Below you will find general questions offered by the consumer on a frequent basis.

Below can be found explanations regarding a number of related industry questions. We have recently created and uploaded a new site, and removed quite a bit of material, but, as always, please do not hesitate to give us a call, or email your question and we will have your answer as soon as possible.

A Real Estate transaction is a very complicated matter, and should not be entered into lightly, much less without the knowledge capable of performing the duties involved, and, of course, quality legal representation in the form of a licensed Illinois Real Estate Attorney, not to be confused with attorneys whose practice does not specialize in the field of Real Estate. 

What is the MLS?

Which areas do you serve?

Do I need a buyers agent to buy a property?

As a seller, can I just sell my property myself?

Choosing an agent and firm : Franchise, Boutique, or Discount?

Very good question. The MLS is the single most important resource for Realtors, and the housing market,and cannot, and should not be underestimated. I have had ,and seen frequently homes sold within days or less, just from input into the MLS. You will also find several other references on this page.

The MLS is a Realtor only database.(While there seems to be a movement towards providing the consumer with MLS access through automated search programs, while the information is provided through the MLS, due to the lack of power in the consumer systems, the probability of locating the best property by the consumer is highly unlikely. We ourselves utilize a search program, but, when representation a consumer, we perform only manuals searches.) The MLSNI requires membership from all Realtors. In Northern Illinois,  there are approximately 27,000 members. This number alone, consistently astounds me.

Each and every member MUST input their listings into the MLS immediately. The property then becomes available to any agent, from any firm who is a member, conducting a search using specifics that your property fits.

It is also part of the general co-operative, meaning that any agent, from any office, and any company, can show and sell each others properties freely.We can show any firms listings, and they ours, and welcome that.

This is most interesting when one takes into consideration the fact that, essentially, there are, upon input, 27,000 agents all over the Chicagoland area and suburbs, that, theoretically are working to sell your home.(Of course,  realistically, at any given time, there will not be that great an interest for any property, in any location, but the general point is the utilization of such a remarkable tool. Similar to the internet, your home is being viewed by many, many people, at all hours of the day.)

Another aspect that sellers should realize is that each and every detail of your home is known upon viewing the MLS listing, and you should not have showings by anyone who does not know every detail about the home beforehand.

It is also possible to do advanced searches through the MLS for agents,such as searching for specifics besides those such as bedrooms and bathrooms, etc.(You may search styles only, kinds of material on floors(only hardwood),etc.

I hope this answer covers your question, and is what you were looking for. If I have left anything out, or if you have any questions, just give me a call.

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A good question, and a common misunderstood aspect by the consumer.One need only look over our properties and recent sales (current clients and buyers do not appear)

I have served as a salesperson, and then broker associate ( and for many years now a broker and/or owner) in the Chicagoland area for almost a decade, and, in the process, gone as far south as Tinley Park, North as Antioch, from the Chicago lakefront to the Barringtons and beyond, and continue to do so on a daily basis.

While local agents may try to play on the importance of being local, servicing and marketing a listing not in ones backyard is, for the most part, a minor inconvenience at most. Due to the nature of the MLS, and readily available data to all members, and, of course, technology, fax machines, etc, it is, for the most part, just as easy to handle a transaction next door, as one 45 minutes away.(I do on a consistent basis)While in every transaction, transaction specific details may vary, procedure  remains the same.

Regarding exposure, and the local presence, the overall market deals in individuals that are moving from all areas, into others, so, in most cases, the buyer coming in may very well also be even from another state, or country?

Our marketing and exposure is quite significant ,utilizing many of the most powerful tools currently available in the industry, and utilized by a fraction of practitioners.

You also mentioned the ability to sell co-operating with local agents. There are several MLS mentions appearing here, and, as you will see, it is a fantastic co-op. Another agent, from another company wants to sell your home, just as much as you, and I, want to sell your home, and we welcome them.

Also,data regarding all aspects is readily available.While not being local may very well mean we were not personally acquainted with the Jones',  who lived over on _____, their sale data and info is as accessible as several keystrokes, and the general overview of the local market is readily available.

