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Your Guide to

Home Ownership

Scott Straus, REALTOR® & ABR® presents to all buyers shopping for homes

Knowledge, Experience, Professionalism

Dear

Buyer's Shopping for Homes


Buying a home is a rewarding adventure and we're so happy to have the opportunity to bring your real estate dreams to life! In doing so, we aim to instill knowledge and confidence in all our buyers while helping them successfully navigate through every step of the process.

In the following presentation, you’ll be provided an outline of everything you need to know from consultation to handing over the keys. Our mission is to deliver world-class customer service and a winning experience.
Sincerely,

Scott Straus, REALTOR®

- you're in great hands -

Meet

Scott Straus, REALTOR®

Having worked in Chicago Radio Broadcasting and Media for over two decades, I’ll be the first to tell you that communication is the key to everything.

My tenacious work ethic has spawned great success in real estate. In 2018, I was presented with the Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate Star Homes “Emerald Star” award, an honor achieved for reaching top sales agent status in the BHGRE® Grayslake office.

My incredible broker/owners then decided to take things a step further, and we joined forces to create The Jim Starwalt Team in 2019. Our success continues to be supercharged, as together we earned the highly coveted “Emerald Elite” status, a corporate honor that is bestowed upon the top 2% of affiliated sales associates and teams in the entire BHGRE® national network.

In 2020, my numbers kept on climbing, even in the throws of a global pandemic. I achieved “Emerald Club” status, our team went “Emerald Elite” once again, and we all continue to work hard on behalf of all of our clients. I continue to achieve my goals, too!

We take a tremendous amount of pride in our work. We understand what a real estate transaction means to you and your family, and that’s a task that we don’t take lightly. Our bar of expectations has been set extremely high, and our execution is literally award winning. You'll quickly see why we’re praised most often by our clients for our enthusiasm, patient approach, and unwavering loyalty. It's about getting it right for YOU. If the process has always seemed intimidating or stressful, then it's probably time we talk...

Real estate transactions involve one of the biggest financial investments most people experience in their lifetime. Accordingly, it is essential to work with a knowledgeable and trusted professional. There are many factors to consider when buying or selling a home, and a REALTOR® can offer invaluable insight that may save you a great deal of money, or even save you from making a terrible mistake. Real estate transactions can be complex; only a REALTOR® like me can make a difference.

In my spare time, I can be found at local community festivals with my family, out at my “second home” that I affectionately call Wrigley Field, or enjoying a nice scenic cruise on my motorcycle.

About Scott Straus:

Where do you call home?
I currently live in Hainesville. I was born and raised in Deerfield, and also had multiple addresses in Chicago, so I tend to call “home” anywhere from the city to the Wisconsin state line! 


What do you do when you're not working?
I am a big fan of cruising on my motorcycle, going to Cubs games, and taking my family out to all of the various events and festivals in our community. (And surrounding townships.)


What do you love about your job?
I love being able to help people accomplish a goal. It’s more than “help me buy or sell.” It’s a wish. “We want to move out of state, we’re ready to travel more, we need to buy closer to our parents.” This job simply can’t be done by computer. It takes fresh ideas, the ability to anticipate, and the foresight to see an approach all the way through.


What is your favorite TV show?
Being a family of 5, it’s hard to find a window to watch ANY TV! If we do get those brief moments, we love to catch up on episodes of Lego Masters! (Our entire family has a Lego problem…lol…)


Favorite Movie?
I will never be able to pick just one, so I’ll say that I am all about comedy. If it’s funny, and I mean a good honest funny, I’m all in!


Favorite Food?
I’ll go a step further and say that it’s specifically the cheddar dog and cheddar fries from Dear Franks in Deerfield. If you’ve never had them, then we need to talk!


Why did you choose to work at BHGRE Star Homes?
I knew within 5 minutes of meeting the Starwalts that this was the place. They have the platform that no other brokerage has, AND IT WORKS. (I’d be happy to show you!) Combine that with actually getting the support that every agent craves, and it’s the proverbial jackpot. I simply love it here!
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Proven Track Record

Service

Provide great customer service by building bonds with clients that lead tolong-term relationships where we truly care about their needs.

Knowledge

By pursuing excellence in our expertise as agents we can better service our clients and lead them to home ownership in a smooth and easy process.

Integrity

Be ethical in all you do and communicate with honesty while paying attention to the details of each and every client, agent, and transaction.

