Northwest Herald | Trojans celebrate 2nd state title this month

Northwest Herald | Trojans celebrate 2nd state title this month

Congratulations Cary Grove Trojans for winning another state title!

There is a reason we call this a BUYER'S MARKET-Real Estate is ON SALE!

There is a reason we call this a BUYER'S MARKET...

Actually, there are MANY reasons! I have always LOVED representing buyers, but I have never had so much fun and success with my buyer clients as I am now in this BUYER'S MARKET.




There IS An UPSIDE To This Market: True, it may not be the best time to sell, unless you need to or if you are moving UP in price. (That could be a whole other blog post!) If you pay attention to the media, you may get the idea there is nothing GOOD about this market and the best thing to do is to just stay away from real estate. But, as in anything, everything has silver lining, and in this case, it just may be the silver cup! There is a reason we call this a Buyer's market, and that is because current real estate conditions are VERY favorable to buyers. Yes, it is a GREAT time to buy, for many reasons. I will just highlight a few here.....


Time Of Year: We are now going into the "holiday season", which is traditionally the slowest time of the year. Most well informed sellers and their Realtors know that as the upcoming weeks tick by, they have more of a chance of being stuck without a buyer through winter. Let this work in your favor now.


Choices Galore: In my 16 years career as a Realtor, I have never seen such an abundance of well priced homes on the market. In a seller's market, I have seen my buyers stressed out by the lack of choices. On the flip side, these days there are almost SO many choices that my buyer clients actually sometimes feel overwhelmed because there is so much to choose from. This is definitely a better problem!


Real Estate is ON SALE!




We Can Negotiate: I love to go to bat for and negotiate for my buyer clients. This is one of the many professional services I do for my clients that really I love doing the most! And I am having more fun than ever doing this because now, in this market, we really CAN negotiate great prices and terms for buyers.

VERY Well Priced Inventory of Homes On The Market: Not only can you negotiate once you find the home you love, but the market is also abundant with a housing inventory that is ALREADY very well priced.

Great Deals: In my opinion, the best deals are not just the foreclosures, REO's, pre-foreclosures and short sales. Most of the best deals are the sellers that actually have some equity in their homes and have the ability and desire to sell. And you not only have less risk than with bank/corporate owned homes, but you can negotiate more and they are definitely easier to work with.

Less Competition: In a strong seller's market, ALL the buyers come out....which of course, is WHY it is sellers market then. In a seller's market, all of the buyers are competing for the best homes.....homes that are priced well and in great condition. When the buyers should REALLY come out is now, that is why we call it a BUYER'S MARKET. Real Estate market conditions are very favorable to BUYERS now. Don't miss your chance by waiting until the market heats up again.

More Motivated Sellers: Once again, we can negotiate! Sellers are much more willing to negotiate on price, terms, and inspection/repair issues now because they KNOW how valuable an offer from a ready, willing and able buyer is these days. They are much less likely to turn down your offer and just wait for the next one because it may be a long wait.

Time Is On Your Side: No longer do you have to put in an offer immediately when see a home you like to beat out the other buyers. You can take a little more time looking, deciding and finding one that is just right for you. Do not get me wrong; even in this market we do still see multiple offers on well priced homes. But you do not always have the pressure of feeling you have to make an immediate decision or you will lose out. You can get comfortable with your decision first before moving forward.




Rates ARE Great: We have been spoiled in recent years because we have had low interest rates for so many years; we almost forget how lucky we are they are still so low NOW. Does anyone remember the days when mortgage loan interest rates were at 18%? Coupled with the lower home prices in today's BUYER'S MARKET, you can really score a great deal now.

Financing: Yes, there are plenty of loans available and loan options for buyers today. From listening to the press, you just may think all of the mortgage money dried up and no one can get a loan. It is NOT true! There are many options and lenders able and eager to earn your business and help you get into a home now.

Buy What You Love, Not What You Like: In a strong seller's market, buyers had to make choices between the few homes that were acceptable to them. The market did not allow the luxury of shopping to find a home you LOVE. Now you can!

The thing is, no one has a crystal ball and no one knows when the market will "hit bottom". Many speculate on when this will be. But we are definitely already in the low part of the cycle. Real estate values are cyclical and historically it shows that after we have a period of increasing values, it is always followed by a "correction" period. We had the longest run in recent years of increasing values so this "correction" period is lasting longer as well, of course. But remember, it IS a cycle and values WILL go back up.

The only time we will really know we hit bottom is when the market is on its way back up. At that point, it just may be too late. If you speculate too much, you may miss the really great deals that are out there NOW for you.

