Archives of real estate blog entries for October 22, 2010

Featured blog posts


Why Did They Foreclose on the Short Sale I Was Buying? - 10:10 AM
Pricing a short sale is an art. Although I try to explain to sellers how I arrived at the suggested sales price, most of them don't really care. As one seller put it, she's just the Monopoly piece. Because it's the bank that decides on the short sale price. The bank makes the decision based on the BPO. So logic would have it that if a Sacramento short sale agent would examine the comparable sales the same way a BPO agent does it, the acceptable sales price should be near the list price.
Earlier in the year, a list price could … (33 comments)

What Happens if My Las Vegas Appraisal Comes in Low? - 11:12 PM
I get asked this question very often and it is a very valid concern in regards to the lending process these days!
When the appraisal comes in “low” it means that it is less than the contracted price.  If the buyer was planning on putting the minimum down for the down payment then the low appraisal can cause a deficiency between the loan to value ratio.
Several things could happen:
The buyer submits an addendum to the seller to lower the price to the appraised price.  FHA appraisals “stick” to a property for a certain period of time.  If there is a high … (53 comments)

Saline Fiddlers Hometown Concert, October 30th, 2010 - 08:28 AM
The Saline Fiddlers will be conducting their fall Hometown Concert on October 30, 2010 at the Ellen Ewying Performing Arts Center at Saline High School.
Mountain Heart from Nashville will be the guest performers.
Mountain Heart has won or been nominated for multiple Grammys, ACM, CMA, and IBMA Awards. They have appeared on the revered stage of the Grand Ole Opry in excess of 100 times and have shared the stage with acts ranging from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Montgomery Gentry, George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Brad Paisley to Alison Krauss, Tony Rice, Travis Tritt, Yonder Mountain Stringband, LeAnn Rimes, and Patty Loveless.
… (20 comments)

So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time. - 09:42 PM
So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time.
 Internet Advertising Only? ..... I Think Not !    
                 
Call me old-fashioned, but I do both print media and Internet advertising. I know that not everyone who buys a house - or who is helping someone look for a house - is in their 30's. There is another generation and they do read newspapers, and they do need print ads. This generation includes people with lots of disposable income who are looking for nice homes. It also includes people with children and grandchildren who may need a new home, and these … (98 comments)

To Tell the Truth . . . Will the REAL Holder in Due Course PLEASE STAND UP!?! - 03:05 PM
Who is the Holder in Due Course?
For all the simpleton "pay and stay" " comments from real estate agents and others who believe that foreclosures should continue because it will help bring the market to "normal" . . . we don't want NORMAL.  We want the real estate housing market to become honest.  NO?!?  This is the one and only video they should watch.
I realize it's difficult for people to keep an open mind and actually learn how the deals were done. 
I realize it's difficult for people to understand the corruption, fraud, racketeering that has gone on for years and years … (31 comments)

Third Quarter Real Estate Market Update for Watertown Ct - 06:30 AM
Third Quarter Real Estate Market Update for Watertown Ct
The Real Estate market activity for Watertown Ct has made an adjustment from the previous year and also a fall back from the activity of the first 6 months of the year.

For the first 6 months of 2010, the market sales or absorption rate was slightly more than 13 sales per month, with an average sales value of $216,070 and average days on market of 87.
For the months of July, August and September, the absorption rate was 8 sales per month with an average sales price of $234,900 and average … (2 comments)

He ain't heavy, he's my bathroom! - 09:50 AM
People have frequently asked me which feature in their home could be remodeled to the largest benefit?  Which carries the most weight, or, in other words, which remodel should they do to get the largest return on their investment, the biggest bang for their buck?
Will a Kitchen remodel help sell the house?  Will it gain them more money in the purchase price, and will it recoup the money spent on the remodeling, and perhaps a tidy profit on top of it.
Well, this post has nothing to do with that question.  This post asks the question "How much weight does … (77 comments)

