Selling Your Home

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Whether you are moving across town or out of state, you want your home SOLD…not just listed. I will work to help you see your home from a buyer’s point of view. We can prioritize home improvements, repairs and cosmetic changes inside and out to make the best possible first impression.

Sometimes, we can create a whole new look just by rearranging existing furniture and accessories. This is probably the most important and sadly the most overlooked step in the selling process. Most sellers love their home just the way it is and agents do not want to hurt anyone's feelings. So the home gets listed "as is", photos are taken and submitted to MLS and every real estate Internet site show the rooms to be crowded, dark or dated. 

Sellers miss many showings because of the photos and can waste months of marketing time until the few agents showing the property share feedback and mention their buyers' objections. First impressions are everything and those first impressions are happening on the Internet.

TOP CONDITION, TOP PRICE

Pricing your home competitively is critical to attract qualified buyers. They usually know their budget and visit with a mortgage broker before they start shopping, so they have a specific price range for their search criteria. After viewing other homes, they will judge for themselves how your home compares. Do not assume you will get a showing or that they can at least "throw me a low ball offer" if you are overpriced. You may not fall within their search to even be considered.

We will review data of similar homes which have sold recently and those currently listed so we can price realistically and expect a timely sale. Homes which have sold in the last three to six months dictate if a market is trending up or down and help determine how a home will appraise. So unless you luck out and find a buyer willing to pay cash, your buyer will need a mortgage and the home must meet the new appraisal guidelines.

My office still has sales meetings where we talk about the market and new listings. We may also be the only office in Lake County with such a large on-site relocation department. Several ladies handle different requests for buyers, sellers and area tours for some of the largest companies like Abbott Labs, AbbVie & Kraft Foods.

In addition to your for sale sign, your home will be given maximum Internet exposure. After your home is given a fresh look, professional photos and key remarks, your listing will be sent to MRED/MLS which can be immediately accessed by any Illinois Realtor. This is the information which downloads to BairdWarner.com,  Realtor.com,  Zillow.com, ChicagoTribune.com and thousands of other real estate websites within a few hours or days which the public can access.

Though other agents are still cutting back, I continue to do Realtor open houses and serve lunch to get agents to pay a visit during their busy schedule or offer gift certificates. I also design a beautiful color photo property brochure so buyers can better remember which home was yours.

You have to give feedback to get it and I maintain good working relationships with most agents, so I am able to give you honest and timely input from other agents and their buyers. I will present all offers and my thoughts. You may negotiate everyday for a living as well…but I can offer an arm’s length perspective and will personally follow through on the details for a stress-free closing. I will walk you throughthe attorney review period, home inspection, estimates for repairs, radon test, and the final walk-through.

I know what I am doing and will handle your transaction from start to finish. You will have my 20 years of sales, marketing and negotiating expertise working for you. Ask me for references. I have helped some families in as many as five transactions as they moved out and back, then up or down to a new home.

So, if you are considering selling your home or are just curious about what your home is worth or are wondering what home improvement projects will bring the best return in today's market, please try my cell 847-814-7895 or [email protected].