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

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

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)

July 2024
March 2024
July 2024
March 2024

Capture the Views That Sell

f 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.
Summer
March
Summer
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.

Summer
March
Summer
March

“Homes with professional photos sell 32% faster.”
(Source: National Association of Realtors)

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
Summer 2024 – Lush, Green, Vibrant
Lake & Navy Pier View
Summer 2024 – Bright, Full Views
Bare, Gray, Leafless
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.

Contracts Vs. New Listings In Lakeshore East (Dec 2024 – Jul 2025) Real Estate Market Chicago spring

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
📞 312-927-0852
✉️ ginger@gingermenne.com

Recent Posts

Repaint. Reprice. Results.

When strategy leads, results follow. After refreshing and repositioning Residence 709 at The Regatta, we secured a full-price sale at $535,000 in just three weeks. Smart pricing, strong presentation, and hands-on representation turned limited early activity into a competitive offer — proof that experience and precision deliver results in Lakeshore East.

Read More
SOLD: 201 N Westshore #605 — Results That Define the Lancaster

Four sales closed in the Lancaster’s 05 tier this past year, but only two stood out — 1405 and 605. I represented both, delivering faster contracts, stronger pricing, and the highest sale in the tier. Here’s how strategy made the difference.

Read More
Why Fall is the Best Time to Make a Move in the New Eastside

Fall is one of the most underrated times to buy or sell in Lakeshore East. Contracts nearly tripled last October, showing that buyers don’t disappear after summer—they get more serious. With motivated buyers, less competition, and autumn curb appeal, fall is the true sweet spot for making a move.

Read More
🍂 Fall in Lakeshore East: Festivals, Foliage & Fun

Fall in Lakeshore East isn’t just about changing leaves — it’s about community. From Riverwalk festivals to cozy lattes at Drunken Bean, discover why locals say this pocket of downtown makes autumn unforgettable.

Read More

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

SIGN UP

New Eastside Living

Ginger Menne
737 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60611

ginger@gingermenne.com
Tel (312) 927-0852
Off (312) 216-5887
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram