Here's a list of documents agents need to attach to their Dotloop checklist to ensure they get paid and properly close their transaction file. #1. Settlement Statement from Title Company (HUD-1 or ALTA) Obtain the final, signed Settlement Statement from the title or escrow company. Review the statement to ensure all fees, credits, and commissions are correct. Attach the Settlement Statement to the checklist in Dotloop for compliance review. #2. Chase Deposit Form (If Necessary) This form is used to document the deposit of commission funds into the appropriate Chase  account. Complete the Commission Deposit Submission Form if depositing the commission check at a Chase Bank. Attach the Commission Deposit Submission Form to Dotloop. #3. Chase Deposit Receipt (If Applicable)  Purpose: Confirms that the commission funds have been deposited into the Chase account, providing proof of the deposit. After the commission has been deposited, obtain the Chase Deposit Receipt from the bank. Attach the deposit receipt to Dotloop as proof of payment and deposit. #4. All Other Required Documents (Per Dotloop Checklist) Review the Dotloop checklist to confirm all required documents are attached. These documents may include: Fully signed property disclosures Fully signed disclosure of personal interest Executed addenda changing the sales price or closing cost credit Final Steps: Review and Close the File Checklist Review: Ensure all required documents, including the Settlement Statement and any remaining checklist items, are attached to the Dotloop.checklist Final Payment Confirmation: confirm the commission disbursement with the title/escrow company or banking institution.

Here's a list of documents agents need to attach to their Dotloop checklist  one week prior to closing on a listing or transaction.  1. Fully Executed Contract Ensure the contract is fully executed with signatures from both buyer and seller. Attach the final signed contract to Dotloop. 2. Referral Forms (If Applicable) If a referral is involved in the transaction, make sure the referral form is completed and signed by the referring and receiving agents or brokerages. Attach the referral agreement to Dotloop. 3. Brokerage Statement Request Submit a request to the brokerage for the final statement to give to the title (or attorney) Attach the statement request to Dotloop. Within 2 business days a brokerage statement will be attached to your checklist Email the brokerage statement to the attorney/title company so they know how to disburse compensation 4. Commission Adjustment Form (If Applicable) Documents any changes to the originally agreed-upon commission, such as a reduction or adjustment or if commission should be applied to the sales amount Complete a commission adjustment form if there has been any agreed change to the original commission. Ensure both agent and managing broker sign the adjustment form. Attach the commission adjustment to Dotloop. 5. All Other Required Documentation (Per Dotloop Checklist) Review Dotloop's specific transaction checklist to verify any missing or incomplete documents (e.g., disclosures, inspection reports, HOA docs, etc.). Attach any remaining required documents to the Dotloop checklist to ensure the file is complete. 6. Signed Compensation Agreement Confirms the seller’s or buyer’s agreement regarding the compensation offered to the brokerage or buyer’s agent. Ensure the signed compensation agreement, whether offered by the seller to the buyer’s agent or another agreement regarding commissions, is completed. Attach the signed compensation agreement to Dotloop. After Document Completion Document Checklist Review: Conduct a final review of the Dotloop checklist to ensure all required documents are attached and accurately completed.