Creating a Blog is Like Opening up a Shop. You are Passively Inviting People to Browse - 11:46 PM
It suddenly came to me today (I know, I am slow) that when you move your business onto a blog platform, you are effectively opening up a shop.In the old days we were out there hustling, kind of like being on a stall in a market. We were actively engaging people who passed and trying to attract them to our wares.Creating a blog is a passive way to attract customers. Like a store, you are waiting for people to stop, look, and then possibly enter. Something about that store has got to make them stop and choose to enter.  Once inside … (72 comments)

The Unholy Alliance of Wall Street, Big Banks and Government - 03:07 PM
Foreclosure-Gate, as it has aptly been named, has exposed yet another layer in the dishonesty that seems pervasive in our culture; and far from an anomaly, it seems emblematic of the unholy alliance of Wall Street, big banks and government.  And we have all become jaded to the stories.  Sure, we may protest and complain, but we do nothing to bring about the dramatic changes necessary to reverse the trend.  And if we fail to let our political leaders know that we are unwilling to tolerate their continued participation in the destruction of our economy, we’ll deserve the ultimate consequences.
 
… (66 comments)

I Was Honest! I'm Sorry......Your Listing Smells Like Wet Dog - 11:21 AM

 
 
 
 Ok....so may I assume you are going to take it personally if I don't like your listing? Then why are you calling me for feedback? Oh yes, I know....because you honestly think that almost a week after the showing you might find that we've just "forgotten" to call you with our full-priced offer?
 
Yep...that's it! Thank you for calling to remind me to write that darn offer! :)
I'm really busy and I dread the phone calls from agents which start "Hi, thank you for showing my listing last week....can I get some feedback?"
Oh no..maybe … (66 comments)

It's One of Those Things They Don't Tell You in Real Estate School - 11:11 AM
I suppose I shouldn't be surprised, but there are some things in Real Estate that still catch me off guard.  I'm not surprised at rude agents who yell, scream and hang up on you anymore.  And I've gotten over agents who undercut you and do anything they can to get listings or buyers.  And I've learned to put up with the ever changing paperwork and rules as just a part of the daily grind.  But it is the twists and turns that life throws at people that still get to me at times.
Take, for example, the nice gentleman I met … (146 comments)

Success in the Rain - 04:46 PM
Today is going to be full of success....I can feel it in my bones.....or maybe that's the cool crisp Seattle air.
We have been busy little bees in the 'Rain this week....Groups has a new look....2 RainCamps coming up....get on board!
Check out the success stories below.  Russell said "she said she would contnue to use ActiveRain because the Agents represented there have always been top notch"....yeah baby!
If you have yet to write your own success story, I urge you to do so.  Simply go to your profile page and click "edit" located next to My Profile (edit). Scroll down … (32 comments)

BOTTOMS UP??? - 12:24 AM
BOTTOMS UP???

 
I read a sensational blog post today from North Carolina activerainer, Tish Lloyd titled, I'm going to wait for the market to hit bottom before I buy. It's about timing the bottom of the real estate market.
I just had a conversation with a buyer today and she asked me when I thought we would hit bottom? Now if I had a crystal ball I would be more than happy to help my clients time the market. But I am afraid crystal balls are only for fairy tales. What I do have is a good sense of … (18 comments)

Buying and Selling at the Right Price - Principle of Supply and Demand - 06:32 AM

The right price for a home is one that an informed Buyer is willing to offer and a Seller is willing to accept.  How do Buyers and Sellers get to that price?  There are several principles of value that consciously or sub-consciously play in arriving at the price. 
The Principle of Supply and Demand says that the value is likely to increase on a home if there are few homes available on the market and many buyers.  This is also known as having a Sellers' Market - competition will exist to buy the home.  Conversely, if there are many homes and few buyers, … (15 comments)

Real Estate Agents Held To A Higher Standard - 06:32 PM
Real Estate Agents Held To A Higher Standard
So what's this post about?  It's about letting the public know that we are held to a higher standard...that we hold ourselves to a higher standard to serve our clients better.
As a Real Estate Broker, Associate Broker, former Appraiser and investor, I've always worked in the best interest of my clients and done everything possible to represent my profession to the highest standards.  I understand that there is a negative perception of real estate agents to some degree largely due to the behavior of a few less ethical agents and the mistaken idea that real estate agents … (18 comments)

