PHG has offices in Chicago (Lincoln Park) and Milwaukee (Whitefish Bay). Our agents cover 200+ miles throughout Chicagoland, Milwaukee, Madison, Waupaca, and everywhere in between. 

While all professional fees (commissions) to real estate agents are always negotiable, sellers are responsible for paying for the professional representation of an agent. Together with your PHG Listing Agent, you'll decide on a fair and strategic commission structure. At that time, you may also choose to include the Buyer's Agent fees in the home sale negotiation.

While all professional fees (commissions) to real estate agents are always negotiable, buyers (just like sellers) are responsible for paying for the professional representation of an agent. Prior to beginning your house hunting journey, you and your PHG Buyer's Agent will agree on fair compensation. In some cases, a seller may offer to pay the Buyer's Agent commission as part of the home purchase negotiation.

You don't technically need a pre-approval letter from a lender (or proof of funds) to begin house hunting. However, to protect everyone's time and maintain ethical and professional standards, your PHG Agent will likely ask you to provide documentation of your financial qualifications prior to signing a buyer agency agreement and showing homes. If there's a home you're excited about and you don't have a pre-approval letter in hand, your PHG Agent will connect you with our most trusted, experienced lenders who can help get you pre-approved and confirm your budget.

Most sellers begin the conversation with their PHG Listing Agent about 4-6 months before they'd like to move. Preparations, market time, and closing timeline can vary from a few weeks to several months. Your PHG agent will conduct a thorough walkthrough of your home and together you'll create a timeline that aligns with market conditions and your specific goals. 

MAKE IT PRETTY! Here are 3 things to do (this weekend!) to ensure your home shines as bright as possible:

1. Deep Clean:

   • Clean your entire home thoroughly, reaching every nook and cranny.
   • Aim for hotel-quality cleanliness. Your home should smell fresh, look immaculate, and make buyers feel they could move in immediately—no cleaning crew needed.

2. Declutter and Stage:

   • Reduce the amount of "stuff" in each room, including closets, to help buyers envision their new life in your space.
   • Consider making a large donation or renting short-term storage space for items you want to keep but need out of sight.
   • If your furniture isn’t a perfect match for each room, we’ll help you hire professional staging.

3. Fresh Coat of Paint:

   • Buyers are looking for modern and move-in ready homes. Painting is a quick and inexpensive way to brighten the space and make it feel fresh and inviting.
   • A new coat of paint can set buyers up for an easy transition into their new home.

Beginning on August 17th, 2024 all buyers will be required to sign a Buyer Agency Agreement before touring any homes, no matter what firm your agent works with, how long you've been working together, or what they may tell you.