St. Charles Real Estate Podcast with Kari Kohler

We are going to make 2020 rock! This new year is all about you; we want to get to know you better. We’re going to be holding monthly get-togethers at a local restaurant—and we’re buying! Come by, share your ideas with us, and ask questions about real estate and lending. We’re also going to throw you a few parties. Additionally, we’ll be renting space at Kane County Cougars games! We want to hear from you, so if you have any suggestions, feel free to call or email us. We’re excited to start plenty of new things in 2020. Happy New Year!

Has your home been on the market for too long? Have you ever sat at a closing table for way too long? If so, we have great news for you. Some homes are selling quickly, while others sit on the market for a long time. The reason some are selling fast—and often for top dollar—is because they’ve been updated; they have the right colors, carpet, countertops, and so on. We have just created a program called Revitalize that will help your home sell quickly and for top dollar, too. It streamlines the process of updating your house before you come on the market. “These two programs will help you sell your home with less hassle.” There have been many times where I’ve sat at a closing table for four to five hours. Now, we pre-fund loans. During the closing, there are many people involved in the transaction. One of the things the title company has to do is send paperwork to the lender, and the lender reviews it.  However, we’re getting rid of that process. Many of our loans are being pre-funded. We’re sending an email to the title company before the buyers and sellers even walk in, so all they have to do it sign the paperwork.  Call or email us with any questions about real estate or lending. We would love to help you.

As the holidays approach, we wanted to introduce you to our team and thank you for all your support this year! Whether we’ve been able to help you buy or sell a home, you’ve referred someone to us, or you just like watching our videos, thank you so much. We strive to make this video series beneficial to you, so please feel free to provide us with suggestions for content for our videos that would be important to you. We also want to say a big thank you to Bill Pendley at Caliber Home Loans for shooting this video of our team. Bill is a lender partner and we highly suggest you give him a call for any of your lending needs. We are all wishing you a very happy holiday season. If you ever have any questions about real estate, please feel free to reach out to us by phone or email. We would love to help you.

Great things are happening in our St. Charles market. Not only is there a lot of activity, but the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates several times. What does this mean for you? According to Bill Panley of Caliber Home Loans, my guest in today’s video, this dip in interest rates is a great opportunity for eager buyers or homeowners looking to refinance. In his words, rates shoot up like a rocket and float down like a feather, so if you’re looking to lock in a low rate, now’s the time to do so. If you have any other mortgage questions, we encourage you to call Bill at (630) 330-5626. If you want to know your home’s value and talk more about whether refinancing is the right option for you, don’t hesitate to reach out to my team and me. We’d love to help you.

There’s a great deal of volatility in today’s market, but there are a few trends that we typically see around this time of year that we wanted you to know about today. In the Chicagoland market, a great deal of homes come off the market and supply decreases in the fall. The buyers who are in this market are intentional and ready to make a purchase. If you’re debating as to whether you should sell now or wait until spring, we highly suggest now because of the current conditions.

Today we want to show off an exquisite property. Here in Hampshire, Illinois there is a charming 4-bedroom, 3-car garage home that comes with its own airplane hanger in which you can keep five planes and a boat! If you’re a car enthusiast, this is a wonderful place to showcase your automobiles. You could even put an indoor tennis court into this space! The hangar also includes its own living space with a kitchen, family room, bedroom, full bath, and two bonus rooms. There are three runways on this airstrip, the perfect home for pilots and outdoor lovers!  We represent the entire Chicagoland area, and we know how to market different types of properties. If you’re interested, come check out 48W407 Immelman Lane, Hampshire, IL 60140. To see more of this fascinating property, watch this short video.  If you have any further questions about this property or real estate in general, please feel free to reach out to us by phone or email. We would love to help you!

