About Melinda N. Jordan – MJtheCloser®
Fostering Freedom and Creating Sustainable Wealth through Real Estate.
Melinda N. Jordan – MJtheCloser®
Fostering Freedom. Creating Sustainable Wealth.
Melinda N. Jordan, MJtheCloser®, possesses an energetic and sassy demeanor with a southern bell twist. She is able to provide her clients with an exemplary experience through superior service, because of her extensive market knowledge, Corporate marketing background and long-standing real estate investing experience and training. Her goal is to boldly represent her clients with canny market and industry knowledge, while always exercising a resourceful spirit.
The Power of Our Brand | Sotheby's International Realty®
Sotheby’s International Realty® provides local expertise across the globe with access to 1000 offices in more than 75 countries & territories. Our brokers leverage cutting edge technology, research and international marketing exposure, connecting sellers and buyers worldwide. We believe that luxury is not a price point. It is a level of service, where nothing compares.
The Resourceful Realtor
An active real estate investor for nearly twenty years, Melinda intimately understands the market and real estate process. Her personal experience drove her to assist others in accomplishing their home ownership goals, real estate investment ambitions and actualizing their dreams.
Individualized Attention
As a Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty and multi-million dollar selling broker associate, Melinda provides personal attention to each client while supporting them in every step of the real estate process. She maximizes the resources and leading-edge technology available to provide unparalleled service.
Marketing Experience & Knowledge
Committed to Knowing the Market
Melinda believes that great REALTORS® are committed to on-going professional development, industry trend awareness, and local market insight. It is essential in serving her clients. Melinda is an active member of the National Association of REALTORS®, Chicago Association of REALTORS® and National Women’s Council of REALTORS. She holds an active Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) Designation, Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE) Certification, Pricing Strategy Advisor (PSA) Certification, Seller Representative Specialist (SRS) designation, 203K Specialist Certification, e-PRO® Certification and a certificate in Corporate Relocation.
Acts of Service
Melinda has served as a member and active participant of a number of professional and non-profit organizations including Founding Visionary, Black Luxury Agents Collective, Sotheby’s International Realty; Entrepreneurship Director, National Black MBA Association Chicago Chapter; volunteer, Black Ensemble; member, Friends of the Parks; Good Life Young Adults Ministry, 2015-2018 ministry leader, Fellowship Baptist Church; volunteer, Chicago Cares; rape crisis counselor, Catholic Charities; 2008-2010 member, Professional Organization for Women; American Lung Association, 2009-2010 regional board member.
On a Personal Note
As a resident of Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Melinda is the oldest of three and was raised in a three-generation household. She grew up in Camden, Mississippi. Melinda enjoys the arts, real estate, traveling, reading and hiking. Influenced greatly by her maternal grandfather, Melinda believes and lives by the bible verse, “whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more. (Luke 12:47-48)”
FAQ’s
We hope that the below frequently asked questions (FAQs) address your burning questions or concerns. We are here to assist you with any other questions you have.
Why should I consider partnering with a REALTOR®?
A REALTOR® is one of your most valuable partners in real estate. We will walk you through every part of the process, transaction and beyond – educating and informing you of all your options. REALTORS® aren’t just agents. They’re professional members of the National Association of REALTORS® and subscribe to its strict code of ethics. Please, learn more about the REALTOR® difference.
Should I buy instead of rent?
Am I ready to buy?
Ask yourself the following questions when considering whether you’re ready to buy:
- Do I have a steady job or business income?
- Has it been consistent for the last two to three years?
- Do I have a positive bill-paying history?
- Do I have few outstanding long-term debts, like car payments?
- Have I saved for a down payment?
- Can I afford to pay a mortgage, taxes, utilities, and insurance?
Does my credit score impact my ability to buy?
A credit score numerically summarizes an individual’s credit history and gives a snapshot of their financial standing to a lender. Mortgage lenders use the score to decide who receives loans and at what interest rate. The higher the score means the better the chance of getting a loan with an attractive interest rate.
If your score is low, it is not impossible to get a loan but it will take longer. These three different companies keep credit histories: Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian. Before applying for a loan, get your consumer credit reports from all three companies and connect with a REALTOR® partner to create a plan.
How much do I need for a down payment?
Saving for the down payment is the greatest obstacle for many first-time homebuyers. Lenders expect between 3% to 20% for a down payment. It varies according to the lender’s requirements, the type and length of the loan and available programs. Make a budget, set a goal, and stick with the plan. Saving and sacrificing is how most people come up with their first down payment.
What is the difference between pre-qualified and pre-approved?
Pre-qualification: Getting pre-qualified for a mortgage gives first-time homebuyers an indication of how much they “might” qualify to borrow. This mortgage amount is not guaranteed because no information has yet been verified.
Pre-approval: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the better option, which is based on a real credit score, and financial documents submitted, like tax returns and pay stubs. The buyer has more to offer when making a deal and in a competitive market this can be a definite plus.
What's the first step of the home buying process?
Identifying a REALTOR® partner and/or getting pre-approved – Unless you are paying cash for a house, you will need to get a mortgage. In order to know how much home, you can afford, you will need to get a loan pre-approval. These are the first-steps in the home buying process.
How much is my house worth?
There are two main factors that determine how much your home is worth: its condition and the level of demand for homes like it. To gauge what your home might command on the open market, your best bet is to look at comparable sales of similar size and condition to yours. A REALTOR® will advise of an appropriate pricing for your house.
How long will it take to sell my home?
Time to sell really depends on where you’re located and the conditions of your local housing market. Your listing price, the condition of your home, and the marketing and staging prowess can also play a role. So, price competitively and make sure that you and your REALTOR® are getting the place in front of as many eyeballs as possible.
When is the best time of year to sell a house?
Real estate is a very localized industry, and the best time to sell really depends on your market, as well as your unique situation as a homeowner.
You can sell your home at any time of the year, but there are definitely some months when selling is easier, faster, and more profitable. In general, spring and summer are the hottest home buying seasons of the year.
How much does it cost to sell my house?
There are many costs involved in selling a house. Fortunately, most of them do not require an out-of-pocket payment, per se. Instead, many come out of your sales proceeds at closing.
Generally, you can expect to pay about 10%-15% of your home’s sale price in fees and expenses. These include things like:
- Your real estate agent’s commission (varies)
- Staging, prepping and repair costs (varies)
- Seller concessions (1 to 3%)
- Homeownership and overlap costs (1%)
- Closing costs (1 to 3%)
Get Started
Request your free consultation by scheduling your appointment today!
Phone
(312) 600-7731
Office Hours
Monday - Friday:
8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturdays By Appointment
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Disclaimer
Melinda N. Jordan is a licensed real estate broker, licensed to do business in Illinois. No guarantee, warranty or representation of any kind is made regarding the completeness or accuracy of descriptions or measurements (including square footage measurements and property condition), which should be independently verified, and Melinda N. Jordan expressly disclaims any liability in connection therewith. No financial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity.