Selling Your Home

Seller FAQs

• How do I know what my home is worth?

  Your home’s value depends on more than an online estimate. We look at recent comparable sales, current competition, location, condition, upgrades and buyer demand to determine how your home is likely to perform in today’s market. We’ll provide a detailed market analysis and recommend a pricing strategy designed to help you get the best possible result.

• What should I do to my home before putting it on the market?

  You probably don’t need to renovate your entire home. We’ll walk through your property with you and help prioritize the updates, repairs and improvements that are most likely to matter to buyers. Sometimes fresh paint, decluttering and a few strategic changes can make a significant difference. Our goal is to help you spend money where it matters—and avoid spending it where it doesn’t.

• Do I need to stage my home before selling?

  Presentation matters, and we want your home looking its best from the moment it hits the market. The Hering Homes Team offers complimentary staging assistance, including art, décor, accessories and finishing touches that help prepare your home for professional photography and showings. For vacant homes or empty rooms, we can also use virtual staging to help buyers visualize how the space can be used. Our goal is to create a polished, inviting presentation that helps your home stand out—without requiring you to furnish or decorate it yourself.

• How long will it take to sell my home?

  There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Timing depends on your price range, location, condition, competition and current buyer demand. We’ll review what similar homes are doing in your specific market and give you realistic expectations before your home is listed.

• Should I sell my current home before buying my next one?

  It depends on your finances, comfort level and the market. Some homeowners need to sell before purchasing, while others can buy first. We’ll talk through the different options—including sale contingencies, timing possession and other strategies—and help you determine which approach makes the most sense for your situation.

• What happens when I receive multiple offers?

  Receiving multiple offers is exciting, but comparing them can quickly become overwhelming. We organize every offer in a detailed multiple-offer comparison spreadsheet so you can easily see the important terms side by side—not just the purchase price. We compare financing, down payment, earnest money, contingencies, closing-cost requests, inspection terms, appraisal risk, closing date and other factors that could affect the strength of each offer. Then we walk through the options with you so you can make a confident, informed decision about which offer is best for you.

• How much does it cost to sell a home?

  Seller costs vary by transaction and can include brokerage compensation, attorney and title fees, transfer taxes, property-tax credits, agreed-upon buyer concessions and other closing expenses. Before you list, we’ll review estimated selling costs with you so you have a clearer picture of your potential net proceeds.

• When is the best time to sell a home in Northern Illinois?

  Early Spring is traditionally a busy real estate season, but homes sell throughout the year in Northern Illinois. The best time to sell depends on your particular home, local inventory, buyer demand and—most importantly—your plans. In some situations, listing when there are fewer competing homes can actually work in a seller’s favor.