6 Things Future Sellers Can Do Now (Without Putting Life on Hold)
August is for enjoying your home, not treating it like a permanent renovation project.
But if selling is somewhere on your horizon, this is also a useful time to notice the little things you may want to address later. A few thoughtful steps now can make future preparation feel more manageable, without taking away from the home and season you're enjoying today.
Your August Seller Snapshot
Keep track of small repairs and maintenance.
Make updates that improve how you use your home now.
Start gathering property and association documents.
Think about what you want from your next home.
1. Look at Your Home With Fresh Eyes
When you live somewhere every day, small maintenance items can become easy to overlook.
Take a walk through your home and look for:
Paint or finishes showing wear
Minor repairs you've postponed
Crowded rooms or storage areas
Exterior maintenance
Landscaping that could use attention
Lighting that could be improved
The goal isn't to fix everything. It's to know what may deserve attention before you eventually list.
2. Make Updates You Can Enjoy Now
If selling is months away, consider improvements that also make your home more enjoyable today.
Think:
Fresh paint → Better lighting → Organization → Landscaping → Minor repairs
Larger renovations require more consideration. The cost of an improvement does not guarantee an equivalent increase in sale price, and buyer preferences vary.
Before completing a major project primarily for resale, consider discussing current market conditions and comparable properties with a real estate professional.
3. Take Advantage of Outdoor Season
August is a natural time to evaluate outdoor areas while they're actually being used.
Landscaping and lawn condition
Decks, patios, balconies, and terraces
Exterior lighting
Fences and gates
Walkways and entry areas
Exterior paint and finishes
For condominium owners, this can also be a good time to consider how a private balcony or terrace is presented and maintained.
4. Declutter, Without Packing Up Your Life
You don't need to turn your home into an empty showroom months before selling.
Start small.
□ One closet
□ One cabinet
□ One storage area
□ The garage or basement
□ Items you already know won't make the next move
Gradually organizing can make eventual listing and moving preparation more manageable.
Bonus: It may also reveal what you actually want from your next home, more storage, another bedroom, less maintenance, or something entirely different.
5. Know What Could Affect Your Bottom Line
Depending on the property and transaction, potential seller expenses can include:
Brokerage compensation as negotiated and agreed upon
Attorney fees
Title-related expenses
Applicable transfer taxes
Property tax prorations
Mortgage payoff amounts
Repairs or negotiated credits
Association-related fees, where applicable
Moving and storage expenses
Actual costs vary by property, municipality, contract terms, and individual circumstances.
Quick Tip
Ask for an estimated seller net sheet before listing. It can help illustrate how various transaction expenses may affect estimated proceeds.
6. Start Thinking About the Next Home
Preparing to sell isn't only about the home you're leaving.
It's also about figuring out what you want next.
What do I love about my current home?
What would I change?
Do I want more or less space?
Would I prefer different maintenance responsibilities?
Will I buy another property after selling?
What timing would make sense for my next move?
You don't need all the answers today. Starting to think about them can make future decisions easier when the time comes.
Enjoy the Moment. Prepare for the Next One
You don't need a “For Sale” sign in the yard to start preparing.
A little organization, routine maintenance, and forward thinking can help you enjoy your home today while giving you a clearer picture of what may come next.
What would a home like this cost per month?
Drag the sliders to sketch a monthly payment for a Chicago home. Estimates only, not a lending quote.
Estimated monthly payment
$3,812
- Principal & interest$2,781
- Property taxes (est.)$871
- Insurance (est.)$160
Loan amount $440,000 · Taxes and insurance are rough Cook County planning figures.
Chicago real estate, decoded.
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Brokerage disclosure and market disclaimer
All data and market insights referenced herein are derived from third-party sources and public reports believed to be reliable at the time of publication; however, accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Market data is time-bound and methodology-dependent and may vary by property type, price tier, neighborhood boundaries, and sample size. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, tax, legal, or financial advice. Forecasts, projections, and forward-looking statements are estimates based on current market conditions and are subject to change without notice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. All real estate brokerage services are provided by Compass, Inc., a licensed real estate broker. The Alex Stoykov Group is a team of real estate licensees sponsored by Compass, Inc. All advertising is conducted under the direct supervision of the sponsoring broker. For any property listings owned solely by a licensee, advertisements will state "broker owned" or "agent owned" as required by applicable Illinois law.