Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Rehab loan tip

A good tip when working towards a rehab loan purchase. Get your contractors lined up ahead of time complete with their license number, insurance number, 3 recent references name, phone numbers. This info needs to be in before the appraisal can be ordered.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Why ZipRealty?

At our team meeting today I was reminded why I love ZipRealty. In this business, sometimes it's tough to look around and wonder if you are on the right path.  My teammates are supportive. I have friends to call when I need to vent or need a pick-me up. My broker and district director are available for questions as well as a sounding board. The technology helps me do my job efficiently. My clients who use the website come to me educated about current market conditions, inventory and have tools for assistance in their search.

Real estate is about people. I am not going to sell, sell, sell. In this market I am going to counsel, provide market research, hand-hold, negotiate, assuage fears, handle the details, offer support, communicate effectively and efficiently, refer professionals such as attorneys, inspectors, lenders. I will continue to work tirelessly because I care about people. Hopefully people will care about me in return. That is why I love my job as a Realtor. So today on my 40th birthday, I reflect on my life and work. Thank you to those who make my life rewarding! Caroline

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Test Your Family's Carbon Footprint!

Use this quick calculator to compare your family's use of resources compared to the average. Sometimes just awareness will help make a difference. There are simple things you can do.
http://green.yahoo.com/calculator

Sold! 41685 N Riverview, Antioch

Charming water front location on Lake Marie. It's a good time to buy a second home. Call me!
Congratulations to Don, Sue and boys!

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Watch your hats!

Whew! A home inspection 2 blocks from the lake. The waves were awesome today! Good day to test the older home:) And I've got two more offers going in. Yippee.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Attention Northbrook Investors


This house is a bank owned foreclosure. They just dropped the price $30K. There are some structural issues with a crack. Nice living space and beautiful yard. Fix it up and sell it to a young family who wants excellent schools. Great location! Call Caroline for a preview.

Caroline Gau
(847) 412-9771

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

oops!

Hazards of the work place. My new client whom I met for the first time didn't stop behind me at the railroad crossing. Fender bender. I am Thankful on this week of Thanksgiving nobody was injured and we proceeded to look at houses. Has that ever happened to you?

Monday, November 21, 2011

Caroline wins the Turkey Award!

I won the First Annual Turkey Award at Chicago's District ZipRealty office today. I submitted a story about my longest short sale transaction that closed on Thursday last week after 11 long months of efforts. I calculated about 4000+ emails at least. This award is well deserved as it has certainly been a turkey of a transaction. Glad it's done. Best wishes to my client in their new home!

Thanksgiving Tips

Thanksgiving tips

Friday, November 18, 2011

Whew, that was a long one...

Taking a breather! Check in with me tomorrow and have a nice weekend! Caroline

Sold! 830 Wagner Court, Glenview

Short sale closed after 11 months. Congratulations Andrew and Diana!


Sold! 5741 N. Drake in Peterson Park Chicago

Listed and Sold by ZipRealty!
Congratulations to The Wu family. I can't wait to see it all fixed up! Happy Thanksgiving! Caroline

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Heading to walk through

I have two closings tomorrow. One is a short sale that I have been working on for 11 months. I can't believe it looks like it might actually happen. Heading to a walk through. Wish me luck! Caroline

Monday, November 14, 2011

Wonderful Northbrook find!

I showed this home this weekend and it's fabulous inside. Perfect location in Dist. 30. Close to town and train. Inside has been completely rehabbed.  2 car detached garage. 4BR/ 4 bath with finished basement. 2600 sf plus basement. Great home for the money. $499,000. Call me to schedule a visit. Caroline Gau


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Thursday, October 13, 2011

What do you consider a good deal?

In my opinion, getting a great deal is not always about paying the least amount of money.  This applies to buying a home of course, but can also be said for a dinner out.  I try to tell clients that yes, you want to pay the least amount of money for your next home. Yes, I know that it's a buyers market and you don't want to over pay for a home. Yes, you have looked at a bunch of houses and this is the one you like. Doesn't it also account for the idea that you want to love your home, neighborhood and schools? If you like a home and think it's a good deal, someone else will too. I believe if you find a home you both like, the comparables support the asking price for the most part, you qualify for a loan (which is a big part of the equation) then go for it! When you are moved in to your new home and look back on this experience won't you be glad you did?

