Thinking of Downsizing? What You Need to Consider - 05/28/11 10:23 AM
If you’re a senior, there could be many reasons to move from your family home.
The house might be too big or cost too much to maintain, or the neighborhood may be changing.
Following are some tips to help you make the decision:
Right-Size: Although you need less space, you want to maintain - or even enhance - your lifestyle. Do you want storage, room for guests, a workroom? Think about bungalows, bungalofts, condos and townhouses. Many offer those little extras you enjoy in your present home.
Consider All Options: According to statistics, three-quarters of seniors stay within 31 miles of their former … (1 comments)

How to Make Your Home the First Choice for Buyers - 05/26/11 08:31 PM
Thinking about selling your home but worried about the competition?
Whether you live in a cookie-cutter neighborhood where every home looks more or less the same or you simply need a few fresh ideas to help your home stand out from the rest for sale on the same street, use these simple tips to make it the best on the block.
Tackle Trouble Spots
Like every home, yours probably has a few trouble spots that you have probably learned to live with.Unfortunately, time might make the heart grow fonder, but unfortunately it rarely helps sell a home.Have an independent appraisal performed … (1 comments)

How an Agent Takes the Stress out of Your Investment - 05/26/11 08:12 PM
Commercial and residential investment properties pose unique challenges to investors, but real estate agents - because of their experience and training - can help clients successfully navigate the purchase process.
Investors should seek a knowledgeable agent who has experience dealing with the types of investment properties they are considering. Working with a Certified Investor Agent Specialist is The agent should determine the needs, goals and objectives of the investor. The groundwork can be laid at an initial meeting with the agent. 
After the initial meeting, the real estate agent should be able to give investors a list of potential properties that meet their criteria. From … (0 comments)

Real Estate Investing 101- Five Principles for Effectively Dealing with Tenants - 05/26/11 06:37 PM
Having residential tenants can be a sound investment strategy, but effectively dealing with them can be the difference between a profitable investment and a costly one.  
If you are a first-time landlord, you have to be especially careful how you deal with both potential tenants and existing ones. Following are five tips for effectively dealing with tenants:
Thoroughly Check a Tenant’s Background: When interviewing a prospective tenant, it is very important to make sure he or she is a good fit with existing tenants as well as with the landlord or property manager. Review the tenant’s credit history and check … (2 comments)

Why Buying a House on Emotion Is a Losing Strategy - 05/24/11 10:44 PM
For years, economists have used the study of behavioral finance to explain the role emotions play in investment decisions. Their observations have turned up some interesting results.
First, they’ve found that while investors know very well that the stock market has its ups and downs, some will still base investment decisions on the assumption that what’s happening now will continue in the future. For example, the home buyer driven by a hot market will engage in bidding wars, assuming that the market will continue to heat up. The buyer believes he or she has to buy now or lose out.
Second, … (1 comments)

5 Quick and Easy Renovations and Remedies - 05/24/11 10:38 PM
Learn how to earn tidy profits when selling your home or investment property with these quick renovation and maintenance tips.
Color
Still living in sterile white walls? Does a boring beige and brown exterior greet potential buyers? Eliminate the institutional look and give your home a brand new appearance inside and out with a quality paint job.
Clean Air
The sense of smell is a powerful tool especially when it comes to selling a home. Pet odors, smoking or other unpleasant smells can dramatically alter the impression of the home. Deep clean carpet, air vents, upholstery, and drapes plus any other … (24 comments)

Tips for Selling Your Home When You Have a Dog - 05/23/11 10:19 PM
Dogs might be man’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to stage and show a home with a four-legged gatekeeper on the job. From an overly exuberant personality to downright gruff demeanor, dogs can make it tough to show a home. Following are some ways to minimize distress to Fido and ensure that visitors are safe and that the house remains as appealing as possible.
Clean It Up: Because we love our dogs, we don’t always see what is in front of our very eyes. Take a good look around. Pick up the dog toys, fill any holes … (0 comments)

Thinking of Buying a Short Sale? Why You Need an Agent - 05/23/11 10:09 PM
Most people realize the necessity of hiring a real estate agent to sell a home, but they take an entirely different approach and opt to go it alone when buying, especially when the property is a short sale. Before buying a short-sale property, though, people should consider the benefits derived from working with a knowledgeable real estate agent. The following are some things to think about: Advanced Listings The short-sales market has heated up....So has the competition! Get advanced listings sent to your attention as soon as possible by working with an agent who specializes in short sales. Experience Is Key … (1 comments)

How to Pick Out Your Perfect Home - 05/23/11 08:11 PM
When you find your dream home, it’s only natural for your heart to beat a little faster. But you still need to get the best value for your dollar. Following are six ways to make you a happy and savvy homebuyer:
1. Find the Right Real Estate Agent:
An agent can be your most valuable asset. Word of mouth is good, but if you’re interested in a particular location take note of sold signs in the area to find a real estate agent who has special knowledge of the neighborhood.
2. Make a List of Needs and Wants:
Prioritize them … (0 comments)

Buying a Home? Find Out What an Agent Can Do For You - 05/23/11 08:08 PM
Thanks to the Internet, virtual tours and Google Maps, it’s easier than ever to locate prospective properties when searching for real estate. But before you try to go it alone, it’s essential to understand the other advantages real estate agents bring to the table.
Experience: One of the biggest benefits of working with a local real estate agent is the level of experience brought to the table. Agents make it their business to know current maket values,  upcoming changes, the latest listings and even important trends that can influence your purchase.
Excellent Service: From skilled negotiations to compiling a … (0 comments)

Tasty Snacks That Improve Your Health - 05/22/11 12:43 PM
 

Finding a snack that’s delicious and healthy might sound too good to be true. After all, most snacks are either bad for you or they have a taste that leaves a lot to be desired. But there are munchies around that are both tasty and good for you.
Learn how to enjoy snack time and actually improve your health at the same time with these tasty temptations:
Go Nuts: You’ll go nuts with anticipation once you realize the health benefits to be derived from raw nuts. Try walnuts, almonds or pecans for a delicious snack rich in omega-3 and … (3 comments)

5 Simple Ways to Save Money on Gas - 05/22/11 12:32 PM
Aside from buying a new fuel-efficient vehicle or leaving the car at home and walking, there are plenty of techniques for going farther on less gasoline.
Slow and steady: Driver’s Ed class said it all when we were 16: No speeding. No sudden braking. The smoother and steadier the ride, the more efficient the fuel consumption. On the highway, cruise control saves fuel.
Less idling: A car that’s sitting still with its engine running is wasting gas. Hybrid models such as the Toyota Prius automatically turn off the gas engine when the car stops. For other cars, idling more than two … (3 comments)

Commercial Net and Gross Leases: What’s the Difference? - 05/20/11 09:39 PM
Commercial tenants can quickly get bogged down in the differences between net and gross leases.
There are distinct economic differences between the two lease types and their variations. Understanding those differences can mean a substantial savings when negotiating lease terms. 
Gross Lease
A gross lease is an agreement whereby the tenant pays a fixed rental rate and the building owner pays all the operating expenses. This means that the property owner pays expenses such as insurance, taxes and utilities associated with the property, while the tenant is responsible for the rent and specific business-oriented expenses. The gross lease has disappeared … (0 comments)

How to Choose the Right Home Inspector - 05/20/11 09:35 PM
 
If you’re hiring a home inspector prior to signing off on a piece of property, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind.
Following are some important questions to ask:
Home Long Have You Been Working in the Field?
An inspector should be able to provide references and a history of experience. It’s also important to know about his or her background.
What Experience Do You Have With Residential Inspections?
A background in engineering or construction is a bonus, but if the inspector has never worked on a home, it won’t help much.
… (0 comments)

Sellers: The Secret to Making Buyers ‘Belong’ in Your Home - 05/19/11 10:50 PM
It’s only natural for your home to reflect your personal style, but when it comes time to sell, what makes a house a home becomes a major hindrance. Learn how to depersonalize your home in order to obtain the best price.
Go Neutral: Unless your favorite color scheme is completely neutral, it’s time to get out the paint and restore the color to something less noticeable. Eggshell, white tones and beige are good options. Don’t forget the other senses – in addition to color, make sure that the smell of your home is also neutral. Never assume that what you find … (0 comments)

