Real Estate Outlook: Positive Growth - 07/31/09 08:59 AM
There was an important piece of economic news last week that has HUGE significance for real estate and housing, but it got minimal coverage on TV and in print. The Conference Board's Index of Leading Economic Indicators, widely acknowledged as the most accurate predictor of future activity and output in the U.S. economy, rose by almost a point in June. That was the third straight month of positive growth. But more importantly, it was the first time since 2004 that the index has increased for three consecutive months. That's crucial for real estate because housing sales, production and prices are closely … (0 comments)

4712 Lilac - Your Private Escape - 07/30/09 05:12 PM
2 Story, 3bedroom home in Glenview. Located on a private serene 60x 167 deep lot this home accentuates the nature surrounding your home. There is a full size deck and separate patio overlooking your yard and if you would like to sit in front, there isa wrap around porch as well. The first floor has hardwood floors throughout and a lovely kitchen with eat-in area and separate spacious dining room. The family room also has sliding doors to your back deck with a stunning oak staircase leading to the 2nd level. This second level addition contains 3 spacious bedrooms, full bathroom … (0 comments)

4709 N. Avers - 2 Story Charmer! - 07/30/09 04:06 PM
Lovely 2 story home with updated kitchen and fireplace in your oversized living room and dining room. This home has 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. Come and see what this home has to offer and bring your finishing touch. No survey or disclosures. Buyer responsible for any/all compliances, escrows etc if required. All inspections including systems tests are at buyer’s expense. All offers require pre-approval & EM due in certified funds at acceptance. Seller addendum required before submitting offer. Cash deals require proof of funds.
This property is exclusively listed by Helen Oliveri of Keller Williams Realty. For a … (0 comments)

4402 Lainie - Large Covington Model! - 07/30/09 03:36 PM
Spacious and Large Covington model in the Timbers Glen. This 2000+ sq.ft. townhome boasts 3 large bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a attached 2.5 car garage and a private fenced in patio area. Home has all the updates you need including a lovely kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counters and a breathtaking 2 story family room and foyer. Your second level graces you with a spacious loft and 2 large bedrooms and oversized office which can be converted to 4th bedroom if needed. View the many pictures we have to offer at www.helenoliverihomes.com and call today 847-967-0022 and schedule … (0 comments)

Ask the HOA Expert - 07/30/09 09:10 AM
Question: I was recently fined $300 for not letting the board know about a tenant moving into the HOA within a timely manner (I did so within a week). Isn’t there a grace period of sorts to allow for communicating this information? Also, $300 seems excessive. Answer: A $300 penalty is not reasonable. This is the kind of fining policy that would probably cause a judge to revoke the entire fine and fine the HOA for having such a policy for such a petty issue. Fines should be reasonable and "fit the crimes". Question: Our HOA recently completed a major reconstruction … (0 comments)

3600 N. Lake Shore Drive #1608 - Lake Views! - 07/29/09 01:44 PM
Large 1 bedroom, 1 bath Condo on Lake Shore Drive. This unit features lovely views of the lake and park. Granite floors in kitchen and foyer welcome you. Unit had been updated overtime with crown molding in the living room and lovely décor throughout the unit. This building is full service with valet parking, fitness center, salon, shopping area, meeting/party room, picnic/grill area, and state of the art laundry facilities. View the many pictures we have to offer at www.helenoliverihomes.com and call today 847-967-0022 to schedule a private tour of this lovely unit.
This property is exclusively listed by Helen … (0 comments)

3046 Lexington - Spacious Lovely Townhome - 07/29/09 12:04 PM
Lovely & spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhome with an attached 2.5 car garage. in Private Community. Kitchen has wonderful eat in area & plenty of cabinet & counter space. Living and dining room combination with gas fireplace, plush carpeting and high ceilings. Also, an office /den area and a master bedroom with cathedral ceilings and connecting master bath with Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Community also has many amenities for you to enjoy. View the many pictures we have to offer at www.helenoliverihomes.com and call us today at 847-967-0022 to schedule your private tour today.
This property is exclusively … (0 comments)

Plan Aims to Keep Those Foreclosed-On as Renters and Helps Preserve Neighborhood Values - 07/29/09 09:16 AM
A plan that first surfaced a couple of years ago, aimed at allowing foreclosed homeowners to remain in their homes as renters, is gaining greater attention today. "The basic point is you're recognizing an unusual situation so you're temporarily changing the rules on foreclosure," says co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, Dean Baker, who first proposed the plan.
He says foreclosures are rising and nothing else appears to be working. "As it stands now, if I hold the mortgage on a house and the person hasn't met the payments, I go to the judge and say 'Look this … (0 comments)

