INSIDE LOOK: What REALLY Happens Before Listing Your Home For Sale!

If you've ever wondered what actually goes on behind the scenes before a home hits the market, you're in for a treat. Today, I’m giving you a true behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like for me as a real estate agent in Chicago—my hometown—and why every decision before listing a home matters.

Let’s just start by saying this: it was 15 degrees with a windchill of negative four. So yes, I had my coffee, gloves, and my husband Mike with me as we made our way to our first stop—breakfast with my Uncle Billy at Covenant Village. For those of you who don’t know, Covenant Village is a fantastic continuum-of-care facility here on the North Shore, but also has the worst parking for visitors! Still, it’s a great example of how important it is to work with an agent who understands senior transitions, including assisted living options.

When Real Life Interrupts Real Estate

Just as I was prepping for a full day of market evaluations and showings, I got a call no parent wants to hear: my daughter Lisa’s car was stolen. She was supposed to join me on appointments, but instead, she was filing a police report. Real estate is rarely predictable. Life happens. But we keep going, and I always show up for my clients—no matter what’s happening in the background.

Walkthrough #1: Preparing a $900K Listing

One of my clients reached out—they're moving and want to get their home on the market in the next 3–4 months. I originally helped them buy this house over a decade ago, so it was great reconnecting. The mechanicals were immaculate (furnace, roof, HVAC—spot on), but the paint was dated and everything read very yellow, which is tough in today’s buyer’s market.

They also asked about refinishing their floors, which were scratched from their dogs. My advice? Don’t redo floors if you’re still living there. It’s costly, disruptive, and often unnecessary. Instead, we’re going to "fake it, take it, make it" with some oil rub and smart staging.

The biggest issue? Their backyard. Half of it had no grass. And that’s what shows in listing photos. So we’re working around it with timing and angles until spring landscaping can be addressed.

Listing Prep Tip: Paint for You—Not Just the Buyer

One thing I always tell sellers: Don't wait to paint your house just before you sell it—do it early and enjoy it. This client had wanted to paint years ago but never got around to it. Now it's a non-negotiable update before listing. If you're sitting on a paint project, now’s the time to take action.

Walkthrough #2: The Empty Home Under Contract

My next stop was a property under contract and sitting vacant. In the winter, that’s risky business. Frozen pipes are every agent’s nightmare. I always perform regular house checks for empty homes. This one was warm, safe, and ready to close—no issues, thankfully!

Walkthrough #3: Financial Pressure Forces a Sale

The next appointment was heartbreaking. A longtime client called me to evaluate her home, not because she wants to sell—but because she has to. Her property taxes increased so much that she can no longer afford to stay. This is a growing problem across Illinois. If you're in the same position, please know you’re not alone. If you need help appealing your taxes, I’m here to support you.

The Winnetka Showings: Beauty, Charm & Reality Checks

Lisa and I toured a beautiful staged home in Winnetka—one of the North Shore’s most coveted neighborhoods. It was a charming, character-filled property with a coach house, original windows, and outdated elements that required work. My clients loved it… but ultimately, the renovation needs were too much. We knew that going in—but these viewings help us narrow the field and guide buyers with precision.

The agent at the property? Absolutely fantastic. She lived one street over and had a long-standing relationship with the sellers. That’s what local expertise looks like. And it showed in every aspect of the showing experience.

Winnetka Reality: Pricing Strategy Matters

Here’s the thing: The home was listed at $1.5 million but needed enough work that it may have been better positioned at $100K less to generate urgency. When a home is priced too high and requires updates, buyers hesitate. It’s a fine balance—one that an experienced agent can help you navigate.

From One Showing to the Next Listing

That showing led directly to another listing opportunity. And that’s how real estate works when you build trust over time. We walked through several homes together. We found what worked, what didn’t, and I helped them visualize their next move. That's the kind of partnership I strive to build with every client.

A Tour Through My Hometown: This is Northbrook

To wrap up the day, I took a drive through Northbrook, where I grew up—and have lived in nearly a dozen different homes. I walked you through the houses I’ve sold, listed, lived in, and even lost. Yes, I've lost listings. Every good agent has.

But what matters most is this: I know these homes, the history, the neighborhoods, and the people. I’ve been on the village board. I know the schools. I’ve lived the walk-to-town lifestyle. And when I refer agents to you—whether in Florida or Illinois—I’m referring agents who know their towns as well as I know mine.

Why Experience and Fit Matter More Than Social Media

We recently lost a listing to a high-profile agent from outside our area. Great agent—lots of followers—but with 67 listings, there’s no way she can accompany every showing. Experience, bandwidth, and local market understanding matter more than a big Instagram following. You need someone who knows your block, not just your square footage.

Whether you’re selling tomorrow or next year, your journey starts long before the sign goes up. From walkthroughs and pricing strategy to painting and prep, I’m here to guide you every step of the way—with no pressure, no obligation, and full transparency.

I work in both Chicago and Florida, and if you're thinking about selling, downsizing, or relocating—I’d love to be your partner in this process.