Seller's Hand Book

SellingGUIDE TO
YOUR HOME

02 INDEX

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our Mission & Vision 04 Our Commitment 37
Meet Evan Smeenge 05 Selling Timeline 38
2021 Past Sales 06 Buyer And Seller Cost List 40
About Compass 07-08 Moving Tips 41
Art Of Selling 09-12 Who To Call 42
Before We List 13-19 Clients Testimonials 44
Strategic Pricing 20-24 Your Notes 45
Marketing 25-37 Contact 46



04

OUR MISSION
& VISION

Our philosophy is clients come first. We pledge to be in constant communication with our
clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire selling process. We believe that
if you’re not left with an amazing experience, We haven’t done our job. We don’t measure
success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of our clients.
Evan Smeenge delivers unmatched expertise and hands-on experience benefiting our clients,
Each client is as unique as the home they are selling. We are focused on building lasting
relationships with clients to continue to be a valuable resource long after the transaction
process is over. We strive to have our clients consider us a complete resource in buying, selling
or investing in real estate.

CORE VALUES

1. Commitment to Excellence
2. Be Cutting Edge
3. Client-Centric
4. Care (Be passionate and care about what you are doing)
5. Consistent Follow Through

I BELIEVE IN CREATING VALUE AND
PROVIDING HIGH LEVELS OF SERVICE FOR MY

CLIENTS.

05

MEET

EVAN SMEENGE

Evan Smeenge is an exceptional Chicagoland real estate agent who aims to make transactions fun,
inviting, and seamless for everyone involved. Evan has cultivated a deep understanding of the buying,
selling, and local marketing processes that guarantee a positive experience for every one of his clients.

Native to West Michigan, Evan’s personality is lively, inviting, kind, personable, and as clients like to
say, “incredibly warm and attentive”. His experience has positioned him to become the go-to agent he
is today at Compass. With a mission to raise the industry standards throughout the metropolitan area
and country, Evan is a highly committed professional who is best known for putting his heart in to every

transaction and helping his clients spearhead the next stages of their lives.

As a top-performing agent fueled by helping others succeed, nothing makes Evan happier than putting
buyers into their dream homes and obtaining top dollar for every seller listing. He has a true passion for
his career and is devoted to empowering his clients with in-depth information and insight, and staying

updated with the ever-evolving market, so they can make the best decision for themselves and their
futures. This, in conjunction with his reputation for always putting his clients’ best interests first, can
solidify your confidence that your real estate goals are in the best possible hands from start to finish.

So, if you are ready to kick up your real estate game a few notches, then don’t hesitate to contact Evan
today to make that happen.

616.879.9934 | [email protected] | evansmeenge.com

yourchicagolifestyle evansmeengeREALTOR evanrealtor

06

2021 PAST SALES

ABOUT COMPASS 07

THE COMPASS ADVANTAGE

Compass takes a tech-driven, personalized approach, combining a collaborative agent community, in-house
creative agency, and the industry’s most tenured leadership team.

No. 1

Our rank as the nation’s largest
independent brokerage.

$4.4B

Our company valuation, with $1.2B in
financing raised to date.

1.9M+

Average monthly page views on
compass.com.

150+

Compass designers, creative
producers, and marketing strategists.

08 ABOUT COMPASS

NATIONWIDE NETWORK

Since our launch in 2012, we’ve been simplifying the real estate process one community at a time. Today, we
have more than 300 offces extending from coast to coast.

Seattle Boulder Boston
Denver Greenwich, CT

Aspen

Chicago

San Francisco Hamptons
Westchester
Santa Barbara/ NYC
Montecito Philadelphia

Los Angeles Washington DC
Orange County
Northeast Florida
San Diego
Houston Nashville
Dallas Atlanta

Florida Gulf Coast

Austin South Florida

15K+

Number of Compasas
agents nationwide

130+ $88B+
Compass Total sales
cities volume in 2019

300+
Compass
offces

09

THE

ART OF SELLING

10 THE ART OF SELLING

SELLER TIMELINE

01 06

Setting the Stage Building a Strategy

From applying a fresh coat of paint to rearranging furniture, Your agent conducts an assessment of the market response
your Compass agent will work with you to ensure the property within the first few days your listing is live. Feedback from
agents and buyers is aggregated, and the listing strategy can
is visually ready for showing. Your agent will prepare to
market your property. Preparations might include scheduling be revised if necessary.

a professional photoshoot, commissioning an illustrative 07
floorplan, organizing professional staging,
and writing a listing description. Measuring Success

02 Your agent provides frequent updates and continuous traffic
metrics.
Coming Soon
08
Your Compass Agent will network and market the property
before “going live” to drive interest among prospective buyers Optimizing the Offer

and their agents. Following an offer, your agent contacts all interested parties,
reviews the offer terms, and communicates all counteroffer
03 options with you. The contract is negotiated and accepted, and

Going Live the transaction summary is circulated to all parties.