Why Right Now Might Be the Best Time to Buy a Home - 05/19/11 10:47 PM
Buying right is the first step to profit and success but after the bubble crisis, some potential buyers have been afraid to act. If you have been sitting on the side-line waiting for the next buying opportunity, now might be the time to buy.
Interest rates remain low. Don’t just think about the price of the house alone. If you purchase a median-priced home, every ½ point increase in interest results in an extra $1,000 annually for as long as you hold the loan.
Inflation adjusted prices are lower than ever. Nominal home prices have dropped 5, 10 or even as … (0 comments)

How to Get Up Early and Add Hours to Your Day - 05/18/11 07:55 PM
It's said that the early bird catches the worm. The trouble is, for many of us getting up early isn't easy.
If you can manage it (and you're not a natural night owl), getting up early can add an hour or two to your day when you are at your most productive. You are able to enjoy the quiet of the house and have some time to yourself before everyone else is up and about.
Here are some tips to help you get up early.
Start slowly
Don't suddenly set your alarm for 5:30 in the morning. Instead, move it forward … (4 comments)

SEO Basics: How to Get the Attention of Google - 05/18/11 07:48 PM
Search engine optimization, the act of tweaking your website to gain favorable search-engine rankings, is a vital aspect of succeeding. After all, just because you build a website doesn’t mean that people will come.
Learn to attract the right traffic through SEO best practices and increase your traffic and conversion rate.
Some basic best practices can help you maximize your site’s potential:
Keyword Research
Search engines crawl web pages, grading them and looking at the words. Find out what your target customers are using for search terms and optimize your site for those terms. Optimize for the “long tail” and … (4 comments)

Use Lighting to Add Value to Your Bathroom - 05/18/11 07:31 PM
Lighting is a great way to give your bathroom a whole new look and feel – and it’s an easy way to add value to your home.
Keep in mind that you can never have too much light in the bathroom.  It is recommended that you layer light sources to provide enough illumination for applying makeup and for shaving while reducing glare. 
Begin by selecting an overhead fixture for general lighting in the room; cove and recessed lighting are popular choices. Recessed lighting in the shower area makes shaving and shampooing easier. Your tub area needs good general light, which … (0 comments)

Use Moldings to Make Your Home More Attractive - 05/17/11 10:53 PM
 
Moldings are decorative strips of wood or polymer. Used where walls meet floors and ceilings and around doors and windows, moldings can transform a house. They add charm, elegance and decorative flair, giving the finishing touch to your vision of an inviting home.
Once you determine the look you want, select the types of moldings that best suit your design. Use a single type or use several types together to create the overall effect desired.
Cornice Molding
Cornice molding makes a seamless join between walls and ceilings, adding drama with its decorative cap. Cornice molding comes in two types: crown molding, … (0 comments)

Buying Investment Property? What You Need to Know - 05/16/11 11:17 PM
With home prices and interest rates at historical lows, now is the ideal time to at least be looking into your options with regard to purchasing an investment property. 
Whatever your intent, your best bet is to start by doing two things. First, sit down and figure out what your goals are in purchasing a property, both short and long term. Second, figure out if it makes sense on paper. 
A good real estate agent or appraiser should be able to help in determining property values in a given location, with specific attributes such as venue, square footage and … (4 comments)

5 Rules That Will Help Tame That Tangle of Cables - 05/15/11 07:19 AM
 
Until all electronic devices are wireless, cables will be everywhere. They hang off desktops and lay tangled underfoot. They collect dust and create fire and injury hazards. Luckily, cables can be tamed.
Label cables: Before unplugging all of your equipment, label the cables. Prepare for organizing by getting the things that you’ll need, such as a flashlight, Velcro, and cable ties and sleeves.
Divide and conquer: Divide cables into groups of USB, audio and power. Audio cables that cross power and USB cables should do so at right angles. Parallel placement could cause interference with audio equipment. If you … (4 comments)

