• Steps To Take When Upgrading To Your Next Home
• Remodeling: Cost vs. Value
• Twelve Things YOU Can Do to Make Your Real Estate Transaction Go Smoothly

Twelve Things YOU Can Do to Make Your
Real Estate Transaction Go Smoothly

1. If selling, start packing the home by going through each room; pack, give away, throw away, anything not used on a regular basis.
2. If selling, consider painting and/or replacing carpet in “tired” rooms. Do not remodel for resale. Paint, carpet, and new light fixtures are cheap, quick “fixes”.
3. When selling and buying, decide which process serves you best:
   1. Getting your house on the market and purchasing after you are “under-contract”. (This is the only way to go unless you qualify for two mortgages).
   2. Purchasing a home and then putting your home on the market.
4. Prepare a “game plan” that will put you in the best position as a Seller, Buyer, or both.
5. If selling, have me do an appraisal on your home, and get my opinion on condition and “sell-ability”. I do a “2-step appraisal”:
   Step 1: Come to your home to have a look and ask questions - - 10-20 minutes.
   Step 2: Return with the complete appraisal - - 30-60 minutes.
6. When selling, get pre-approved by a local mortgage company that has a “history” of serving the area. Ideally, a Broker who attends closings.
7. Only negotiate with pre-approved buyers, and/or motivated sellers.

8. Be educated about the current real estate market - - Normal % of negotiation off list price, average “days-on-the-market”, have me do a quick appraisal on any home you are considering.
9. When purchasing, don’t wait to see a new listing that appeals to you.
10. When your home is on the market, get updates on competition.
11. When purchasing, always have a home inspection…even on new construction.
12. Illinois is an “attorney” state so use a local attorney who specializes in real estate.

For specific questions and/or to have an appraisal done on your property, call Laura Weaver 847-359-0147