If you are buying a home in Grayslake or anywhere throughout Lake County, I will be with you every step of the way. On this page I have included a recap of how I work with you as a buyer plus two other services I offer, New Construction Evaluation if you are considering a new home and Relocation Services if you are moving out of the area.
If you would like to start looking at property now you can call me at 847-987-4941 or send me exactly what you are looking for by filling out a form. Search Form

Need to know more about buying or financing, go to my Real Estate Library for some great articles, tips and tools.

We discuss your needs and wants for your new home. 
I  will ask you questions to clarify all the features you are looking for.
We will determine the areas you are interested in. 
I will use every available to find you the best property (Internet, MLS, print advertising, my contacts with other brokers in the area, past and prospective buyers and sellers, agents in my office, vendors and my special referral sources are all checked).
Once we find the property you want, I'll help you negoiate the best deal possible using all my training and experience. 
I will help you review the financing alternatives availabe including lenders and closing costs. 
I will recommend building inspectors who will help you evaluate the condition of the property that you are buying. 
You will be informed of the progress in the transaction every step of the way. I will accompany you to closing.
I will accompany you on a final inspection of the property just prior to closing to make sure your home is in the same shape as when you purchased it.
I will accompany you to closing. 
After closing, you can use me as a local resource to help you get settled into your new home. I have an extensive list of local service providers if you need someone to do work around your home or maybe you have a question about local amenities.
All of my buyers are signed up for my newsletter which provides useful information after closing.
Feel free to call me for a local real estate update at any time.
If at anytime after you purchase from me your interest rates drop 2% lower than your rate, I will send you a notification and help you review the opportunity for refinancing your mortgage.
I will provide you with an updated market value report if you would ever like one.

Other Buyer Services 
 
New Construction Evaluation-Contact me before you visit any new construction site and I will accompany you at no cost, make recommendations on the most popular options and options and upgrades to avoid
 
Out of Area Information-If you are considering a move outside of my service area, call me and I will put you in touch with a qualified agent in your potential destination. Relocation Information  

Free Information-I have a special page loaded with free reports and essential information to help you with the buying process. The Real Estate Library

Home Selection & Showing
There are many ways to search for properties. Elizabeth has at the tip of her fingers a list of all homes available through the Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois. More than likely this will be the source for your search. There are alternatives through the Internet. Cbchicagoland has all of our listings and Realtor.com has homes currently avialable in the area. Elizabeth will also provide you with our exclusive Home Buyers Magazine which contains all of the current Coldwell Banker listings available. Other ways you may see a home is in newspapers, on a driving tour, builder's models or weekend open houses.

With all of the alternative sources, please make sure to include Elizabeth. At the very least tell the other party you have a Realtor, and hand them Elizabeth's card. This. will ensure you that you will have Elizabeth represent you on an offer to purchase. Please do not go into any builders models with out having Elizabeth accompany you. Builders will not honor a buyers relationship with an agent unless the agent accompanies you on the very first visit.

A few reminders:
1 Give Elizabeth enough time to schedule properly. Some homes require a 24 hour notice or other special instructions to view the home,
2 Be on time. Elizabeth has scheduled with the owners a time range to be at the home.
3 Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to take on and off. Many homes require you to remove your shoes
4 Respect the sellers home, not only will you want the same courtesy some day, but this may be the owner we negotiate with on your behalf. A seller who appreciates the buyer and Elizabeth usually is easier to negotiate, with.
5 Let Elizabeth know all your likes and dislikes. Elizabeth sees hundreds of homes, with the information you pass on, Elizabeth may know the perfect home for you.
6 Bring along your checkbook in case you find your dream home.
7 Have fun! Buying a home should be on of the most exciting events in-your life.

Negotiation Questions
Home Purchase Negotiation
Here are some important questions you should ask and why you should ask them.

I RECOMMEND...
If you will be financing the property, get preapproved for a mortgage prior to making your offer. This will show the seller your commitment and ability to perform. Preapproval can be extremely important.
 
PROPERTY SPECIFIC
How long has the property been on the market?
Why: The length of time a property has been on the market may indicate the seller's willingness to negotiate.
Have there been any price reductions during the listing period?
Why: The amount of any price reduction, as it relates to the overall purchase price, may indicate the seller's desire to attract an offer.
Have there been any other offers on the property?
Why: It will be helpful to
know what offers may have been turned down and for what reasons.
What is the motivation of the seller?
Why: Motivation is a key element in any negotiation. As an example, if the seller has already purchased a new property, your ability to close quickly may be an attractive element of the negotiation.
What personal items are included in the sale?
Why: Anything the seller is willing to leave behind that you won't need to buy when you move in has real value. Consider those items in your offer.

NEIGHBORHOOD SPECIFIC
What is the price range of sold properties in the area?
Why: This information is important since it will indicate the top and bottom of that specific market.
What is the average time on market for properties in this area?
Why: Short market times may indicate a seller's market. If this is the case, you may face competition from other buyers.
What is the list to sale price ratio in this area?
Why: This information will indicate sellers' past willingness to negotiate and by how much.
What other known factors about the property or neighborhood could affect value?
Why: Review the Seller's Disclosure Statement very carefully with your sales associate.
* Depending on the type of agency relationship we have I may not be able to assist you with these specific questions. (Dual agency)

Preparing the Offer to Purchase

Elizabeth has found the house that is perfect for you, now what?

1. If requested Elizabeth will complete a comparative market analysis
2. The property disclosure form will be reviewed and signed
3. Elizabeth will guide you through the offer to purchase contract and fill in all the necessary information.
4. An earnest money check should accompany all offers, typically made out to the listing company.
5. A mortgage pre-approval letter should accompany all offers.
6. Elizabeth will contact the seller's agent to present your offer. (Make sure Elizabeth knows
how to contact you in case of a counter-offer).
7. Once all parties are in agreement, Elizabeth will get your final approval on the contract, and deliver it to the seller's agent for their signatures. Any changes on the original offer must be initial by the buyers before a seller will sign the agreement.
8. Elizabeth will give you a copy of the contract and fax a copy to both your lender and your attorney.
9. You will need to schedule a home inspection. As the purchase contract state, You have five business days for a home inspection.
10. Please contact your attorney after the home inspection to discuss any issues that may have come up.
11. Make sure that both you're attorney and lender have all the necessary paperwork to prepare for the purchase of your new home.
12. Relax, Elizabeth, your attorney, and loan officer, will keep you informed of anything you have to do. Never hesitate to call Elizabeth with any questions or concerns you may have.
13. If you require a moving truck, let me know, I can offer you a moving truck in the area for the day free (up to a $100 value) 
 
Dates to Remember
Contract Date:
Earnest Money Due: 
Home Inspection Finished:  
Attorney Review Finished: 
Mortgage Application Due:
Mortgage Due:
Your Home Must Be Under Contract:
Your Home Must be Closed By:
Final Walk Through:
Closing Date:
Possession Date:
Rent Back Proceeds Received at Closing: