your house as-is can be a practical choice if you cannot afford the necessary repairs.

These situations are tough but not impossible to overcome. That’s why it’s important to understand your options. One solution is to obtain a no-obligation all-cash offer, offering an easy way to sell your Chicago house fast.

Option 1: Request a cash offer for your Chicago home

The traditional route of selling a home in Chicago can be riddled with delays, but there’s a more direct path available: securing a cash offer for your property. Platforms like HomeLight’s Simple Sale are revolutionizing how Chicagoans sell their homes by connecting them directly with cash buyers, thus simplifying the selling process and dramatically reducing the time it takes to close a deal.

With Simple Sale, you’re not just getting a fast sale; you’re also afforded the flexibility to set your move-out date, potentially closing the deal in as few as 10 days. After answering a few basic questions about your Chicago home and your preferred timeline, you can receive a no-obligation all-cash offer within 24 hours. Selling your home quickly and efficiently in Chicago has never been simpler!

The process of a cash offer in Chicago

In the competitive Chicago market, selling your house for cash means bypassing the traditional mortgage process, which can be slow and cumbersome. This direct approach involves a cash buyer evaluating your home’s condition and market value before submitting an offer. Without the need for mortgage approvals or time-consuming inspections, the sale can move forward smoothly and quickly.

For a detailed look at how Simple Sale can streamline your home sale, consider these three easy steps in the process:

Who else buys houses for cash in Chicago?

In addition to HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform, there are several established house-buying companies and investor groups in Chicago who are eager to pay cash for your home. These companies provide a straightforward option for homeowners wanting to sell without the usual market complications.

Diamond Equity Investments (Chicago)
Sell My House Fast Chicagoland (Chicago)
We Buy Houses Chicagoland (Chicago)
Festival Properties (Chicago)
I Buy IL (statewide)

Homeowners seeking cash offers may want to search online for additional cash-for-home companies, but it’s important to carefully vet these companies to ensure they’re credible. If you don’t have time to conduct thorough research, HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform can connect you with the largest network of trusted cash buyers across the US, simplifying the process of finding a reputable buyer for your Chicago home.

An aerial view of Chicago where houses are sold to We Buy Houses companies.

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A neighborhood where there are a lot of cash offers for real estate.

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Pros and cons of selling to a Chicago house-buying company

Still not sure if you’re a good candidate for working with a Chicago house-buying company? This breakdown of the pros and cons can help you understand what to expect from such an arrangement.

Pros

Sell fast: Quick offer opportunities allow you to close on your timeline, often within days or weeks, compared to two months or more.
Skip repairs: Selling as-is means there’s no need to spend time or money on home improvements.
Easy process: A straightforward, streamlined sale without the complexities of traditional real estate transactions.
No staging or showings: Eliminates the hassle and expense of staging your home and scheduling showings.
Flexible move-out dates: Accommodates your schedule for a stress-free transition and prevents you from moving twice.
No financing delays: Cash sales remove the uncertainty of buyer financing falling through.
Reduced or no closing fees: Many companies cover closing costs, reducing your expenses.
Sale is guaranteed: Removes the uncertainty of whether your home will sell.
Can be a foreclosure solution: Offers a way out if you’re facing foreclosure.
Less work than a FSBO sale: Simplifies the process compared to selling your home on your own.
Peace of mind: Knowing the sale date and amount upfront can offer significant relief.

Cons

Lower offers: You may receive offers below market value, reflecting the convenience and speed of the sale.
Less competition for your home: A direct sale means not tapping into the broader market where multiple buyers might drive up the price.
You give up control: The buyer often dictates the terms of the sale, limiting your flexibility.
No negotiations: The offer you receive is typically take-it-or-leave-it, with little to no room for negotiation.
Can face hidden fees: While many companies cover closing costs, some might include unexpected fees.
Not all companies are reputable: It’s essential to research and vet any company you consider.
A potential risk for scams: Unfortunately, the cash-for-homes sector is not immune to scams.

Understanding these pros and cons can help you make a more informed decision about whether selling to a Chicago house-buying company is the right move for you.

