SELLER'S TIPS

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED BROKER

There are over 28,000 real estate agents and brokers in the Chicagoland area.  The most successful people usually have the most experience.  These are full time brokers who have been through the buying and selling experience numerous times.  They know the pitfalls, problems, and potentials of your property.  There is a saying in real estate that 80% of the real estate is sold by the top 20% of the brokers in the industry. Find one of these brokers.

PRICE YOUR HOME ACCURATELY

This is the most important decision a seller will make in the real estate transaction.  If your property is priced properly it sells. If it is over priced in will not. It is just that simple. One can be the greatest seller, broker, or agent in the world, but if the property is over priced it will not sell.  This is why one must hire an experienced professional. The best brokers price the client’s property properly. They know their market and what is a fair market range. The best brokers get their client’s the highest side of a fair market range. The experienced broker will show you comparables and statistics of homes like yours and what they are selling for. They will also give you information on market time.  Price your property properly and you’ll. make the most money in the least amount of time.

PREPARE FOR GUEST

When selling your home or property first impressions are extremely important. Prepare your home as if you’re expecting company. Keep it clean, and uncluttered. Remove unnecessary furniture if it will create more space. People like space and light. Keep you lawn cut and trimmed. Paint your front porch and stairs if it needs it. First impressions are made upon entering a building. Cut your grass and pick up any litter in front of the house.

TIME OF POSSESSION

When will you give possession to the new owner? This is usually the next biggest decision a seller makes after one determines an accurate sale price for their property.  If you sold your property today it usually takes the buyer between 30-60 days to get their financing.  I would say 45 days is pretty average time for the buyer. The seller must plan to move by this time. If you are buying, or building a new home one must plan this date wisely. An experience broker will be a great aid in helping you make a smooth transaction.

REAL ESTATE REFERENCES

During the real estate transaction the seller and buyer will be dealing with real estate brokers, attorneys, bankers, home inspectors, and other people in the industry. An experience broker knows who are the most professional, and who will give their clients the best service. If you are comfortable with your own choice fine, but when in doubt ask your agent. The better broker’s know who is good and who to avoid.

PICKING A BROKER

You are about to sell the most expensive possession you have. Hire the most professional person you can find. Many articles say interview 3 agents before deciding whom to chose. I don’t disagree.  Here are some questions to ask during your interviews:  How long have you been selling real estate? Do you specialize in our area? May I have a least 3 personal references from past sales? Have you bought and sold real estate for yourself? Will you be handling the sale yourself, or turning it over to one of your assistants? Will you be present for all showings and inspections? Will you give us 24 hr. notice of showings? Do you go to your closings?   What is your commission and what percentage will you be giving to the buyer’s broker? Are you the owner of the firm or just an agent? Will you do a broker’s open house for us? Will you do public open houses? Where do you advertise and how often? Do you have a web page site? Will our home be featured with pictures on your web page? Will you do a comparative market analysis on our property? What do you feel our property is worth?  Why?

SUMMARY

Hire a seasoned professional broker. Make sure you price you property accurately. Prepare your home for guests. Plan your time wisely for giving up possession. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Get references.  If possible deal with the owner of the firm..