Friday, September 2, 2011

Sold! Listing at 447 Elder, Glenview for $187,500

Congratulations to the new homeowner Trish. I'm sure you will be happy in your new home. Thank to Lori for working with me. Best of luck to you both! Caroline

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

School's In-Drive Carefully

I think most parents are excited to be back in the routine of school and the kids are looking forward to meeting their teachers and new friends. Please drive safely throughout Northbrook. Keep our kids safe.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Interest Rates are Down!

The stock market has bad news today, but the interest rates are incredible. 4.25  for a 30 yr fixed FHA! Come on, what are you waiting for? Call me to help you find what you are looking for and buy while the market is low. (847) 412-9771

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Don't be scared of the data mistakes

I was disappointed to hear in the news that the Illinois Association of Realtors had over estimated the median home prices in Chicago for condos. The end of the Trib article said that the National Association of Realtors may also be revising their data later this summer. On one hand, I don't like the idea that the organization has made mistakes. But I also feel like I'm not crazy, because I read these reports and the news doesn't jive with what I see in the market place on a daily basis. The prices are down in most areas. This week, however, I had 3 listing appointments. Buyers and sellers are thinking, "I better take advantage of the buying opportunity now, before I miss out. I will take the lumps on the sell and get it over with."  Real estate is local right down to specific neighborhoods. Don't base your life decisions on the news.

Monday, July 11, 2011

Sold! 1209 Woodview Drive, Prospect Heights

$551,500.  Congratulations to Natalya, Gennadiy, Ken and Andre. Best of luck in your new home!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Chicago Made the List

10 cities where buying beats renting

Affordable homes are the upside of the continuing crisis in the housing market. Here are places where it could make more sense to buy.
By U.S. News & World Report
9 of 12
Downtown Chicago © Siri Stafford/Getty Images
Chicago
  • Projected home price growth over the next five years: 30.3%
  • Foreclosure rate: 0.19%
  • Projected job growth: 2.3%
  • Unemployment rate: 9.2%

Chicago sits in the middle ground between renting and buying, and experts say that in these kinds of markets, the determining factor is more likely to be personal finances than home prices.

Monday, June 27, 2011

Tuesdays in the Park

Come on down to Village Green where Tuesday evenings they have free live music in the park and vendors selling food. The kids can play on the playground while you and your friends hang out. Weather should be good this week. See you there!


The sounds of music will fill Village Green Park with the return of Park Fest, the free concert series that starts on June 7. Concerts begin at 7pm, and food service from area vendors begins at 6pm. The Northbrook Park District presents the following lineup this season:
June 7 – Bopology (swing/jazz), restaurant: Piero’s Pizza
June 14 – Billy Croft & The 5-Alarm (country/rock), restaurant: Once Upon a Grill
(The concert will start at about 7:30pm, after the Northbrook Rotary Riverchance: Rubber Ducky Race at 7pm.)
June 21 – World Class Noise (funk/rock/soul), restaurant: Chicken Charlie’s
June 28 – Out of Control (Top 40/club dance), restaurant: My Pie
July 5 – One Foot in the Groove (classic rock), restaurant: Open Kitchens
July 12 – Od Tapo Imi (pop/rock/tropical), restaurant: Whole Foods Market
July 19 – Final Say (timeless favorites), restaurant: Lou Malnati’s
“We’re bringing in some exciting new performers this year, and all ages are welcome to attend the concerts,” says Lacey Hayes, Leisure Services Supervisor with the Park District. “We try to offer a wide range of music to appeal to everyone.”
Village Green is located at the corner of Shermer and Meadow in downtown Northbrook. In case of rain, call the Weather/Activity Hotline at 847•291•2985 for updates.

Friday, June 24, 2011

I'm available by phone!

