2015 Seller Presentation - Wisconsin

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local

WHAT DOES LOCAL MEAN TO YOU? To @properties,

local means friends you can count on, neighbors you can trust, and businesses you go out of your way to support.

Local means the barista knows your drink, the dry cleaner knows your name and the clerk at the convenience store is happy to loan you a buck. And when it comes to selling real estate, local means every home, on every block, in every neighborhood is unique, and each deserves the attention, care and consideration only a local company can offer.

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@properties is a local company – locally owned and independent. And that means every resource we develop, every dollar we invest, every decision we make is driven by the desire to create value for you.

LOCAL DOESN’T MEAN SMALL. LOCAL MEANS AGILE, RESPONSIVE, COMMITTED AND STRONG.

Local means highest selling price, shortest market time and finest service. @properties is, was and always will be about the best local agents/brokers, using the best local resources, to achieve the best outcome for your local real estate needs. THAT’S LOCAL.

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leader

@properties’ focus on the local market has made us a leader in the Chicagoland area and in the industry. IN 15 SHORT YEARS, WE’VE BECOME THE #1 REAL ESTATE COMPANY IN THE CITY OF CHICAGO, THE FASTESTGROWING BROKERAGE IN THE NORTHERN SUBURBS

Being a leader also comes with responsibility. It means moving the industry forward by sharing best practices, serving in positions of leadership with the local REALTORS® association, and giving back to the community through the @gives back community fund.

AND ONE OF THE 30 LARGEST BROKERAGE FIRMS IN AMERICA.

But for @properties, leading has far less to do with numbers and far more to do with innovation. Technology changes, markets change, expectations change. So we never stop changing. Innovation permeates everything we do, from building the most sophisticated website to introducing new services to sourcing new marketing channels. Innovation is the heartbeat of our business.

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LOCAL. LEADER. For @properties, the two go hand in

hand and assure our clients receive the most rewarding experience in real estate.

SOURCE: MRED, LLC, #1 RANKING BASED ON MARKET SHARE FOR OVERALL CLOSED VOLUME 2014, REALTRENDS 2014.

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next generation brokerage

• The resources we provide our agents/brokers enable them to do their jobs better and more efficiently

• Our outstanding performance under a variety of market conditions

• Our clients’ desire to work with a local company that is committed to local interests

• Our professionalism in all aspects of our business

• The exceptional level of communication between company, agents/brokers and clients

• The positive energy and attitude that results from all of the above

• The unparalleled service we give our clients

Each day, we break new ground by attracting the best and most professional agents/brokers and the most astute clients in Lake Geneva and the Wisconsin area.

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our story

@properties was established in 2000, and IN LESS THAN A DECADE GREW FROM A FOUR-PERSON BOUTIQUE OFFICE TO MORE THAN 1,500 LICENSED AGENTS/ BROKERS PRODUCING MORE THAN $5.5 BILLION IN ANNUAL SALES VOLUME. Since our inception,

we have brokered approximately 60,000 transactions valued at more than $25 billion. @properties is also Chicago’s new construction sales leader having sold more than 5,500 new homes and condominiums in 160 developments valued in excess of $2.2 billion.

In addition to Residential Brokerage and Development Marketing, @properties has full-service divisions for Commercial Brokerage, Residential and Commercial Property Management, Relocation, Rental Services, Foreclosures, Short Sales and Institutional Bank Advisory Services.

LINCOLN PARK BUILDERS CLUB IMPACT AWARD

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ESTABLISHED

2000

TOTAL SALES VOLUME SINCE INCEPTION

$25 BILLION

TOTAL # UNITS SOLD SINCE INCEPTION

60,000

TOTAL # DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS SOLD

160

DIVISIONS

OFFICES

AFFILIATIONS

HONORS

RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE, DEVELOPMENT SALES AND MARKETING, COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE, PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, RELOCATION, INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES, RENTAL

RIVER NORTH/RIVER WEST, STREETERVILLE/GOLD COAST, LINCOLN PARK, LAKEVIEW, UPTOWN, BUCKTOWN, BARRINGTON, ELMHURST, EVANSTON, GLENVIEW, HIGHLAND PARK, LAKE FOREST, LIBERTYVILLE, OAK PARK, WINNETKA, NEW BUFFALO, MI, ST. JOSEPH, MI, & LAKE GENEVA, WI LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD, RELO DIRECT, LUXURY PORTFOLIO®, THE INSTITUTE FOR LUXURY HOME MARKETING INC. 500, INC. 5000, CRAIN’S FAST 50, CRAIN’S 40 UNDER 40, CRAIN’S LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD COS., INMAN INNOVATOR, REALTRENDS TOP 50, CHICAGO ENTREPRENEURSHIP HALL OF FAME, INMAN 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL REAL ESTATE LEADERS, LINCOLN PARK BUILDERS CLUB IMPACT AWARD, CHICAGO AGENT 2010 AGENT CHOICE AWARD - BEST BROKERAGE WEBSITE, LEADING REAL ESTATE COMPANIES OF THE WORLD 1ST PLACE COMPANY BRAND ADVERTISING LEADING RE 1ST PLACE PROPERTY ADVERTISING, LOYOLA UNIVERSITY CHICAGO - 2012 DAMEN AWARD, 2013 ERNST & YOUNG’S ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (REGIONAL AWARD)

SOURCE: CITY OF CHICAGO AND NORTHERN ILLINOIS RANKINGS BASED ON BROKERMETRICS/MRED LLC FOR 1/1/14-12/12/14. NATIONAL RANKING BASED ON REALTRENDS 500 FOR 1/1/14-12/12/14.

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hands-on leadership

In the past 15 years, @properties’ co-founders Michael Golden and Thaddeus Wong have built one of the most recognized brands in real estate while helping to reshape and modernize the local brokerage industry.

To support high transaction volume with an equally high level of service, they built a deep organizational infrastructure that includes robust marketing, IT and administrative functions.

Golden and Wong first teamed up in the mid 1990s.

Highly creative and energetic entrepreneurs, Golden and Wong have created a corporate culture that attracts high-caliber agents/brokers and staff and fosters teamwork and performance. They have also built a large philanthropic network under the umbrella of the @gives back Community Fund.

THEY SET SALES RECORDS AND CONSISTENTLY RANKED AMONG THE TOP 1 PERCENT OF THE CHICAGO ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ÂŽ 12,500 MEMBERS. At @properties, they paired traditional

brokerage services with cutting edge technology and marketing, and became a driving force in real estate.

THADDEUS WONG & MICHAEL GOLDEN CO-FOUNDERS OF @PROPERTIES

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we never stop - marketing, learning, showing, selling, communicating, innovating, caring, working for you

One of @properties’ most important goals is to field the most professional corps of agents/brokers in real estate. To achieve that goal, we place a strong emphasis on agent/broker education and training. We offer a full curriculum of seminars and classes covering topics ranging from effective negotiation to new technologies.

We also provide continuing education for agents/brokers pursuing specialty designations, and offer a popular improv workshop specially designed to help agents/ brokers refine their communication and selling skills. @properties also employs performance coaches who assist agents/brokers in developing advanced skills and detailed marketing plans in order to better serve you.

@PROPERTIES BROKER EDUCATION PROGRAMS:

• Negotiating in Today’s Market • State of the Current Lending Environment • Writing Ironclad Contracts • Creative Marketing Tactics • Social Media Marketing • Predictive Pricing and Listing to Sell • Brokering Short Sales • Advanced Negotiating Techniques • Foreclosures: How to Get Offers Accepted • What to Know About Appraisals • Broker Metrics • Improv Workshop • Contracts that Close • Real Estate & Technology • Luxury Home Marketing • What To Do Now • Getting What You’re Worth • Ninja Sales Training

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a market within a market

@properties not only markets your home through universal channels such as the Internet, print advertising, the Multiple Listing Service and signage, we also market internally to our highly collaborative sales force of more than 1,500 agents/brokers – each with a broad sphere of influence that forms a rich source of prospects, buyers and referrals.

This “market within a market” results in the most efficient transaction environment in Chicago and Wisconsin real estate. IN FACT, ALMOST A THIRD OF @PROPERTIESBROKERED TRANSACTIONS OCCUR BETWEEN AN @PROPERTIES BUYER AND AN @PROPERTIES SELLER, an unusually high ratio of intra-office sales and

a testament to the power of the @properties network.

A MARKET WITHIN A MARKET: 1: AGENT ACTIVATES LISTING 2: @PROPERTIES AGENT NETWORKS WITH OUR SALES FORCE OF OVER 1,500 AGENTS 3: PROPERTY IS SOLD

1

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2

3

@gent app

Leveraging @properties’ “market within a market,” our agents/brokers use a customized app for companywide communication. The @gent App connects @properties buyers and sellers, allowing our agents/ brokers to market your home more effectively to our powerful internal network. That means more exposure for your home, even before it’s listed. IN FACT, A NUMBER OF @PROPERTIES LISTINGS SELL BEFORE THEY HIT THE BROADER MARKET BECAUSE OF THE INTERNAL EXPOSURE THROUGH THE APP ALONE. THE @GENT APP CONNECTS TO A KNOWLEDGE BASE OF MORE THAN 1,500 AGENTS/BROKERS, WHICH MAKES IT A GREAT RESOURCE FOR RECOMMENDATIONS ON EVERYTHING FROM VENDORS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES. NO MATTER THE REQUEST, WE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO SHARE OUR EXPERTISE WITH YOU.

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luxury portfolio international®

@properties is an exclusive member of Luxury Portfolio International®, the luxury marketing division of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®. LeadingRE is the world’s largest network of independent brokerage firms. LAST YEAR, ITS AFFILIATES SOLD NEARLY ONE MILLION HOMES WORTH $250 BILLION, MORE THAN ANY NATIONAL REAL ESTATE BRAND.

Luxury Portfolio connects @properties’ clients to a global marketplace of high-end homebuyers through an awardwinning website, far-reaching ad campaign, Luxury Portfolio® magazine, the LuxeTrends® monthly e-newsletter, and the award-winning LuxeChatter® blog.

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MOST US $1 MILLION+ LISTINGS 00 60

00

7500

75 0

0

10 5

12000

12 0

00

luxuryportfolio.com

6000 4500

LuxuryPortfolio.com

3000

SothebysRealty.com ChristiesRealEstate.com

1500

ColdwellBankerPreviews.com

0

TOTAL > $1 MILLION SOURCE: MINTEL INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE SURVEY Q4 2014

LUXURY PORTFOLIO® INTERNATIONAL IS TRULY LUXURY. 85% OF LISTINGS ARE PRICED AT OR ABOVE $1 MILLION. 100% 80% LuxuryPortfolio.com

60% 40%

GLOBAL % ≥ $1M

20% 0%

GLOBAL % < $1M SOURCE: MINTEL INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE SURVEY Q4 2014

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relocation and referral services

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Whether it’s a new job, or the chance to be closer to family and friends, we know there are any number of reasons for relocating. We also know that no matter how exciting the opportunities are, the experience of relocating can be stressful. That’s why @properties Relocation has brought together the best people and practices to make your relocation experience enjoyable and comfortable.

assistance destination services and corporate inventory management. For the agents/brokers of @properties Relocation, corporate relocation is not a sidebar but a career choice that offers the opportunity for professional growth and personal fulfillment. Our relocation agents/ brokers are successful, passionate about their work, and well versed in the intricacies of the practice, all of which ensure a superior client experience from start to finish.

@properties’ Relocation team is made up of a select group of agents/brokers who are chosen based on their skill and experience in representing transferring professionals and their families. All team members are required to earn @properties’ internal @relocation designation.

The curriculum covers general relocation concepts as well as specific units on marketing assistance, rental

@properties Relocation has fostered a strong network of referral connections across the United States. We have the most reliable network to take care of your real estate needs.

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relocation and referral services

RELOCATION COMPANIES* WE WORK WITH: ADP Relocation

Global Mobility Solutions

Pearce Plus Relocation

Relocations West, Inc.

Aires Relocation

Graebel Relocation Services

Plus Relocation Services

Residential Properties, Ltd.

Altair Global Relocation

Great Lakes Relocation

Promisor Relocation

Royal LePage Relocation

Bristol Global Mobility

Lexicon Relocation

Prudential Relocation

SIRVA Relocation

Brookfield GRS Relocation

Mobility Services International

Quantum Relocation

The MIGroup

Capital Relocation

Moving Station

RELO Direct

TRC Global Solutions

CARTUS

NEI Global Relocation

Relocation Associates

Vertice Relocation

Continuum Relocation

NRI Relocation

Relocation Decisions

Weichert Relocation Resources

Cornerstone Relocation

NuCompass Mobility

Relocation Synergy Group

WHR Group, Inc.

FAS Relocation

Paragon Global Resources

Relocation Today, Inc.

Xonex Relocation

*Partial lists, common names, no exclusivity intended.

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CORPORATIONS* WE WORK WITH: Abbott Labs

Adidas

Admiral at the Lake ADP AEP AJ Wright Alfa Laval, Inc. Allstate

Amazon.com

Amcol Ameren Corporation American Eagle Outfitters

American Express

American Honda Motors Ameriprise Financial

AON

Astellas

Bank of America

Bausch & Lomb Baxter Baylor Health System Beam Global Biomerieux Black Rock Inc BlueCross BlueShield BNSF Railway Company

Boeing Bosch

BP

Bridgestone Retail Operations Capital One Services Caterpillar Inc. Catlin CCC Information Systems CDW Cenveo Citadel Citicorp Clarcor Clark Construction Group

Coca-Cola

Colgate Comerica Bank Compass Group ConAgra Foods Constellation Energy Continental Airlines Corn Products International Craen Co Crate and Barrel Credit Suisse

Crossmark Danaher-Leica Microsystems Dean Foods Company

Illinois Tool Works Isituform Technologies J.C. Penney

Dep of Veterans Affairs DeVry Ebay, Inc. Effem Eli Lilly and Company EMC Corporation Emerson Enterprise Holdings Ericsson, Inc. Erie Insurance

Jump Trading KAO Brands KeHE Distributors, LLC Kellogg Company Klein Tools Kone

Deloitte

Ernst & Young

Farah Fan Steel FBI FDA Gov Federal Reserve Bank, Richmod Fidelity Investments FINRA First Energy FMC Technology

FORD

Forest One Pharmaceuticals G&W Electric Gap General Electric Company General Growth Properties General Mills General Motors Getco Global Risk & Analytics Goldman Sachs Goodrich Corp

Google

Government Grainger Griffith Labs Hallmark Cards, Inc. Hartford Financial Heineken USA Hendrickson HH Gregg Honeywell Hospira Hewlett-Packard Huntington Bank Hyatt

IBM

IKEA

JP Morgan Chase

Kraft

LA Life Land O’lakes Liberty Mutual Group Lilly Livingston International Loreal Macys

Marriott

Masco Corp McCormick McGraw Hill McKesson Mead Johnson Nutrition Mercer Merck Michelin Micron Technology Millennium Pharmaceuticals Mosaic

Motorola

Munich ReInsurance Mylan Nationwide Insurance Navistar Neopost Nestlé USA & Global Northwestern Memorial Hospital Novo Nordisk Inc. Nuveen Investments O’Reilly Automotive, Inc. Ocean Spray Office Max Pella

PepsiCo, Inc.

PetSmart Pfizer Pricewaterhouse Coopers USA

Proctor & Gamble Promius Pharma PSS World Medical

Reynolds Packaging Rite Aid Ryerson, Inc. Salesforce.com SAPA Group

SC Johnson

Schneider Electric Scotia Bank SIRVA Steelcase, Inc. Stephan Company Subaru Sunovion Swiss RE TDK Corporation Tellalabs Tesoro Petroleum The Admiral at the Lake The Clare The Mather South The William Carter Company

Time Warner Cable T-Mobile Toyota True Value Trustmark Companies Tyson

United Airlines

US Food Services US Gypsum USFS USG U.S. Social Security Administration Valspar Corporation Veolia Vest Asia VI Corporation

VISA

Vulcan Materials W.W. Grainger, Inc. Walgreen Company Wal-Mart WellCare Health Plans, Inc. Wells Fargo

Whirlpool

Wilson Sporting Goods Co. Woodward Governor Wrigley Wyndermere Yale University

*Partial lists, common names, no exclusivity intended.

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LEEDing the way in green real estate

The rapidly emerging green home movement, which takes a sustainable approach to the way homes are built, maintained, bought and sold, is already having a profound and positive effect on Chicagoland and Lake Geneva/Wisconsin real estate. Within the brokerage community, @PROPERTIES LEADS THE WAY IN SUSTAINABLE

REAL

ESTATE

EDUCATION

AND

PRACTICE. A NUMBER OF @PROPERTIES AGENTS/ BROKERS HOLD ONE OR MORE GREEN REAL ESTATE DESIGNATIONS including EcoBroker ®, the NAR

Green designation from the National Association of REALTORS® and the LEED™ -AP designation from the U.S. Green Building Council.

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In addition, @properties is represented in leadership positions within Chicago’s Sustainable Real Estate Alliance and the NAR Green RESource Council.

Whether you’re buying or selling a green home, doing research on green contractors or looking into the availability of special tax-rebate and grant programs, there is an @properties green REALTOR® with the expertise to assist you.

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@gives back community fund

PHILANTHROPY HAS ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE @PROPERTIES CULTURE, and the @gives back

Community Fund, a 501(c)(3), creates a formal vehicle through which we can conduct our extensive charitable outreach. Each year, we identify several beneficiary organizations in the areas of youth development, education and sheltering the homeless. Recent and past beneficiaries include Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Arc Foundation, Deborahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Place, Barrel of Monkeys, Community Partners for Affordable Housing and Off the Street Club.

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Additionally, @properties has raised money for local, national and international charities and relief efforts.

By sponsoring and supporting philanthropic activities, @properties provides an outlet for our agents/brokers, employees and friends to make a positive impact on thousands of lives throughout the community.

Lincoln Park

Sunday, September 30, 2007

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an ever-expanding client base

@properties has grown to include a number of divisions, all of which have the potential to benefit our core residential clients through lead generation and referrals. @PROPERTIES RELOCATION @properties Relocation, our corporate relocation division, serves as an important source of prospective buyers for your home. We hold preferred-vendor status with a number of the world’s premier relocation companies, broker-to-broker referral services, and national and international corporations with major operations in Chicago. As a result, many companies turn to @properties first when assisting employees who are relocating to the area. @properties Relocation is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World®, RELO Direct®, the Corporate Relocation Council of Chicago, Relocation Directors Council and Worldwide ERC®. @PROPERTIES COMMERCIAL @properties Commercial offers sales, leasing and investment advisory services to commercial real estate clients including landlords, tenants, investors and institutions covering a range of asset classes.

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@PROPERTIES PROPERTY MANAGEMENT @properties Property Management is a full-service commercial and residential management firm overseeing a diverse portfolio of condominium and townhome communities, apartment buildings, office buildings, industrial properties and retail properties throughout Chicagoland. @PROPERTIES INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES GROUP @properties Institutional Services Group (ISG) provides a full spectrum of services, including asset management, property management and brokerage, to institutional owners and investors of distressed and bank-owned (REO) real estate. @PROPERTIES DEVELOPER SERVICES @properties is Chicago’s No. 1 brokerage firm for the sales and marketing of new construction and condominium conversion developments. Since our inception, we have successfully marketed more than 160 Chicago developments comprising more than 5,500 residential units valued at more than $2.2 billion. @PROPERTIES RENTAL DIVISION @properties Rental Division is a full-service team of experienced leasing professionals concentrating on high-end luxury rental opportunities throughout Chicago and the suburbs.

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EXPOSURE IS @properties’ marketing programs are built around EXPOSURE: exposure through a network of more than 1,500 @properties agents/brokers and their corresponding spheres of influence; through an inhouse marketing department with full print and digital capabilities; and through an exhaustive catalog of online, mass media and grass roots marketing initiatives – all tailored to address the specific challenges and opportunities related to selling your home.

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More exposure means more page views, more phone calls and more showing requests, and that ultimately means shorter market times and higher overall selling prices. OUR FULLY INTEGRATED PROGRAMS ARE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE IN THE INDUSTRY AND SHOWCASE YOUR HOME TO THE LARGEST AUDIENCE OF POTENTIAL BUYERS.

EVERYTHING • atproperties.com

• NS Magazine

• Realtor.com (Enhanced Listings)

• Ultimate Address

• Zillow.com (Enhanced Listings)

• Sheridan Road

• Trulia.com (Enhanced Listings)

• Forest & Bluff

• YouTube.com

• Barrington Country

• Yahoo! Real Estate

• Wall Street Journal

• MSN.com

• Lake Geneva Regional News

• Frontdoor.com powered by HGTV

• At The Lake

• Hotpads.com

• Crain’s Digital

• Oodle.com

• Direct Mail

• Cyberhomes.com

• Seller Reports

• ReloHomeSearch.com

• E-blasts

• Syndication to hundreds of Real Estate Websites

• @ to @ - “Market Within A Market” - @gent App

• Multiple Listing Service (MLS)

• @properties Relocation Division

• Professional Photography and Video

• “Love Where You’re @” Campaign

• Signage

• @gives back Community Fund

• Custom Property Brochures

• Leading Real Estate Companies of the World™

• Pioneer Press

• Luxury Portfolio® International

• North Shore Weekend

• Public Relations

• CS Magazine (Chicago Social)

• New Ideas Every Day!

@PROPERTIES DOES MORE TO MARKET YOUR HOME - BOTH ONLINE AND OFFLINE – THAN ANY OTHER BROKERAGE FIRM.

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online exposure

According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 90 PERCENT OF TODAY’S HOMEBUYERS USE THE

• Enhanced listings that filter to the top of search results on popular home search portals including:

INTERNET IN THEIR SEARCH, which means that a

o Realtor.com

360° digital marketing strategy is paramount to getting maximum exposure for your home. @properties markets your home across the Internet with an award-winning website, customized property domains, web-optimized photography and video, enhanced listings on the leading real estate search portals, targeted email marketing, online classifieds and syndication to hundreds of additional websites.

o Zillow.com

o Trulia.com

• atproperties.com • Property-specific domain names (www.YourAddressGoesHere.info) • Email marketing database of 200,000 with new contacts added daily

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• Syndication to hundreds of real estate websites

syndication of online listings

@properties’ in-house IT department works closely with these syndication platforms to implement small changes that make big differences in how your home is viewed online.

One example is the handling of photo files. Setting the optimal photo resolution for sites like Trulia helps boost a home’s placement in search results leading to more views.

HOW SYNDICATION WORKS:

®

®

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atproperties.com

@properties’ website features powerful search, user friendly design and local market information to showcase your home in a contextual format preferred by today’s buyers. Because atproperties.com is a complete real estate resource, BUYERS SPEND MORE TIME ON THE SITE AND

• Map Data displaying area amenities including transportation, schools and local businesses

RETURN MORE OFTEN.

• Local real estate market data including neighborhood market conditions and detailed market reports

Atproperties.com is where you’ll reach more homebuyers with features like: • Ability to search ALL properties in the MLS • @properties listings filter to top of search results • Photo gallery with up to 25 color photos and large-format slideshow • Web-optimized video • Detailed property description • Google Maps integration • @home broker with personalized search criteria and “new listing” auto-alerts • @home report

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• Local school information powered by Education.com • Local business reviews powered by Yelp • Area news feed powered by Outside.in

• Overviews of dozens of neighborhoods and towns • Price change and property status alert options • Automated showing requests • Downloadable brochures • Open house feature • Saved searches and “favorites” • “Forward to a friend” • Mortgage payment calculator • Website Quality Certification – Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® • Chicago Agent Magazine Agent’s Choice Award Best Brokerage website

@PROPERTIES APP

MOBILE WEBSITE

@PROPERTIES LISTINGS DISPLAY FIRST AMONG SEARCH RESULTS WHEN BUYERS CONDUCT HOME SEARCHES ON ATPROPERTIES.COM.

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over 200,000 registered users + 800,000 total contacts

With the explosion in online home searches, almost any home for sale can be viewed on the Internet. So why is @properties one of the few companies to require users to register for access to online property searches? Because we don’t just want lookers. We want buyers.

Our emphasis on pre-qualification and active lead management has allowed us to build a database of 200,000 registered users and more than 800,000 total contacts, with prospects added every day. BY CONVERTING LOOKERS TO LEADS AND LEADS TO BUYERS, WE’RE ABLE TO GENERATE MORE SHOWING ACTIVITY AND A SHORTER MARKET TIME FOR YOUR HOME.

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LISTING YOUR PROPERTY WITH @PROPERTIES: 1: SIGNS AND SEARCH ENGINE MARKETING ADS DIRECT BUYERS TO WEBSITE

1

2: BUYERS REGISTER TO CONDUCT HOME SEARCH

2

3: REGISTERED BUYERS ASSIGNED TO AGENTS 4: AGENTS CAPTURE LEADS AND FOLLOW UP

3

4

@PROPERTIES IS ONE OF THE FEW COMPANIES TO REQUIRE USERS TO REGISTER FOR ACCESS TO ONLINE PROPERTY SEARCHES BECAUSE WE DON’T JUST WANT LOOKERS, WE WANT BUYERS.

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property-specific domains

Every @properties listing receives its own domain name, which is prominently displayed in print advertising and on “For Sale” signs, property brochures and “Just Listed” postcards. The domain re-directs to your home’s listing detail page on the @properties website so that interested buyers can pull up photos and property information in one easy step. @properties also indexes the domain with top search engines including Google and Bing for improved search engine optimization.

lake geneva

Anne Proper

269.469.0700 . anneproper@atproperties com

123lakegeneva.info PROPERTY SIGN WITH CUSTOM PROPERTY DOMAIN

EVERY @PROPERTIES LISTING RECEIVES ITS OWN DOMAIN NAME. THE DOMAIN DIRECTS INTERESTED HOMEBUYERS TO YOUR HOME’S LISTING DETAIL PAGE ON THE @PROPERTIES WEBSITE.

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photography and video

The #1, most important marketing tool for selling a home today is professional photography. In fact, homes marketed with photography and video are seven times more likely to be viewed than comparable homes and are perceived, on average, as 12% more valuable*. That’s why every single @properties listing includes a professional photography package, optimized for both print and web to show your home in the best possible light. For all @properties listings that are more than $500,000, we provide an interactive floor plan showcasing the property’s layout. This level of detail educates potential buyers and further differentiates your home from other properties in the marketplace.

1234 main street lake geneva, wi 53147

Lake Geneva

• Architectural photography services through industry leader VHT Studios • Minimum of eight still photos and 30-second video tour • Interactive floor plans for homes over $500,000 • Video home tours available • High resolution photos • Optimized with proper size and format for print and online marketing • Distribution to atproperties.com, Realtor.com, MRED (Multiple Listing Service), LuxuryPortfolio.com and YouTube • Virtual Staging, BlueSky and ClearShot upgrades for enhanced presentation • A rea map integration • Full screen slide show viewing

EVERY @PROPERTIES LISTING FEATURES A PROFESSIONALLY SHOT PHOTO GALLERY AND VIDEO TOUR OPTIMIZED FOR PRINT AND WEB.

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enhanced online exposure

With thousands of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin homes displayed on dozens of websites, it’s easy to get lost in the crowd. That’s why @PROPERTIES INVESTS HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS A YEAR TO ENHANCE LISTINGS ON THE LEADING REAL ESTATE WEB PORTALS

including Realtor.com, Zillow/Yahoo and Trulia.

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Enhanced listings ensure that homes listed with @properties are returned ahead of other properties in search results. They also include more photos, detailed property descriptions and attention-getting banners.

Enhanced online listings are one of the most important benefits @properties’ clients receive.

.COM

EVERY REAL ESTATE FIRM’S LISTINGS ARE ON THESE SITES, BUT NOT EVERY FIRM’S LISTINGS ARE ENHANCED.

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atproperties.com – @home report

@properties understands how important it is to keep you informed at every stage of the sales process.

That’s why @properties sellers receive the @home report, which provides a data snapshot of your home, comparable properties and your local market. The @home report includes web stats detailing everything from how many times your home has been viewed on our website and the number of days it has been on the market, to the most current market activity for similar homes in your neighborhood.

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WE ARE THE ONLY LOCAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE FIRM WITH THIS TECHNOLOGY, GIVING @PROPERTIES SELLERS A DISTINCT ADVANTAGE IN THE MARKETPLACE.

Your Team: Anne Proper Phone: 847.295.0700

@PROPERTIES HOME REPORT TRACKS WEB TRAFFIC TO YOUR PROPERTY GENERATED THROUGH OUR WEBSITE ATPROPERTIES.COM AND OTHER LEADING SYNDICATION PORTALS.

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.COM

The official website of the National Association of REALTORS®, Realtor.com receives approximately 20 million unique visitors per month.

• Area map

enhanced

• Request a showing

• Approximately 20 million unique visitors per month

• Link to video tour

• @properties Featured Listings display at the top of search results ahead of other properties

• Open house feature

• Attention-getting showcase banner featured on all listings

• Social media integration

• Up to 25 color photos • Detailed property description

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• Neighborhood information • School reports • Mortgage calculator

• Seller reports with graphs and statistics • iPhone app with more than 1 million downloads

1234 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Anne Proper

Phone: (262) 555-1234

AGENT’S NAME AND CONTACT INFO IS INCLUDED ON ALL @PROPERTIES LISTINGS.

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Zillow draws an average of more than 31 million unique visitors per month with powerful home search, neighborhood information and the popular Zestimate® home valuation estimator.

enhanced • 31.7 million unique visitors per month • Showcase listing on front page displaying at least one @properties listing for any search in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

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• Attention-getting showcase banner featured on all listings • Unlimited color photos • Detailed property description • Video tour link • Request a showing • Area map • Neighborhood information • School reports

• @properties featured listings display at the top of search results

• Open house feature

• @properties listings labeled as featured properties

• Social media integration

• Zillow.com featured listings are six times more likely to be viewed than other listings

• Zestimate® home valuation estimator

• Mortgage calculator

• #1 real estate app for iPhone and iPad with 2 million downloads

Wisconsin · Lake Geneva · 1234 Main Street

Anne Proper

@properties Phone: (262) 555-1234

1234 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Home boasts 5 BR, 5 full baths (4 en suite). Incredible custom kitchen with butler’s pantry, 3 wine fridges, Sub Z & Thermador. White oak floors stained in dark walnut. Oversized crown wainscoting, 7 1/4 base mouldings, home automation system & fire sprinklers. 3 amazing outdoor spaces including roof & garage deck & walk out patio.

AGENT’S NAME AND CONTACT INFO IS INCLUDED ON ALL @PROPERTIES LISTINGS.

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Trulia is a real estate search site supported by a community of home buyers, sellers, agents/brokers and real estate enthusiasts. The site currently attracts more than 20 million unique visitors per month and features a popular blog.

• Detailed property description

enhanced

• Link to video tour

• 20 million unique visitors per month • @properties featured listings display at the top of search results • Up to 25 color photos

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• Neighborhood information • School ratings • Area map • Request a showing • Open house feature • Mortgage calculator • Stats and trends • Trulia blogs • Smartphone app

Lake Geneva, WI

Anne Proper (262) 555-1234

1234 Main Street Lake Geneva, WI 53147

Home boasts 5 BR, 5 full baths (4 en suite). Incredible custom kitchen with butler’s pantry, 3 wine fridges, Sub Z & Thermador. White oak floors stained in dark walnut. Oversized crown wainscoting, 7 1/4 base mouldings, home automation system & fire sprinklers. 3 amazing outdoor spaces including roof & garage deck & walk out patio.

AGENT’S NAME AND CONTACT INFO IS INCLUDED ON ALL @PROPERTIES LISTINGS.

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YouTube allows billions of consumers to discover, watch and share user created videos. VHT, @properties’ professional photography and video provider distributes all property videos to YouTube.com.

• Visited by billions of consumers each year

enhanced

• Link to atproperties.com

• Homes marketed with video are seven times more likely to be viewed than comparable homes and are perceived, on average, as 12% more valuable.*

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• One minute video • Property address and basic details • Integrated with music choice • Option to “like” and “embed” video as a post to Facebook, Twitter and Google+ • Option to “embed” and email to a friend

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Luxury Portfolio’s website has become the leading online resource for homebuyers searching for high-end property all over the world.

• Photo gallery with up to 25 professionally photographed images

• 3 million unique visitors per year from over 200+ countries and territories

• Google Maps integration

• More than 35,000 homes representing more than $38 billion in inventory

• Syndication to partner websites: wsj.com, frontdoor.com, openhouse.com, relohomesearch.com, youtube.com, plus 200 more sites

• Highly optimized site with Page 1 Google rankings for hundreds of search terms

• Printable brochure

• Translated into 9 languages and 60 foreign currencies

• “E-mail to a Friend” feature

• Exclusively displaying listings of Luxury Portfolio® member firms • 85% of home inventory listed at $1 million and above • More $1 million-plus listings in U.S. than any other luxury real estate network including Coldwell Banker Preview, Sotheby’s and Mayfair International

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• Video tours and LuxeTour™ narrated video tours of listings $5 million and above

• Social media integration with Facebook and Twitter • Prominently displayed agent/broker contact info • LuxeTrends® e-newsletter • LuxeChatter® blog • Optimized website for mobile and iPad

LUXURY PORTFOLIO MOBILE WEBSITE AND APP

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print advertising exposure

OUR EXCLUSIVE PRINT ADVERTISING PROGRAM IS

• Ultimate Address: multi-page @properties section

DESIGNED TO DRIVE BUYER TRAFFIC TO YOUR HOME

• The Wall Street Journal: monthly full-page ad

VIA WIDESPREAD COVERAGE IN A VARIETY OF LOCAL MEDIA OUTLETS.

Full-page ads and multi-page spreads prominently display @properties’ listings in key publications, while @properties’ distinctive corporate advertising campaign supports our integrated marketing programs including Internet and signage.

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• Custom media plans featuring preferred rates and agency-quality design • Lake Geneva Regional News • At The Lake

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the wall street journal

@properties’ monthly full-page ad in the The Wall Street Journal reaches an AFFLUENT, ENGAGED READER,

• Full-page ad in the Friday Wall Street Journal

HIGHLIGHTING SELECT PROPERTIES AND DRIVING

• Reaching 84,500 readers in the Chicago metropolitan area

TRAFFIC TO @PROPERTIES’ WEBSITE.