Secrets to Buying Distressed Properties - 05/14/11 02:26 PM
The media is filled these days with news about distressed properties. Following is a tutorial on distressed properties to help you separate some of the fact from fiction:
Distressed Properties Defined: Contrary to popular opinion, distressed properties are not always in bad shape. In fact, the term “distressed” has less to do with the condition of the house than it does with the status of the mortgage. Basically a distressed property is one that the bank has foreclosed or for which the current mortgage is worth more than what the owners are able to ask when selling.
How to Find a … (1 comments)

Four Ways to Speed Up Your Computer - 05/14/11 08:05 AM
If you’re spending too much time waiting for a response from your computer, chances are it would benefit from one of the following quick fixes:
1. Update the Virus Scan Software: A virus, a Trojan horse or other stealth software can dramatically slow down even the fastest machine. Make sure all updates are installed, then perform a full scan to eliminate threats and speed up response time.
2. Multitasking: Slow down and also shut down a few of those Internet windows. By pacing yourself it’s possible to get more done in less time without the frustration of waiting for windows to … (0 comments)

Why ‘Comps’ are a Homeowner’s Best Friend - 05/12/11 07:52 PM
Whether you are buying or selling a home or other type of real estate, chances are you will hear a lot about “comps” so it might come in handy to understand what they really are and why they matter.
Comps are comparisons between your property and other similar properties. Age, location, amenities, and the general condition of the home are all used to compare your property against others in the same general vicinity in order to establish a price or fair market value.
Do Not Make This Mistake
Many sellers mistakenly look at the asking price of homes in the immediate … (1 comments)

How Great Landscaping Says ‘Come Inside!’ - 05/12/11 07:50 PM
Creating an inviting landscape not only ensures a positive first impression with buyers but may also increase your home’s value and lead to a quicker sale.
You don’t have to spend a lot to make big improvements in your home’s curb appeal. Keeping your lawn manicured – mowed and edged – and trimming bushes and trees is an inexpensive way to make a positive impression on buyers. You’ll also want to remove any dead or diseased plants and ensure beds are weeded and freshly mulched.
Before beginning any landscape project, make a plan. And if you live in a neighborhood with … (1 comments)

7 Easy, Low-Cost Ways to Transform Your Home - 05/11/11 09:18 PM
Searching for easy ways to spruce up your abode? Following are some ways to transform your home for less than $10.
Turn Your TV Into Art: Newer television sets can easily display family portraits, vacation photos or your favorite scenery with the touch of a button. Just upload to the gallery, add music if desired and enjoy.
Paint It Up: Add a splash of color to a boring old chair or bring new life to a table with bold bright colors.
Sign Your Name: Decorations don’t need to be expensive. Use a template or vinyl letters to showcase your favorite quote. … (1 comments)

Chattels and Fixtures Explained - 05/11/11 09:15 PM
Purchasing an existing business means that the purchaser needs to establish which fixtures and chattels are included in the sale. 
Knowing how to define and identify the elements included in the sale will determine fair market value for the business.
The fixtures and chattels along with all the other fixed assets associated with the business will account for a substantial portion of the purchase price of the business in question.
What Are Chattels and Fixtures?
Chattels are movable possessions and personal property. These are usually items that can be removed without injury to the property. 
Fixtures are improvements or … (0 comments)

How to Give Your Home Curb Appeal - 05/11/11 07:27 PM
Most buyers make up their minds about your house in the first 30 seconds after pulling up outside. So it's vital you make the outside of your home as attractive as possible if you want to get the best price you can. After all, a neat and tidy, well-cared for home will beat a rundown, shabby house any day. Here are some easy tips.
Mow the lawns and keep the flower beds neat: This will give buyers the impression they can move in right away without maintenance headaches.
Add colorful flowers: Invest in some planter plots and fill them with beautiful … (0 comments)

How to Choose an Energy Efficient Lightbulb - 05/09/11 08:56 PM
More and more people are switching to energy efficient lightbulbs (compact fluorescent lighting) to save money and protect the environment. These new bulbs last eight times longer than an old incandescent bulb, save about $30 in energy costs over a bulb's lifetime and generate less heat, making them safer to operate.
But it's difficult to choose the right one because the packaging can be confusing. Here are some tips.
Choose a color temperature that suits your room. "Warm White" or "Soft White" give out a light that's similar to that of an old-style lightbulb - slightly yellow in tone. These would … (0 comments)

