Living in Lincoln Park Blog

Choosing the right real estate agent to sell your home is a big decision. You need a professional who you trust to help you get top dollar for your home. Not only will you will work closely with your agent for anywhere from several weeks or several months, but you will also pay them for their work. Here’s what you can expect from your Chicago real estate agent while selling your home:

1. A comparative market analysis. Your agent should complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) to determine how your home compares to others in your neighborhood of comparable size, condition and amenities as well as what is the competitive price range for your home. The CMA is a market snap shot of what’s going on in your neighborhood - what homes you are competing with, what has recently gone under contract and what has closed within the past 3 to 6 months . The CMA report sets the stage, attempting to attract that perfect buyer who is willing to give you the best price for your home in the most reasonable amount of time.  When the market was robust, pricing new homes coming on the market was based upon what was active on the market at that time. No more…now homes need to take into account what has actually closed because it’s a better indication of what a similar home is worth to at least one buyer.
2. Suggestions for improving your home. Your agent is a Chicago real estate specialist who knows what buyers look for in homes. You should expect them to offer suggestions to make your home more appealing to buyers. This may involve repainting rooms, installing new carpet, or completing minor repairs to make your home look as good as possible. Whether they offer suggestions and do the work themselves, or offer the services of a professional stager, the key is to have your home shine and show off all of it’s many positive attributes. You know what they say about 1st impressions!
3. A marketing plan. Your agent’s primary responsibility is to market your home, and you should know beforehand exactly how they plan to do that. This could include a “for sale” sign in your front yard, a listing in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), advertising in newspapers and home magazines, professionally designed fliers and brochures and internet exposure on multiple web sites, including the agent’s own site.
4. Negotiation assistance. Your agent should deal directly with buyers and their Chicago real estate agents to discuss the sale price and terms of the sale. After there is an accepted contract, your agent shopuld also coordinate the various aspects of the transactions prior to the closing. This would include, but is not limited to, working with your attorney, the condominium board and management company to ensure that the buyer has all the necessary documents and budgets, attending the home inspection with the buyer and their agent, following up on the appraisal and loan commitment, coordinating and attending the final walk thru of the home just prior to the closing, and attending the closing in order to answer any last minute questions that may arise.
5. Quality Service Guarantee. Your agent should have in writing, a list itemizing all of the services they will provide while representing you in the sale of your home

Don’t let an amateur sell your most valuable asset. Work with me to sell your home faster and easier. Call 312.953.8685 or email me at Doug@LincolnParkLiving.com today to discuss how I can help you.