Option 2: Hire a top Chicago real estate agent

Even when the clock is ticking on your home sale in Chicago, enlisting the help of a top real estate agent can be a game-changer. “It may seem easier to sell your home without the inconvenience of doing showings and preparing the home, but you have to know that convenience comes at a hefty cost — sometimes $50,000–$100,000,” explains Diana Matichyn, a HomeLight Elite Agent in the Chicago metro area who sells homes 63% faster than average agents in her market.

A skilled agent brings an in-depth understanding of the Chicago housing market to the table, ensuring your sale is both speedy and profitable. From expertly staging your home to mastering the negotiation process, an experienced agent can be greatly beneficial to your selling experience, maximizing your returns even under tight deadlines.

Scroll on to read about the current state of the Chicago real estate market, the undeniable advantages of partnering with a professional, and how to connect with a leading real estate agent in the Chicago area.

How fast are homes selling in Chicago?

Ultra-low inventory in the Metro Chicago market is causing homes to sell quickly and for more money. The months’ supply of homes for sale plummeted 21.4% between December 2022 and December 2023, suggests a recent RE/MAX report. Months’ supply indicates the time it would take to sell the existing inventory of homes on the market, based on the current rate of sales.

The Windy City recorded the fifth-largest annual decrease in inventory of any US metro area with just 2.2 months of supply. According to a report by the Illinois REALTORS®, the typical home in the Chicago metro area spent 28 days on the market — four days faster than in December 2022. (Note: This figure doesn’t include the time it takes for a buyer to close on a purchase loan, which can add an average of 47 days to your selling timeline.)

The median sales price amounted to $307,000, a boost of 7% year-over-year. The number of closed sales across all property types declined by 6.8% in December 2023 compared to the same period a year earlier. Single-family home sales dropped 9.4%, while condo sales ticked down 2.1% on an annual basis.

Here’s a snapshot of current housing market indicators in the Chicago Metro Area:

Days on market (average time from list to contract)	28 days*
Days to close conventional home loan	47 days
Median home sale price	$307,000
Supply of inventory	2.2 months
Number of closed home sales year over year	– 6.8%

*Does not include time for buyer to close the loan

Data source(s): Illinois REALTORS®, RE/MAX, Ice Mortgage Technology

Benefits of selling with a top Chicago agent

Leveraging the expertise of a top Chicago real estate agent can speed up your home sale, combining local market savvy with proven sales strategies. “I have had many situations where homes were full of belongings or were in original condition since the 60s, and we were still able to get multiple offers and a much higher price,” says Matichyn.

Here are a few reasons why hiring an experienced real estate agent can help you sell your home quickly and for a sizeable profit:

Ability to sell for more: A skilled agent can maximize your home’s selling price, leveraging market trends and buyer demand.
Can generate a speedy sale: With an extensive network and market knowledge, top agents can shorten the time your home spends on the market.
Accurate, effective pricing: Strategic pricing by an experienced agent can attract more buyers, resulting in competitive offers.
Professional negotiation skills: Expert negotiations can secure a better deal, ensuring you don’t leave money on the table.
Expert partner by your side: An experienced agent offers invaluable advice every step of the way, from listing to closing.
Will know what to fix and not fix: Guidance on necessary repairs and updates can enhance your home’s appeal without blowing your budget.
Elevated marketing: Advanced marketing strategies ensure your listing reaches a wide audience of potential buyers.
Contract savviness: Navigating purchase agreements and negotiations with confidence, protecting your interests.
Can manage documents and disclosures: Handling the myriad of legal requirements and paperwork, leading to a compliant and smooth sale.
Network of skilled professionals: Access to a vetted network of professionals, from home inspectors to contractors, can streamline the selling process.

Picking a great real estate agent in Chicago doesn’t just help you sell your home faster; it also makes the whole selling process smoother. You get to have an expert by your side through all the ups and downs.

A house that a real estate agent helped to sell.

What Does a Real Estate Agent Do? An In-Depth Look Learn more

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Realtor Vs. Real Estate Agent: Who Can You Trust With Your Home? Learn more

How to find a top Chicago real estate agent

Finding the perfect real estate agent in Chicago is key to a successful home sale. HomeLight’s Agent Match platform simplifies this process. By evaluating over 27 million transactions and thousands of reviews, we connect you with two or three top-rated agents in the Chicago market. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly or buy your dream home, HomeLight is here to match you with the best agent for your unique needs.