For the duration of the selling process, your property will be 09
showcased on Compass.com and shared
across our 100+ partner sites. Negotiating the Details

04 Your agent observes and records all contingency periods
throughout the in-contract stage. A property appraisal and
Spreading the Word home inspection take place and any further negotiations
are managed. All financial and supplemental information is
Your agent will develop and execute a marketing plan.
The Compass marketing team produces beautiful print collateral collected and submitted to the managing agent.

to strategically showcase your property. Eye-catching 10
property signs are produced and placed
outside your property. Completing the Close

05 A date is set with the closing company; meanwhile, your
Compass agent will provide resources for repairs, moving
Making Connections details, and transfer of utilities. Your agent arranges the final
walk-through and finally the closing at which time the keys are
Your agent continuously leverages professional contacts to find
ideal buyers· brokers. Open houses are hosted for both brokers handed over to the buyer.

and clients on an ongoing basis.

THE ART OF SELLING 11

SELLER’S CHECKLIST

Below is a checklist to follow before showing your Maintain The Exterior
home. Be sure to consult PK & Wes to find out what
improvement they recommend. If you live in a single family home or townhome,
maintain your lawn and landscaping. In winter, shovel
De-Clutter and de-ice walkways. In a condominium, pay attention
to the area in front of the doorway. Keep it neat and
Go through your home room by room and ask yourself inform the superintendent of any problems, such as
what you can throw away and what you can put in burned-out lights. Make balconies, decks and patios
storage. Pay extra attention to areas like closets, inviting with potted plants and flowers.
bookcases, shelves, and kitchen and bathroom
counters. Make Repairs

Organize Consult with your agent prior to undertaking a large
scale home improvement project, but go ahead and
Lack of storage space can be a deal-breaker. Go make easy repairs such as touch-up space king and
through your closets and pantries and throw away, painting, replacing a cracked window or torn screen,
give away or put away anything you don’t need. Clean fixing a leaky faucet or changing burned-out lights.
out bedroom closets so that hanging clothes are
aligned and have ample space. Remove items from Remove Personal Property
closet floors. Reorganize and clean out your kitchen
cabinets and line up dishes and glassware. Make sure If you do not plan on including personal property
bathroom and kitchen drawers are neatly organized. such as window treatments or light fixtures as part of
a sale, then remove them prior to your first showing
Clean and replace them with attractive alternatives

Give your home a deep clean from top to bottom, Remove Pets
including windows, upholstery and carpet, the
refrigeration and oven (yes, Buyers actually open Keep pets out of the home during showings. Also
them). be sure to conceal food bowls and litter boxes. If
pet odors are present, have the home professionally
Paint cleaned.

A fresh coat of paint is the least expensive, most Hire A Home Inspector
effective way to enhance the appearance of your
home. Be sure to use neutral colors. Consult your Hiring a professional, licensed home inspector prior
agent for recommendations. to putting you home on the market allows you to spot
potential problems and make repairs before Buyers
Brighten Your Home make them an issue.

Light gives the impression of space, so it’s important Disclose Everything
that every room in your home have ample light at any
time of day. Prior to showings, wash windows, raise By law sellers must disclose existing structural
blinds and turn on lights. Add floor and table lamps to and mechanical problems, finding, the presence of
brighten dark rooms or corners. lead paint, information on radon hazards and other
known defects to potential Buyers. Withholding
this information can have much more serious
repercussions than the problem itself.

12 THE ART OF SELLING DEBT-TO-INCOME RATIO
The percentage of an individual’s monthly gross
KEY TERMS income relative to the amount of debt owed.

APPRAISAL ESCROW DEPOSIT
Assessment of the property’s market value, typically Deposit of funds to be transferred upon completion
done for the purpose of obtaining a Mortgage. of the deal.

LOAN OFFICER FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The loan officer represents a financial institution and A formal record of all your financial assets, debts, and
provides a loan to the buyer. liabilities.