We’re here at a beautiful listing at 1509 Crayton Circle West in DeKalb to talk about downsizing.  There are actually a few different forces driving this trend. For some, it’s that, over time, their needs and wants have changed. In the case of elderly and physically disabled people, they might want a home with only one floor so that everything is more accessible. Others might downsize to a smaller home because their kids have moved out of the home and they don’t need all the extra space they now have. Let’s face it: a smaller home requires less work. “Some might downsize to a smaller home because their kids have moved out of the home and they don’t need all the empty space.” There are also financial reasons to downsize. One such reason is the tax benefits; many people in certain price points don’t necessarily need a mortgage, but they want to take advantage of the tax bill. As a senior, you could take advantage of a senior-exempt tax—you’d just need to contact the county to learn more about that. Additionally, this home, in particular, has another good example of the kind of benefits you could get from downsizing. It’s located close to Northern Illinois University, one of the best colleges in the area. As an investor, you could purchase this home and rent it out to college students or even your own kids. If you have any questions or are looking to downsize your own home, please feel free to reach out to us. We’re here to help you with your real estate needs.   

As a buyer, how can you make your offer as strong as possible once you’ve found the home you want? Your first step should be to have your agent call the listing agent and ask them what’s most important to the seller in terms of selling the home. This way, both parties have all the key points they need and are working together to cross the finish line.  From an emotional standpoint, another key tip is to write a letter to the seller detailing what you love about the home and why you want to buy it.  Other ways to strengthen your offer include: 1. Putting more earnest money down2. Offering a quick closing date 3. Including very few contingencies4. Having strong financing On our team, we also have our agents call the listing agent before the offer is sent and tell them how strong our buyer is. This tactic has helped us win out in many multiple-offer situations. “Our goal is to take the stress out of the transaction and make the transition smoother for you.” Nowadays, many loan officers tell buyers to give them a call after they receive a contract for a home, but that’s the wrong approach because it adds more stress to the transaction. This is why we have our buyers meet with a loan officer before they make any offers—so they can review different loan programs, provide their documentation to an underwriter, and verify from the lender themselves that they’re a strong buyer.  At the end of the day, our goal is to take the stress out of the transaction and make the transition smoother for you.  If you’d like to know more about how to strengthen your offer or you have any more real estate questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. My team and I would love to help you.    

St. Charles is an area unlike any other. Not only is this vibrant city nestled against the gorgeous Fox River, but it also has a fantastic downtown district, along with top-notch schools. Whatever lifestyle you’re looking for, you’ll find it in St. Charles. The amenities, events, and landscape in the city are second-to-none, so we hope you’ll come check it out for yourself. We’ll be highlighting a few great spots in today’s video, so be sure to check out our message. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Friends and clients: We were so happy to see you at our recent client appreciation event at Porter’s Pub in the breathtaking Bowe’s Creek Country Club. We want to thank all of you who came out to enjoy food, drinks, fun, and our driving range raffle. The raffles consisted of two rounds of 18 holes at Bowe’s Creek provided by Toll Brothers and the driving range raffle provided by Bowe’s Creek. The Kohler Group raffled two tickets to a Cougars game! Congratulations to the winners, by the way. All of this is simply to remind you of how important you are to us. We appreciate you so dearly, so we were so glad see you there. As always, if you have any other questions or would like more information about anything related to real estate, please give us a call or send us an email. If you were not able to attend, we sure would love to see you at the next one!!

Have you ever thought about buying a new construction home? So many of us love our new homes because we are able to get the most current floor plans, trim work, and appliances. A home like this, located at 5N287 Switchgrass Ln, Saint Charles, IL 60175, also comes with a one-year builder’s warranty, which is another great incentive to buy. According to our friend Bill Pendley with Caliber Home Loans, they can also offer a lower interest rate for one of these homes than what you would find on the market otherwise.

Video presented at 39W665 S. Mathewson in Geneva, IL of which is proudly being marketed by Kari Kohler and can be fully viewed at TheKohlerGroup.com or by calling for your private showing at 630-587-4700. If you aren’t already living in your dream home, we’d like to make you aware of an incredible opportunity available in our market right now. Currently, interest rates are incredibly low. Beyond that, there are many, many gorgeous listings up for sale right here in St. Charles. So if you’re ready to make a move and find your dream home, please reach out to us. We would be honored to assist you. And if you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

