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- Cook County & Suburban Leases: Where to Find the Current Version
The current Cook County Suburban Lease is available in the CAR Forms and Contracts Library. Recent updates include: New laws and ordinances (2025 update). Changes to the Illinois Landlord Tenant Act that requires the disclosure of potential flooding for rental transactions. A new paragraph for the parties to discuss and decide on any contribution to the tenant brokerage’s compensation by the landlord. This lease is NOT to be used for property located in the city of Chicago. Also updated is the Suburban Lease for properties outside Cook County. Recent updates include: Changes to the Illinois Landlord Tenant Act that requires the disclosure of potential flooding for rental transactions. A new paragraph for the parties to discuss and decide on any contribution to the tenant brokerage’s compensation by the landlord. This lease is NOT to be used for any property located in Cook County. Both leases are made available through a partnership with the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®. The lease will be made interactive in the Dotloop templates.
- Signs: Order, Customize & Install
You can order signs at this link. Signs should be mailed to Oakley to keep on supply for installation. 461 N 3rd Ave, Des Plaines, IL 60016 Be sure to download the app UpSignDown to make it easier to order your install and removal of the sign. How to Order Custom Signage for Kale Realty Go to Markful's Kale Realty Page Visit: https://www.markful.com/kale-realty Select Your Sign Type Choose the style of sign you want (e.g., photo, QR code, etc.). If you’re unsure, select the first sign option. Add Agent Information Enter the agent’s name, phone number, and website (if applicable). Preview Your Design Click Preview to see what the final sign will look like. Save a Screenshot Take a screenshot of the preview for reference. Email the Preview for Approval Send the screenshot to the agent and request their approval. Enter Quantity Once the agent confirms the design, enter the quantity of signs needed. Submit Your Order Double-check all details and click “Submit Order.” Send Signs to Oakley Sign Installers When prompted for shipping, have the signs sent to: Oakley Sign Installers461 N 3rd Ave Des Plaines, IL 60016 Need Help? If you have any questions about the ordering process, please reach out to Markful directly at 800-789-6247. They’ll be happy to assist you with any issues or clarifications needed. Sign installation Below is a step-by-step guide on how to order your sign installation with Oakley Sign Installers: Step 1: Choose Your Signage Generic Signs: Oakley Sign Installers maintains a stock of generic Kale Realty signs. Custom Signs: For a personalized look, we encourage you to order custom signage from Markful. Tip: Once you receive your custom signage from Markful, have it sent directly to Oakley so they can add it to their inventory. Step 2: Request Your Installation via the Website Visit the Website:Go to https://oakleysigninstallation.com/. Select the “Realtor Sign” Option: On the homepage, click on the Realtor Sign button or link. This will take you to the sign installation request page. Fill Out the Request Form: Provide all required details, including your contact information, sign type (generic or custom), and the installation location. Double-check the details for accuracy before submitting your request. Submit Your Request: Once completed, submit the form. Oakley Sign Installers will review your submission and contact you to confirm your installation schedule. Step 3: Alternatively, Use the UpSignDown App Download and Install the App:If you prefer using your mobile device, download the UpSignDown app from your app store. Request Installation/Removal: Open the app and log in with your credentials. Follow the in-app instructions to request either the installation or removal of your sign. Confirmation:You will receive a confirmation and further instructions via the app or through email. Additional Tips Double-Check Delivery:If you ordered custom signage from Markful, ensure it’s sent directly to Oakley Sign Installers for inventory before requesting installation. Follow-Up:If you don’t receive a confirmation within the expected time, don’t hesitate to contact Oakley Sign Installers directly for assistance. By following these steps, you’ll ensure a smooth process for ordering your sign installation. Enjoy your new signage and the enhanced visibility for your listings! How to Guide: Getting a For Sale/Rent Sign Installed Visit UpSignDown Website or App On your computer, navigate to www.upsigndown.com, or use the UpSignDown mobile app. Select Installation or Removal Once logged in, choose the service you need: Installation (to put up a new sign) or Removal (to take down an existing sign). Choose the Agent From the list of agents, select the Kale Realty agent who needs the sign installed or removed. Set Installation Date Pick the desired date for the sign to be installed or removed. Enter the Property Address Provide the full address where the sign should be placed. Choose Sign Post & Sign Panel Select the sign post and sign panel from available inventory. If the agent doesn’t have a personal/custom sign, remember we have generic Kale Realty signs (joinkale.com). Add Comments/Notes Include any specific instructions for placement (e.g., “install close to the sidewalk in front of the house”). Submit Your Order Review all details and submit the order. Need Help? If you encounter any issues or have questions, please contact Oakley Sign Installers at 866-883-9363. Have a Custom Sign? If an agent has purchased or currently possesses a custom sign, send it to Oakley so they can add it to their inventory and make it available for future installations. Oakley Sign Installers address:461 N 3rd AveDes Plaines, IL 60016 Need the Kale UpSignDown login? Email info@kalerealty.com.