• Co-branded with Luxury Portfolio International®

• Average household income of $253,000 • Average value of main residence over $1 million

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luxury portfolio international®

Luxury Portfolio® leverages the buying power of 200 member firms to maintain a strong advertising presence in the world’s premier shelter and lifestyle publications.

• Reaching 45 million global consumers through print and online media

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• #1 market ranking in 40% of the top 96 markets significantly more than our closest national franchise competitors • Prominent advertising in high-end shelter and lifestyle magazines

o Unique Homes

• One of the largest full-page real estate advertisers in The Wall Street Journal

o Luxe Magazine

• Member firms produce nearly $225 billion in annual sales representing 800,000 transactions. Those connections make us a national and global - not just local - real estate company working on your behalf

o Architectural Digest

o Veranda

o Forbes Life

• Luxury Portfolio® magazine featuring lifestyle content and member firm advertising

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lake geneva regional news (the resorter and welcome home inserts)

Lake Geneva Regional News is locally run and has been publishing each week since 1872 with a paid circulation of approximately 5,000. WITH UNIQUE INSERTS THAT FOCUS ON COMMUNITY EVENTS, ENTERTAINMENT, REAL ESTATE, RESTAURANTS AND SHOPPING. TOTAL CIRCULATION OF 9,000.

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• Single-property and corporate ads available • Distributes to as many as 9,000 • Newspaper quality with 4-color images • Publishes every Thursday

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Lake Geneva Regional News

SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN LIVING

Thursday, April 9, 2015

Also in this issue: • Spring cleanup tips • Mortgage vocab: a beginner’s guide • How to finance an improvement project • Real estate deals

Lake Geneva Regional News

Signs of Spring Seasonal fun inside

If you missed the first 36,500 sunrises & sunsets of your life in a place like this ...

Let me help you find the perfect home to enjoy the next 18,250

Also in this issue

Geneva Lake area dining, shopping and recreation guides

Shari Rauland Mohr

Anne Proper 262-745-2956

262.555.1234 srauland@aol.com

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at the lake - geneva lakes area magazine

Now in its 15th year of publication, At The Lake magazine is a quarterly periodical that distributes more than 25,000 copies to residents and visitors. THIS PUBLICATION IS DEDICATED TO THE CULTURES, TRADITIONS, HISTORY AND PERSONALITIES OF SOUTHEASTERN WISCONSIN.

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• Single-property ad programs available • Glossy magazine stock and 4-color images • Distributes to over 25,000 copies to both paid subscribers and free of charge to area businesses • Publishes four times per year

SPRING 2015

GIFT COPY ($6 VALUE) WWW.ATTHELAKEMAGAZINE.COM

History Lesson

THE VENERABLE CRANE FAMILY & JERSEYHURST, THEIR GRAND ESTATE ON GENEVA LAKE

Hundreds of Hostas

TAKE A STROLL THROUGH A SECRET GARDEN FILLED WITH THIS PERENNIAL POWERHOUSE

9TH ANNUAL AT HOME SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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marketing exposure

The point of marketing is differentiation – making your home stand out among the many competing properties in the marketplace today. And @properties devotes more time, energy and money to this all-important task than any other brokerage firm.

In the end, real estate marketing at @properties comes down to designers, copywriters, programmers, coordinators and agents/brokers all working together to create differentiation – differentiation that allows you to sell your home for the most amount of money in the shortest amount of time.

OUR IN-HOUSE MARKETING AND IT DEPARTMENTS

• Brochures

ARE COMPRISED OF OVER TWO DOZEN EXPERIENCED

• Photo Gallery

PROFESSIONALS PRODUCING AGENCY-CALIBER WORK AND CONSTANTLY PUSHING THE ENVELOPE WITH NEW

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• E-nouncement

IDEAS AND INNOVATIONS. Off-the-shelf solutions don’t cut

• Direct Mail

it. Customization, creativity and quality do.

• Signage

property brochure

@PROPERTIES

CREATES

CUSTOM

Clean attractive layouts feature large, high-resolution photography, detailed property information and a map of the surrounding neighborhood. Brochures are printed on high-quality paper and bound with a custom cover, resulting in a professional presentation.

PROPERTY

BROCHURES TO MARKET EVERY HOME. Our in-house

designers produce the layout, and printing is handled at our own facility in order to expedite turnaround and maintain quality control.

1234 MAIN STREET LAKE GENEVA

2223 MAIN WEST STREET BELDEN AN ADDRESS OF DISTINCTION. YOU 1234 ARE GOING TO BE VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE THOUGHTFUL DESIGN AND DETAIL THROUGHOUT THIS RESIDENCE. ROOM DIMENSIONS

I NT E R I O R F E AT U R E S

Foyer.................................... 6' x 6'

• Nicely nestled between Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Logan Square

2223 WEST BELDEN

2

Pantry .................................. 7' x 6' Deck ................................. 26' x 21' Master Bedroom............. 27' x 15' 2nd Bedroom .................. 27' x 18' 3rd Bedroom ................... 18' x 13' 4th Bedroom ................... 13' x 12' 5th Bedroom ................... 17' x 14'

and just steps to the urban oasis of Holstein Park • Built on an extra wide lot (36' x 100') which provides greater flexibility in room design and enjoyment • Attached oversized garage – 2.5 car with oversized door – 8' x 18' solid masonry construction – block, brick and limestone • 4 outdoor spaces, all constructed with ipe (Brazilian walnut) decking • Huge deck above the garage with pergola and custom oversized ipe

2223 WEST BELDEN

Living Room ................... 27' x 23' Dining Room .................. 23' x 21' Kitchen ............................ 19' x 12'

3

lounges, tables and separate dining area

Family Room .................. 27' x 25'

• Grilling deck right off the kitchen

Mud ..................................... 8' x 7'

• Two large decks off the master suite – one facing north, one south • Extra high ceilings on all floors • 1st floor - 11' • 2nd floor - 10' • 3rd floor - 10' • lower level - 10'-6"

KIM KERBIS

BROKER ASSOCIATE

ANNE PROPER ASSOCIATE .............................................

312.307.4907 mobile BROKER kim@atproperties.com 773.862.0200mobile direct 847.881.0200

lakeeffectchicago.com

1234 MAIN STREET, LAKE GENEVA

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direct mail

@PROPERTIES’ DIRECT MAIL PROGRAMS TARGET BUYERS, NEIGHBORS, AGENTS/BROKERS AND REFERRAL SOURCES WITH A VARIET Y OF

including “Just Listed” postcards, monthly mailers, client- and brokerappreciation mailers and more. All pieces are professionally designed and written, printed on glossy card stock and accompanied by high-quality photo images. Agents/brokers have the ability to farm their individual databases or seek out potential buyers geographically and demographically through specialty mailing-list software.

