Mike Long with @properties Suburban Seller's Guide by Mike Long

SALES LEADER Since our inception, we have brokered more than $50 billion in home sales

CHAPTER ONEâ&#x20AC;Ś Every home has a story. No real estate company understands this better than @properties, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why we use the best branding, advertising and marketing resources to tell that story and give you a leg up in the marketplace. As the #1 brokerage in Chicagoland and the fastest growing brokerage firm in the suburbs, @properties is committed to delivering the highest level of service in local real estate. We look forward to getting better acquainted with you.

Source: MRED, LLC. #1 closed volume, City of Chicago, 2018.

IT BEGAN WITH AN IDEA Established in 2000, @properties began as a boutique brokerage firm with four brokers and an idea for a real estate company that would always work in service of its brokers and clients. We built a deep infrastructure to support our

firm in the U.S. by sales volume with over $9

brokers and clients with the best marketing and

billion in annual sales. Over the last few years,

technology in the industry. We promoted a culture

@properties has also become a platform for a

that values innovation, relationships and excellence.

number of business and civic ventures through

And we made a commitment to continuously

partnerships with local tech startups, charities, and

expand, improve and question the status quo.

artists who help our communities thrive.

Since our inception, we have grown into the #1

While we have grown rapidly, we understand that

brokerage in Chicagoland, the largest independent

real estate is, first and foremost, a local business.

brokerage

And we are dedicated to providing the very best

firm

Illinois

and

the

fastest

growing brokerage in Southwest Michigan and

local brokerage experience.

Northwest Indiana, and the 11th largest brokerage

Source: MRED, LLC, #1 ranking based on MARKET SHARE for overall closed volume, 5/1/18 - 4/30/19.

HANDS ON LEADERSHIP Highly creative and energetic entrepreneurs, @properties’ co-founders Michael Golden and Thaddeus Wong have quickly built one of the most recognized brands in Chicago real estate while helping to reshape and modernize the local brokerage industry. Golden and Wong first teamed up in the mid-1990s. They set sales records and consistently ranked among the top 1 percent of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®’ 12,500 members. At @properties, they paired traditional brokerage services with cutting-edge technology and marketing, and became a driving force behind Chicago real estate. Together they have created a corporate culture that attracts high-caliber brokers and staff and fosters teamwork and performance. They have also built a large philanthropic network under the umbrella of the @gives back Community Fund.

LINCOLN PARK BUILDERS CLUB IMPACT AWARD

LET’S GET BETTER ACQUAINTED...

Began as a four-person boutique brokerage

Became the #1 residential brokerage in Chicago in less than a decade

@properties remains a locally-owned company through and through

Overtook the title of Illinois’ largest independent real estate brokerage firm in 2013

#1 real estate brokerage in Chicagoland

Since our inception, we have brokered more than $50 billion in home sales

chieved a record $9 billion in A annual sales in 2018

o-founders Thad Wong and Mike C Golden are Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year winners

Is the fastest-growing brokerage in Southwest Michigan, Northwest Indiana and the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin area

as made the Inc. 500/5000 list of H America’s fastest-growing private companies 11 times

S upports local organizations such as Noah’s Arc Foundation and Keith Relief through our charitable arm, @gives back

BE LOCAL, THINK GLOBAL To @properties, local means friends you can count on, neighbors you can trust, and businesses you go out of your way to support. Local means the barista knows your drink, the dry cleaner knows your name and the clerk at the convenience store is happy to loan you a buck.

Real estate is a local business, and that means

As an exclusive member of Leading Real Estate

every home, on every block, in every neighborhood

Companies of the WorldÂŽ, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest

is unique, and each deserves the attention, care

network

and consideration only a local company can offer.

@properties connects sellers with homebuyers all

@properties is a local company through and

over the world. So while our brand is uniquely local,

through. But at the end of the day, we know that

our reach is global. That means more exposure,

not all buyers are local. So when it comes to our

and ultimately, shorter market times and higher

marketing programs, we think globally.

selling prices.

independent

real

estate

firms,

LOCAL LEADER @properties remains a locally-owned company through and through

LOCAL LEADER In less than a decade, @properties became the #1 real estate brokerage firm in the city of Chicago and began expanding to the suburbs. But for @properties, leading has far less to do

Being a leader also comes with responsibility. It

with numbers and far more to do with innovation.

means moving the industry forward by sharing

Technology changes, markets change, expectations

best practices, serving in positions of leadership

change. So we never stop changing. Innovation

with the local REALTORSÂŽ Association, and giving

permeates everything we do, from building the

back to the community.

most sophisticated website to introducing new services to sourcing new marketing channels. Innovation is the heartbeat of our business.

