Kale Realty’s 24/7 Support Teammate Kaley is Kale Realty’s newest support team member, dedicated to helping agents succeed around the clock. Available 24/7 , Kaley provides fast, friendly, and reliable assistance on everything from commission deposits and Dotloop submissions to website setup, CRM tools, and day-to-day business questions. By giving agents instant answers and step-by-step guidance , Kaley eliminates wait times and ensures brokers always have the support they need—day or night. Designed to make running a real estate business simpler and more efficient, Kaley represents Kale Realty’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and unmatched agent support. 👉 With Kaley on your side, help is always just a click away.

Starting a career in real estate is exciting and rewarding—but like any business venture, it comes with financial responsibilities. As an independent contractor, you are essentially running your own business under the Kale Realty brokerage. That means you’ll need to budget for association dues, licensing, marketing, and the tools that help you grow your business. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs of being a real estate agent at Kale Realty : 🔹 Fixed Association & Brokerage Costs Association Membership (MLS, Local, State, & National Dues): approx. $1,500/year Required to access MLS, earn REALTOR® status, and receive member benefits. Kale Realty Monthly Fee: $54/month Covers broker support, systems, compliance, and resources. Kale Realty Annual Fee: $249/year Paid each year to maintain your affiliation with the brokerage. 🔹 Branding & Marketing Essentials Business Cards: $50 Your first touchpoint with many clients—professional cards are a must. Announcement Postcards: $50 Great for letting your sphere know you’ve launched your real estate career. Property Listing Photos: $139/listing Professional photography is essential for every listing to stand out online. Property Fliers: $100 High-quality fliers for open houses, listing packets, or neighborhood farming. Custom Signage: $100–$300 Includes “For Sale” signs, rider signs, and directional signage. Open House Signs: $100–$300 Multiple signs help drive traffic and maximize exposure for your listings. 🔹 Additional Business Expenses Lockboxes & Keys  – Required for secure property access. CRM & Technology Tools  – Depending on the system, $20–$100/month. Social Media Ads & Boosts  – Budget at least $50–$200/month to build visibility. Client Gifts & Closing Costs  – Thoughtful gestures (wine, gift cards, branded gifts) often range $25–$100 per client. Continuing Education  – State-required CE courses and additional certifications. Networking & Events  – Local chamber memberships, Realtor® events, or community sponsorships. 🔹 Estimated First-Year Costs Here’s an example of a first-year budget for a new agent at Kale Realty : Association Dues: $1,500 Kale Monthly Fees (12 x $54): $648 Kale Annual Fee: $249 Marketing Essentials (business cards, postcards, photos, fliers, signage): approx. $500–$800 Additional Business/Promotions: $1,000+ Estimated Total First-Year Investment: $3,900–$4,200+ ✅ Final Thoughts Becoming a real estate agent means investing in yourself and your business. While the upfront costs may feel significant, these investments pay off in professionalism, credibility, and the ability to win clients quickly. At Kale Realty, we provide the systems, training, and support to help you maximize your return on that investment and launch a profitable, sustainable career in real estate .

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First, determine whether the property has electric heat or gas heat. If you’re not sure, please ask the current owner, landlord or property manager. Electric Heat In order to order an electric heating disclosure, please click this link to be taken to ComEd’s heating disclosure request page . Please follow the instructions on that page. For questions, please contact ComEd directly. Gas Heat To order a gas heat disclosure, please complete this form and we’ll order one for you! It takes on average two weeks to receive the gas heat disclosure. As soon as we receive it, our team will add it to your loop in dotloop. If we can’t find the loop, we’ll email it to you, instead. Note: Heat disclosures are only required as part of Chicago's residential, landlord/tenant ordinance, so anything outside the city automatically doesn't need one.

