So when does the "spring real estate market" begin (in Chicago)?

I've been hearing a lot of Realtors say "it's going to be an early spring". I read on another local Chicago real estate blog that the spring market actually starts just after the first of the year and runs through June! More traditional Chicago Realtors may say it's March or April through May. I've been seeing an early up tick in listing inquires and showing requests and am starting to believe one other opinion on when the spring market will hit, that is, after the Super Bowl. I should say after the Bears win the Super Bowl! I heard on a local real estate radio show a couple weekends ago that some agents are actually scheduling open houses and showings around the Bears games!

When do you all think the spring market is going to hit this year in Chicago?

Technology and Real Estate

In today’s real estate industry it’s very important that you stay on top of every tool that’s available to help you grow your business. So in this technology era of real estate how does one generate enough business to make a living? Is having a website enough? What about advertising in real estate magazines, billboards, or on real estate websites? The answer is that no one thing alone will bring you enough business.

The one common component of successful real estate agents is, they all have a system. It used to be that your system would include a personal assistant (and some still do), but with today’s technology that doesn’t need to be the case. With smart phones, PDA’s, and laptops, the agent is always reachable. Customers want their information and they want it fast. If you can not provide them with what they want, they will find someone else that can. Which is why it’s important to have a CRM (customer relationship management system) or some form of a database to track your leads and inquiries and reply in a timely manner. Many of these systems have an auto-respond feature that will at least acknowledge the inquiry and let your customer know that you’re on top of it. When used correctly a CRM could save you a lot of time.

This is just one example of the various technologies that are available to us Realtors in today’s real estate market.

By Scott Epstein Team IllinoisRealEstate.com RE/MAX GRand

Be Sure To Keep An Eye Out - Save Searches

If you are one of those that refuse to let a Realtor setup an automated search via the internal MLS system (highly recommended - fyi best method), check out http://www.IllinoisRealEstate.com and the search interface. It's here that you can manually set up search savers, add favs, browse (login or not option) etc... It's really one of the best Chicago real estate search interfaces around.

Let us know when you're ready (through the system). We will be on your inquiry or showing request within minutes (go ahead and test us - serious only please). Not hours, day’s etc like most sites around. If you are into technology we're more then likely the best fit for your real estate needs.

Smart phones - Google Technology - Wireless Office (in addition to brick-n-mortar)

GL!

Team IllinoisRealEstate.com
RE/MAX Grand
City: Brian Nygard 312.217.8002, brian@illinoisrealestate.com
All Suburbs: Scott Epstein 312.622.6313, scott@illinoisrealestate.com
www.IllinoisRealEstate.com

**Agents contact us about career options - Join THE Team! Team IllinoisRealEstate.com**

Many New & Re-listed Properties on the MLS

Just a heads up! This is a great time (first business day of 2007, btw Happy New Year) to take a closer look, regroup or start fresh with your search for a new Chicago home! I was browsing some of my property alerts and quickly realized that I had about 10 times as many properties for each property search alert I monitor on a regular basis. Why? Well just think about how many people were “waiting until the first of the year” or had listings expire at the end of 2006. Buyers, there are more then a few diamonds in the rough out there. Sellers, there are many buyers just waiting in the wings ready to go.

It’s time are you ready?

Search Chicagoland real estate here: http://www.ChicagolandRealEstateListings.net

Contact Team IllinoisRealEstate.com
City: Brian Nygard 312.217.8002
All Suburbs: Scott Epstein 312.622.6313
info@illinoisrealestate.com