To my loyal clients:
When I drove last night between Wilmette and Northbrook, downtown Northbrook was a ghost town. The businesses on Shermer were shut down with no power and Dundee Rd was still closed east of Pfingsten.
I've been taking my laptop to my neighbors who has Internet. While we didn't lose power, our Comcast is still out. My smart phone can receive emails, but that's it right now. Feel free to call my cell at (847) 477-4825. I'm available this weekend to show homes. Don't hesitate!! Have a nice weekend! Caroline

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Could a 203k loan be the answer for you?

You could take advantage of buying a fixer-upper home and make repairs with an FHA 203(k) rehabilitation mortgage.

Here are some highlights of the program:
1) Qualify with as little as 3.5% down
2) Cash needed for repairs is built into the loan amount
3) Loan amount is based on the as-improved value

Lately, buyers are finding the current homes inventory in need of deferred maintenance, or significant projects requiring large sums. Most buyers today are not in the position to pay for a new home with cash left over to fix up. This is a way to find a "not so pretty" house in a nice location and make it what you want.

Ask me how I can help you qualify for this loan and find you a great fixer-upper that will give you plenty of opportunities for your family.

Sincerely,

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

News

I am an optimistic person. When someone asks me "how is the market?" I say "The sales cycle is longer with each client but I still have deals".  It's  true, I have very good transactions in the pipeline and have sold a respectable number of homes already this year. But I feel beat up when I constantly get bombarded with the Tribune (and other news sites I follow) reporting today "Prices are now at 2001 levels. Market still declining."

I am trying to stay positive and just focus on my business. I feel fortunate that I have transactions and am doing ok. My clients are getting good deals and locking in low interest rates for their long term house. How do I filter out the news and keep marching?

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Sold! 7743 Kedvale in Skokie $133,000

Congratulations to the Abbasi family! The new owners of 7743 Skokie. I can't wait to see it all fixed up. Best of luck to you Faisal and family.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Northbrook-On -Ice

Sophisticated skating and spectacular costumes will dazzle audiences at Northbrook-On-Ice, the annual show from the Northbrook Park District, on May 6-8 at the Northbrook Sports Center. The ice show features the National Champion synchronized skating teams and upper-level skaters with thrilling routines. All ages are welcome. Performances are: Friday, May 6 at 7pm, Saturday, May 7 at 1 and 6pm and Sunday, May 8 at 1pm. Reserved seats are $8 and $10. For ticket information, call 847•291•2993.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Sold! 798 Old Checker $220,500

Buffalo Grove's newest residents. Welcome the Samineni family. Congratulations Ravi and Sravanthi!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Short sales-90 day response

SHORT SALES
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a modified version of Senate Bill 1259 this week.  You will recall that this bill is related to short sales.  In its current form, SB 1259, sponsored by Senator Jacqueline Collins, makes changes to the Code of Civil Procedure to add a section entitled “Short sale in foreclosure”.  The new section defines “short sale” and specifies that in a foreclosure of residential property, if (i) the mortgagor presents to the mortgagee, a bona fide written offer from a third party to purchase the property that is the subjection of the foreclosure proceeding, (ii) the written offer to purchase is for an amount which constitutes a short sale of the property, and (iii) the mortgagor makes a written request to the mortgagee to approve the sale on the terms of the offer to purchase, the mortgagee must respond to the mortgagor within 90 days after receipt of the written offer and written request.  The mortgagee shall determine whether to accept the short sale offer.  The legislation further provides that the failure to accept the offer shall not impair or abrogate in any way the rights of the mortgagee or affect the status of the foreclosure proceedings.  Lastly, the bill states that the 90-day period shall not operate as a stay of the proceeding.  The IAR is NEUTRAL.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Dist 31 Tax Increase Shot Down

