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Showing posts with the label Illinois Realtor

So Your Property Won’t Sell: Next Steps

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When you’re trying to sell a home that hasn’t had any offers or there hasn’t been any movement, it can be a stressful situation. The pressure can feel desperate, particularly if you have already purchased another house or are currently living out of state. If you have not yet found a buyer, it is important to take a step back and access exactly why your house isn’t selling.  Consider the market. Does the current market favor buyers or sellers? Talk to your agent to about the median number of days on the market in your neighborhood for comparable homes.  Adjust your expectations. You might think your house is a great deal but now is the time to look objectively at your house situation. How does your house stand up to the comparables in the area? It is crucial that, as a homeowner, you are honest in your assessment. Sometimes vanity or pride can end up costing you money.  Rethink the price. Beyond the housing market temperature, the most likely reason for th...

Do I need a REALTOR®?

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In the modern world, it seems like you can do anything online. But what about buying or selling a home? While it may be possible, there are many benefits to using a REALTOR® to navigate the turbulent housing market. While you might have good intentions, using your own resources to buy or sell a home could end up costing you a lot of time and money and unneeded stress. Here are a few benefits to hiring a realtor:   Expertise - Your REALTOR ® is a licensed expert. Buying or selling a home is complicated. There are a lot of forms, disclosures and legal documents that are involved and need meticulous attention to detail. In addition, real estate has its own complicated language and jargon that can be confusing if you are not well versed on the terminology. REALTORS ® have valuable education and field experience that will get you the best deal possible and give you peace of mind. Local Knowledge -   Every region is different so it’s important to have someone who ...

Why You Need a Home Inspector on Your Side

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Buying a new home is one of the most costly — if not the most costly — purchases you’ll make in your lifetime. It’s a big decision, and the process itself can be stressful for homebuyers. That’s why it’s important to have good, knowledgeable professionals in your corner, like your realtor and a reputable home inspector. Working with a home inspector is kind of like hiring a house doctor to perform a checkup. The home inspector will examine the house from roof to foundation and everywhere in between, paying special attention to major systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating. Here are a few reasons you should work with a home inspector: Ensures Safety A quality home inspection can detect potential safety issues lurking in your new home, such as radon, carbon monoxide, and mold. Radon is a colorless, odorless gas that releases naturally front the ground, sometimes in dangerous amounts. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind smoking. If too much radon i...

Questions Every Homebuyer Should Ask Their REALTOR®

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Buying a home can be exciting, overwhelming, and stressful all at once. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or have done this before, you’re likely to have at least a few questions for your REALTOR® regarding the process. Here are just a few of the essential questions to ask your REALTOR® before you sign on the dotted line. How old is the roof? You should ask as many questions as possible about the condition of the home if that information hasn’t already been offered up. Asking about the roof is one of the more important questions to ask. Knowing how old the roof is will give you a good idea of how soon you may need to get it repaired and replaced, and that is something you should factor into your budget if the roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. What’s the history of the house? There are potentially a lot of things that could have happened to a home over the course of many years. Ask your REALTOR® whether the home you’re looking at has ever had a pest infestatio...