- Kale Realty Orientation: Your Roadmap to Real Estate Success
At Kale Realty, we believe your journey in real estate should start with confidence, clarity, and community. That’s why we offer a powerful three-part Orientation series to set you up for long-term success. Whether you're just joining the Kale family or need a refresher on our tools and resources, these sessions are the perfect launchpad for your business. 📅 Upcoming Kale Orientation Dates New Orientation dates are posted every month on the KaleHuddle Events page. Pick the one that works for you! 👉 Register here: https://www.kalehuddle.com/event 🏁 Workshop 1: Getting Started at Kale Time: First 30 minutes of each session Your introduction to all things Kale. You’ll learn: Meet the Team – Office hours and who’s who Policies & Procedures – From fees to pay schedules Education – Post-licensing, CE, and associations (NAR, IR, CAR, NSBAR, MRED) Vendors – Title, attorneys, home warranties, and more Culture & Perks – Join committees to waive fees and earn referral bonuses This workshop lays the foundation for a smooth start at Kale. Welcome aboard! 🧰 Workshop 2: Doing Business at Kale Time: Second 30 minutes of each session Ready to work like a pro? We’ll cover: Coaching & Support – Meet your Transaction Coach, explore KaleHuddle Dotloop Training – How to manage deals and stay compliant Marketing Guidelines – Fair Housing logos, branding tools Brand Building – Websites, CRMs, headshots, and Xpressdocs Business Essentials – Set up your email, corporate docs, and LLC This is your practical toolkit for working efficiently and professionally at Kale. 🚀 Workshop 3: The Path to Success at Kale Time: Final 30 minutes of each session Let’s talk growth. This final session dives into: Training Programs – The Locker Room, TRACK, Breakthrough Paths Mentorship – Work with a coach or mentor to fast-track your career Lead Generation – Boost your listing/buyer presentations Huddle Up Updates – Learn how to use KaleHuddle’s latest features Walk away with a clear strategy for long-term success at Kale. Ready to grow your real estate business? Join an upcoming orientation and get connected with everything Kale Realty has to offer. We can’t wait to see you there!
- First 30 Days at Kale – Agent Checklist
👉 Brand new to Kale? Start with our simple step-by-step Start Here page. Week 1: Foundation & Setup ☐ Set up an email for real estate purposes ☐ Log into Kale Huddle and confirm access ☐ Review Kale Realty policies/procedures ☐ Add managing broker, Launch Coach (if applicable), and office contacts to phone ☐ Set up voicemail greeting and professional email signature ☐ Join Kale communication channels (Facebook group, email lists, Kale Huddle Community) ☐ Request a Real Geek webpage and CRM ☐ Send a “just joined” message on Kale Huddle community to Kale agents (how long in real estate and area you live in - and your photo) ☐ Order Business Cards Week 2: Systems & Tools ☐ Set up CRM (Real Geeks or approved system) ☐ Import sphere/contacts into CRM ☐ Complete basic CRM training (tags, notes, tasks, follow-up) ☐ Set up calendar with blocking for lead generation and follow-up ☐ Review showing tools, lockbox access, and safety protocols ☐ Attend Kale Orientation ☐ Review the Orientation online ☐ Complete FairHaven ☐ Set up direct deposit ☐ Sign up for an Association ☐ Inform Kale which association you joined so they can add forms and contracts to dot loop ☐ Log into Dot Loop and confirm access ☐ Log into MLS (MRED) and confirm access Week 3: Training & Skill Building ☐ Work on Career Kickoff modules ☐ Attend live Kale training or learn more about coaching (risa@kalerealty.com) ☐ Log into The Locker Room and confirm access ☐ In The Locker Room files download the script booklet ☐ Practice client consultation scripts (buyer + seller) ☐ Review offer-writing basics and required disclosures ☐ Shadow or role-play a buyer consultation or showing Week 4: Production Readiness ☐ Complete the Agent Action Plan on The Locker Room ☐ Schedule time with Risa to discuss your action plan ☐ Confirm lead generation plan (daily/weekly non-negotiables) ☐ Schedule prospecting activities ☐ Meet with Launch Coach ( or Productivity Transaction) to review readiness ☐ Confirm understanding of who to contact at each stage of a deal ☐ Preview 5 open houses ☐ Set up weekly scorecard/activity tracker ☐ Schedule prospecting activities☐ Schedule Association Orientation End of 30 Days – Checkpoint ☐ All systems active and in daily use ☐ Coaching cadence established ☐ Lead generation started and tracked ☐ Clear understanding of next milestones to first deal
- Welcome to Kale Realty
👉 Brand new to Kale? Start with our simple step-by-step Start Here page. Subject: Welcome to Kale Realty – Let’s Get Started! Hello [Agent Name], Congratulations on officially joining Kale Realty! We’re thrilled to have you on our team and can’t wait to help you create success in your real estate career. Please take a moment to watch our quick welcome video: What to Expect Next As we set up your accounts, you’ll receive several emails about: Dotloop Your Local Association of REALTORS® MRED - the MLS The Locker Room (training/coaching platform) These emails will contain usernames and passwords—we suggest creating a dedicated folder so you can easily keep track of all your login details. Start Your Online Orientation Log in to KaleHuddle.com as soon as possible. Register for Kale Realty Orientation - on Kale Huddle in EVENTS Sign up for an association Register for your association orientation (needs to be completed in your first 90 days) Complete Fairhaven from NAR Began working on the Career Kickoff in KaleHuddle courses If you have any questions or need help with anything, email info@kalerealty.com or call the main office at 312-939-5253. You can also ask Kaley, our 24/7 helper, right here on KaleHuddle. We're here to support you every step of the way. Welcome again to Kale Realty!