PRE-OFFER INSPECTION MAINTENANCE FEE
A pre-offer inspection is an inspection of the home Fees paid by co-op shareholders that contribute to
before you make an offer. It is a way to make your building operations.
offer stronger in a competitive market.
WALKTHROUGH
APPRAISER The buyer reviews the house just before closing to
The lender will hire an appraiser to place a value on make sure everything is in the same condition and
the property before approving your loan. that all home inspection items are fixed.

EARNEST MONEY DEPOSIT (EMD) LIEN SEARCH
A good faith deposit the buyer makes with an offer to A background check on the property and the seller
show that you are serious about buying the property. to ensure there are no outstanding debts or claims
In exchange, the seller agrees to stop marketing the upon the property.
property.
POST-CLOSING
INSPECTION The amount of cash the buyer must have on hand
An expert conducts a formal review of the property after deducting the down-payment and closing costs.
to find visible issues that need to be repaired. You
can make your offer contingent on an inspection or PRE-APPROVED
conduct a pre-offer inspection to make your offer Advanced approval from a bank or other lending
stronger. institution for a home mortgage.

INSPECTION CONTINGENCY PRE-QUALIFIED
You can make your offer contingent on a home Potential buyers provide an overall financial picture
inspection. If the inspection uncovers issues, we can and mortgage rockers provide an estimate of what
determine the best way to move forward. level of loan you will likely be pre-approved for.

ASSOCIATION FEE
Monthly maintenance fee paid by condo owners.
Property taxes are not included in the common
charge

CO-OP SHAREHOLDER
Owner of a co-op unit, since what they are actually
purchasing are shares of stock in the co-op
corporation.

THE ART OF SELLING 13

BEFORE WE LIST

14 PRE-LISTING

PRE-LISTING PRESENTATION

VENDOR MANAGEMENT
Throughout the process of selling your home, we want you to keep living your life. Taking time off
work or rearranging your schedule to accommodate a stream of vendors who will work to get your
home market-ready is the last thing we want you worrying about. With your permission, we’ll gladly
take on the role of coordinating projects, start and completion dates, overseeing work on-site and
ensuring tasks are performed to the highest standards.
STAGING
As part of our initial consultation, a well-considered plan for staging your home will help buyers
love it for all the right reasons. We know how to make a property shine. Investing in good staging
can significantly drive up your sales price.
PHOTOGRAPHY
The importance of great pictures cannot be overestimated. When photography is done well, it
conveys value, sets a desirable tone for your home and compels discerning buyers to come see the
space for themselves. Our skilled professional photographers know how to bring your home to life
while making a great first impression on buyers in order to drive interest and demand.

THE THREE P’S:
P R E S E N TAT I O N
Maximize potential buyer appeal through professional
presentation of your home.
PROMOTION
Be aware of consumer buying trends to promote the
property in the most efficient capacity.
PRICING
Evaluate market analysis for your home and help you
determine the property’s fair market value.

PRE-LISTING 15

STAGING

Every effort to prepare your home for the market passed over. The numbers are clear: Homes with
is designed to excite buyers and generate the staging spend 78%* less time on the market.
highest possible price for your home. With this
in mind, experience and statistics tell us that And if the upfront cost seems steep, consider this:
professionally staging your home is a must. Today’s Well-staged properties typically earn back nearly
buyer uses online search engines to quickly scroll twenty dollars for every one dollar invested. It’s the
through listings and photos for the places that first and most important step you can take to ensure
catch their eye. The reality is, if your home doesn’t your listing gets the attention it deserves.
look amazing on a shopper’s screen, it may be
*Survey Of Chicago Area By Evan Smeenge Real Estate Agent

LIVING ROOM | BEFORE LIVING ROOM | AFTER

DINING ROOM | BEFORE DINING ROOM | AFTER

16 PRE-LISTING

CONCIERGE

Before

$200K After

Above list “Compass Concierge was a true gift. Suddenly I had the finances to get
price my home of 18 years ready to sell, with no upfront cost to me. It ought

Four to be called the ‘Concierge stress relief program.’ It exceeded all my
expectations of the home-selling process.”
Days on
the market

PRE-LISTING 17

INTRODUCING COMPASS CONCIERGE

Discover how you can maximize the Before
value of your home with Compass
Concierge, the hassle–free way to
sell your property for more money.
From painting to flooring and
everything in between, Compass
Concierge helps you easily prepare
your home for market by advancing
the funds for home improvement
services.

After

First, we’ll work together to
determine which services can
increase your home’s value the
most, and set an estimated budget
for the work. From there, I’ll be by
your side throughout the Concierge
process so that you can make the
most out of your sale.

Fresh paint SERVICES Roofing repair
Strategic staging MAY INCLUDE Upgraded electric
Updated HVAC Structural fencing
Updated plumbing Moving support
Storage support Custom closets
Decluttering Roofing repair
Cosmetic renovations

Landscaping

18 PRE-LISTING

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY

Good pictures should sell your home before a If the photos don’t make an impact from the
buyer ever steps foot in the door. We utilize a moment your listing is featured online, we likely
team of artistic photographers who understand won’t get a second chance. From staging to photos,
how lighting, composition, framing, and details can it’s all about helping your property stand out as
bring a space to life. But the decision to purchase something special.
a home is almost always based on an emotional
connection a buyer feels to the property.

PROFESSIONAL PRE-LISTING 19
VIDEOGRAPHY AND
360° VIRTUAL TOUR SEE THIS LISTING
SCHEDULE

616.879.9934

VIRTUAL WALKTHROUGH VIRTUAL WALKTHROUGH

20

OUR

STRATEGIC PRICING

STRATEGIC PRICING 21

PRICING YOUR HOME

So what is your home worth? That is likely the biggest question on your mind and one that we have

answered accurately in every market since our inception.

The knowledge, experience, and research we apply to price our clients’ homes consistently produce shorter market times and
higher selling-price-to-listing-price ratios.

MARKET CONDITIONS
Supply and demand
Market activity
Market time
Price/Status changes
Interest rates and availability of credit
Economic factors and seasonal demand

COMPETITION
Price
Location
Market time
Features and fnishes
Condition
Unique Attributes

PROPERTY FEATURES
Location
Room count and square footage
Lot size
Views
Condition of property inside and out
Desirability of unique features

To set a listing price that will create the best market for your home, we will perform a Comparative Market Analysis
or CMA. The CMA will evaluate your home alongside other properties – currently listed and recently sold – taking
into account variables such as location, supply, demand, absorption, market time and property features.

22 STRATEGIC PRICING

STRATEGIC PRICING

Intelligent pricing is among the most crucial determinants of a successful sale. By considering both
timing and value, I’m able to strategically assess your home and price it for maximum impact.

Ideal Time to Sell Target Selling Price
Activity

Perceived Value Stale House Selling Price
of House Drops

Buyer
Activity Drops

0 123 45678
weeks

80% 7 days 9%

The percentage of The period of time during The average percentage
buyers who purchase which your home receives below market value that
their home at its fair homes sell for after 24+
peak attention once it’s
market value been listed weeks on the market

STRATEGIC PRICING 23

TIME IS MONEY

As the data below demonstrates, the surest way to get the highest possible selling price for your home is to
price it correctly right out of the gate. Most showing activity occurs in the frst few weeks after a home enter the
market. The early activity tends to be from serious buyers who are currently in the market and are drawn to new
listing with a sense of urgency.

96% 90 99
DAYS DAYS

83%

Chicago Homes
with no price changes
AVERAGE SELLING PRICE
AS A % OF ORIGINAL LIST PRICE
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET
Chicago Homes
with at least one price change
AVERAGE SELLING PRICE
AS A % OF ORIGINAL LIST PRICE
AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET

24 STRATEGIC PRICING

YOUR LISTING PRICE SHOULD BE BASED ON:

1

Home Analysis
(Property Condition)

6 2
Personal Need
Home Updates

LISTING
PRICE

Recent Local and Broad

Comparable Sales 3Market Conditions

5

Strategic
Market Positioning

4

25

OUR

MARKETING

26 MARKETING

YOUR MARKETING TIMELINE

1 2 3 4 5
COMING STAGING IMAGERY FLOORPLAN LISTING
SOON LAUNCH

Coming Soon sign Appliance upgrades Daytime photography Traditional floorplan Compass.com
Digital ads Furnishings Twilight photography Virtual walkthrough Multiple Listing
Email outreach Virtual staging Aerial footage Service
Direct mail campaign Lifestyle video Syndication

6 7 8 9 10
SIGNAGE EMAIL PRINT DIGITAL EVENTS
CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN CAMPAIGN
Property Sign
Open house sign Property announcement Postcards Paid social media promotion Brokers’ open house
Open house invitations Brochures Feature on Compass Web Open house
Company email Advertising Advertising Special events

MARKETING 27

HOW BUYERS FIRST FOUND THEIR HOME

12% Yard 6% Friend / Relative
Sign 5% Builder
2% Newspaper
36% Internet
2% Seller

37% Real Estate Agent

“98% of Buyers Start Their
Home Search
ONLINE”

28 MARKETING

MARKETING SUITE

Every piece of marketing reflects our passionate attention to detail and maximizes exposure in ways that
make the biggest impact on buyers.

