The Selling Process

Selling your home is a big decision, and I believe the first step is getting to know you—your needs, your timeline, and your goals. Whether you’re looking to sell quickly or maximize your home’s value, our initial conversation will help create a strategy that aligns with your priorities.

During this meeting, I’ll provide my professional opinion on your home’s market value and what I recommend for a listing price. We’ll also discuss the selling process, marketing strategies, and any steps needed to prepare your home for the market. Most importantly, this is a chance for us to determine if we’re the right fit to work together.

Let’s start with a conversation—no pressure, just a friendly chat about your goals and how I can help you achieve them.

Selling a home is more than just putting a sign in the yard—it’s a complex process with multiple steps that require skillful negotiation, strategic planning, and expert guidance. As your agent, I am committed to managing every detail of your transaction so that you can sell with confidence and peace of mind. Here’s why having a knowledgeable agent by your side is invaluable:

Reviewing offers & Negotiation

Receiving an offer is exciting, but it’s crucial to evaluate the entire contract, not just the price. I will break down every detail of the offer and explain how factors such as closing dates, financing terms, contingencies, and inspection requests impact your bottom line. I also contact the buyer’s lender directly to assess their financial approval status—ensuring you’re not taking your home off the market for an unqualified buyer. If an offer doesn’t meet your needs, I’ll craft a strong counteroffer to protect your interests while keeping the deal moving forward.

✔️ Skilled negotiation means not leaving money on the table and avoiding unnecessary risk. I help sellers secure the best possible terms while minimizing potential roadblocks.

Earnest Money - Ensuring a Committed Buyer

Earnest money is a deposit the buyer submits as a sign of good faith. This money is held in escrow by @properties and is later applied to the purchase price at closing. It’s a way to ensure the buyer is serious about purchasing your home.

✔️ I monitor deadlines and contingencies tied to earnest money to prevent the buyer from backing out without consequences.

Home Inspections - Protecting Your Bottom Line

Within the first five days of an accepted offer, most buyers schedule a home inspection. A professional inspector will examine the home’s structure, systems, and overall condition. If repairs are requested, I will help you determine which requests are reasonable and negotiate terms that work for you. If your home has a well or septic system, you may be responsible for separate inspections, and I will guide you through those requirements.

✔️ Without an experienced agent, sellers can feel pressured into unnecessary repairs. I ensure you only address legitimate concerns while negotiating to keep your sale on track.

Financing Contingency - Keeping the Loan Process on Schedule

If your buyer is securing a mortgage, their purchase will include a financing contingency—meaning they must obtain final loan approval before closing. I stay in close contact with the lender to ensure they are meeting deadlines and that no red flags arise.

✔️ Lender delays can stall a sale or cause deals to fall apart. I work proactively to avoid last-minute surprises and keep everything moving toward a successful closing.

Home Sale Contingency - Monitoring the Buyer's Transaction

In some cases, a buyer may need to sell their current home before purchasing yours. If you accept an offer with a home sale contingency, it’s crucial to monitor the progress of their sale. If anything goes wrong with their transaction, it could jeopardize your closing.

✔️ I track the status of their home sale, communicate with their agent, and ensure that your transaction isn’t derailed by delays on their end.

Appraisal - Defending Your Home's Value

If the buyer is financing the purchase, their lender will order an appraisal to confirm that the home’s value supports the loan amount. If the home does not appraise at or above the purchase price, the deal could be at risk.

To protect your sale, I meet the appraiser at the property, provide comparable sales, and advocate for the contract price.

✔️ I ensure the appraiser understands the unique value of your home to reduce the risk of a low appraisal derailing your sale.

Managing the Details - Reducing Your Stress

Selling a home involves countless moving parts, deadlines, and negotiations. Trying to navigate this process alone can be overwhelming and time-consuming. As your agent, I take care of everything—from coordinating inspections and paperwork to ensuring all contingencies are met—so you can focus on your next chapter.

✔️ I handle the complexities of your sale with precision and expertise, ensuring a smooth experience and the best possible outcome.

@properties | Christies International Real Estate

847-338-1292

jamieross@atproperties.com

210 S Milwaukee

Libertyville IL