- 🏡 Fair Housing: Your Responsibilities + Required Training (Fairhaven)
As a Kale Realty agent, you're stepping into a role of leadership, service, and integrity. One of the most important responsibilities you carry is upholding the Fair Housing Act—a cornerstone of ethical real estate practice and federal law. ⚡ Quick answer: Do I have to do fair housing training? Yes. Every REALTOR® must complete 2 hours of fair housing training by December 31, 2027 (and every 3 years after that). The easiest way is Fairhaven, a free online course from NAR. Start Fairhaven here. Fair housing is not just a rule. It’s a commitment to equity, dignity, and opportunity for all. ⚖️ What Is the Fair Housing Act? The Fair Housing Act prohibits housing discrimination based on: 🧑🏾🤝🧑🏼 Race, Color 🌍 National Origin ✝️ Religion 👩 Sex 👨👩👧 Familial Status ♿ Disability 🧬 The 1988 Amendment & Health Status The Act was amended in 1988 to include persons living with: AIDS HIV Other related illnesses These individuals are considered protected under the definition of disability. 🚫 Protected Classes Under the IHRA Illinois protects more categories than federal law. Under the IHRA, it is illegal to discriminate based on the following: 🧑 Race 🌍 National Origin ✝️ Religion 👩🦰 Sex (including sexual harassment) 🧑🦽 Disability (physical and mental) 👨👩👧 Familial Status 💍 Marital Status 🧬 Ancestry 📍 Order of Protection Status⚥ Sexual Orientation (includes gender identity) 🧓 Age (40+) 🪪 Military Status or Unfavorable Discharge from Military Service 💼 Source of Income (including housing vouchers and public assistance) 🏡 How This Applies to Your Work as an Agent As a real estate agent, you must: ✅ Treat every client and customer equally You cannot refuse to show, sell, rent, or negotiate a property based on any protected class. ✅ Advertise fairly Avoid using language that suggests a preference for or against any group (e.g., “perfect for young professionals” or “no Section 8”). ✅ Respect housing assistance You must not deny housing or service to someone solely based on the fact they use a CHA voucher or other lawful source of income. ✅ Avoid steering or selective service Don’t guide clients toward or away from certain neighborhoods based on protected characteristics. ✅ Respond to complaints properly If a client or consumer believes they've been treated unfairly, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) may investigate and impose penalties. ⚠️ Penalties for Violations Violating the IHRA can result in: License suspension or revocation Fines and civil penalties Lawsuits and damages Permanent reputational damage 🚫 Kale Realty’s Policy on Disclosure To stay in compliance with federal law and protect our clients, Kale Realty has a strict policy: ❌ If someone asks if you can find them housing that accepts housing vouchers, the answer is yes. ❌ If someone asks if the tenant you represent will accept housing vouchers, the answer is yes. ❌ Do not disclose that a current or former occupant has or had AIDS or HIV. ❌ Do not answer buyer questions about health status. Instead, say: 🗣️ “It is the policy of Kale Realty not to answer that type of question one way or the other since it is not material and may violate the Fair Housing Act.” If the buyer persists: 🗣️ “If that information is important to you, you must determine that information for yourself.” 🧠 What About Psychological Factors? Psychological factors—like suicides or violent crimes—are not required to be disclosed under Illinois law. However, since they often become known through neighbors or public record, Kale Realty recommends: ✔️ Discussing potential disclosures with the seller ✔️ Recommending voluntary disclosure when appropriate ✔️ Respecting the seller’s decision—but if necessary, Kale may choose to terminate the listing after consultation 🖥️ Your Required Fair Housing Training (and How to Do It with Fairhaven) What's the rule? Who: every REALTOR® (NAR member). New members do it when they join. Everyone else does it once every 3 years. How much: at least 2 hours of fair housing training. Deadline for this round: December 31, 2027. (The current round started January 1, 2025.) This is separate from your Code of Ethics training. You need both. What if I skip it? NAR's rules say your REALTOR® membership gets suspended in January and February after the deadline, and terminated on March 1 if it still isn't done. Kale requires every agent to belong to a REALTOR® association, so don't let this slip. What is Fairhaven? Fairhaven is NAR's online fair housing course. It works like a game: you play an agent in a made-up town and handle real-life situations like steering, bias, and clients with disabilities. You learn what to say (and what never to say). Cost: FREE for NAR members Time: about 2 hours (you can do it from home) Counts toward the requirement? Yes. NAR says Fairhaven meets the fair housing training requirement. How to do Fairhaven in 4 steps Go to fairhaven.realtor Sign in with your NAR member login. (Don't have one yet? Your association can help you set it up.) Block off about 2 hours and finish the course. Use a computer, not your phone, with good internet. When you finish, save or screenshot your completion page and keep it with your license records. Don't want to do Fairhaven? Other courses count too, as long as they meet NAR's 2-hour standard: At Home With Diversity (AHWD), online or in a classroom Bias Override: Overcoming Barriers to Fair Housing Fair housing courses from your association (CAR, MORe, or NSBAR) Not sure if a class counts? Ask your association, or see NAR's full list of approved options. ⭐ Kale tip: Once you're done, head to The Locker Room (free for every Kale agent) for your scripts and weekly coaching. 💬 Need Help? When in doubt—ask before you act. Our leadership and compliance teams are always here to help you navigate tricky situations legally and ethically. 🌟 Your Role Matters At Kale Realty, we believe in fair housing for everyone. You are not just selling homes—you’re building trust, opening doors, and upholding one of the most important values in our industry. We’re proud to have you with us. Kale Realty takes these matters seriously and expects all affiliated agents to conduct business with the highest level of integrity and compliance.
