Multiple MLS exposure through InterMLS technology only afforded to InterMLS Inc. agents. InterMLS Inc. on a national level provides its clients the fullest exposure to other Realtors through Multiple Listing Databases in United States.
The average Realtor places your listing into their local MLS giving your property exposure to other Realtors in their neighborhood or geographic area.
InterMLS Inc. agent listings are propagated to every MLS in our network on a nationally scale. InterMLS Inc. Business plan gives your home the most exposure out of any Real estate office in the country. Your listing has the ability to show up on every Realtor database in the country and not simply local MLS’s.
InterMLS Inc. agents are not mandated by set commission rates, dictated by tradition or industry standards, but allowed the independence to negotiate per your needs. Agents have the option of negotiating a fair commission to best service your needs.
Your franchised companies represent a national exposure but in fact are independently owned and operated. The resources of a local Realtor come to the forefront of how your properties were marketed. If you wonder why they charge so much to sell your home simply look at their overhead. The cost of an expensive office to the national and local franchise fees must be passed on to the client.
InterMLS Inc. is a solely owned limited liability company giving you the ability to deal directly with the national company thus saving you money.
InterMLS Inc. Technology Services, a division of InterMLS Inc. LLC in corporation with InterMLS have provided agents with the latest technology in communication giving buyers, sellers and co-operated companies, 24-hour support for all their real estate needs. Our company never closes allowing you complete access to your most important information.
Know that you are in the best hands: Every one of InterMLS Inc.’s agents belong to the largest supporting association in the country (National Association of Realtors
Selling a Home: Tips for a Quick Home Sale
When selling your home, there are a number of steps you can take to accomplish that goal more quickly.
First impressions are lasting. The front door should be fresh and clean, and the yard should be neat and cleared of any toys or debris. Make certain that your home is clean and appealing. If the walls looks dingy, paint or re-paper them. Fix any dripping faucets. They discolor sinks and add to your plumbing repair bills. Fix any loose knobs, sticking doors, windows, and drawers. Failure to do so may be interpreted as a sign of neglect. Bathrooms are a selling point; make certain that everything is shining. Clean and repair bathtub and basin caulking. Clothing and personal items should be put away. Make certain the kitchen and all appliances are spotless. Cluttered rooms look smaller than they are; remove excess furniture. Closets and storage areas can look larger by disposing of items you don't need and storing the rest neatly. Clearing them out now will also help you when you move. If paint on the exterior trim is peeling, it's time to get out the paint brush. Once you get everything in shape, here are some additional points for showing your home:
Before the prospective buyer arrives, create a cheerful atmosphere by opening drapes and curtains. Make certain the temperature is comfortable throughout your home. Avoid having too many people present. Potential buyers may feel like intruders and hurry through. Unless pets are quiet, peaceful and well-behaved, get them out of the way. Soft background music may be acceptable, but turn off blaring stereos, radios and televisions. They can only impede discussions. Silence is golden. Too much talking on your part can only distract from the buyer's inspection of your home. Never apologize for the appearance of your home. After all, it's been lived in. Let your REALTOR® react to comments. It's a good idea to stay in the background -- better yet, get out of the house. Your REALTOR® is trained to sell your house, is familiar with the buyer's needs, and can point out the significant features of your home.
Although some consumers may balk at the thought of borrowing money over the Internet, online mortgages are a viable option for those seeking to refinance their loan. Sites such as E-Loan, Quicken Loans, and LendingTree are just a few of the hundreds of Web-based brokers and banks vying for consumer business.
Typically, the process involves completing an online mortgage application; getting preapproved for financing, (sometimes in just minutes); and awaiting follow-up contact by phone, mail, or the Internet.
Online mortgages contributed only 3 percent to total origination volume in 2001, according to Needham, Mass.-based TowerGroup, but that amount is projected to climb to between 10 percent and 30 percent by 2005.
"Internet shoppers not only get lower cost, they're better able to educate themselves and get better disclosures," says E-LOAN Inc. CEO Chris Larsen. However, he and other mortgage experts agree that consumers must also investigate bricks-and-mortar lenders, as well as Internet sources. They recommend that borrowers use the Web to compare similar mortgage programs, but say it's important they have all of their information--including credit score--ready before actually applying for a loan.
Checking Out Your New Home Performing Your Own Home Inspection
While this form is not intended to be used as a total home inspection, it will give the user sufficient information to make an educated opinion as to the structural and general condition of a property.
Roof Shingles should lay flat. Curved or curled shingles can indicate age, wear and tear. Dips or sways in a roof can indicate weak or cracked rafters or trusses and should be inspected by a competent, licensed rooferbuilder. Flat roofs should not show signs of cracking or seams raised. One thing to be sure a flat roof will leak these will need to be repaired and/or replaced somewhere between 5 to 7 years with few exceptions.
Flashings Flashings or counter flashings problems are generally not apparent to an unskilled eye. If you have a doubt about these contact a builderroofer to take a look!
GuttersDownspouts These should be secure to the facia or trim of the house loose guttering will allow water to seep or run between the gutter and the trim, which can cause future problems. This can easily be corrected. Look for light joints if it is not seamless gutter. There should be a minimum of 4 down spouts, one on each corner of the house they should extend 23 feet away from the foundation of the house.
Chimneys Brick should be checked for soundness, sufficient mortar, properly flashed at the base where it is surrounded by roof. This is an area that often tends to allow leaking.
Brick and Mortar Bricks should still be relatively straight after the settling of a house. If mortar is missing it should be replaced. Severe sagging brick lines should be looked into.
Siding and Trim Wood will need painting at some point. The bottom rows and facia should be checked for soundness and moisture. Mildew indicates moisture problems whether wood, aluminum, vinyl, etc. Rotting wood needs to be replaced. Steel siding may show signs of rust. This can be treated and painted.
Storm Windows & Doors Windows and doors should be checked for ease of operation. Locks should also be checked to make sure they are operable. Doors that open or close on their own, need adjustment. Caulking or seals around doors or windows need to be checked. Heat/air conditioning loss occurs when these seals are poor.
Foundation & Basement Uneven floors could be a sign of settling due to age or it could mean problems with supporting joists. Cracks may need attention. They could indicate other problems. Missing mortar should be replaced. Crawl spaces as well as basements should be inspected. High moisture levels will cause future problems. Water lines on basement walls indicate seepage and leaks. Crawl spaces should have moisture barriers and ventilation as well as insulation.
Interior Rooms Room sizes are very important. Will your current furniture fit comfortably? Walls and floors should be in good condition. Wall color should not be as important paint is reasonable carpeting more expensive. Worn carpet will need replacement maybe sooner than your savings may allow. Moisture spots on ceilings indicate leaks. If repairs have been made find out what kind and who they were repaired by. Check lighting ceiling also there should be sufficient, working outlets. Check all of the windows. Also remember doors that open or close by themselves need adjustment. Floors that squeak can be simple settling and minor separation due to expansion and contraction, or it could mean additional bracing is needed.
Kitchens & Baths All plumbing fixtures should be tested. Dripping faucets cause future larger problems. Also check pipes under cabinets and vanities. If there is moisture these will need attention. Check to see toilets flush properly, running water from the toilet could possibly be something as simple as a kink in the chain or the interior parts may need replacement. Check the water pressure by flushing toilets and turning on the hot and cold water faucets at the same time. Check for shut off valves at all water connections (sinks, tub, or showers, toilets). Water faucet handles should operate with ease. Having to turn the handles too tight will soon need repairing and replacement. If flooring appears weak around toilets, there has probably been a leak either current or in the past.
Kitchen cabinets and counter space are a very important factor in finding the right home. Needs are based largely on one's life style and cooking preferences. There should be sufficient storage for food products as well as table ware, cooking utensils, and linen. Placement of appliances can make cooking a pleasure or a disaster. If the room is too small to accommodate the families' needs and traffic pattern, the family will soon be in each others way
Closets & Storage Should be sufficient to accommodate the family's needs. Shelves as well as rods for hanging items are needed. Check to see rods are secure and are sufficient to handle the proposed weight of your family's personal belongings.
Attics Should be viewed. Is there adequate insulation? Is the attic floored for storage or living space? Are there windows? Does the attic have adequate ventilation? If rafters or trusses are visible, are there signs of weakening, moisture?
