Who You Hire Matters More Than Ever

Buying or Selling a Home? Who You Hire Truly Matters.

Buying or selling a home is likely one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. The process can be exciting — but also complex, emotional, and time-sensitive. Without the right agent by your side, it can quickly become overwhelming.

That’s why who you hire matters more than ever.

Having a trusted real estate advisor who has successfully navigated dozens (if not hundreds) of transactions ensures you have the accurate information, strong negotiation, and local expertise needed to make the best decision for your future.

At Home Collective™, our goal is simple: to help you find an agent who is the right fit for you — someone who not only understands your goals but is equipped to help you reach them.

What to Look for in a Buyer’s Agent

If you’re buying your first home or upgrading to your next, the right agent makes all the difference. Here are key questions to ask:

Experience and Expertise

• How long have you been working as a real estate agent?
• How many buyers have you helped in the past year?
• Do you specialize in certain neighborhoods or price points?

Market Knowledge

• How do you stay updated on market trends?
• Can you share insights on days-on-market and pricing for my target area?

Process and Strategy

• How do you help buyers identify the right home?
• What is your approach to determining a fair offer price?
• How do you handle multiple-offer situations?

Communication and Availability

• How often will we communicate?
• What’s your preferred method — text, email, or phone?
• Are you available evenings or weekends for showings?

Network and Resources

• Do you have trusted partners for mortgage pre-approval, inspections, or repairs?
• Can you connect me with off-market opportunities not yet on the MLS?

These questions will give you a clear sense of your agent’s qualifications, approach, and how they’ll guide you from the first showing to the closing table.

What to Ask Before Listing Your Home

When it’s time to sell, experience, presentation, and strategy matter. Before you list, ask your prospective agent:

Experience and Track Record

• How many homes have you sold this year?
• What’s your average list-to-sale price ratio?
• Do you have references from past clients?

Marketing and Presentation

• How do you handle home staging and professional photography?
• What is your marketing plan to reach the right buyers?
• Which social channels or online platforms do you leverage?

Strategy and Communication

• How will you determine the best price for my home?
• How will you keep me updated during the process?
• Do you have a team supporting the sale, or do you handle everything personally?

Negotiation and Closing

• What’s your approach to handling offers?
• How do you manage closing timelines and buyer negotiations?

Why Home Collective™

At Home Collective™, we’re redefining what a real estate experience should be. Rooted in community, driven by data, and powered by personal connection, our team brings more than 20 years of combined experience and over $350 million in real estate sold across Chicagoland.

We’re proud to be ranked in the Top 1% of real estate teams nationwide (Wall Street Journal) and recognized as Notable Realtors by Crain’s Chicago Business.

But beyond the numbers, our mission is simple: to help every client move forward with confidence, clarity, and excitement for what comes next.

For us, real estate is deeply personal. Every home represents a milestone, and every transaction is handled with integrity, transparency, and care.

If you’re considering buying or selling this year, remember — who you hire matters.

Let’s make your next move your best one yet.
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