By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

We all know the reality of today’s real estate market.

But houses are selling.

In fact, the Chicago area real estate market has fared better than most cities. The Illinois Association of Realtors’ latest reports show that the average and median selling prices for houses in Cook and DuPage Counties are up compared to last year.

If the price is right
Coldwell Banker Residential REALTOR Julie Michael says people who bought their houses many years ago stand to make the biggest profit in the current market.

“Look what you paid for [your house], and what you could get close to selling it for,” Michaels advises.

That said, Michael reminds people that the houses that sell are those that are priced most competitively.

“Do not pin your hopes on selling it for ‘X’ amount,” she says. “Listen to your REALTOR and see where you land in a price range.”

A dedicated team to help you sell
To make the process of selling a house easier, the Monarch Landing community offers prospective residents a team of experts who can help with everything from choosing a REALTOR to finding movers to showcasing a house for a quick sale.

“Erickson Realty and Moving Services (ERMS) is an array of services,” says Move-in Coordinator Michele Hilger. “From the time [new community members] reserve their home, they are working with one of us.”

There are many factors to consider when selling a house and moving, but Hilger says she and her colleagues Mindy Maxwell and Laurine Donahue are on call to answer questions and give advice to make the process as smooth as possible for new Monarch Landing residents. Hilger says the ERMS team has helped a number of people successfully sell their houses.