Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR's Blog

Real Estate....Not a PEOPLE Business?

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 08:39:32 -0700

To all the Pre-mid 1990's Agents.....

I just read a great post by Kate Elam (http://activerain.com/blogsview/1610175/you-don-t-have-to-like-people-or-enjoy-showing-houses-to-be-successful-really-) Which had been fueled by a post she didn't much agree with. Her post has fueled this one...Oh how I love AR!

I am curious how many of us out here are like me....someone...ANYONE?

Remember when....

You got calls from local sellers, because they knew you were the local real estate 'go-to' expert? They didn't find you online, they knew you and your reputation in the neighborhood.

Buyers would walk-in the office, or call off the sign to inquire about the home at 123 Main st. This was the ONLY way to find out ANY information on the home.

Marketing consisted of your own client list (not a data base-these people you actually had met,or at least spoke to b/4), open houses, a local print ad, and /or a mailing--by USPS. Prospecting was some cold calling, and mostly door knocking!

When you started working with new buyers, the only way for them to know which homes were for sale (other than driving up and down the streets) were to come in to the office and pick up the weekly published MLS books to look thru, or the list you left for them at the front desk.

Presenting an offer was gathering at the sellers kitchen table after dinner hour, 7-8pm at night, with the agent that was working with the buyers telling the sellers who they 'really are' making them 'real families' and sometimes not leaving until midnight or after (and sometimes fighting over a 15 year old harvest gold fridge, that became a sticking point even though the sellers really didn't want it anyway)!

After putting a deal together, delivering by hand, the contract to the attorney's office. In my area, fax machines were not used commonly used until ~ 1990 or after.

Don't get me wrong....those days have come and gone, I am not a dinosaur (that's the term we used to lovingly refer to the older agents as), I have changed with the times which was necessary to stay AHEAD and ON TOP of the real estate market, it's just nice to reflect back to simpler times once in a while.

Real estate was a 'people business' ....period. You needed people/social skills to be successful. You actually got to know and develop relationships with your clients---and you wanted to (hopefully this is one thing that hasn't changed)! I miss many of these 'hands on tasks'--some I don't, but I can tell you 1 thing for sure...I am so very grateful for experiencing and 'learning the ropes' in real estate at that time. Some things have changed, some things haven't, but MOST IMPORTANTLY Real Estate was and WILL ALWAYS BE (at least to me) a people business.

Heidi Engel
BROKER/Realtor
RE/MAX Suburban
www.HeidiEngel.com
ofc 847-385-3327
cell 847-910-2001
fax 847-749-3708
Listing + Selling NW Suburban IL Homes for over 20 Years!

Please spay and neuter your pets -- 1000's of unwanted homeless animals are put to sleep every day--don't breed or buy--save a life!!!! find them here: http://www.petfinder.com
Learn why here (Caution Graphic): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYBz2gjlEfA
FEED AN ANIMAL EVERYDAY FOR FREE BY CLICKING HERE: www.theanimalrescuesite.com

Tell your Sellers of Short Sales to STAY PUT, ...or ELSE!

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:21:59 -0700

I just read a great post Is BofA Servicing Your FNMA Short Sale? If So, You Need To Read This.... by Bob Hertzog which has fueled this post and is an example of another horror story with BOFA.

I have a BOFA short listed at the moment that is another type of horror story. My seller (brand new mom) was concerned on waiting to the very last moment to have to move out, due to her newborn addition to the family, she started to remove some of her furniture and belongings (unannounced to me). Keep in mind she is still paying gas, electricity, association fees(its a townhome) etc. and sometimes staying there, and sometimes not. I went to show the property, as I was walking towards the door, I noticed my lockbox looked different--the potential buyer is behind me--We are both trudging thru newly fallen knee-high snow and freezing temps---I am thinking am I crazy??--I am sure I used a SENTRI box on this property---I didn't even notice the good ole 'sticker posted on the window'. My sign is still up in the bedroom window, all the curtains are open, lights are on inside---a lot of the big furniture is gone, but very evident to the naked eye there is personal property in the unit.

