Frequently Asked Questions
Buying a Home
Q: What’s the first step in buying a home?
A: The first step is getting pre-approved with a trusted lender. This helps you understand your price range and makes your offer stronger when we find the right home. We can connect you with great local lenders who know the North Shore market well.
Q: How long does it usually take to buy a home?
A: It depends on your situation and the market, but typically anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Some buyers find “the one” right away, while others take a little longer — and that’s totally okay. Our goal is to make sure you never feel rushed, just confident.
Q: What do you mean by “competitive market”?
A: On the North Shore — especially in communities like Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and Glencoe — great homes can sell fast. That’s why we focus on helping our buyers act strategically, from crafting strong offers to using our agent relationships to help your offer stand out.
Q: Do we really need a buyer’s agent if we can find homes online?
A: Absolutely. Online listings are a great starting point, but there’s so much that happens behind the scenes — in fact many homes never make it to the MLS. Through our long standing agent relationships and deep community connections, we often find and sell homes before they ever hit the market. We’re here to make sure you don’t just find a house, but the right home.
Selling a Home
Q: When is the best time to sell on the North Shore?
A: Spring is typically the most active season, but homes sell year-round. What really matters is pricing, presentation, and marketing — all of which we tailor specifically to your home and neighborhood.
Q: How do you determine what our home is worth?
A: We look at recent comparable sales, current market trends, and the unique features of your home. We’ll walk you through the numbers so you understand how we land on the right price — one that attracts buyers and maximizes your return.
Q: What should we do to get our home ready to sell?
A: A little prep goes a long way! We’ll help you focus on what matters most — small updates, decluttering, and staging that highlight your home’s best features. We can even bring in trusted local pros to make the process easier.
Q: How do you market your listings?
A: Every listing gets a full marketing plan — professional photos, social media exposure, Compass marketing tools, and targeted outreach to buyers and agents across the North Shore. We make sure your home stands out both online and in person.
Working With Us
Q: What makes your team different from other agents?
A: We combine deep local knowledge with a genuine, relationship-first approach. Whether you’re buying your first home or selling the one you’ve loved for decades, we’re hands-on every step of the way — from strategy to closing (and beyond).
Q: Do you work with both buyers and sellers?
A: Yes! We love helping clients on both sides of the process. In fact, it’s often the same families — selling one home and finding the next. It helps us see the full picture and make the transition smoother for you. We also work with developers and investors - essentially we cover it all!
Q: How do you stay in touch during the process?
A: Communication is huge for us. We check in regularly and make sure you always know what’s happening — no surprises, just a smooth experience. Ask us about our Compass One platform - a central hub for communication every step of the way!