2919 N Natoma #3 - Lovely Newer Townhome! - 07/28/09 05:33 PM
Beautiful newer 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom Townhome with double balconies and an attached 2.5 car garage. This unit is over 1700 square feet with a finished lower level and a kitchen that is perfect for you. This kitchen features 42 inch cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances and center island with breakfast bar. The living room has a lovely oak railing overlooking your foyer and is the perfect room for entertaining. There are hardwood floors throughout the lower level and main levels. The second level features the master bedroom and second bedroom both with ceiling fans and a full bathroom with … (0 comments)

25 E. Superior - Luxurious Condo! - 07/28/09 04:26 PM
1700+ sq.ft. Condominium in The Well Known FordhamBuilding. This unit features it’s very own private balcony & Fireplace and laundry closet. It also has 3 large bedrooms, and 3 bathrooms with updated kitchen and bathrooms. Also 2 garage spots side by side near the elevator. Management company says it’s the 2 best spots. A MUST SEE! No survey or disclosures. Buyer responsible for any/all compliances, escrows etc if required. All inspections including systems tests are at buyer’s expense. All offers require pre-approval & EM due in certified funds at acceptance. Seller addendum required before submitting offer. Cash deals require proof of … (0 comments)

251 Fernwood - Updated Bi-Level Home - 07/28/09 03:29 PM
Updated Bi-level home on Tree-Lined street. This home features lovely hardwood floors throughout the first and second levels and a gorgeous cook’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters and 42inch maple cabinets. Large family room has custom closets and an updated lower level bathroom and exterior access to patio. This home also boasts a spacious 60 x 168 yard and side drive to your attached garage. Come and see what this wonderful home has to offer. Call today 847-967-0022 and schedule your private appointment with Helen to see this wonderful home or view the many pictures we have to offer … (0 comments)

24181 Grandview - Lovely Custom Home! - 07/28/09 02:17 PM
A Private escape awaits you! This custom home is one of a kind. Set on over 4 acres of serene park like land this home has all the amenities and luxuries you need. This home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 luxury bathrooms and an amazing kitchen and eat in area with breathtaking views and a stunning living room and Dining room area sure to leave your guests breathless. Full finished lower level with bar area and heated floors, spectacular brick and stone patio and walkway leading you to your stone firepit overlooking your professionally lit acreage. There is no home like it … (0 comments)

Time Management: Attack the Problem in the Correct Order - 07/28/09 08:58 AM
Being successful at anything is about determining the steps we need to take to be more successful and putting those steps in the right order. If you think success is a one step process – think again! We can have the right steps but apply the wrong order, and we will not achieve the result we want. The steps and the order must both be correct for change to occur with efficiency. In time management, most people start trying to change without taking the proper step of evaluation.
We have been taught to plan our work, and then work our plan. … (0 comments)

Condo Trends: Smoke-Free Units the Next Big Thing - 07/27/09 10:25 AM
Just five years ago, no one had even heard of smoke-free condo units, now there are more than 100,000 of them – at least in Michigan. The initiative to create more smoke-free units, MISmokeFreeApartment.org, claims that "the right to smoke is not protected under law, according to the opinions of the Michigan Attorney General and HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).
As long as the policy is not used to target a protected class or minority, a building manager is legally free to restrict or prohibit smoking in his or her building, on the group's site.
In just a … (0 comments)

Existing-home sales up for third straight month - 07/24/09 08:50 AM
WASHINGTON - The U.S. housing market has started to recover from the most far-reaching crisis since the Great Depression, data released Thursday shows. Sales of previously occupied homes rose for the third month in a row in June, the National Association of Realtors reported. That hasn't happened since early 2004, during the boom. "The turnaround in the housing market appears finally to be here and indeed may be gaining some speed," wrote Joel Naroff, president of Naroff Economic Advisors Inc. Story continues below ↓advertisement | your ad here Stocks jumped on the news, with the Dow Jones industrial average rising above … (0 comments)

2372 Farnsworth - Lovely Updated Ranch! - 07/23/09 05:19 PM
Recently Updated Northbrook ranch home. New hardwood floors have been installed throughout the home and new windows, central air system, and kitchen have also been completely redone. This home is ready for you to move in and enjoy. A brand new deck and roof have also been added for your convenience. Kitchen and bathroom both feature granite counters and the kitchen also has brand new stainless steel appliances with 42 inch maple cabinets. Come and see this wonderful affordable home in the Glenbrook school district. View many pictures and virtual tours at www.helenoliverihomes.com. Also call today for a private showing at … (0 comments)

2259 W. Rosemont - Lovely updated Condo! - 07/23/09 04:39 PM
Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit with laundry in unit. Wonderfully decorated and ready to move in. No survey or disclosures. Buyer responsible for any/all compliances, escrows etc if required. All inspections including systems tests are at buyer’s expense. All offers require pre-approval & EM due in certified funds at acceptance. Seller addendum required before submitting offer. Cash deals require proof of funds.
 
This property is exclusively listed by Helen Oliveri of Keller Williams Realty. For a private showing call 847-967-0022 or email helen@helenoliveri.com . Click here to view this home's photos: http://helenoliveri.com/photogallery/2259rosemontg/
 


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1843 Culver Lane - A Glenview Charmer - 07/23/09 03:44 PM
A real Glenview charmer. This newer home boasts 4 large bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and 2 powder rooms with an attached 2.5 car garage. Relaxing porch in front of the home and stunning stone patio in the back. Every detail has been paid attention to in this home. Internet capabilities all throughout the home and stunning cove crown molding throughout most of the home as well. Large kitchen with eat in area and stainless appliances overlooking your large family room & french doors to your patio. Finished lower level with bathroom and rec area for your enjoyment. Come and see all … (0 comments)

1516 Magnolia - Ranch Home on Park! - 07/23/09 02:39 PM
3 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom Ranch in Northfield Woods subdivision. This home is on a 60 x 171 foot lot and backs to Indian Trails Park. Also, a family rm addition, good sized kitchen with eat in area & fenced-in yard. Whether looking to build, looking to move into a quaint home, or rehab, potential for either exists! Home sold as is. Take a look! Call today 847-967-0022 and schedule a tour of this property and see all the potential that awaits you. Also view many pictures of this home at www.helenoliverihomes.com
This property is exclusively listed by Helen Oliveri of … (0 comments)

126 Washington - Extraordinary Home! - 07/23/09 01:56 PM
Beautiful new construction home in Park Manor! This stunning home has approximately 3,138+ square feet of pure luxury featuring 4 huge bedrooms, 4.5 spa-like bathrooms, a 2 car attached garage with heated bluestone long driveway, a Brazilian Mahogany garage door and is situated perfectly on a 50x136 foot lot with great curb appeal. Solid brick home with limestone accent window trim, a Juliet balcony with wrought iron railing, a lovely curved bay window with a copper stand up seam roof and Marvin high end windows and lush landscaping make this home just perfect! Lovely entry with Cherry Parquet flooring, detailed crown … (0 comments)

1254 S. Georgetown Way - Georgetown Square! - 07/23/09 12:22 PM
Lovely 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom townhome in Georgetown Square. This townhome features hardwood floors throughout the main level and a open floorplan with a lovely kitchen with upgraded 42’ cabinets & island with breakfast bar. Large finished lower level with porcelain tile awaits you. The second level features an oversized master bedroom with vaulted ceilings and master bathroom with dual vanities and a large 5 ft. shower and walk in closet. Also, 2nd and 3rd bedrooms have ample closet space and a very convenient second floor laundry room makes this a must see. View the many picture we have to offer … (0 comments)

100 Forest Ave. - A Roselle Beauty! - 07/23/09 11:22 AM
99% new construction home in Roselle. This home boasts 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. Every bedroom has its own private full bath and the master suite has its very own steam shower and awesome two person Jacuzzi tub. There are hardwood floors throughout the first and second floors and attention has been paid to every detail in this home. The 26 x 15 Kitchen is a cook’s dream, with stunning cabinetry and stainless steel appliances overlooking your new deck and 77x 550 deep lot. View the virtual tour of this home and the many pictures it has to offer at www.helenoliveri.com … (0 comments)

Mortgage Fraud Crackdown - 07/23/09 08:58 AM
Apparently, even in hard times, mortgage fraud remains an easy con.
The number of Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) for mortgage fraud tracked by the Federal Bureau of Investigation could skyrocket by nearly 300 percent this year.
Compared to 2007, mortgage fraud SARs in 2008 had already increased by more than 36 percent to 63,000. But just two months into 2009, the FBI has already documented nearly 29,000 mortgage fraud SARs. At that rate, some 174,000 SARs,
• a 276 percent increase
• could be filed by the end of the year.
And that's only what the FBI can see.
"Many mortgage … (0 comments)