Processes

1

Consultation

We’ll sit down together and help you determine your needs wants and goals while offering my personal industry expertise and strategies for bringing your vision to life.
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2

Pre-Approval

Getting pre-approved will help you know exactly what you can afford so you can confidently focus on the right homes. Plus, it shows sellers you’re serious, giving you an edge when making an offer.
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3

Property tours

After you have reviewed and selected which homes you want to tour, we get to go shopping! This is where you can start figuring out what you really want in your new home.
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4

Write offer

Once we find the home of your dreams, we'll submit an official offer - including but not limited to sale price, inspection contingencies, and closing costs. The seller then has time to accept, reject, or counter your offer.
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5

Under Contract or Escrow

With your offer accepted, we enter a 30-day Escrow period. This involves a neutral third party company that holds funds while conducting a thorough underwriting process to ensure all aspects of the contract are upheld properly
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6

Appraisal

The appraisal is ordered by your lender to protect their investment. They have their own checklist of things they look at for the final approval to move forward. The appraiser can demand repairs completed by the seller before they will give their approval.
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7

Inspections

Now that you've found your home we need to order the inspection. The inspection will let you know what repairs are needed, some are minor and some may be safety issues. Don't worry, you are still protected.
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8

Closing

Congratulations! You now own a home and can get moved in. It's time to celebrate and have your housewarming and show off your home. We will be standing by to answer any questions you may have about home-ownership and have a list of contractors if the need arises.
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Exceptional reviews that reflect a pattern of excellence with my past clients.

Raving Reviews

Scott is the best realtor I've ever worked with and I have sold and bought quite a few homes. He will have your back 100% of the time. He will always put you 1st. He is totally amazing when it comes to answering your phone calls and if he's on another call he immediately sends a text to let you know. That is such a relief if you have a pressing question knowing you won't have to wait long to get an answer. Buying and selling a home can be stressful when dealing with the buyers and sellers you have to work with, but Scott made any issues a breeze. Having a sense of humour at the appropriate times helped the process. I felt extremely confident hiring Scott as my realtor because of his expanse knowledge.If you are considering Scott as your realtor, look no further, you won't regret it.
This was my first time buying a home and the process was daunting! I knew Scott had worked with several people that I knew, selling houses in the area where I grew up. I reached out to him and he got right back to me and helped me start the process by pointing me to a fantastic broker who also got right back to me. As the market had slimmer pickings, Scott made sure I had a listings sent to me daily that matched my criteria and followed up when he saw a house right up our alley. He immediately scheduled a showing, and we got in right away and found our house! Afterward, so there many things to do and processes to go through, but Scott had us working with a great team, always quickly responding as well as keeping us on the loop on all the processes of homebuying and being there to answer any questions. I honestly felt like I was his only client as I got solid VIP treatment, as he always got back to be very quickly, even though he was incredibly busy. We went through the entire process, and finally closed on our first home. The entire time, I felt very confident and happy with my choice in selecting Scott Straus as my realtor and cannot speak highly enough of how painless this scary process was for me. I will continuously everyone know what a great experience I had working with him. I 100% would recommend him to anyone looking for realtor, especially if you are new to the process, as he’ll be there to help you through everything.
SCOTT IS NOTHING SHORT OF EXTRAORDINARY!!!From the moment we started our search for a lakefront home, we knew we had high expectations. Looking back, our criteria were borderline absurd, but Scott embraced our vision with enthusiasm and expertise. He was more than just a real estate agent; he felt like a trusted family friend with an encyclopedic knowledge of the housing market. Time and time again, he went above and beyond to understand our needs, even when we didn't quite know what our real needs truly were.His expertise was invaluable. He guided us through the process with patience and clarity, explaining pros and cons we never thought to consider ourselves. Scott's incredible availability was equally impressive. Day or night, weekday or weekend, he was always there to answer our questions and show us properties. We truly believe without his unwavering support, we could have jumped too soon or at the wrong property for what would certainly have been a regrettable decision.Scott’s commitment extended far beyond finding us a home. He provided an entire network of top-notch professionals to assist with every aspect of the buying process. This made an otherwise stressful experience incredibly smooth.Thanks to Scott's hard work and dedication, we found our dream lakefront home. We are eternally grateful for his guidance and support. We wholeheartedly recommend Scott to anyone searching for a real estate agent who truly cares about their clients.
I can’t say enough about Scott as a realtor! He’s been amazing! I’m a first time home buyer and he made this process so simple for me. He always made himself available for questions or anything I needed throughout this process. He’s very helpful, supportive, and an overall awesome guy who will make sure to have your back through it all! I would recommend him to everyone!
I used Scott to both sell my house and purchase another property. He is beyond terrific! He was with me every step of the way. His knowledge of the market was spot on and he guided me every step of the way. He returns calls and responds to texts promptly. Look no further if you want a realtor that knows his stuff and is with you from start to finish.
Scott is THE BEST real estate broker in Northern Illinois. Scott helped us with our purchase of a single-family home. Responsive and Thorough would be the two words that we would use to describe Scott’s professionalism. Every question was answered, and every issue was met in a positive and considerate manner. Scott’s knowledge of the market and geographic area was outstanding. Additionally, Scott has formed a team of professional associates that took our purchase offer to title smoothly. We highly recommend Scott Straus for all of your real estate professional needs. This guy rocks!