Each day, we break new ground by attracting the best and most professional brokers and the most astute clients in the greater Chicagoland area.

#1 IN HOME SALES

#1 IN LUXURY HOME SALES

CHICAGOLAND

@properties

Coldwell Banker Residential

Baird & Warner

BHHS Koenig Rubloff

Compass $0

$10

billions

total $ volume by brokerage

$5 million

$1 billion

$5 billion

total $ volume by brokerage ($1 million+ list price)

Source: MRED, LLC, #1 ranking based on MARKET SHARE for overall closed volume, 5/1/18 - 4/30/19.

BE DIFFERENT When it comes to the competitive world of real estate, differentiation is one of the keys to success. Differentiation comes naturally to @properties, and it shows in many ways – not the least of which is our advertising and marketing. From

the

“Love”

outdoor

advertising

We use differentiation to tell our story and to

campaign to the “Rules for Better Living” and

tell your home’s story. It sounds simple, but

“#TheLifeWeShare” print campaigns, @properties’

our

distinctive branding ads create an emotional

departments work over-time producing award-

connection with our communities and homebuyers

winning work, constantly pushing the envelope

– a connection that is reinforced when they see the

with new ideas and innovations that set our brokers

@properties logo in ads, on the Web, in collateral

and clients apart from the competition.

in-house

professional

marketing

and

and on the For Sale sign in front of your home.

RULES FOR BETTER LIVING

To achieve something you’ve never had before, you must do something you’ve never done before.

rules for better living

You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old. –George Burns

EXPOSURE IS EVERYTHING The story of your home is already written…It’s all about properly sharing it. @properties showcases your home before the

of online, mass media and grassroots marketing

largest pool of homebuyers through marketing

initiatives–all tailored to address the specific

programs that are built around EXPOSURE –

challenges and opportunities of the marketplace.

exposure through an internal network of brokers

More exposure means more page views, more

and their client databases; through an in-house

phone calls, more showing requests, and ultimately

marketing department with full print and digital

a faster, more lucrative sale.

capabilities; and through an exhaustive catalog

atproperties.com

LeadingRE.com

22nd Century Media

Zillow.com

Custom Property Brochure

Barrington Country

Trulia.com

CS Magazine

Direct Mail

Realtor.com

NS Magazine

Adwerx

Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

Michigan Avenue

E-blasts and Social Media

Professional Photography and Video

Sheridan Road

Market within a Market – @agent App

North Shore Weekend Signage

Public Relations Pioneer Press New Ideas every day!

MARKET WITHIN A MARKET Even before your home is officially listed, @properties brokers market internally to a powerful network of more than 2,000 brokers – each with a broad sphere of influence that forms a rich source of prospects, buyers and referrals. This unique “market within a market” results in the most efficient transaction environment in the marketplace. “@AGENT APP” Leveraging this “market within a market,” @properties brokers use an internal mobile app that has revolutionized the way we communicate about and transact real estate. The exclusive “@agent App” allows our brokers to match homebuyers with homes for sale, including pocket (off-market) listings. A number of @properties listings sell before they hit the broader market because of the exposure through the app alone – a testament to the power of the @properties network. Beyond

connecting

buyers

and

sellers,

the

“@agent App” aggregates a knowledge base of every @properties broker in a searchable database, making it a great resource for recommendations on everything from vendors and service providers to local businesses.

1234 Anystreet Road, Anytown

GET TO KNOW ATPROPERTIES.COM 319Grove.info

Anne Proper CNE, ABR 312.343.3454

LISTING DOMAIN

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEO

Every @properties listing receives its

Professional photography and video are

own domain name, which is prominently

among the most important marketing

displayed in print advertising and on

tools when selling a home. That’s

For Sale signs, property brochures and

why every single @properties listing

“Just Listed” postcards. The domain

includes a professional photography

re-directs to your home’s listing detail

package

page on the @properties website so

and Web. Optional interactive floor

optimized

for

both

that interested buyers can pull up

plans are also offered to showcase

photos, video and property information

the property’s layout, as well as video

in one easy step. @properties also

packages that include a full-length

indexes the domain with top search

property video, social media friendly

engines including Google and Bing for

clip and Zillow walk-through video.

