Page 56 - Introducing Janet Owen

5 Things to Know Before Selling Your House

in Chicago

By Francesca Robin | Published: 4/18/2014

Finally. A seller's market. But be warned: Even as prices hike and interest
rates stay sweet and lowish, it's not a replay of the go-go boom days.
Here's a quick seller's checklist from Chicago's top agents.

Stay away from newbie agents

We heard some variation of this from every quarter...and the at-
tendant horror stories. Janet Owen at KoenigRubloff said to try
something obvious: "become educated in the comparable sales
in your building or neighborhood and the competition." Get refer-
ences. (You'd be surprised how often people just don't ask. Don't
be one of them.) And get specific. How many properties have
they sold in your neighborhood? What's the price range? Can
they handle luxury or truly high-end clients? Do they have the
time to take your listing? Ryan of Related Realty is even more
concrete, and says your agent should come with at least five
years of experience and 50 deals.
Hey, forget about 'pocket' listings

"Don't keep the availability of your home a 'secret,'" warns Janet
Owen of KoenigRubloff. "Don't be tempted to do a 'pocket' list-
ing with several agents." Once the darling of real estate inside
baseball, the pocket listing are listings kept under wraps and un-
available through the MLS. Why skip this step? No one will give
it the full service and attention it deserves and it "cheapens" the
property, says Owen. "If you are a real seller, then have your
home entered into the local Multiple Listing Service through your
listing broker and filter to several real estate home finders web-
sites." You want to blast that listing.

Original Link: http://www.frontdoor.com/coolhouses/5-things-to-know-before-selling-your-house-in-chicago