Looking to make a lasting impression with postcards? Whether you're staying top of mind with clients or reaching out to new leads, postcards are a proven way to connect! At Kale Realty, we've partnered with Xpressdocs to offer a seamless, professional postcard service designed to help you build relationships and grow your business. Getting Started with Xpressdocs If you're ready to start sending out postcards, follow these simple steps: 1. Visit Xpressdocs: Head over to Xpressdocs and log in using your Kale Realty credentials: - Username: Your email address - Password: Marketing#1 Once logged in, you’ll have access to a wide range of Kale-branded postcards in various sizes, coatings, and designs! XpressDocs Offers: Kale Branded Postcards Open houses Just listing Just sold Price change Personal promotion Stay in Touch Postcards: Keep your past clients engaged with friendly, non-salesy messages. Recipes: Send fun, seasonal recipes that keep your name in front of clients in a creative way. Sports Calendars: Perfect for sports fans, these calendars help you stay visible all year long. Real Estate Related Messages: Market updates, home tips, and other real estate-specific content. Holidays: Send holiday greetings to spread cheer and stay top-of-mind. Various Topics: Customize your message with a variety of designs and themes. Magnets: Choose durable, long-lasting postcard magnets that clients will keep on their fridge! Flexible Mailing Options You have several convenient mailing options for your postcards: 1. Ship Directly to You or the Office: Want to personally distribute your postcards? They can be sent straight to your doorstep or the office. 2. Mail Directly to Recipients: Have your postcards mailed directly to your recipients for a quick and easy approach. 3. Mail to a Zip Code (EDDM): Use Every Door Direct Mail (EDDM) to reach every mailbox in a specific zip code. 4. Neighborhood Direct Mail (NDM): Target specific neighborhoods to maximize your reach. Address List Options Don't have a mailing list? No problem! Xpressdocs makes it easy to send postcards to your target audience: Upload Your Own Address List: You can download a free address list directly from REMINE or download from RealScout and upload it to Xpressdocs. Generate a Custom List: Xpressdocs can generate an address list based on your specific criteria. Why Use Postcards? Postcards offer a tangible, personal touch that digital marketing sometimes lacks. They are a simple yet effective way to stay connected with clients, reinforce your brand, and generate new leads. With customizable designs and flexible mailing options, Kale Realty’s postcard service via Xpressdocs makes it easier than ever to enhance your marketing efforts. --- Start sending your postcards today! Visit Xpressdocs and log in to explore the range of options available to you. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us at info@kalerealty.com . How to create and mail Just listed or open house postcards Below is a step-by-step guide on how to create and customize postcards on Xpressdocs for Kale Realty. Follow these instructions to design and send your postcards efficiently. 1. Log In to Xpressdocs Go to: https://www.xpressdocs.com/signup/index.php Enter Username: The agent’s email. Click Sign In to access your Xpressdocs dashboard. 2. Navigate to Kale Realty Postcards Choose Flyer Template (on the main dashboard). In the Dashboard, click on “Kale.” Click on “postcards.” 3. Choose Postcard Type Select 1 photo or 3 photo layout, depending on how many images you want to showcase. Choose First Class for the postage option. Select PDF for your proof format. 4. Customize Your Postcard Choose Agent Name: Confirm the correct agent name appears or type it in. Add Contact Information: Enter or update the agent’s phone number, email, and any other relevant details. Upload Headshot: Click to upload your agent headshot and place it on the postcard. Add Property Photos: Click “Click to Add Photo” to insert your property images. Choose the desired photos from the results. Enter Property Information & Description: Include the property address, price, features, and a brief description. 5. Generate & Review Proof Click “Generate Proof.” Review the proof for accuracy—check all spelling, contact info, and photos. If everything looks good, click “Continue” to move forward. 6. Mailing Options After finalizing the design, you have two main mailing methods: Mail to an Existing Database (Free in Remine): You can upload your own list of addresses at no extra per-address fee. Mail to a Generated List via Xpressdocs: Xpressdocs can provide a database of addresses. Please note there is a $0.01 per address fee for using this service. Choose the option that best suits your marketing strategy. You’ll be prompted to review and confirm the total cost before placing your order. That’s it! Following these steps will help you create and customize eye-catching Kale Realty postcards through Xpressdocs. If you have any questions or need support, feel free to reach out to xpressdocs technical team for assistance.

