After living in their West Town home for over 30 years, the owners were ready to turn the page and begin a new chapter. They had built the house themselves, it was where they raised a family; it was filled with decades of memories. Letting go was about saying goodbye to a space that had shaped their lives.
When we first met, it was clear that they were pragmatic about the need to downsize, but also wanted to be intentional about how they transitioned out of their home. As we walked through, we agreed that we wanted to preserve the home's character while making space for the next family to create their own.
My role was to guide the homeowners through this emotional process with patience and care, while strategically preparing the property for the West Town spring market.
Evaluating the Condition
We began with a walkthrough, focusing on the home's strengths. The home was a classic Chicago red brick worker's cottage with generous room sizes, great natural light, and a very functional layout. The home had excellent bones, but some of its finishes and fixtures were dated compared to the modern renovations commonly found in West Town listings.
We made a list of updates that were not overly intrusive. Our goal was to create a significant appeal for buyers looking for a charming move-in-ready home filled with character.
Cost-Effective Improvements
West Town buyers are looking for modern conveniences and updated finishes, but they also appreciate originality and thoughtful design. We focused on high-ROI cosmetic improvements that aligned with local preferences:
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Painting cabinets to refresh the kitchen with a clean, modern look
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Neutral wall colors to brighten the space
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New quartz countertops (the old ones were dark granite)
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Brand new stainless steel appliances purchased at a great price from Abt
In the bathrooms, we opted for updated vanities, mirrors, and lighting, which modernized them without requiring a complete gut. The existing tile was neutral and in great condition, so we kept it, saving both time and budget.
Workshop - Keep or Remove It
West Town buyers value multifunctional spaces, especially given the premium on square footage in urban areas. This home had a well-organized garage with a built-in workspace, which, in our opinion, was a hidden gem. The homeowner initially planned to clear out his tools and show it as basic storage. After consideration, we decided to highlight it as a flexible workshop or creative space, which is a major draw for some buyers. That decision added a unique feature to our marketing narrative, helping the home stand out among similar properties in the neighborhood. It turned out to be a great move - a major selling point to our buyers!
Exterior Preparation
The owner, a true MacGyver, took care of essential exterior maintenance, including touch-up painting, minor brick repairs, power washing, staining the deck, and landscaping cleanup to improve both the front and backyard. Since the process started in late fall, we had to wait for warmer weather to schedule these exterior improvements. This attention to detail was intended to reassure buyers that the home had been meticulously cared for, both inside and out.
Preparing for Market Launch
With the updates complete, it was time to stage the home. Over the years, we have learned that in West Town’s competitive market, staging is essential for achieving a quick and successful sale. Buyers expect a space that feels modern, fresh, and well-put-together.
We partnered with our preferred professional stager, who focused on:
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Decluttering to maximize visual space
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Deep cleaning for a crisp, polished appearance
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Rearranging furniture to highlight flow and function
The result was a bright, stylish, and welcoming home that reflected the lifestyle West Town buyers are looking for, without needing a full renovation.
Styling and Photography
Once staging was complete, the home was professionally styled for photography. We worked with one of the top local real estate photographers who knows how to capture the best features of our Chicago properties - the right lighting, vignettes, and architectural detail.
Every image highlighted the home’s updates, flow, and natural light. As the first point of sale, these visuals are the foundation of our off-market marketing strategy, giving buyers a high-end digital “first showing” that makes them want to see more.
Off-Market Strategy
Before hitting the market, the homeowners decided to let us implement a pre-market strategy, offering an exclusive preview to our private network of qualified buyers and brokers. This is particularly effective in neighborhoods like West Town, where demand often surpasses supply. Serious buyers are prepared to move quickly and pay top prices to secure properties before they become available to the general public. We created the buzz immediately, and within a couple of days, we received an offer $30,000 over the asking price. The home was under contract before it ever hit the MLS.
A Smooth Transition for the Sellers
Because the sellers hadn’t yet secured their next home, we built flexibility into the deal. The buyers were eager to secure the property and agreed to a post-sale occupancy, allowing the sellers to remain in the home while they finalized their next steps.
This made all the difference. The sellers didn’t have to rush or settle, and the buyers felt confident they were investing in a property that had been thoughtfully cared for. It was a true win-win.
For us, this West Town success story was about helping longtime homeowners close a meaningful chapter of their lives. Preparing their home for market wasn’t just a checklist of updates; it was a way to reflect on everything the house had given them, and to present it to the next owners.
If you’re preparing to sell a home filled with years of memories, we are here to offer the right guidance and make sure that every detail falls into place.
Thinking of Selling in West Town? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’ve lived in your home for 3 years or 30, preparing to sell in West Town requires local insight, sharp strategy, and the right network.
📞 Reach out today for a no-pressure consultation.
📧 Let’s talk about your goals, your timeline, and how to position your home for top dollar, without the stress.
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