Jennifer Van Tichelt, Licensed Bilingual Realtor

5 minutes.That's how long it takes to know if a listing agent isthe real deal — if you know what to listen for.Save this...
05/17/2026

5 minutes.
That's how long it takes to know if a listing agent is
the real deal — if you know what to listen for.
Save this post. Send it to the friend who's "thinking
about listing this year.
" Keep it for yourself. These are the green flags I'd watch for and the red flags I'd run from, based on 12 years of watching what separates a top-dollar sale from a house that just…sits.
Here's the truth most homeowners don't know:
Most people pick their listing agent based on who
showed up with the best brochure, who suggested the
highest price, or whose name they recognize from a
sign in the neighborhood. None of those are actually
predictors of how your sale will go.
The predictors are the things in the green column.
If they show you their numbers without being
asked → they have numbers worth showing. If they
have a written plan → they've actually thought
about your house. If they walk through BEFORE
pricing → they're respecting the asset. If they have a
real plan B → they're not banking on luck.
And if they "guarantee" a sale price? Walk away. No
one can guarantee that. The market decides —
your agent's job is to position you to win it.

There's a poem in a movie I quote way too often. Itstarts with "I hate the way you talk to me, and theway you cut your h...
05/17/2026

There's a poem in a movie I quote way too often. It
starts with "I hate the way you talk to me, and the
way you cut your hair…" and ends with "But mostly I
hate the way I don't hate you. Not even close. Not
even a little. Not even at all."
That's honestly how I feel about real estate.
I love this industry. I love what a good listing can do
for a family — the equity it unlocks, the next chapter
it funds, the relief of finally being able to move
forward.
But I'd be lying if I said there aren't things about
how some homes get listed that drive me absolutely
crazy.
So in honor of the greatest monologue in 90s rom-
com history — here's my version.
10 Things I Hate (About How Most Homes Get
Listed).
And more importantly: what to ask your agent so
none of this happens to your house.
Swipe through for the full list →
Here's the truth most people don't realize: the
difference between a home that sells in 7 days at
top dollar and one that sits for 90 and gets reduced
twice is almost never the house itself. It's the
strategy behind it. The photos. The pricing. The plan
for week 2 and week 4. The conversations that
happen BEFORE the sign goes in the yard.
Want my full guide — 10 Questions to Ask Before
You Hire a Listing Agent? It's the exact list I'd hand
my own sister if she were interviewing agents.
Comment LIST and I'll send it over.

Step into easy, single-level living at 604 Newberry Drive, Streamwood! 🏡✨This beautifully updated 4-bed, 2-bath ranch fe...
04/23/2026

Step into easy, single-level living at 604 Newberry Drive, Streamwood! 🏡✨

This beautifully updated 4-bed, 2-bath ranch features REAL hardwood floors, a stunning 8-foot granite kitchen island, custom cabinetry, and crown molding throughout. The versatile bonus room can be a 4th bedroom, family room, or office! Enjoy summer nights on your large deck in a private, fenced backyard 🌳

Newer roof, HVAC, siding, and a massive driveway that fits 5 cars! Minutes from parks, schools, shopping, and Metra.

Open House: Sat, April 25 | 12:30-2:30pm

Ready to move in? Schedule a tour! 👉 https://jennifervantichelt.hscmove.com/d8rd4w16

04/23/2026

New listing at 604 Newberry Dr in Streamwood. So many updates! Come visit me at the open house this Saturday April 25th between 12:30-2:30. In the meantime, enjoy the 18 page property booklet here: https://jennyvantre.aflip.in/604NewberryDrive.

03/20/2026

Thursday night fun fixing our Electrolux dryer.

What I wish I could tell my younger self about buying a home... 🏠✨ Let’s be honest: the internet makes homebuying look l...
03/19/2026

What I wish I could tell my younger self about buying a home... 🏠✨ Let’s be honest: the internet makes homebuying look like a 30-second montage of picking out paint swatches and popping champagne. 🥂 But behind the "Sold" sign, there are a few things nobody tells you until you’re holding the keys and the water heater decides to retire. I’m breaking down the 5 things I wish every first-time buyer knew before they started their search. From the "Forever Home" myth to the truth about market timing, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to transition from renter to owner. The biggest takeaway? Your first home isn't just a place to live—it’s a financial move. And like any move, it’s all about the strategy. Swipe through to see the reality check. Which one of these surprised you the most? Or if you’ve already bought your first home, what’s the #1 thing you wish YOU knew? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇   

03/19/2026

If having to sell your home is on your 2026 plan but you do not know where to begin to get your home ready, type PREP to receive my free seller prep guide.