- How do I reach out to Support at Kale Realty?
For general inquiries, you can always reach our main office: Main Office Line: 312-939-5253 We answer live Monday through Friday from 9am - 5pm. For direct assistance, we invite you to contact our leadership team members individually using their direct office line. Nick Patterson Title: Owner Email: nick@kalerealty.com Direct Line: 773-610-3041 Rick Williams Title: Designated Managing Broker Email: rick@kalerealty.com Direct Line: 312-585-6638 DJ Paris Title: President of Sales & Marketing Email: dj@kalerealty.com Direct Line: 312-238-9796 Risa J. Weiss Title: VP of Agent Development Email: risa@kalerealty.com Direct Line: 312-265-6567 Rob Kapp Title: Manager of Operations Email: rob@kalerealty.com Direct Line: 312-224-0617
- Commercial Leasing for a small office space
If representing a landlord, you will need an exclusive listing agreement which can be found in Dotloop under MAINSTREET ORGANIZATION OF REALTORS INTERACTIVE FORMS. IL – Commercial Property Exclusive Right to Sell / Lease Agreement (MOR). You are able to list the property on the MLS or sites like Loopnet for an additional fee. If representing a tenant looking for a commercial spaces, properties can be viewed on sites like Loopnet.com or on the MLS. Terms of the deal are negotiated between both the two parties via a LOI (Letter of Intent). We highly recommend that you use this LOI (Letter of Intent) attached below. For a commercial lease, please refer to the Dream Team List on the home page for recommendations for preferred attorneys to draft the lease once the both sides have agreed and the LOI (Letter of Intent) has been fully executed. No disclosures are required for commercial deals. For additional information or support, please contact Risa Weiss-Kallis (risa@kalerealty.com). Please see attached copy of the sample lease and LOI. Download the Letter of Intent:
- Introducing the Kale Realty Broker Referral Program: Earn More by Sharing the Opportunity
We’re excited to roll out our new Broker Referral Program, designed to reward our agents for helping us grow the Kale Realty family. Here’s how it works: If you refer a licensed broker to Kale Realty, you’ll earn: $150 referral bonus when your referral signs up with us 20% of the $400 transaction fee every time your referral closes a sale That’s $80 in your pocket for every closed deal — and it adds up fast! Why refer other brokers? You’re already part of a brokerage that offers freedom, transparency, and 100% commissions . Now, you can earn passive income just by spreading the word. There’s no cap to how many brokers you can refer — or how much you can earn! Getting Started Is Simple: Share your experience at Kale with a fellow broker. Email dj@kalerealty.com or risa@kalerealty.com with their name and contact information. When they sign up, make sure they include your name as the referring agent. Once they're onboard, we’ll handle the rest — and you start earning. If you have any questions about the program or want help reaching out to potential referrals, don’t hesitate to contact us. Let’s grow — together.