By Risa Weiss-Kallis, VP of Agent Development – Kale Realty You hosted the open house, collected sign-ins, answered questions, and maybe even handed out cookies. But here’s the real question: What happens next? The truth is, the most important part of an open house happens after  the last guest walks out the door. A consistent, intentional follow-up system turns casual visitors into loyal clients—and that’s how you build a business. Here’s your step-by-step system  to master post-open house follow-up and use smart tools to stay connected, top of mind, and referral-ready. 📆 Step 1: Organize Your Leads Within 24 Hours Before anything else, sort and qualify  your leads: Create a list or tracker (like the   Open House Lead Conversion Tracker ) with the following: Name, phone, email Buyer, seller, or neighbor Working with an agent? (Y/N) Notes from your conversation (use FORD: Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams) Level of interest (Hot / Warm / Cold) ✅ Upload these to your CRM ASAP and tag them accordingly. ✉️ Step 2: Day-After Follow-Up Send a friendly and personalized message by email or text: Template: Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at the open house at [123 Main St.] yesterday! I hope you found it helpful as you explore your options. Let me know if you'd like a list of similar homes—or if you ever want to chat about the market. I’m happy to help! BONUS: Include a link to your branded IDX website  for browsing listings Mention any upcoming listings  they might be interested in ☎️ Step 3: Make a Quick Follow-Up Call Call within 48–72 hours  while the memory is fresh. What to say: “Hi [Name], this is [Your Name] from Kale Realty—we met at the open house for [123 Main St.]. Just wanted to follow up and see what you thought of the property, and if I can be a resource as you move forward with your home search.” If they’re not interested in that property, offer help with: Setting up a custom home search Connecting with a lender Getting pre-approved Scheduling private tours 🗓️ Step 4: Drip Campaign + Ongoing Engagement Add each lead to an email drip campaign  based on who they are: For Buyers: Branded listings and saved searches “How to Buy” tips or guides Info on mortgage rates, first-time buyer tips, etc. For Potential Sellers: “What’s My Home Worth?” landing page Market updates Home prep checklists Seller success stories ✅ Set a reminder to check in every 2 weeks via text, email, or a call. 🧠 Step 5: Use FORD-Based Personal Follow-Ups Refer back to personal details they shared: “Hope your son’s baseball tournament went well!” “Did you get that new puppy you mentioned?” “Sending over a few homes with space for that home office you’re dreaming about.” This builds trust, deepens the relationship, and sets you apart from every other agent who just sent a generic email. 📲 Step 6: Retarget and Reconnect with Social Media Friend/follow leads on social media  after meeting them Use Stories, Reels, and Posts to show your personality and value Run a retargeting ad to open house visitors using your CRM or landing page traffic Share “Just Sold” or market update content that reinforces your expertise 🛠️ Tools to Power Your Follow-Up System Here are tools every Kale Realty agent should consider using: Tool Purpose CRM (Follow Up Boss, Wise Agent, etc.) Organize and track leads Canva Design flyers, guides, email headers Curb Hero Digital open house sign-in tool ATNAgentOne Net sheet calculators and market stats Google Forms or Typeform Simple follow-up forms or surveys DotLoop Manage docs if they’re ready to write offers Social Media Build connection and stay visible 🚀 Bonus: Create a "Client for Life" Onboarding Flow If a lead becomes a client, transition them into your Client for Life System : Add them to your home anniversary & birthday calendar Start a homeowner email series Invite them to client appreciation events Send pop-by gifts or personal notes every quarter 🎯 Final Thought: The Fortune Is in the Follow-Up Hosting an open house is like planting seeds. But if you don’t follow up with water, sunlight, and intention— nothing will grow . A smart post-open house system is your secret weapon for:  ✅ Filling your pipeline  ✅ Winning repeat business  ✅ Becoming the go-to real estate expert in your market Need help setting up your follow-up system or email drips? 📩 Reach out to risa@kalerealty.com  — I’m here to help you convert more leads and grow your business by design, not by default.