District 31 tax increase referendum apparently fails

Superintendent Alexandra NIcholson, second from right, sits in her home with staff and administrators from West Northfield School District 31 in anticipation of the results of a tax increase referendum. (Jeff Danna, Tribune reporter)
Superintendent Alexandra NIcholson, second from right, sits in her home with staff and administrators from West Northfield School District 31 in anticipation of the results of a tax increase referendum. (Jeff Danna, Tribune reporter)
Educational programs, activities and teachers are all on the chopping block in West Northfield School District 31 now that a referendum to increase the tax rate has failed.
“We are going to have to sit down and reevaluate the strategic plan and identify any areas we can move forward on,” said Superintendent Alexandra Nicholson.
School official said they needed the extra money because of tax appeals by the district’s largest taxpayer, Allstate Insurance Co.
It’s unknown yet what items the district can afford to keep without the tax increase. But officials say about $1 million must be cut from the budget.
The Board of Education is scheduled to outline potential cuts at its April 14 meeting, Nicholson said. Those cuts would likely include teachers and other staff members, but Nicholson declined to say how many positions were in jeopardy.
New technology and family reading nights are two other examples of possible cuts, she said.
“It’s going to be very difficult to keep up with these things,” she said.
Some measures laid out in the district’s five-year strategic plan can move forward, but items that come with a price tag will have to be carefully weighed.
For example, adopting a new academic program that was once seen as essential could cost more than $100,000, Nicholson said. Now the board might have to turn down such measures if they don’t seem cost-effective, she said.
The school district had asked voters to approve an increase in its tax rate in light of the Allstate property tax appeals.
But voters shot down the initiative by more than a 2-to-1 margin on Tuesday, according to unofficial results. The tax increase was expected to generate an additional $2.2 million a year, allowing the district to cover future appeals by Allstate and maintain its programs and infrastructure.
The district still expects to lose money to Allstate — about $1 million to $1.5 million a year, by administrators’ estimates. Now it has to make cuts to fill the gap.
Nicholson said she expects the district try to get voters to approve another tax increase referendum in 2012 — if only to re-implement what gets axed this year.
She said she doesn’t know how much of an increase the district would ask for, but whatever the percentage, it would not include an increase due to property tax assessments, as was the case this year.
The district needs revenue, Nicholson said. Since districts are limited to increasing their levies by the Consumer Price Index, which has been low in recent years, and state funding in limbo, District 31 is becoming strapped for cash. But, she said another failed referendum could mean more cuts, Nicholson said.
Voters at polling places on Tuesday said they understood the challenges facing the district, and some even said they were willing to take a financial hit to help maintain the quality of the schools.
“I think it’s important in how it relates to issues with Allstate’s taxing and what students are getting,” said Glenview resident Tom Sheagren, who said he no longer has children in District 31 but voted for the tax increase.
His neighbor, Katty Attari, said she saw the referendum as not only important to her children’s education but also to her property values.
“We have such a wonderful school; we have to make sure we keep it that way,” she said.
But Georgia Davidson, an election judge at the Northbrook Sports Complex polling place, said she saw deep divisions among voters in District 31.
Younger people with families seemed more in favor of the tax increase, while older residents without children in the schools seemed more skeptical about having their taxes raised in an already tough economy, Davidson said.
The referendum, she said, was probably driving voter turnout in an otherwise uneventful election.
“A lot of older people don’t care about the park board,” she said. They “just want to vote against the referendum.”

Monday, March 28, 2011

Sold! 1635 Landwehr, Northbrook for $710,000


Congratulations Skylor and Irina, Sophia and Max. Please welcome Northbrook's newest residents. Best of luck and I can't wait to see the results!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Thursday, March 24, 2011

2010 School Report Card Available

Northbrook ESD 27 in Cook county
Teachers' education and salaries
Teachers in Northbrook ESD 27 have an average of 14.5 years of experience. They earn an average of $80433 and 84.7% have a master's degree or higher level of education.
Composite test scores

District
average
State
average
ISAT2 (%) 96.0 80.9
PSAE3 (%)
ACT4
10000
15000
20000
25000
0
25
50
75
100
125
Operating expenses per student ($)
Funding source % of total % statewide
Local property taxes 91.0 58.4
Local, other sources 2.1 6.9
General state aid 1.0 14.5
Other state funding 3.2 8.3
Federal funding 2.7 11.9