It's Never Too Late to Start Business Planning for Growth and Profitability - 07/22/09 10:03 AM
The 2009 Construction Industry Survey recently released by Grassi & Co., CPAs, a leading national construction practice, in partnership with McGraw Hill, uncovered a need for contractors and developers to begin relying on sophisticated business planning tools and programs to grow business over time and on financial techniques to increase profitability. The survey queried construction companies in seven different information areas: organizational structure, contract types, training and technology, profitability and access to capital, financial tools, business development and future vision. "Construction contractors should key into business planning for both growth and profitability," advised Louis C. Grassi, CPA, CFE, and Managing Partner … (0 comments)

Buyers Getting The Message - 07/21/09 10:17 AM
Continuing declines in mortgage rates and signs of home price pick-ups dominate this week's economic outlook for real estate.
Fixed-rate thirty year mortgages averaged slightly over 5 percent last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Fifteen year rates averaged 4.6 percent.
Both numbers are close to all time lows, and are buyers are getting the message.
New applications to buy houses and condos jumped by 9.4 percent last week alone. Refinance applications were double that - up by about 18 percent.
At the same time, the home price index that tracks more zipcodes and neighborhoods than any other -- the … (0 comments)

Obama turns up heat on mortgage servicers - 07/20/09 09:13 AM
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- As complaints mount about President Obama's foreclosure prevention program, the administration is ratcheting up the pressure on mortgage servicers.
Financial executives will meet with Treasury Department and administration housing officials on July 28 to discuss how the loan modification and refinancing plan has been implemented. The administration plans to grill servicers that have done few modifications or have had many complaints.
Officials also want financial institutions to hire more people and train them better, expand their call centers, and send more mailings to eligible borrowers, according to a letter sent to servicers last week. The government also … (0 comments)

No-Doc Loans Returning? - 07/17/09 09:29 AM
The undocumented income or no-doc loans got a bad reputation when the housing crisis occurred. Some borrowers who used the loans misstated and inflated their income, (some with the support from now out-of-business brokers). The loans thus became labeled, "liar loans". But experts say these types and other alternative loans may soon be making a comeback.
"There's little appetite for no-doc loans at this time," says Dustin Hobbs, spokesperson for the California Mortgage Bankers Association (CMBA). Hobbs spoke to me via telephone from the CMBA's 37th Annual Western Secondary Market Conference in San Francisco.
While Hobbs doesn't know exactly when these … (1 comments)

Real Estate Outlook: Positive Signs Reported Again - 07/16/09 09:54 AM
With the stock market still jumpy and investors worried that the global recession may not be ending soon enough, it may seem a little surprising to see strong positive signs in the home real estate market.
But that's what's been happening.
Pending home sales rose sharply, by nearly 7 percent, in the latest month measured by the National Association of Realtors. Pending sales are those where the contracts are signed, but the deals haven't gone to settlement yet.
Pending sales were up in all four major regions of the country -- and that caught the attention of some key industry economists.
… (0 comments)

Contract Offer Terms - 07/15/09 09:53 AM
Initial Deposit
Be prepared to write a deposit check when making a contract offer to purchase real estate. Commonly referred to as a Binder, more commonly known as the initial deposit, this is the check made out to the Selling Real Estate Office when submitting a contract offer. In simple terms, it is a good faith deposit to express interest in purchasing real estate.
What is the required amount of a binder deposit? There is no law as to a required amount, but local real estate practices may determine what is acceptable. Common sense should prevail in determining the amount of … (0 comments)

Tank, Tankless or Thankless - 07/14/09 09:40 AM
Is going "tankless" as liberating as it sounds? Is owning a tankless water heater a solid indication that you're saving money while reducing environmental damage?
Your answer to these questions may depend on whether you own or are buying a newly-constructed home versus living in or purchasing an existing, decades-old property.
Conventional water heaters heat litres of stored water which is kept hot 24/7, even when there is no demand. Tankless units are heaters which heat water on demand, then stop.
First of all, don't get sanctimonious if your tankless water heater was part of the features of the new home … (0 comments)