ATPROPERTIES.COM INTERACTIVE MAP

ATPROPERTIES.COM MARKET REPORT

ATPROPERTIES.COM @HOME REPORT

@properties’ interactive map feature

The @properties Market Report is

@properties understands how impor-

is a great resource for online home

another dynamic feature that drives

tant it is to keep you informed at every

searches, guiding homebuyers through

homebuyers to our website. Individual

stage of the sales process. That’s

detailed

Chicago-

reports are available on dozens of

why @properties sellers receive the

land communities while integrating

descriptions

neighborhoods and communities and

@home report, which provides a data

information

shopping,

can be customized for specific housing

Proper snapshot Anne of CNE, ABR your home, comparable

news, local business reviews, market

types. Both buyers and sellers can use

properties and your local market. The

statistics, open houses and new listings.

the market reports to gain an under-

@home report includes web stats

It’s yet another way for homebuyers

standing of pricing, market time and

detailing everything from how many

to gather as much information as

inventory trends based on recent sales

times your home has been viewed on

possible about the area and amenities

in their area.

our website and the number of days it

schools,

312.343.3454

surrounding your home.

improved search engine optimization.

has been on the market, to the average sales price for similar homes in your neighborhood.

Anne Proper 312.491.0200 312.123.5555 anneproper@atproperties.com

DireCt

Mobile

TECHNOLOGY LEADER Innovation has always been one of the keys to our success

ONLINE EXPOSURE The majority of buyers begin their home search online, which means a 360-degree digital marketing strategy is paramount to getting maximum exposure for your home. Our digital marketing program raises online visibility while faithfully representing your home’s aesthetic. @properties markets your home across the Internet with

newly-revamped

website,

customized

property domains, web-optimized photography and video, enhanced listings on the leading real estate search portals, targeted email marketing, online classifieds and syndication to hundreds of additional websites. • atproperties.com

• Property-specific domain names (YourAddressHere.info) • LeadingRE.com • E-mail marketing database of 800,000+ with new contacts added daily • Adwerx • Syndication of online listings

OUR MARKETING GAMEPLAN CHICAGOLAND MARKET SHARE, 2018

JUST LISTED Coldwell Banker Residential

Baird & Warner

BHHS Koenig Rubloff

2223 West Anystreet, Hinsdale Jameson Sotheby’s

Dream Town

Compass

126 MELROSE AVENUE ELMHURST

807 FOREST AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

807FORESTAVENUE.INFO

633 NORTH EAST AVENUE, OAK PARK

Open concept living meets extraordinary vision and sustainability in this

This completely renovated home sits on a beautiful, oversized lot in

custom designed forward thinking home home. $1,899,000

Oak Park’s best neighborhood for schools and recreation. $1,750,000

GREER HASEMAN

KATHLEEN MALONE

•

708.606.8896

•

greer.gps@atproperties.com

ANNE PROPER

•

773.600.1551

•

kmalone@atproperties.com

THE #1 LUXURY BROKERAGE FIRM IN OAK PARK.

312.250.0200 PHONE

1011 SOUTH BOULEVARD

312.250.0123 DIRECT ANNEPROPER@ATPROPERTIES.COM A N N E P R O PE R

126MELROSE.COM

510 KEYSTONE AVENUE, RIVER FOREST

All specications, features, designs, price, assessments, taxes and materials are subject to change without notice. Depicted oor plans and architectural renderings are only an artist’s impression.

GE127-01

NOTES

510KEYSTONE.INFO

Milena Birov • 6bed/6.3ba • $4,575,000

210 HOME AVENUE, OAK PARK

A historic home featuring elegant original woodwork throughout with

high end finishes has enough space for the whole family. $1,395,000

updated features for modern living. . $1,230,000

TONY IWERSEN

MICHAEL LAFIDO

•

708.772.8040

Source: MRED $1 million+ sales, Oak Park, 1-1-2018 to 12-31-2018.

•

tonyiwersen@atproperties.com

•

630.674.3488

Grant/Watson • 6bed/7.3ba • $3,699,000 847.881.0200 • 240Kenilworth.info

210HOME.INFO 847.881.0200 • 484Sheridan.info

This gracious, custom built (2007) brick & stone French Provincial with

•

Wexler Gault Group • 6bed/5.1ba • $2,350,000 847.432.0700 • 127OldGreenBay.info

m i ke l a f i d o @atproperties.com

Stop looking, start finding® atproperties.com Lori Neuschel • 6bed/6.1ba • $1,899,000 847.251.1100 • 16Canterbury.info

Barbara & John Mawicke • 4bed/2.1ba • $1,674,000

847.881.0200 • 321RaleighRoad.info

Veech/Borders • 4bed/3.2ba • $1,525,000 847.881.0200 • 200Glenwood.info

Leslie Isaacson • 4bed/3ba • $1,070,000 847.432.0700 • 1267SheridanRoad.info

BEAUTIFUL AND SPACIOUS, THIS NEARLY NEW HOME IS CLOSE TO EVERYTHING ELMHURST HAS TO OFFER! Tall ceilings and a dramatic staircase greet you as you enter this immaculate

Marion Powers • 3bed/2.1ba • $925,000 847.881.0200 • 532Madison.info

home. The open oor plan is perfect for entertaining, and the gourmet kitchen

Dayan/Rabin • 5bed/4.1ba • $925,000 847.432.0700 • 1401HarlanLane.info

DIRECT MAIL

YARD SIGNS

Our just listed and just sold cards are laser targeted at your target market.

Every listing contains a unique URL for easy access to the online listing.

Schreiber/Branning • 3bed/3.1ba • $849,000 847.763.0200 • 1136Isabella.info

is complete with custom cabinets and Wolf appliances. Extend the entertaining into the huge backyard through the large sliding glass doors with transom window. Private study or ofce on main level with gorgeous wainscoting. 4 spacious bedrooms, all with walk-in closets and hardwood oors. Enormous 2nd oor laundry. Finished basement with full bath and wet bar has ample space for gym equipment, a game and media area, and storage. Other features include: large front porch, crown molding, wainscoting, Nest thermostats, upgraded light

Kim Kelley • 3bed/2.1ba • $719,000 847.432.0700 • 401SheridanRoad.info

Nasatir/Steward • 4bed/3ba • $650,000 773.472.0200 • 1522Maple.info

Nancy Karp • 4bed/3.1ba • $649,500 847.432.0700 • 317Ridge.info

Kate Huff • 4bed/2.1ba • $625,000 847.881.0200 • 1176Oak.info

Josh Weisbart • 3bed/2.1ba • $590,000 847.432.0700 • 1061PrairieAvenue.info

Schreck/Allibone • 4bed/2.1ba • $574,900 847.367.0500 • 1120SWestForkDr.info

Rabin/Dayan • 5bed/2.1ba • $525,000 847.432.0700 • 815HillSt.info

Nicole Norwalk • 4bed/3ba • $489,987 773.432.0200 • 2926Wilmette.info

xtures, ceiling fans, vaulted & tray ceilings, alarm system. All this located close to town, train, shopping, restaurants, expressway access, and just steps from highly ranked Field Elementary!

4 BEDROOM 4.1 BATH TAXES: $18,254 14

126 MELROSE STREET

126 MELROSE STREET 15

Anne Proper CNE, ABR 312.343.3454

HIGH QUALITY PRINT BROCHURES Our brochures showcase your home in a quality brochure.

PRINT AND ONLINE ADVERTISING We advertise in a wide range of print and online media.

@HOME REPORT The @home report includes detailed stats on how your home is being viewed.

SOCIAL MEDIA AND E-BLASTS Brokers can send e-blasts and social media posts to their clients.

FEATURED PUBLICATIONS SUMMER LIVING!

We advertise in a number of publications, including:

200 w hubbard st chicago il 60654

Getaway-Spread Cred Rooftop Gardens Take Root Inside Chicago’s Hottest Outdoor Rooms

m o d e r n l u x u r y. c o m summer 2010 $5.95

PLUS Haute Farm Chic in the City! Stay-Cool Home Finds > Flower-Powered Furniture > Art Camp For Adults!

CHICAGO

Power Up!

INSIDE:

CHICAGO’S COOLEST BIZ GUYS SUIT UP

REAL ESTATE SPECIAL!