* Review has been shortened using AI, click the review to read the full review.

Loyalty

This custom presentation that I’ve shared with you is an example of the care and effort I put into each client. I recognize that this purchase is one of the largest financial transactions of your life and it deserves careful consideration and wise planning. In light of this, I feel strongly that mutual respect and understanding are key components of me helping you accomplish your real estate goals.

Reviewing each others roles and responsibilities as we embark on the next steps of your home-buying journey is how we can decide if we are ready to be loyal to one another.
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Starting August 17th, 2024

It is required to complete and sign a written agreement before showing a home. This applies to buyers requiring the services of any licensed agent in the U.S. to visit a property.
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By Signing the Agreement to Partner with an Agent

Our agent is dedicated to you and committed to finding a home that meets your needs.
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With a proven track record

We have the knowledge and experience to be the BEST asset in your real estate endeavors.

Signing a Buyers Broker Agreement or BBA

  • This is an agreement to engage with a professional real estate agent to consult, show homes, negotiate contracts, and advocate.
  • It will establish the length of the agreement
  • It shows the agent/broker's services and responsibilities
  • It explains the agreement's exclusivity between Broker and client, what fees are owed for services rendered, and how to terminate the agreement. It mentions additional fees if the buyer signs with more than one agent.
  • It provides a clear explanation of the various ways an agent can be compensated for their services to the Buyer.
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105 More Ways

Agents Who Are Realtors ® Are Worth Every Penny Of Their Compensation.

Here’s a look at all the things – big and small – that a REALTOR ® may do to help clients when buying a home.

Counseling Session Activities

  • Prepare the buyer for executing a buyer representation agreement
  • Explain agency relationships to the buyer and get state required legal consentto represent, if needed
  • Inform the buyer of working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS®Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies

Building a Relationship

  • Learn the buyer’s wants and non-negotiable needs
  • Understand the buyer’s budget and what will be needed financially
  • Help the buyer understand what property their chosen budget will buy
  • Consider having the buyer fill out a homebuyer’s checklist
  • Assist the buyer in examining how much they can afford to spend
  • Provide quality lender resources
  • Partner with the buyer to locate suitable properties for consideration
  • Match the buyer’s needs with available property
  • Constantly re-evaluate buyer’s needs and refocus property showings to fit those needs
  • After ensuring the buyer understands what is done for them, how it is done,and the benefit to them, obtain signatures on the buyer representation agreement
  • Explain how compensation is paid, who pays it, and what the buyer’s optionsare for paying it

Educating the Buyer

  • Communicate the working relationship based on state law, the REALTORS®Code of Ethics, and the broker’s business policies
  • Explain Federal and State Fair Housing laws
  • Explain what to look for in applicable property disclosures
  • Reassure the buyer that their personal information will remain confidential
  • Inform the buyer that you will always disclose all known material defects
  • In accordance with state law, provide information on checking the sex-offenderregistry and crime statistics for the neighborhood
  • Discuss available resources that the buyer can check to learn more aboutprospective neighborhoods
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REALTORS® are members of the National Association of REALTORS®

Preparing the Buyer

  • Explain the timeline for house hunting, mortgage approval, and closing
  • Explain the local market and how it impacts the buyer
  • Show statistics on what percentage of list price sellers in the area are currentlyreceiving
  • Inform the buyer on what home features are popular
  • Identify current average days on market
  • Share the dangers of using the price per square foot to figure home values
  • Explain the concept of absorption rate and how it impacts the buying process
  • Indicate current listing months of market inventory
  • Share estimated potential out-of-pocket costs to complete the transaction
  • Assist the buyer in analyzing the loan estimates
  • Qualify the buyer for financial ability to purchase
  • Help the buyer account for the complete costs of homeownership
  • Prepare lender for listing agent calls
  • Assist in comparing different financing options
  • Help the buyer select for viewing only those homes that fit their needs
  • Proceed in showing homes that fit the buyer’s must-haves
  • Caution the buyer on posting information to social media
  • Review the sample sales contract so the buyer is prepared when it comes time to make an offer