We’re excited to announce a groundbreaking new tool available exclusively to our agents: the Kale/MRP Reverse Prospecting Tool! This powerful resource takes your listing strategies to the next level by offering unparalleled insights and outreach opportunities. What Does It Do? With the Reverse Prospecting Tool, you can now: Track Agent Activity: Identify which real estate agents in Illinois have viewed, shared, or liked your listings. Enhance Networking: Use this data to develop targeted outreach strategies and foster agent-to-agent connections that bring serious buyers to the table. Inform Pricing Strategies: Provide sellers with actionable insights to help them make smarter pricing decisions based on real-time interest and feedback. Expand Buyer Reach: Tap into a wider pool of potential buyers by leveraging agent networks effectively. Why This Matters: At Kale Realty, we’re committed to helping you and your clients achieve success. By combining this innovative tool with your expertise, you’ll be equipped to: Sell homes in the shortest amount of time for the highest possible price. Offer clients the best marketing tools and resources available in the marketplace. Stay ahead of the competition with informed strategies and cutting-edge technology. How to Get Started: The Kale/MRP Reverse Prospecting Tool is now live and ready to use! To learn more, watch this recording. Thank you for continuing to represent the Kale Realty mission of delivering excellence and innovation. Let’s make 2025 the best year yet for our clients and our agents! How to send a reverse prospecting email Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use the MRP tool to identify a list of agents who may have buyers for your listing and then email them efficiently. 1. Go to the MRP Tool Website Open your browser (preferably Google Chrome). Visit: https://mrptool.com/. 2. Log in to MRP Enter Username: Click Sign In (or similar login button). 3. Download the Chrome Extension (First-Time Users Only) Once logged into MRP, follow the on-screen instructions or the provided link to install the MRP Chrome extension. After installation, restart or refresh your Chrome browser if prompted. 4. Log Into ConnectMLS Open a new tab in Chrome. Go to the ConnectMLS login page. Enter Username: Click Log In to access ConnectMLS. 5. Access Your Listings Navigate to Listings in ConnectMLS. Select View My Listings to see the properties you currently have on the market. 6. Select the Agent Name Within your listings, locate the specific property you’d like to market. Find the agent’s name or relevant information associated with that listing. 7. Check the MLS # Look to the left of the listing’s MLS #. Check the box next to the MLS # to select it. 8. Click “REV Prospect” With the listing selected, click on REV Prospect. This option may appear as a button or link, depending on your ConnectMLS interface. 9. Use the MRP Chrome Extension Click on the MRP extension icon in your Chrome browser’s toolbar. Make sure you are still on the ConnectMLS page. The extension will automatically gather relevant agent information based on the listing. 10. Download Your Spreadsheet After the extension finishes compiling data, look for an option to “Download” or “Export”. Save the spreadsheet (e.g., a CSV or Excel file) to your computer. 11. Gather Agent Emails Open the downloaded spreadsheet. Copy all the agent email addresses from the file. Paste them into the BCC field of your new email (this ensures privacy for the recipients). 12. Send the Email Using the Template Use your preferred email client (e.g., Outlook, Gmail). Compose a new email or open the template you regularly use for agent outreach. Paste the emails into the BCC field. Customize any details in the email to reference the specific listing and your contact information. Send the email, and you’re done! ___________________________________________________________________ Subject: New Listing in [Town]: $[Price], [# Beds] Beds / [# Baths] Baths – Ideal for Your Buyer? Hello [Agent Name], I hope you’re doing well. I remember you mentioned you have a buyer seeking a property in the [Town] area. I believe this new listing might be the perfect match: Price: $[Price] Bedrooms/Bathrooms: [# Beds] beds / [# Baths] baths Location: [Town] Below is a photo of the property for a quick preview: [Insert Property Photo Here or Attach as Image File] I’ve also attached a PDF of the MLS listing sheet for your convenience. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a showing, please feel free to reach out. I’d be more than happy to accommodate you and your buyers. Thank you, and I look forward to hearing from you! Warm regards,

Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) MLS Office ID: 86995 Website: https://chicagorealtor.com/ Address: 430 Michigan Ave #800, Chicago, IL 60611, United States Phone Number: +1 312-803-4900 Email Address: membership@chicagorealtor.com Mainstreet Organization of Realtors (MORe) MLS Office ID: 26929 Website: https://www.succeedwithmore.com/ Address: 6655 Main St, Downers Grove, IL 60516, United States Phone Number: +1 630-324-8400 Email Address: membership@succeedwithmore.com North Shore – Barrington Association or Realtors (NSBAR) MLS Office ID: 4646 Website: https://www.nsbar.org/ Address: 450 Skokie Blvd Bldg 1200 Northbrook, IL 60062 Phone Number: +1 847-480-7177 Joining a REALTOR® Association with Kale Realty At Kale Realty, we prioritize professionalism and industry involvement. That’s why all agents must join one of the approved REALTOR® associations within their first 30 days. Without this membership, we cannot sponsor you. To connect with the approved associations and begin your membership process, visit this link. The Importance of Being a REALTOR® and Joining a Local Association As a real estate professional, becoming a REALTOR® and joining a local association of REALTORS® is a crucial step toward establishing credibility, expanding your knowledge, and accessing valuable tools that can elevate your career. At Kale Realty, we require all agents to be a member of one of three associations within their first 30 days to ensure they have the resources necessary to thrive in this competitive industry. Why Become a REALTOR®? The term "REALTOR®" is more than just a title—it signifies a commitment to professionalism, ethics, and continuous growth in real estate. As a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), you agree to uphold a strict Code of Ethics that sets you apart from non-member agents and provides added credibility in the eyes of clients and industry peers. Benefits of Joining a Local Association of REALTORS® Each local REALTOR® association offers a wealth of benefits that help agents succeed in their careers. Here’s what you can expect: 1. MLS Access Membership in a REALTOR® association grants you access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a vital tool that allows you to search, list, and market properties efficiently. Without MLS access, your ability to serve clients effectively is severely limited. 2. Education & Training Staying ahead in real estate requires continuous learning. Local REALTOR® associations provide ongoing training, professional development courses, and certification programs to help you stay informed about industry trends, legal changes, and best practices. 3. Advocacy & Legal Support Real estate laws and policies are constantly evolving. REALTOR® associations advocate for industry-friendly legislation and provide members with legal guidance to navigate complex transactions and protect their business interests. 4. Networking & Community Engagement Membership connects you with a network of professionals, including other agents, brokers, lenders, and service providers. Attending association events and meetings allows you to build relationships that can lead to referrals and collaborations. 5. Access to Lockbox Services Some associations include electronic lockbox subscriptions as part of their membership, while others offer them a la carte. Be sure to inquire about this essential tool that streamlines property showings and enhances security for your listings. 6. Tools & Market Insights REALTOR® associations provide access to exclusive market data, reports, and technology platforms that help you analyze trends and serve your clients with expert insights. Final Thoughts Becoming a REALTOR® and joining a local association is an investment in your career and credibility. By leveraging the resources, education, and network provided, you position yourself for long-term success in the ever-evolving real estate industry. If you have any questions about the process or which association best fits your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to support you on your journey!

Coming this month, MRED will be introducing new required listing input fields which will impact how your listings are displayed on 3rd-party websites outside of the MLS. These updates impact both private and standard listings and include changes to Virtual Office Website (VOW) feeds and Internet Data Exchange (IDX) feeds. Get ready for these updates by reviewing the information below, including the updated forms and contracts that will soon be released. Quick Links Jump to different sections on this page by clicking the links below. What is changing in the MLS? What forms are changing? What are VOW and IDX? Why is MRED making these changes? Who do I contact with questions? What is changing in the mls? FOR PRIVATE LISTINGS: MRED is introducing new fields in the Media tab that will allow a private listing to display on virtual office websites (VOW) feeds, so long as the listing agent has the permission of the seller to display the listing on such websites outside of the MLS. Additionally, if a seller agrees to display their private listing on a VOW feed, the seller has additional controls around whether to: Display their listing address Display the listing remarks Allow for comments Allow for automated price estimates of their property Each of these fields can be individually controlled based on the seller’s direction. If a seller does not agree to display their private listing outside of the MLS via a VOW feed, then answering “No” to the first question will hide all remaining fields. Get a closer look at the new field options below. Click to expand examples of the Listing Display Options and Media tab See below for an example of what it looks like when someone selling their home agrees to display the private listing outside of the MLS via a VOW feed, along with all of the display options. See below for an example of what it looks like when someone selling their home does not agree to display the private listing outside of the MLS via a VOW feed. For Standard Listings: MRED will be introducing a revised Media tab, which will provide greater flexibility on how a standard listing displays on both virtual office websites (VOW) feeds and public consumer websites/portals, also known as Internet Data Exchange (IDX) feeds. The seller can first decide if they agree to display their standard listing online via a VOW feed. If a seller agrees to display their standard listing on a VOW feed, the seller has additional controls around whether to: Display their listing address Display the listing remarks Allow for comments Allow for automated price estimates of their property Each of these fields can be individually controlled based on the seller’s direction. If a seller agrees to display their standard listing via a VOW feed, then the seller will have additional choices regarding how their standard listing will display on public consumer websites/portals via an IDX feed. The seller can decide if they agree to display their standard listing online via an IDX feed. If a seller agrees to display their standard listing on an IDX feed, the seller has additional controls around whether to: Display their listing address Display the listing remarks Allow for comments Allow the price history to display Allow the market time to display Allow for automated price estimates of their property Each of these fields can be individually controlled based on the seller’s direction. If a seller chooses not to display their standard listing outside of the MLS via a VOW feed, then answering “No” to the VOW display question will hide all remaining fields and the standard listing will not display anywhere online outside of the MLS. The IDX display will default to No. Click to expand examples of the Listing Display Options and Media tab See below for an example of what it looks like when someone selling their home agrees to display the standard listing outside of the MLS via VOW and IDX feeds. See below for an example of what it looks like when someone selling their home agrees to display the standard listing outside of the MLS via a VOW feed ONLY. See below for an example of what it looks like when someone selling their home does not agree to display the standard listing outside of the MLS via VOW and IDX feeds. What forms are changing? Once these new listing display options and questions are available in MRED, we will publish revised forms to assist you in receiving your seller’s written direction on how their listing will display outside of the MLS. The revised forms are listed below. Click each form to learn more about the upcoming updates. Exclusive Right to Sell Listing Agreement The existing paragraph in the listing agreement for Multiple Listing Service (MLS) has been updated to Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and Online Display. A new section titled Online Listing Display discusses the choices a seller has regarding how their listing will display online outside of the MLS. Additionally, this paragraph has important language for the brokerage, which states that other than inputting the seller’s choices correctly into the MLS, the seller acknowledges that the brokerage has no control over third-party websites and has no further obligation to ensure those third-party websites comply with the seller’s direction. MRED holds ultimate responsibility in ensuring its web partners display MRED listing data correctly and in accordance