I start calling her immediately to find out what the heck is going on? She is not EVEN CLOSE to the foreclosure date, so I am baffled. When I list short sales, one of the 1st things I mention is to NOT MOVE OUT, the bank will come in, take possession, and claim abandonment. There is still evidence of 'life' in this unit. We all know, or should know, when doing an occupancy check for the bank, we call utilities, water billing, HOA's etc. besides doing a visual inspection---so what has happened here? When I reach her, she has no idea what I am talking about---her curtains were closed, lights off, and she does have personal belongings in the house--she has been going back and forth, everything was fine a few days ago. The new baby was sick and in the hospital and she has been spending a lot of time there, and still working full time. I proceeded to call the number on the posted sticker on the window which is the basic number for BOFA---I get no where,.........and NOT fast!

She started calling BOFA and again like myself, got no where. Due to the circumstances, it takes her about a week to get to the property to see if she can get in. I told her to try her keys, the garage door opener, windows etc---As she is at her home, trying to get into her property, the police come by and ask what is going on. She explains what is happening, that she has not been foreclosed upon, and she cannot gain access to her property. They told her if she accesses the property they WILL arrest her (the sticker in the window states no trespassing). The next sentence is NOT the case but imagine that she just came home from the hospital with the new baby, and cannot get into her home---what then??? I am disgusted---I cannot imagine whoever did the occupancy check, didn't cover all the bases. I WILL find out and work on bringing charges with the real estate board---they could NOT see in the windows--they obviously did not call utilities, or the HOA, and had the rightful owner locked out of their own property.

As it stands, I cannot get in to show the property, she cannot get in to get her personal belongings, and the foreclosure inches closer and closer each day. We have both tried to get an attorney to take this on, but are still unsuccessful. The agent that did the occupancy check, will have forced this property into foreclosure---they were the beginning cause---you cannot sell something you cannot get into. But most of all, the reason for this post, make sure to tell your sellers, STAY PUT.......OR ELSE.

Heidi Engel
BROKER/Realtor
ADPR, FSSR, SRES (Accredited Foreclosure,
REO, + Short Sale Representative,
Senior Specialist)
RE/MAX Suburban
www.HeidiEngel.com
ofc 847-385-3327
cell 847-910-2001
fax 847-749-3708
Listing + Selling NW Suburban Homes for over 20 Years!

As Featured on Mt Prospect and Des Plaines Village Websites:
www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1

Please spay and neuter your pets -- 1000's of unwanted homeless animals are put to sleep every day--don't breed or buy--save a life!!!! find them here: http://www.petfinder.com
Learn why here (Caution Graphic): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYBz2gjlEfA
FEED AN ANIMAL EVERYDAY FOR FREE BY CLICKING HERE: www.theanimalrescuesite.com

PRICING and our Crystal Balls!

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 09:25:53 -0700

I have been seeing a lot of articles regarding price reductions lately, but 1 I read recently stood out....it wasn't geared towards the listing agents but rather, the sellers. What a great thought! I am going to include something like this in my pre-listing packets (I will work on that in a future blog). We all know how very difficult it is to bring up the conversation of reduction's when dealing with our sellers---especially when we priced the home, we priced it to sell, and we missed that 'magic number'! When sitting with sellers discussing pricing, potential reductions, and market reaction, I verbally go thru how we 'read' the market after the home is listed. Actually, this post started out on what I was going to include in writing, regarding a price reduction seller questionnaire in my listing presentation, but I will post that in the future--this seemed more important at the moment......or I just went off on another tangent. In my experience--in this declining market, we know where we are sitting in the 1st 3 weeks of market time----buyers, buyers brokers, and activity, DO NOT LIE---but rather, tell a very important story. I then discuss in more detail what could happen, what should happen, and that I do not have a crystal ball---but... more often than not, I can usually predict the outcome (keep in mind, this is only the case when the sellers have listened to pricing strategy and getting their home market ready). When the listing is fresh and new, we should get the most activity w/in the 1st week or 2 ---if there is a lack of showings, or no showings(OMG), the entire market has just rejected us. They could have gold walls, and platinum floors and it DOES NOT MATTER---we have priced ourselves right out of the market---buyers and buyers brokers do not even want to bother coming in to view. On the other hand, if we get a good amount of activity and/or an above average amount of showings, with no 2nd showings, or offers, they are basically rejecting the home personally---the MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION is why? The answer is Value in Comparison to Price---PERIOD. The specifics, unless it is something we can change, really do not matter. Is it location(busy intersection, airplane noise, commercial nearby etc), we cannot change that-ONLY PRICE. Is it condition(outdated kit and baths, home is dirty, basement floods etc), some of that we can change, but, are the sellers willing to change it, if not, PRICE AGAIN. Once we can pinpoint the 'Value to Pricing' magic number, the home will sell--its pretty simple. The only thing we need to remember is......and keep in the forefront of ours, and our sellers mind's, in a declining market with loads of competition and months of inventory, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE--do not wait to make these imperatively important price changes---it will cost them much more in the end.