Find schools
Use the filters below to find schools you are interested in.
District
  • Northbrook ESD 27 
Enrollment
Showing 4 schools in Northbrook ESD 27
E icon Elementary schools
School Students % low-
income1
ISAT rank2
(percentile)
First-grade
class size
Fifth-grade
class size
Northbrook
232 0.4
99th percentile
(100.0% meet/exceed)
17.7
Northbrook
288 0.0
85th percentile
(92.7% meet/exceed)
16.0
Northbrook
258 2.3
92nd percentile
(94.8% meet/exceed)
19.9
M icon Middle schools Back to top
School Students % low-
income1
ISAT rank2
(percentile)
Sixth-grade
class size
Northbrook
433 3.2
97th percentile
(96.8% meet/exceed)
17.0
1. Low-income: Students whose families’ earnings meet federal poverty guidelines qualify to receive a free or reduced-price school meal. This also ensures that school fees and registration costs are waived.
2. ISAT: In Illinois, third- through eighth-grade students take the Illinois Standards Achievement Test, or ISAT, every spring. They are quizzed on reading, math and science. Student scores on the exams are broken down by student race and income levels.
3. PSAE: Illinois high school juniors take the Prairie State Achievement Exam, or PSAE. The two-day exam includes the ACT college entrance exam and the ACT Work Keys, a math and reading exam that measures real-world skills.
4. ACT: Illinois high school juniors take the ACT college entrance exam as part of the state assessment. The exam measures student performance in English, reading, math and science. Illinois became the first state to mandate the college test for all juniors in 2002.
5. Federal standards: Under the federal No Child Left Behind law, schools are measured by how well students – as tracked by race, income and other factors – score on state standardized exams. If one group of students fails to meet federal expectations, the school faces sanctions that could include replacing teachers or closing the school.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

New condos selling fast at the Glen!

New condos selling fast at Patriot Commons at the Glen



Patriot Commons at the Glen, Glenview, Illinois
With double digit sales in the last two months, Patriot Commons at The Glen has quickly become one of the fastest selling luxury condominium communities in the region.
"The combination of affordable pricing starting at $299,995 and the all-time lowest mortgage rates on record is drawing buyers in," says Brian Wulfestieg, senior project manager. "When they see our incredible location within The Glen and tour our homes, they are sold."
Located in the heart of The Glen, Patriot Commons is a community of luxury condominiums and townhomes built by national luxury home builder Toll Brothers. This popular new community boasts a walkable lifestyle with everyday conveniences just a few steps away such as The Glen Town Center.
All residents in The Glen enjoy easy access to the Metra station and year-round recreational amenities such as Gallery Park and the Glen Park Center.
The condominiums all feature a private balcony and many offer golf course views. Interiors include 9-foot ceiling heights, hardwood floors, granite kitchen countertops, and a complete stainless steel appliance package including a washer and dryer. Pricing begins at $299,995 for a spacious one-bedroom design.
Stylish single-level and two-story townhomes, priced from $443,995, offer two to four bedrooms and two and a half baths and range in size from 1,550 to 1,700 square feet. A decorated model, the Randall, is open to tour.
The builder has condominiums and townhomes completed and ready for occupancy for those ready to move in. Other units near the end of construction are available.
The community's sales center is open daily 10-6. To visit, from I-94, exit Willow Avenue west for 3 miles, turn left on Patriot Boulevard. The sales center is one quarter mile south of Chestnut Avenue.
Call 847-998-0400, or visit PatriotCommonsatTheGlen.com for more information.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Mortgage Rates Dropped!

As of  today rates for a 30-year fixed are 4.75%.  They had been hovering around 5.0 and with the uncertainty in the international markets they dropped. But this won't last as things get ironed out. Find your dream home and lock in your interest rate now!

Friday, March 18, 2011

Arts in Action

Thursday, March 17 Shabonee School hosted an Arts in Action day for students in 2nd-5th grade. A range of artists from string instruments, calligraphy to dancing demonstrated to students their various talents. Each student attended 3, 30 minute workshops of their choosing. Hands-on events allowed students to try the art, practice it and take home some of their projects. I assisted the calligraphy artist. The students enjoyed it very much and are willing to practice it at home with the provided materials. Thank you to all who made this program successful! Keep Arts Alive!