with their rules. New sections specific to agent-client websites (VOW) and public consumer websites (IDX) allow for the seller to indicate how they wish their listing to display online. The questions are intentionally similar to how they will display within MRED during a standard listing entry. Exclusive Rental Listing Agreement The same updates to the for sale listing agreement were made to the rental listing agreement. These new listing display options within MRED will be available for all property types, including rentals. Private Listing Status Authorization The Private Listing Status Authorization form has a new paragraph titled Limited or No Internet Display. This new paragraph explains to a seller that private listings are not distributed on public websites, but that a seller may authorize limited online exposure outside of the MLS via a VOW feed. Because a seller might choose to put their listing in a private status because they do not want it displayed online, a bolded statement states that if the seller checks “Yes” to display on virtual office websites, they understand that their property will display online outside of the MLS. This new section and its questions are intentionally similar to how they will display within MRED during a private listing entry. What are VOW and IDX? MRED offers multiple data feeds that vary depending on its purpose and who is receiving the data. Below is a table that explains the differences in listing data feeds. Glossary: IDX = Internet Data Exchange VOW = Virtual Office Website BO = Broker Back Office Participant Transfer (Broker Only) MLS Platform Click here to expand the image. If reading on mobile, pinch to Zoom in! Why is MRED making these Changes? MRED’s goal is to provide choice to sellers on how their listings display online. While there are a lot of new fields for both private and standard listings, they allow for customized online display controls for each seller and listing. Who Do I Contact with Questions? All of these listing display controls and data feeds are managed by MRED. Their help desk is available to assist with how to complete these new fields, how data is sent from MRED, how/why these new fields were developed or any follow-up questions you may have. MRED Help Desk Email: help.desk@mredllc.com | Phone: (630) 955-2755 Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Sunday: On Call Emergencies: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM MRED Online Display Updates: New Required Fields for VOW/IDX (Effective February 24, 2026) Effective immediately (as of February 24, 2026), MRED now requires new fields that control how Private and Standard listings display outside the MLS on VOW/IDX sites (address, remarks, comments, price estimates, and for IDX: price history and market time). Key changes brokers need to know Private listings: New Media tab fields allow a private listing to appear on VOW only with seller permission. If seller says No, the rest of the fields are hidden and it won’t display online outside the MLS. Standard listings: Updated Media tab adds seller controls for VOW and, if VOW is allowed, additional IDXcontrols. If seller says No to VOW, the listing won’t display online outside the MLS and IDX defaults to No. Updated forms are coming: Listing agreements and the Private Listing Status Authorization form are being revised to capture seller instructions in writing and clarify broker responsibility. Questions: MRED Help Desk | help.desk@mredllc.com | (630) 955-2755

Need to pay Kale? Skip the checkbook. You can pay in seconds from your phone with Zelle or Venmo. 📱 Send Payment To Email: nick@kalerealty.com Phone: 773-610-3041 Works for both Zelle and Venmo. How to Pay with Zelle Open your banking app (or the Zelle app) and tap Send. Enter nick@kalerealty.com or 773-610-3041. Add a memo with your full name and what the payment is for. How to Pay with Venmo Open Venmo and tap Pay/Request. Search 773-610-3041 or nick@kalerealty.com. Add a note with your full name and what the payment is for. ✅ Memo example: "Jane Smith – September monthly fee" Your name and payment purpose help us apply your payment to the right account quickly. Questions about a payment? Email info@kalerealty.com.

Here is the correct procedure for listing a property with Kale Realty to ensure a smooth and timely activation. How long does activation take? Listings are activated during the hours below, usually within the same processing window you submit in. ✅ Listing Steps: Accurately complete all listing paperwork in Dotloop. Attach the signed documents to your Dotloop checklist. Submit for review once fully executed for managing broker signature. Go to www.kalehuddle.com and click "ACTIVATE MY LISTING" 📆 Activation Hours: Our team processes listing activations: Monday–Friday: 9am–5pm Saturday: one batch at noon If you submit a request outside of these hours, there may be a slight delay until the next processing window. ⚡ High-volume listers: skip the queue If you list frequently, you can be added to our listing whitelist so your listings go live ASAP, without waiting for the standard activation process. To request it, email rob@kalerealty.com with the subject "Listing Whitelist Request." Note: You still need to complete steps 1–3 before your listing goes live. Thanks for helping us keep everything running smoothly! Let us know if you have any questions.