If you’re a seller, how do you prepare your home for a showing? If you’re a buyer, how do you prepare for getting a pre-approval? To answer the first question, there are two main tips to remember.  First, make sure everything about the exterior of your front door is perfect. Everything should be perfect on the interior and around the foyer as well. These are the two areas where people make buying decisions: They make it on the way in, and they make it on the way out. “Depending on your price range, cleanliness can get you anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 more for your home.” Second, make sure your home is clean—clean countertops, dressers, bathrooms, etc. The home should even have a clean fragrance to it. Depending on your price range, cleanliness can get you anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000 more for your home. Remember to hire professionals for this work. We have plenty of vendors we’d love to refer you to who’d do an excellent job.  Now, what about preparing for a pre-approval? According to Bill Pendley of Caliber Home Loans, there are three factors lenders look at that you need to examine as well: 1. Income: You need to have a monthly income in order to pay your bills. 2. Assets: You need to have the funds available to pay your down payment and your closing costs. 3. Credit: 740 is the credit score you want to shoot for, and making a couple minor adjustments will help you get there. Paying off revolving debt, for example, can improve your credit score 20 or 30 points and save you thousands of dollars when closing on your home.   If you have any questions about these topics or you’re interested in scheduling a showing for the beautiful home we shot today’s video in, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’d love to help you.

We want to thank the sellers of the home at 39W165 Longmeadow Lane in St. Charles for allowing us to do this video at their home and we welcome you to schedule a showing as the property is on the market. What makes right now such a great time to buy or sell? There are actually a few reasons, and we’ll share just a handful of the most significant factors today.  For one thing, there are 2% fewer homes on the market in our area right now than there were at this time last year. Also, home values have risen by 3% on average. This means those who list now can enjoy lower competition and higher prices. “Buying a home now means you’ll be able to build equity faster after you close.” As for buyers, one of the greatest advantages in today’s market is our incredibly low interest rates. It’s also good to know that, because home values are rising, buying a home now means you’ll be able to build equity faster after you close.  As a final note, we’d like to invite anyone looking to buy a home out to join us for a private showing and some lemonade by the pool at (ADDRESS). And, of course, we’d like to thank the sellers of this great property for allowing us to film on location at their listing.  If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Today we’re excited to introduce you to three of our fantastic support staff members here at the Kohler Group. Hannah Burke is not only the operations manager of the Kohler Group, but she is also a licensed agent. She is responsible for transactions from start to finish and will be your main point of contact here at the office. She can answer almost any question that arises or direct you to the right person to answer it for you. She also has an encyclopedic knowledge of trivial facts. Allison Rucinski is our transaction coordinator and your go-to person from contract to close. She is a lifelong Dekalb-area resident and just recently purchased her own home. “Hannah can answer almost any question that arises.” Kandice Modene is our marketing coordinator. She handles everything that has to do with social media, print advertising, and online advertising. She’s a lifelong Geneva resident with a passion for dancing. If you have any questions for or about our support staff that you met today, don’t hesitate to reach out and give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Our entire team is here today to wish you and your family a Happy New Year. We had a great year in 2018 thanks to all of your support. We’re looking forward to helping even more of you with your real estate needs in 2019. Get in touch, and give us a call or send us an email at any time.

I recently had the opportunity to speak with Mitch Katkus of M.K Movers about his moving business. Mitch’s father used to own a truck-rental company, and people would often ask him if there was anyone who could help load and unload. Mitch and his friend volunteered for the job when they were still in high school, heading to work after classes finished for the day. This was the beginning of Mitch’s career in the moving industry as this after-school job evolved into a business. Moving into or out of a home can be stressful, but thanks to his many years of experience, Mitch is full of good tips to keep in mind when undergoing the task. “He recommends you always get an estimate before hiring movers.” He recommends you always get an estimate before hiring movers; though doing it over the phone can work, an in-person estimate works better and shows the movers what they’ll be dealing with. It makes a difference in cost, especially when a client says they have 50 boxes when, in reality, it’s more like 200. Mitch loves his town and loves to provide a helpful service to the community. He enjoys seeing the many ways that St. Charles has improved and grown over the years in regard to dining, entertainment, and things for people of all ages to do. M.K Movers are located in St. Charles but are willing to travel anywhere in the state of Illinois. If you’d like to contact M.K Movers or learn more, visit them at https://www.mkmover.com/. And, as always, if you have any questions about real estate or would like to discuss your buying or selling goals, feel free to give us a call or send us an email.