Friday, March 11, 2011

Northbrook's Newest Single Family Development

Alexandra Court. This is a great deal! New construction home on a cul du sac in Northwest Northbrook. Half acre lots starting at $724,900. Edward R. James Homes.  Ready before holidays. Great schools. Would you like more information? Call Caroline (847) 412-9771

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Want shiny counters?

Try using lemon scented Pledge on your granite counters and stainless steel appliances.  They will shine and smell good at least until the next meal! Use the polish once a week to help the water bead off and keep your counters protected.  What a difference!

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Taxes are updated

When you are searching for homes on ZipRealty.com this week, be sure to ask me if the current taxes are listed on the MLS sheet. Listing agents are in a transition and by March 1 the agents will be fined if 2009 taxes are not reflected on the listing. In the meantime, it can be confusing to wonder which bill is correct. I will verify them for you if you'd like.

Additionally, if you have never owned a home before you may not know that owner occupied homes receive a discount on their property taxes.  There is an MLS field that indicates whether there is a homeowner exemption or a senior exemption. Both lower the tax burden if eligible. This is important to know whether your taxes would be the same or adjusted based on your situation of being owner occupied.

Search all available homes on the #1 visited real estate brokerage website. Click here.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Cost-effective ways to boost curb appeal

Cost-effective ways to boost curb appeal



Published: Sunday, February 6, 2011 6:00 PM CST
(ARA) - Anyone who's ever bought, sold or even just looked at a house can tell you first impressions matter. A house can be filled to the rafters with luxury touches, but if it lacks curb appeal, few potential buyers will ever step in the door to see what's inside.

With real estate sales still sluggish across the country, curb appeal is taking on a new meaning for many homeowners. While an attractive home exterior can still boost potential resale value, homeowners are also looking at curb appeal as a way to enhance the enjoyment of their homes. Giving the exterior of their home a facelift not only makes the house stand out on the street, it also allows homeowners to "move up" without the expense of remodeling or moving.

Fortunately, many curb appeal-enhancing projects can be cost-effective too, yielding significant improvements for a modest investment.

"Projects can be inexpensive and simple while adding tremendous value and curb appeal," says Mark Clement, HGTVPro.com how-to expert and host of "MyFixItUpLife."


*
If you're looking for low-cost, high-impact ways to create or improve curb appeal, consider these ideas:

* Make small improvements that have a big impact. Simple touches like repainting the front door, window trim and shutters, planting flowers, and switching outdated light fixtures can create a whole new look. Plus, these simple improvements have the advantage of being scalable. Instead of re-siding the entire house, you can freshen the facade by tackling smaller portions, such as a porch or garage. Later, if you want to continue the improvement, you can re-side other areas of the facade.

* Choose materials that are durable and stylish. Skimping on materials may seem like a great way to save money, but you could end up spending more in the long run if you have to redo a job that was first done with lower quality materials. Purchase the best quality materials you can afford - not only will they look better than cheaper goods, they'll last longer and provide more enjoyment and value.

* Dress up the exterior with accents. Adding touches like accents to gables, posts and beams, drain chains in place of downspouts or planter boxes made with beautiful, sustainable materials like Western Red Cedar is a great way to improve curb appeal while stretching your budget. Quality materials retain their beauty over time better than cheaper materials.

* Illuminate. Light is a powerful accent, and, thanks to the availability of easy-to-install solar lights, you don't need to pay a professional to light your landscape. Solar lights - readily available in home improvement stores - provide decorative illumination to driveways, walkways and gardens.

* Introduce shade. Arbors and trellises adorned with flowering vines are not only beautiful in warm months; they're a great way to add areas of shade to your landscape. They can even be used to block the scorching heat from the afternoon sun from parts of your home's interior. Building an arbor or trellis is well within the capabilities of most do-it-yourselfers. For free ideas and plans, visit www.wrcla.org.

* Add a splash of color to your landscape with low-maintenance plantings that require little attention. As an added "green" step, consider plants that require less water, too. Your local home extension office can help you identify what types of plants will grow best in your region.

* Think "green." Whenever possible, choose materials that are truly sustainable, like Western Red Cedar. Sustainable materials are ones that have been harvested and/or manufactured through methods designed to reduce their impact on the environment.

