Shelley Goddard - Highland Park Real Estate, North Shore & Chicago Real Estate

Shelley Goddard

 
buying a home
Let me help you find exactly what you want, at the right price.
I will help you figure the price range you can afford and search the multiple listing services for homes you'll want to see. With immediate access to homes as soon as they're put on the market, I can save you hours of wasted driving-around time. When it's time to make an offer on a home, I will point out ways to structure your deal to save you money, guide you through the paperwork, and be there to hold your hand and answer last-minute questions when you sign the final papers at closing.
Search for homes online
No registration required. When you find homes you like, you can request info, schedule a showing, bookmark and email them.

As a first-time home buyer, Shelley made the process fun, easy-to-understand, and as pain-free as possible. She was always available to answer my questions and went over and above to make sure the deal closed on time, in spite of a very difficult and non-responsive Seller's agent. I appreciated that each step of the way she made sure I was comfortable. When I got nervous she was sure she showed me every property meeting my specifications to make sure I was making the best decision for me. It was clear that her motivation was for my best interests."
--Jessica G, Lake Bluff

I specialize in local market trends and can help you with everything from gathering community information to taking a home tour to finding moving services. First time buyers, feel confident with a professional at your side to guide you through the maze of homes, documents and mortgage options. Are you ready to get serious about finding and buying your ideal home?
Pre-approval for a home loan is a good gauge of how much you can borrow and it shows home sellers that you have the backing to buy. Know your total budget, which not only includes the price of the home but also closing costs and fees. Closing costs include taxes, lender fees and title fees a homebuyer pays at settlement. Title insurance protects against losses and legal expenses you may incur should a claim arise and question your ownership.

Also consider post-purchase expenses such as moving fees, security systems and furnishings, property taxes, utility bills, etc.

Anticipate your future needs, such as will your family be growing or will your job location be changing? Prioritize your list and decide what features are a must have and what amenities can be sacrificed. Having a vision of what you want makes it easier to communicate what you are looking for.
Location is crucial when searching for your home.
Only you can decide what location is best for you. A few considerations include: How far do you want to commute to your job? Are the community schools highly rated? Do you require nearby neighborhood services such as public transportation, shopping and senior resources? You should also think about the location’s impact on the resale value of the property if you are anticipating selling in the next few years.
What happens when you're ready to make an offer?
When you find a home that meets your needs, I will help determine an appropriate price and negotiate the offer on your behalf. I may suggest getting a home inspection, which is a great way to find any potential "hiccups" you didn't see during the initial home tour. If anything needs attention, we can go back to the seller to discuss items that should be taken care of before purchasing the home.
Closing the deal. At the closing - the final step in completing a real estate transaction, ownership of the property is transferred to you and any costs incurred by either the buyer or the seller beyond the price of the property itself are paid. Once the final papers have been signed and you have the keys to your new home, it's time to move! I am here to help make the process go more smoothly. Coldwell Banker's exclusive Concierge program combined with my local expertise will assist you with the services you need before, during and after you move.
Would you like assistance finding your next home?
Please tell me a little about what you're looking for. All information is kept strictly confidential and will be used soley for the purpose of assisting you in your home search.
Get home buying information from Shelley Goddard:

Please be sure to include the following in your message:

  • Describe your housing needs/wants
  • List the towns/areas you want to look in
  • Your phone number (optional)

Email Shelley Goddard

Shelley Goddard
Shelley Goddard
847-284-8634