Information to Review Before You Get a Mortgage Loan - 08/31/09 09:00 AM
The housing crash brought with it many changes including government programs to aid homeowners facing foreclosures, a closer look at lending practices, and new loan products for consumers. The last item is what concerns many Americans who are interested in taking advantage of falling housing prices. A study called, A Financial Analysis of Consumer Mortgage Decisions written by Andrew J. Kalotay and Qi Fu and released by the Research Housing Institute for America (RIHA) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) details information on getting a mortgage loan. Getting as much information and education about the best options before taking a mortgage … (0 comments)

Information to Review Before You Get a Mortgage Loan - 08/28/09 09:04 AM
The housing crash brought with it many changes including government programs to aid homeowners facing foreclosures, a closer look at lending practices, and new loan products for consumers. The last item is what concerns many Americans who are interested in taking advantage of falling housing prices. A study called, A Financial Analysis of Consumer Mortgage Decisions written by Andrew J. Kalotay and Qi Fu and released by the Research Housing Institute for America (RIHA) and the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) details information on getting a mortgage loan. Getting as much information and education about the best options before taking a mortgage … (0 comments)

HOA Going Green - 08/27/09 08:35 AM
As energy costs rise and resources become scarcer, more homeowner associations are finding ways to reduce energy consumption and "go green." With state legislation placing limits on the authority of HOAs to prohibit or regulate certain energy generation devices and energy efficient measures,the issue has come to the forefront of the attention of both HOAs and owners. Given all of this, what are some ways homeowner associations can be proactive in creating or encouraging green practices?Recycling. If your HOA has centralized trash collection, contract with your trash removal contractor to also provide for recycling. If your community has curbside pickup, recycling … (0 comments)

There May Be More than One "Bottom" to the Market - 08/26/09 08:51 AM
A recent headline in the business section of the Orange County (Calif.) Register noted that the median price of home sales had risen, but that the statistic was misleading. Most of my Realtor® colleagues would complain that the paper was going negative again. Okay, point conceded; but the paper was correct. The Register had noted that the rise in the median price was explained by the fact that more sales of higher priced properties had occurred in the present period than had in the preceding period. This didn't mean that the prices or values of any particular properties had risen; only … (1 comments)

Washington Report: Protecting Consumers - 08/25/09 09:59 AM
The House and Senate may still be on summer break, but the battle lines are growing sharper every day in Washington on one key real estate and mortgage issue that will be front and center in September: Should Congress create a new federal agency that does nothing but protect consumers from high-risk mortgages, bad lenders and real estate settlement rip-offs? Last week, in an unusual move tied to possible congressional action next month, half of the country's state attorneys general weighed into the debate and said, "yes," we need more muscle from the feds. Before heading back to their districts, congressmen … (2 comments)

Mortgage Rates Down to Lowest Level in Three Months - 08/24/09 09:07 AM
McLEAN, VA -- Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.12 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending August 20, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 5.29 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.47 percent. The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.56 percent with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.68 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.00 percent. Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) averaged 4.57 … (0 comments)

Selling Your Home, Know Your Buyer Market - 08/21/09 09:07 AM
Before you start a company, the first thing you should do is market research to determine your target market. This important step will help determine how successful you ultimately will be. The same is true when it comes to selling your home. Understanding the buyer market and who might be a good fit for your home will help ensure that you highlight the most vital features. “Just like the business of television advertising commercials, you need to know who your target audience is,” writes Michael Corbet in his book Ready, Set, Sold! Before putting your home on the market, you should … (0 comments)

Avoid Devastation When The Landlord Forecloses on Your Rental Home - 08/20/09 08:58 AM
It is no mystery that the economy, and the real estate market in particular, have not been kind to working-class people. While most of us have been touched in one way or another by the economic slowdown, some folks have strung together a particularly bad streak of luck. Take John and Jennifer from Huntington Beach, CA. John is an auto salesman and Jennifer worked as an administrative assistant at a local manufacturing company. Like many Americans, John and Jennifer were both laid off months ago and lost their home to foreclosure. After getting themselves together, they found an affordable rental condo … (1 comments)

Real Estate Outlook: Price and Sale Gains - 08/19/09 09:05 AM
Sales of existing homes and condos continue to power the real estate market, in some areas they're up by double digits, and despite all the negative headlines about foreclosures, even prices are rising in many places as well. Sales in the second quarter ending June 30 jumped by nearly 4 percent countrywide, according to the National Association of Realtors. Second quarter sales in 39 states were higher than the first quarter, as they were in 129 out of the 155 largest markets. New York saw an impressive 22 percent increase for the quarter, as did Wisconsin. California, Michigan and Minnesota all … (1 comments)

Adding a Rental Unit to Your Home - 08/18/09 08:38 AM
Adding a rental unit or in-law suite to your home used to be something you did in the dead of night, hoping the neighbours wouldn't notice and turn you in to the local bylaw enforcement officers. But in recent years, municipalities have been much more accepting of secondary suites in single-family homes. From a housing policy point of view, secondary suites are a good thing because they offer generally affordable housing in areas that already have municipal services, and no government assistance is required. Since little rental housing is being built these days, it helps renters find accommodation. It doesn't contribute … (0 comments)

Washington Report: No Recess for Housing - 08/17/09 09:16 AM
The House and Senate may have left Capitol Hill for their August break, but housing lobbyists are busy at work gearing up a major campaign to extend the $8,000 home buyer tax credit.The credit for first-time purchasers is scheduled to expire November 30.The National Association of Home Builders and the National Association of Realtors want to persuade Congress to nail down an extension of the credit, and maybe even broaden its coverage, as soon as possible.The home builders are mounting an aggressive campaign during the congressional recess. The association is sending out local teams of members to meet with congressmen and … (0 comments)

4736 Lilac - Northfield Woods Ranch - 08/14/09 11:32 AM
3 Bedroom, 2 bathroom ranch on large private corner lot. This home has a lovely kitchen with breakfast bar and spacious eat in area and a Vaulted Family room with skylights and gas fireplace. Living room has plush carpeting and leads to two of your 3 bedrooms, both which have hardwood floors and 1 with its very own private bathroom. The third bedroom is off the family room and can also be used as an office or den. For extra convenience there is a full laundry room with sink basin and room for a refrigerator and storage. View the many pictures … (0 comments)

Market Conditions - 08/14/09 08:55 AM
Recent figures show that home values fell 12.1 percent from last year in the second quarter of 2009.Zillow has reported that 18 of 142 declining markets, have seen at least three consecutive quarters of smaller year over year home value declines."While we are encouraged by the increasing sales in many markets and the overall improvement in the rate of decline of the Zillow Home Value Index, I hesitate to be overly optimistic for the near future," said Dr. Stan Humphries, Zillow chief economist. "There are still many hurdles to true market recovery. Foreclosure re-sales are buoying overall sales numbers, but their … (0 comments)

940 Shermer - Golf course Views! - 08/13/09 06:39 PM
Ranch home on a golf course lot with lovely views and in the Glenview school District.. 2 bedroom, 1 bath with refinished hardwood floors throughout your living and dining room combination and bedrooms and a stunning updated bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub and pedestal sink. . Kitchen although needs tlc, has an eat in area overlooking your spacious backyard, patio, and golf course. 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 home.
This property is exclusively listed by Helen Oliveri of Keller Williams Realty. For a private … (0 comments)

9243 Harlem Ave - Lovely Corner Ranch - 08/13/09 12:42 PM
3 Bedroom Ranch on spacious well maintained corner lot in Morton Grove. Come in and see all this lovely ranch has to offer. Many updates throughout the home have been made. All windows are newer and mechanicals are all less than 5 years new. Seasons room leading to your private patio and side drive leading to your attached 2.5 car garage with newer flooring. All spacious bedrooms have plush carpeting and ample closet space and separate laundry room. Lovely kitchen with dining area leading into your family room is just another convenience this home has to offer. Please view the many … (0 comments)

879 Willow Rd - Winnetka Classic Colonial! - 08/13/09 10:37 AM
Lovely Winnetka Colonial with side drive and large yard. This home boasts 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths and large deck overlooking your lovely back yard. Updated 42 inch maple cabinets with double oven, dishwasher, & microwave. Updated kitchen is also large enough for family dinners at the table. All new hardwood floors throughout the first and second floor and second level also has full bath and 3 spacious bedrooms. This home has lovely curb appeal and is located in one of the finest school districts in the state. View the many pictures we have to offer at www.helenoliverihomes.com and call today … (0 comments)

Pur-Plexing - 08/13/09 09:16 AM
When it comes to real estate, buying more may be a better long-term plan than settling for what lenders insist your current income dictates. If your income is not high enough to finance the purchase of the single-family house you'd prefer, consider buying a revenue-generating property to boost your buying power and enhance your long-term financial prospects. * Instead of a first-time purchase that's a shoe-box-sized condominium unit, a handyman's special or something at the end of a long commute, consider a move to an apartment where you're the landlord and the real tenants pay rent that becomes your cash flow. … (0 comments)

Crunching the HOA Numbers - 08/12/09 09:03 AM
Fall is the time when most homeowner associations go through the ritual of counting last year’s cost and crunching next year’s numbers hoping to squeeze blood out of the community turnip. While the well is often dry, or close to it, crunch you must. Here are some of the ways to make the cash flow more freely. Adjust by Inflation: This is a no brainer. Check the area Consumer Price Index - CPI (governmentese for “tax increase”) and raise all budget items by at least that amount. An exception is utilities which enjoy a larger and incomprehensible rate increase based on … (0 comments)