Every month, millions of consumers visit Realtor.com to find homes and agents to help them buy or sell. Your Agent profile is a free feature available to all real estate agents. Your profile is visible to consumers on Realtor.com, who can easily find you using the Agent Search experience. The information you add to your profile will also appear in other consumer-facing areas on the site, such as Home Seller and Market Insights reports. Not sure if you already have a Realtor.com® account? Click here. Logging in / Signing Up To update your profile, log in to your Realtor.com Pro Dashboard account: http://dashboard.realtor.com/ If you do not have one, create your free account here: Create your free account Accessing your Agent Profile Once logged into your Realtor.com Pro Dashboard, select “Profile” from the left-side navigation, then “Manage Profile”. Profile completeness rating Your profile includes a “Profile completeness score”, so you can understand the strength of your current profile. This section also provides recommendations to help you maximize your profile's visibility to potential clients. Selecting a recommendation will take you directly to the section that needs updating, and your score will automatically change when you're finished. Realtor.com highly recommends making your profile as complete as possible to help ensure maximum exposure. Fully complete profiles can get up to 4x as many impressions.* *Based on Realtor.com profile impressions, measured from June 2024 - June 2025 Add/Edit a profile picture Upload a photo that represents you! Your profile picture makes a strong first impression and showcases who you are, allowing potential clients to connect a face to your name and get a sense of your professional brand before working with you. Select the profile image to access the editor. Select “Upload photo” and choose the desired image from your device. The editor will allow you to rotate and move the image to get the placement just right. You’ll also get a preview before you save. Use a high-resolution image (500x500 pixels), and present yourself professionally to reflect your personal brand. NOTE: To learn more about how to add, update, or remove a profile photo, click here. Complete your profile (about me) Begin completing your profile by selecting the “Edit” button. Bio Introduce yourself to potential sellers and buyers by showcasing your experience, skills, and achievements. Specialties Use the dropdown list to select up to 10 specialties. Other languages Select any additional languages spoken from the dropdown list. Years of Experience Select the year and month you began working in real estate. Areas Served Enter a city or zip code where you work, then select “Add”. Add all of the areas you serve; completing this section ensures your profile appears in the Agent Search experience when a consumer searches by location. Ratings and Reviews Past clients can leave a review and/or rating on your profile, sharing their experience to boost your profile's visibility. We will publicly display your Realtor.com, RealSatisfied, and RateMyAgent ratings on your profile. Adding ratings and reviews will take you away from your profile page; we recommend completing your other profile fields first. For more information, see: Add Ratings and Reviews to your Profile Recommendations / Testimonials Recommendations can be added to your profile from family, friends, colleagues, and others you have worked with. They do not have to be tied to a specific listing. You may also import recommendations from RealSatisfied and Testimonial Tree. Adding recommendations/testimonials will take you away from your profile page; it is recommended to complete your other profile fields first. For more information, see: Add and import recommendations to your profile Social Media Add URLs for your social media pages to further connect with visitors. Your Agent profile supports the following channels: Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Instagram TikTok X View and edit your Contact details Keeping your contact details up to date is crucial, as this is how consumers visiting your profile will reach you. You can quickly edit your contact information using the Edit button on the right side of the main profile page. Note: Your Agent license is automatically pulled from your MLS. This information cannot be manually updated in your Dashboard, and it will be visible on your Agent profile to the public. Are you a REALTOR?® (Find a REALTOR® Profile) If you are an NAR member, add your Member ID (NRDS ID) to populate your credentials and designations. This will allow your profile to be displayed when site visitors exclusively search for REALTORS®. If you do not know your NRDS ID, you can choose the option “Look it up on the National Association of REALTORS® site” or click here. Brokerage Office Information and Brokerage Branding Important note regarding the information displayed Certain profile fields can be locked from editing at a broker or office admin level. If yours is locked, an “Edit” button will not be displayed. If this information is locked, changes may need to be made by your broker or office admin using the email address displayed under “Need to make a change?”. If you notice an incorrect office noted in your profile that you are unable to edit, please contact our Customer Care Team. MLS Details Your MLS information is displayed in the profile edit view, which also affects the listing information displayed in your Dashboard and Profile. To add additional MLSs or remove an MLS account, give us a call at (877) 309-3151. Need to hide or remove your Agent profile? If you want to keep your profile in your dashboard but hide it from consumers on Realtor.com, follow these steps: Access your Settings from the Avatar menu in the upper right of your dashboard. From the Settings page, select “Profile settings”. Turn off the switch next to the “Display profile on Realtor.com” option. If you’d like to have your Agent profile removed entirely, please contact us at your earliest convenience. You can contact our Support team at 1-844-299-7646, Monday to Friday, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST, or Saturday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. PST. You may also contact us by submitting an email with your support request or chat with a Customer Care Representative here.