Heidi Engel
BROKER/Realtor
ADPR, FSSR, SRES RE/MAX Suburban
www.HeidiEngel.com
ofc 847-385-3327
cell 847-910-2001
fax 847-749-3708
Listing + Selling NW Suburban Homes for over 20 Years!

As Featured on Mt Prospect and Des Plaines Village Websites:
www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1

1715 Burning Bush Mt Prospect IL 60056-JUST LISTED-HUGE 2Story Colonial-4/5 bedrms-3.1 baths- Heidi Engel REMAX

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 16:46:10 -0700

GREAT PRICE--NO KIDDING--Not a Short Sale or Foreclosure-HUGE Aldridge Built (all brick around 1st level) 2story w/over 2800 finshd sf of living area! 4-5 Bedrms-3.1 baths!!! GREAT sized front porch, New complete eat-in maple kit w/granite counters, stainless micro, stove + dishwasher + BIG FORMAL Dining rm, massive bright Living rm, new tear off roof w/architectural shingles, Hrdwd flrs t/o most of the home, 4 GIANT sized bedrms w/huge closets in all, 1st flr family rm off the kitchen, finshed RecRm w/WB Frplce, 5th br or office & luxury bth w/whrlpl (in-law?), Quiet large fncd yard (almost 1/4acre) w/shed, Excellent Condition with an even a BETTER PRICE-We CAN MOVE QUICK so you can still take advantage of the TAX CREDIT---HURRY, HURRY, HURRY---We are the best priced/sf around!!

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban 847-910-2001 LISTING + SELLING Mount Prospect for over 20 YEARS!!
More Info and Pictures at http://www.HeidiEngel.com
As Featured on Mt Prospect Village Website:
http://www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1

Dear Seller, About that number in your head....

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 08:29:00 -0700

Excellent post--straight forward and to the point!

Via Ruthmarie Hicks (Keller Williams Realty):

Whenever I go on a listing appointment, I generally find that the seller already has a “number in their head” about what their home should sell for. This number can come from various sources. It is – unfortunately – almost always higher than the current market can command.

In truth, I can’t blame sellers for this…their minds have been levered to continued price increases to such an extent that the current market has left most sellers blind sided.

The first thing I often hear is that “I need to get X out in order to buy my next home which I can now get for Y because its gone down in price.    The trouble if the property you want to buy has gone down so much in price, chances are the property that you want to sell has gone down by a similar percentage. Wishful thinking is often the culprit here. Markets are fluid – that was fine when prices were going up – but it also holds true when prices decline.

Misinformation is another issue. Many sellers look at what their neighbor is asking for their home. Asking isn’t getting. Many listings are overpriced in this market – so setting your price on the basis of other listings is not a wise strategy.

“But my neighbor sold their house for X just six months ago!” Six months is a lifetime in a depreciating market.   If your market is depreciating – and many markets still are – then prices have decreased over six months.

Zillow zestimates and other information on the internet may or may not be accurate. Zillow has been off as much as 25% in our area.   So if the zestimate of your property seems too good to be true, it probably is.

If you need to sell, price your home competitively – this is particularly important in a declining market where inventories are high and buyers are few. Overpricing your property will result in fewer or no showings. The property will sit as the market declines further – resulting in an even lower price down the road.   Overpricing a home is just about the worst thing you could do in this competitive market.

© 2010 Ruthmarie G. Hicks – http://thewestchesterview.com – All rights reserved.

Dear Seller, About that number in your head….

Good News....Bad News

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 06:46:49 -0700

I just read an article in Money Magazine, they have listed the top ten 10 cities in the USA where they are predicting that home prices will rise in the next year---that's the good news......They have also listed the 10 cities that they believe will show the steepest declines.

Prediction UPWARD:

· Santa Rosa, Calif., 6.0 percent

· Cheyenne, Wyo., 4.7 percent

· Kennewick, Wash., 4.6 percent

· Merced, Calif., 4.4 percent

· Bremerton, Wash., 4.2 percent

· Fairbanks, Alaska, 4.2 percent

· Corvallis, Ore., 4.1 percent

· Tacoma, Wash., 3.9 percent

· Anchorage, Alaska, 3.8 percent

· Bend, Ore., 3.3 percent

Prediction DOWNWARD:

· Miami, -22.5 percent

· Fort Lauderdale, Fla., -21.3 percent

· West Palm Beach, Fla., -18.5 percent

· Phoenix, -18.5 percent

· Las Vegas, -15.4 percent

· Tampa, -13.8 percent

· Pensacola, Fla., -13.6 percent

· Gainesville, Fla., -13.4 percent

· Suffolk, N.Y., -13.4 percent

· New York City, -12.9 percent

Any upswing is great news, unfortunately my area is not on the upward list,.......but I am thanking my lucky stars, we are not listed on the declining list either!

Neighborhood specific stats upon request, Just give me a call and I will gladly send them to you.

Heidi Engel REMAX BROKER/Realtor ADPR/SRES/FSSR HeidiRemax@aol.com www.HeidiEngel.com

Listing + Selling the Northwest Suburbs for OVER 20 YEARS!!!

Hoffman Estates IL All Zip Codes Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:31:51 -0700

Hoffman Estates IL All Zip Codes Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010

What's Been Happening in the Hoffman Estates Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 215

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$39,900	0	0	1	2	2
Maximum	$339,900	2250	4	3.1	870	1052
Average	$160,733	1066	2	2	137	185

Under Contract Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 45

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$44,500	0	1	1	21	29
Maximum	$299,900	2400	4	3.1	534	711
Average	$126,205	785	2	2	136	212

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 25

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$34,900	$34,900	0	0	1	4	4
Maximum	$335,000	$315,000	2100	3	3	174	546
Average	$121,051	$116,340	879	2	1	60	108
Sold properties closed averaging 96.11% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 3.89% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Hoffman Estates Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Hoffman Estates for Over 20 Years!!!

Hoffman Estates IL All Zip Codes Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:19:11 -0700

Hoffman Estates IL All Zip Codes Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010

What's Been Happening in the Hoffman Estates Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 204

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$124,900	1032	2	1	3	3
Maximum	$1,125,000	4348	6	5.1	630	840
Average	$335,785	2273	4	2	113	186

Under Contract Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 71

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$129,900	1073	2	1	1	1
Maximum	$799,900	3887	6	4	494	876
Average	$310,131	2575	4	2	104	172

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Detached Housing:

Statistics

Total Properties: 31

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$139,900	$126,000	1073	3	1	5	5
Maximum	$549,000	$510,000	3300	5	4.1	534	922
Average	$317,200	$299,677	2160	4	2	120	182
Sold properties closed averaging 94.48% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 5.52% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Hoffman Estates Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Hoffman Estates for Over 20 Years!!!

Elk Grove Village IL 60007 Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:47:13 -0700

Elk Grove Village IL 60007 Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010

Elk Grove IL Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010

What's Been Happening in the Elk Grove Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 147

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$159,900	896	2	1	3	4
Maximum	$649,900	3485	6	4	538	876
Average	$310,982	1795	3	2	128	231

Under Contract Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 31

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$161,900	1100	3	1.1	10	10
Maximum	$669,900	3257	5	3.1	566	1241
Average	$268,532	1682	3	2	189	319

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 23

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$167,900	$151,245	1100	3	1	4	4
Maximum	$389,000	$373,000	2350	5	3	285	557
Average	$248,398	$233,028	1478	4	2	93	147
Sold properties closed averaging 93.81% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 6.19% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Elk Grove Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Elk Grove for Over 20 Years!!!