By Risa Weiss-Kallis, VP of Agent Development – Kale Realty One of the biggest complaints consumers have about real estate agents is a lack of communication . At Kale Realty, we strive to be different— clear, proactive communication is our standard , not an afterthought. Whether your client is buying or selling, your role as their trusted advisor includes keeping them updated, setting expectations, and guiding them through every step . Here's how to build a simple but powerful communication plan that makes your clients feel supported, informed, and in control. 🛍️ For Buyers: Your Buyer Communication Plan 🎯 Goal: Help buyers feel educated, empowered, and confident in their decisions. ✅ Before the Search Begins: Kickoff Consultation : Walk them through the buying process and timeline. Share a Buyer’s Guide : Branded PDF with key steps and FAQs. Send Pre-Approval Referrals : Make lender introductions if they’re not yet pre-approved. Set Expectations : Let them know how and when you’ll communicate (email, text, weekly calls, etc.). Tip: Use Kale Huddle resources or create a simple email with a home buying checklist. 🔍 During the Search: Set Up a Custom MLS Search : Make sure they’re seeing properties in real time. Weekly Check-Ins : Even if no showings are scheduled, update them on market activity. Send New Listings Immediately : Be fast. Buyers love responsiveness. Recap Showings : Text or call after each showing to debrief and keep momentum. 📝 Once Under Contract: Send a “Next Steps” Timeline : Email outlining the contract-to-close process. Weekly Progress Updates : Include inspection status, appraisal, mortgage steps, etc. Be Proactive : If a delay or hiccup happens, tell them before they ask. Use tools like Dotloop to track progress and loop in all parties. 📦 After Closing: Deliver a Closing Gift  🎁 Send a “Welcome Home” Email  with home maintenance tips Check In After 30 Days : Ask how things are going—and request a review! Add to Your Client for Life Program  (anniversary cards, invites to client events, pop-bys) 🏡 For Sellers: Your Seller Communication Plan 🎯 Goal: Keep sellers confident in your strategy and aware of every marketing and offer-related update. ✅ Pre-Listing: Seller Strategy Session : Discuss pricing, marketing, and what to expect. Send a Listing Prep Checklist : Help them get the home ready. Share a Branded CMA Report : Review comps and price recommendations. Provide a Marketing Plan : Email or present a detailed plan: staging, photos, social media, open houses, etc. 📣 While Listed: Weekly Seller Update : This is non-negotiable. Include: Showing activity Feedback from buyers Website/MLS traffic Upcoming marketing actions Local market stats and competitor updates New Offers? Tell Them ASAP : Be clear, calm, and strategic. Check-In Call/Text Every 3–4 Days : Even if there’s no news, let them know that. Pro Tip: Use a consistent subject line like “Weekly Update for 123 Main Street” to keep your emails organized. 📝 Once Under Contract: Send a “Next Steps” Email : Include important dates and what to expect next. Coordinate with Attorney/Lender/Appraiser : Keep everyone on the same page. Weekly Transaction Check-In : Confirm everything is moving smoothly. Explain Each Milestone : Don’t assume they know what’s next. 🎉 After Closing: Thank You Card or Gift Home Sale Summary Email  with final stats and link to leave a review Add to Your Client for Life Plan  (quarterly check-ins, market updates, etc.) 📌 Communication Tools to Help You Stay on Track Tool Use Dotloop Transaction updates & document sharing Your CRM (Follow Up Boss, Wise Agent, etc.) Automated reminders, drip campaigns Canva Create branded checklists and guides ATNAgentOne Send net sheets and seller updates Google Calendar Set client follow-up reminders Social Media Keep clients engaged and aware of market trends 💬 Final Thoughts: Be the Agent Who Over-Communicates When you stay in touch, provide updates before they ask, and explain the "why" behind each step, you reduce stress, build trust, and create a client for life. Clients may not always remember every detail of their transaction—but they will always remember how you made them feel . Clear, consistent communication = loyalty, referrals, and repeat business . 💡 Want templates for your Buyer and Seller Communication Plans? 📩 Email me at risa@kalerealty.com  and I’ll send you plug-and-play versions ready to brand and use!