At the Kohler Group in St. Charles, we are a seven-member team. We have three amazing individuals who work on your transactions right here in the office. We have three incredible buyer’s agents who help you find your dream home here in the community. And then, there’s me; I work as the listing agent, and I also help people find the perfect home for them. We really pride ourselves on excellent customer service. We care about you and we want to make your transaction as successful as possible; the Kohler Teams strives to do that every day. On a personal note: I have two sons—a 17-year-old who goes to North High School here in St. Charles and a 19-year-old who attends ASU in Arizona. I’m fortunate enough to have been able to provide an education for my boys all the way from preschool to college, and it’s in part because of the amazing community we have here in St. Charles. I’ve experienced the culture, the education, and the athletics here in the area, and I really cannot tell you another place I’d rather raise my children. “I really cannot tell you another place I’d rather raise my children.” This has been an outstanding community, so when you’re making a decision about where to live in the future, I hope you’ll consider St. Charles and the surrounding Fox Valley area. There are so many great things to offer here; Downtown St. Charles is so vibrant, and it’s expanding daily. If you have any questions about real estate or our community here, reach out to us. For anything that we can do to help you in the real estate world, we are here to help.

Should you put your home on the market in the fall? I believe you should, and today I will give you five reasons why. 1. We can sell your home faster. The MLS is reporting that our market time is down 20.6%. 2. There are buyers that are being transferred into our marketplace. At this time of the year, many people are transferring to our area for jobs. These people make for fabulous buyers, because they come pre-qualified and ready to purchase. Many fly in for a weekend and fly back with a new contract. 3. Much of your competition comes off the market at this time. This, of course, creates lower supply and still leaves a strong demand for your home. It is a great chance to let your home take center stage. “It is a great chance for us to let your home take center stage.” 4. Many buyers like to close out their transaction in the current year for tax purposes. This means that there is a little more pressure to get the transaction completed before the start of the new year. 5. Interest rates are still low. This increases affordability for buyers and helps sellers list at higher prices.  All of these are excellent reasons for you to consider selling this fall. If you want to speak more about this, or if you have any additional questions about buying or selling, please feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to speaking with you soon. 

Here at The Kohler Group, we are always striving to uphold your home’s value for when it comes time to sell. There are four things that will help keep your home’s value up in today’s market: 1. Make sure the exterior presentation of your home is excellent. Make sure that your garden beds are edged and are full of seasonal flowers. Trim your bushes as well. Make sure your front door and doorbell look good and are working properly. Buyers and their agents’ first impression of a home starts with the front door, so you want to get started on the right foot. 2. Make sure the home has neutral colors. This is especially important in the critical rooms such as the foyer, living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom, and master bathroom. Make sure windows are open throughout the home so buyers can see the natural light pouring through the windows. “It pays to hire professionals to help you get your home ready.” 3.  Remove any clutter. I’m sure you’ve heard this many times before. Removing clutter is essential for buyers being able to see the money features of your home more easily. We want them looking at the flooring, cabinetry, countertops, appliances, and the other emotional grabs of the property. This is really what drives offers. 4. Make sure the home is clean. We’re all busy and it’s very challenging to keep a home clean. However, making that extra effort to make the home spotless will give the buyer a great impression of how the home has been cared for over the years. A home cannot be clean enough when it’s on the market. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that it pays to hire professionals when getting your home ready. We have vendors at our office that we’d be more than happy to get you in touch with. These vendors include cleaning ladies, landscapers, painters, and more who know exactly how to make a home look its best. We’d love to share them with you so that you can enjoy your time spent with friends and family. If you have any questions for us about getting your home ready for sale or about the real estate market in general, don’t hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I’ve got some fantastic St. Charles real estate market data to share with you today. The average sale price in St. Charles across all price levels is up by 4% compared to where it was at this time last year. “This is all fabulous news for sellers in today’s market.” Additionally, our month’s supply of homes is down by 5.4% and showings to contracts are down by 7.7% as well. This is all fabulous news for sellers in today’s competitive market. It will make it easier for them to get their homes sold without having as many showings. To get our full market update, watch this short video.

“We look forward to seeing you!” Today we’re excited to be able to invite you to a special party. On Thursday, July 26, we’re hosting a client appreciation party with our partners at Compass Mortgage. We’re throwing this party to celebrate you. Thank you for your trust, and thank you for always calling us for your real estate needs. We’ll be there between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., so stop by for drinks and appetizers. To RSVP, click here. We look forward to seeing you there. To hear our full invite, watch this short video.