COMMUNICATIONS

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email marketing

@properties targets clients, prospects and agents/ brokers in their contact database with customized emails including “Just Listed” e-blasts and monthly e-newsletters. Our email communications are professionally written and designed and follow established conventions for opt-in marketing and anti-spam. THE COMBINED EMAIL DATABASES OF ALL @PROPERTIES BROKERS TOTAL MORE THAN 800,000 CONTACTS WITH NEW SIGN-UPS DAILY.

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signage

Even with the prevalence of online search, many propertyspecific inquiries still come from on-site signage.

THAT’S WHY @PROPERTIES’ UBIQUITOUS FOR SALE AND OPEN HOUSE SIGNS ARE DESIGNED

open house

FOR MAXIMUM VISIBILITY. Signs boldly display agent/

broker contact information and the property’s unique website address for easy follow-up.

lake geneva lake geneva

Anne Proper

269.469.0700 . anneproper@atproperties com

Anne Proper

269.469.0700 . anneproper@atproperties com

123lakegeneva.info

123lakegeneva.info AGENT’S DIRECT LINE AGENT’S EMAIL ADDRESS

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love where you LIVE

There was a time not long ago when it was easy to get caught up in the notion that a home was a commodity.

Of course we’ve all been reminded that it’s much more than that. A home’s total return on investment isn’t just about the bottom line on a closing statement; it’s also about the memories we make, the relationships we build and the milestones we achieve while living there. In short, A HOME IS A CELEBRATION. @properties’ ad campaigns tap into this idea to create an emotional connection with homebuyers – a connection that is reinforced when people see the @properties logo in ads, on the web, in collateral and on the “For Sale” sign in front of your home.

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atproperties.com

LINCOLN PARK 312.254.0200

RIVER NORTH 312.491.0200

LAKEVIEW 773.862.0200

GOLD COAST 312.506.0200

BUCKTOWN 773.432.0200

EVANSTON 847.763.0200

@PROPERTIES AD CAMPAIGNS CREATE AN EMOTIONAL CONNECTION WITH HOMEBUYERS THAT IS REINFORCED THROUGH ADDITIONAL BRANDING AND MARKETING.

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pricing your home – comparative market analysis

So what is your home worth? That is likely the biggest question on your mind and one that @properties has answered accurately in every market since our inception.

THE KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND RESEARCH WE APPLY TO PRICING OUR CLIENTS’ HOMES CONSISTENTLY

PRODUCE

SHORTER

MARKET

TIMES AND HIGHER SELLING-PRICE-TO-LISTINGPRICE RATIOS.

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.

A CMA TAKES INTO ACCOUNT: MARKET CONDITIONS • SUPPLY AND DEMAND • MARKET ACTIVITY • MARKET TIME • PRICE/STATUS CHANGES • INTEREST RATES AND AVAILABILITY OF CREDIT • ECONOMIC FACTORS • SEASONAL DEMAND PROPERTY FEATURES • LOCATION • ROOM COUNT AND SQUARE FOOTAGE • LOT SIZE • VIEWS • CONDITION OF PROPERTY INSIDE AND OUT • DESIRABILITY OF UNIQUE FEATURES COMPETITION • PRICE • LOCATION • MARKET TIME • FEATURES AND FINISHES • CONDITION • UNIQUE ATTRIBUTES

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pricing your home – (market) time is money

THE SUREST WAY TO GET THE HIGHEST SELLING PRICE FOR YOUR HOME IS TO SET THE LISTING PRICE CORRECTLY RIGHT OUT OF THE GATE.

By contrast, the surest way to see that selling price decline is to set a listing price that’s too high and then go through a series of price reductions to chase the market.

Setting an accurate listing price is so important because the greatest amount of showing activity for a home occurs within the first few weeks of market time. This early activity tends to be from serious buyers who are currently in the market and are therefore drawn to new listings with a greater sense of urgency.

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However, as time goes by, interest wanes, and longerthan-average market times tend to fuel the perception that the home itself (not just the price of the home) is flawed. Therefore, longer market times can actually drive values down.

One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make is to believe that just because their home will sell for one price on day 60 it will sell for the same price on day 160. Usually, it doesn’t work that way. Remember, time is money, and the best way to optimize both is to work with your agent/ broker in setting an accurate listing price.

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before your home is shown

ONE OF THE KEYS TO SUCCESS IN TODAYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ULTRA-COMPETITIVE REAL ESTATE MARKET IS TO POSITION YOUR HOME AS THE MOST DESIRABLE PROPERTY AT A GIVEN PRICE IN A GIVEN AREA.

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Obviously, the most important variable in that equation is price. But making sure your home is in optimal showing condition will set it apart from the competition and could be the difference between a timely and productive sale or a long, drawn-out process.

HERE IS A CHECKLIST OF PREPARATIONS TO MAKE BEFORE SHOWING YOUR HOME. BE SURE TO CONSULT YOUR @PROPERTIES AGENT/BROKER TO FIND OUT WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HE/SHE RECOMMENDS.

o

DE-CLUTTER. Go through your home room by room

o

ORGANIZE. Lack of storage space can be a deal-breaker.

o

o

o

and ask yourself what you can throw away and what you can box up and put in storage. Pay extra attention to areas like closets, bookcases, shelves, and kitchen and bathroom counters.

Go through your closets and pantries and throw away, give away or put away anything you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need. Clean out bedroom closets so that hanging clothes are aligned and have ample space. Remove items from closet floors.

Reorganize and clean out your kitchen cabinets and line up dishes and glassware. Make sure bathroom and kitchen drawers are neatly organized.

o

MAINTAIN THE EXTERIOR. If you live in a single-

o

MAKE REPAIRS. Consult with your agent/broker prior

o

REMOVE PERSONAL PROPERTY. If you do not

o

REMOVE PETS. Keep pets out of the home during

o

HIRE A HOME INSPECTOR. Hiring a professional,

o

DISCLOSE EVERYTHING. By law sellers must disclose existing structural and mechanical problems, flooding, the presence of 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.

family home or townhome, maintain your lawn and landscaping. In winter, shovel and de-ice walkways. In a condominium, pay attention to the area in front of the doorway. Keep it neat and inform the superintendent of any problems, such as burned-out lights. Make balconies, decks and patios inviting with potted plants and flowers. to undertaking a large-scale home improvement project, but go ahead and make easy repairs such as touch-up spackling and painting, replacing a cracked window or torn screen, fixing a leaky faucet and changing burned out light bulbs.

CLEAN. Give your home a deep clean from top to

bottom, including windows, upholstery and carpet, and the refrigerator and oven (yes, buyers actually open them).

PAINT. A fresh coat of paint is the least expensive, most

effective way to enhance the appearance of your home.

Be sure to use neutral colors. Consult your agent for recommendations.

BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME. Light gives the impression

of space, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important for every room in your home to have ample light at any time of day. Prior to showings, wash windows, raise blinds and turn on lights. Add floor and table lamps to brighten dark rooms or corners.

plan on including personal property such as window treatments or light fixtures as part of a sale, then remove them prior to your first showing and replace them with attractive alternatives. showings. Also be sure to conceal food bowls and litter boxes. If pet odors are present, have the home professionally cleaned. licensed home inspector prior to putting your home on the market allows you to spot potential problems and make repairs before buyers make them an issue.