PRINT
Your home’s print marketing will be professionally designed and printed with an exceptional
attention to quality and detail that sets your property apart from the competition.
ONLINE
Ninety percent of potential home buyers start their search online, both locally and abroad. Your
home will be well-represented on every relevant online outlet including Zillow, MLS, and others.
We feature the best photos and create enticing written listing descriptions.
S Y N D I C AT I O N
Listing syndication is a simple and efficient way to authorize distribution of listings to consumer-
facing websites hosted by third parties.
EVENTS
Events generate buzz and motivate buyers to jump quickly and aggressively on the home that
everyone else seems to want. We like to work weekly or bi-weekly open houses for the first two
months. For some properties we like to host a broker’s open, providing other real estate brokers
access early in the listing period to get feedback and spark ideas. Additionally, if you would like
to have us host an event for your family, friends and network at your home, this could utilize the
people you know, and who know your home, to potentially set up a purchase.

MARKETING 29

PRINT MARKETING

DESIGNED WITH BUYERS IN MIND
Our postcards are designed with buyers’ interests
in mind. We know which features will pull people
in with a desire to see more and we design
the layout to reflect all the ways your home is
exceptional.

HIGH QUALITY PRINTING
Our brochures are professionally printed on
high quality paper. Special properties deserve
marketing materials that stand out and let buyers
know your home is unlike other, more ordinary
offerings on the market.

A LASTING IMPRESSION
We print high-quality flyers in mass quantities
to ensure that we have enough to display at
open houses and mail to neighbors, past clients,
and potential buyers. At the end of a long
day of touring properties, we want buyers to
remember your property as something special.
The statements we hand to every person who
walks through an open house will ensure your
home stands out from the competition. From the
professional photos to highlights of your home’s
appealing features, our goal is to keep your
property at the very top of buyers’ minds.

30 MARKETING evansmeenge.com
65 High Street | East Haven, CT 06512
ONLINE MARKETING
OPEN HOUSE DATES:
SOCIAL MEDIA ADS
In the 21st century, finding the attention of consumers has Sunday Jun 06, 2021 12:00 - 4:00 PM
become a full force effort. In addition to traditional marketing Modern Conversion Lo Open Sunday 2:00 - 4:00 PM and
previously stated, we need to be sure to get in front of more by appointment
eyes, some of which are early in their buying process. There Lease Price: $325,000
are hundreds of people who haven’t yet fully decided to buy
a home and with the myriad platforms used by consumers, it’s
important to have a sizable but calculated online advertising
system.

SINGLE PROPERTY WEBSITES
As we customize a marketing strategy for your home, we’ll
consider whether creating a unique website with property
details and photo galleries is beneficial. In this fast-paced
market, these sites are often unnecessary. But if we agree
that a devoted website would help build momentum and
bring local and international attention to your home, then
we’ll use our social media pages, network of past and
potential buyers and links on marketing materials to generate
site visitors.

WEBSITE SYNDICATION
Your property listing will be syndicated on the most important
real estate websites including Zillow, Realtor.com and more.
We’ll make sure no one misses seeing your home, no matter
where they’re looking.

EMAIL BLASTS
We’ll send an email alerting top agents in our area to your
listing. Buyers’ agents jump to open these emails because
they’re all trying to stay on top of inventory and get their
eager clients into competitive properties ahead of the
competition. We sell a lot of our homes through buyer’s
agents we’ve known and working with for years and as a
result they pay attention when we alert them to an exciting
new home on the market.

MARKETING 31

EMAIL MARKETING OUR
LISTING
Communication plays a critical role in the swift
and successful sale of your home. Compass VIEW LISTING
pairs well-designed email design with data-
driven targeting to ensure your listing arrives
in precisely the right hands.

EYE-CATCHING DESIGN
Our crisp, clean aesthetic beautifully frames
your images and listing details.

I N T E L L I G E N T TARGETING
A variety of layouts lends itself to both
consumer-facing and broker-facing messaging.

MOBILE OPTIMIZATION
With so many buyers viewing email on their
phone, our scrolls are designed for both
platforms.