No matter what type of market we are in, the most important thing to consider is if it is a good time for YOU to buy. You have to be comfortable with your own situation. But if you are comfortable making a move, don't let FEAR get in the way of the fabulous deals that are there to be had right now. This will not last.



OK...so that is a few really good reasons to jump off the FENCE and in the game today. I could go on and on about this as more points keep coming to mind today, but I do need to get back out of my office to meet the next smart and savvy buyer clients I am working with today!

There are fabulous buys on the market....now is a GREAT time to buy real estate in Northern Illinois, especially for MOVE UP Buyers, Waterfront Buyers, Vacation and Second Home Buyers, Investors and First Time Buyers!


To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website




If I can be of assistance to you,please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure! By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them. My business keeps growing from your referrals.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

I look forward to the opportunity to earn your business.

Just Listed! Quaint Home in Hebron!

Small Town Living!

Two Blocks to Quaint Downtown Area and School.
In Town Home with Basement.
Attached 2 Car Garage.
HUGE Eat-In Kitchen With Tons of Cabinets, Pantry, Newer Kitchen Floor.
Family Room PLUS Den!
1st Floor Laundry.
Very Large 1st Floor Master Bedroom With 2 Closets and Private Bath.

Upstairs Windows Have Been Replaced. Rented Now, Needs a Little TLC. Short Sale, Please Allow Time 4 Bank Acceptance.

SELLING "AS IS"

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To
Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them. My business is over 87% referral
and repeat clients and I am so grateful it keeps growing from your loyalty referrals!

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE YOUR PLACE.COM!

Just Listed! Darling In Town Ranch, Cary, IL

Cute As A Button And Ready For You Now!
Darling Cary In Town Ranch With Huge Full Basement And Attached 2 Car Garage. Not A Foreclosure, Just Priced To Sell In Today's Market.

Remodeled Kitchen With Gorgeous Birch Cabinets And Ceramic Floor.

Ceramic Tile Entry Welcomes You Into This Warm Home.

Large Fenced In Back Yard With Cement Patio And Built In Gas Line for Grill.

Quaint Front Porch Framed By An Abundance Of Mature Landscaping.

Newer Roof/Furnace/Air Conditioner/Hot Water Heater/Driveway and Windows! All Appliances Included.
Town, School, Town And Train Only A Couple Of Blocks Away! Great Buy!

Additional Information:
-Roof was replaced in 2000/Complete Tear Off
-Furnace/Air Conditioner/Hot Water Heater Replaced in 2006
-Driveway Replaced in 2007; Re-Sealed in 2009
-There Is Currently No Senior Exemption On Taxes-So That Will Not Contribute To A Tax Jump For New Owners



To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure!

By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them.
My business is over 87% referral and repeat clients and I am so grateful it keeps growing from your loyalty and referrals:-)

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Do You Qualify For Short Sale As An Option To Foreclosure?

I have spoken with many homeowners lately, who are either facing foreclosure now or think they may be soon. Many have wondered if they would qualify to do a short sale and if I can try to help them do one to avoid foreclosure. I can definitely try to help a homeowner that qualifies and this video explains it really well. I am trained as a Certified Distressed Property Expert, CDPE, and if I can help you or someone you know, or if you'd just like to discuss your situation with me, please give me a call and it will be my pleasure to assist you and do all I can to help you to try to help you avoid foreclosure.

Remember, in addition to a Realtor that is trained in doing short sales, you also need to consult with tax professional and an attorney.

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760

Do you qualify for a short sale?

If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure! By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them. My business keeps growing from your referrals.

There are fabulous buys on the market....now is a GREAT time to buy real estate in IL, especially for MOVE UP Buyers, Waterfront Buyers, Vacation and Second Home Buyers, Investors and First Time Buyers!

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!

Foreclosures can cost MORE!!

So many buyers think the best deals out there are foreclosures and short sales, but they can actually cost MORE!




Here are just some of the additional costs you may incur with a bank/distressed sale:


Survey: Approximately 150.-300. (usually a seller cost)



No Tax pro-ration: (usually 105% of the last tax bill in this area, banks only will usually do 100%)



Usually no negotiation on repairs, so if you do your inspection and it is not satisfactory, you talk with your attorney regarding canceling the contract if it is within the contingency dates, but no one will give you back the 300. or so you may have spend on a home inspection.



Not closing on time can also cost you a Per Diem, as banks usually have this in their contract addendums. This is more of a risk now with underwriting and appraisals taking longer and daily changes in the banking industry.



