Posted On: April 18th, 2018 1:37AM
Pricing your home correctly is the key to a timely home sale. Price too high, you get no offers. Price too low, and you leave money on the table.
I use the following criteria to arrive at a viable target selling price for your home.
If you are thinking about selling, please call me and I will do a thorough home valuation, complete with a visit to your home and diligence when researching comparable sales in your area. I always discuss the reasoning behind my comparative market analysis.
Posted On: March 17th, 2018 6:23PM
As exciting as it to buy a home, it’s important to think about your finances early, before you sign on the dotted line. I have a discussion with my clients so they are well-informed and well-equipped when it comes to their financial investment as homeowners.
Take time to contemplate these important areas.
Keep equity growth top of mind: From start to finish, don’t lose sight of the benefits that equity growth in your home provides. With every decision you face throughout your home buying journey, ask yourself “Will this contribute or take away from the equity I plan on building in my home?”
Be realistic when you plan: Make a list of the things you desire (vs need) in your next home. You may be able to have both, and that’s great. Most important is to address your primary needs. Take an honest look at your current income and expenses; keep in mind the big costs you expect to come up in the future (college, family vacations, cars, etc.). Try to learn a bit about mortgages on your own and avoid the temptation to max yourself out once you do sit down with your mortgage lender. Having a frank conversation with everyone in your family will go a long way in making the best decisions long-term.
Find a mortgage lender you trust: A great mortgage lender will be aware of all your loan options, be willing to educate you on the loan process, and make proactive suggestions based on your particular situation. It’s OK that you don’t know all the ins-and-outs of mortgage lending. Once you find the perfect fit in a loan officer you’ll feel supported and confident in your decisions.
Lean on me for advice: As your REALTOR®, I do not have a mortgage lenders license, but I do know a lot about mortgages. I have a relationships with several reputable lendeSavers. Reach out early and allow me to be there for you when you first start contemplating your home purchase.
Reach out anytime if you are thinking of buying and have questions. Text, call or email! As your Chicagoland northwest suburbs REALTOR®, I am here to listen, help you make a plan, and work for your best interests.
Posted On: February 20th, 2018 8:56PM
It’s been an interesting 2018 already when it comes to housing and homeownership. Here’s a list of the expected changes in the housing market for 2018.
As your trusted REALTOR® serving Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs, I would be happy to speak with you about your specific needs.
If any of these expectations look like they may affect your housing situation, and you would like to have a meaningful conversation about your options… let’s talk.
Posted On: January 17th, 2018 6:45PM
Most homebuyers start their home search online. The photographs of your home could be the deciding factor on whether they request more info, or schedule a showing appointment.
For my seller clients, I have professional quality photos taken of the exterior and interior of their home.
Here are a few of the benefits of using a pro photographer :
As I mentioned, included in my marketing strategy is professional quality photos for your home. You deserve this valuable home-selling effort that entices buyers to visit your home.
Let’s talk if you are considering a move soon!
Posted On: December 14th, 2017 10:58PM
No matter the market conditions when selling your home, you want to present it to prospective buyers in the very best condition, and in the very best light. Doing this requires just a bit of energy. The return is more than worth the effort; you’ll reap the rewards when you receive the best price and terms for your home.
Keep the following in mind to make the most of your home sale.
Clean & Declutter
Make sure clutter is put away and your house is clean before taking pictures or showing your home. You want your property looking its best, and having a clean and organized home to show is one of the easiest ways to impress a buyer. A deep cleaning of your home will make the difference in how others see it. Carpets, decks, pathways and outbuildings must be spotless.
Find Your Paperwork
Owning a home comes with so much paper! Before listing, locate any manuals, warranties (especially for big items, like foundation and roof replacement) and your survey (if you have one). You don’t want to be tearing your house apart at the last minute looking for paperwork!
Have Great Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is important. Replace a broken letterbox or missing numbers. Make sure that gates are repaired, pathways are even, the garden is neat, and the garage door is working.
Know Your Competition
It doesn’t hurt to go to your neighbor’s open house (or browse photos on the web) to see what you’re going up against. Seeing other homes buyers have to choose from might change what repairs you make, or maybe even your listing price.
Inspections Are Your Friend
A homeowner is required to disclose what they know is wrong with a property. Sometimes you forget a small repair because you’ve lived with it for so long. Other times you didn’t realize an item needed repairing. Having an inspection helps you disclose known issues with your home, and prepares you for repairs a buyer may request.
If you are thinking of selling in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, let’s talk soon! My REALTOR® services are comprehensive, professional, and always conducted with YOUR best interests at heart.