Everything You Need to Know About Creating and Running a Successful Real Estate Team 1. Can I create a team at Kale Realty? Absolutely! At Kale Realty, we empower our agents to grow their businesses their way. Forming a team is a great way to scale your business, delegate tasks, and provide a higher level of service to your clients. 2. How does commission work for team leaders and members? Kale Realty offers all agents 100% commission .As a team leader, you determine the commission structure for your team members based on what works best for your business model. You have complete flexibility to: Set commission splits for your team members. Offer incentives or bonuses. Decide on referral fees, overrides, or other arrangements. For guidance on structuring your team, refer to the   Policy and Procedures Manual . 3. What training and resources does Kale Realty offer for team leaders? We provide extensive training and resources to help you become an effective team leader: The Locker Room : Access a library of workshops, training videos, and coaching resources designed for team leaders. Broker TRACK Program : A multi-week workshop series designed for agents building teams while remaining in production. Offers tools and strategies for increasing leverage, managing long-term financial stability, and building systems for success. Provides opportunities to connect with other team leaders and share best practices. 4. How can Kale Realty’s in-house recruiters help me build my team? Our two in-house recruiters  are here to support your team-building efforts by: Connecting you with qualified agents interested in joining a team. Offering recruitment strategies to attract top talent. Assisting with onboarding new team members. 5. Can I offer new agents a "trial run" before fully integrating them into my team? Yes! Kale Realty provides programs to give prospective team members a “trial run” to ensure they’re a good fit: Transaction Coordinator Program : Allow agents to experience your team's workflow and systems while assisting with transaction management. Mentoring Program : Offer mentorship to newer agents, giving them valuable experience while you assess their potential fit for your team. 6. Does Kale Realty provide leads for my team? Yes! We offer lead generation opportunities through the Real Geeks Program . As a team leader, you can allocate these leads to your team members or use them to boost your team’s business. 7. How do I structure my team to ensure long-term success? Here are some best practices to consider: Develop Clear Roles : Define each team member’s role and responsibilities. Create Systems : Use tools like Dotloop and Real Geeks to streamline transactions, marketing, and client follow-up. Leverage Support : Utilize Kale Realty’s transaction coordination and mentoring services to offload administrative tasks. Focus on Financial Stability : Participate in the Broker TRACK Program  to learn strategies for managing team finances and growth. 8. How can I market my team within Kale Realty? Share your success stories and team milestones in Kale Realty’s Facebook groups  and internal communications. Create a team page on your personal real estate website. Use Kale’s preferred vendors and marketing resources to promote your team’s listings and achievements. 9. How do I get started building my team? Define Your Vision : Outline your goals, structure, and financial plan for the team. Contact Our Recruiters : Reach out to our in-house recruiters for help identifying potential team members. Enroll in Broker TRACK : Gain access to resources, workshops, and a network of other team leaders. Leverage Kale Resources : Utilize The Locker Room, Real Geeks leads, and transaction support to grow your team effectively. 10. Who can I contact for more information? For additional guidance on building and managing a team, please reach out to:📧 DJ@kalerealty.com 📞 (312) 939-5253 We’re excited to support you as you build and lead a successful team at Kale Realty! 🌟

Here's a list of documents agents need when working with a buyer to write an offer 1. Contract 7.0 Agent and buyer review the key terms, including purchase price, contingencies, financing, and deadlines. Buyer signs the contract, which is then submitted to the seller for review and counter-signature. There cannot be blanks above line 370 (use NA where necessary) Page 13 must be COMPLETELY filled out Include in the attachment section Contract 7.0 Addendum (if applicable)  2. Contract 7.0 Addendum Agent and buyer review the addendum to request seller to offset buyers responsibility to pay buyer agent compensation Buyer signs the addendum, which is attached to the main contract and submitted with the offer. 3. Real Property Disclosure Agent obtains the seller’s real property disclosure and reviews it with the buyer to ensure the buyer is aware of any known property issues. Buyer signs the disclosure to acknowledge receipt and understanding. 4. Lead and Radon Disclosures (If Applicable) Agent obtains lead-based paint and/or radon disclosures from the seller (if applicable). Buyer signs the lead and/or radon disclosure to confirm understanding of potential hazards. 