Elk Grove Village IL 60007 Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 09:20:59 -0700

Elk Grove Village IL 60007 Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Elk Grove IL Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

What's Been Happening in the Elk Grove Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 161

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$38,900	0	1	1	2	2
Maximum	$339,000	2500	3	3	747	1279
Average	$173,643	947	2	2	169	251

Under Contract Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 42

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$67,990	0	1	1	9	9
Maximum	$269,000	1519	3	2.1	805	805
Average	$138,496	766	2	2	167	251

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 21

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$39,500	$27,500	0	1	1	8	8
Maximum	$239,000	$230,000	1478	3	2.1	595	595
Average	$131,473	$123,289	772	2	2	110	175
Sold properties closed averaging 93.78% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 6.22% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Elk Grove Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Elk Grove for Over 20 Years!!!

Palatine IL 60067, 60074 Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 08:47:14 -0700

Palatine IL 60067, 60074 Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Palatine IL Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

What's Been Happening in the Palatine Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Attached Housing (Search exceeded 500 limit):

Total Properties: 500

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$43,200	0	0	1	3	3
Maximum	$650,000	4000	5	3.1	1005	1300
Average	$194,552	1077	2	2	142	221

Under Contract Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 113

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$36,630	0	0	1	1	1
Maximum	$399,900	3000	3	3.1	655	1148
Average	$139,876	847	2	2	156	213

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 92

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$35,490	$33,000	0	1	1	3	3
Maximum	$411,200	$380,000	2885	4	3.1	512	756
Average	$143,537	$137,998	820	2	2	83	145
Sold properties closed averaging 96.14% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 3.86% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Palatine Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Palatine for Over 20 Years!!!

Palatine IL 60067, 60074 Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:48:56 -0700

Palatine IL 60067, 60074 Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Palatine IL Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

What's Been Happening in the Palatine Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 319

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$64,900	0	2	0.3	2	4
Maximum	$1,700,000	6000	6	6.1	805	1429
Average	$461,233	2838	4	2	153	242

Under Contract Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 62

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$149,900	1040	2	1	2	2
Maximum	$899,000	4700	6	4.1	1024	1423
Average	$369,341	2668	4	2	142	267

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 44

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$85,000	$77,000	1044	2	1	5	5
Maximum	$849,900	$800,000	4800	5	5.1	419	667
Average	$371,332	$348,881	2773	4	2	87	153
Sold properties closed averaging 93.95% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 6.05% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Palatine Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Palatine for Over 20 Years!!!

Schaumburg IL All Zip Codes Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:26:15 -0700

Schaumburg IL All Zip Codes Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Schaumburg IL Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

What's Been Happening in the Schaumburg Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 203

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$153,900	976	2	1	3	3
Maximum	$2,495,000	5082	6	5.1	1041	1167
Average	$396,451	2412	4	2	100	194

Under Contract Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 39

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$154,900	1200	1	1	8	8
Maximum	$629,000	4087	6	3.1	369	894
Average	$304,270	2034	3	2	125	207

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Detached Housing:

Total Properties: 35

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$138,600	$145,000	962	3	1	7	7
Maximum	$939,000	$830,500	4372	5	4.1	347	917
Average	$320,143	$304,557	1957	4	2	66	128
Sold properties closed averaging 95.13% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 4.87% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Schaumburg Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Schaumburg for Over 20 Years!!!

Schaumburg IL ALL Zip Codes Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 07:07:18 -0700

Schaumburg ILAttached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 21 2010

What's Been Happening in the Schaumburg Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 468

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$59,000	0	0	1	3	3
Maximum	$549,900	3041	5	3.1	866	939
Average	$183,385	886	2	2	130	184

Under Contract Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 130

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$44,900	0	1	1	1	1
Maximum	$429,900	2325	3	3.1	552	909
Average	$164,047	1031	2	2	98	155

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Housing:

Total Properties: 88

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$49,900	$57,000	0	1	1	1	1
Maximum	$409,000	$370,000	2305	3	3.1	640	640
Average	$168,326	$159,733	1009	2	2	93	135
Sold properties closed averaging 94.9% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 5.1% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Schaumburg Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Schaumburg for Over 20 Years!!!

1331 E Central rd Arlington Heights IL, 60005 Short Sale-NEWER townhme Heidi Engel REMAX

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:41:06 -0800

Arlington Heights $257,100 SHORT SALE---newer 2000sf End Unit townhome w/bsmnt + frplce--short sale process has already begun---hurry b/4 its too late!!!

