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Flat Fee MLS Listings in Illinois

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The Selling Roadmap

Selling a home involves many moving parts. Here is the step-by-step journey from listing to payday.

1

Preparation & Listing

Before you hit the market, you need to be ready. This phase is about gathering data and making your home look its best.

  • Pricing Strategy: Use sold comps to find your market value.
  • Staging & Photos: Declutter, clean, and take high-quality photos.
  • Activation: Fill out our forms, upload photos, and go live on the MLS in 24-48 hours.
2

Showings & Feedback

Once you are live, the market will speak. You will start receiving showing requests from buyer's agents.

  • Approve Showings: The more you restrict showing the tougher it can be to sell. Try to accomodate as many showing requests as possible.
  • Get Feedback: Some agents will leave feedback after showings other times you need to chase them via text, phone or email to get it. Listen to it. If everyone says "too much work," it might be time to adjust price.
3

Offers & Negotiation

This is the exciting part. When an offer comes in, don't panic. Review the terms carefully.

  • Review Terms: Look at price, closing date, and earnest money.
  • Counter-Offer: Rarely accept the first offer as-is. Countering is normal.
  • Acceptance: Once both parties sign, you are "Under Contract."
  • Contact Us: We are here for you and can walk you through the offer and give you advice. We have full service brokers on staff that have can give you consultation at no extra charge.
4

Attorney Review & Inspection

In Illinois, the deal isn't solid until you clear these hurdles. This usually takes 5-10 business days.

  • Attorney Review: Your lawyer reviews the contract and proposes modifications.
  • Inspection: The buyer hires an inspector. They may ask for repairs or credits based on the findings.
5

The Appraisal

If your buyer is obtaining a mortgage, their lender will order an independent appraisal to confirm the home's value matches the purchase price.

  • The Visit: An appraiser will visit your home to take photos, measure rooms, and verify condition. This visit typically lasts 30-45 minutes.
  • The Process: They compare your home to similar properties ("comps") that have sold recently in your area.
  • The Outcome:
    • At Value: The deal proceeds as planned.
    • Low Appraisal: If the value comes in lower than the contract price, we may need to renegotiate or the buyer may need to cover the gap.
6

Closing Day

The finish line! You will hand over the keys and receive your proceeds.

  • Final Walkthrough: Buyers verify the home is in the agreed condition.
  • The Table: Sign the deed and transfer documents.
  • Payday: The title company wires your funds or hands you a check.

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