What's the Cheapest Way to Sell a House in Chicago?

With the average Chicago home valued at around $294,789, selling sounds promising—until closing costs start chipping away at your final payout. Between agent commissions, repairs, and fees, it’s easy to watch your expected profit shrink.

Luckily, there are smarter, more affordable ways to sell in Chicago and still get paid well. Let’s break down the cheapest strategies to keep more of your home’s value in your pocket.

4 Ways to Sell Your Home in Chicago on a Budget

Selling a home in Chicago without overspending on fees or agents can be a smart move, especially in a market with evolving buyer habits and rising interest in cash sales.

Here are some of the most cost-effective ways to sell your property and maximize your return.

1. Selling for Cash

One of the fastest and cheapest ways to sell is by targeting cash buyers. Cash transactions have become increasingly common, with 34.1% of all U.S. home purchases in cash as of September 2023.

If the trend continues, more buyers—especially investors—will opt for cash deals. In luxury markets, nearly half of the homes are now purchased with cash, making cash sales a popular route if you’re looking to sell your house fast.

A cash sale means skipping mortgage approvals, which shortens the process significantly. Many cash-buying companies cater to sellers with homes that need repairs, and while the offer may be slightly below market value, these companies prioritize speed and convenience.

In Chicago, where the market includes institutional buyers, listing your property on investment-focused websites or joining real estate meet-ups can connect you with local investors ready to buy quickly.

But if you’re looking for even more specific buyers, a simple online search for cash-buying companies in Chicago will show you firms that offer all-cash offers, like Grandview Homes.

The transaction is straightforward and ideal for homes that might otherwise be hard to sell in traditional listings.

2. Selling Through Online Platforms

Selling online can be another cost-saving option. Today’s buyers start their home search online, with 43% of them first looking at listings online. By using an online platform, you can list, market, and manage the sales process directly.

Some platforms offer flat-fee MLS listings, which allows you to reach more potential buyers without paying the full commission fees of an agent. A flat-fee MLS listing lets you post on major property sites, so more people see your listing without paying for a traditional realtor.

Websites like Zillow, Redfin, or other Chicago real estate sites can help you reach buyers ready to make offers. You’ll handle the details, but many of these platforms provide tools to keep you organized.

3. For Sale By Owner (FSBO)

Going the For Sale By Owner (FSBO) route can save you thousands by eliminating agent commissions, which often range from 5% to 6% of your home’s sale price.

If you’re selling a $250,000 home, skipping the agent can mean saving $15,000. But selling FSBO requires a hands-on approach; you’ll be responsible for everything from pricing and listing to marketing, showing, and negotiating.

Listing on FSBO-specific sites and promoting on social media can help you reach buyers directly, but expect to invest time in researching the right listing price, staging, and more. You’ll also want to post your property on local community sites or in neighborhood groups to increase visibility.

Selling FSBO might mean spending more time on each step, but the cost savings can be well worth it.

4. Setting a Competitive Price

Setting a competitive price is essential, particularly in Chicago, where homes often sell below the initial list price.

Many buyers look for bargains, so pricing your home just slightly below market value can attract more interest, especially if you’re selling quickly. Aggressive pricing can generate multiple offers, giving you leverage to negotiate and settle on the best one.

To gauge the best listing price, check recent sales in your area and consider working with a real estate appraiser for an accurate valuation. Price your home with an understanding of local market trends, and don’t be afraid to negotiate with buyers who express interest. The goal is to be firm yet flexible, willing to meet buyers halfway on certain conditions to ensure a smooth transaction.

Why Selling Your House the Affordable Way Is Smarter

Selling a house can feel overwhelming, especially with all the traditional steps and expenses involved. But the cheapest way isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s often the most efficient, convenient option, especially when you need to move on quickly.

Let’s explore why going the affordable route can make sense.

Quick Sale

When time is tight due to relocation or finances, you’ll need to sell your house fast. Selling to a cash buyer or on a direct platform can shave off weeks, if not months, letting you move forward sooner without the wait and uncertainty.

Skip Costly Fixes

Preparing for a sale can mean unexpected repairs and renovations that add up quickly. If you don’t want to splurge to update the place, selling as-is to a cash buyer can free you from the burden of repairs and staging.

Lower Closing Costs

Traditional sales often come with hefty closing fees, like title, attorney, and transfer fees. But selling to a cash house buyer can help you avoid a chunk of these fees, keeping more money in your pocket at the end of the sale.

No Showings or Negotiations

Back-to-back showings and endless negotiations can take a toll on your time and patience. By choosing a direct sale or streamlined platform, you can bypass this hassle.

More Flexibility

Some cash house buyers offer flexible terms for closing dates and conditions so you can ensure the sale fits your timeline and needs.

Sell Your Home the Cheapest Way With Grandview Homes

Looking for a hassle-free, affordable way to sell your home? Grandview Homes makes it easy. We buy properties as-is, meaning no costly repairs or updates are needed. Just take what you need and leave the rest to us—we will handle the cleanup and any remaining items.

With a brief, private walk-through, we’ll provide a fair cash offer for your home and can close in as little as 7 to 10 days. If you need some extra time, no worries—we’ll close on your schedule. Plus, with Grandview, you skip agent commissions and closing costs. Enjoy a simple, budget-friendly home sale with Grandview Homes.