Agent Remarks: CC: Pursuant to Short Sale. CC: Pursuant to Short Sale.SHORT SALE IN PROGRESS--Commission + Sale terms SUBJECT TO COURT/LENDER APPROVAL. ALL OFFERS MUST HAVE PREAPPROVAL & MINIMUM 3% EARNEST MONEY IN CERTIFIED FUNDS DUE UPON ACCEPTANCE-Tax proration 100%

MORE INFO at http://www.HeidiEngel.com

As Featured on Mt Prospect and Des Plaines Village Websites:
http://www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1

Heidi Engel RE/MAX Suburban LISTING + SELLING Arlington Heights for over 20 YEARS!!!! 847-910-2001

Des Plaines IL 60018, Elk Grove High school, Devonshire Subdivision-440 Dover- 90% NEW Construction under 300K- Heidi Engel REMAX

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:06:31 -0800

W O W-Looking for a new single family home in Des Plaines for under 300K? ...in sought after Devonshire w/ELK GROVE HS??? I can show you a 90% new home that is GORGEOUS!! ALL IS NEW, other than the shell which is all brick!!! Soaring vaulted ceilings, open great room concept w/new hardwood flrs, new wood Pella wndos t/o, oversized finished + insulated 2c attached garage, new 90% energy effic furnace, R-15 wall, R-38 ceiling, new gourmet Kitchen incl granite counters, stainless appl's + Cherry stained Maple cab's, Imported Slate backsplash, new spa bath w/granite, hickory vanity w/dble sink, rainfall shower, and high end fixtures, new 2nd bath w/custom tile and walk-in Spa Shower w/4 body jets + seamless glass door, concrete drive with french trough drain, walks + retaining wall, can lights t/o entire home, large master suite w/tray ceiling, high end carpet in bedrms and english bsmnt w/REAL GAS Remote controlled fireplace, all new copper plumbing, all new 100 AMP electrical including conduit wiring, + panel, new french doors off kitchen leading to deck overlooking quiet, large, inside lot, New complete TEAR OFF architectural shingled roof completed 3-19-2010, and so much more.... THIS HOME IS a 10++++++++++ and you will definitely be hard-pressed to find anything similar!! NO TAX EXEMPTION HAS BEEN TAKEN ON THIS PROPERTY___TAXES WILL BE LOWER!!! MUCH MORE INFO and PICS as available at www.HeidiEngel.com Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban 847-910-2001
LISTING + SELLING DES PLAINES OVER 20 YEARS!!!

New FHA Loan Guidelines-Posted March 6 2010-Heidi Engel REMAX

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 06:39:31 -0800

Some great, simply explained, FHA changes to it's lending policy.

New Lending Policies Announced by FHA

If you've been listening to the housing news, you've probably heard about some lending changes that were announced by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). While many of the news reports were confusing, the truth is pretty clear...and isn't as bad as some people may have heard.

Overall the measures announced by the FHA are intended to help the organization better manage its risks and strengthen its capital reserves, while still providing home loans to the nation.

The good news, as FHA Commissioner David Stevens stated recently, is that "by continuing to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products, FHA will support the housing market's recovery" and "remain the largest source of home purchase financing for underserved communities."

What's Changing?

If you or someone you know is considering an FHA loan, some of these changes may affect you. Here's a clear, concise rundown of the major changes and what they mean:

1. Increased mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance premium (referred to as private mortgage insurance by many people) will be increased from 1.75% to 2.25%. This change will add some cost to purchasing a home, but will not overburden consumers since the mortgage insurance is paid over the life of the loan, rather than upfront at closing. This change will become effective on April 5, 2010.

2. New down payment and credit score requirements. According to the new policy, homebuyers who have a credit score of at least 580 may still be able to purchase a home with 3.5% down, but those with credit scores of less than 580 will be required to put down at least 10%. This change is designed to help the FHA balance its risk, while still providing affordable down payments for consumers with a history of good credit and responsibility.

3. Reduced seller concession. Basically, this change means that the person selling the home will now only be able to offer the homebuyer 3% to help defray closing costs, as opposed to 6% under the previous policy.

In addition to these changes, the new policies contain a series of new measures aimed at increasing lender enforcement.