On Wednesday, June 20, The Kohler Group is hosting a home buying seminar. We are partnering with our friends at Compass Mortgage for this event, where we will cover many important topics such as demystifying the mortgage process, the current real estate market conditions, and renting with an option to buy. We have some great insights to share about buying a home in 2018 and we will wrap up the seminar with a tour of our office. If you have any questions or want to learn more about the event, watch this short video.

Today I’ve got some great St. Charles MLS data comparing the current market to the market a year ago. Here are the numbers that stood out to us: Market time is down by 7% The number of homes on the market is down by 8% The average sale price is up 4.5% to $357,000 This is all great news for sellers. There is a break in the market right now and a big opportunity for home sellers and buyers.  “Fresh inventory will be coming on the market every day this summer.” For home sellers, now is the time to get your home sold for top dollar. For homebuyers, now is the time to get off the fence and lock in a low interest rate. Fresh inventory will be coming on the market every day this summer. If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home anytime soon, don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We would love to hear from you.

Spring has arrived, and that means it’s time to get out and enjoy the awesome weather here in St. Charles. If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, right now is really a fantastic time. Whether you’re serious about listing or simply curious about the possibility, my team and I offer services that can help you determine your home’s value in today’s robust market. “If you’re thinking of putting your home on the market, right now is really a fantastic time.” We would also be happy to provide a comparative market analysis for your property. This is a service we offer to all of our clients at no cost. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

I have some great news to share today about the St. Charles real estate market. In the last year, the number of homes on the market has decreased by 11.9%, the average days on market has decreased by 7%, and showings are up by 13%. These powerful figures indicate that now is the time to get on the market if you’ve been thinking about buying or selling a home anytime in the near future. If you have any questions for me or want to know how to get the process started, don’t hesitate to reach out and give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.

Today I’m bringing you some exciting news: The market is heating up! And when the market heats up, you should expect there to be bidding wars. So, what are some ways you can position yourself for success in the face of competition? I’ve got some key tips on winning those bidding wars when you’re searching for your next home. First of all, write a cash offer if you can. This is going to get the seller’s attention. If this isn’t something you’re able to do, talk to your loan officer about a loan commitment. This is stronger than a pre-approval and is another way to capture the attention of the seller. Have your loan officer call the listing agent to tell them what a strong, qualified buyer you are. This will put you in a very good position with the sellers. “It is critically important that you hire an experienced agent.” Next, work through the contingencies quickly and efficiently. Be very communicative with the seller during this process. Finally, it is critically important that you hire an experienced agent. You should work with a professional with a proven track record of negotiating contracts. There is a tremendous amount of skill required in these kinds of negotiations, so make sure you work with someone who has the right knowledge and experience. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

At this time of year, many are giving thanks for the blessings in their lives. Today, I’d like to give you something else to be thankful for: two important market secrets. The first is that right now, St. Charles has a low supply of homes. Few sellers are coming on the market, and many sellers are coming off of it. Secondly, the only buyers in the market right now are ones who are very serious. The buyers on the market currently are qualified buyers, relocation buyers, and buyers who need to find a home in the next few weeks. “The market is still very strong at this time of year.” In the last 30 days, approximately 171 homes have gone under contract in St. Charles alone. This proves that the market is still very strong at this time of year. The best secret of all is that right now truly is a great time of year to come on the market. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Today I’ve got a list to share with you of the five biggest advantages to buying a new construction home. 1. Everything is new. This one is pretty obvious. Purchasing a new home greatly reduces hidden costs. Additionally, builders typically offer a one-year warranty that covers all the major systems and appliances in the house. 2. You see a true annual savings.Buying a new home means being able to take advantage of the latest in design and efficiency. Appliances, doors, windows, and mechanical systems will be brand new throughout the home, greatly reducing utility and maintenance costs. “Building a home gives you complete design control.” 3. Complete design control. Building a new home gives you this and more. When you have complete design control, everything is the way that you want it from the start. You don’t have to spend time and/or money replacing or redesigning elements of your home. 4. Entertaining is easy.Most new homes have open floor plans that support large groups, making entertaining simple. It was completely designed with large-scale entertaining in mind. 5. That “new home feel.” There is no substitute for the feeling that you get when moving into a brand-new home. The model-like appearance of the home provides a very satisfying feeling of accomplishment and ownership. If you have any questions for me or are thinking about building a new home yourself, give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you.