Agency at Kale Realty At Kale Realty, transparency and full compliance with Illinois license law are essential. This Agency Disclosure Policy  outlines the expectations and requirements for properly disclosing agency relationships with clients and customers. 📅 When and How to Disclose Illinois law requires agency disclosures at the first reasonable opportunity , before showings or any substantive conversations. ✅ Use the "Notice of No Agency Relationship"  form for unrepresented parties. If you're a Seller's Agent: Disclose orally and in writing  once a prospective buyer begins sharing personal or financial information. If you're a Buyer's Agent: Disclose to the seller before the first showing . ⚠️ Applies only when the other party is unrepresented . 🤝 Dual Agency Rules Illinois law requires: Consent to Dual Agency  must be signed by both parties   before  acting as a dual agent. Confirmation of Consent  must be initialed in the purchase contract . ❌ Dual Agency is Prohibited  at Kale Realty if you're: Representing immediate family Representing yourself Representing close friends Representing long-term clients  (2+ transactions) Representing any relative by blood or marriage  not in immediate family 💡 You can still earn both sides of commission by using No Agency status or making a referral.  ✉️ Referral fees must be disclosed in writing  to all parties. 📄 Contemporaneous Offers Kale Realty allows but discourages  contemporaneous offers. If you proceed: 🔔 Inform both buyers immediately . 🧾 Disclose what you can and cannot do  in this situation. 🔐 Confidentiality is Critical Agents must not disclose: The lowest price a seller is willing to accept The highest price a buyer is willing to pay Buyer or seller motivation Previous offers or counteroffers 🚫 Do not use terms like “ Motivated Seller ” unless the client has explicitly authorized it in writing. Internal Confidentiality Procedures: Do not  discuss confidential client info with other agents. Listing and pending sale files are restricted  to authorized staff and assigned agents. 🏠 When You’re the Buyer or Seller Agents acting as principals must: Include "IL Licensed Real Estate Agent"  after their name in all contracts. Label all non-Kale Realty signs  as "Agent Owned" . Write "Agent Owned"  in the MLS remarks section. All agent transactions (MLS or off-market) must: Be submitted via Dotloop Comply with license law, MRED rules , and company policies . Pay the transaction fee  even without a commission. 🚫 Off-market listings must not use Kale Realty branding  and must clearly state "Agent Owned"  in all marketing. 📚 Training & Resources 📝 Be sure to review: Buyer Agency Do’s and Don’ts Disclosed Dual Agency Do’s and Don’ts Questions? Reach out to your Managing Broker  anytime.

Kale Realty’s policy for commercial transactions and commissions states: Definition of Commercial Transactions : Any property outside of single-family homes, detached homes, or 1–4 unit residential buildings is classified as commercial. This includes multifamily properties (over four units), mixed-use, office, retail, and industrial properties. Additional Fee : There is a $400 administrative fee applied to all commercial transactions. This fee is deducted at commission disbursement. Purpose of the Fee : It offsets higher errors & omissions insurance costs, accounts for increased risk and complexity, and supports compliance oversight for non-residential deals. Agent Responsibility : Agents must disclose this fee to clients where appropriate and confirm it appears on the commission statement. Questions about whether a property qualifies should be directed to the managing broker before proceeding. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to leadership.

At Kale Realty, we’re always looking for ways to empower our brokers and enhance the value they bring to their clients. One of the tools we’re encouraging brokers to consider is what industry veteran Lynn Madison refers to as the “Minus Fee.”  This optional fee structure allows you to generate additional income while contributing a small portion back to Kale Realty to support continued brokerage services. What is the “Minus Fee”? The “Minus Fee” is a broker-charged service fee  that you include at closing— in addition to your standard commission.  It is designed to reflect the high level of service and support you provide to clients. The fee is scaled based on the property's sale price, and you retain a portion of it directly.  The remainder is allocated to Kale Realty to help fund support systems, technology, and operational resources. This initiative gives brokers an opportunity to increase their earnings per transaction  while also supporting the brokerage’s long-term growth. Suggested "Minus Fee" Breakdown by Property Price: Property Price Total Fee Charged Amount Broker Keeps Remainder to Kale $0 – $99,999 No fee charged N/A N/A $100,000 – $200,000 $295 $100 $195 $201,000 – $400,000 $395 $175 $220 $401,000 – $750,000 $495 $250 $245 $751,000 and Above $595 $300 $295 Why Use a Minus Fee? Adds Value:  You’re offering full-service, professional real estate expertise—this fee reflects that. Boosts Your Income:  You keep a significant portion of the fee. Strengthens Kale Realty:  A portion of the fee supports the brokerage’s infrastructure, systems, and services. Client Transparency:  The fee is disclosed and agreed upon upfront—building trust and professionalism. Important Notes The Minus Fee is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged.  We believe in your ability to communicate your value to clients and use this tool effectively. It reflects the time, effort, and care you bring to every deal. It must be disclosed.  The fee should be included in your listing or buyer representation agreements and acknowledged prior to closing. Be consistent.  Consider using this fee as a regular part of your transaction structure. #backend #back-end #back #end

