Here is What Other Realtors Don't Want You to Know:

1.  Fact: Realtors will tell you your home is worth more than
               you thought.

     Truth: This is how Realtors do what is called "buying the
                  listing". They tell you what you want to hear to get the
                  listing and then when your house doesn't sell, ask for
                  a price reduction, wasting valuable market time.

2.  Fact: Realtors will tell you that if you list with them they will
                sell your home.

      Truth: Most listings are sold by another  agent through the Multiple
                   Listing Service, not the agent that you listed with. The Multiple
                   Listing Service of Northern Illinois is the most widely used home
                   listing data base in the Chicagoland and Suburban area.

3.  Fact: Home owners try to sell their homes themselves to
                save the commission.

      Truth: Buyers know this is why homeowners try to sell their
                   homes. Buyers will bring you lower offers than you would
                   get if listed with a Realtor because they know the difference is
                   going into your pocket rather than paying for their buyer's
                  agent representation.

4. Fact:  Realtors will tell you they will have an "Open House" for you every
                week, or twice a month, or whatever.

      Truth: A Realtor will tell you how great they are and how many
                   listings  they have. If they are that great and have so many listings,
                   and tell everyone they are going to have an "Open House" for them
                   something is not right. Many top producing agents do not sit their
                   own open houses. Some of them do not even show up at the
                   closing. Many have their "staff" handle the entire transaction. 
                   Open Houses provide limited exposure to the public. Your greatest
                   source of exposure is the MLS.