How You Respond To Buyer Feedback Will Determine How Fast You Sell Your House - 12:56 PM
Your response to buyer feedback will determine how fast you will sell your house.  Your house is a product for sale, and when buyers look at it and criticize it, you can't take it personally.
Karen Fiddler, a Realtor in Mission Viejo, California, wrote a great post this morning about agents calling for feedback on their listings.  I think Karen has a great message here.
If you can't handle the answer, then don't ask the question!
More importantly, from a home staging viewpoint...use the information you receive from agents after a showing to make your product more appealing to future potential buyers. 
Don't consider negative feedback a personal … (55 comments)

Tie goes to the...expert - 03:57 PM
My dad was born in England.  He grew up there, and lived in the U.K. until the age of 30.  During his youth he participated in the boys' choir, earned a scholarship to a private high school, then to Bristol University, and subsequently earned his degree in mechanical engineering and earned a job that required wearing a suit on a daily basis.  My point?  He has been wearing a suit, and therefore a tie, for most of his life.    And then there's the matter of his son.  I view wearing a tie like I view riding the subway in New … (23 comments)

Have you considered a different blogging platform? You should! - 11:44 AM
With the 2010 elections just around the corner, everyone is feeling unsettled. It is impacting the real estate market, the jobs numbers and just about everything else. It is not surprising that people who use blogging to promote their businesses would turn to blogging to weigh-in on the elections. I think it is a pretty bad idea, personally, but I certainly would not use ActiveRain--my business blogging platform-- to do it!I completely buy into the idea that your ActiveRain presence should be business related with a dash of personal. Yes, I do want people to know who I am from what I … (36 comments)

“I guess we showed THEM!” They had to buy another house! - 07:38 AM
This post is a response to Greg Nino’s How Do you Respond to Stupid Offers?” His seller received a low offer, and to demonstrate the seller's disdain for the buyers, he instructed Greg to counter at full price.
This is a great strategy for making a point. It is a TERRIBLE strategy for selling a house. Regardless of how low an offer is proffered, I always suggest that my sellers counter at the least amount that they can reasonable accept. The reasons I do this are simple:
Buyers are scarce. This may be the only buyer in months that may be … (116 comments)

SO AFTER YOU SELL FAMILY AND FRIENDS, THEN WHAT? - 08:29 AM
My daddy was the executive vice president of a major life insurance company, a job he held for forty years or so.  His primary responsibility was overseeing the recruiting, training and energizing the some 5,000 or so full-time agents that sold the company's products.
It forced him to maintain a weird balance, and I've come to realize that real estate sales business has slowly crept into the same mantra.
From the top down, the life insurance company's management was under the constant pressure to increase sales, and the unspoken demand was to increase sales immediately. Extensive sales training could eat up precious time.
… (19 comments)

Comments to Your Comments – Do You Circle Back? - 07:46 PM
We all love comments. Whether you’re blogging for SEO, a listing, or to post consumer or agent centered information, we want something to happen. A phonecall, a email, a blog comment – but something! And when someone takes the time to leave a comment, we’re on our way to meaningful dialogue, or least potentially we are. Do you ever pose questions in your blogs? Do your commenters? I do my best to answer any questions presented and see that most bloggers do that as well. But how about when you’ve left a comment? I rarely subscribe to each particular blog to … (42 comments)

Is the Buyer Who Works with Another Agent Just Wasting Your Time? - 01:25 AM
I received a call late on Friday at the office from a couple looking for a vacation rental--- Jan-March. They wanted to go see properties on Saturday afternoon because they were WORKING WITH ANOTHER AGENT in the morning.  I told them that I did not work with clients who already had an agent.  They said "please... we are desperate... he is only showing us one development-- we want to see more."
Against my better judgement and with a baby shower I was helping with on Sat. afternoon, I agreed to meet them at 2:30.  I was waiting for them in their … (76 comments)

If it is not in writing, then it did not happen… - 11:33 AM

One of these days, a client is going to wonder if they really had any idea of why they did a short sale on their property.  Was there something they could have done differently to maybe save their property?  The client may be asking themselves if the agent, that was so anxious to get the short sale listing, even bothered to explain any of the options open to the client at that time.   They may not clearly remember what was said but they are absolutely sure there were other options that they knew nothing about.
As an agent how will … (16 comments)

Don't Overthink The Deal - 12:15 AM
If things go right today, I'll have a signed condo lease done and possibly get paid in a few days.
It almost didn't turn out that way.  A young lady called me up yesterday afternoon asking about seeing a couple condos.  I gave her the information and she asked me if she could see them that (last) night.  I said yes, had to make a couple of quick phone calls to the listing desks at the other brokerages to get an appointment on short notice.  So we went and saw both of them.  But by that time I had done a … (11 comments)

No doubt about it, negative behavior sucks.... - 07:08 AM
No doubt about it, negative behavior sucks.... We are a bit more than a week away from the elections and it couldn't come fast enough for me. I am sick to death of the negative campaign ads running on TV. 6 in a row this morning while watching the news. Makes me even more confused and frustrated, and truth be told, a bit angry. I have no idea who I will vote for, after listening to these ads I am left with the impression that there is not one good person, one decent person running for election. That can't be true! … (56 comments)

It's Not Over Until The Fat Lady Sings !! - 09:50 AM
After reading a post by my friend, Richard Weisser titled "I guess we showed them...they had to buy another house" I was reminded of common buyer scenarios that we are continually experiencing.  We are listing agents and have suffered through many recurring events with buyers. 
Not only are we experiencing low initial offers, but once the offer is delivered and countered, the buyers continue their climb with baby steps.  The stage is set for further aggravation.  There are no longer leaps to the top in this game, and once the offer goes together, the fun begins.
There is a home inspection … (93 comments)

Farming for $$$ Real Estate Tip - 03:31 PM
You are brand new to Real Estate, how do you get your clients?  You have been in the business a long time and suddenly your pipeline is thinning, how do you generate more business?  You are a Real Estate agent with a limited budget, how do you spend your dollars wisely?
Farming a Neighborhood works in all three of these scenario's.
Here are tips on how I would choose a neighborhood:
Less than 200 homes Close to where you live Sells in less than 90 days preferrably Isn't farmed by another Realtor Is fairly active with garage sales or other events There are other … (53 comments)

Thanksgiving Day................paying it forward. - 06:59 AM
Every employee at the restaurant I worked at in Manhattan was given a turkey for Thanksgiving.  Most of the employees were single and did not want theirs................I wound up taking five turkeys home with me one night..............greedy you might think.................not at all.
For a week, every day I roasted a turkey.  On Thanksgiving Day I spent the day with a friend.  We went to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade............had lunch at my apartment, watched "Auntie Mame", my favorite holiday movie, called our families, napped and got ready for dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan, One if by Land, … (85 comments)

Reports Of My Retirement Have Been Greatly Exaggerated - 03:03 PM
I've been in the real estate business, in some capacity, for fifteen years. But apparently, I'm not in this industry anymore. Tonight, I have a grudge match in Nashville, against some guy named Jeff *The Crippler* Daniels. Oh, and I'm not Scott the real estate guy. It seems that I'm a Scott Hayes The Playboy.
I like silk smoking jackets and cigars as much as the next guy. And like my older brothers, I even wrestled for a few years. But I'm not going to grapple around with some sweaty meatball called The Crippler tonight. This is one of those unintended … (38 comments)

Why I won't be your tour guide - 04:29 PM
Let me set the stage for what I'm about to bring your way...
About a month ago a very nice lady contacted me wanting to look at homes in our area.  My area is on a lake so it's somewhat a resort community.  We have spoken on the phone and via email on several occassions.  Then today I receive this is the email in our correspondence:
I don't want to mislead you in any way, so remember that we are not buying anything right now.  This trip is all about looking at our options for retirement.  My husband, Mike, loves to … (98 comments)


Blog posts


USA Hotel for Sale for $3,900,000 - Southeast Hotel for Sale - Florida Hotel for Sale - 10:35 AM
USA Hotel for Sale for $3,900,000 - Florida Hotel for Sale … (0 comments)

Mascoutah Homes for Sale - 12:49 PM
Looking for a foreclosure home for sale in Mascoutah, IL
My Bookmarked Listings My Saved Searches Settings Sign Out New Search Property Details Bird's Eye View Get Local Streetview
$47,900 - 106 East Phillips Street, MASCOUTAH
2 Bedrooms 1 Baths 820 SQ. Feet 0 Acres PROPPERTY SOLD"AS IS" CONDITION-HARDWOOD FLOORS-HOUSE NEEDS TLC-GREAT LOCATION-FENCED YARD-SELLER TO DO NO INSPECTIONS NOR REPAIRS-BUYER AND BUYERS AGENT TO VERIFY ALL MLS INFORMATION BUT NOT LIMITED TO SQ.FT.,TAXES,ROOM SIZES,EXEMPTIONS,SCHOOLS,UTILITIES,ETC.PROOF OF FUNDS WITH ALL CASH OFFERS OR PRE-APPROVAL LETTER FROM PROSPECT MORTAGE WITH ALL FINANCED OFFERS. (less)
Community Information
Address: 106 East Phillips Street Subdivision: … (1 comments)

Buying a New Home? Here are Five Things Your Builder Won't Tell You - 03:26 PM
Here is a very good blog to read and consider before you begin shopping for homes to be built and home builders. There are many home builder that are in financial ruin, and you may get stuck in an area where you may live several years along side vacant lots and tall weeds, along with a very good chance that if a new home builder takes over the subidivision that they will build smaller homes, perhaps with less brick, etc. that will not help your home recover value. Be sure you know before you buy!
Via Ilyce Glink (Think Glink Publishing):
Buying a … (2 comments)

What should you look for when purchasing investment property? - 04:49 PM
Are you condsidering purchasing investment property or rental property?
Patience is the key to purchasing investment property!
In the article above (click link above) it mentions some very good and valuable information.
When you are looking for a good sound investment, be sure to use a Realtor with experience and that owns rental property! I have been very sucessful with investors because of the experience of owning 10 rental properties, all duplexes.
Your first step besides finding an agent with first hand knowledge of rental property, is to know your financing options. In most cases today lenders will require a 25% … (6 comments)

Florida Keys Luxury Homes for Sale - 11:14 AM
October 21st, 2010 | Lela Ashkarian
Columbus_Ship The Mind ManHere is an introduction to what I have chosen to call The Mind Man. It is a simple and yet very powerful drawing.
It was first originated by the late Dr. Thurman Fleet around 1934. It can help you understand why you do the things you do and get the results you get. But more importantly it can help you get the results you want.
No one has ever seen the mind, and where there is no image there is confusion, that is why I want to introduce you to The Mind Man. … (2 comments)

So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time. - 09:42 PM
So forget print advertising ?.... NOT at this time.
 Internet Advertising Only? ..... I Think Not !    
                 
Call me old-fashioned, but I do both print media and Internet advertising. I know that not everyone who buys a house - or who is helping someone look for a house - is in their 30's. There is another generation and they do read newspapers, and they do need print ads. This generation includes people with lots of disposable income who are looking for nice homes. It also includes people with children and grandchildren who may need a new home, and these … (98 comments)

As A Florida Short Sale Broker I WANT To Keep You In Your House! - 05:36 PM

Hi folks. One of the first rules for a Short Sale Broker is to make sure the potential Seller has already tried to do a loan modification if they want to keep their property. Especially if the property is their primary residence. We WANT folks to stay in their homes if at all possible.
A Short Sale should always be the next to the last resort. With foreclosure being the last.
I'm not that familiar with the loan modification process but do know that if the property is an investment property or 2nd home chances are the loan modification will … (17 comments)

Niles, IL Real Estate Trends - 07:02 PM
Latest Real Estate market trends for Niles, IL.
Average market time is 233 days and the average listed price of the home in Niles, IL is $271,370.  We can see more details on the image below.  Average market time , days on market, and homes available by price range. There were 245 sold properties year to date with an average market time of 187 days. Expired and canceled listings would change the average market drastically in my opinion.