OFFERED AT OFFERED AT OFFERED AT

$1,225,000 $1,225,000 $1,225,000

Fantastic value - heart of Fantastic value - heart of Fantastic value - heart of
garfield ridge - 3 bedroom 2 garfield ridge - 3 bedroom 2 garfield ridge - 3 bedroom 2
bath updated raised ranch bath updated raised ranch bath updated raised ranch
with oversized lot and side with oversized lot and side with oversized lot and side

drive under $300k!!! drive under $300k!!! drive under $300k!!!

VIEW LISTING VIEW LISTING VIEW LISTING

32 MARKETING

INTELLIGENT DIGITAL MARKETING

We can promote your listing on platforms like Facebook
and Instagram, using data and industry experience to
showcase your property to the right people at the right
time.

Precise targeting We find the most likely buyers for your
property using exclusive data.

Optimized performance We perform continuous testing to
deliver the most successful ads.
In-Depth Analytics We track and measure the results
of every campaign for continued
optimization.
Why Paid Ads Matter • Reaches passive buyers
• Drives more private tour requests
• Brings more open house visitors
• Accelerates the transaction
timeline
• Improves chances of competing
offers
• Can drive a higher purchase price

MARKETING 33

SYNDICATION

No matter how stylish, easy-to-use and full of ones listed below. By syndicating your listings so
information a website is, the average real estate they appear on those channels, your listings will get
brokerage doesn’t get 5 million visitors a month. Those exposure to those consumers.
millions of website visits are amassed on national
portals and search engines, such as the

NEW LISTING SYNDICATION NETWORK

YOUR
PROPERTY

34 MARKETING

SOCIAL MEDIA

evansmeengeREALTOR yourchicagolifestyle evanrealtor

EVENTS 35

OPEN HOUSE SHOWINGS

Much has been written about both the benefits and it is on the market. It can be very consuming to keep
drawbacks of open houses, but here is a lot to be said wastebaskets emptied and floors free of clutter, ensure
for showing your home in this way. Here are just three that the laundry doesn’t pile up, and make certain that
reasons that an open house might result in a sale. floors are routinely swept and vacuumed. With an
open house, you’ll be able to prepare for an event that
1. It draws potential buyers who might not take the has the potential to bring in many prospective buyers
time to book a showing through their agent. Some with one fell swoop. It’s much easier to do some deep
buyers feel they should find something they love first cleaning that will leave your home spotless if you know
and then bring the agent in to lock down a deal. Open exactly when people will be visiting.
houses also mean casting the widest net possible in
bringing people through the door. Your friends and 3. You could lock in that interested buyer. There’s likely
family can mention the event to anyone they know a limit to the number of times even the most interested
who might be interested in taking a look at your home. buyer is willing to ask for a private showing. If your
Neighbors who drop by might just be angling to have house has already caught the eye of a potential buyer,
someone they know move into your neighborhood. he or she might be more willing to come back for a
Add in advertising and signage and you’re going to second look in a less formal setting. An open house
catch the eye of both casual and serious prospective gives that buyer the opportunity to bring friends or
buyers. family along for their opinions. And as a bonus, walking
through an open house provides a visitor with plenty
2. If you are still living there, you can set the scene- of time to look around without feeling rushed- during
your way. When prospective homebuyers stop by your the hours that you choose.
home for a traditional showing, they often do it with By working strategically with your real estate agent to
little notice, which is why it can be stressful keeping schedule and organize a successful open house, you
your home “show ready” for the entire duration that may just get a jump start on that sale.

36 EVENTS

BROKER’S OPEN HOUSE

A broker’s open house is a showing of a property for sale targeted to other real estate agents. A broker’s
open house is not for home buyers but is held for agents to enable them to determine whether a property
may be of interest to any of their clients.

BENEFITS OF A BROKER’S OPEN HOUSE needed to market and sell the property. Agents
Once an agent schedules a broker’s open who tour a property will consider whether it would
house, they will advise their network of industry be a good fit for any of their clients and then
contacts. Usually, food and beverages are offered bring those clients to the property for a private
as an incentive to attend. On the day of the showing in the following few days, especially if
event, visiting agents tour the property with the the broker’s open is well attended. Real estate
selling agent, mingle with colleagues amid the agents hold broker’s opens to generate interest,
refreshments and discuss their opinions on the excitement, and demand for a property to be able
property. Broker’s open houses generally are to sell it for the best possible price. Even if an
scheduled within the first few days of a property offer does not result directly from the broker’s
being put on the market to capitalize on the initial open, it can be valuable as an opportunity to
of interest in the new listing. And, if there is an evaluate how a home compares to other similar
eventual price drop or other change in marketing properties for sale in the same market. The host
methods, a broker may hold another open house realtor can collect feedback from the visiting
to spread the news. realtors on the property’s perceived advantages
and disadvantages and its pricing.
A professionally targeted broker’s open can
reduce the amount of traffic through the listing