5. Disclosure of Personal Interest    Purpose: Ensures transparency if the agent has a personal interest in the transaction (e.g., purchasing for themselves, family, close friends, or repeat clients). Agent completes the personal interest disclosure, stating the relationship with the buyer. Buyer signs the document to acknowledge the agent’s personal involvement or interest After Document Completion Submission: Once all documents are signed and complete, the agent submits the offer (with the Contract 7.0 and any addendums) to the seller’s agent Follow-Up: After submission, the agent follows up with the listing agent for acceptance, counteroffers, or rejection. Document Storage: All signed documents should be stored securely in the Dotloop checklists Buyer agent emails contract, addendum and disclosures to sellers agent, mortgage broker and attorneys

Here's a list of documents agents need when  working with a seller to acquire a listing : 1.  Listing Agreement Seller and agent review and seller sign. Agent submits to the managing broker for approval and signature/initials. Listing may not go on the MLS or be advertised until this has been completed and uploaded into a checklist in Dotloop 2. Affiliated Business Disclosure Agent explains affiliations with Rivers title companies Seller signs to acknowledge understanding. 3. Anti-Fraud Disclosure Agent reviews fraud prevention practices with the seller.  Seller signs to confirm acknowledgment of anti-fraud obligations. 4. $100 Commission Rider Seller signs to confirm understanding and agreement. Agent includes this rider as part of the listing contract. 5. Real Property Disclosures Seller completes and signs the appropriate disclosure forms regarding the property's condition (e.g., structural issues, known defects). Agent reviews and files with the listing documents (and uploads this onto the MLS) 6. Lead or Radon Disclosures (As Needed) If applicable, seller completes and signs required lead and/or radon disclosure forms. Agent ensures inclusion of these disclosures in the property listing materials.(and uploads this onto the MLS) 7. Brokerage-to-Brokerage Compensation Agreement   Seller signs to authorize the agent to extend compensation offers to buyer agents. Agent files as part of the listing documentation.and should share this with buyer’s agents 8.   Disclosure of Personal Interest  Purpose: Ensures transparency if the agent has a personal interest in the transaction (e.g., purchasing for themselves, family, close friends, or repeat clients). Agent completes the personal interest disclosure, stating the relationship with the seller. Buyer signs the document to acknowledge the agent’s personal involvement or interest After Document Completion Document Storage: Ensure all signed documents are attached to Dotloop Checklist PRIOR TO PUTTING LISTING ON THE MARKET Review Period: Double-check all documents for completeness and compliance before activating the listing on MLS

Here's a list of documents agents need when  working with an unrepresented  buyer or tenant  - BEFORE SHOWING PROPERTIES  1. No Agency Disclosure (Non-Agency Disclosure) Informs the unrepresented buyer that the agent is solely representing the interests of the seller or landlord and does not have an agency relationship with the buyer. Provide the No Agency Disclosure to the unrepresented buyer, clearly stating that the agent represents the seller/landlord and will not be acting in the buyer’s best interest. Ensure the unrepresented buyer signs the disclosure, acknowledging that they understand they are not being represented by the agent. DO NOT ADVISE UNREPRESENTED BUYER/TENANT Attach the signed No Agency Disclosure to the checklist in Dotloop  2. Disclosure of Personal Interest (If Applicable) Discloses any personal or financial interest the agent may have in the property, or any close relationship the agent has with the seller or landlord, to ensure transparency with the unrepresented buyer/tenant If the agent has a personal interest in the transaction (e.g., they are related to the seller/landlord, or have a financial interest in the property), provide the Disclosure of Personal Interest to the unrepresented buyer. Clearly state the nature of the personal or financial interest (e.g., the agent is related to the seller or stands to benefit financially from the sale or lease). Ensure the unrepresented buyer signs the disclosure, acknowledging the agent’s personal interest in the transaction. Attach the signed Disclosure of Personal Interest to the checklist in Dotloop.  Final Steps: Compliance and Transaction Management Ensure that the No Agency Disclosure and, if applicable, the Disclosure of Personal Interest are fully completed and signed by the unrepresented buyer. Review the checklist in Dotloop to confirm that all necessary documents have been submitted. Offer the unrepresented buyer the opportunity to seek independent representation or legal advice if needed, to ensure they fully understand the disclosures.

