First Meeting Counseling Session/Educating the Buyer

• Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
• Explain agency relationships to the buyer
• Inform buyer of state and federal fair housing laws and the REALTOR code of ethics
• Reassure buyer that personal information will remain confidential
• Inform buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects
• Discuss available resources that a buyer can use to get more information about prospective neighborhoods
• Explain how broker compensation is paid
• After ensuring buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done and the benefits to them, buyer signs representation agreement.

Building a Relationship

• Learn buyers wants and needs
• Understand buyers budget and financial needs
• Help buyer understand what their chosen budget will buy
• Provide quality lender resources if needed
• Partner with buyer to choose suitable properties to consider
• Match buyer needs with available property
• Constantly re-evaluate buyers needs and refocus showings to meet those needs

Preparing the Buyer

• Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval and closing
• Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
• Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currently receiving
• Inform buyer on what home features are popular
• Identify current average days on market
• Share the dangers of using the price pers square foot to figure home value
• Share estimated out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
• Prepare lender for listing agent calls
• Review sample sales contract so that buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer

Showing Properties

• Help buyer select homes that fit their needs and financial capabilities
• Schedule showings and provide access to properties as soon as they are available
• Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in the MLS vs. some websites
• Research and preview properties prior to showing as much as possible
• Network with other agents to source properties not yet on the MLS
• Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
• Set up an automated search that will alert buyers of properties that meet their criteria
• Arrange tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest
• Provide resources containing community, school and municipal services
• Inform buyers of negative aspects of homes or locations that may result in issues impacting value
• Check applicable zoning and building rules and restrictions
• Help buyer decipher property tax information
• Collect pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs etc…
• Help buyer narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices
• Caution buyer on posting information on social media

Negotiating Offers

• Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
• Share comparable property sales data
• Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current market
• Explain common contract contingencies and include appropriate protective clauses in the contract
• Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all disclosure forms
• Prioritize contract negotiation goals with buyer
• Help create negotiation strategy
• Utilize strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer
• Prepare the buyer for a multiple offer situation and develop a strategy
• Write an offer with a reasonable chance of being accepted
• Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons
• Discuss financing alternatives
• Negotiate the buyers offers to arrive at the best price and terms
• Utilize hyper local expertise and strong communication skills to assist the buyer in being the successful offer

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close

• Advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process
• Encourage the buyer to fully investigate their options to inspect the home and its physical condition
• Provide contacts for inspectors, contractors, attorneys, etc.. to assist the buyer
• Review and discuss home inspection concerns
• Negotiate repair requests from home inspection
• Guide buyer on meeting all contract deadlines
• Communicate with all parties on lender process
• Check addendums and alterations for agreed terms
• Assist buyer in reviewing the appraisal report if it affects the financing
• Confirm “Clear to Close” with lender
• Confirm closing date and time
• Advise buyer to review settlement statement
• Inform clients that they need to transfer utilities to the new home
• Schedule and accompany buyer on a final walkthrough
• Remind buyer of location and time of closing
• Advise buyer to consider re-keying locks, and a cleaning and landscaping service
• Support buyer in any final closing activities

"Our family was new to the Oak Park area, and Laura was so knowledgeable and made the home buying so much more manageable in this competitive market. Her guidance on the type of offer to make was ultimately what got us our incredible home. Would highly recommend her!" - RECENT BUYER

CALL LAURA FOR AN APPOINTMENT 708 205-7044

Maximizing Value through Attention to Home Maintenance

• Take care of maintenance items you are aware of
• Be sure the home is clean, free of clutter and debris and smelling fresh
• Window washing maximizes light and in-home experience-Included
• Produce a list of improvements for buyers to use as they calculate value

Maximizing Value through Staging

• Utilizing a professional interior designer to make staging suggestions-Included
• Professionally place existing furnishings throughout the house that suggest the highest
  and best use for each room-Included
• Use of additional accessories and/or furnishings to enhance staging-Included
• Professional staging of existing furniture- Included (does not include rented furniture)
• When physical staging is not possible, virtual staging can be used
• Maximizing Value through Timing
• Early Spring to end of Summer are the best times to sell

Maximizing Value through Media/Advertising

• Professional Photography, Floor plans and Video (walk-through and 3D)-Included
• Interactive website experiences for potential buyers-Included
• Top billing on the most accessed websites –MLS, Realtor.com, Zillow, Trulia,
  Homes.com, Redfin, etc…-Included
• Premier status guarantees top service, placement, exposure
• Utilizing social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram
• Postcard mailings to potential buyers-Included
• Office Posting-Included
• Open Houses and Broker Tours
• Creative marketing ideas

Maximizing Value through Professional Experience

• Consistent top producer
• Very “hands on” Realtor
• Direct contact with buyers and agents
• 20+ years of experience
• Very well respected and connected in the community

"Laura was awesome to work with! Laura helped me sell my first property. Even though it was not a high value property she still made my transaction a priority. She helped me set an appropriate list price and manage the subsequent multiple offers. I went under contract in 36 hours. She is incredibly responsive (despite my numerous questions). I could not have asked for more. If you are on the fence about call her, just do it, you won't regret it!" - RECENT SELLER

CALL LAURA FOR AN APPOINTMENT 708 205-7044