Mechanicals Determine the age and size. Are they large enough to provide for the amount of living space in the house. Most furnaces and air conditioners have a life span of 1015 years, if well maintained even longer. However with today's technology, more efficient systems are available. Hot water heaters should be of sufficient size to accommodate the number of people living in the house. A 30 gallon water heater may take care of a couple but a family of 5 could very well run out of hot water, especially with teenagers.
Most homes should have at least 100 amp service to handle today's electrical needs. A 100 amp system uses a oneinch main line, which can be seen leading into the fuse box or circuit breaker system. One will typically find fuses in older homes, breakers in newer. You should make sure the electric service is ample to accommodate today's modern appliances, especially if the current service is 60 amp. 220 wiring is often necessary for some electrical stoves, clothes dryers and air conditioners. If necessary contact an electrician for assistance in determining if the available service will satisfy your family's needs.
Appliances If they are being left with the house that's being sold, remember they are "used" . 1 ) How old are they? 2) Do they appear to have been kept in good condition? Don't base your decision to buy only on the acquisition of nice appliances. Just like a new car sometimes they still break down.
GarageOut building Inspect them as you would the house roof, walls, foundation, floors, electrical, windows, doors.
Wells Often in rural areas the water supply comes from a shared well or privately owned well on the property. The well water should be tested for content prior to closing.
Septic The property may also not be hooked to the city sewers, but will have a septic tank instead. Of major concern is the size and the location. There are regulations on how close to water system a septic may be placed. Older septic systems may not be in compliance with the new regulations. Are there sufficient laterals to drain away the residue water from the tank? Wet ground around the area of the tank, or a sewage smell could indicate problems. These are a few suggestions to help keep your septic operating efficiently. The use of a garbage disposal helps keep bacteria in the tank. Limit the use of bleach which destroys bacteria. Use white toilet paper, colored paper does not break down and could cause a clog in the lines. Well and septic systems are best left to professional inspections. The cost will be money well spent.
Yards, fencing, shrubbery, sidewalks, drives Should be pleasing to the eye. Sidewalks, driveways and fencing can be expensive to repair or replace. Changing landscaping due to dying shrubs can also be costly. Large trees with branches hanging over the house, garage or drive could be future hazards, large limbs falling on the house, garage, your car. Older trees with dead branches should be pruned.
Energy Efficiency In a home that is not energy efficient, your winter heating bills could be higher than your mortgage payment. Take the time to check these items:
Last year's heating and cooling bills. Don't be shy about asking for bills or canceled checks. And find out whether any other heater sources, like space heaters, were used. Furnace. Check with the seller's fuel dealer or consider having a furnace inspection to verify the condition of the furnace and whether it's adequate for the size of the house. Insulation. New homes should have 6" of insulation in the walls and under the floor, and about 12" to 18" in the ceiling. For older homes, ask if any insulation has been added.
When inspecting each house, go through it slowly and carefully. Keep notes. Write down the likes and dislikes of each property as well as the condition of each on the checklist provided. Note any items that appear will need repairs or replacement. If a Polaroid is available, attach a picture to each description so you can better evaluate each property.
The home you select should meet all or the majority of your needs. Take into consideration those items which are very important to you as well as those things you're not crazy about but can either live with or you and your family have the skill to change economically.
By using this process, you will find a sound and comfortable home that will service your family's needs for years to come
WHY USE A REALTOR?
Why Use a Realtor® When I Can Sell the Home Myself?
Realtors® are trained to buy and sell real estate and to look after your interests.
Realtors® abide by their Code of Ethics- a standard of behavior exceeding requirements for state licensing.
Realtors® have specialized knowledge to market and advertise your home to potential buyers.
Realtors® have access to the most complete available listings of homes in the community and neighborhood.
Realtors® know about the community- including its neighborhoods, schools, taxes, utilities, and government.
Realtors® are specially trained to assist buyers in finding the home they want.
Realtors® can save you time, energy, and headaches by handling the paperwork and guiding you through the legal aspects of buying and selling.
Realtors® know about home financing and can help determine what price range you should look at, what you need to get a loan, ways to increase down payments and alternative financing sources.
Realtors® are skilled negotiators who can help you get the best possible price.
Realtors® have a network- more than 36,000 Realtors in Illinois alone- to help you find a home or a buyer for your current home.
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