Steve Cohen, ABR, CRS, GRI - Broker

Coldwell Banker

Experience That Counts
"Stick With Steve"

• Nineteen Years Experience in Real Estate
• Broker Associate with GRI and CRS Designations
• Life Member of the 20 Million Dollar Club
• Local Area Resident since 1960
• Salesperson of the Year 1990-2007
• Website: http://www.stickwithsteve.com

Marketing Avenues

Multiple Listing Services MAP & MLSNI

• Information on your property is available 24 hours 7 days a week, instantly to the Real Estate community
• Enables us to monitor the competition in the marketplace

Professional Marketing

• Local Newspaper Ads are placed at regular intervals in the Friday and Sunday Tribune, Friday and Sunday Daily Herald and the Pioneer Press. 
• Internet Ads are placed in Stickwithsteve.com, Realtor.com, Coldwellbanker.com, ColdwellbankerOnline.com and Homegain 
• Just listed Targeted Mailings
• Previews Marketing for homes over $800,000

What Affects the Market Value of Your Property?

Your Property Has a Distinct Value to a Prospective Buyer Depending on Their Needs, Desires and Financial Resources

Location
Can be the single greatest factor affecting value. Urban or Rural settings, quality of schools and local amenities are just some of the factors.

Competition
Buyers Compare your property against other properties offered in the market place. Buyers interpret value based on available properties. 

Timing
The current real estate market may reflect either a "buyers" or a " sellers" market. 

Condition     
Property condition affects the price and the speed of sale. Optimizing physical appearance and preparing in advance for marketing maximizes the perceived value

Enhancing Your Home For Impact

To Attain Maximum Impact, It helps to Look at Your Home Through " Buyers Eyes". Following These Steps Will Help Your House Look Its Best for Buyers Showings
and Broker Open Houses.

Outdoors

• Cut back overgrown shrubbery and keep lawn mowed
• Paint front shutters, window frames and front door
• Inspect roof and gutters for needed repairs
• Consider planting flowers outside the front door

Kitchen

• Clean, Clean, Clean!
• Remove clutter from counters

Bathroom(s)

• Repair dripping faucets & unclog sinks and tubs
• Keep fresh towels in bathroom
• Remove stains from toilets, bathtubs and sinks
• Replace old caulking around tubs and sinks

Living Areas

• Wash windows and check that they operate correctly
• Replace burned out light bulbs and check that the light switches work.
• Paint with neutral tones
• Straighten up closets and pack up clutter

Understanding Offers

What is an offer?

An offer is usually made in the form of a written contract prepared by a sales associate representing a buyer. Any offers will be first presented to Steve who will review and insure that all the terms have been outlined clearly.&

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How quickly must I act?

Usually time is of the essence in negotiating an offer, and Steve will use any means possible to reach you in a timely manner.;

Who knows about the terms?

No one, except you and Steve will know the terms of an offer, and Steve will know the terms of an offer prior to your acceptance, even in dual offer situations. You will be kept informed of any other buyers interest in your property; and if more than one offer is submitted to Steve, he will present all of them to you for review and consideration. 

Negotiating an Offer

Steve Cohen is skilled in the art of professional negotiation and is well trained
at representing your interests.
He knows how to bring a buyer and a seller together , working on your behalf.

What happens during negotiation?

You may either choose to accept a presented offer or make a counter-proposal to the buyer. Similarly, when the buyer is told of your counter-offer, they can accept your terms or make another proposal. Negotiations are finalized when both you and the buyer agree on the terms of the sale and fully execute a signed written contract. 

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Steve's Role

Throughout these negotiations Steve's critical role is to advise and strategize with you in order to achieve the best price and terms for you.

Typical Sellers Closing Costs

• Title Insurance - Located in Steve's home seller packet is a schedule of prices from Burnett Title to give you a better idea of what your cost might be.
• Property Tax Escrow Charges - You will be required to credit the purchaser any property taxes due on your home up to the closing date. An additional 5% is typically included to account for any future assessments since most counties pay property taxes in arrears.
• Repay Existing Loan - Payment is made on the basis of a pay-off letter or statement from the seller's mortgagee.
• Recording Charge - The seller's mortgage release papers need to be recorded, this fee is determined by each county.
• State, Local and Transfer tax Stamps - These transfer taxes are the sellers responsibility. They are typically based on a fee per $1, 000 of the purchase price.
• Plat of Survey - The seller must provide a current survey showing the improvements on the property and it's lot dimensions.
• Attorney - Your attorney will assist and coordinate all of the above on your behalf. If needed Steve can refer you to a capable local real estate attorney.

Ask us ANY question about selling your home or property. Or request our FREE in-home presentation of how we would market your property in Northwest Suburbs, Arlington Heights and Palatine! There's no obligation, and we promise to get back to you quickly...