- Referring a Client: Referral Fees & How to Get Paid
Quick answer: When you refer a client to an agent at another company (in state or out of state) and receive a referral fee, Kale keeps $400 or 10% of the referral fee, whichever is less. The rest is paid to you by direct deposit. This is for client referrals only. Referring an agent to join Kale is a separate program (see the Broker Referral Program link at the bottom). When a Kale Broker refers a client or transaction to another broker, the referring broker is eligible to receive a referral fee once the deal closes. This policy outlines how that referral fee is handled and what portion is due to the brokerage. How It Works When you refer a deal to another broker — whether on the buy side or listing side — you can request a percentage of the commission earned by that broker once the transaction closes. A common example is a 20% referral fee. Brokerage Fee Kale Realty charges a $400 brokerage fee on referral commissions.However, if 10% of the referral fee is less than $400, the brokerage fee will simply be that lower 10% amount. In other words: If 10% of your referral commission is greater than $400, the brokerage fee will be $400. If 10% of your referral commission is less than $400, the brokerage fee will be that 10% amount. Examples Example 1:You refer a deal and receive a $3,500 referral commission when it closes. 10% of $3,500 = $350 Since $350 is less than $400, the brokerage fee = $350 Your net amount: $3,150 Example 2:You refer a deal and receive a $5,000 referral commission when it closes. 10% of $5,000 = $500 Since $500 is greater than $400, the brokerage fee = $400 Your net amount: $4,600 Key Takeaways All referral commissions are subject to a brokerage fee. The fee will be $400 unless 10% of the referral amount is less than that, in which case 10% applies. The referral fee is due to the referring broker after the closing and upon receipt of funds from the other broker. How to Make Sure You Get Paid Please share the Kale Realty referral contract with the other agent. You can find this document in dotloop -> Templates -> Kale Realty Documents -> Kale Realty Referral Contract. Both agents will complete their respective fields. You should also make sure both managing brokers sign, too. Once the document has been completed, submit for review in dotloop, and our team will review. After the transaction closes and the firm you referred to sends us the referral commission, we will reach out to let you know it’s been received. You will be paid via direct deposit. Download here: Client Moving Out of the Area? We'll Find Them a Great Agent Help Your Clients, Grow Your Brand, and Get Paid Did you know that as a Kale Realty agent, you have access to a nationwide network of trusted real estate professionals? Whether your clients are moving across Illinois or across the country, we can connect them with an experienced, reliable agent—and you get paid just for making the introduction! Here's How It Works: You identify the opportunity – A client or someone in your sphere of influence (SOI) mentions they’re moving out of the area. You reach out to us – Send a quick email to risa@kalerealty.com with the details. We handle the rest – We'll match them with a top-performing agent in the destination city or town. You collect a referral fee – Once the deal closes, you get paid—without lifting a finger beyond the intro! Why This Matters: You stay valuable to your SOI and past clients—even when they move away. You expand your reach and build relationships with agents across the country. You earn referral income with very little time or effort. 💡 Pro Tip: Always remind your clients and contacts that you can help them find a great agent anywhere. Most people don’t realize they can lean on you for those connections—and they’ll appreciate your full-service approach. Have a referral opportunity or want to learn more? Email risa@kalerealty.com and let’s make the connection! Looking to refer another agent to join Kale? That's a different program. See the Kale Broker Referral Program.
