DeMarcus Hunter of Blackstone & Birch Partners

Given Manhattan's more relaxed zoning environment, consolidation could make a lot of sense if you're planning long-term ownership. The tax savings from demolishing the existing structure could be substantial, and you'd have more flexibility for future use. I'd suggest reaching out to Will County Planning & Zoning first to understand their specific requirements. They're generally pretty helpful with these types of inquiries. Are you looking at this as a way to expand your current property, or is this more of an investment/development opportunity? The strategy might differ based on your end goals. Hope this helps

You're correct - pocket listings typically won't appear on Zillow, Realtor.com, or other major consumer sites because these platforms pull from the MLS. However, this is actually by design and often an advantage: Controlled Exposure: Only serious, pre-qualified buyers and agents in our network see it No Public Price History: If you do need to adjust pricing later, there's no online record Exclusive Feel: Creates urgency among buyers who know they're seeing something special Other Companies' Practices: Most major real estate platforms (Realtor.com, Homes.com, Redfin) follow similar patterns - they primarily show MLS listings. Some agents do promote pocket listings on their personal websites or through private buyer networks. Your Strategy is Smart Because: You can test your high-end price point without public exposure No risk of "days on market" stigma if it takes time to sell You maintain pricing flexibility Creates exclusivity that can actually drive higher offers How I Handle Pocket Listings: I market them through my professional network, personal database of 10,000+ active buyers and sellers, and targeted outreach to agents representing serious buyers in your price range. In Naperville's market, this approach often works well for higher-end properties. Timeline Consideration: Most pocket listings get 2-4 weeks of private marketing before going to MLS if needed. This gives you a clean test of market response at your preferred price point. Would you like to discuss what price range you're considering and how we can structure the pocket listing strategy to maximize your results? I can also share some recent examples of successful pocket listings in Naperville to give you a better sense of timing and outcomes.

James, I understand your frustration with unresponsive communication. I hope it's been handled by now but still adding this here in hopes of helping you get to your goal: seamless sell at the highest price in the most efficient manner. - that's exactly the kind of experience that should never happen in real estate. Steps to Cancel Your Current Agent: 1. Review Your Listing Agreement Check the termination clause in your signed agreement Look for the specific cancellation process and any required notice period Note any potential fees or penalties 2. Document the Communication Issues Keep records of unreturned calls/voicemails Save timestamps of your attempts to reach them This protects you if there are any disputes (a cancellation 'for cause' helps you to unwind the relationship without flack from the agent) 3. Send Written Notice Email AND certified mail requesting immediate cancellation Reference the communication failures and your right to terminate Request confirmation of cancellation in writing "Please confirm receipt" type of thing 4. Contact Their Broker If the agent remains unresponsive, escalate to their managing broker The brokerage has a responsibility to ensure client service standards 5. Make sure it's taken down from the MLS Ensure your property is removed from all listing platforms Get confirmation that marketing has stopped Your new agent cant begin his/her worked until this is cleared What You Should Expect from a Real Estate Agent: Response within 24 hours maximum (I personally respond within 2-4 hours) Regular market updates and feedback Proactive communication about showings and interest Transparent discussion about pricing and strategy adjustments Moving Forward: The good news is you can relist immediately with a responsive agent who values communication. In Chicago's current market, having an agent who's actively working for you makes a significant difference in both timeline and final sale price. Red flags like this are exactly why I built my practice around transparency and consistent communication - every client deserves an agent who treats their home sale as the priority it is. Would you like guidance on what questions to ask when interviewing your next agent to ensure you get the service level you deserve?

Start early! Building the team before the real estate season starts is crucial!

I have to start with "I'm not a lender but...". I think it depends how much equity you have in your first property. I think you're still going to need to investigate the loan pre-approval process with a qualified lender.