Do you ever get the feeling that you just pay your taxes and get nothing in return?  Well if you live in Naperville, you will find that that is not the case.  Yes we pay our share of taxes here, there is NO argument there. However when you compare what you receive for those tax dollars, Naperville ranks up there with the numerous programs that the community is offered/provided.  Here is one such example.

Once again, Naperville provides bang for your buck!  Taxpayer dollars hard at work - our fantastic library providing income tax return assistance, provided by volunteers.  Just one more of the invaluable services

For those low income families struggling with your income taxes...help is here!  Nichols Library, which is located at 200 W Jefferson in Naperville will be sponsoring a program FREE TAX RETURN ASSISTANCE again this year.  It is intended for families and/or individuals who earn less that $49K. This program is staffed by very helpful "volunteers".

To receive assistance and best utilize your time, you should be PREPARED and bring with you -

Proof of ID 

Tax Info - W-2 forms, 1099 forms, 2008 tax returns, bank routing & account numbers (cxld check) & any other pertinent information.

Hours of Operation of this program are (4 Saturdays)

Feb. 20th, Feb 27th, Mar 13, & Mar 20  9am - 12 noon

For further information call 630.355.7177

Beginning Feb 1st, 2010, for a period of one year, the FHA is waiving the 90 day Flip Rule that they had previously instituted.   Kudos to this decision.  Let's get back to improving the quality of homes, and putting people back to work in an effort to improve them.  While we're at it we will improve the inventory and economy, and provide folks with a reason to buy homes once again.   In doing so we will be re-energizing neighborhoods and placing desirable inventory back on the shelves as opposed to deserted and neglected homes that no one wants to invest in, pulling neighboring property values down.  Funny how that works.

For specific details visit the HUD Site

Let's get this economy rolling again.  Hopefully bad lenders have gone by the wayside by now (survival of the fittest) and this waiver can become permanent at the end of it's lifespan.

Katherine Tarbox posed a question in her blog - asking us to share the most creative ways to market a listing.  While I answered her blog, I felt it important to share this new technology.

I'd like to tell you about a new and creative way to market not only a listing. but a town, an agent, whatever your little heart desires.  

What is it you ask?  Well, see for yourself.  You've seen them on something???  What was that again, where have I seen them?  That's right, on that UPS package.  They were up until just recently used primarily for tracking packages.  Now they will be used for tracking everything! 

Scan the code.

This will require however, that you download a free QR Reader in order to conveniently scan this code, which in the near future you will begin to see pop up everywhere.  Your camera enabled phone will focus on the code and pull up the information without you having to type in a thing.  No more errors mistyping a number or letter etc.  Simply scan and it will appear!  The code can be placed on listing sheets to go green!  On yard signs, on advertising, websites, blogs, etc.

The code can be registered with Google so you can identify the exact location. You'll also be capable of receiving tracking information back as to who scanned it, and where, to ensure marketing efforts are working for you.

You can use this to market listings, virtual tours, neighborhood tours, agent information and more.  Use your imagination, the list goes on.  

This may just be the new e-mail, Facebook, Twitter...you get the picture.

For more information on QR codes and making them work for you -  contact Qonnect.  I'm a believer.

The $8,000 government issued tax credit is set to go away on November 30, 2009.  What does that mean to you?  Well if you're serious about taking advantage of it and you're contemplating using an FHA loan to do it, that means you better get cracking.  To be realistic, you'd have to thave an offer placed on a traditional transaction (meaning NO short sales, foreclosures or REO's as they take considerably longer) by approximately September 13, 2009.  That's two weeks from today!  Procrastinating any later than that could be a risky proposition, as you have Thanksgiving falling into that time frame, and you're bound to see a surge of activity right at the deadline as folks move their closings to squeeze in under the wire.  Attorneys and title companies most likely will be booked well in advance of the 11/30 deadline.

If you are looking for a traditional transaction that can close quickly in Naperville and it's move in ready - Consider this -

1116 Emerald - West Highlands, Naperville - Value Priced at $299,000!!!

This home is ideally located close to town, shopping and parks in highly sought after West Highlands of North Naperville.  Located in award winning, nationally recognized School Dist. 203.  In addition to great curb appeal, this lovely split offers a beautifully updated kitchen, boasting maple cabinets, SS appliances Corian countertops and a built in lighted china cabinet.  Handsome hardwood floor grace most of this home and new frieze carpeting warms the Family Room along with a lovely fireplace.  A concrete patio provides additional area for outdoor entertaining in the mature, private backyard that affords peaceful relaxation.  Don't miss the opportunity to call this home AND take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.

As this weekend draws to a close, I'm beginning to get the feeling that there's change in the air.  Do you feel it?  More activity.  Double and triple offers.  Yes, some on foreclosures, some on short sales, but yes, some on traditional transactions too! 

In Chicago's western suburbs we're slowly depleting the existing inventory.  Stagnant inventory is being overlooked.  New inventory is slow coming to market as sellers are reluctant unless it's an absolute necessity that they move.   It's not surprising then that homes priced correctly are selling quickly in double and triple offers.  The multiple offers are a result of buyers being in the marketplace SO long, that they certainly realize a good value when they see one and jump all over it.

There is anxiety in the air.  With less than 5 months left for 1st time homeowners to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that our government is offering, that leaves a little less than four months to find a home and write a contract in order to close before the deadline.  This in addition to relocation renters who are on the sidelines, trying to decide what to do and are prepared to jump in as soon as they feel the bottom has been reached has created the current climate.

If you're thinking of selling your home, but holding off, you may want to think again.  This just could be one of the best times in a long while to put your home on the market.  Just remember - Declutter, clean, stage & price and then clean some more!

Oh, and two words to those that are part of the stagnant inventory that is being overlooked.  Evaluate your home and listen to feedback.  Remove wallpaper!  Clean up your landscape.  Get rid of any odors! Any job that you've been putting off because it's too much work to do - a buyer will look at and think it's too much work multiplied by 5.  If you're not willing to do the work, then think - price reduction.

Time is running out to take advantage of the 1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit.  There are only 178 days left in which to purchase and close on a home in order to be eligible.  Your opportunity to take advantage of the credit expires on December 1, 2009. 

In order to be eligible you or your spouse must not have owned a principal (the home you actually live in) residence in the past three years prior to the date you close on a new home.  So, what exactly does that mean you ask?  Well, if you own a home, but have not been living in it, but renting it out and living elsewhere, you're still eligible.  Check with your tax accountant or attorney to verify all information. 

You must live in this new home a minimum of three years or you will have to pay back the credit when you sell the home. 

You must file an income tax return in order to receive the credit.  However, you can fill out an amended tax return to this year's taxes, and receive your credit  this year.

The credit is a maximum of $8,000 or 10% of your purchase price.  In and around Will, DuPage & Kane counties, it's pretty much $8,000 as it is extremely difficult to purchase something around here for less than $80,000.

Lenders are partnering with non-profits to offer monetized credits.   Basically the lenders are providing bridge loans through private parties enabling borrowers to access the funds for down payment.  When they receive the credit from the government they in turn pay back the loan.

Hurry, this won't last long - there may never be another opportunity like this one.  Only 3.5% downpayment is required for FHA financing.  As interest rates are poised to rise, this could be the absolute best and last time that housing is this affordable.

Call me for more information and assistance navigating the real estate marketplace.

Back from Oz.  We wonder why real estate is so expensive on the opposite side of the word?  Well the view for one reason is absolutely spectacular from almost anywhere in Sydney.  It's certainly hard not to fall in love.  But you sure need to want to go there - 19 hours from Chicago.  Brutal! 

Sydney Harbor and Darling Harbor in Sydney, seperated by a penninsula called the "Rocks" are breathtaking.  The Opera House was built using the sections of an orange as inspiration.  The architect Jorn Utzon never actually saw the finished product due to being driven out of the country because of drastic cost over runs.  Rather unfortunate, as it is a spectacular structure.  In the foreground you see the Sydney Harbor Bridge, that many endeavor to climb on a regular basis, which takes approximately 3.5 hours to go from one side to the other (using tethers).  Back behind the Opera house lies the GORGEOUS and lush botanical gardens, and across the harbor is the Zoo.  Spectacular views from everywhere - tend to escalate the price of real estate.

For all the naysayers out there, take a listen to this utube video for all the details on the 1st time Home Buyers tax credit.  Find out how you can benefit. YES, it IS FREE MONEY!

First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit - Interview  - Learn how you can get your $8,000.

If you still have questions, please feel free to give me a call and I'd be happy to explain any unanswered questions in further detail.

There truly is NO BETTER TIME TO BUY A HOME than NOW! With the lowest interest rates in history!!! Don't get caught sitting on the fence.  It's time to jump in.

2008 goes down in the record books as the "Wettest Year" in the Chicago area since records have been kept.

Flood waters made some roads impassable during the most recent storm and thaw.  All the more reason to work with a Realtor that knows the area and can assist you when making one of the most important decisions of your life. 

Here's a picture of one of the most beautiful trees displaying fall foilage, the glorious Ash Tree:)  For that very reason I would like to urge everyone to be cognizant about the hazards of transporting firewood!  The Emeral Ash Borer is easily transported in Ash logs.  To prevent movement of these nasty green guys

PLEASE buy your firewood locally from a recognized vendor (not from someone going door to door selling off the back of a truck)  Make sure to USE all the wood you have delivered so that no hidden adults or larvae survive through the spring.  Burn baby burn and SAVE OUR TREES. 

In Naperville there has already been one confirmed case of EAB in Southwest Naperville, in Ashwood Creek, Will County.  If you suspect Emerald Ash Borer damage - call 630 420-6095