The bottom line is that the changes will impact some homebuyers more than others. But in the end, the FHA is still committed to providing affordable home loans.

MORE INFORMATION on this and any other loan questions can be directed to my loan officer

Steve Vels Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban

Senior Mortgage Consultant BROKER/Realtor/ADPR/SRES/FSSR

American Fidelity Mortgage Service LISTING + SELLING HOMES for OVER 20 YRS

630-400-0240 Direct 847-385-3327

630-681-1010 ext 167 Direct line Cell 847-910-2001

SteveV@amfsi.com HeidiRemax@aol.com

www.stevevels.com http://www.HeidiEngel.com

With all of the changes in the mortgage industry American Fidelity Mortgage stands tall, and holds Illinois' longest active mortgage banking license since 1981!!! You've heard of the rest, you've found the best!

FORECLOSURE TimeLine more Foreclosure info from Heidi Engel REMAX http://www.HeidiEngel.com

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 08:42:56 -0800

More information on Facing Foreclosure and your options at http://www.HeidiEngel.com

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban 847-910-2001

Helping Homeowners for over 20 YEARS!!!

396 Littleton Trail Elgin IL, 60120-Better Than New End Unit TH Heidi Engel REMAX

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:33:46 -0800

FHA Approved-Own w/as little as 3.5% down!!!Fantastic-better than new END Unit 2Story Townhome. Soaring ceilings, open great room concept-backing to open area!! 2 large bedrms + loft and 2.1 baths!!!. Master suite w/NEW luxury spa bath, + walkin closet. Kitchen w/large island, tons of cabinets, pantry, and NEW Granite counters. Fresh modern decorating t/o. Newly updated 1/2 bth + hall bath. LOW Cook Taxes-Even Lower Assess. $123/mnth!

More Pictures and info at http://www.HeidiEngel.com

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban 847-910-2001 LISTING + SELLING NW Suburban Homes for OVER 20 YEARS!!!

Wheeling IL 60090 Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:17:47 -0800

Wheeling ILAttached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

What's Been Happening in the Wheeling Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Attached Housing:

Statistics

Total Properties: 245

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	*LMT	**MT
Minimum	$42,570	0	1	1	3	3
Maximum	$569,900	2700	4	3.1	915	984
Average	$182,565	1110	2	2	177	238

Under Contract Attached Housing:

Statistics

Total Properties: 43

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$54,900	0	1	1	5	5
Maximum	$278,000	1850	3	3	328	826
Average	$131,244	695	2	2	145	228

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Housing:

Statistics

Total Properties: 39

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$52,150	$48,000	0	1	1	2	2
Maximum	$399,900	$379,000	2400	3	3.1	613	953
Average	$161,604	$150,458	797	2	2	117	169
Sold properties closed averaging 93.1% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 6.9% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Wheeling Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Wheeling for Over 20 Years!!!

Wheeling IL 60090 Detached Single Family Homes Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 10:01:00 -0800

Wheeling ILDetached Single Family Homes Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

What's Been Happening in the Wheeling Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market this time after changes ie:price etc.)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 110

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	*LMT	**MT
Minimum	$119,900	920	2	1	2	4
Maximum	$1,000,000	2380	5	3.1	608	764
Average	$245,680	1343	3	2	142	204

Under Contract Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 37

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$86,200	1033	2	1	7	7
Maximum	$459,900	2430	6	3.1	453	704
Average	$194,541	1715	3	2	127	161

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 27

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$67,900	$86,100	920	2	1	2	2
Maximum	$490,000	$478,000	3500	4	4.1	524	600
Average	$209,214	$199,150	1563	3	2	98	162
Sold properties closed averaging 95.19% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 4.81% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Wheeling Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Wheeling for Over 20 Years!!!

Prospect Heights IL 60070 Detached Single Family Homes Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 09:42:30 -0800

Prospect Heights IL 60070 Detached Single Family Homes Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

What's Been Happening in Prospect Heights Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 58

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	*LMT	**MT
Minimum	$185,000	1285	2	1.1	3	5
Maximum	$1,245,000	5800	5	5.1	704	834
Average	$512,478	3099	4	3	154	244

Under Contract Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 7

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$284,900	1530	3	2	26	46
Maximum	$565,000	4800	4	4.1	122	522
Average	$412,414	3165	3	3	72	143

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 5

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$250,000	$250,000	2244	3	1.1	11	11
Maximum	$498,000	$440,000	2300	4	3	927	955
Average	$329,080	$310,050	2272	3	2	241	271
Sold properties closed averaging 94.22% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 5.78% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Prospect Heights Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Prospect Heights for Over 20 Years!!!

