What makes for a successful real estate transaction? Is it getting the right location, pricing appropriately, or something else?
There are untapped opportunities in the current real estate market; every buyer and seller starts from the same place. Whether each deal paves a prosperous future or flounders without picking the fruits of your labor depends on your chosen agent.
David Heck believes partnering with the right realtor is essential for a successful transaction. “It’s imperative that I make my client’s real estate experience a smooth, seamless, and stress-free experience,” he explains. “My responsibility is to anticipate what’s going to happen with your transaction before it actually happens and help you navigate it appropriately.”
As the Founder and Lead Broker of “Lake-City Home Advisors” at @Properties in Illinois, David has picked up some vital tidbits on manifesting a successful and effortless real estate transaction. Here are his three most indispensable pieces of advice:
1. Acquire an accomplished agent
Real estate might be a consistent feature in everybody’s lives, but that doesn’t mean it’s accessible to all. ‘Been around the block’ isn’t just a phrase in the property game—it’s a highly desirable feature when choosing a realtor. Knowing you’re in capable hands allows you to take your foot off the gas and relax, knowing that an expert is in charge of your purchase or sale.
“Hire an agent with local knowledge that you can trust,” David says. “I’m sharing all of my experience, expertise, and most importantly, my mistakes with clients to help make them as successful and happy with their purchase or sales decision as possible!”
That experience refers to over 200 successful transactions over the past eight years to the tune of $150m. On the personal side, David has lived and worked across Chicago’s diverse neighborhoods, utilizing that first-hand insight in his real estate career. Backing it all up is a knack for negotiations, residential real estate acquisitions, and investments.
3. Prioritize presence
It’s tempting to automate everything in the digital age, but doing so only accentuates the impact of conducting business in person. In real estate, you should see properties wherever possible and speak to those in the know about their nuances. The same goes for your agent—you need a realtor, not a glorified email response.
“For sellers: When interviewing potential listing agents, ask them if they will be physically present at the showings and if it’s them or someone else who will be there to present and show their home to potential buyers,” David explains. “Hire an agent who is going to get to know you, your home, your needs, and be involved in your home sale without delegating the tasks to someone else.”
Real-world experience is a theme that permeates David Heck’s career. He’s long been active in property, working in construction and design by tackling personal home flips and renovations.
It’s a pivotal difference-maker in his current role as a realtor, as identifying potential imperfections early allows him to save buyers money on costly inspections. Moreover, David values personalization, understanding, and catering to his clients’ individual needs for a tailored transaction.
4. Identify integrity
Honesty is vital in every walk of life, but in real estate, it’s decisive. During a property deal, you need all the correct and relevant information. If you can’t trust your agent to provide that, it’s time to entrust your purchase or sale to someone else.
“If you find an agent who isn’t completely transparent and upfront about the cost of buying and selling a home right away, find one that is,” David affirms.
The Lead Broker’s seasoned career contributes to a reputation clients can rely upon. His diverse background allows him to empathize with people from various backgrounds. Understanding their needs and meeting them makes for more fulfilling transactions.
The results of following David’s advice are self-evident. Building a case to be the best real estate agent in Chicago, the realtor achieved Top Producer status four times between 2017 and 2020. If you stay diligent when selecting your agent, putting principles front and center, the headwinds might blow your way in the Windy City.