In short, yes, we can easily handle your property with few problems, if any, from start through finish regardless of the location

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An individual does not NEED a listing agent, buyers agent, even an attorney for any transaction technically. (We, of course, would never recommend to any individual to proceed in a transaction without legal counsel)

As a buyer, one can perform all the rudimentary tasks involved with a purchase from start through finish, if aware of the process.

As Buyers Representation, from start through finish is of no charge to the buyer, and, full representation and service is received throughout the process, again, of no charge to the buyer, including a professional to answer any and all questions at any time, including the simplest of tasks including scheduling properties, through their expertise in the process, it makes very little sense to proceed without representation.

Many consumers often believe that they will receive a better price when negotiating without a Realtor as their representative, this is always far from the case, as the commission paid for buyer and sellers agent is already established and has been pre-determined, so, essentially, the listing agent (who represents the seller) receives twice the commission.

Furthermore, most assume price is the only aspect regarding a purchase, but there are many other small factors which may play a role and cost either buyer or seller or both. (Also, a consumer without representation may very well not be aware what is, and is not the norm, and, standard procedure in a transaction.)

As your representative when purchasing, we will be there to assist with any and all matters to ensure your transaction proceeds smoothly 24 hours a day through closing, and of no charge to you.

Feel free to let us know if you have any further questions.

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It of course is possible that one may sell their home, but not probable.(statistically)

It is also statistically documented that parties who will sell their property receive anywhere between 4-12% less than they would than those utilizing a professional.

Buyers and sellers alike rarely are aware of the actual process, only the general perceptions regarding the industry.

Most seem to think that buying/selling a property is a fairly simple task.Buyer, locating a property,sellers,procuring a buyer.

Professionals would state this is the "easy" part, and when the work begins.

Furthermore, as a seller, most , if not all buyers who are "pre-approved, ready ,willing and able to enter into a transaction upon deciding they wish to purchase your home are utilizing the services of a Realtor as their representative, as, to a buyer, this service(s) is of no charge.

Last, but not least, one should rarely, in any industry, represent themselves, as most are biased in some way, shape or form, and it is never helpful as emotions can and will interfere with a purely business oriented matter, and fail to understand their home is an inanimate commodity, subject to what the market declares it is worth.   

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The fact of the matter is, in the majority of day to day operating aspects, and how they directly relate to the consumer and the sale and or purchase of a property, and, taking into consideration each and every agent of any company are essentially free to operate as they see fit under the law and ethics, there are very few differences, and we always recommend against a consumer on choosing an agent based upon firm, or, area.

There are top producing agents from all firms, and likewise, we are sure there are agents that possess lesser amounts of skill operating for most companies.

Marketing, experience, skill and training can be somewhat uniform, so, the last aspect, and one which we are adamant about is having an agent one feels comfortable with and can communicate with, and is somewhat personable, as, while most will "put on a happy face" to the client, interacting effectively and courteously with other agents regarding the property is an often overlooked and absolutely essential requirement.

Also, as the classification and status of most real estate agents is "Illinois Licensed Salesperson", that role in itself ensures any and all duties must be performed under the "supervision" of the managing/owner broker. That being said, "experience" can also be viewed as a secondary aspect also.

While we do have many other things to add, and could describe ourselves in numerous examples, this is for the sole purpose of educating the consumer, and not a place for personal promotion.

Our recommendation is essentially, if one can provide the service required and interaction is effective, the decision should be based more on whom one would prefer to be communicating with extensively, as it is not uncommon to communicate extensively during some parts of the transaction, which may last from start through finish, many months.

Regarding "discount" brokers, one is left to wonder the actual level of service and expertise that one possesses when discounted fee's are the main factor in which one procures clients.(ie: One whose services are in demand usually does not reduce fees, as they do not have to as a means of securing clients.Their clientele is based upon those seeking skill.)

We do provide, on occasion incentives and discounts, but, only in special situations when it is deemed "only fair"to do so. For example, when we have a client simultaneously utilizing our services to purchase and sell a home. In any industry an increase in volume is met with a reduced rate.

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