How should I prepare my home for sale? - 04/27/12 06:11 PM

You want your home to show well, which means getting rid of clutter and making sure it is clean, neat and well maintained both inside and outside:

Remove all clutter. Pack or store anything you do not need. Donate the rest to your favorite charity or having a garage sale.

Store your valuables or lock them up in a safe place. This includes jewelry, collectibles, artwork and medicines in your medicine cabinet.

Eliminate smoking odors and pet odors.

Paint the inside and outside with neutral colors, steam clean carpets or replace with new carpeting or flooring. … (2 comments)

What are my options as an empty nester? - 04/26/12 04:54 PM
Your children have left home. You and your spouse are home alone, likely in a big house that may be becoming too much to handle. You want to spend more of your time traveling and the idea of mowing lawns no longer appeals. Your lifestyle is changing but your living situation has not. What can you do? Downsize. Here's how: 1. Condominiums. Secure buildings that can offer of variety of amenities to suit any lifestyle. A monthly fee takes care of the maintenance. 2. Buy a smaller house. You may still want that garden. 3. Adult lifestyle community. Interact with like-minded … (2 comments)

What is your favorite technology quote? - 04/25/12 06:08 PM

I found these technology quotations fun, entertaining and amusing:
 
For a list of all the ways technology has failed to improve the quality of life, please press three. Alice Kahn
Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. Arthur C. Clarke
I have witnessed a whole succession of technological revolutions. But none of them have done away with the need for character in the individual or the ability to think. Bernard M. Baruch
We make our gadgets our own by the way that we use them, with or without the permission of the manufacturer. Laura Moncur
Technology is a … (1 comments)

How to Boost Your Business With Facebook - 04/23/12 07:19 PM

If you’re a real estate agent, you’re likely familiar with Facebook. Social media is becoming increasingly important for businesses as potential clients turn their attention away from traditional forms of advertising to find information and products.
Facebook is not limited to just connecting with people in a social way. It has led the online networking revolution and can add tremendous value to a real estate agent’s marketing efforts.
Following are a few good reasons real estate agents should use Facebook:
You get found by those who are looking to buy or sell. You connect and engage with current and potential … (4 comments)

How can I use container plants to give my home curb appeal? - 04/22/12 12:36 AM
Here are four essential tips: Use big containers: Don't be afraid of using big, bold containers. They will have more impact and will be easier to care for because they won't dry out so easily. Smaller containers tend to get lost in the landscaping, so you'll lose the visual impact you're trying to achieve. Use quality containers: Avoid plastic containers, as these can look cheap. Terracotta, wrought iron, or zinc containers look great. Choose a container that complements your house and your landscaping. Fill them with plants: For immediate results, fill your containers with more plants than you normally would. Otherwise, you will be … (3 comments)

For Today's Homebuyer Small Is Beautiful - 04/18/12 06:30 PM
Is the sprawling luxury home the pinnacle of real estate in the North American market? As baby boomers look to downsize and homeowners trade luxury for function, there is renewed interest in smaller homes. Eighty percent of 1,300-plus real estate agents surveyed in 2011 said that baby- boomer clients aged 54 to 64 are interested in smaller homes. Saving money and living more simply were among the reasons for the interest. A recent study by the U.S. National Association of Home Builders showed that the economic downturn has altered the landscape of housing. The study predicted that by 2015, homes will … (0 comments)

Lease or Buy Commercial Property: What are the Pros and Cons - 04/17/12 05:15 PM
Retail businesses require specific features such as foot traffic, adequate parking and ample interior space to showcase goods, but whether to lease or buy is a complex issue for business owners. Below are some pros and cons of leasing and buying. Leasing Pros: Your credit rating will be less important. And this is of particular benefit to newer businesses with limited credit histories. Rent can also be used as a tax deduction, and business owners can sublet or move at the end of the lease term. Cons: You won't build equity on the property. There is less security; your lease may not be … (0 comments)

How to Profit by Investing in Cheap Properties - 04/16/12 06:56 PM

With the right information any investor can profit by investing in cheap properties. But remember you are making a long-term investment. Property values tend to increase over the long term, and acquiring tenants to help pay down your mortgage while you wait to sell makes this a valuable investment vehicle for the future. Know your home inspector Home inspectors know the building codes for your area and can offer invaluable advice about the integrity of your property's structure. Not all home inspectors are created equal. Some are qualified to perform WETT certification for wood-burning fireplaces, others have the training and … (1 comments)

Buy in the Right Location to Ensure Your Home's Value - 04/15/12 09:06 AM
True, the phrase, "location, location, location", is a cliché. But smart homebuyers have come to realize that the location of their new home not only determines how happy they'll be with their purchase but also dictates its resale value. Following is a primer to help you find the right home in the right location: Don't be tempted to buy a great house in a bad neighborhood unless you can see signs that the neighborhood is changing for the better. Future buyers will not be willing to pay top dollar for a house surrounded by fixer-uppers. Decide what you want in a … (0 comments)

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

Gurnee, IL

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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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David Hill, Real Estate Broker

 
 

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