Debra Dobbs | Realtor

First-time homebuyers often think the most difficult part of the home buying process is finding the home of their dreams. I gently educate buyers to understand that finding a home is often the easy part and then the hard work starts. Negotiating deal terms can be a source of stress, requiring incredible patience and standing firm when you think the deal may not come together. Once under contract, there are multiple people involved in communication - buyer(s), seller(s), 2 agents, 2 attorneys, 1 home inspector and 1 lender. As the team quarterback, one of my jobs is to make sure everyone communicates clearly, effectively, and in a timely manner. The home inspection may go smoothly or may point out deficiencies in the home, which we then must negotiate with the seller to a mutually agreeable conclusion. Then there are the many tasks and touchpoints along the path to closing. I use a 108 point checklist that encompasses each ‘to do’ from the first client meeting through to closing.

I think 2018 will be an interesting year for exploring Chicago neighborhoods, where we see formerly unknown neighborhoods become the city's 'hot spots'. Belmont Craigin, Portage Park, Bowmanville, Dunning and Ashburn are all neighborhoods to watch in 2018. They are my pick for the next crop of 'hot hoods' in Chicago. The common threads among the 5 neighborhoods - decent schools with community and parental involvement; affordable housing; a moderate level of gentrification that pushes up property values without driving out the families that wish to stay; and a decent walk score to get to public transport, local coffee shops and the neighborhood park. Dunning, long on my short list for neighborhoods to watch, was recently in the news: According to the web site Redfin, Chicago’s Dunning is the country’s best neighborhood. And Ashburn is noted as #2. For the record the two neighborhoods have been on my short list for 12+ months!

Set a list price that is based on actual market data, by looking at relevant comparable sales to assess how your home presents compared to the homes recently put under contract and closed. Accurate pricing is critical to selling your condo and equally important whether the market is trending up or down. Having solid comps to support your pricing strategy ensures that in negotiation your agent has the data and tools needed to best position you for success.