"Natural, long-lasting materials, like real wood, return beauty, durability and value," Clement says.


Friday, February 11, 2011

Just listed: 1128 Highland Lane, Glenview, IL 60025 for $499,500

Just listed: 1128 Highland Lane, Glenview, IL 60025 for $499,500

Can't sell your home?

Rent it out! I know, being a landlord isn't your first choice. You would rather take your home equity and put it towards a down payment on a new house. Maybe you would rather kiss your current home good-bye and close that chapter in your life.  The economy and real estate market have a different plan.

There are plenty of potential tenants looking for rentals or even a rent-to-own situation.  The rentals in our Northbrook area are scarce. If you aren't able to sell your home for what you need it to sell for, consider one of these scenarios. Rental prices are going up this year and demand for them is high.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Most snow on the ground in 30 years!

To those of you who may be considering a move to Northbrook from out of state, don't let the snow keep you away! Now that Super Bowl is behind us, inventory new to the market is popping up. As well, price changes of over valued listings are getting into new search brackets as they lower the price. This is a GREAT time to capitalize on the sellers' need to sell. Call or email me today to get started. Caroline

Monday, January 31, 2011

Short Sales getting Shorter

Many buyers ask me how long a short sale takes to close. In 2011 the good news is that the process seems to be more organized and moving along.  I attended a webinar by Bank of America. They have improved the communication and introduced new programs that seem to make the process easier. Now there is a "collaborative" short sale in which the homeowner and listing agent can determine ahead of the listing what the pre-approved short sale price will be. Then we have confidence before it hits the market that the deal will close.

I have also found that banks recently are negotiating a bit on the offer price. But there does seem to be some resolution and not a file sitting at the bottom of the file. This year will bring more short sales, but I have discovered this month that these transactions are easier to deal with than some unrealistic sellers who are not able or willing to come down to a realistic sales price.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Did you know you can finance a foreclosure and rehab it all in one loan?

It's true! There's a product that is easy to use called a 203K. It's actually an FHA loan, with 2 options. For projects that need less work you can do a streamlined version for up to $30,000 worth of renovations. If you have a more extensive project, you can go up to the loan limit on the FHA. Either loan allows you to buy a property that needs work and appraise out at the fixed up price.  Now you don't have to be afraid of homes that are needing some TLC. Let me show you the process. Call me!

Monday, January 10, 2011

"Curb appeal remains king!"

 The National Association of Realtors every year publishes a report of what home projects reap the most value at sale time. Click on this link for the short article about how to get the most from your renovation dollar. Caroline

Home Owners Recoup More with Exterior Replacement Projects

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Sold! 60 N. Dryden $307,000 by Caroline

Congratulations Leah on your new home! Beautiful new construction in downtown Arlington Heights at Arlington Crossings. The model homes are now up if you know of someone who wants to walk to the train. I would be happy to show you. Call me!

Hockey!

If you are considering a move to Northbrook from elsewhere, you should know that Northbrook is a hockey town.  There is a new summer hockey camp just announced being held at Sports Center with the instructor Rich Blakey, development hockey director of the Northbrook Hockey League. Players can do a 4 week camp or weekly. My 9 year old son Benji is new to hockey and I can't wait to tell him about this new camp option. This time last year he was just learning to skate and now he's a Blue Hawk.

If you want more information you can call the Sports Center (847) 291-2993. I am always looking for people to share hockey stories...

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Can you name this street?

Historian's Corner: Can You Name This Street?
 





The homes in this photo are still standing today. This photo (circa 1928) is the 1000-1100 block of Shermer Road, just east of Waukegan Road on the north side. For more historical information about Northbrook, visit www.northbrookhistory.org

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Assessments are now out

If you haven't received your property assessment, it should have arrived in the mail. The deadline to appeal your assessment is January 31, 2011.  Your assessed value determines your property tax bill. If you feel your value seems out of line with your neighborhood, you can appeal.  Once the bill comes out, it's too late.

I can help you with comparable solds in your neighborhood, if you wish to make an appeal. 

Happy New Year!

To my friends, family, colleagues, clients:
I wish you a good times, peace, and a prosperous 2011!
Warm regards, Caroline