CATCH THE CURRENT: THE BEST IN RIVER LIVING WHERE TO EAT, WHAT TO ORDER: DOWNTOWN’S NEW POWER DINING

The Hottest ’Hoods in Chicago! Meet the City’s Biggest Dream Boats Vision Quest: Developers We Die For Build It, Babe! Ivanka Hits Downtown

m o d e r n l u x u r y. c o m

THE COOLEST GOWNS FOR WINTER WEDDINGS Maid to Measure: Cynthia Rowley Does Bridesmaid Dresses SUGAR BUZZ! Desserts Get Downsized War of the Registries (Who’s On Top?) > CITY-CHIC HONEYMOONS and 75 of Chicago’s Sweetest Couples!

M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M

MIDDLE EAST OF EDEN: ESCAPE TO ABU DHABI AND THE TESLA ROADSTER TAKES CHICAGO

M O D E R N L U X U R Y. C O M

BY THE PUBLISHERS OF CS

SPRING 2010 $5.95

FALL/WINTER 2010 $5.95

AUGUST 2010 $5.95

IVANKA SPEAKS: TRUMP UNVEILS SUMMER’S HOTTEST SPOT THE MEN’S BOOK 200 W HUBBARD ST CHICAGO IL 60654

The Great 8: Chicagoans Play Lolla Fall Sneak Peek! Va-Va-Valentino Got Him! The MCA Steals a Star Sam Kass Is Hungry for Change & all the Best Bashes

Endless CHICAGO SOCIAL BRIDES 200 W HUBBARD ST CHICAGO IL 60654 MODERNLUXURYBRIDES.COM

CS 200 W HUBBARD ST CHICAGO IL 60654

+PLUS

Published by

37 Signals co-founder David Heinemeier Hansson

LISTING VIDEO PROGRAM They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but did you know that just one minute of video is equal to 1.8 million words? At @properties, video is a game-changing marketing tool and we’re using it to tell your home’s story like never before. Our listing video program consists of: • A full-length property video with highlights of the home, amenities and neighborhood or suburb • A social media-friendly clip that can be shared on Facebook, Instagram and other sites • A Zillow walk-through video • Additional exposure through @properties’ listing detail pages, video library, YouTube channel, social media accounts and syndication websites All videos are produced and edited in-house by @properties’ videography department to cater specifically to the clients we serve.

ADWERX Ever visited a website and then noticed ads for that same website following you around the Internet? It’s not a coincidence; it’s a sophisticated digital marketing tactic known as retargeting, and it’s another way in which @properties increases online exposure for our listings. Through our partnership with Adwerx, we leverage retargeting to put your property in front of prospective homebuyers as they surf the Web. Adwerx also uses geo-targeting to display your listing to people in certain locations, and targets users based on Internet browsing behavior such as those perusing real estate-related websites. The platform’s vast network includes hundreds of top websites ranging from Forbes.com to ESPN.com to cater specifically to the clients we serve.

WE NEVER STOP...MARKETING, LEARNING AND INNOVATING FOR YOU. When a strong brand gets behind a strong broker, the service and results are significant. That’s why @properties is continually focused on providing brokers with the best education and training to take their skills and knowledge to the next level. We offer a full curriculum of seminars and classes

• Writing ironclad contracts

covering topics such as effective negotiation to new

• Creative marketing tactics

technologies, and employ full-time performance

• Social media marketing

coaches who assist brokers in developing advanced

• Predictive pricing

skills and detailed marketing plans in order to

and listing to sell

better serve you. It’s no accident that we’re able to get the best possible price for your home; it’s

• Advanced negotiating techniques

something we work on all the time.

• Broker Metrics

@properties broker education programs include:

• Improv workshop

• Negotiating in today’s market

• Contracts that close

• State of the current lending environment

• Real estate and technology

GROWTH LEADER @properties has made the Inc. 500/5000 list of Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fastest-growing private companies 11 times

PARTNERSHIPS @properties has grown to include a number of divisions, all of which have the potential to benefit our core residential clients through lead generation and referrals.

@PROPERTIES RELOCATION @properties Relocation serves as an important source of prospective buyers for your home. We hold preferred-vendor status with a number of the world’s premier relocation companies, broker-to-broker referral services, and national and international corporations with major operations in

@PROPERTIES DEVELOPER SERVICES

@PROPERTIES COMMERCIAL @properties

Commercial

offers

sales,

leasing

and investment advisory services to Chicagoland commercial real estate clients including landlords, tenants, investors and institutions covering a range of asset classes.

