What is the one, most efficient thing you can do to make your home sell for more money? Most believe that remodels in the kitchen and bathrooms are the most efficient updates you can make. Truth is, these updates will increase the value of the home, but when compared to how much money you put into it, it rarely makes financial sense. Instead, if you’re looking to make your home sell for more money, then look to clean it. Most homeowners would be shocked to hear this, as it seems like it’s too simple of an answer. Cleaning it doesn’t permanently change anything about the home, yet it’s the most efficient way to make your home sell for more money?

Home buyers associate a clean home with a well maintained home.

If only I had a dollar for every time a buyer has told me “even though the home isn’t updated, we like it because it feels so well taken care of.” A clean home allows buyers to envision themselves living in it. It affords them the luxury of concluding that certain things don’t need to be replaced, which saves them money. Home buyers often assume that if you keep your home clean that you also gave proper attention maintaining the expensive mechanicals. The roof, furnace, AC, windows, and water heater are costly to replace. The less money that the buyer of your home feels they need to put into the home with updates, the more money they will be willing to pay for your home. This is especially true in today’s real estate market given that the majority of buyers are putting less than 20% down. As a result, buyers are looking to pinch pennies when buying a home and often are willing to slightly over pay for a well maintained home. In conclusion, you can make your home sell for more money with minimal work, even on a tight budget.

About the author- Steven Johnson, Realtor with Coldwell Banker

Are you looking to sell your home and need more advice? Are you looking to buy a home and need an agent who can point out things to consider? Do you disagree with my argument and want to share your point of view? Regardless of the reason, I’d love to connect with you. Feel free to call/text me at (847) 525-6121. Or, email me at Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

Like this blog post? I’ve got more! check out more here Blog – Steven Johnson

Justin and Katherine came to me looking for a home to rent from a referral of a friend of mine (thank you Danny!). After a few weeks searching, and discussing their options, they came to the conclusion that it might make more sense for them buy a home instead. I connected them with a few trustworthy lenders that I work with frequently with and soon after they were pre-approved. We began our search, and it didn’t take long for for Justin and Katherine to find a home in Palatine that checked all of their boxes. Everything was going smoothly, however soon after we discovered that there were budgeting issues with the association that would make it difficult for their loan to get approved. With time running out, we quickly started their search again and it didn’t take long to secure another home in Palatine. Fortunately for all parties involved, things went much smoother with this home and we were able to get it closed quickly due to everyone doing their part. At last, Justin and Katherine are now owners of their new home in Palatine! Thank you for choosing to work with the best Realtor in & around Chicago, Steven Johnson!

Are you looking to buy or sell a home? Find me (Steven Johnson) on Zillow, Realtor.com, and Google! I am also easy to reach- call or text me any time at (847) 525-6121

I was first introduced to Daniel through a mutual friends a few years back. Daniel soon reached out letting me know he was going to start looking for his first home. We started his home search and Daniel intently studied the market. After a few weeks, Daniel determined it was best he hold off on his home search for a few years due to changing interest rates and so he could increase his down payment. Earlier this year, Daniel let me know he was ready to start searching again. After a few failed offers, we found a home that would be a perfect fit- until the home inspection detailed several concerns with the home which could turn his investment into a liability. Daniel decided to keep looking. Shortly after, he found an updated ranch home with a full basement in Lake in the Hills. Daniel’s offer was quickly accepted, inspections items were promptly negotiated, and now Daniel is finally a homeowner. Congrats Daniel! I appreciate that you chose to work with me on the purchase of your first home.

Are you looking for a home in Lake in the Hills? Or maybe you’re looking to sell a home? No matter the real estate need, I’d love to help. Call me, Steven Johnson, with all of your real estate needs (847) 525-6121

We said goodbye to this charming summer home/started home last week. When we look to sell a Lake Villa home like this, it’s important to look at the property’s best features. For this home, we determined it was the beautiful views of the Chain of Lakes as well as Lake rights to it. It is the perfect spot for both the summer and winter months! We were able to generate a strong offer for my clients after just the first weekend it was listed. Congrats to both the buyer and seller!

sell a Lake Villa home, or buy one!

