Most builders of single family homes in the Chicago suburbs are heavily impacted by the inability of move-up buyers to sell their current home. As a result, they are offering a number of creative incentives. Some builders offer programs that will pay the first six months of mortgage payments, offering a buffer for these buyers to sell before being stretched too thin having to pay two mortgages.
There are other builders who will buy a client's current residence. Do they offer market value? Typically not. But, again, an attempt to help that "move up buyer" move up faster.
However, over the weekend, I read accounts of a new perk that builders are offering and it concerns me greatly. Evidently there is an industry that I was unaware of, and it sounds very much like the job of a Realtor® repackaged.
Articles in both the Chicago Tribune and a local paper, The Herald News, indicate that several suburban builders are partnering with companies that offer "real estate counselors" or "moving consultants" who work with the home buyer AND THEIR AGENT to sell the buyer's current home.
Those of you that are listing agents, take a look at some of the services the "counselor" provides. . . .
"Two comparative market analyses" --- Um, excuse me, as a listing agent, that's my job! I spend each and every day working in my market. I KNOW the market. I KNOW the comparables. I have probably shown many of them and sold some of them. I know the intricacies of the local area. I know the streets where property values shift. I stay abreast of market times and price reductions of homes currently for sale. Isn't this the job of the Realtor®?
"A pricing strategy" --- Again, I am a professional Realtor®, it is my responsibility to know current market conditions and work with my clients to develop a strategy for pricing their home to sell. Isn't this the job of the Realtor®?
"Staging and preparing the home for sale" --- Many Realtors® provide this service or have partnered with home staging professionals who provide excellent results. As a professional, I have a team of other professionals at the ready, who provide exemplary service to my clients. Isn't this the job of the Realtor®?
"Marketing the Home" --- How on earth is this the job of anyone but the listing agent? I prepare and execute a marketing strategy for each home I list. How a non-agent would better market a home is beyond me. Isn't this the job of the Realtor®?
"Closing the Sale" --- OK, as a Realtor®, I am confused. . .why am I here again?!?!? 
Isn't this the job of the Realtor®?
Really, I am not sure how to react or respond. Where did this niche industry begin and is it gaining a foothold? Are builders desperate and attracted to any shiny new thing that holds the promise of increased closings? Or, have Realtors® dropped the ball? Maybe these companies that offer "consultants" and "counselors" jumped in because the "slap a sign in the yard and pray" method of selling a home is still all too common.
Is this unique to the Chicago area, or are you seeing anything similar in your markets?
I don't know where this phenomenon started, or at what pace it will grow, but I do know that as a professional Realtor®, I am ready, able and willing to provide all of the above mentioned services and more to my clients.
Being a Realtor® is my job and my passion. . .Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some homes to sell.
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Contact Lori Gilmore, Realtor®, Radcliffe Realty at 815-207-9703 to list your property for sale or to buy a home, condo or investment property in Joliet, Plainfield, Crest Hill, Shorewood, Lockport, New Lenox or elsewhere in Will County, Illinios.
Please visit my profile to find out more about the services I offer. . . or give me a jingle. . . I'd love to chat about your real estate needs.
Copyright(c) 2008 by Lori Gilmore. All Rights Reserved.
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