@properties is the Midwest’s leading firm for the sales and marketing of new-construction residential developments. Since inception, @properties has successfully marketed more than 100 developments totaling over 6,500 residential units valued at more than $3 billion. Recent projects include

Chicago. As a result, many companies turn to @properties

4 East Elm, 30 West Oak and the Waldorf Astoria Private

first when assisting employees who are relocating to the

Residences in the Gold Coast.

PROPER TITLE Proper Title is a full-service company offering title insurance, closing and escrow services across a wide range of real estate transaction types. The company provides highly-individualized client support, creating a more seamless closing experience for @properties homebuyers and sellers.

Chicagoland area. @properties Relocation is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, RELO Direct®, the Corporate Relocation Council of Chicago, Relocation Directors Council and Worldwide ERC®.

@GIVES BACK @properties is a big believer in helping to build strong neighborhoods and communities. One way we do this is through the @gives back Community Fund, a 501(c)(3) that was created out of the desire to inspire charitable outreach and to support the city that has allowed @properties to continually grow and prosper. Each year, @gives back holds various fundraisers benefiting local organizations in the areas of education, homelessness, youth development and community. Past and present beneficiaries include Keith Relief, Noah’s Arc Foundation, Off The Street Club on Chicago’s West Side, Community Partnership for Affordable Housing, Street Level Youth Media, Camp of Dreams, Lincoln Park Community Shelter, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Deborah’s Place, Barrel of Monkeys Workshop, Lake County Cares, Youth Job Center, Edge Alliance and Thresholds. @gives back provides a platform for hundreds of brokers and members of the real estate community to get involved in philanthropic activities and to help make a positive impact on dozens of communities and thousands of lives throughout Chicagoland.

PRICING YOUR HOME: DIGITAL CMA So, what is your home worth? That is likely the biggest question on your mind and one that @properties has answered accurately in every market since our inception. The knowledge, experience and research we apply to pricing our clients’ homes consistently produce shorter market times and higher selling-price-to-listing price ratios. To determine the right listing price for your home, we will perform a Comparative Market Analysis with @properties’ Digital CMA. Unlike a traditional CMA, which is a static report, our Digital CMA is up-to-the-minute accurate, using real-time

CMA VARIABLES Supply and demand

Lot size

Market activity

Views

Market time

Condition of property inside and out

Price/status changes, interest rates and availability of credit Economic factors Seasonal demand property features Location

data from the local Multiple Listing Service. The technology evaluates comparable properties relative to your home sale,

Room count and square footage

Desirability of unique features Competition Price Location

taking into account variables like location, property features, market times and price changes. Our brokers and clients can leave notes about a property directly in the CMA, and can access the interactive platform on the go. When it comes to pricing and market activity, the Digital CMA ensures you’re always in the know and one step ahead of the competition.

PRICING YOUR HOME: (MARKET TIME) IS MONEY The surest way to get the highest selling price for your home is to set the listing price, correctly, right out of the gate. This is so important because the greatest amount of showing activity for a home occurs within the first few weeks of market time, and this early activity tends to be from serious buyers with a greater sense of urgency. However, as time goes by, interest wanes, and longer than-average market times tend to fuel the perception that the home itself (not just the price of the home) is flawed. Therefore, longer market times can actually drive value down. Remember, time is money, and the best way to optimize both is to work with your broker in setting an accurate listing price.

BEFORE YOUR HOME IS SHOWN One of the keys to success in today’s ultra-competitive real estate market is to position your home as the most desirable property at a given price in a given area.

De-Clutter Go through your home room by room and ask yourself what you can throw away and what you can box up and put in storage. Organize Lack of storage space can be a deal-breaker. Go through your closets and pantries then reorganize, and throw away, give away or put away anything you don’t need.

Make repairs Take care of quick and easy repairs such as touch-up spackling and painting, replacing a cracked window or torn screen, fixing a leaky faucet and changing burned out light bulbs. Remove pets Keep pets out of the home during showings and be sure to conceal food bowls and litter boxes.

Obviously, the most important variable in that equation is price. But making sure your home is in optimal showing condition will set it apart from the competition and could be the difference between a timely and productive sale or a long, drawn-out process.

Clean Give your home a deep clean from top to bottom, including windowws, upholstery and carpet, and the refrigerator and oven (yes, buyers actually open them).

Here is a checklist of preparations to make before showing your home. Be sure to consult your @properties broker to find out what improvements they recommend.