Showing Properties

  • Schedule showings and provide access to all listed properties as soon as theybecome available in their local MLS broker marketplaces
  • Educate the buyer on the immediacy of new listings appearing in their localMLS broker marketplaces and the lag time for them to appear on somewebsites
  • Collaborate with the buyer on properties they may have learned about throughtheir sphere contacts
  • Research and assist on all unlisted properties the buyer wishes to see
  • Preview properties prior to showing if needed
  • Network with other agents to source properties not yet in their local MLSbroker marketplaces
  • Contact homeowners in focus areas to see if they are considering selling
  • Set up an automated email alert system through their local MLS brokermarketplaces that immediately notifies the buyer of properties that fit discussed requirements
  • Arrange a tour of areas, schools, and key points of interest
  • Provide resources containing neighborhood information on municipal services,schools, etc.
  • Inform the buyer of negative aspects like nearby venues or operations that may result in issues that could impact value
  • Check applicable zoning and building restrictions
  • Help the buyer decipher public property and tax information
  • Collect and share pertinent data on values, taxes, utility costs, etc.
  • Compare each property shown to the buyer’s wants and needs list and remindthem of what they were looking for
  • Help the buyer narrow the search until the buyer identifies top choices

Negotiating Offers

  • Assist the buyer in getting the best property at the best price
  • Suggest that the buyer learn more about the neighborhood prior to makingan offer
  • Prepare a comparative market analysis (CMA) in advance of making an offer
  • Prepare the buyer to have the most attractive offer in the current marketplace
  • Explain common contract contingencies and include approved protective clauses in the purchase offer
  • Ensure that the buyer receives and understands all state and federally-required disclosure forms
  • Prioritize contract negotiation goals with the buyer
  • Help create a negotiating strategy
  • Use strategies such as an escalation clause to maintain a competitive offer
  • Prepare the buyer for a multiple offer situation and develop negotiation strategies
  • Write an offer that has a reasonable chance of being accepted
  • Recommend optional contingencies and explain the pros and cons of using them
  • Provide information on purchasing incentives that may be available
  • Discuss financing alternatives
  • Negotiate the buyer’s offers to arrive at the best price and terms
  • Utilize hyperlocal expertise and strong communication skills to assist thebuyer in being the successful offer

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 1/2)

  • Advocate for the buyer throughout the entire process
  • Encourage the buyer to fully investigate their options in terms of a home inspector, title company, appraiser, mortgage lender, and other services
  • Present a list of the types of required and optional inspections such as environmental, roofing, and mold
  • Review and discuss home inspection concerns
  • Negotiate repair requests from home inspection
  • Guide the buyer on meeting all contract deadlines
  • Assist in coordinating communications
  • Advise the buyer to review the settlement statement
  • Inform clients that they need to transfer utilities to the new residence
  • Schedule final walkthrough
  • Accompany the buyer on the walkthrough
  • Assist the buyer in questioning the appraisal report if it affects the financing
  • Confirm clear-to-close with the lender
  • Ensure all parties have all forms and information needed to close the sale
  • Remind the buyer of the location where the closing will be held
  • Confirm the closing date and time, and notify parties if there are changes
  • Gather all required forms and documents for closing
  • Explain flood insurance to the buyer
  • Explain title insurance to the buyer and refer to qualified insurance broker
  • Order any surveys needed

Advocating for the Buyer and Facilitating the Close (Part 2/2)

  • Order the appraisal
  • Order the title search
  • Confirm the status of the loan funding
  • Check addendums and alterations for agreed terms
  • Review the buyer’s closing statement to ensure accuracy
  • Explain wire fraud risks and remind clients to verify all wiring instructionsbefore transferring funds
  • Double-check all tax, homeowners’ association dues, utility, and applicable prorations, if relevant
  • Request final closing figures from the closing agent (often an attorney ortitle company)
  • Receive and carefully review closing figures to ensure accuracy
  • Receive and carefully review title insurance commitment with the buyer
  • Advise the buyer to re-key their locks and to consider a one-time cleaningservice or landscaping before moving day
  • Review documents with the closing agent (attorney)
  • Support the buyer in any final closing activities
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Actual services provided will depend on the needs of the buyer and the transaction –not all 105 things will need to be done in every transaction.

Featured content from the Center for REALTOR® Development’s Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation Course. Visit crd.realtor to learn more.

Let's Chat.

I'm sure you have questions and thoughts about the real estate process. I'd love to talk with you about what you've read here and help you on the path to buying your new home.

I look forward to working with you.
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Thank you!

In everything we do, we are driven to help others, because behind every transaction there is a vision, a goal, a dream waiting to come to life. In doing so, we bring our expertise, our instincts from years of experience, and our complete dedication to you.

This is only the beginning of an exciting journey to a bright and shining new future. And it's only the beginning of our commitment to servicing your every real estate need. Thank you for the opportunity to help you find your perfect home!
We'll be right there with you, every step of the way.