Appliances: Banks usually say there is “no bill of sale on personal property”, so what you see when you write an offer may not be what you see before closing.



No disclosures: Since they have never lived in or in most cases, have never even seen the property, they are exempt from having to do the usual disclosures.



Deferred maintenance: When someone can no longer pay their mortgage, many times they also have not been able to properly keep up with maintaining their home.



Timing: Many times there is a very long wait to get a response on an offer, and it is usually worse with short sales than REO’s, which are properties that have already been foreclosed on. You could be risking closing on time to be able to take advantage of the first time home buyers credit, which expires 12/1/09.




These are just some things to keep in mind when considering your options. Foreclosures and distressed sales can be great opportunities for the right buyer who is not trying to closely watch their costs, who has a lot of time and patience, and the ability not to get too attached to or emotional about the property. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great deals out there to be had right now, but don't make the mistake of thinking that the only good deals are distressed sales. Sometimes, a truly motivated seller with equity in their home can also offer a wonderful buy with less cost, less waiting and less hassles!



It is a GREAT TIME TO BUY REAL ESTATE in McHenry County, Cook County and Lake Counties in Northern Illinois. There are fabulous homes for sale at great prices!


***especially for first time buyers, investors and move up buyers.*** Rates are great, too!

We are having a "HUGE sale" on our large inventory of VERY well priced HOMES!

To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!
My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760



If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me. It will be my pleasure! By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them. My business keeps growing from your referrals.



There are fabulous buys on the market....now is a GREAT time to buy real estate in IL, especially for MOVE UP Buyers, Waterfront Buyers, Vacation and Second Home Buyers, Investors and First Time Buyers!

NEW $8000. First Time Buyer's Tax Credit and Obama Foreclosure Plan!

Good afternoon :-)

Today we have some great news for all buyers, and especially first time buyers. We now have a NEW $8000 First Time Buyer's Tax Credit! You will find information and links below for the details on this exciting new incentive.

The basics are that the new stimulus package gives an $8000 tax credit to first time buyers and applies to principal residences purchased between 01/01/09 and 12/01/09.

The best thing about this tax credit over last year's 7500 first time buyer tax credit is that it does NOT have to be repaid.

The $7500. credit was more of a no interest loan and this is an actual credit if you stay in your home at least three years.

Another very important point to note is that the definition of a first time buyer is someone who has not owned (or spouse has not owned) a home in the past three years prior to the purchase.

The tax credit is for 10% of the homes purchase price, up to $8000. maximum.

Real Estate is ON SALE...which is GREAT news for ANY buyer!



Each day I review the new and changed listings on our MLS HOT SHEET in my area, and I am just AMAZED at what homes are listed for and selling for. It just makes me shake my head that there are not more buyers taking advantage of this market. And, by taking advantage, I do not mean taking advantage of other peoples misfortunes. I have so many really nice clients that I work with, and more than one has expressed that they are not interested in foreclosures, distressed sales, REO, or short sales, because they felt badly profiting from another person's misfortune. I can certainly understand and appreciate that viewpoint, but if you share this very compassionate concern, you really must know that one of the best things for this housing market and home values and prices is to move all of these homes OFF the market by selling them! This WILL help stabilize the market, which not only helps the Real Estate market, but the overall economy we are now facing.




Please see the links below to read all of the details of this new housing stimulus plan and how this may apply to your personal situation. There are inclusions, exclusions, exceptions, income limits, etc., of course. I would also strongly advise that you consult your tax professionals for the details.



From NAHB: $8000. Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

And.....Frequently asked questions regarding the Home Buyer Tax Credit

And....The Laws Other Provisions


From THE WHITE HOUSE BLOG: Help for Homeowners


From RISMEDIA: Obama Unveils Plan to Stem Foreclosures

And......Will the Stimulus Benefit Homeowners and Buyers?


From H and R Block: Breaking News President Obama Signs $787 Billion Economic Plan, Most Sweeping Rescue Package In Decades. So what is the 2009 stimulus plan and how might if affect me and my family?

AND......Economic Stimulus 2009: Frequently Asked Questions


To Search Homes For Sale, Please Contact Me Directly Or Feel Free To Search On My Website!



I hope you find this information useful. I am only a phone call or email away of you need more help:-)




If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call or email me.

It will be my pleasure!

By the way, if you know of someone that could benefit from my high level of service, please call or email me with their name and daytime phone number and I will make sure to follow up and take great care of them.

My business is over 87% referral and repeat clients and I am so grateful it keeps growing from your loyalty and referrals:-)

My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760