Real Geeks offers powerful lead-gen programs built to fit the unique goals of agents and teams. Each one is designed to drive results, with flexible pricing and standout perks to help you generate and convert more leads. Below is a quick breakdown of each program, what it offers, and exclusive Kale Broker discounts : Please click here for more details. 1. GROW Package Pricing: $649/month* Exclusive Kale Realty rate - Regularly $699/month Kale Brokers Receive $50 off Benefits: 3 Users Inluded Core Platform: SEO-Optimized IDX Website Real Geeks CRM with Mobile App Branded Property Search App Automated Property & Market Alerts Email, SMS, & Video Drip System Facebook Ad Tool US-Based Training, Coaching & Support Google PPC Property Search Ads 2. EXPAND Package Pricing: $1099/month* Exclusive Kale Realty rate - Regularly $1199/month Kale Brokers Receive $100 off Benefits: 5 Users Included Core Platform Google PPC Property Seach Ads Facebook Social Ads Instagram Social Ads Geek AI Automated Assistant Dedicated Success Manager 3. CONQUER Package Pricing: $1699/month* Exclusive Kale Realty rate - Regularly $1799/month Kale Brokers Receive $100 off Benefits: 15 Users Included Core Platform Google PPC Propert Search Ads Facebook & Instagram Social Ads Geek AI Automated Assistant Dedicated Success Manager Brand Boost * Plus a one-time sign-up fee. The listed monthly pricing applies to Real Geeks packages with 12-month terms. For more flexibility, we also offer 6-month term options with a slightly higher monthly rate.

JR Ramos is the backbone of Kale Realty. He does a lot of Admin tasks like credit card updates, 1099s, audits, website/crm creations, heat disclosure request and more.. jr@kalerealty.com 312-224-0635 Get to know J.R. Favorite Book-  I've read a lot of books but I don't have a favorite one. hahaha :) Favorite Band-   BTS, Westlife, Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, Eraserheads, Parokya ni Edgar Favorite Vacation Spot-  Boracay and Batanes (in the Philippines), Cinque Terre in Italy, Seoul in South Korea, Mt Fuji, Tokyo Japan Last time you fell down in public-  Back in 2018, I fainted during my Dragon Boat Training and it brought me to the hospital. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names?-   Yes, his name is Sticks, a Jack Russell Terrier. The longest you have ever gone without eating-  24 hours. But I drink water from time to time. How many world records have you attempted to break, and which ones -    Holding my breath underwater. The longest World Record is 24 minutes 37.36 seconds, but I can only hold it for 90 seconds.

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Mainstreet is committed to making things easy. As part of our commitment to helping you navigate the continued changes in our industry, these updated forms below are designed to keep you in compliance as well as ensure that changes made to the Multi-Board Residential Real Estate Contract 8.0 are reflected in the forms you use most.  The listing agreements below reflect changes to mirror similar additions to the 8.0 Contract. They also reflect changes to the compensation paragraphs to meet the ongoing needs of the marketplace.   Updated Contracts as of March 12, 2025 Residential Exclusive Right to Sell Marketing Agreement Residential Exclusive Agency Marketing Agreement Open House Disclosure Cook County Lease Agreement Residential Lease Agreement Vacant Land Contract   Updated Contracts as of January 1, 2025 Residential Exclusive Agency Lease Marketing Agreement Exclusive Tenant Representation Agreement Non-Exclusive Tenant Representation Agreement Commercial Exclusive Right to Sell / Lease Marketing Agreement Residential Lease Leasing Worksheet FHA Amendment to Sales Contract VA Amendment to Sales Contract To access these forms go to Mainstreet