St. Charles is a wonderful place to visit and to live. The vibrant downtown area is built right along the Fox River and features excellent restaurants, fun bars with live entertainment, shopping, theaters, museums, and beautiful hotels. As you walk through the downtown area, be sure to stop in at one of the charming coffee shops, wineries, candy stores, or ice cream shops. St. Charles provides endless possibilities for relaxing, with beautiful courtyards filled with tables and Adirondack chairs so that you can enjoy views of the river with family and friends. There are many breathtaking parks that host music festivals and regular festivals. Pottawattamie Park is nestled near the Fox River. Stop by for a full day of fun. Enjoy the miniature golf course, paddle boats, ferry boat, baseball field, tennis courts, volleyball courts, and the pool and golf course. “St. Charles has something for everyone.” At the Fox River, you can enjoy fishing, water skiing, boating, and kayaking. There are many beautiful homes along the Fox River, as well as scenic bike paths for everyone to enjoy. In St. Charles, we take pride in our community. There is a rich array of things to do. There are wonderful places of worship for all religions and beliefs. St. Charles also features gorgeous public and private golf courses; three country clubs in the area each feature their own challenging course. St. Charles is also a horse lover’s paradise, with a number of well-known barns and fabulous facilities. There are also music, art, and sports available. Basically, there is something for everyone here Our public schools are highly rated, and there are a number of sought-after private schools as well. I welcome you to visit St. Charles. You will love what you see. If you have any other questions about visiting or living in St. Charles, just give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!

There is great news in the St. Charles market right now for both buyers and sellers. If you’re selling, all the leading indicators point to an improved market. If you’re buying, the market also looks very attractive. In St. Charles, we offer homes of quality construction, beautiful floor plans, and excellent condition all at unbeatable values. “It’s a great time to be both a buyer and a seller.” Although the market’s improving for sellers, there’s still an exceptional opportunity to buy before we see large-scale appreciation. Here are the latest year-over-year statistics: The average sale has increased by 2.2%. The average days from listing to contract has decreased 11.2%. Inventory has decreased 9.8%. The number of homes for sale has decreased by 8.2%. The number of closed sales has increased by 3.5% In summary, more homes are selling in a shorter period of time for a higher average sale price. Inventory levels are also decreasing. These statistics can vary depending on your neighborhood and price range, so if you’d like to know what your home is worth in today’s market or how well your neighborhood is selling, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me. I would be happy to help you.

Here are some key things you need to know about appraisals and how the appraisal process works. The cost of an appraisal in our area is typically $500 to $600 and is usually paid for by the homebuyer at loan inception after the purchase contract has been executed. Appraisal fees vary depending on the location of the property and the complexity of the appraisal process. The cost is also driven somewhat by market demand, as with any other service. Appraisers are selected by the mortgage lenders, and those lenders are bound to strict regulation when making their selection. Most lenders will use an appraisal management company to order and coordinate their appraisals. You may want to ask your specific lender how they select an appraiser. “If a low appraisal happens, you can renegotiate or get a second opinion.” Appraisers are not immune to the fact that the buyer and seller are counting on the home to appraise at the agreed-upon value. However, they can’t base an appraisal on the sales price. They have to use the most recent sold comparisons within the closest range of the home. Their work is then submitted to the bank’s underwriters who also review that data and must give a final approval of the appraisal. Low appraisals can and do happen. If this happens, you can renegotiate or get a second opinion in some cases, which is called a value appeal. To save on the cost of a home appraisal, when you’re selecting a mortgage lender, ask them what the cost will be for the appraisal so you know before you apply. Compare with other lenders and confirm you’re receiving the market rate for the appraisal. If you have any questions about appraisals or any other real estate topic, please don’t hesitate to call or email me today. I would be happy to be of service to you.

