Excited about selling your house in Naperville, Illinois but need an attorney? You’re not alone! With a multitude of properties listed every day, the journey to a successful sale can appear overwhelming. However, you’ve stumbled upon a straightforward, cost-efficient method that eliminates the need for real estate agents. This practical guide will navigate you through the intricacies of the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) process, helping you to quickly sell your home without a hint of commission expenses. Steer clear of common pitfalls and learn from the wisdom of seasoned real estate professionals who’ve mastered the art of FSBO sales in Naperville, Illinois.
Now, you might be a bit skeptical about the whole FSBO thing, probably due to misconceptions about high commission fees, or the fear of getting less value for your house. The truth is, with the right approach and a bit of legwork, you can turn the tables in your favor.
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Understanding 2023 Naperville Market Trends from an Attorney
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The Naperville, Illinois housing market is considered somewhat competitive, with homes typically receiving about 6 offers and selling in around 50 days. The median sale price of a home in Naperville was $477,000 as of last month, which is down 2.7% compared to the previous year, and the median sale price per square foot is $228, up 5.6% from the previous year1 and 2. Homes in this market sell for about 100.7% of the list price and about 44.4% of homes sold above the list price3.
It seems that people are fairly stable in the area, with 84% of Naperville homebuyers looking to stay within the Naperville metropolitan area. The most popular destinations for those moving out of Naperville are Cape Coral, Miami, and Tampa. As for incoming residents, most are coming from other metropolitan areas like Denver, Minneapolis, and Detroit. 4 When I moved to Naperville, I came from Detroit!
The Top 2023 Naperville Buyer Concern – Affordability
In terms of what homebuyers are looking for in 2023, affordability is a key concern due to high-interest rates and low inventory, leading to high home prices and increased mortgage costs. Buyers are increasingly focusing on getting more value for their money and sellers are being pressured to lower their listing prices. 5 This is a far more profound trend for condos and townhomes as opposed to single-family residences.
Storage is also a major selling point. With the rise of non-romantic co-buyers, such as parents, adult children, siblings, and friends, additional storage space is becoming more necessary. Kitchen cabinetry, walk-in pantries, and increased garage storage are all desirable features. 6 and7
Cheap Value Adds for Getting a Higher Price in this Market
Neutral colors, particularly natural tones like grays, whites, and light-colored wood, are preferred by buyers. These neutral tones are considered safer as they are more likely to match a wide range of furniture and decorations8.
Outdoor features are also popular, including covered back patios, porches, and decks, which are ideal for relaxation and outdoor entertainment. Backyard decks, in particular, can add significant resale value to a home. Other outdoor entertainment amenities, such as outdoor kitchens, are also attractive to buyers. Check out the cites: 9, 10 , and 11.
Step One: What Would a Naperville Attorney Not Do?
Research is the bedrock of a successful FSBO sale. Jumping in without a clear understanding of the costs and potential selling price of your home is a recipe for disaster. Bringing in professionals such as brokers and lawyers can help you navigate these murky waters and ensure you get top dollar for your property. Diversifying your options by consulting with several real estate agents is also crucial. Not all strategies will work for every FSBO home, so it’s essential to explore multiple perspectives.
Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of aesthetics. Staging your home properly can make it a magnet for potential buyers, setting it apart from the competition.
Having addressed the don’ts, let’s delve into the do’s for a successful FSBO sale in Naperville
Step Two: What Should I Do for FSBO Success in Naperville?
Begin by seeking out the expertise of a seasoned Naperville real estate attorney. Having a lawyer in your corner from the start is invaluable. We have an immense wealth of knowledge and will guide you through each step. Attorneys want you to have a smooth and efficient selling process. A knowledgeable attorney like me will help you avoid any potential pitfalls and clarify any legal jargon that might be overwhelming.
Once you’ve secured legal assistance, it’s time to gather all the necessary paperwork. This process may seem tedious, but it’s absolutely essential. You’ll need copies of the deed, lien information, and any other relevant documents pertaining to your home. These documents assure your prospective buyers that they are making a safe investment. Your Naperville attorney will help you secure title insurance, giving your buyer the confidence they need that they’re buying land without problems.
A Word on Surveys
If you’re selling a single-family home, you’ll also need a survey. You need a survey unless you’re in a condominium like Mill Crossing or Chantecleer Lakes. A survey tells you where your property lines are and who can use your land. Surveys are good to know where the telephone and gas lines are located, but can also reveal big problems like bad fence lines or even buildings being placed on the wrong land. While I was editing this article, I found out a client has 2 whole extra feet of land on the west side of their property in Lindenhurst, IL! This issue is a more common problem for Naperville attorneys than you’d think.
Take the time to draft a list of tasks that you need to complete around your property. This could include anything from pest control to lawn care. Prepping your home before it hits the market will make it more appealing to potential buyers. The better condition your home is in, the more likely you are to attract a larger pool of interested buyers.
Step Three: How Would a Naperville Attorney Get Me Ready to Close My House?
Whether you’re selling your home in Cress Creek, Riverplace, or any other part of Naperville, Illinois, successfully navigating the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) process requires keen attention to detail. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to smoothly get your home from listing to closing.
First: Get Your Mortgage Payoff
Once you’ve received an offer and agreed on a price, the first step is to obtain your mortgage payoff. This includes both purchase loans and home equity loans. You can easily obtain this information by contacting your bank. If you have an old Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), ensure that there is a lien release because properties with these can’t be sold until a final credit letter is obtained. A real estate lawyer can assist you with this process.
Second: Get a Paid Assessment Letter
If your property is part of a condominium association, like Cress Creek or Riverplace, you’ll need to secure a Paid Assessment Letter from your homeowner’s association. Your Naperville real estate attorney can help you with this.
Step Four: Naperville Local Requirements and Attorney Compliance
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In Naperville, Illinois, the *buyer* must purchase a Real Estate Transfer Tax Stamp. This stamp costs $1.50 per $500 of the purchase price, rounded up to the nearest $500.
Prior to purchasing the stamp, you must order and pay the final water bill. If you’re part of a condo/HOA, they will likely handle this for you. Next, obtain a completed Statement of Open Accounts for the property. Submit the Request for Statement of Open Accounts at least seven business days before closing. Additionally, secure a completed PTAX 203 Real Estate Transfer Declaration, or a sales contract signed by both you and the buyer. Submit these documents along with payment to the Finance Department at the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville, IL 60540. You can find them at 630.420.6059 or online at www.naperville.il.us. As Naperville attorneys, we do this for you.
Aurora Homes with Naperville Addresses
The transfer stamp requirement only applies to homes within Naperville city limits. Some properties with Naperville addresses are actually located within the City of Aurora and pay Aurora taxes. Check with the Naperville City Clerk to determine if your home is legally in Aurora. You might also legally be in Lisle or Plainfield.
Step Five: Closing and Selling your Home in Naperville Illinois
Once the transfer stamp is secured and the water bill is paid, you can schedule a closing. The closing typically happens within 30 to 45 days of signing the offer contract for FSBO homes. Staying proactive during this process is essential to avoid delays caused by third-party approvals. By diligently following this guide, you’ll be prepared to pay off all the debts on the property and successfully close the sale of your Naperville home.