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Aerial city skyline and park beneath the message “Spring sales start now.”

Outpace the Competition: Why You Should Plan Your 2026 Sale Now!

One of the most valuable assets you have is your view — but capturing it at the right moment makes all the difference.
Ginger Menne  |  August 5, 2024

Plan Your 2026 Sale Now: Timing Is Everything

“Photos are the #1 factor in buyers’ first impressions — 87% of buyers say photos are their top consideration.”
(Source: National Association of Realtors)
 
Chicago lakefront with sailboats, green parkland, and downtown skyscrapers under a blue sky.
July 2024
 
Aerial view of a lakefront marina, curving shoreline road, and leafless park trees.
March 2024
 
Chicago skyline above downtown parks and a highway.
July 2024
 
Chicago skyline with Willis Tower, downtown skyscrapers, and curving walkways through a park.
March 2024
 

Capture the Views That Sell

If you’re considering selling your Lakeshore East condo in spring 2026, the time to start preparing is now. One of the most valuable assets you have is your view — but capturing it at the right moment makes all the difference.

Photos taken in March, before the trees and landscaping return, can leave your listing looking bare and uninspiring. By contrast, late-summer and early-fall photos showcase lush greenery, vibrant parks, and Chicago’s skyline at its best. Waiting until spring means missing the opportunity to present your condo in its strongest light during the busiest selling season.
 
Chicago waterfront skyline with high-rise buildings, a construction crane, and blue river water.
Summer
 
Chicago skyline along the river, with high-rises, a bridge, and Lake Michigan in the distance.
March
 
Urban park with a broad lawn and walking path surrounded by high-rise buildings.
Summer
 
Urban park surrounded by modern high-rise buildings, viewed from above.
March
 
“98% of buyers look at property photos online as their first step.”

(Source: National Association of Realtors)

Why Now?

  • Views Make the Difference: March photos show bare trees and gray landscaping, while September photos highlight lush greenery that elevates your condo’s appeal.
  • Market Timing: Chicago’s spring real estate season begins in February, but trees and parks don’t bloom until late April or May — after much of the selling season has already passed.

  • Last Chance for Strong Photos: If you’re targeting a spring 2026 listing, this is the final opportunity to secure exterior photos that highlight your views at their best.

Planning Ahead

  • Professional Photography: High-quality photos are standard for every listing I market. I work with trusted photographers who specialize in showcasing Lakeshore East views.
  • Start with Exterior Photos: Secure your view shots now while the neighborhood is in full bloom.

  • Prep Interiors Later: You’ll still have plenty of time to handle painting, staging, and final interior photos before your condo goes to market.

  • Next Step: Contact me to start planning your 2026 sale — I’ll arrange the photography and guide you through the rest of the preparation process.

Grant Park View

Chicago skyline and Grant Park with Buckingham Fountain in the foreground.
Summer 2024 – Lush, Green, VibrantLake & Navy Pier View
 
Aerial view of Chicago’s lakefront, with Navy Pier and its Ferris wheel beyond the river and bridge.
Summer 2024 – Bright, Full Views
 
Aerial city skyline beyond a leafless park and lakeshore.
Bare, Gray, Leafless
 
Chicago skyline and Navy Pier along Lake Michigan.
March 2024 – Stark, Winter Landscape
 

Data Reveals the Early Advantage

What the Data Shows

  • February 2025: Contracts jumped to 20 while only 12 new listings came to market — giving early sellers an edge.

  • March–May 2025: Inventory increased, but demand stayed strong, with buyers writing nearly as many contracts as there were homes available.

  • June 2025: Peak demand hit with 36 contracts written, even though just 19 new listings entered the market.

  • July 2025: Demand cooled, but listings stayed steady — making it harder for sellers to stand out.

Line chart of Lakeshore East contracts and new listings, December 2024–July 2025; contracts peak in June.
 
Sellers who prepared early captured the strongest demand before competition intensified. Planning now positions your condo to take advantage of this same early-season momentum in 2026.
 

Ready to Get Started?

The spring 2026 market will arrive faster than you think — and the strongest listings are the ones that start planning early. By securing your view photos now, you’ll be positioned ahead of the competition and ready to launch when buyer demand is at its peak.
 
Contact me today to begin planning your sale. I’ll arrange the photography and guide you through every step so your condo stands out and sells for the best possible price.
 
Ginger Menne
 
Don’t just list. Launch.

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