BUYING A HOME

On the surface, buying a home may seem like a relatively straightforward process especially if you have done it before. However each real estate transaction is different and there are dozens of variables in every transaction that can make home-buying quite complex.

A real estate professional is an indispensable partner and councilor in the home-buying process. While buyers today are more educated about real estate than ever before, all the research in the world can't match an experienced agent's in the field understanding of what's happening in the market today. Also, unlike a spouse or friend, an agent can give you an objective, researched and professional opinion of the properties you are considering.

If nothing else, keep in mind that a buyer's agent is typically compensated by the seller, so it doesn't cost you anything. So, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain by tapping the expertise of an agent.

 
 

TEN STEPS TO BUYING A HOME

1. Define your needs.

2. Get pre-approved by a Lender.

3. Let the house hunting begin! Find your Home.

4. Make a well researched offer and Strike a Deal.

5. The Attorney Approval Period

6. Your Professional Home Inspection

7. The Bank’s Appraisal of the Property

8. Settling Any Contract Contingencies

9. Prepare for your Move, Closing and Walk Through

10. Closing Day at the Title Company.

SELLING A HOME

Call Elizabeth Boundas together you will go over the process of selling property in Chicago the right way. She will answer any questions you might have and go over some things you might not be expecting. The goal of every seller is to get the best possible price for their home in the shortest amount of time. It is imperative in today's market when selling your home to have a successful marketing program - a sophisticated, aggressive and proven approach to selling.

A buyer's market (or rapidly changing market) is an imperative time to have professional expertise to price, market and move your property. The goal of proper marketing is not to expose your property to as many people as you can but rather to strategically place your property in front of the right people, the people who are shopping for a home like yours, in your small market.

Recognizing every market is different. Your state, town, or neighborhood could ride simultaneously with national numbers or buck the trend entirely. Going over these numbers will help you have a better understanding of the bigger picture that is going to affect the sale of your home.
 


TEN STEPS BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOME

1. Choose a Listing Agent

2. Make necessary home repairs

3. Remove Clutter, Stuff in Closet, and Excess Furniture

4. If Needed Rent a Storage Unit

5. Stage the Property / Repaint if Needed

6. Review with your Agent a Comparative Market Analysis

7. Based on the CMA decide what your asking price will be

8. Identify your estimated Net Profits from Selling

9. Are there any outstanding Taxes or Liens to be paid?

10. Sign Listing Agreement and Property Disclosures

RELOCATING TO CHICAGO OR THE SUBURBS

Welcome to Chicago! The Windy City and the Chicago suburbs welcome you with all it has to offer: friendly neighborhoods, exciting nightlife, beautiful parks, world class restaurants, renowned museums and educational institutions. You may be moving to Chicago because of a job transfer, as a student to one of the highly regarded Chicago universities, or simply to start a new life in a new place. No matter what the reason is relocating can be a stressful experience.

The challenges of moving include selling your previous home, navigating city utilities, figuring out how much a new home in Chicago costs, finding the right Chicago neighborhood, suburb or school and finding the right home in the right neighborhood. You also may need to find the right real estate lawyer, home inspector, Mortgage Company, etc. Elizabeth Boundas will help guide you through the complicated relocation process.

To jumpstart the process, contact Elizabeth and request a relocation packet that includes a Chicago Neighborhood map and a map and information on the Chicago Suburbs. After you have narrowed down a few neighborhoods, you can start to take a closer look at the properties in those Neighborhoods. Of course, the right real estate advice from the right real estate agent is the key, so contact Elizabeth.