A couple of weeks ago, Cindy and Keith Gansel closed the sale of a new home, one that is closer to their jobs and church and has a lot wide enough to accommodate their boat. They’d like to move into it but so far haven’t sold their first house.
“I think we’re in a bad marketing time,” Cindy said. “First it was Thanksgiving and then Christmas and the freezing cold.”
The two-story brick home near Marquette Park was listed with a broker for a while but the Gansels have now decided to try selling on their own. They have lived here 15 years.
Nancy Hotchkiss of Biros Realtors in Evergreen Park recently stopped by to offer them some tips on how to showcase their house to attract a buyer and get the best possible price. When she asked if they plan to move immediately, Cindy said they have decided to wait at least until the school year is over.
“That’s good,” replied Hotchkiss. “It’s always easier to sell a house that is lived in. Once it is vacant it looks less inviting. People also think you’re under the gun so they’ll give you a lower offer.”
Major changes
The 1950s raised ranch has undergone quite a transformation, thanks to Keith and his father. Both are skilled carpenters. Like many of the homes in this neighborhood, this one was built with three bedrooms and one bath. It now has four bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. About 12 years ago, the Gansels put on a second-floor addition with three bedrooms, a family room and a full bath; access is gained by a handmade curved oak staircase.
At the same time they converted one of the first-floor bedrooms into a formal dining room with bay window and opened up a second bedroom to enlarge the living room. The first-floor full bath was turned into a powder room with a wall of storage cabinets.
The full basement is partially finished and is divided into a play area, workshop, utility room and full bath. The property also has a two-car detached garage.
The living room decor is quite striking, with burnt umber walls above white panel molding. The hardwood floors are covered with a collection of area rugs in varying sizes and patterns; some are florals, some are Oriental in design. The focal point of the room is a grand piano.
Because the living room is actually two different sized rooms, Hotchkiss advised defining the space more precisely. The original living room is presently arranged with the piano at one end and furniture pieces placed closely against it. The area that was formerly a bedroom is appointed with additional seating. The realty agent would like to see this space become a music room, with the piano at the center. There also might be room for an upholstered chair or two, she said.
“Putting the piano there will show off the panel moldings” better than with furniture up against them, she said, “and maybe cut down on a couple of area rugs to expose the floors more. I think that will make a big difference.”
“Something I wanted to do was get a bigger” rug and run it across both rooms, Keith said.
“I don’t think so,” Hotchkiss said. “I’d keep the two rooms separate.”
Cindy is proud of her husband’s talents and is happy to point out the many furniture pieces and accessories he has made. Hotchkiss admired it all, too, but said there was too much of it in some of the rooms. The master bedroom, for example, would appear more spacious without the large cradle, wood storage chest and a freestanding framed mirror, she said.
“Everything you have is wonderful but people are going to be distracted from the house,” Hotchkiss said. “When they see every inch is taken up they’ll say, `We’ll grow out of it, too.’ “
Overlooking the back yard is the eat-in kitchen, which features refinished cabinets and a ceramic floor. A mural depicting an outdoor scene is papered on one wall. Again Hotchkiss reminded them to remove any items from the counters they do not use on a daily basis.
Keith looked around and pointed out the microwave could be placed on the counter and the cart put into storage “but then you’d cover your countertop. You can’t live without a microwave.”
The cart can stay, said Hotchkiss but “I’d lose the mural. They’re not as popular as they used to be.”
“We’ve been talking about that,” Cindy said.
“It’s another distraction,” said Hotchkiss. “It’s hard for people to see themselves living somewhere if it isn’t done to their taste.”