By Risa Weiss-Kallis, VP of Agent Development – Kale Realty Hosting an open house isn’t just about showing off the property—it’s a prime opportunity to grow your pipeline . Every person who walks through that door could be your next buyer, seller, or referral partner. But if you're not capturing and converting those leads, you're leaving business on the table. Here’s how to turn open house traffic into loyal clients and future deals. 🔑 Step 1: Shift Your Mindset Treat every open house like a lead generation event , not just a showing. Yes, you're representing the seller. But your open house is also a chance to: Connect with unrepresented buyers Identify future sellers in the neighborhood Grow your database with warm, local contacts Practice your scripts and refine your follow-up game 📋 Step 2: Capture Every Visitor’s Info Use a Sign-In System: ✅ A digital form or iPad (via Google Forms, Curb Hero, KVCore, etc.) ✅ Bonus: Tie entry to a giveaway or drawing to boost participation Pro Tip:  Ask for: Name Email Phone Are you working with an agent? Are you currently renting, buying, or selling? This not only helps you qualify the lead—it gives you direction for follow-up. 👋 Step 3: Connect in Person (Not Just Point and Smile) Start conversations that uncover where people are in their real estate journey. Ask Questions Like: “What brings you out today?” “Have you been looking for a while?” “Are you working with an agent yet?” “What do you like—or not like—about the homes you’ve seen so far?” Listen more than you speak. Your goal is to build rapport  and position yourself as a resource, not just a salesperson. 🧠 Step 4: Use FORD to Build Relationships To make a real connection, remember FORD : F amily O ccupation R ecreation D reams Use these cues to personalize your follow-up and strengthen the relationship. Example: “It was so nice chatting with you about your daughter’s school search—I'd love to send you a few homes near your top districts.” 📞 Step 5: Follow Up Fast (And Often) Within 24 Hours: Send a thank-you text or email Mention something personal from your conversation Offer to set up a custom home search or send listings that match their needs The Week After: Call them and ask if they’d like to see other homes Add them to your CRM Tag them appropriately (buyer, seller, investor, timeline) Set them up on a drip campaign ✅ Rule of thumb: Keep following up until they tell you to stop. ✍️ Bonus Tips to Convert More Open House Leads: 1. Have Branded Materials Ready Bring printed buyer guides, business cards, or a "Just Listed" handout with more listings. 2. Offer Value Say: “I’d love to send you a weekly list of homes with more space at a similar price point—what’s the best email to use?” 3. Promote Your Private Network Let them know you have access to: Off-market listings through Kale’s 700+ agent network Coming soon properties Preferred vendors for financing, remodeling, and more 4. Follow Do Not Call Rules (but Know the Exceptions) If a visitor gives you their number voluntarily, you can legally call them for up to 3 months —even if they’re on the Do Not Call list. And if your follow-up is relational (i.e., “I was thinking about our convo…”), not sales-driven, that window can extend. 🧲 Keep the Focus on Being the Trusted Advisor Always ask yourself:  How can I show up with value—consistently, confidently, and with care? When you lead with service instead of sales, people respond. 🎯 Final Word: Don’t Just Host. Convert. A successful open house isn’t about foot traffic—it’s about lead capture, relationship-building, and long-term conversion . Every attendee is one conversation away from becoming your next client. Be ready, be confident, and be proactive.

How to Get Maximum Exposure with Flyers, Social Media, Virtual Tours, and Open Houses   By Risa Weiss-Kallis, VP of Agent Development – Kale Realty Uploading a listing to the MLS is important—but it’s just the beginning. In today’s fast-moving, visually driven real estate market, you need a strong multi-channel marketing strategy  to stand out, attract buyers, and impress sellers. A polished, proactive approach not only helps your current listing sell—it helps you win your next one. Here’s how to elevate your listing marketing beyond the MLS and create real results. 📄 1. Flyers & Print Materials: Local Visibility Still Works Don’t underestimate the power of a beautifully designed flyer—especially when it’s targeted, intentional, and professionally branded. ✔️ Must-Have Flyers: Property Flyer : High-res photos, key features, list price, your contact info Just Listed / Just Sold Mailers : Sent to 100–150 neighbors Open House Invites : Door-knocked or mailed to local residents Feature Sheet : Available during showings with a detailed overview, updates, and floor plan 🔧 Pro Tip: Use Canva or XpressDocs for beautiful templates and print-on-demand delivery. 📱 2. Social Media: Amplify Your Listing & Your Brand Social platforms are free billboards—don’t just post, promote . 🔹 Instagram & Facebook: “Just Listed” graphic with a clear CTA Behind-the-scenes videos of staging, prepping, or the photo shoot Interactive stories: “Would you live here?” / “Which kitchen do you love more?” Reels with video walkthroughs or music-backed highlights Open house announcements + countdowns “Just Sold” wrap-up with stats and seller testimonial 🔹 Bonus Platforms: Facebook Marketplace  and local community groups LinkedIn : Professional market update with your listing as a highlight TikTok : Quick vertical videos, home tour clips, or fun listing intros 📲 Include: High-quality visuals Branded contact info Links to your IDX website  or landing page 🎥 3. Virtual Tours & Video: Show Off the Space, Anytime More and more buyers want to see before they step inside . That’s where virtual content comes in. 🎬 What to Include: Professional Video Tour : Set to music or narrated 3D Matterport Tour : Ideal for larger or unique properties Branded Agent Walkthrough : You guiding viewers room-by-room Drone Footage : Great for location-driven or luxury listings 💡 Tip: Share these across YouTube, Instagram Reels, Facebook, and your email list. Buyers remember the listings they can picture themselves in—help them visualize. 🏡 4. Open Houses: Strategic, Not Just Standard Open houses are back—and better than ever when done with purpose. 🎯 Make It Count: Personally invite neighbors with flyers Promote via email, social, and text Use branded signage with balloons or directional arrows Create a sign-in form that tags seller leads Offer a giveaway (gift card, local vendor promo, etc.) Capture content for social media: “Live from today’s open house at 123 Main St!” 🧠 Don't Just Sit There: Ask each attendee what they’re looking for Share “coming soon” or off-market opportunities Let them know you also work with sellers! ✨ Bonus Tips to Maximize Listing Exposure Create a single-property landing page  with photos, features, and a contact form Use a text-for-info rider  or QR code on your sign Email the listing to your sphere, agents in your network, and past clients Include the listing in your weekly newsletter or "Just Listed" blast Add it to your email signature  and business card QR code 🧠 Remember: You’re Marketing More Than the Property Everything you do to promote your listing also markets your brand . Potential sellers are watching—how you market this listing helps them decide whether to hire you for the next one. When you show up creatively, consistently, and professionally across every channel, you’ll:  ✔️ Sell homes faster  ✔️ Attract more buyers  ✔️ Win more listings 📩 Want a custom marketing checklist or templates to brand your next listing? Let’s chat! Email me at risa@kalerealty.com  and I’ll help you set up a complete, repeatable listing marketing system that turns one deal into many.