Hey you. Are you looking to sell a Lake Villa home or a home on the Chain of Lakes? Maybe you’re looking to purchase one? My name is Steven Johnson and I am a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who is vastly experienced in selling homes in the area. Get give a call today to discuss your goals (847) 525-6121

229 1st Ave, Fontana, WI 53125

Location, location location! This downtown Fontana, WI area home is literally steps away from breathtaking views of Geneva Lake, Fontana Beach, and Abbey Harbor. It features 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a full unfinished basement, a stunning wood burning fireplace, a large kitchen area, large bedrooms, and a huge family room. It also boasts a large back yard and a private driveway. It’s the perfect spot for a summer home or personal residence. Close walk to restaurants, shopping, parks, and so much more. Sold ”as-is”

Are you looking for a home with access to Lake Geneva, Lake Como, or the Chain of Lakes? As a local realtor in Wisconsin & Illinois, I have my hand on the pulse of the waterfront market. If you’re ready to start your home search, or if you have a waterfront home that you’re ready to sell, give me a call today (847) 525-6121

Steven Johnson

Coldwell Banker Realty

(847) 525-6121

Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

Now’s your chance to own a meticulously maintained, top floor condo in Skokie just steps from Old Orchard. This 2 bed, 2 bath features a massive living room and a large master bedroom with a big walk-in closet. The kitchen features a newer fridge, lots of cabinets, a breakfast area, and a large pantry. Off the kitchen you’ll find a sliding door leading you to an over-sized balcony, ranging all the way from the kitchen to the living room. This condo also features new windows, a new sliding glass door, a newer painted 2nd bedroom, no upstairs neighbors, and an AC & furnace that gets professionally serviced/checked twice per year. The building has an elevator, a sauna, storage lockers, a heated garage, and laundry on multiple floors. The building boasts a premier location in the subdivision away from the major roads. The subdivision also has a gorgeous outdoor pool and sundeck. No rentals allowed, no pets allowed. The owner took great care of this home, now it’s your turn to do the same.

4940 Foster St #405, Skokie, IL 60077

Offered at $245k

2 bed/2 bath

Listed by: Steven Johnson, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty

A huge congrats to my client for closing on a beautiful new construction home in Des Plaines. Did you know that you can & should buy brand new construction homes with a Realtor? We can help advise you on questions to ask, what to look out for, and give you tips on what upgrades can b most efficient for re-sale.

To get started looking for a new construction home in Des Plaines, Chicago’s northwest suburbs, or Southern Wisconsin, call Steven Johnson with Coldwell Banker Realty (847) 525-6121.

Steven Johnson

Coldwell Banker Realty

Call (847) 525-6121

Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

The real estate market is still hot in Cook County, IL. Do you have a home you are looking to sell? It’s still a great time to get your home listed. Homes are still selling quickly when priced correctly. Give me a call to get started today (847) 525-6121

Lake County residents: You may have heard a lot of noise surrounding the real estate market lately. Sales are down and interest rates are high, making it less affordable for people to buy homes. These are true, but with these statements comes a connotation that prices have slipped or that homes are not selling, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

Sales are down, but homes are still selling quickly

You’d think that with the number of homes selling being so low that it would mean that homes aren’t selling. Actually, the reason sales are down is because people aren’t selling. In turn, basic economic principals will tell you that when the supply of a good decreases, and demand stays the same, prices will increase and the good will often sell quicker. Don’t fall for the hype, follow the facts.

Home prices are not falling despite high interest rates

High interest rates have made it so homebuyers will have to pay substantially more with their monthly mortgage payments than they previously would have. This has forced many people to hold off on buying. Therefore, demand has declined. So if that’s the case, shouldn’t home prices fall with demand? No, because as previously discussed people aren’t selling either. The supply of homes has actually decreased more than demand has. Consequently, prices have held and in some cases are still rising. This trend is expected to continue unless we can start seeing more homeowners sell.

Looking for an agent in the Lake County, Il are who has the inside scoop on the real estate market?

Hi, my name is Steven Johnson. I am a local real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty. I have years of experience and love to work with home buyers and sellers on accomplishing their goals. Get in touch with me today to get started with your next move (847) 525-6121.

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As of me writing this post, it is November 20th, 2023. We are at an awkward time in the market where we are inch towards the Holidays when buying or selling a home isn’t typically the main thing on most people’s minds. Still, for those who like to plan, it is the right time to start thinking and having a conversation about your 2024 real estate goals.

By failing to prepare you are preparing to fail.

These wise words by none other than the great Benjamin Franklin ring true in real estate too. Now is the time to get your “preparation” questions answered. A few good questions to ask include “where are interest rates currently at?” “Do I need to do anything with my debt or credit to qualify for a mortgage?” “What things do I need to be at home home to prepare it to sell?” “How long does the home buying and home selling process typically last?” “Are homes still selling quickly?” While the internet can get you good results, the best place to seek out correct answers are from your trusted real estate agent and mortgage lender.

Get started on your 2024 real estate goals with the best Realtor in the Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin area.

Hi, I’m Steven Johnson. Author of this post and a professional real estate agent of 8 years with Coldwell Banker Realty. I have helped countless people buy and sell homes over the years, and I am excited to work with you too. If you’re even thinking about moving or have questions I could answer for you then please reach out. I’d love the opportunity to chat to see how I can help.

Steven Johnson

Coldwell banker Realty

(847) 525-6121

Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

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