Here is the link to a blog post about condominium trends in Niles. My latest blog post in the condo series was … (1 comments)

Business Plan - 11:38 PM
This is the time to plan for next year. I would love to hear how others are doing their planning for next year? Is it in writing? Do you have it on a spreadsheet? Is it handwritten? How have you included social media in the plan?
Do you keep track of all your sources of business? What are they? How have they changed in the past couple of years? Do you include print advertising or just do internet advertising? What are you best sources for advertising?
As you can see from this post, I would love to hear how others are … (10 comments)

Cold Weather's Coming! - Winter Home Maintenance Reminders - 07:01 PM
It seems like we've had an extended summer with all the wonderful, warm fall days lately but there is now snow on top of Pikes Peak and a cold front is expected to blow in this weekend.  If you haven't already done the following "get-ready-for-winter" tasks, now is the time:
Furnace:  Have your furnace/heating system serviced by a qualified service company.  Check/clean/replace furnace air filters each month during the heating season.  Fireplace/Wood Stoves:   Inspect fireplace, wood stove and chimneys.  Have each cleaned and serviced as needed. Chimneys:  Inspect chimney for problems. Clean out all obstructions such as leaves and bird's nests. … (4 comments)

How Much Would it Take to Buy Everyone a Cadillac? - 09:13 PM
Have you ever given a presentation and wanted to really drive the point home?
Ever quoted a figure and thought "um, that's how much?"
NumberQuotes.com is worth a click for your quick comparisons!
Type $12 billion or any other number-in its search box and get a list of equivalencies. For example, $12 billion is roughly the GDP of Jamaica; or enough to buy everyone in Huntington Beach, California a Cadillac Escalade; or every single person on the planet a cup of Starbuck's coffee!
How Much Would it Take to Buy Everyone a Cadillac?
Visit www.numberquotes.com and find out!
Thanks to … (8 comments)

Meridian Idaho Haunted Maze Fundraiser! - 10:34 PM
This is about the 3rd year in a row, my Real Estate Assistant, has opened up her home & yard to complete strangers for lots of Halloween Fun and for a good cause!

These photos are just out in front of her house. The FUN and SCARY stuff will be in the maze, being built this weekend!
 
The Wishing Star Foundation helps local kids who are suffering from critical illness and need a chance for some dreams to come true!
Many kids lives are changed through the efforts of this local charity. It is a heart warming benefit!
100% … (6 comments)

Fannie Mae - No Mercy After 12 Months Delinquent! - 10:45 PM
I have wondered if any of you have ran into this before...
I was told a couple weeks back that Fannie Mae, the investor on a Bank of America [serviced] loan, would not agree to postpone the foreclosure sale date because the borrower was more than 12 months behind on mortgage payments.
Again, this morning, Chase tells me that Fannie Mae will NOT postpone the foreclosure sale date on another file, which happens to be over 12 months delinquent as well.
Is this a written or unwritten guideline of Fannie Mae?
If so, what they do NOT take into consideration is … (14 comments)

6059 STRADA ISLE WAY # 6059, ORLANDO FL 32835 - 02:58 PM
 
MLS#  O5011951          6059 STRADA ISLE WAY # 6059, ORLANDO FL 32835    $$$ 124,900 $$$

Just off Kirkman Road and right in the heart of all that Metrowest offers, this charming 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is ready to impress!  Open the door and check out that spacious great room, and don't miss all the counter space in this kitchen.  Can't you just see yourself sipping coffee on that screened in patio with the Sunday paper?  You know Metrowest offers plenty of shopping and dining options, and not far away is Valencia College, theme parks, recreation, and the Mall of Millenia.  … (0 comments)

13676 BEAUREGARD PL # 13676, ORLANDO FL 32837 - 03:03 PM
 
 MLS# O5011960      13676 BEAUREGARD PL # 13676, ORLANDO FL 32837    $$$ 139,900 $$$

This is the one you've been waiting for!  This stately 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home offers formal dining room, open living room, and check out that large eat-in kitchen!  Your downstairs master retreat with tray ceiling awaits, and quiet mornings spent on the semi-private patio will be yours.  Within walking distance to The Village at Hunter's Creek, you'll enjoy great dining, shopping, and events without the hassle of traffic!  Easy access to the 417 means theme parks, recreation, UCF and downtown Orlando aren't far away.  Don't … (0 comments)