COMMITMENT 37

OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU

Our job is to get your home SOLD while taking the COMMUNICATION
stress off your shoulders and walking you through the
complicated selling process. We specialize in selling homes • Provide feedback from showings
and getting those tough deals to the closing table. • Continuous monitoring of marketing results
• Communicate and consult with seller on a regular
PRE-SALE ACTIVITIES
basis
• Research and determine the market value • Respond quickly to all buyer inquiries
• Prepare for signature all documentation • Facilitate the flow of information between buyers and
• Home preparation consultation including list of trade
sellers
professionals who can help prepare your home for sale • Arrange showings when necessary
• Arrange and attend inspections (representing seller’s
NEGOTIATE OFFERS / ACCEPTANCE
interests)
• Develop disclosure packages • Present all offers as received
• Explain ramifications relating to terms
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE MARKETING • Negotiate terms on behalf of seller
• Complete necessary paperwork
• Order yard sign • Organize and tender copies of offer to appropriate
• Take professional photos
• Create a 360° virtual tour and video to post online parties for ratification
• Putlock box on your home
• Enter property listing on Multiple Listing Service (MLS) NEGOTIATE ESCROW
• Enter property listing on the country’s top real estate
• Deliver completed contract to both parties involved in
websites the contract
• Create a compelling brochure highlighting the features
• Deliver completed contract to lender
of the home • Deliver contracts to title company
• Create and distribute a Just Listed postcard • Resolve problems and challenges relating to property
• Create and distribute an open house invitation to
condition
neighbors • Coordinate appraisal appointment
• Promote to Agent network, announce at office • Arrange home warranty (when appropriate)
• Utilize Relocation Referral Network to promote your • Complete necessary paperwork
• Negotiate actual occupancy
home to relocating buyers from around the country • Coordinate actual close date
• Call past clients • Coordinate the closing
• Canvass the neighborhood to invite people to the • Work with seller on organizing utility shut-off
• Attend buyer’s final walkthrough
open house and alert buyers • Resolve any problems or challenges
• Ad spend on multiple platforms • Deliver keys to new owners
• Host Broker’s open house
• Host public open house AFTER ESCROW FOLLOW UP
• Schedule showings and show property to potential
• Work with seller to ensure the transition to new
buyers residence is smooth

• Provide a list of trade professionals who can help with
repairs or upgrades to your new home

• Serve as a resource to your friends and family,
redefining full service

38 SAMPLE FORM

REAL ESTATE SELLING TIMELINE

A TIMELINE Before We List • Sign listing Paperwork
First 5 days • Order HOA Documents
• Schedule Necessary Items (I.e. Staging, photos, video,
Day 5 - 10 Before We List
360 tour)
Day 10 - 15 Live Listing • Photos done
• Video done
Day 15 - 30 Live Listing • Virtual tour done
• Send all things to print, web, and marketing
30 Days After List AND • Listing live on MLS and all property platforms
Every 15 to 30 days after first Live Listing • Mailer sent out
month • Social media ads posted
• All marketing material printed and ready
• Weekend Open Houses Under way
• Showings Under way
• Review feedback

• Review all feedback from the first 30 days, and
evaluate the market to determine a shift



40 BUYER AND SELLER COST LIST

WHO PAYS FOR WHAT?

