Chicago Real Estate and Community News

Whether you’re selling a condo, single-family home, or multifamily property, choosing the right real estate broker can make a significant difference in both your final sales price and how smoothly the process goes.

In the video below, Jose Hernandez breaks down the three most important factors every seller should consider before hiring a real estate agent. These principles are just as relevant today as ever—and even more important in today’s changing market.

1. Experience Matters More Than Ever

Your property is one of the largest investments you own, so experience should never be an afterthought.

When interviewing a real estate broker, ask:

• How long have you been selling real estate?
  Your property is one of the largest investments you own, so working with an experienced agent is essential.
• Have you sold properties in my neighborhood?
  A Realtor with local experience understands pricing trends, buyer demand, and neighborhood competition.
• What types of properties have you sold?
  The selling process varies between condos, single-family homes, and multifamily properties.
• How strong are your negotiation skills?
  Strong negotiation can protect your terms and help you achieve the highest possible price.
• Can you show me your recent sales, not just office statistics?
  You want to evaluate the agent’s personal track record and recent results.

2. Marketing: What’s Their Plan Beyond the MLS?

Putting your property on the MLS is only the starting point—not the strategy.

A strong marketing plan should include:

• What is your marketing plan beyond the MLS?
  Exposure outside the MLS is key to reaching qualified buyers and generating demand.
• Do you use professional photography and video?
  High-quality visuals help your property stand out online and attract more showings.
• How do you market on social media and online platforms?
  Strategic online marketing increases visibility and buyer engagement.
• Do you use postcards, direct mail, or local advertising?
  Local outreach can capture buyers already interested in your neighborhood.
• Do you actively prospect for buyers?
  Proactive prospecting can uncover buyers before your home even hits the market.

The goal is simple: maximum exposure to the right buyers, which leads to stronger offers and better terms.

3. Communication: How Will They Keep You Informed?

Clear, consistent communication is critical during the selling process.

Ask your broker:

• How quickly do you respond to calls, texts, and emails?
  Timely communication is critical during negotiations and showings.
• Will you provide feedback after showings?
  Feedback helps guide pricing and marketing decisions.
• Do you provide regular market updates?
  Market insights help you stay competitive as conditions change.
• How will you keep me informed from listing to closing?
  A clear communication plan keeps you confident throughout the process.

Sold – We Deliver Results

When you work with Jose Hernandez and his team, we don’t just list your property—we create a strategy to help you sell faster and for top dollar.

✔ Personalized pricing analysis

✔ Proven marketing strategies

✔ Expert negotiation

✔ Clear communication every step of the way

Schedule a private consultation today.

We’ll provide a detailed value estimate of your home and expert advice on how to increase its market value before selling.

📍 Your trusted Chicago real estate source

📞 Call or Text: 312-788-7079

Selling a Multi-Family property is completely different than selling a single-family property or condo. To obtain the highest price for your multi-family property, we have compiled 4 important tips to help you prepare to sell.

1. Hire an investment-savvy realtor who specializes in selling multifamily properties.

They know how to price and market the property as well as sell it to potential investors/buyers.  Buyers are interested in the financials and whether they will make money.

2. Prepare a Financial Breakdown of your property

Income, Operating Expenses, Cash Flow, Property Management Fees

3. Prepare a Lease Abstract/ Rent Roll

Review all your leases, expiration dates, rents for each unit, tenants, and occupancy

Raise rents when leases expire – the more cash flow, the higher the value.

4. Update or Renovate to Increase Value

Update common areas-hallways, stairs, doors, and basement (laundry room).  First impressions count to buyers.  

Update or renovate units – kitchens and baths are the main areas to keep as updated as possible and to increase value

Other articles for Multifamily Home Sellers

Home improvements that sell your home

Selling a Multi-Family Home: 3 Most Common Mistakes to Avoid

Just Closed! 2 flat in North Center

Chicago Multifamily Broker

Jose Hernandez, Broker - Your Chicago Real Estate Source

312-788-7079

Coldwell Banker Chicago

When you can't see the property "live", what do you do?

This is an interesting story of how I helped clients buy a Chicago condo "sight unseen"! My buyers lived out of state, and were interested in purchasing an in-town condo in Chicago.  After meeting them briefly one Sunday afternoon, and keeping in touch, my client called me and said she had found a condo online that she really liked and asked me if I could tell her anything about it.  

Having personally seen the unit a few days earlier, I conveyed how stunning the renovation was, and that I thought she would love it.  I also was familiar with the building amenities and knew the building was well-managed and financially sound.  Plus, I knew she would love the Streeterville neighborhood and the view of the Lake from the high floor of the condo.  

Since she was not going to be in town for another month, and could not come up to see the unit in person, I recommended doing a virtual showing through iphone's Facetime technology.   She was able to see each of the rooms, the view of the Lake from the windows, and the building amenities.  It was a successful showing, my client and her husband made an offer and bought the condo!!!

They love the condo, the building and the neighborhood and are very happy with their purchase!

Interested in buying a home or investment property in Chicago?

We have many years of experience helping clients buy and sell here in Chicago. We serve local, national and international clients.

Contact us today!

Our team at Chicago Real Estate Source has closed multiple off-market transactions for our clients on condos in Chicago’s premiere neighborhoods, saving thousands of dollars at closing. With access to the best Chicago has to offer and fantastic views of Lake Michigan and the downtown skyline, condos throughout neighborhoods like the Gold Coast and River North are in high demand. Are you looking for a condo within walking distance of the Mag Mile and the beach? In a competitive market like today, there isn’t much better than a downtown deal with great city access and a gorgeous 180° view! Off-Market deals in Chicago’s Premiere Neighborhoods

Whether you’re looking for a condo close to the art galleries of River North or want dazzling skyline views from a property in the Gold Coast, you’ll be looking at real estate that goes fast. Location is key, and neighborhoods like the Gold Coast and Streeterville are known for it: you’ll have walking-distance access to nightlife, Oak Street Beach, Old Town, the Lincoln Park Zoo, and so much more.

Gold Coast real estate agents with experience

Our local insights and knowledge of the fast-paced Chicago real estate market come in handy when it comes to helping our clients! Our client saved thousands of dollars on that Gold Coast condo, and our team is right in the middle of the action throughout nearby neighborhoods as well. 

We have closed multiple off-market deals for our clients on condos in Chicago’s premiere neighborhoods: the Gold Coast, River North, and Streeterville. Of all Chicago has to offer, Gold Coast real estate is in high demand and goes fast!

Looking to buy or sell in the Gold Coast?

Our award-winning agents help our Chicago clients buy and sell condos throughout Chicago. Whether you’re looking for a condo with a view in the Gold Coast or want a property in energetic, thriving neighborhoods like Streeterville or River North, our years of experience and insider knowledge of the market has helped our clients find local gems and off-market deals that are hard to land in the fast-paced Chicago market.

Contact us today for a free consultation!

Updated 11/2021