2741 DODDS LN # 2741, KISSIMMEE FL 34743 - 03:08 PM
 
MLS#  O5011945           2741 DODDS LN # 2741, KISSIMMEE FL 32734    $$$ 74,900 $$$

Start living the American Dream!  This great 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home is just the beginning.  Imagine spending the holidays entertaining in the formal living/dining room, or watching the game in your family room!  The loft upstairs means even more options for hanging out, and there's always the master suite when you're looking for a quiet retreat!  Don't feel like cooking?  There's great shopping and dining in the area.  Don't wait to make the dream a reality! 
For the latest status on this property and many more … (0 comments)

932-Mayfair-Court, Elk-Grove-Village, Illinois-Arbor-Club-Townhome - 05:54 PM
Arbor Club Townhomes is centrally located near Devon and 53/355 extension in Elk Grove Village, and near O'Hare International Airport, in Cook County, Illinois. Elk Grove Village is home to a small herd of Elk kept in a grove in Busse Woods forest preserve near Alexian Brothers Medical Center. About 10 years ago, Elk Grove redesigned it's town to reflect the population of people and the wonderful amenities of its location. Arbor Club and Talbots Mill are wonderful attached townhome communities, with Arbor being built in 2000.
 This raised ranch style is the largest model in the small complex called Arbor … (0 comments)

Buyers Advice: Housing Affordability - 11:08 AM


You may be asking yourself, "Is now a good time to buy?" It's a very important question. As a buyer, you're concerned with getting the best deal possible. Will you be buying at the top of the market? Or will you purchase when the market is in favor of you, the buyer?
According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and their Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), affordability is high for the 5th consecutive quarter.
How is affordability calculated? In general terms, if housing costs don't exceed 30 percent of the monthly household income, then it … (0 comments)

Considering Short Sales - 11:20 AM


In today's economic climate, many families are finding themselves in dire straights. The home that was once a blessing has now become a financial burden.
In an attempt to avoid foreclosure, which can reap havoc on one's credit for years to come, homeowners are searching out details on short sales.
In simple terms, a foreclosure is when, after defaulting on payments (typically after 3 months), an estate becomes the absolute property of the lender. And what's more, in some cases you, the homeowner, may also be responsible for "deficiency judgments." These mean if the sale of the foreclosed property … (0 comments)

What's My Real Estate Really Worth? - 11:35 AM


How much is your real estate—your house, condominium unit, cottage, income property—worth in this market?
If a number immediately popped into your head when you read this question, I have a few more questions for you:
How did you arrive at that value—detailed research, neighbourhood gossip, property tax market assessment or a comparative market evaluation from your local real estate professional? Why do you think real estate value for a specific property can be represented by one number and not a range of values based on the variety of value factors and prospective buyers for your property? How important … (2 comments)

Related links

New Members for 2010-10-22

 Archives:

31 Oct
30 Oct
29 Oct
28 Oct
27 Oct
26 Oct
25 Oct
24 Oct
23 Oct
22 Oct
21 Oct
20 Oct
19 Oct
18 Oct
17 Oct
16 Oct
15 Oct
14 Oct
13 Oct
12 Oct
11 Oct
10 Oct
9 Oct
8 Oct
7 Oct
6 Oct
5 Oct
4 Oct
3 Oct
2 Oct
1 Oct
September 2010
August 2010
July 2010
June 2010
May 2010
April 2010
March 2010
February 2010
January 2010
December 2009
November 2009
October 2009
September 2009
August 2009
July 2009
June 2009
May 2009
April 2009
March 2009
February 2009
January 2009
December 2008
November 2008
October 2008
September 2008
August 2008
July 2008
June 2008
May 2008
April 2008
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
December 2007
November 2007
October 2007
September 2007
August 2007
July 2007
June 2007
May 2007
April 2007
March 2007
February 2007
January 2007
December 2006
November 2006
October 2006
September 2006
August 2006