Washington Report: Fannie and Freddie - 08/11/09 09:24 AM
There were big doings at the White House last week over the future of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the ailing giants who still finance roughly six out of ten new home mortgages in the U.S. The Obama administration confirmed that it is putting together overhaul plans to restructure Fannie and Freddie, and maybe strip away their money-losing toxic loan portfolios to create a single, new super mortgage source. How the administration's plans develop over the coming weeks could prove crucially important for home buyers, sellers, builders and other realty professionals -- and could expand, or restrict, the types of mortgages … (1 comments)

Investor Report: Renting Versus Flipping - 08/07/09 09:08 AM
An Oakland, California real estate investment fund is carving out a niche that might work in other areas with roughly similar demographics: Acquiring and turning around lower-cost single family houses in neighborhoods outside San Francisco with strong mass-transit connections to urban employment centers and good job-growth potentials. But rather than flipping the houses it acquires and fixes up, McKinley Partners is renting them out for as long as five years in a two-step strategy - pocketing solid cash flow in the interim, and banking on a stronger sales market down the road. McKinley has raised $6 million for purchases in targeted … (0 comments)

844 Central - Serene Wooded Views - 08/06/09 04:44 PM
Brick colonial 5 bedroom home in desirable East Glenview on tree-lined private street. This home has so much potential featuring refinished hardwood flooring in both the living and dining room, new 2nd furnace for the dual zone, and 2 fireplaces. This home is situated on a serene wooded lot and the natural beauty can be enjoyed from a spacious screened in porch. Large backyard deck and large sundeck off the master bedroom perfect for outdoor enjoyment. So much potential here to make this the perfect home! For pictures and detailed descriptions, visit www.helenoliverihomes.com and call today 847-967-0022 for a private showing … (0 comments)

7501 W. Lake - Split Level Morton Grove Home - 08/06/09 03:01 PM
Split-level home in Morton Grove. This home features 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a detached 2.5 car heated garage. The roof has been replaced in 2006 as well on both the home and garage. There is an updated kitchen with oak cabinets and tile flooring. Anderson windows and an open floor plan with living room bay window make this a home worth seeing. We are very close to Oketo Park and minutes from transportation, shopping. Come and see what this home has to offer. Call today or visit us at www.helenoliveri.com for more information.
This property is exclusively listed by … (0 comments)

6839 S Ridgeland Ave #202 - Large Spacious Condo! - 08/06/09 02:17 PM
3 Bedroom, 2 bath Condominium ready for you to move in and enjoy. Large unit with hardwood floors throughout & updated bathrooms. There is also a large back deck for you to enjoy those summer nights. Come and see all this unit has to offer. 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 … (0 comments)

6103 N Elston #3N - Lovely Spacious Condo! - 08/06/09 12:55 PM
Lovely 2 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom Condominium in very well maintained building. This unit is one of the larger units in the building. This unit boasts a very spacious living room with hardwood floors, large kitchen with eat-in area and 2 large bedrooms and an updated bathroom. Located on the top floor this unit has an array of sunlight throughout most of the day. Also, your very own private storage closet is right outside your back door of your kitchen. This unit is very well kept and ready for you to move in. View the many pictures we have to offer at … (0 comments)

Factors That Do Not Affect the Value of Real Estate - 08/06/09 09:27 AM
When selling a home, there are many factors which affect market value and the eventual sale price of a home, such as location, condition, size, amenities, features, improvements and upgrades, local economic conditions, the current real estate market and mortgage interest rates, among others. Some of these factors are within the control of the owner, and others are beyond the control of the owner. The definition of Fair Market Value includes various terms such as: the most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale; the buyer and … (0 comments)

Factors That Do Not Affect the Value of Real Estate - 08/05/09 09:06 AM
When selling a home, there are many factors which affect market value and the eventual sale price of a home, such as location, condition, size, amenities, features, improvements and upgrades, local economic conditions, the current real estate market and mortgage interest rates, among others. Some of these factors are within the control of the owner, and others are beyond the control of the owner. The definition of Fair Market Value includes various terms such as: the most probable price which a property should bring in a competitive and open market under all conditions requisite to a fair sale; the buyer and … (0 comments)

Washington Report: Modifying Loans - 08/04/09 09:19 AM
The Obama administration put heavy pressure on the country's largest home loan servicers last week to speed up modifications of hundreds of thousands of homeowners' mortgages.But the series of lender meetings with the Treasury department and HUD was the smiley-face side of a double edged strategy: If lenders and loan servicers don't pick up the pace of modifications dramatically, Congress is poised to force them to do so.Here's what's taking shape and what it may mean to home owners behind on their loans:The White House extracted promises from the 25 largest mortgage servicers - including Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and … (0 comments)

Have an Ant Problem? - 08/03/09 09:04 AM
When you put your home on the market, you want buyers strolling in but sometimes, during the hot weather, you find the ants come marching in too and that certainly doesn't help a potential sale. It may not seem like much of a problem but if you've had ants then you know what a headache this can be especially if you have buyers coming into your home daily."First of all you have to understand why the ants go on the march, says Steven Coy, President of Happy Pest Control. He explains that ants view your home as a place of refuge. … (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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