Selling a home is a big deal! It usually does not come along often, involves a lot of decisions, and some negotiation. When you decide to sell your home, keep these steps in mind so you can get the best possible price and terms, in the least amount of time.

1. Your listing price is important of course. I can help with this by creating a comparative market analysis that researches sold homes like yours, that are close in proximity to yours.  Statistics show that most home showings happen in the first week on the market; thereafter interest starts to drop. Pricing correctly maximizes your home’s marketability during this critical time frame.
2. Most people start browsing for a home online first so give it a good online presence by having tasteful, well taken photographs of your home. Use social media for added exposure. Facebook is a marvelous tool to increase the reach of your listing. My marketing approach includes this and more.
3. Curb appeal should be addressed. Replace a broken mailbox, or replace missing house numbers. Make sure that gates are repaired, pathways are even, the garden is neat and the garage door is working.
4. Home improvements are not always necessary in order to sell your home. Unless you have a very old kitchen or bathrooms look for less expensive ways to make it appealing.  Replacing your front door, sprucing up a section of your garden or a fresh coat of paint could be all that is needed.
5. A deep clean of your home will make the difference in how others see it. Carpets, decks, pathways and outbuildings must spotless.
6. De-clutter all rooms and leave only a few tasteful decorations around. Lay out rugs and cushions in neutral colors and take away personal items.
7. A home inspection can save you from any nasty surprises once you have an interested buyer.  Consult with your agent before you schedule a home inspection.

My job as a REALTOR® is to help you prepare before you sell, guide you during the sale, and be there for you after. Let’s have a quality conversation about your home selling needs soon.

You just made the exciting decision to buy a home. Great news! Now what? Where do you start and how do you find just the right loan and home? I’ve worked with buyers for years, and learned a lot of great tips being their REALTOR®. Here’s a few pointers to keep in mind once you officially begin your search for your next home.

Make a list of features and priorities

Think about and research which features you will be looking for in a home, which neighborhood you prefer, and how much you are willing to spend. Will this be a starter home or something permanent? The internet is a good place to start. Once you start looking around, remember that there is no such thing as a perfect house, so prioritize which features are most important to you. Take your lifestyle and family situation into consideration; ensure that any transportation or commuting needs are addressed.

Plan your timetable

If you are renting or selling your current home, coordinate your future move accordingly. This will be part of your negotiation process with sellers.

Line up your finances

Get a preapproval from your lender and make sure that you have the money for closing costs and a down payment. This way you know what price range you can afford, which saves you time once you are seeing homes.

Try to be flexible

Even though you have your ideal home in mind, be prepared to compromise. You may even change your mind about some of the priorities on your list, that’s OK!

Think long term

For most of us the purchase of our home is going to be a long-term investment. Finding a home with amenities that fit your needs is great, but think about its potential resale value.

Find a pro to assist

There’s a lot to prepare for when you journey down the road of homeownership. I offer detailed explanations of the process, compassionate guidance, and excellent communication to all my buyers. Being a REALTOR® means I put your interests first and foremost. Contact me for superior service!

Baby boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, are the nation’s second-largest demographic group - reaching retirement age in record numbers; 10,000 are turning 65 every day. They may be getting older, but remain very active, and make a huge impact on the U.S. economy. Working longer in their lives than generations past, they are not adhering to the traditional retirement patterns of their predecessors. This affects their housing needs and demands.

Wanting a change in lifestyle, boomers are in two camps when it comes to their housing needs, either wanting more space, or looking to downsize. Many want to renovate existing homes, but realize that the cost is prohibitive.  Both groups are educated buyers and know exactly what their needs are.  Home builders are doing their best to satisfy,  and are starting to construct smaller homes with amenities that suit those wishing to down-size.

The fact that boomers work past the age of 65 often means that they are working from home. They expect their homes to have an office, and need it to have more technical characteristics such as wireless home networks, remote lights etc. That said, they also prefer low maintenance homes and flexible living spaces. In anticipation of future needs, for instance, the need of wheelchair assistance, they expect wider doors and hallways and single- story buildings with larger bedrooms.

I stay abreast of boomer housing demands, new developments and trends in the Chicagoland suburbs.  Speaking of new developments, there is a new town house development right here in nearby Palatine. It’s called Newberry Lane and will offer 16 spacious units, many with first-level master suites.

Contact me for more details about this development, or answers to any questions you may have about downsizing or making a housing change. You can count on me for market expertise and attentive guidance.

Not every real estate agent is a REALTOR®. By joining the National Association of REALTORS®, I hold this distinction and proudly use this title. Here are some guidelines I adhere to because I am a REALTOR®.

• When representing a buyer, seller, landlord, tenant, or other client as an agent, REALTORS® pledge themselves to protect and promote the interests of their client. This obligation to the client is primary, but it does not relieve REALTORS® of their obligation to treat all parties honestly.”
• All REALTORS® are committed to providing an accurate portrayal of market value.
• All REALTORS® abide by a code of ethics outlined in writing and have the opportunity to gain specialized training and certifications to further enhance their services.

Beyond serving as a REALTOR®, I offer the following to each of my clients.

Listen: Your needs are different than every other buyer or seller! I take time to ask insightful questions about your lifestyle needs, your home needs, and then listen to your answers. Any decisions we make together are then based on these needs.

Educate: You should be very clear on what it means to work with a REALTOR®, how the home buying or selling process flows, what costs you will incur, the timetable involved, and more. I have a developed system to efficiently inform you of the process.

Inform: I want to you to know about my qualifications and how I plan on representing you. I make sure you are clear about the process and our strategy. We get on the same page so there are no disappointments, only success!

Negotiate: Well-connected and well-versed, I provide an unparalleled ‘insiders’ expertise at the ready for you. When it’s time for the tough negotiations, I am tactful and results-oriented, with your very best interest in mind.

Nurture: It’s sound cliché, but you really are building a relationship with your REALTOR®. Long term I stay in touch, keep you in the know about your neighborhood, think about your needs, and will be here for you if have a question, anytime!

Follow-thru: With every promise, I follow-thru. I communicate well, have answers when I say I will, and catch the phone when you call.

Ready to have a meaningful talk about your buying or selling needs? I will respond promptly to your inquiry and make the best use of your time, simply reach out.