Chicago Living - Relocation Guide 2008 - (Page 22)

➡ working with a realtor Michael P Golden is the . 2007-2008 president of the Chicago Association of Realtors and the cofounder of @properties, a Chicago-based real estate firm that was recently named one of Crain’s “Fast 50” businesses. A Place to Call Home Safeguard your home buying and selling transaction with a Realtor. Navigating the choppy waters of the real estate market alone is like climbing a mountain without a guide. Initially, you think to yourself, “One foot in front of the other. How hard could it be?” The answer: pretty hard. Putting your house on the market and having it sit there for months and months without an offer is frustrating, and on the other side of the transaction, so is making an offer on a house and having it refused. Failing to even find a property that you can imagine yourself living in is downright depressing. You wouldn’t gamble with your health by treating yourself for an illness or gamble away your money by representing yourself in court. Just as doctors and lawyers study and receive certifications in their fields of expertise, Realtors are reputable, certified professionals, equipped with the knowledge to make all of your home buying and selling transactions a breeze. When you put your trust in a Chicago Realtor, your transaction is represented by nearly 125 years of quality professional standards and business ethics. Our 17,000 members are required to attend courses to keep their certification current and stay updated on the latest market trends and regulations. The media likes to draw attention to any aspect of our business that might be considered negative in order to incite worry and attract larger viewing audiences. But the fact of the matter is, real estate in Chicago is thriving, and if you doubt that, simply 22 chicagol i v i ngmag.com look out your window. Construction cranes hover over the South Loop. Modern landmark properties such as the Trump International Hotel & Tower and Water view Tower have broken ground, and plans for the Chicago Spire are nearing their final stages. Condominiums and single-family We know the neighborhoods, school districts and transit systems. We know how to advocate for you. homes throughout the city’s neighborhoods are undergoing dramatic facelifts, and outdated courtyard buildings are constantly being renovated to meet today’s living standards. Do these changes indicate a “down” market to you? I certainly don’t think so. If the Chicago real estate market is so robust, you may wonder why you would need assistance from a Realtor. Just as Realtors can steer you through a rocky market with a steady hand, we can help you get top dollar and value in a booming market. Realtors have the resources to help clients find the house of their dreams that may not be listed in publicly accessible home search outlets. We can help clients sell their home more efficiently as well, by hosting well-publicized open houses and utilizing our trademark signs and tools. For Sale by Owner ventures require the seller to be present when an interested buyer wants to see the house, which can mean rearranging schedules and missing time at the office or with family, which can turn out to be a waste if the potential buyer loses interest. It’s our job not simply to sell your house, but to really sell it for all of its character and charm. Realtors know Chicago. We know the city’s neighborhoods, school districts and transit systems. We know how to make your house look its best, in person, on paper and online. We know how to advocate for you when placing or accepting offers. More importantly, most of us are in this business because we enjoy working with people, and are truly fulfilled by helping Chicagoans realize and achieve their homeownership dreams. I have been in this business for more than a decade and I can honestly tell you that it still makes me smile to know that the company I cofounded helps people find their dream home every single day. T h e r e a r e m o r e t h a n 17, 0 0 0 Realtors throughout Chicago who are ready to help you with your next real estate transaction. Visit us at www. ChicagoRealtor.com to learn more about why you should use a Realtor and how to choose the best agent for your needs. Our expertise is as diverse as the wonderful city that we serve. ■ C h i c a g o L i v in g 2008 http://www.ChicagoRealtor.com http://www.ChicagoRealtor.com http://www.chicagolivingmag.com

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Chicago Living - Relocation Guide 2008

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