As Featured on Des Plaines + Mount Prospect's City + Village Websites:
www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1

Prospect Heights IL 60070 Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 08:31:21 -0800

Prospect Heights IL 60070 Attached Housing (Condos, Townhomes etc) Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

What's Been Happening in Prospect Heights Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Attached Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 122

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	*LMT	**MT
Minimum	$49,950	0	0	1	1	1
Maximum	$475,000	1584	4	3.1	690	1023
Average	$138,761	479	2	1	154	261

Under Contract Attached Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 22

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$40,000	0	1	1	6	6
Maximum	$379,900	1804	3	2.1	553	553
Average	$101,339	772	2	1	185	271

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 12

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$31,500	$25,000	0	1	1	3	5
Maximum	$252,000	$235,000	900	3	2	128	554
Average	$79,343	$76,329	257	2	1	34	90
Sold properties closed averaging 96.2% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 3.8% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban YourProspect Heights Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Prospect Heights for Over 20 Years!!!

As Featured on Des Plaines + Mount Prospect's City + Village Websites:
www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1

Des Plaines IL 60016, 60018 Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 19:33:45 -0800

Des Plaines IL 60016, 60018 Attached Housing (Condos, Townhomes etc) Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Whats Been Happening in Des Plaines Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Attached Homes (Search exceeded 500 limit):

Statistics

Total Properties: 500

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	*LMT	**MT
Minimum	$20,000	0	1	1	1	1
Maximum	$429,900	2500	4	3.1	1382	1441
Average	$169,113	1064	2	1	184	278

Under Contract Attached Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 127

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$16,000	0	1	1	6	6
Maximum	$519,900	2036	4	2.1	657	1335
Average	$151,092	1142	2	1	168	242

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 90

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$16,000	$23,500	0	1	1	2	3
Maximum	$299,900	$282,500	2000	4	2.1	478	1208
Average	$130,044	$123,195	1172	2	1	104	200
Sold properties closed averaging 94.73% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 5.27% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Mt Prospect Resident Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Des Plaines for Over 20 Years!!!

As Featured on Des Plaines + Mount Prospect's City + Village Websites:
www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1

Des Plaines IL 60016, 60018 Detached Single Family Home Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Heidi Engel BROKER/Realtor, ADPR, SRES, FSSR (RE/MAX Suburban) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 18:13:03 -0800

Des Plaines IL 60016, 60018 Detached Single Family Home Real Estate Statistics as of Feb 20 2010

Whats Been Happening in Des Plaines Real Estate Market--See Below

*LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price)

**MT=Market Time (Total Market time)

Active Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 311

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	*LMT	**MT
Minimum	$79,900	0	1	1	1	1
Maximum	$4,700,000	8000	6	5.1	919	1253
Average	$349,775	2123	3	2	149	250

Under Contract Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 69

	List Price	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$107,900	1013	2	1	1	1
Maximum	$799,900	5600	6	5	591	915
Average	$257,741	1880	3	2	142	233

Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Detached Single Family Homes:

Statistics

Total Properties: 70

	List Price	Sold Pr	Approx SF	Beds	Baths	LMT	MT
Minimum	$99,900	$94,500	640	2	1	1	6
Maximum	$779,000	$690,000	4670	5	4.1	584	773
Average	$258,507	$241,664	1590	3	2	107	170
Sold properties closed averaging 93.48% of their Final List Price (FLP). This reflects a 6.52% difference between property sale prices and their FLP's.

If you have any questions or would like neighborhood specific Stats--Do Not hesitate to give me a call

Heidi Engel REMAX Suburban Your Mt Prospect Resident Expert http://www.HeidiEngel.com

CELL-847-910-2001

Listing + Selling Des Plaines for Over 20 Years!!!

As Featured on Des Plaines + Mount Prospect's City + Village Websites:
www.elocallink.tv/vp6/spon-fcsa_a.php?sponid=10865&activate=1