The Senate tofay (March 11, 2026)  passed the largest housing affordabilitv bill in 30 vears with an 82-11 vote.The legi...
03/12/2026

The Senate tofay (March 11, 2026) passed the largest housing affordabilitv bill in 30 vears with an 82-11 vote.
The legislation tackles rising housing costs by giving local governments incentives to make it easier for companies to build more single family homes. It also includes a controversial provision pushed by President Trump that would restrict large investors from buying additional homes.
Under the proposal, companies that already own more than 350 single family homes would be banned from purchasing more.
Builders and home renovators would receive an exception, but they would be required to sell the homes within several vears.

03/08/2026

1. I print the home inspection report

2. I ask my clients if they want a printed copy of their appraisal for their records.

3. I print the invoices and all warranties (windows, roof, etc) that transfer from the seller to my buyers. For instance, If the seller says on the mls they replaced the roof 3 yrs ago, I make sure to collect the paperwork to print for their records.

4. I print a home maintenance log and fill in the current manufacturer & ages of all appliances and the date of the replacement if known.

I attend ALL MY BUYERS CLOSINGS! Illinois is a same day close/same day funding state. All the closing documents can be overwhelming so I sort through and add these to the home binder:

5. The DEED! Buyers will get a COPY of the deed listing them as the grantees at closing. The original deed will be sent to the county recorders office for filing and once recorded, the original deed will be mailed back to them.

6. Title policy. At closing, seller's attorney will provide a waived title and once that is done, the title co provides an Owners Policy listing my clients as the owner and that all prior liens have been paid and title is clean.

7. Original Survey. If original survey is not at the closing I make sure the original gets mailed to the home. Any additions, deck repairs, etc require a survey. Attorneys should also review for any issues and ask title to insure over issues.

8. First Payment Letter with mailing coupon and any known servicing transfer info. I put the 1st payment letter to the top of the pile. It will list the new account # and due date in case the welcoming letter does not arrive on time.

9. The note and 1st page of the mortgage. The note is the contract with the lender stating interest rate and terms. The 1st page of mortgage confirms the vesting on the mortgage matches the deed.

9. Affidavit of Title and Bill of Sale provided by the seller to my buyer.

10. The signed alta/master statement that list all their credits (emd, closing credits, tax credits) and all their closing costs that may be tax deductible. Follow me for more insights.

Selling your home? Avoid the mistakes that can cost you thousands.👇• Incorrect pricing strategy – Price too high and buy...
03/04/2026

Selling your home? Avoid the mistakes that can cost you thousands.👇
• Incorrect pricing strategy – Price too high and buyers scroll past. Price too low and you leave equity behind.

• Skipping the prep work – Minor repairs, deep cleaning, and proper presentation directly impact your bottom line.

• Hiring the wrong representation – The right expertise and marketing plan make all the difference.

• Dismissing buyer feedback – Showings and comments reveal exactly how the market views your home.

• Limited showing availability – The harder it is to see, the harder it is to sell.

• Overlooking closing expenses – Understanding your net ahead of time prevents last-minute surprises.

• Letting emotions drive decisions – Treat the sale like a financial transaction, not a personal one.

• Missing current market shifts – Strategy and timing should align with today’s conditions.

Preparation paired with professional guidance = stronger offers and more money at closing.

Considering a move? Let’s position your home to sell the right way from day one. Follow me and grab my seller checklist guide in my bio and schedule a consultation. If you are in the Chicagoland area, I am here to help you get to your next phase in life. It starts with a plan.

Address

Carol Stream, IL
60188

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Jennifer Van Tichelt, Licensed Bilingual Realtor posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Jennifer Van Tichelt, Licensed Bilingual Realtor:

Shortcuts

Share

Category