8 Tips to Help You Sell a Vacant or Abandoned Home in Chicago

Dealing with a vacant or abandoned home in Chicago can feel completely overwhelming, especially if you’re managing from out of state, facing code violations, or simply need to sell quickly. Finding buyers willing to take on older, neglected properties presents unique challenges that most traditional buyers avoid. However, our bilingual team at CVG Properties LLC specializes in these exact situations, offering fast, transparent solutions when you need them most.

At CVG Properties LLC, we don’t just buy homes—we solve problems that other buyers can’t handle. We purchase properties outright, truly as-is, even with city code violations or maintenance issues. As Chicago’s only truly bilingual cash home buyer, we ensure you know exactly what you’ll receive, with no surprises or hidden fees. We’ll even help arrange your move before closing, providing complete peace of mind throughout the process.

If you’re considering selling your vacant or abandoned Chicago home through traditional methods, here are eight important tips to consider:

1. Get a professional appraisal

Before listing your property, invest in a professional appraisal. This critical step helps determine your home’s fair market value in its current condition, especially important for older homes with unique characteristics or potential violations that might affect pricing on the MLS.

2. Clean up the property

First impressions significantly impact buyer decisions, making property cleanup essential before showings. This includes debris removal, lawn maintenance, and addressing any village code violations. You’ll also need to make potentially costly repairs, repaint surfaces, and possibly update flooring—all expenses you’ll need to cover upfront.

3. Stage the home for potential buyers

Consider staging the property to make it more appealing to potential buyers. This might involve adding furniture and décor to create a welcoming atmosphere in an otherwise empty space. For optimal results, hiring a professional stager is recommended, though this represents another significant expense in your selling budget.

4. Take high-quality photos of your property

High-quality photography is essential when listing your property online, as these images showcase your home’s best features while minimizing problem areas. For maximum impact, invest in a professional photographer who can capture compelling interior shots and aerial drone footage—another cost to consider in your selling budget.

5. List the property on multiple platforms

To maximize exposure, ensure your property appears on multiple listing platforms such as Zillow, Trulia, and Realtor.com. Be aware that while some agents include multi-platform marketing in their standard services, others charge additional fees for expanded visibility—carefully review what’s included in any listing agreement.

6. Be flexible with showings

When selling a vacant property, flexibility with showings becomes essential. Be prepared to accommodate potential buyers at various times, including evenings and weekends. While scheduling should be easier without occupants, you’ll still need someone reliable to manage access and security between showings.

7. Consider working with a real estate agent

Though selling independently is possible, navigating the complexities of vacant property sales—especially with older homes or code violations—can be overwhelming. Working with an experienced Chicago real estate agent might help, but remember that success comes with a significant cost: you could owe thousands in commissions, further reducing your net proceeds.

8. Sell Your Chicago House Directly to CVG Properties LLC

For a faster, stress-free alternative, consider working with CVG Properties LLC. As licensed real estate professionals since 2013 with specialized probate certification, we’ll purchase your home as-is—handling any code violations or property issues directly with our network of contractors and city offices. We understand the unique challenges of selling older homes in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Our plainspoken, honest approach eliminates the confusion and uncertainty of traditional sales. We offer clear, transparent pricing with no surprises, and can even arrange your moving logistics before closing. Whether you’re facing foreclosure, probate deadlines, divorce, or simply tired of managing a distressed rental, our team provides the speed and clarity you need. Contact us today to discover how our bilingual team can create a customized solution for your specific situation. 312-625-6506

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