Buying a home is one of the most emotionally and financially significant decisions most people will make in their lifetime. With our industry knowledge, exceptional tech tools, and national network, Team Chris & Chris works hard to make the entire process as simple and pain-free as possible. Rest assured that you will be in dedicated, trustworthy hands as we guide you to your new dream home. Here are 50 things we can do for all our buyers:
- We will meet for a buyer consultation, ideally in person.
- Align on the best communication plan throughout the entire process.
- Encourage you to reach out to a lender for pre-approval and provide recommended lenders (at least 3), if requested.
- Collect market data and recent comparables in neighborhoods in which you are interested.
- Have you complete a buyer questionnaire to understand your needs and objectives.
- If necessary, we will research off-market opportunities for you to find additional suitable inventory.
- Create a search on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or a Compass “Collection” so you’re aware of listings that fit your criteria.
- Select properties to show you based on your criteria.
- Pull market trend data to understand what’s happening within the broader region.
- Coordinate showing appointments to gain access to desired listings.
- Learn relevant details and attributes of the properties shown, including number of bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, lot size, etc.
- Attend appropriate broker tours to view other available properties on the market.
- Stay connected to local buyers, sellers, and other agents to maintain a constant understanding of what drives the market.
- Reach out to agents with similar listings to understand traffic and buyer demand.
- Provide objective advice and help you evaluate the pros and cons of different properties.
- Prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).
- Understand the current condition of the property for negotiation purposes with the assistance of experts and data.
- Advise you on potential offer strategies that reflect current market conditions.
- Help you obtain HOA documents, if needed.
- Review all transaction documents with you in advance of writing any offer.
- Review all forms in the disclosure package.
- Coordinate additional access to the property, if necessary.
- Join you while you meet with experts about desired improvements including landscaping, painting, fixture updates, minor and major renovations, etc.
- If requested, recommend at least three vendors for what you need.
- Maintain consistent communication with any market updates.
- Monitor any changes in the market to refine offer strategy and make needed updates (revising price, terms, etc.) accordingly.
- Explain the offer process, timeline, and recommended preparation.
- Align on offer strategy and prepare the offer on your behalf.
- Notify the listing agent you are submitting an offer.
- Advise and strategize with you on counteroffer response.
- Negotiate terms as needed with the listing broker and seller in writing.
- Notify you when terms are agreed upon.
- Assist with the review of the final contract, disclosures, and pre-qualification letter.
- Coordinate the signing of the final agreement.
- Facilitate deposit of earnest money and down payments.
- Create and execute closing timeline and transaction review.
- Stay in close contact with all relevant parties through next steps.
- Share estimated timeline and all documents with client, lender, and attorney.
- Coordinate and confirm inspection.
- Coordinate and confirm appraisal has been received.
- Confirm loan approval has been received.
- Coordinate final walk-through and address issues that may arise by communicating with the seller's agent.
- Remind you to order home warranty (if applicable).
- Remind you to order homeowners insurance and set up utilities.
- Remind you to request final closing figures from your attorney.
- Advise you to carefully review closing figures with your attorney.
- Facilitate closing for you and the seller.
- Conduct final walk-through just prior to the closing.
- Transfer of keys and property access.
- Welcome you to your new home!
It sounds like a lot! We are happy to navigate you through the process. So if you're thinking of buying a home anywhere in Chicago any time soon, please know we would love to help. And if you'd like to read what over 100 of our past clients have said about working with us, you can read their 5-star reviews on Zillow here: https://www.zillow.com/profile/teamchrisandchris