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staging your home

STAGING IS THE ART OF MERCHANDISING A HOME TO IMPROVE ITS MARKETABILITY. Today, every home

that is listed for sale should be staged to some degree.

Your home must show like a model in order to stand out in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s competitive market.

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Staging can be as simple as rearranging a few pieces of furniture or as elaborate as hiring a professional to furnish an empty home right down to the plants and artwork. Your @properties agent/broker can give you suggestions for staging or help you decide if you would benefit from a professional stager.

HERE ARE SOME EASY AND INEXPENSIVE STAGING TIPS TO CONSIDER: • Use neutral colors and décor to help your home appeal to the largest number of potential buyers. Add color through accessories such as pillows, vases and oriental rugs.

• Arrange furniture in small groupings that demonstrate a room’s functionality, and do not overcrowd a room with furniture. Place pieces in a way that dictates logical traffic flow.

• Use light, airy window treatments, like simple sheers on a curtain rod. Hang window treatments so they cover the least amount of glass.

• Higher wattage light bulbs can brighten up dark areas, while dimmers are a low-cost way to add a desirable feature and allow you to increase or decrease light levels in different rooms.

• Camouflage outdated furniture or worn upholstery with slip covers, and replace worn bedspreads and throw rugs.

• Keep kitchen counters clean and clear of all items, and remove all magnets and notes from the front of the refrigerator. If your kitchen needs an update, paint cupboards with a neutral color and replace knobs on cabinets.

• Remove all personal items from the bathroom counter. Stock fresh towels and get a new shower curtain and rug for the floor.

• Personal photographs and mementos add warmth and character to a home, but use them in moderation so the buyer will focus on the home, not its owners.

• Use interesting accessories to draw the eye to desirable features like built-in shelving, book cases or fireplace mantels.

• Display fresh flowers.

• If you have collectibles, display them in neat, uncluttered groupings.

• Remember outdoor spaces like your back yard, patio or balcony. Add furniture, plants or potted flowers with seasonal settings.

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negotiation â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guiding principles

Priced correctly and marketed aggressively, most homes will draw a timely offer. How you and your agent/broker handle that offer and handle subsequent negotiations can substantially affect the outcome of your home sale. Your @properties agent/ broker will conduct negotiations with professionalism, attention to detail and a loyal representation of your interests. The following principles guide @propertiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; agents/brokers in every negotiation.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Confidentiality is vital to the integrity

COMMUNICATION: Your @properties agent/broker

of the deal and to our reputation as professionals.

will involve you in all aspects of the negotiation and communicate your options clearly and candidly.

RESPONSIVENESS: Time is of the essence in a real estate

transaction. We will expedite the presentation of offers and counteroffers and quickly act upon any opportunity.

RESOURCEFULNESS: Real estate sales are multi-faceted

transactions. We examine all angles of a deal to find strategies and solutions that help you accomplish your objectives.

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STRENGTH: We will do everything in our power to

help you negotiate from a position of strength. Our goal is to achieve an outcome that meets or exceeds your expectations.

negotiation – contract terms

A real estate transaction is a fluid process that does not end with an accepted offer. Negotiations often continue on some level all the way to the closing. A REALTOR®’s objectivity, experience and counsel are essential to this process.

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON POINTS THAT ARE NEGOTIATED INCLUDE:

PRICE: Your agent/broker’s knowledge of the current

ATTORNEY APPROVAL: Attorney approval is usually a

market is invaluable in helping you decide whether to accept the offered price and terms or make a counter offer. They will also help you consider the time-value of money in your decision, i.e. will a higher offer offset potential additional carrying costs?

one-week period, in which both you and the buyer have your attorneys review the contract and suggest alterations.

MORTGAGE CONTINGENCY: Most buyers purchase

a home subject to obtaining a mortgage. The terms of the mortgage and the timeframe for securing a financing commitment must be stated in the contract. Make sure you are comfortable with these terms.

CLOSING DATE: This is the date when ownership

changes hands and usually, but not always, the date when you must vacate and the buyer may occupy the property. If you have specific requirements for scheduling the closing due to your own move, the buyer’s flexibility might be an important factor in deciding to accept an offer.

HOME INSPECTION: Most buyers choose to conduct

an inspection of the property with a licensed home inspector. If the inspector uncovers any problems, you and the buyer must negotiate what items will be addressed and who will pay for them.

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contract to closing – what we do for you

Guiding your real estate transaction from contract to closing is a multi-step process that requires proactive management and thorough attention to detail. OUR

OUR AGENTS/BROKERS, MANAGING BROKERS AND SUPPORT STAFF WILL:

EMPHASIS ON COMMUNICATION, ORGANIZATION AND

• Handle earnest money and escrow account management

FOLLOW-THROUGH ENSURE THAT DEADLINES ARE

• Distribute contracts to all relevant parties

MET, DOCUMENTS ARE DISTRIBUTED, AND EVERY ITEM

• Coordinate attorney review

IS IN PLACE TO MAKE YOUR TRANSACTION EFFICIENT

• Coordinate a home inspection

AND SEAMLESS.

• Provide information to lenders • Distribute required disclosure forms • Collect important documents such as condominium declaration and required disclosures to fulfill contract contingencies • Coordinate an appraisal • Coordinate walk-throughs • Update you when contingencies have been satisfied • Coordinate your closing • Help you find a new home • Follow up to see if you have any questions

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we care about communication At @properties, we know what you want from your real estate agent/broker because we ask. We understand what’s important to you in selling your home because we listen. And we help you make the right decisions because we share our expertise. It all boils down to good communication, and there are few things at @properties that are more important. Setting expectations, being proactive, speaking candidly, staying in touch – these simple but vital principles are behind the thousands of successful transactions we agent/broker each and every year, as well as the outstanding reputation we enjoy in real estate circles.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE COMMUNICATION MEASURES

MARKET UPDATES: You can elect to receive news and

THAT KEEP YOU INFORMED BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER

updates on the local real estate market through email newsletters, sent monthly, and @properties Market Reports, updated daily.

THE SALE. WELCOME LETTER: Upon listing your home, we will furnish

you with a copy of the listing agreement as well as a letter recapping our sales and marketing process.

SHOWING FEEDBACK: We will provide feedback on showings

survey gauges your satisfaction in several areas including your agent/broker’s knowledge and professionalism, marketing services and negotiating skills.

according to the frequency and mode of communications you prefer.

ONGOING COMMUNICATION: Long after your home is sold,

@PROPERTIES SELLER REPORTS: We will provide a

report that shows online activity for your home by day, week and month, including how many times your property was returned in search results and how many times it was viewed on the @properties website. This report also displays comparable listings, their price and status.

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CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY: This important post-closing

@properties and your agent/broker are available to provide information and answer questions not only about the local real estate market but also about all things Lake Geneva. Our agent/broker base is an incredible resource when it comes to recommending home repair and maintenance contractors, professional service providers and neighborhood businesses.

We are always just a phone call, text message or email away.

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