- Illinois License Renewal & CE Guide (Next Broker Deadline: April 30, 2028)
Illinois real estate licenses renew every two years through the IDFPR. The 2026 broker renewal is done. Here's everything you need for the next deadline, and how to get your CE done at a Kale discount. Next Renewal Deadlines Brokers: April 30, 2028 Managing Brokers: April 30, 2027 Residential Leasing Agents: July 31, 2028 Not sure when your license expires? Check the IDFPR License Lookup. It shows your original issue date, expiration date, status and sponsorship. Where to Take Your CE (Kale Discount) Kale partners with the Illinois School of Real Estate so you can take all your courses in one place at a discount: Continuing Education (CE) courses 45-hour Broker Post-License courses (new brokers) You can use any IDFPR-approved provider. Approved providers report your completion to the IDFPR electronically. Which Company Name and License Number Do I Use? Kale Realty agents: Kale Home Advisors, license #478027107 Holding company (Rivers Realty) agents: Rivers Realty, license #481012055 What CE Do I Need? The IDFPR publishes the official CE fact sheet for each cycle, usually during the renewal year. Until the 2028 fact sheet is out, here's what applied for the 2026 broker renewal. Always confirm on the IDFPR site before you enroll. Experienced brokers (not on a first renewal) 12 hours total 6-hour Core course (includes Fair Housing training) 6 hours of electives, including 1 hour of Sexual Harassment Prevention Training New brokers (first renewal) 45 hours of Broker Post-License Education (three 15-hour courses: Applied Brokerage Principles, Risk Management/Discipline, and Transactional Issues). This replaces regular CE for your first renewal. Licensed on or after November 1, 2025? Your first renewal is April 30, 2028, and your 45 hours must be done by then. Sexual Harassment Prevention Training is included in the 45-hour curriculum. Attorneys Attorneys admitted to practice in Illinois are exempt from CE, but must still renew, pay the fee, and certify compliance on the renewal application. How to Renew (Step by Step) Complete your CE or post-license hours with an IDFPR-approved provider. Check that your credits posted: IDFPR CE Lookup. Log in to the IDFPR Online Services Portal. You'll get an email with a PIN about 60–90 days before the deadline, or you can use your SSN and date of birth. Find your license under "My Licenses" and click Renew. Certify CE compliance and pay the fee. Allow 2–4 business days for your license to update. Renewal Fees Broker: $200 (late fee +$75) Managing Broker: $250 (late fee +$75) Leasing Agent: $150 (late fee +$75) Fees as of January 1, 2024. Confirm current fees on the IDFPR site. Do I Need to Mail Anything? Usually no. Everything is done online. Paper renewal is only needed for a legal name change, a change in license status, or certain sponsorship changes. If mailing is required: IDFPR Division of Real Estate, 320 W Washington St, 3rd Floor, Springfield, IL 62786. Tip: Don't Wait CE providers and the IDFPR portal get slammed in the final weeks before a deadline. Knock out your hours early. If your license lapses, you can't practice or get paid on deals until it's renewed. Resources IDFPR Real Estate page IDFPR approved CE providers Your CE Path at Kale: New vs. Experienced Brokers IDFPR contact: 1-888-473-4858 or fpr.realestate@illinois.gov
- Buyer Closing Guide: Step-by-Step Checklist
1️⃣ Identify the Buyer’s Problem ▢ Determine why they’re buying (renting, upsizing, downsizing, relocating, investing, etc.) 2️⃣ Identify the Solution ▢ Define what type of property best meets their needs and goals. 3️⃣ Schedule and Hold a Buyer Consultation ▢ Build rapport and understand their situation ▢ Demonstrate your professionalism and process ▢ Discuss pre-approval and connect them with a trusted lender if needed ▢ Explain the buying process and timeline ▢ Create an MLS search together and review sample listings ▢ Explain agency relationships and compensation ▢ Get the Buyer Agency Agreement signed 4️⃣ Upload Buyer Agency Agreement ▢ Upload the signed agreement to DotLoop 5️⃣ Schedule Property Tours ▢ Plan showings that align with the buyer’s availability and goals 6️⃣ Reconfirm Buyer’s Needs and Wants ▢ Meet to fine-tune criteria based on feedback and touring experience 7️⃣ Identify the Property to Purchase ▢ Help buyer select the best-fit home 8️⃣ Call the Listing Agent ▢ Ask what terms the seller wants in an offer ▢ Confirm any preferred closing dates or conditions 9️⃣ Write a Winning Offer ▢ Draft a competitive, complete offer package 🔟 Obtain Buyer Signatures on Disclosures ▢ Ensure buyer signs all required disclosures and forms 1️⃣1️⃣ Distribute Executed Contract ▢ Send executed contract to buyer’s attorney, lender, and the listing agent 1️⃣2️⃣ Communicate Details to All Parties ▢ In your introduction email, include key contract dates, contingencies, and contacts 1️⃣3️⃣ Upload Executed Contract & Disclosures ▢ Upload all signed documents to DotLoop 1️⃣4️⃣ Schedule the Home Inspection ▢ Coordinate the inspection — call BrickKicker! 