Brighten your home Light gives the impression of space, so it’s important for every room in your home to have ample light at any time of day. Prior to showings, wash windows, raise blinds and turn on lights. Maintain the exterior Maintain your lawn and landscaping, and shovel and de-ice walkways in the winter. In a condominium, pay attention to the area in front of the doorway to ensure it’s neat. Make balconies, decks and patios inviting with potted plants and flowers.

Hire a home inspector Hiring a professional, licensed home inspector prior to putting your home on the market allows you to spot potential problems and make repairs before buyers make them an issue. Disclose everything By law, sellers must disclose existing structural and mechanical problems, flooding, the presence of lead paint, information on radon hazards and other known defects to potential buyers. Withholding this information can have much more serious repercussions than the problem itself. Paint A fresh coat of paint is the least expensive, most effective way to enhance the appearance of your home. Be sure to use neutral colors.

STAGING YOUR HOME Staging is the art of merchandising a home to improve its marketability. It can be as simple as rearranging a few pieces of furniture or as elaborate as hiring a professional to furnish an empty home right down to the plants and artwork. Today, every home that is listed for sale should be staged to some degree. Your home must show like a model in order to stand out against the competition. Your @properties broker can give you suggestions for staging or help you

Use neutral colors and dĂŠcor to help your home appeal to the largest number of potential buyers. Add color through accessories such as pillows, vases and rugs.

Keep kitchen counters and refrigerators clean and clear of all items. If your kitchen needs an update, paint cupboards with a neutral color and replace knobs on cabinets.

Arrange furniture in small groupings that demonstrate a roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s functionality, and do not overcrowd a room with furniture.

Remove all personal items from the bathroom counter.

Use light, airy window treatments, like simple sheers on a curtain rod. Hang window treatments so they cover the least amount of glass.

Display fresh flowers.

decide if you would benefit from a professional stager. Here are some easy and inexpensive staging tips to consider:

Personal photographs and mementos add warmth and character to a home, but use them in moderation so the buyer will focus on the home, not its owners.

Camouflage outdated furniture or worn upholstery with slip covers, and replace worn bedspreads and throw rugs.

Add furniture, plants or potted flowers with seasonal settings to outdoor spaces.

NEGOTIATION – GUIDING PRINCIPLES

NEGOTIATION – CONTRACT TERMS

Priced correctly and marketed aggressively, most homes will draw a timely offer.

A real estate transaction is a fluid process that does not end with an accepted offer.

How you and your broker handle that offer and subsequent negotiations can substantially affect the outcome of your home sale. Your @properties broker will conduct negotiations with professionalism, attention to detail and a loyal representation of your interests. The following principles guide @properties’ brokers in every negotiation.

Confidentiality Confidentiality is vital to the integrity of the deal and to our reputation as professionals. Responsiveness Time is of the essence in a real estate transaction. We will expedite the presentation of offers and counteroffers and quickly act upon any opportunity.

Resourcefulness Real estate sales are multi-faceted transactions. We examine all angles of a deal to find strategies and solutions that help you accomplish your objectives.

Negotiations often continue on some level all the way to the closing. A REALTOR®’s

objectivity,

experience and counsel are essential to this process. Some of the most common points that are negotiated include:

Communication Your @properties broker will involve you in all aspects of the negotiation and communicate your options clearly and candidly. Strength We will do everything in our power to help you negotiate from a position of strength. Our goal is to achieve an outcome that meets or exceeds your expectations.

Price Your broker’s knowledge of the current market is invaluable in helping you decide whether to accept the offered price and terms or counter. They will also help you consider the time value of money in your decision, i.e. will a higher offer offset potential additional carrying costs? Mortgage Contingency Most buyers purchase a home subject to obtaining a mortgage. The terms of the mortgage and the timeframe for securing a financing commitment must be stated in the contract. Make sure you are comfortable with these terms.

Home Inspection Most buyers choose to conduct an inspection of the property with a licensed home inspector. If the inspector uncovers any problems, you and the buyer must negotiate what items will be addressed and who will pay for them. Attorney Approval Attorney approval is usually a one-week period, in which both you and the buyer have your attorneys review the contract and suggest alterations. Closing Date This is the date when ownership changes hands and usually, but not always, the date when you must vacate and the buyer may occupy the property. If you have specific requirements for scheduling the closing due to your own move, the buyer’s flexibility in this regard might be an important factor in deciding to accept an offer.