Job-Loss Mortgage Insurance: Terms, Conditions, Eligibility - 07/13/09 09:48 AM
Job-loss mortgage insurance is available from a host of sources and policies vary in coverage, cost, benefits and requirements, so you'd better shop around.
Simply put, for policy holders, job-loss mortgage insurance pays your mortgage when you lose your job -- to a point. Typically paid direct to the lender, policy benefits can cover principal, interest, taxes and insurance, if all items are included in the original mortgage payment.
"The job loss insurance is a big help for many mentally, knowing that the help is available if they should lose their jobs. And it gives comfort for some that are sitting … (0 comments)

Internet Helps Rent Homes - 07/10/09 09:42 AM
Forbes.com has published its report on America’s Best and Worst Cities for Families. These are metros where people have enough money for everyday living and places where families’ daily budgets take a chunk out of their incomes.
The study is based on the 40 most populated metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs or metros), geographic entities defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget which collects, tabulates, and publishes federal statistics. That information, along with the Economic Policy Institute’s Basic Family Budget Calculator, was used to determine which areas were most and least affordable for two-parent, two-income, two-child families in those cities.
… (0 comments)

The Loan Modification Debacle - 07/09/09 09:29 AM
In an article written by Ms. Podmolik that appeared in the Business section of the Chicago Tribune, I guarantee you the only real point in this story was missed by 98% of those who read it. In following the attempts of a couple individuals who have been trying in vain to have their loans modified, it's easy to see that banks are frustrating matters by their lack of motivation in pursuing a loan modification that would allow the borrowers to stay in their homes. Like all loan modification attempts, it seems like the banks just don't know how to get out … (0 comments)

Tenants in Foreclosed Properties Will Benefit from New Federal Law - 07/07/09 09:28 AM
On May 20 President Obama signed into law the Helping Families Save Their Homes Act. Understandably, primary attention has been paid to the Act's provisions that are designed to help distressed homeowners avoid foreclosure. But the Act has other beneficiaries as well. One group that will receive particular assistance from this new law is those people who – often in good faith – are renting a property that goes into foreclosure.
Many times renters of residential properties are caught in the middle of a foreclosure situation. Frequently, they will not be aware of the fact that the owner is delinquent. Their … (0 comments)

The Contract Offer: What Price to Start With - 07/06/09 09:52 AM
When a decision is made to make an offer to purchase a home, be sure to go back and take a second look. It is so much easier changing your mind about a home before a contract offer is made than after a contract offer is accepted and signed by the seller. This second appointment would be a perfect time to bring along others who may have an impact on a buying decision, such as parents, friend, contractor, etc.
Go through the home a second time and look beyond the owner’s décor, whether it was the home just previewed, the first … (0 comments)

804 Wedel - Gorgeous Custom Home! - 07/03/09 09:27 AM
One of a kind Custom New construction home with 3 car attached garage and brick paver circle drive. Not a detail was missed in the making of this lovely home. This home boasts 4 bedrooms, 5.5 stunning bathrooms with a full finished lower level with wet bar. Stunning kitchen has maple olive 42inch cabinets and high end stainless steel appliances with Granite countertops with cold water faucet on island, double oven and range hood over island, and lovely turret style eating area with wall of windows. Beautiful contemporary fireplace, separates the kitchen from the 2 story family room with sliding door … (0 comments)

Buyers: Know What You Need to Know in Making a Contract Offer - 07/02/09 09:39 AM
Be it the real estate market in 2009 or any other real estate market for that matter, the structure of a real estate purchase contract offer can be the difference in it being accepted or rejected.
No, the offering price is not the only factor in negotiating a contract to purchase a home.
Regardless of the number of pages in the sales contract, a contract offer can be broken down into 3 separate parts which can be important to the seller: Price, Terms and Conditions.
Each has to be satisfactory in order to obtain seller acceptance. In some situations, full price … (0 comments)

Real Estate Outlook: When Signals are Mixed - 07/01/09 10:09 AM
The key to understanding what's happening for housing and real estate right now is to remember this: In a recovery that's just getting going, don't expect all the economic arrows to point the same way at any given moment.
The latest numbers on housing sales, prices, mortgage rates and foreclosures are great examples of that point:
Sales of existing houses came in on the upside for May, with a 2.4 percent increase nationally over the month earlier.
That's the first consecutive monthly gain in resales in the U.S. since way back in September of 2005.
But then again -- last month … (0 comments)

 
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Helen Oliveri

Glenview, IL

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The Helen Oliveri Team of Keller Williams Realty Partners

Address: Morton Grove, IL, 60053

Office Phone: (847) 967-0022

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