Professionalism
Lee Realty Group, Inc. specializes in the sale and acquisition of Illinois Farm Real Estate.  We are a locally owned and operated company providing personalized and customized services since 1928. Unlike some real estate agents, as a Farm Real Estate Broker we are members of the Realtors® Land Institute, or RLI, and the National Association of REALTORS®.   RLI gives access to quality continuing education programs helps and RLI members gain a greater knowledge of the farm real estate land business.  Farmland property is what we specialize in.

Experience
Deciding to sell, buy, or complete a tax deferred exchange on farmland can be a difficult and complicated process.  We can help identify owner/investor goals and objectives, represent them as a designated agent, and guide them through the entire marketing and sales process.  We are very familiar with the farm real estate sales process and will put to work our years of experience in achieving your sales/purchase goal.  Much more is involved than just putting up a for sale sign or placing an ad in the local newspaper.  Often we can obtain a better price for property with our experience and vast array of available resources.

Tax Deferred Exchanges

We work with clients and their attorneys/accountants to properly setup and complete IRS 1031 Tax Deferred Exchanges.  Our knowledge of the sellers and buyers in the region and experience in this money saving technique can help time and money.  With our experience in exchanges we can help facilitate and expedite the entire process.

Evaluation
One of the steps in selling farmland is to accurately appraise the property and arrive at its market value.  For many years we've maintained an extensive database of farm real estate sales and subscribe to the Illinois Land Sales Bulletin. The Illinois Land Sales Bulletin provides sales information of farmland properties throughout the state of Illinois.  Recent comparable farm sales are a good basis to begin the valuation process.  Every farm property is unique and therefore has many characteristics which are reviewed and considered before arriving at this price.  We do a complete analysis of the subject farm property and an in depth market analysis prior to advertising property for sale.  We are very familiar with the valuation of Illinois farmland properties after completing numerous farm real estate sales and appraisals over the years.

Detailed Brochures
Developing a complete detailed farm sales brochure is done soon after listing.  This sales brochure is then mailed to an extensive list of known potential buyers, made available on this web site for worldwide distribution, and to other farm brokers.  These sales brochures provide information on location, price, terms, ownership, soil types, FSA data, real estate taxes, possession, and contact information.  Plat maps, FSA aerial photographs, and soil maps with productivity are often included.

Signage
We use, and research has shown, a for sale sign is a a necessary marketing tool.  This confirms the location of the property to prospective buyers and reinforces the fact that the property is "on the market".  All necessary contact information to our office and sales agents are available on these for sale signs.

Advertising/Marketing
Media advertising development and placement is also a part of the marketing process.  To obtain the largest exposure we often use local, regional, and state newspapers.  These advertising outlets then publish the same information on their web site listings.

Office Technology
In order to be a complete communicator and facilitator for our client in the sales process, it is extremely important to become very familiar with and use available, modern technologies and resources.  Office and cellular phones with voice messaging, wireless web, and automatic forwarding capabilities provide instant response to phone calls.  Web sites, e-mail, and faxing are necessary tools in today's real estate transactions.  Modern and up-to-date computer/technology systems are necessary in today's business environment.  Software is used to create professional and detailed real estate marketing sales brochures.

Contacts
We also rely heavily on personal contacts and our in depth knowledge of potential buyers and sellers of farm real estate.  Our extensive contact list continues to grow with our years of experience.  National Association of REALTORS® studies show that over 80% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends and family, and personal contacts.  Over the years our company has developed a long lasting relationship with generations of farm operators on those properties that we've managed throughout Illinois.  We' also developed a large network of contacts in the real estate business. Our general working knowledge of the farmland market is also very helpful in the sales and marketing process.  All of these factors benefit our client as we negotiate the best price and closing terms for them.

Closing
After identifying qualified prospects and negotiating the best sales price, contracts are then prepared.  We work closely with the client's attorney who prepares and reviews legal documents necessary to complete the sales/purchase transaction.  We also work closely with the client's accountant on financial planning and income tax situations.

Many items can arise after the period of finding a qualified seller/buyer until closing of the transaction.  To insure complete ownership, title insurance is used.  To provide prompt and on time closings we take care of all details before closing day and communicate with all parties involved to help facilitate the sale.  Bottom line, we will coordinate and help expedite the entire sales and marketing process to complete closing on a timely basis and help keep costs to a minimum.  We keep our clients informed and customize our approach to fit their needs, while providing professional and personalized services.