If you search for houses for sale in Winnetka, IL, you’ll find that the median selling price of real estate in this affluent North Shore Chicago suburb is $1,744,500—an impressive figure that reflects the fact that Winnetka’s median household income is among the highest in the country. Another factor contributing to Winnetka’s expensive housing market? Low inventory and high buyer demand, which can lead to bidding wars and, in turn, inflated sold prices.
Still, not every home on the market in this highly desirable area will sell for the same top-dollar amount. If you’re considering listing your Winnetka, IL, home for sale, you might be wondering what you can do to make sure that your home commands the best possible price. In this article, we’ll give you a few ideas for improvements you can — and, in some cases, should — make to your home before listing. From small changes to major upgrades, these improvements will help you catch potential buyers’ eyes and get the best possible return on your investment.
1. Replace the roof
If a buyer is shopping for houses for sale in Winnetka, IL, and is torn between two homes, they may opt for the home with the newer roof. Statistics show that 33% of sellers credit a new roof with helping them close a sale. Furthermore, homeowners who add a new roof recoup, on average, 107% of the cost of the roof when they sell their home.
2. Install or refinish wood floors
Hardwood floors are a favorite among many who are shopping for Winnetka homes for sale. They are easy to maintain, and they look great in any room or setting. Typically, you can expect to regenerate 106% of the cost of your newly replaced wood floor when you sell your home. If your home already has wood floors, you might consider refinishing them so they look new and shiny once you start showing your home to potential buyers. You can expect to recoup 100% of the refinishing costs should you decide to take this route.
3. Replace the garage door
Not only will a new garage door boost the curb appeal in your home (especially if the new door has windows), but it will also help with your home’s insulation, which can reduce the money you spend on energy costs. A new garage door can also beef up your home’s security, particularly when an old, weak door is replaced with a stronger, more modern model. Still not convinced it’s worth the investment? Consider this: Nine percent of burglars enter through the garage, according to a survey by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI). Plus, replacing a garage door yields a pretty substantial ROI of 93.3%, per Remodeling magazine’s 2022 Cost vs. Value report.
4. Upgrade the HVAC system
An upgraded HVAC system is a great way to help your home stand out. Potential homebuyers will appreciate knowing that they’ll save on energy costs, and the fact that they won’t need to factor an HVAC replacement into their offer price is another plus (for you and them!). If you choose not to replace the entire unit, you might consider replacing older components like ductwork, air handlers, or evaporators.
5. Improve the insulation
Many houses built before the year 1980 have insufficient insulation compared to modern standards. Improving the quality of your insulation will help ensure that you’re spending less on energy costs, while also keeping your home warmer during the cooler months and cooler during the warm months. Not sure if you need more insulation? Take a quick peek into your attic. If your insulation is level with or below your floor joists, you’ll likely benefit from adding more, says Energy Star.
6. Refresh kitchen fixtures
Many buyers want to see the kitchen before they look at any other room in your home. People spend quite a bit of time in the kitchen, whether they're cooking meals for themselves or hosting guests. Don’t turn off buyers with damaged sinks, worn countertops, outdated appliances, or unsightly cabinets. Consider making all of these improvements before putting your home on the market. It’s a significant investment of time and money, but it’s one that often makes a major difference (and commands a return on investment of 71.2%).
7. Repair the electrical system
You’ll of course want your electrical system to pass the home inspection. Furthermore, you want your electric system to be top-notch and ready to function well with all of the newest smart home technology. Make sure you’ve dealt with any flickering lights, dead doorbells, or other recurring issues. Also, if you don’t already have a 200-amp electric panel, you may want to consider upgrading to one. This will help guarantee that your home has sufficient power for new appliances or systems that may be installed by your home’s future owners—think central air, a dishwasher, and a sump pump—without annoying trips of the circuit breakers.
8. Replace the front door
Front doors are crucial components of your home’s safety and curb appeal. It’s quite literally one of the first things a potential buyer will see when they arrive at your house, so you want to make the best possible first impression. Consider a steel or fiberglass door; they offer the highest levels of good looks and durability.
9. Revamp the bathroom
What if a potential buyer felt like they were walking into a spa when they entered your master bathroom for the first time? This is actually a realistic possibility. If you’re willing to make the investments, you might consider adding in heated floors, heated towel racks, or a better showerhead. Even if you don’t want to make changes that are quite this extreme, consider decorating your bathroom with plush white towels, a fluffy bathrobe, and a potted plant or two. There are all kinds of tricks to make your bathroom into a luxury space.
10. Paint the interior
Not only will a new coat of paint help protect your walls from damage and discoloration, but it can also help your space appear brighter. This is especially important in areas that don’t receive a whole lot of natural light. Consider neutral colors like white, tan, or beige if you’re unsure of what color would be best on your walls.
When you’ve got your home spruced up and ready to go on the market, Karen Stroble can help you get the best possible return. Karen is known for tailoring her process to fit the unique needs of her clients, and she strives to ensure that each buyer and seller she works with receives a top-notch experience. Karen has a wealth of experience dealing with Winnetka homes for sale, and she’ll know what to do to make your home stand out among other houses for sale in Winnetka, IL. She’s ready to take your call today.
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