Exciting news for Cook County homebuyers: the Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program has officially reopened, and A & N Mortgage is an approved participating lender. This program can provide eligible buyers with assistance equal to 5% of the final first-mortgage loan amount, up to $25,000. Funds may be used toward the down payment, closing costs, or an interest-rate buydown. The assistance is structured as a forgivable second loan over five years. (Cook County) Why Agents and Buyers Need to Act Quickly Cook County allocated only $2 million for this phase of the program. Previous phases helped hundreds of households purchase homes, so the available funds are expected to be claimed quickly. Agents with interested or potentially eligible buyers should connect them with a participating lender as soon as possible. (Cook County) What You Need to Know Assistance is equal to 5% of the buyer’s first loan amount, up to a maximum of $25,000. Funds may be used for the down payment, closing costs, or a mortgage interest-rate buydown. The assistance is provided as a forgivable second loan with a five-year term. Buyers may use conventional, FHA, or VA financing, subject to lender and program requirements. The program is available to both first-time and repeat homebuyers. Eligible properties must be located in Cook County and used as the buyer’s primary residence. Income limits generally apply up to 120% of the Area Median Income. There is no income limit for qualifying purchases in certain Disproportionately Impacted Areas or Qualified Census Tracts. First-time homebuyers must complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing. (Cook County) Additional credit, property, occupancy, loan-program, and underwriting requirements may apply. Buyers should speak directly with an approved lender to confirm eligibility before relying on the assistance in an offer or purchase plan. Connect Your Buyers with A & N Mortgage Maria and Terrence with A & N Mortgage can help buyers review the program, determine eligibility, and understand the financing process. Find their contact information here:https://www.kalehuddle.com/post/a-n-mortgage-preferred-lenders Because funding is limited, do not wait until your buyer finds a property to begin the conversation. Encourage interested buyers to speak with Maria or Terrence now so they can understand their options and prepare to move quickly. Official Cook County program information:https://www.cookcountyil.gov/news/cook-county-launch-third-phase-down-payment-assistance-program

Starting a real estate career can feel exciting, overwhelming, and confusing all at the same time. New agents often come into the business motivated and ready to succeed, but quickly realize that earning a license is only the beginning. The real work starts when they begin learning how to build a database, talk to people about real estate, understand buyer and seller expectations, use brokerage systems, navigate forms, and figure out what steps to take first. To help new agents build confidence, connection, and direction during their first six months, Kale Realty is launching Monthly New-Agent Cohort Sessions. These sessions are designed specifically for agents in their first six months with Kale who need structure, practical guidance, and a place to ask questions as they begin building their real estate businesses. Why the New-Agent Cohort Matters Many new agents struggle not because they are unmotivated, but because they are unsure where to begin. They may have access to training, videos, tools, and resources, but without a clear path, it can be difficult to know what to focus on first. Some agents feel isolated. Others wait until they have a client or transaction before asking for help. By then, they may already feel behind or overwhelmed. The New-Agent Cohort Sessions are meant to close that gap. The goal is to give agents a recurring monthly touchpoint where they can connect with others at a similar stage, receive direction, practice important skills, and better understand how to apply what they are learning in Career Kickoff. What the Sessions Will Cover Each month will focus on one key area of early agent development. The six-month series includes: Month 1: Start Like a Professional Agents will learn what to do first, how to avoid overwhelm, what is expected in Career Kickoff, how to begin setting up their database, and how to start having their first real estate conversations. Month 2: Building Your Database and Sphere Agents will identify who belongs in their database, what to say to people they already know, how to track conversations, and how to begin creating follow-up habits. Month 3: Buyer Readiness This session will focus on buyer agreements, buyer consultation basics, showing expectations, compensation conversations, and when to ask for help before working with buyers. Month 4: Open Houses and Opportunity Creation Agents will learn how to prepare for open houses, promote them properly, engage visitors, follow up, and use open houses as a real lead-generation opportunity. Month 5: Seller Basics This session will introduce seller intake, CMA basics, listing preparation, seller expectations, and pricing conversations. Month 6: First Transaction Readiness Agents will review the contract-to-close process, required forms, file submission expectations, when to involve a coach or mentor, and common mistakes to avoid. More Than Just Training The New-Agent Cohort Sessions are not meant to be another lecture. They are