Here's a list of documents agents need when  working with a tenant - BEFORE SHOWING PROPERTIES . #1. Tenant Agency Disclosure Informs the tenant of the agent’s role and agency relationship, clarifying whether the agent represents the tenant’s interests exclusively or operates under dual agency as well as compensation Provide the Tenant Agency Disclosure to the tenant, explaining the agent’s role in the transaction. Ensure the tenant signs the disclosure, acknowledging the agency relationship. Attach the signed agency disclosure to the checklist in Dotloop #2. Disclosure of Personal Interest (If Applicable) Informs the landlord if the agent has a personal or financial interest in the renting of the property, or if the agent is working with a close relative, friend, or past client in the transaction. If the agent has any personal or financial interest in the transaction, provide the Disclosure of Personal Interest to the tenant. Clearly state the nature of the relationship or interest (e.g., purchasing or leasing for themselves, family, close friends, or frequent clients). Ensure the tenant signs the disclosure, acknowledging the agent’s personal interest. Attach the signed disclosure of personal interest  to the checklist in Dotloop --- Final Steps: Tenant Engagement and Compliance Document Review: Ensure all required documents are signed and included in the Dotloop checklist Follow-Up: Confirm the tenant understands each disclosure and the agent’s role in the rental process.

Here's a list of documents agents need when  working with a landlord to rent a property   #1. Listing Agreement  Agent completes the Listing Agreement with all necessary details, including rental terms, commission, and duration of the listing. The agreement must be signed by the landlord and the managing broker. Attach the signed agreement to the checklist in Dotloop.  listing may not go on the MLS or be advertised until this has been completed and uploaded into a checklist in Dotloop #2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (If Property Built Before 1978) Provide the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure to the landlord, detailing any known hazards. The disclosure must be signed by both the landlord and any prospective tenants during the leasing process. Attach the signed lead disclosure to the checklist in Dotloop #3. Radon Disclosure Ensure the landlord acknowledges and signs the disclosure. Attach the signed radon disclosure to the checklist in Dotloop #4. Brokerage-to-Brokerage Compensation Agreement (If Offering Tenant Agent Compensation) Documents the compensation arrangement between the listing agent’s brokerage and the tenant’s agent, if the landlord is offering compensation to the tenant’s agent. Complete the Brokerage-to-Brokerage Compensation Agreement specifying the amount or percentage of compensation offered to the tenant’s agent. Ensure the agreement is signed by both brokerages. Attach the signed compensation agreement to the checklist in Dotloop #5.   Disclosure of Personal Interest    Purpose: Ensures transparency if the agent has a personal interest in the transaction (e.g., purchasing for themselves, family, close friends, or repeat clients). Agent completes the personal interest disclosure, stating the relationship with the buyer. Buyer signs the document to acknowledge the agent’s personal involvement or interest #6 Heat Disclosure The listing agent needs to order a heat disclosure if tenant pays the heating costs and the property is in the city of Chicago Final Steps: Listing and Compliance Complete Document Review: Ensure all necessary documents are fully completed, signed, and attached to the transaction file (e.g., Dotloop). Listing Activation: Once all documents are completed, activate the rental listing on MLS or other platforms.