How do you live in a home you’ve already listed for sale? Follow these five tips: 1. Start packing now. The secret to getting a house clutter-free is to remove the things you can live without while the home is on the market. For example, remove seasonal clothes from your closets. This will give them the appearance of being spacious. Also, straighten your clothes in your closets, as this will give the impression of a neat home with generous space. 2. Store it, sell it, throw it out, or donate it. Doing this won’t just give you a head start on moving—buyers appreciate the extra space when searching for homes. 3. Get squeaky-clean. A clean house can gain you $5,000 to $10,000 on your home sale. Aim for five-star hotel perfection when cleaning sinks, glass, mirrors, windows, and toilets. Details do matter. It’s all about the feeling when a buyer is selecting a home. Let them feel impressed—this will translate into them writing an offer quicker and for more money. “A clean house can gain you $5,000 to $10,000 on your home sale.” 4. Maintain your privacy and safety. Protect your valuables and the things that are important to you. Put them away, and when in doubt, lock them up. 5. Hire a real estate stylist. Real estate stylists are essential when your home is for sale, so ask your agent to recommend one. They help with furniture placement and can help confirm that a home is best prepared for showings. We have found that a furnished home sells faster. Ask your agent or stylist for recommendations on renting furniture if needed. If you have any questions about this topic or how I can help you capitalize on our market, don’t hesitate to call or email me. I’d be glad to help.

In order to get top dollar in today’s marketplace, there are a few simple steps you can take. One of the first and best ways to obtain top dollar is by hiring and working with a top-producing agent. Working with a quality real estate agent who specializes in the market in which you are selling is key. You need to hire an agent with a proven track record and a reputation for success. To be sure of this, interview the agent. Watch and listen carefully to see what kind of sales skills they apply during the conversation. These same skills are the ones they’ll bring to the table when they help sell your home. Powerful negotiation skills are a great indicator that they will do a great job. However, selling your home for top dollar will take more than simply a great agent. Your stylist and agent may make suggestions during the process on how to improve your home. If either of them suggest repairs or aesthetic changes, be open to doing them. Some common improvements that are done to homes before they’re sold include making them depersonalized and also maximizing their space. Buyers will want an open, neutral slate when they view your home. Sanitizing, cleaning, and modernizing the home will also make a difference. “Working with a quality agent is key.” Although you are striving for top dollar, you need to be realistic about what that number can be. Your agent will provide you with a comparative market analysis, which will show you the correct price range in which to list your home. Another tip is to make sure that your agent approaches the transaction with a very specific and proactive mindset. One of the first things they should do is market your home online using professional photographs. Next, the right client will have the skills and knowledge to undertake a massive networking campaign to promote your home. This campaign begins with your agent getting into contact with other top agents, relocation companies, their own database, and anyone else within their sphere of influence in order to find the right buyer for your home. With a market that changes daily, this step is imperative to making your home visible and to getting it sold. A good agent will also be honest with you when providing feedback. A top agent will relay information from the buyers to you exactly as it was originally stated. Not only that, they will also be able to provide you with solutions to any given objections or obstacles that appear. You should always be receptive to your agent’s feedback. If you have any other questions or would like more information, feel free to give me a call or send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you, soon.

What’s been going on in the market here in the St. Charles area? There are currently 482 homes actively for sale, 211 are under contract, and 506 total homes have closed in the last six months. With these market conditions in mind, there is some great news for home sellers. When your house is staged and priced correctly, it will sell for top dollar. From a technical perspective, we know that the current market absorption rate is about eight months, which favors homebuyers. That means if no new houses came on the market, it would take a full eight months to sell all the currently available homes for sale at the present pace. “Current conditions provide an incredible opportunity for savvy homebuyers and sellers alike.” The current market conditions provide an incredible opportunity for the savvy homebuyer as well as the savvy seller since we’re near this equilibrium point of housing inventory levels. That’s why it’s so important to list and/or buy your house with a top producing agent. Interest rates are another key factor in the marketplace. The Federal Reserve recently increased the short-term interest rate about 0.25%, which was actually anticipated by the market, so mortgage interest rates have actually dipped just below 4% for the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage. With these conditions, having the right Realtor in your corner can make all the difference in the world when buying and/or selling real estate. If you’d like to learn more specifics about our market or you’re planning on making a move, give me a call or send me an email soon. I’d love to help you get the most out of this market.