1️⃣5️⃣ Review Inspection Findings with Buyer ▢ Advise on which issues warrant repair requests or credits 1️⃣6️⃣ Negotiate Inspection Items with Listing Agent ▢ Discuss and resolve inspection-related items with the other agent 1️⃣7️⃣ Update Attorneys on Inspection Results ▢ Email both attorneys with final inspection agreements 🔑 NEW: Post-Attorney / Inspection Resolution 1️⃣8️⃣ Request Broker Statement (Kale Realty Requirement) ▢ Request the broker statement from KaleHuddle.com 1️⃣9️⃣ Submit Broker Statement to Attorney ▢ Send the broker statement to the buyer’s attorney for closing preparation 2️⃣0️⃣ Complete Coaching Disbursement Form (if applicable) ▢ If working with a coach, complete the Coaching Fee Disbursement Form at the same time 2️⃣1️⃣ Stay in Touch with Lender ▢ Check regularly that loan approval and appraisal are on track 2️⃣2️⃣ Schedule Final Walk-Through ▢ Book the walk-through 24 hours or less before closing 2️⃣3️⃣ Handle Walk-Through Issues Promptly ▢ Communicate any problems directly to the listing agent 2️⃣4️⃣ Attend the Closing ▢ Support the buyer at the closing table 2️⃣5️⃣ Upload Settlement Statement ▢ Add the final settlement statement to DotLoop 2️⃣6️⃣ Deposit Your Kale Check ▢ Deposit your commission check into Chase 2️⃣7️⃣ Upload Deposit Slip ▢ Upload the deposit slip to DotLoop ✅ Pro Tip: The biggest breakdowns happen between inspection resolution and closing—this is where deals fall apart or get delayed. Stay tight on communication, timelines, and documentation during this phase. Attorney Review, Inspection, and Appraisal Attorney review and inspection periods are typically 5 days unless otherwise notated on the contract. The attorney will handle review, and will send extensions (as long as you keep them in the loop) to the other side of the transaction if you need them for the inspection. The inspection should only be attended by the buyer. It needs to be scheduled as soon as a contract is signed. I suggest you talk about this at the beginning of the process so your client is prepared and has someone chosen. Set the expectation right away as to who will be scheduling. The buyer and buyers agent should attend. Don’t forget to schedule if you are the buyer! The appraisal should only be attended by the listing agent. It is recommended you bring comps and chat with the appraiser about their comps so you may be able to point something out. How should I prepare for a buyer-side closing? Congrats!!! A couple days before the closing you will need to contact the listing agent and set up the final walk-through. Typically, the best time to do this is right before the closing. So if the closing is at 10am, set it up for 9:30am and then drive over to the title company. At the final walk-through you make sure the seller has cleaned out the property and everything looks good. Flush some toilets, open and close a few windows, etc. Here are some examples of situations I’ve run into: The seller took the refrigerator and replaced it with a low quality one. At the closing table, the seller had to give the buyer a credit of $5000. The seller left the property SUPER dirty and had to credit the buyer $250 to clean it up. The seller took an expensive light fixture. The closing was delayed until the next day after the seller reinstalled the fixture and my clients had a second walkthrough. CAUTION! I once told a client that I would do the final walk-through for them as they were out of town. I thought everything looked great. Two days later my clients moved in and there was a huge stain on the carpet. They blamed me and I ended up having to buy them a new carpet for $900! The moral of the story is don’t do a final walk-through without your client present and make sure to have a keen eye for anything that looks odd. This is the last opportunity to negotiate at the closing table. Documents & Related Guides Documents needed when working with a buyer Documents needed when writing an offer Documents needed when getting ready to close Documents needed after closing Brokerage Statement Request & Green Sheet FAQs How do I get paid? Depositing your commission check Rivers Title: save your clients money