By Risa Weiss-Kallis, VP of Agent Development – Kale Realty You’ve secured a listing—congratulations! 🎉 Now what? Yes, your goal is to get the property sold. But smart agents know a listing is also a powerful marketing engine  for your entire business— especially for attracting more sellers . Here’s how to turn one listing into your next two or three by thinking beyond the deal and activating every opportunity to grow your brand, visibility, and local credibility. 🔁 Think of Every Listing as a Seller Magnet A listing does more than advertise a home—it advertises you . Potential sellers in the neighborhood are watching: How fast it sells How you market it What kind of buzz it creates How you show up in the community Your job is to leverage every touchpoint  of the listing to demonstrate that you're the go-to agent for getting homes sold. 🪧 1. Maximize the Yard Sign Never underestimate the power of a well-placed, branded sign. ✅ Use a sign rider with “Coming Soon,” “Just Listed,” or “Under Contract”  ✅ Add a text code or QR code to a mobile-friendly landing page ✅ Include a message like “Thinking of Selling? Let’s Talk.”  ✅ Replace the sign rider with status changes to show visible progress 📣 2. Go Big with Just Listed / Just Sold Marketing Just Listed: Mail postcards to 100–150 neighbors Run a “Just Listed” ad on Facebook and Instagram Send a branded email blast to your database Post multiple photo and video teasers on social media Use a reel or short video tour to showcase your approach Just Sold: “We Sold It!” postcards to the neighborhood Graphic with days on market, number of offers, or above-asking results Share seller testimonial (video or written) Include a clear CTA: “Want similar results? Let’s chat.” ✅ Use language that highlights your expertise: “Another one sold by [Your Name]—Who’s next?” 🏘️ 3. Knock & Talk (Yes, Door Knocking!) This still works—especially in the neighborhood of your listing. Try something like: “Hi, I just wanted to introduce myself—I’m the listing agent for [123 Main St]. The home just hit the market and I wanted to make sure you knew in case you have friends or family looking to move nearby. Also, we’re seeing a lot of demand—if you’ve been thinking of selling, now might be a great time.” Leave a branded flyer, business card, or local market update behind. 🗓️ 4. Host a Strategic Open House Open houses aren’t just for buyers—they’re an amazing way to meet neighbors  who might become your next seller clients. At your open house: Personally invite the neighbors with flyers Create a neighborhood-specific sign-in sheet Ask: “Do you know anyone else nearby who might be considering a move?” Offer a raffle or small giveaway to collect contact info Follow up with a thank-you message and real estate market update 📱 5. Market Your Marketing Use your marketing efforts as marketing content . Post stories or reels that show: You staging or prepping the listing You hosting the open house Behind-the-scenes of professional photography Your flyers, mailers, or social ads A quick “seller tip” related to how you're positioning the home