 
March: In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lion! We are off to a record pace in 2021. Many markets in Chicagoland have been sizzling at record levels in recent months, and many homes continue to see multiple offers coming in within a short period of time. However, not all offers are the same, even if they are very close in dollar value. It's time to get even more strategic with purchasing and selling. This is a time to get as much as you can when you are selling your home. It's not a time to save money with limited services. From a buying standpoint, it is said that you need to have your pre-approval ready to go before looking for homes, but it goes beyond just that. It's imperative to go into showings with a plan for each home we're seeing which I always have ready for each of my clients before we even go look. Sellers During a sellers' market it is easy for complacency to set in and not follow the fundamentals of preparing a home for market. It should be the exact opposite. This is a time for sellers to maximize the amount they get for their home. An unprepared home either does not sell or sells for significantly below market average. It's not a time to simply take cell phone pics, put your home on the internet, and cross your fingers. Full Disclosure - I'm not saying this because I run a real estate business. When I take buyers through homes that are unprepared, the comments from the buyers are always, "I bet we can get this home for a deal". Sloppy doesn't sell. Buyers This is an exciting time for buyers as well. Interest rates have never been better and homes are starting to hit the market to view. When buying in a market like this, a quote from the great John Wooden comes to mind. "Be quick, but don't hurry." (Unless you are in a hurry of course). Negotiate quickly when we find a home that you love. Get strategic with your offer to make it as appealing as possible to sellers, but it's also important to look out for yourself as well so you are in a comfortable position. If you are in a position that you need to act quickly, then it's important to make your offer as strong as possible and that does not always mean dollar amount. I've never had a buyer not find a home. Something always comes up and sometimes new construction is a possible answer which I love working on with buyers. My wife and I built our first home. Whether you're buying or selling, let's work together to craft a clean, strong, initial plan and be prepared. I'm excited to connect with you.
 
166 Years of Baird & Warner This month as we celebrate Baird & Warner’s 166th birthday, we’re reflecting on how much has changed — and how much we have accomplished — since lockdown almost exactly one year ago today. We’ve been through hard times as a company, and 2020 put us to the test again. From helping rebuild after the Great Chicago Fire, to weathering the Great Depression, to fighting for fair housing — for five generations we’ve continued to thrive by embracing change, weathering tough times, and staying ahead of the trends. And this past year, our agents, lenders, closers and staff demonstrated how our collaborative culture and one-stop shop promise really does deliver service and flexibility no other brokerage can offer. Throughout our company, our people immediately got to work finding ways to deliver a truly safe and easy real estate experience. Without skipping a beat, our agents became virtual selling pros and adapted to new health and safety protocols that changed the way they ran their business. And our partners at Key Mortgage and Baird & Warner Title worked tirelessly to develop remote closing procedures so our clients could close on time while feeling safe and secure. And on top of all that, our 28 branch offices, mortgage and title companies found ways to give back to their communities. From hosting food drives to meet the demand at local food pantries, to donating funds to local organizations meeting our neighbors essential needs — across the company our people gave back in any way they could. All while continuing to go above and beyond for their clients. We’re grateful that after 166 years, we’re still adapting, thriving and delivering a truly easier experience to buyers and sellers throughout Chicagoland.
 
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