SALE PRICE TYPICAL COST WHO

APPRAISAL $550 - $650 BUYER
CREDIT REPORT $30 - $75 PER BORROWER BUYER
INSPECTION FEE $350+/VISIT BUYER
LENDER DIRECT - UNDERWRITING FEE $1000-$1200 BUYER
PROCESSING FEE $795 - $895 BUYER
FLOOD CERTIFICATE $50 - $100 BUYER
TAX SERVICE $85 - $200 BUYER
ATTORNEY FEE $600 - $1000+ BOTH
SETTLEMENT CLOSING $250 - $1,000 BUYER
TITLE INSURANCE (BUYER) $50-$150 BUYER
TITLE INSURANCE (SELLER) $50-$150 BUYER
RECORDING FEE $25 - $250 BOTH
STATE TRANSFER TAX $1.50 PER $1,000 SELLER
COUNTY TRANSFER TAX VARIES PER COUNTY SELLER
MUNICIPAL TRANSFER TAX VARIES PER LOCALITY SELLER
SURVEY $500 - $1000 SELLER
TERMITE INSPECTION $40 - $100 BOTH
INTEREST PER DAY LOAN AMOUNT X RATE/365 BUYER
ESCROW TAXES 1-5 MO. (IF APPLICABLE) BUYER
ESCROW INSURANCE 1-5 MO. (IF APPLICABLE) BUYER
TAX PRORATION 105 - 110% OF LAST TAX BILL BUYER

MOVING TIPS 41

MOVING TIPS

01 02 03

Declutter Label Boxes Change Of Address

Go through every room of Be sure to label all of your Go online and complete the
your house and decide what boxes with the room it change of address form with
you’d like to keep and what should go in to make it
easier to organize when USPS
you can donate you’re unloading.

04 05

Moving Company Transfer Utilities

Get at least 3 estimates Utilize the updater app to
and book this transfer your utilities with

at least 30 days out ease

42 WHO TO CALL

WHO TO CALL

We’ve pulled together a list of the businesses you’ll need to call to ensure an easy transition into your new home.
We have an abundance of trusted vendors from painters, general contractors, plumbers, electricians, cleaners, etc.
Just tell us your needs so we can connect you.

COMED COUNTY CLERK

Phone: 1-800-334-7661 Phone: 312-742-5375

Expert Tip: Experience shorter For questions regarding City
wait times from Tuesday to Friday Stickers, Residential Parking
between 11am - 4pm Permits, or Dog Registration

CITY OF CHICAGO WATER MANAGEMENT

Phone: *311 Phone: 312-744-4420

For any questions about garbage and For any questions about garbage
recycling pickup and general and recycling pickup and general
questions questions

PEOPLES GAS

Phone: 866-556-6001

CONTACT IN WEB

https://www.nicorgas.com/contact-us.html

ADDITIONAL CONTACT

“Ask Evan for additional contact
information on the specific area you are
moving out of or into.”

43

44 CLIENTS TESTIMONIALS

Evan was great to work with and very understanding If you have property to sell, I can recommend Evan
of what we were looking for! He made every step of Smeenge without hesitation.
the process easy to understand and he works with a
great team of people as well. Evan made our first home He was very alert to see that my property taxes were
buying experience easy and fun. All around an amazing delinquent, and with that information, contacted me to
experience, that ended with the perfect home for us! ask if I wanted to sell my rental property. I did.

Cristal Tucker During the sales proces he kept me informed throughout.
Even after he made the sale and could have walked away,
My husband and I needed someone who understood our his comission in hand, he did not. He stayed with me
needs, who was communicative, and who could provide and the process to the end, ready to help whenever and
guidance as this was our first time buying. Evan Smeenge wherever needed, until the money from the sale was
was incredibly warm and attentive from our first meeting, safely in my bank account.
and was available to us throughout the process for
questions. His thorough knowledge of the process and You can count on Evan.
of the current market made finding and purchasing our
house possible, and even enjoyable! Dianne Carter - Chicago

Evan Smeenge not only has an incredible amount of He also helped sell my mother in laws home, we listen
knowledge, but brought on an extraordinary team to his advice and sold the house quickly, previously the
including the property inspector and lawyer. His house had been on the market without being able to sell
recommendations for negotiating price and terms of for a year.
purchase were extremely savvy, and I believe our offer
was accepted because of Evan’s recommendation. He D. Kahler
has been consistent with excellent guidance and counsel
at every step.

I would recommend Evan to absolutely anyone looking to
buy in the Chicagoland area.

Sarah Tolan Mee Our Clients Say It Best!

Check out our google and zillow reviews

45

NOTES

THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME TO REVIEW OUR HOME BUYING GUIDE. I
APPRECIATE YOUR TIME. AT THE END OF THE DAY, GOOD ADVICE DOESN’T

COST YOU, IT PAYS YOU!
WE LOOK FORWARD TO BEING YOUR TRUSTED ADVISOR.

Contact

616.879.9934
[email protected]
evansmeenge.com

Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject
to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reflect actual property conditions.
Evan Smeenge is a real estate broker affiliated with Compass, a licensed real estate broker and abides by federal, state, and local Equal Housing Opportunity laws.