designed to be practical, interactive, and focused on action. Agents should leave each session with a clearer understanding of what to do next. That may include completing specific Career Kickoff modules, updating their database, attending a live workshop, scheduling time with a coach or mentor, practicing a conversation, or preparing for their first buyer, seller, rental, or transaction opportunity. The purpose is to help agents move from passive learning to active implementation. Creating Community and Reducing Isolation One of the hardest parts of starting in real estate is feeling like everyone else already knows what they are doing. The cohort model gives new agents a place to connect with others who are also learning, growing, and figuring out how to build momentum. This creates community, reduces isolation, and helps agents see that they are not alone in the early stages of the business. It also gives Kale a better way to identify which agents are engaged, which agents need additional support, and which agents may be ready for Launch Coach or Transaction Coach guidance. Connecting Career Kickoff to Real-World Action Career Kickoff remains the foundation for new-agent learning at Kale Realty. The online program helps agents understand the basics of real estate, including lead generation, buyer and seller representation, open houses, forms, contracts, professionalism, and transaction procedures. The cohort sessions are designed to enhance that learning. Instead of simply watching videos, agents will be encouraged to discuss what they are learning, ask questions, complete assignments, and apply the material to their actual business. The goal is not just to complete training. The goal is to become more prepared, more confident, and more capable of serving clients professionally. A Scalable Support System The New-Agent Cohort Sessions are also part of a larger effort to create a more scalable support system for agents in their first six months. Rather than relying only on one-on-one calls or waiting until agents request help, the cohort format creates a predictable monthly structure. It gives agents a place to go, a rhythm to follow, and a clearer path for support. It also allows coaches, mentors, and leadership to better understand where agents are getting stuck and how to help them move forward. Session Schedule The New-Agent Cohort Sessions will meet once per month on Zoom from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Month 1: Start Like a Professional Wednesday, July 8, 2026 Month 2: Building Your Database and Sphere Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Month 3: Buyer Readiness Wednesday, September 16, 2026 Month 4: Open Houses and Opportunity Creation Wednesday, October 14, 2026 Month 5: Seller Basics Wednesday, November 18, 2026 Month 6: First Transaction Readiness Wednesday, December 9, 2026 The Bottom Line New agents do not need to figure everything out alone. They need structure, direction, support, and a clear path from learning to action. The Monthly New-Agent Cohort Sessions are designed to help agents build that foundation during the first six months of their real estate careers. By participating consistently, agents will have the opportunity to gain confidence, ask better questions, build stronger habits, and move closer to becoming productive, professional real estate agents. Real estate success does not happen by accident. It starts with showing up, learning the right things, taking action, and staying connected to support.

While we encourage brokers to use CloudCMA for comp reports, sometimes you want a professional packet to bring to a client. We have you covered! Below are templates that you can customize immediately to use in your business. Click on the design that best fits your aesthetic! You will be directed to Canva which will allow you to edit and customize the pages to best fit your needs. Once edited to your satisfaction we recommend having it printed at a local printer (FedEx/Kinkos) or printed through XpressDocs. We hope you enjoy these listing and buyer presentations! If you’d like to access Kale logos, please click here. (Kale Branded Seller's Guide) https://canva.link/76sdygr6zu0mxxr (Kale Branded Buyer's Guide) https://www.canva.com/design/DAFBLFeJ9EQ/gHqHOdym0yv-t1IkFEWGyQ/view?utm_content=DAFBLFeJ9EQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview (Kale Branded SPANISH Buyer's Guide) https://www.canva.com/design/DAGk6YFFV_g/HS-uTxwzBvLi3QE3bahZSQ/view?utm_content=DAGk6YFFV_g&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview (Kale Branded SPANISH Seller's Guide) https://www.canva.com/design/DAGk6btllXg/gAJ20XnNy3tLFiF4sh8lFQ/view?utm_content=DAGk6btllXg&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview Other Misc. Buyer and Seller Guides: https://www.canva.com/design/DAFDC-2E8a0/t5CWW_PmKjboGGZhkFZ6lg/view?utm_content=DAFDC-2E8a0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview https://www.canva.com/design/DAFC8jUThvY/vC54XogAe6LM1R3tA2pkPQ/view?utm_content=DAFC8jUThvY&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=publishsharelink&mode=preview https://www.canva.com/design/DAEW_0MqnU4/7pmx4_5pQeZ-DrCf775COw/view?utm_content=DAEW_0MqnU4&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton&mode=preview https://www.canva.com/design/DAD6d_XXeSQ/FUZPhoy3TuFbXW0UBdvkiQ/view?utm_content=DAD6d_XXeSQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link&utm_source=sharebutton&mode=preview

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