Selling your Chicagoland home in 2026? Use this home sellers checklist to get ready step by step, then read on for quick curb appeal tips that help buyers fall for your home from the street.
Your 2026 home selling checklist
6 to 8 weeks before listing
- Find out what your home is worth today with a free home value estimate.
- Meet with your broker to set a pricing strategy and a target list date.
- Make a list of repairs: leaky faucets, loose handrails, cracked tiles, burned out bulbs.
- Gather paperwork: utility costs, appliance warranties, permits and records of recent upgrades.
2 to 4 weeks before listing
- Declutter room by room. Pack what you will not need until after the move.
- Deep clean, including windows, carpets and the garage.
- Touch up paint in neutral colors where walls are scuffed or bold.
- Ask your broker about the Illinois seller disclosure forms so you can complete them early.
The week of photos
- Clear counters, tables and shelves.
- Open blinds and turn on every light.
- Put away personal photos and valuables.
- Mow, edge and sweep so the outside looks as good as the inside.
Showing days
- Keep the home tidy and ready on short notice.
- Plan where pets will go during showings.
- Leave during showings so buyers feel free to look around.
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Curb appeal: make a great first impression
When home buyers drive your neighborhood, or when Realtors are previewing for their clients, what do they see? You never get a second chance to make a first impression, so make sure your home has the kind of curb appeal that makes people go “wow.” Take a walk around your property right now—front to back. Pretend you’re a prospective buyer. Do you like what you see?
Here are eight quick tips for creating a visual impression that makes them want to see more.
- Start at the door. Get out your paintbrush and spruce up the front door. A bright color will attract attention from the street, if that fits with your overall exterior. Replace doorknobs and hinges with something new and shiny. A seasonal wreath on the door adds a welcoming touch. If your screen door squeaks or sags, get a new one or just remove it to make an attractive door more visible.
- Under pressure. Rent or buy a pressure washer and go over the entire exterior, top to bottom. Pay special attention to any white or light-colored areas, which tend to collect dust and dirt. Use it on porches, stairs and decks. And by the way, power washing is equally effective on concrete, and can really lighten up sidewalks and driveways.
- Spit and polish. Anything that’s metal on the outside of your home should sparkle and shine. Start with the house numbers. A good metal polish might work, but if not, replacing them is relatively inexpensive. Exterior light fixtures should all be working order and should shine brightly, both in daylight and dark. Check for burned-out bulbs while you’re at it. How’s your mailbox? New owners might appreciate one of the new models with a security lock.
- Tidy the yard. You want your home to have the broadest possible appeal, so let buyers picture their own life there. Put away bikes, balls and yard toys, store what you can of any play equipment, and pick up after pets every day.
- Plant a garden. You don’t have to have a green thumb to add seasonal color to the outside of your home. Think containers. Placing a few colorful pots on the front steps or by the door is a great place to start. Visit your local nursery and buy whatever is in season. Replace as needed—nothing dead or dying, please! Keep the grass mowed and edged too.
- Light up your life. Good exterior lighting improves both appearance and security. In-ground spots can accent landscape elements or the house itself. Make sure the front walkway and drive are well lit. If wiring is not an option, solar fixtures are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, although they may not be as bright as wired fixtures.
- Look out the window. Or in, which is what your prospective buyers will be doing. While you’re power washing, make sure the windows get their share. Use an inexpensive vinegar and water spray, and wipe down with old newspapers. Give them the same treatment on the inside and the whole house will sparkle.
- Shutters are a plus. Shutters add a cozy feel, so if you don’t already have them, you might consider installing some. If you have shutters, reattach anything that looks saggy. Make sure they are freshly painted. Depending on your home’s exterior, choose a contrasting color that stands out. Dark green looks great with yellow or cream. Black is great on stone or brick, and white is almost always a good choice.
As you plan your exterior makeover, keep in mind your neighborhood, competing homes that are on the market, and your budget. Most of these are low cost, do it yourself projects. And even if you have to spend a few dollars for professional help, the investment will pay off by attracting more buyers more quickly.
Ready to sell? Book a 15 minute call and we will build your plan together.
Updated October 2026.
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