Three Tips for Successful Multi-Family Residential Investing - 05/09/11 07:44 PM
Apartments come in different sizes, with different amenities and substantially different income and commitment levels.
Deciding what level of commitment you want to have with your property should be a primary consideration before leaping into an investment.
Following are three things to think about when deciding what kind of commitment you are going to make with your residential investment property:
Size of the Investment
Starting with smaller investments such as duplexes will ease you into being a landlord.
The smaller scale means less time will be committed to dealing with tenant issues and building maintenance. There is a direct … (1 comments)

Tips for Getting the Best Value for Your Commercial Property - 05/09/11 06:31 PM
A common problem with marketing commercial real estate is that sellers do not recognize the highest and best use for their property.
As a result, they cost themselves money when it comes time to lease or sell.
Real estate professionals can make sure that sellers maximize their return on investment by marketing the best and most valuable use of the property. 
Since the highest and best use is often a consideration of appraisals and the value of the property is directly related to what the property is used for, it is wise to take this into consideration when marketing your property for sale.
… (0 comments)

Easy Ways to Give Your Bathroom a Fresh New Look - 05/06/11 07:45 PM
The bathroom might be one of the smallest rooms, but it's one of the most important if you're selling our home. Here are some quick tips to freshen up your bathroom to give yourself a space you enjoy relaxing in, whether you are moving or not.
Clutter: Bathrooms attract a lot of bottles and jars that create clutter. By putting them in a closet or throwing away those you haven't used for a long time, you'll immediately make your room look more spacious.
Fixtures and fittings: It's not as expensive to replace bathroom fixtures, such as the toilet, as you think. … (3 comments)

How to Conquer Messy, Cluttered Closets - 05/05/11 09:43 PM
One of the things that can make our homes less enjoyable to live in is disorganized closet space. It's quite depressing to look in your closets every morning and not be able to find what you need.
And if you are selling your house, having a cluttered closet will damage your chances of getting the best price, because people will view cluttered closets as a sign your house doesn't have enough storage. So here are some tips to organize your closets.
Invest in a closet organizer
Imagine how you (and potential buyers) would feel to see your closets tidily organized! A … (1 comments)

7 Things that Will Stop Your House Selling - 05/05/11 09:38 PM
Poor curb appeal
Buyers won't even go inside if the outside of the house looks unappealing. So clean up your front yard by tidying plants and pulling up weeds. Make sure the outside of your home looks well cared-for by painting the trim, mowing the lawn and placing attractive potted plants by the door.
Unpleasant odors
You may not even notice bad odors, but buyers surely will. Smoking and pets are the prime causes, so smoke outside while you are selling your house and consider what to do with your animals. Allow the house to air out thoroughly before viewings - … (4 comments)

Shrink Your Entire Office to the Size of Your Thumb! - 05/05/11 07:00 PM
When Alice went to Wonderland in the nineteenth century, she carried a notebook. If she took the trip today, she would have a flash drive instead. By plugging the drive, no bigger than her thumb, into any Wonderland computer, Alice could work with her important docs and apps while away from home.
In a flash: Flash drives are tiny pieces of hardware that plug into the USB ports of computers, cameras, and other devices. Flash drives are most frequently used for transporting, sharing and backing up files. Now, a growing variety of portable applications--scaled-down versions of popular programs--are turning USB drives … (2 comments)

How to Make Sure Your Furnace is Efficient - 05/05/11 06:55 PM
 
A warm home is the key to comfort. With a well-maintained furnace/air conditioner, you'll stay cozy throughout the year. You'll also save money and help the environment.
Annual Tune-up
Your furnace should get a tune-up from a professional once a year. This will keep it running smoothly and advise you of any problem that's developing. A tune-up takes a couple of hours and costs about $150; ask for a copy of the furnace's efficiency test.
Filter
The furnace's filter traps dust that would otherwise circulate throughout the house. The filter gets clogged with dust, so the furnace must work harder. … (1 comments)

