Frequently Asked Questions

More Answers can be found in our Free Seller's Guide!

What is List for a Fee ?

With list for a fee- The seller skips the middle man and deals directly with the Buyer's Agent or anybody else who wants to see the property. 

Pros
1- Realtors who bring in buyer's are typically pre-approved and ready to buy.  You will notice for the most part unrepresented buyers are just in the first stages of home shopping and not ready to commit to anything.
2- Yes it is a FSBO but you will have an experienced Agent (Nick Patterson) on your side for all your questions from the listing to the closing. Including help with negotiating, paperwork, etc....

Cons
It means work.  You will need to field Buyer Questions, be available to show your home to potential buyers among many other duties.  But, if sold it could mean thousands in savings!

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What is the MLS ?

MLS stands for Multiple Listing Service.  It is the standard computer database where 90% of homes listed for sale in the Chicago area are placed in.  Access is given to licensed Realtors® who pay dues to the various Realtor Association's in the state. With the MLS any firm can show another firm's listing- For example, a Coldwell Banker agent can show a Sudler listing or visa versa.  Here is the Wikipedia Explanation.

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What makes Us different ?

We are local with an office in the South Loop and BBB Accredited.  We know how to move Chicago Real Estate!  We provide the most exposure, provide the most selling tools and have the best customer service.  So...What Happens when an offer comes in?  We help walk you though the entire process from List to Close!

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How do I price my home?

www.Zillow.com is fun but a pretty horrible way to base your price on.  In today's slower market its all about the price and this is one way a Flat Fee listing will help the bottom line.  Upon signing up we will do a complete market analysis of your home and give you a range of prices your home will sell for.  Now, you don't have to take our advise and you can always lower your price whenever you wish.

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What sites will my house be on?

The Major Sites Not All Flat Fee Companies pay for access to these premier sites- We Do!!      ShowCase Listing    ShowCase Listing

The Minor Sites That We Feed Our Listings

If you Wish We Can Also Post For You at these sites! Just Ask!

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Who will be seeing my home?

If you have searched for homes online before you have probably noticed two different types of sites- 1) No Login Required     This is called IDX (Internet Data Exchange) A Real Estate Brokerage Company has to sign a piece of paper to allow their listings to show up in an IDX search. (Kale Realty is IDX ready) Today about 80% of homes listed on the MLS can be found on IDX sites.  Why some brokerage's do not allow their listings to show up this why, I have no idea! 2) Login Required-his is called VOW (Virtual Office) Here a user gives an email address and logs into to a site where they are able to view every listing in the MLS.    There is no opt in or opt out policy for Brokerage firms. So...Your home will get the highest amount of Internet exposure possible.  For the most part however, expect 9 out of 10 calls to be from Realtor's with clients who want to see your property.   There are over 40,000 Realtors in the Chicago area who will have access to your home along with countless number of people searching on Realtor.com, ChicagoTribune.com, Trulia.com and many many others.

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How Much Should I Pay the Buyer's Agent ?

In today's competitive Buyer's market its best to also stay competitive with your co-op. 2.5% is customary and if you decide to offer less expect less phone calls from Realtor's® who will instead show their clients other homes on the market that are similar and offering the standard co-op.  Its unfortunate but it happens.  However, if you are able to find your own buyer there is no need to pay an agent.

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How Long is the Listing Good For?

In Chicago the average market time is 3-4 months.  Kale Realty listings expire 12 months from the date they go online- For a small fee we can extend it another year.

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Are There Any Hidden Fees?

Yes, but none that apply to you!.  Click here for one of my previous listings- Notice the co-op 2.5%-150-   That is an administration cost that comes out of the Buyer's Agent split so it doesn't effect the seller.  If you sell the home without a Realtor® this fee does not apply.  It is standard in the industry and my admin. fee is on the lower side. Watch out, some Flat Fee MLS companies that charge low amounts make it up on the back end.  I have seen some fees at $500-  This hurts you the seller because many Buyer Agents will be put off by the large fees and will probably show their clients other properties.

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What Happens When a Contract Comes In?

All Contract's come directly to me and I then in turn contact you and review it with you- The Buyer in a sign of good faith should also hand you Earnest Money typically in the amount of $1000.  When the money comes in I deposit it into its own separate Escrow account until the closing.  This is typically held by your attorney.

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How Do I Show My Home?

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Money Back Guarantee

If you have Kale Realty help you purchase your new home or if are moving out of state and close with a referral from a Kale Realty employee we will happily refund your Flat Fee in Full!

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Can I Still Advertise on My Own?

Yes! Feel free to post on CraigsList or Hang Flyer's in local coffee shops. MLS law does require that you place the Broker Name (Kale Realty) somewhere on the sheet along with a statement that Buyer Agent's are welcome

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How do I make Changes to my Listing ?

Just shoot us an email at Info@KaleRealty.com  if you want to make any changes -Price - Open House announcement - Change in the Remarks - etc...

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