CONTRACT TO CLOSING – WHAT WE DO FOR YOU Guiding your real estate transaction from contract to closing is a multi-step process that requires proactive management and thorough attention to detail. Our emphasis on communication, organization and follow-

• Distribute required disclosure forms

through ensures that deadlines are met, documents are

• Collect important documents such as

CONTRACT TO CLOSING – WHO PAYS FOR WHAT? SALE PRICE

TYPICAL COST PAYS?

COMMISSION

6% OF PURCHASE PRICE

SELLER

APPRAISAL

$250 - $500

BUYER

CREDIT REPORT

$30 - $75 PER BORROWER

BUYER

INSPECTION FEE

$350+/VISIT

BUYER

$750 - $1,000

BUYER

distributed, and every item is in place to make your trans-

condominium declaration and required

LENDER-DIRECT UNDERWRITING FEE

action efficient and seamless.

disclosures to fulfill contract contingencies

PROCESSING FEE

$150

BUYER

FLOOD CERTIFICATE

$50 - $100

BUYER

TAX SERVICE

$85 - $200

BUYER

ATTORNEY FEE

$600-$1,000+

BOTH

SETTLEMENT CLOSING

$1,450-$3,000

BUYER

TITLE INSURANCE (BUYER)

$500

BUYER

TITLE INSURANCE (SELLER)

$1,700-$3,500

SELLER

RECORDING FEE

$75-$250

STATE TRANSFER TAX

$1.50 PER $1,000

SELLER

COUNTY TRANSFER TAX

VARIES PER COUNTY

SELLER

MUNICIPAL TRANSFER TAX*

VARIES PER LOCALITY

BOTH

SURVEY

$500 - $1,000

BOTH

TERMITE INSPECTION

$40 - $100

INTEREST PER DAY

LOAN AMOUNT X RATE/365

BUYER

ESCROW TAXES

1-5 MOS. (IF APPLICABLE)

BUYER

ESCROW INSURANCE

1-5 MOS. (IF APPLICABLE)

BUYER

TAX PRORATION

105 - 110% OF LAST TAX BILL

SELLER

Our brokers, managing brokers and support staff will:

• Coordinate an appraisal

• Handle earnest money and escrow account

• Coordinate walk-throughs

management • Distribute contracts to all relevant parties • Coordinate attorney review

• Update you when contingencies have been satisfied • Coordinate your closing

• Coordinate a home inspection

• Help you find a new home

• Provide information to lenders

• Follow up to see if you have any questions

Estimated closing costs courtesy of Guaranteed Rate®. Prices subject to change. Actual costs vary per lender, loan amount, property type and other factors.

WHO

BOTH

*Property transfer taxes vary per local jurisdiction or township. Please consult your real estate attorney to obtain the best possible estimate for taxes and other closing costs.

WE CARE ABOUT COMMUNICATION At @properties, we know what you want from your real estate broker because we ask. We understand what’s important to you in selling your home because we listen. And we help you make the right decisions because we share our expertise. It all boils down to good communication, and there are few things at @properties that are

was returned in search results and how many times it was viewed on the @properties website. This report also displays comparable listings, their price and status.

more important. Setting expectations, being proactive, speaking candidly, staying in touch – these simple but vital principles are behind the thousands of successful transactions we broker each and every year, as well as the outstanding reputation we enjoy in real estate circles. Here are some of the communication measures that keep you informed before, during and after the sale.

Welcome Letter Upon listing your home, we will furnish you with a copy of the listing agreement as well as a letter recapping our sales and marketing process. Showing Feedback We will provide feedback on showings according to the frequency and mode of communications you prefer. @properties Seller Reports: We will provide a report that shows online activity for your home by day, week and month, including how many times your property

Market Updates: You can elect to receive news and updates on the local real estate market through email newsletters, sent monthly, and @properties Market Reports, updated daily. Client Satisfaction Survey: This important post-closing survey gauges your satisfaction in several areas including your broker’s knowledge and professionalism, marketing services and negotiating skills. Ongoing Communication: Long after your home is sold, @properties and your broker are available to provide information and answer questions not only about the local real estate market but also about all things Chicago. Our broker base is an incredible resource when it comes to recommending home repair and maintenance contractors, professional service providers and neighborhood businesses. We are always just a phone call, text message or email away.

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