Real estate can often seem like a complex puzzle, with numerous pieces that must fit together just right. And like any puzzle, it’s much easier to solve when you have someone who knows the terrain, the nuances, and the intricacies guiding you.
Melissa Gustafson, a seasoned Realtor at Keller Williams Success Realty in Illinois, has spent nearly a decade helping people navigate the world of real estate. She’s patient and has unique skills and insights, including a deep understanding of waterfront properties, the art of renovation, and the necessary steps to reach your goals.
So, there’s no one better placed to reveal the secrets of these often overlooked aspects of the journey. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest in McHenry County real estate, these are the things you need to know before signing that all-important contract:
Money-making makeovers
Melissa strongly advocates for renovation due to her long-standing passion for real estate design and success in flipping properties. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to refresh your living space or an investor aiming to maximize profit, updating your property can help secure your future. The renovation realtor fervently believes in home improvements as a way to add value to your real estate investment.
“From helping my clients with simple design ideas and showing them the gratification that comes with sweat equity to helping investors maximize their profit and increase their sale price—simple, cosmetic, no demo renos are an easy way to update cost-effectively,” she says.
A hands-on approach and willingness to offer post-transaction advice make Melissa a valuable resource long after the deal closes. Her renovation expertise helps clients unlock a property’s full potential and enhance its market value.
Aquatic adjustments
After extensive experience with waterfront properties, some unheard truths reveal themselves. Melissa is intimately familiar with the distinct considerations that come with these coveted homes after living alongside the water for most of her adult life. Waterfront properties offer scenic beauty, but they also come with potential challenges.
“Aspects that come along with waterfront properties include flood zones, renovation permits, new building codes, and more,” she observes. “Things are different on the water, so it helps to have someone who has been through it all in your corner.”
For buyers, understanding the intricacies of lakefront living or finding a waterfront realtor who does is crucial. Melissa’s experience helps her to navigate the complex web of regulations, insurance, and potential risks associated with these properties. She knows which questions to ask and what to look for in waterfront homes, ensuring clients make well-informed decisions that align with their goals.
In-depth knowledge also proves invaluable during a sale. Waterfront properties have unique features to showcase—a realtor can help you put them to the forefront, manage the sale effectively, and address potential buyer concerns. The effect is an enhanced selling process and maximized returns.
Attaining aspirations
Achieving success in McHenry County real estate involves more than just buying or selling a property. It requires a strategic approach for your specific circumstances. The renovation realtor advises her clients to identify their goals before proceeding.
“Establish what you want to achieve before starting the process,” she advises. “Do you need to buy, want to buy, or want to invest? Do you need to sell or want to sell? And if so, are you looking to upsize or downsize?”
Once you’ve defined your objectives, Melissa emphasizes the importance of creating a plan of attack and strategizing what’s best for you. For instance, consider premarketing your property to generate attention while you look for a new home. The waterfront realtor recommends a tailored strategy that aligns with your aspirations, whether you’re a first-time buyer, an investor, or someone planning to move out of state.
The final piece of the puzzle is to be fully aware of all the steps involved in reaching your goals. Real estate transactions encompass a range of factors, including earnest money, inspections, appraisals, negotiations, and required tests. Melissa takes a meticulous approach to ensure clients are well-prepared and understand all the aspects of the process, making for a smooth and less stressful journey.
Melissa Gustafson believes real estate opportunities exist beyond what a typical agent might suggest. Mastering the ins and outs of waterfront properties, partnering with a renovation realtor, and knowing step-by-step how to reach your goals is a surefire path to prosperity.
Whatever your position in the McHenry County real estate market, knowledge and guidance can make your real estate journey smoother, more informed, and ultimately more successful. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a DIY investor, it pays to notice the hidden details.
Vivienne Benitz is a featured columnist at Grit Daily. She is originally from Germany and is a publicist at an international PR agency based in the United States.