How Green Buildings Can Save You Money - 05/04/11 07:38 PM
 
Our impact on the environment is a serious issue requiring global awareness and responsibility.
It has also resulted in standards and guidelines to govern construction projects and limit their environmental impact.
There are many benefits to property owners who use green construction practices. Greener construction means savings long after the building is completed, as a result of reduced energy consumption and less waste.
The U.S. Green Building Council has introduced LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) to provide guidelines for developers so they can reduce their impact on the ecosystem.
It’s an internationally recognized green building certification that provides … (0 comments)

The Pros and Cons of Active vs. Passive Real Estate Investing - 05/04/11 07:29 PM
Many real estate investors are turned off by investment strategies due to the time commitment involved. Others are attracted to the hands-on aspect of managing properties and realizing the profits that owning investment properties can generate. Knowing whether you are an active or passive real estate investor is one of the first things you should establish before moving forward.
Active investing takes additional time and energy on the part of the investor. Active ownership often means financing, buying and managing real estate assets. The investor is both financially and personally linked to the investment property. The investor not only realizes the … (0 comments)

The Seven Secrets to Relaxation - 05/04/11 07:25 PM
While it might seem counterintuitive to practice how to relax, research shows it is possible to dramatically reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and even aid healing by learning a few simple techniques.
Remember to Laugh. Scientists have found that laughter produces a cascade of chemical changes that can actually aid healing. Take time to laugh and smile at every opportunity. It’s good for the body and soul.
Get a Grip. Researchers investigating a new way to reduce G-force blackouts among pilots discovered it was possible to lower blood pressure simply by focusing upon one’s hand grip. The Zona Plus is a … (1 comments)

Capitalization Rates: The Key to Figuring Out Purchase Values - 05/03/11 08:46 PM
Understanding and interpreting capitalization rates in commercial real estate are important for an investor who is trying to determine the purchase value of a building or business.
Investors have criteria they use to determine where to invest their real estate dollars. Having the tools to determine whether the investment meets those specific criteria is essential to successful real estate investing.
The capitalization rate is the relationship between the annual net operating income and purchase price, in a sales scenario. The rate is determined using a mathematical equation that estimates the value and rate of return on investment.
Financial institutions also use … (0 comments)

How to Make Your Home Appear Much Bigger - 05/02/11 07:44 PM
One thing that most buyers are looking for is space. They want to know they're going to have room for everything (and everyone) and they're not going to grow out of their house too quickly. So here are some ways to make your house seem bigger than it really is.
Get rid of clutter
This is probably the most important secret to increasing the illusion of space. Remove items you don't need from surfaces, particularly in the kitchen. Keep shelves tidy and not stuffed with books and ornaments.
Paint the walls
Use white or neutral colors to make rooms appear light … (3 comments)

Tips for Avoiding the Common Cold - 05/02/11 07:28 PM
There may not be a cure for the common cold, but there are ways to limit your chances of infection and alleviate suffering. Following are some tips:
Exercise More
Research indicates that regular exercise decreases your chance of catching the common cold by nearly half.
Let the Sun Shine In
Sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D, which helps reduce the risk of both the common cold and the influenza virus. According to researchers, people with higher levels of vitamin D are much less likely to suffer from seasonal illnesses, including colds, flu and even seasonal affective disorder.
Wash and … (0 comments)

Why Laughter Is Such Good Medicine - 05/01/11 09:03 PM
 
Laughter may really be the best medicine after all. At least that’s what researchers at the University of Maryland believe after studying the science behind a good old-fashioned belly laugh. Following are some of the things that laughter does:
Reduces stress and anxiety. Increases circulation, which also helps improve the supply of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, and increases lymph circulation, which helps the immune system. Produces a long list of good brain and body chemicals, including endorphins, serotonin and interleukins, and improves mood. Boosts energy and diminishes pain.
Another study estimates that the chemicals manufactured by the … (2 comments)

 
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David Hill PhD,ePro,SFR,CIAS,BPOR,CNE Chicago Real Estate Agent

Gurnee, IL

More about me…

Midwest Premier Realty, Gurnee IL 224-321-0699

Address: Gurnee, IL, 60031

Office Phone: (224) 321-0699

Cell Phone: (224) 321-0699

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Looking for assistance in buying or selling your home? I can help! Contact me now!
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