Expert agent tips to help sell your Chicago house fast

In Chicago’s competitive housing market, using smart strategies to sell your home faster is a must. Follow these agent-recommended tips to make your Chicago-area home irresistible to buyers:

Price it right from the start: Overpricing your home can deter potential buyers, leading to a longer time on the market. Consult with an agent to set an attractive price based on a comparative market analysis (CMA).
Capitalize on local charm: Chicago’s rich architectural history can be a significant selling point. Highlight the unique features and heritage of your home, whether it’s a former workman’s cottage or a timber loft in a converted warehouse. Think exposed brick, hardwood floors, wood beams, and original fireplaces.
Make necessary repairs: “Make sure you have someone walk through your home and point out things you may not notice,” says Matichyn. “Whether it’s touching up walls, or fixing some deferred maintenance items you had on your list for years — all of these things can help you sell faster and for more money.”
Emphasize smart features: “Smart home items are a big plus,” says Kim Alden, a Chicago-area HomeLight Elite Agent with nearly 20 years of experience. She recommends highlighting devices like smart doorbells (and other security cameras), thermostats, locks, and outdoor lights in your listing description to entice buyers.
Prioritize high-ROI updates: “Neutral flooring throughout the rooms is always well received, along with updated light fixtures — no more 90s brass, please!” says Matichyn. As far as paint colors go, Alden says it’s best to “paint walls a neutral greyish or white,” and give dated oak cabinets and trim a fresh coat of white or off-white paint.
Stage for the Chicago lifestyle: Reflect Chicago’s diverse, vibrant lifestyle by staging a flexible home office space and areas for entertainment. Consider renting a storage unit for your belongings to depersonalize the space and cut down on clutter. “Making the home move-in ready as much as possible will help you get more money,” insists Matichyn.
Get a pre-listing home inspection: Addressing issues upfront with a pre-sale inspection can smooth the sales process, making your home more appealing to buyers. It’ll likely cost you between $300 and $400, but it’s a worthwhile investment.
Focus on curb appeal: A well-maintained exterior creates a strong first impression, attracting more potential buyers to view the interior. Alden suggests “[giving] the front door a coat of new paint,” so it stands out in listing photos and grabs buyers’ attention.
Offer a home warranty: A home warranty can provide peace of mind to buyers, making your home more attractive compared to others on the market. These 12-month contracts typically cover appliances and home systems and are priced between $450 and $600 per year.
Consider timing: The Chicago market is seasonal, and April through August is often the best time to put your house on the market (nobody wants to house-hunt in the snow, apparently). Use HomeLight’s Best Time to Sell Calculator to figure out the ideal time to list in your specific area.

Ready to sell your Chicago house fast?

Whether you want a quick cash sale or plan to work with a leading real estate agent, the key to selling your Chicago home fast is choosing the option that best fits your needs.

For those in a time crunch, a cash offer via HomeLight’s Simple Sale platform might be the perfect solution, offering speed and convenience without the hassle of traditional home selling steps.
On the other hand, working with an accomplished real estate agent can optimize your home’s market presence and ensure it’s competitively priced, potentially increasing your final sale price. HomeLight can connect you with a top-performing agent in the Chicago area.

If you’re unsure whether to go for a cash offer or work with an agent, why not consider both? Looking at a cash offer from Simple Sale and comparing it with an agent’s market analysis can give you a full picture of your options. In the end, the choice is yours. With the right information, resources, and options at your disposal, you’re all set to navigate the Chicago real estate market and make a successful sale.

Header Image Source: (Pedro Lastra / Unsplash)

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Kelsey Morrison

Editor

Kelsey Morrison is an editor for HomeLight's Resource Centers. She brings six years of editorial experience covering real estate, home design, cooking, crafting, and pet care. With a background as a commerce editor at World of Good Brands (eHow.com and Cuteness.com) and an associate editor at Livabl, Kelsey holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec.