Edwardsville Homes For Sale

Appealing Your Edwardsville Home's Assessment in 2011

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:17:13 -0700

If you'd like to appeal your Madison County, Illinois home's assessment -- that includes homes in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Troy, Collinsville, Granite City, etc. -- you only have until September 12, 2011 to get the paperwork and supporting materials to the Madison County Board of Review.

The Madison County Board of Review requires that homeowners who want to file a complaint must fill out a form listing a wide variety of information about the property in question and also submit supporting documents such as comparable sales, or construction cost, or an appraisal or an operating statement for the last two years for income property.

If you've just recently purchased your home, you can include copies of your closing statement showing a value lower than your home's current assessment.

Here's a link to the Madison County, Illinois website from which you can download the Residential Complaint for Assessment Year 2011 form. The form also includes an instruction sheet that will answer many of the questions you might have about the process.

What are grounds for a residential assessment appeal?

According to Madison County, they include: over valuation, unequal treatment in the assessment process, contention of law, property that has been assessed twice in the year or condemnation. There also is a blank for "other" in case your situation is not listed.

If you so desire, you also can tell the county that your assessment is not high enough versus similar properties on the same form. I bet most people aren't rushing to do that.

Good luck with your appeal!

About the Author: Kristina Pratt is a REALTOR® with Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Kristina@GoshenRealtyGroup.com

Fido Needs a New Place: Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Area Homes For Sale with Fenced Yards

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:04:48 -0700

Thanks for the pet-friendly listings, Nancy. If you're looking for a new place for your pooch, let the team at Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners help!

Via Nancy Milton Holtzscher, Illinois Broker/GRI (RE/MAX Preferred Partners in St.Louis' Illinois suburbs):

Some people want a three-car garage in their new home.

Others want four bedrooms.

Or maybe a big kitchen with granite countertops.

But did you ever think about what your fur kids might want?

I bet they'd like you to get a house with a fenced back yard. Here's a good place to start the search for a dog-friendly home. If you see something you'd like to look at in person, give me a call at 618-791-8007.

Click here for a list of homes for sale in Edwardsville with fenced yards.

Click here for a list of homes for sale in Glen Carbon with fenced yards.

Click here for a list of homes for sale in Maryville with fenced yards.

Click here for a list of homes for sale in Troy with fenced yards.

Click here for a list of homes for sale in Collinsville with fenced yards.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEARCH THE MLS FOR HOMES HERE

LIKE MY BLOG? PLEASE SUBSCRIBE HERE.

I am an Illinois Real Estate Broker and REALTOR with GoshenRealtyGroup at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. We're Edwardsville's only RE/MAX office.

We help clients buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs with special emphasis on the Metro East communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Bethalto, Granite City, Highland, Wood River, Godfrey, O'Fallon, Shiloh, Belleville and surrounding areas in Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois.

Goshen Realty Group takes its name from the earliest nickname for Madison County, Illinois -- "The Land of Goshen" -- coined when the region's 18th century settlers compared their new home on the eastern banks of the Mississippi River to the biblical land of peace and plenty.

For more information, visit GoshenRealtyGroup.com or send an email to me at Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com. Text or call Nancy Milton Holtzscher, your Edwardsville Realtor, at 618-791-8007.

REMAX Preferred Partners is located at One 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL 62025, 618-791-8007 (direct) 618-655-1188 (office). Each office is independently owned and operated.

Edwardsville Illinois Real Estate Market Report YTD Through August 2011

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 14:55:36 -0700

Edwardsville Illinois Real Estate Market Report YTD Through August 2011

Year-to-date through August 2011, 202 homes have been sold in Edwardsville, Illinois. That's down 13.3 percent from the 233 homes sold by the end of August in 2010.

Right now, 186 listings are currently under contract, down five percent from pending sales on the books year-to-date in 2010.

The average selling price in Edwardsville through August 2011 is $217,140, just 2.8 percent lower than 2010.

Average days on the market have risen to 170, up 16.5 percent from 2010 when the average house in Edwardsville stayed on the market 146 days.

What does this mean? Fewer homes have sold during the first half of the year in Edwardsville, but pending sales have risen to within five percent of the prior year, a good sign. The average selling price is holding its own with less than a three percent dip from last year. And homes are taking longer to sell with the average number of days on the market experiencing a fairly significant increase.

So, if you're selling your home, make sure it stands out against the competition in price and condition so you can help it sell efficiently. If you're a buyer, now is the time to make a decision and place an offer before prices, which are stabilizing, rise and you've missed your best opportunities.

Celebrate Independence Day 2011 with Fireworks, Music and Patriotic Puppies in Southwestern Illinois

Sat, 02 Jul 2011 04:57:35 -0700

I normally compile lists like these every year, but this year my team mate beat me to it! :)

Thanks, Nancy! Have a safe and happy 4th everyone!

Via Nancy Milton Holtzscher, Illinois Broker/GRI (RE/MAX Preferred Partners in St.Louis' Illinois suburbs):

Independence day will be celebrated with fireworks, music and even patriotic puppies throughout Madison County, Illinois in St. Louis' suburbs this year.

Edwardsville

In the Madison County seat of Edwardsville, two patriotic-themed concerts are set for 8 p.m. on both Thursday, June 30 (the Edwardsville Municipal Band) and Friday, July 1 (Master's Voice Choir) at City Park. On Saturday, July 2, the city of Edwardsville and the American Legion Post 199 host an Independence Day Celebration on the Legion grounds. Festivities begin at 4 p.m. with children's rides, food and drinks, a concert and fireworks at 9:20 p.m. All events are free and open to the public. More information is available at www.CityofEdwardsville.com or 618-692-7538.

Alton

The Mississippi River Fireworks Festival lights up the riverfront in Alton, IL on Saturday, July 2. The festival grounds on the Alton Riverfront open at 5 p.m. for entertainment, food, a beer tent and a fireworks display that begins at 9 p.m. More information about this free festival is available at 618-465-6676.

Granite City

The popular Patriots in the Park celebration runs from June 30 to July 4 with carnival rides, food and drinks in Wilson Park. In addition to July 4 patriotic concert and fireworks (in the field north of Coolidge Middle School) the event includes a car show (Sunday, July 3, noon til 4 p.m.), entertainment, children's activities and a Patriot Paws pet costume contest (Dress your companion in red, white and blue and bring them on Saturday, July 2 at 1 p.m. to the Wilson Park Centennial Pavilion to benefit the Granite City Animal Protection Association). For more information, call 618-877-3059.

Troy

The Fourth of July Fireworks event is held on, naturally, Jul. 4, 2011 in Troy, IL. The community will launch fireworks over the soccer fields at 409 Collinsville Road. For more information, dial 618-667-8769.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEARCH THE MLS FOR HOMES HERE

LIKE MY BLOG? PLEASE SUBSCRIBE HERE.

Nancy Milton Holtzscher, GRI, is an Illinois Real Estate Broker and REALTOR with GoshenRealtyGroup at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois, Edwardsville's only RE/MAX office.

Nancy and Goshen Realty Group help clients buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs with special emphasis on the Metro East communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Bethalto, Granite City, Highland, Wood River, Godfrey, Staunton, Grafton, O'Fallon, Shiloh, Belleville and surrounding areas in Madison, St. Clair, Macoupin and Jersey counties in Illinois.

Facing foreclosure? Ask Nancy whether a short sale for your Illinois home is the solution.

Goshen Realty Group takes its name from the earliest nickname for Madison County, Illinois -- the Land of Goshen -- coined when the region's 18th century settlers compared their new home on the eastern banks of the Mississippi River to the biblical land of peace and plenty.

For more information, visit GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Nancy at Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com. Text or call Nancy Milton Holtzscher, your Edwardsville Realtor, at 618-791-8007.

REMAX Preferred Partners is located at One 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL 62025, 618-791-8007 (mobile) 618-655-1188 (office). Each office is independently owned and operated.

5 Things I Wish I Thought Of When I Bought My First House

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:29:21 -0700

Since I got my real estate license in 2005, I've heard all kinds of complaints from buyers about the house they ended up choosing. Even with an agent helping you focus on making the right decision, sometimes a buyer just falls in love with a house and all logic goes out the window and the purchase becomes emotional.

You can learn from the mistakes of other buyers. Here are the 5 of most frequent things I've heard over the past 6 years...

1. I hate the neighborhood. Drive by your target house MULTIPLE times at different times of the day and night. What seems like a quiet neighborhood during your Sunday morning showing could be completely different when the bar district 5 blocks away gets hopping on Friday night. Realtors like to use the "N.A.T." approach to finding out information about the area - Neighbors Always Tell. Go knock on a door or two and chat up the neighbors to find out the real scoop.

2. I can't afford these power bills. That charming Victorian may be full of character, but one thing it may not be full of is insulation. This is especially true if the upper rooms are finished attic space. Also, don't be fooled by windows that look new in an older house - many times they are single pane glass which is not energy efficient.

3. The floor plan isn't functional. Sure, that house looked adorable all dolled up with staging materials. The paint was neutral, the cabinets and counters were new, heck it even had stainless appliances... but did you notice all the bedrooms are upstairs and the only bathroom is downstairs? That's right. Better cut off all liquids 3 hours before bed or be prepared to sleep on the couch.

4. The zoning is completely ruining my re-sale value. Look carefully at the surroundings of your target house. Is there an apartment building across the street? A gas station next door? If your new home is in a mixed use area, be prepared to make a price adjustment downward when you have to sell it.

5. The street is too busy. The first lots in the subdivision are usually corner lots and look great, but every single person that lives in that neighborhood is going to drive past your house when they are coming or going. Also, houses that are located on a busy street are a turn off for future buyers and will impact your resale value.

You can avoid making these mistakes by working with an agent that helps you focus, not only on the things listed above, but other really important things you may not think of. For example, that 1960s ranch that is a time capsule in need of updating might need some work compared to the recently remodeled two-story - but if that 60s ranch is in a great location, on a quiet street, has a functional floor plan and good "bones", you will be much happier in the long run.

Selling Your Home? There's Only One Good Way to Reach Younger Buyers Today -- Texting

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 14:38:55 -0700

if you're thinking about selling your home in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy or many of the other cities, towns and villages across St. Louis' Illinois suburbs, just text me to start the conversation.

I'll show you how we can put your property in front of more buyers more quickly. And, if you're buying or just thinking about buying, text me with the type of place you're looking for and we'll send matches to a website that you can browse at your convenience.

618-917-0775 - Kristina

Via Nancy Milton REALTOR GRI Edwardsville Illinois (RE/MAX Preferred Partners in St.Louis' Illinois suburbs):

Selling Your Home? There's Only One Good Way to Reach Younger Buyers Today -- By Texting.

This revelation about the necessity of texting occurred to me a number of years ago when I was frustrated with trying to reach my daughter the old school way -- phone, email, etc. The only method that worked consistently was texting.

So I embraced texting in my personal life and have extended that communications method to my listings and our buyers here in the Southwestern Illinois cities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville and Troy.

I welcome both sellers and buyers to text me at 618-791-8007 when they have questions about selling their property or buying a new home. And, of course, they're still welcome to call, email or connect with me on Facebook. My motto is -- whatever is easiest for you is just fine with me.

Communication is the single most important thing we can do to help our clients. No one likes to feel like they are kept in the dark or are out of control. Being in close communication -- by whatever method -- solves that issue.

We love our texting response system. It delivers instant information on our listings to potential buyers. Here are a few examples of our texting systems for some of the properties that we currently have listed:

TEXT 129496 to 79564 and you'll get a text reply with details on a 3,400+ square-foot home on beautiful Dunlap Lake in Edwardsville, IL. The text you receive about 435 W. Lake Dr. will include the basic details on the home such as the price and the number of bedrooms and bathrooms and a link to my phone number. The text also provides a link to the address-specific website for the home which offers pictures and even more details. One click and an interested buyer is in touch with me immediately.

TEXT 129847 to 79564 for information on 5231 State Route 159 in Edwardsville, IL.

TEXT 129353 to 79564 for details on 5 Cedar Mill in Troy, IL.

TEXT 129572 to 79564 for everything you need to know about 402 Blue Bird in Troy, IL.

Why do I love to text? It's quick, it's definite (no messy misunderstood conversations), and it makes some people feel more comfortable to communicate in a way that they choose.

So, if you're thinking about selling your home in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy or many of the other cities, towns and villages across St. Louis' Illinois suburbs, just text me to start the conversation. I'll show you how we can put your property in front of more buyers more quickly.

And, if you're buying or just thinking about buying, text me with the type of place you're looking for and we'll send matches to a website that you can browse at your convenience.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

SEARCH THE MLS FOR HOMES HERE

About the Author: Nancy Milton, GRI, is a REALTOR with the GoshenRealtyGroup at RE/MAX Preferred Partners in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Kristina Pratt lead a team that helps their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs with special emphasis on Edwardsville homes for sale and homes for sale in Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, Troy, Bethalto, Granite City, Highland, Wood River, Godfrey, Staunton, Grafton, O'Fallon, Shiloh, Belleville and surrounding areas in Madison, St. Clair, Macoupin and Jersey counties in Illinois.

Goshen Realty Group takes its name from the earliest nickname for Madison County, Illinois -- the Land of Goshen -- coined when the region's 18th century settlers compared their new home on the eastern banks of the Mississippi River to the biblical land of peace and plenty.

Facing foreclosure? Ask me about conducting a short sale for your Illinois home.

For more information, visit GoshenRealtyGroup.com or e-mail Nancy at Nancy@GoshenRealtyGroup.com. Text or call Nancy Milton, your Edwardsville Realtor, at 618-791-8007. REMAX Preferred Partners is located at One 157 Center, Edwardsville, IL 62025, 618-655-1188. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Are You Ready to Sell Your Edwardsville Home?

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:47:02 -0700

Are You Ready to Sell Your Edwardsville Home?

Are you ready to list your Edwardsville home for sale? We like to call this time of year, "Selling Season." It's that time when the serious buyers pop out -- much like the February groundhog -- to see what's on the market and make their moves, roughly between Valentine's Day and the end of July.

Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of activity after this six-month period, but the vast majority of home buying will be done in these next few months. So if you're thinking about selling your Edwardsville or Glen Carbon home in 2011, it's time to call for a consultation.

We'll walk through your property with you, discuss its top selling features, talk about your real estate goals and discuss our services for home owners. Once we've agreed to work together, my team will gather a large amount of research on recently sold homes comparable to yours that will offer a real-world view of home prices in our current market. We'll also look at your active competition and homes currently under contract to get a complete picture of the situation you'll face as a seller. We'll see how long homes like yours have been staying on the market prior to selling and we'll consider your motivation to help you determine a price that will make sense and will attract buyers.

We don't take every listing. But those we take, we take to sell. Search for Edwardsville Homes for Sale on our website at GoshenRealtyGroup.com.

Let's use this active time of year to sell your Edwardsville home and help you move on to the next chapter in your life whether you're downsizing, moving up, relocating or just ready to live somewhere new.

Homes for Sale in Edwardsville's Dunlap Lake Neighborhood

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 15:04:12 -0700

Homes for Sale in Edwardsville's Dunlap Lake Neighborhood

Lake living in Edwardsville, Illinois? Yes, you can be close to town and still enjoy all the benefits of living on or near a beautiful lake.

Established in 1939, the Dunlap Lake neighborhood is filled with attractive single-family homes in a variety of styles and ages that boast lakefront property or lake views.

Click here to see the homes currently for sale at Dunlap Lake.

Fishing and boating are allowed at Dunlap Lake. Note that all anglers 16 and older need to have an Illinois fishing license. Boats must be less than 20 feet in length (pontoon boats may be 25 feet) and need to be registered with the state. Only small motors are allowed on the thousand-acre lake.

Homes off the lake can use the association's access areas to launch their boats or fish on the lake. Here's an aerial view of Dunlap Lake in Edwardsville.

Call me at 618-917-0775 or email Kristina@GoshenRealtyGroup.com if you have questions about Dunlap Lake living or would like to see homes at the lake that meet your needs.

Visit MyEdwardsvilleHome.com for Real Estate Listings By Neighborhood in Edwardsville, Illinois

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 14:58:35 -0700

Visit MyEdwardsvilleHome.com for Listings by Neighborhood in Edwardsville, Illinois

If you've decided to relocated to or within Edwardsville, Illinois, you'll want to check out the helpful blog, MyEdwardsvilleHome.com. Created as a service from the Realtors of Goshen Realty Group at RE/MAX Preferred Partners, MyEdwardsvilleHome.com presents listings by individual neighborhood in Edwardsville.

So if you're looking for a home in

...we have you covered. We're adding new neighborhoods all the time, so check back often for new ways to search for homes for sale in Edwardsville's charming neighborhoods and popular subdivisions.

The blog also separates listings into a wide variety of specific categories to meet buyers' needs such as...

Homes with Pools Under $250,000

New Construction Homes

Homes Under $150,000

Luxury Homes

Edwardsville Homes for Sale $200,000 to $250,000

HUD Homes

...and many others.

Edwardsville, Illinois offers a very diverse housing environment and it is often hard for someone new to the area to search through all the listings without feeling overwhelmed. That's why we've done the hard work for you with our blog, MyEdwardsvilleHome.com.

After you've searched online, just call, text or email us when you're ready to look at homes in person.

With our Five Easy Steps to Home Ownership program, we can get you into your next home in a smooth and easy transaction. Here's the number: 618-917-0775 aVisit MyEdwardsvilleHome.com for Real Estate Listings By Neighborhood in Edwardsville, Illinoisnd here's the email address: MyEdwardsvilleHome@GoshenRealtyGroup.com

Bright, clean and open - 402 Bluebird Troy, IL

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:47:25 -0700

Call agent for more info:		Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt at 618-791-8007
Or Text for more info:		Text "129572" To 79564

402 Blue Bird
Troy, IL 62294
Clean Bright Four-Bedroom Home

Price	:	$179,900
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	3
Square Foot	:	2,517
Lot Size	:	11 sq.ft.
County	:	Madison
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1992
MLS Number	:	4002320

more pictures below

Property Description

Not your typical bi-level! This home's living room and dining area are open to a spacious kitchen with breakfast bar. Three big bedrooms upstairs, include a master suite with private bath. The lower level offers plenty of flexible space with a large family room and office/4th bedroom. Two-car side entry garage. Huge corner lot with fenced back yard. This home qualifies for 100% financing through USDA. Buyer to verify all information including but not limited to square footage from county records, lot size, USDA eligibility, and room sizes.

Call agent for more info:		Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt at 618-791-8007
Or Text for more info:		Text "129572" To 79564

RE/MAX Preferred Partners
One 157 Center
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Live Large at Dunlap Lake! 435 W Lake Drive, Edwardsville

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:34:13 -0700

Call agent for more info:		Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt at 618-791-8007
Or Text for more info:		Text "129496" To 79564

435 W Lake
Edwardsville, IL 62025
LIve Large At Dunlap Lake

Price	:	$349,900
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	3
Square Foot	:	3,400
County	:	Madison
Property Type	:	Detached
MLS Number	:	3015812

more pictures below

Property Description

NEW PRICE! Live large at Dunlap Lake in this 3,400-square-foot home with a beautiful view of common ground and water from the front and a private paradise in the back. An open floor plan plus custom cabinetry and two built-in wet bars make entertaining a breeze. Updated kitchen has gorgeous granite countertops and backsplash. Master suite retreat on main level with new carpet, three large closets and dual sinks plus a jetted tub. Roomy loft between upstairs bedrooms is a perfect spot for a home office. Screened-in porch overlooks patio with fence and large level yard. Back yard is ringed by trees for privacy. Other features include formal dining/living room combo, shared boat dock, fishing and water privileges, new roof in 2010, LeafGuard gutters, skylights, fresh paint, Andersen windows, plenty of storage, kitchen pantry, new water heater, lookout basement, alarm system, whole-house vac, lower level game or family room, many built-ins and so much more.

Call agent for more info:		Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt at 618-791-8007
Or Text for more info:		Text "129496" To 79564

RE/MAX Preferred Partners
One 157 Center
Edwardsville, IL 62025

5 Cedar Mill, Troy - Immaculate One-Owner Ranch

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 22:32:33 -0700

Call agent for more info:		Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt at 618-791-8007
Or Text for more info:		Text "129353" To 79564

5 Cedar Mill
Troy, IL 62294
5 Cedar Mill

Price	:	$259,900
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	3
Square Foot	:	2,724
County	:	Madison
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2003
MLS Number	:	4002525

more pictures below

Property Description

Gorgeous custom-built, one-owner ranch. This is open floor plan living at its best: beautiful great room with gas fireplace and hardwood floors, open dining room space, open kitchen with counter bar, open breakfast nook with bay window and access to the 12 x 12 covered deck and 13 x 15 sun deck. Beautiful trim throughout. Split bedroom plan. Big master suite offers spacious walk-in closet, full bath. Two additional bedrooms are on the main level. Lower level includes family room and fourth bedroom. Walkout to patio and huge, fenced, level back yard. Three-car garage.

Call agent for more info:		Nancy Milton & Kristina Pratt at 618-791-8007
Or Text for more info:		Text "129353" To 79564

RE/MAX Preferred Partners
One 157 Center
Edwardsville, IL 62025

April Events In Collinsville

Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:43:31 -0700

There is so much more to Collinsveille than the Italian Fest, horseradish and the world's largest catsup bottle - not that any of those are bad! You'll be surprised at the great quality of life Collinsville offers it's residents. The Collinsville Area Recreation District (CARD) is the sponsor of these upcoming events in April...

April 16

Breakfast with the Bunny at Ravanelli's

Includes breakfast and a picture with the Easter Bunny. Registration deadline is April 8th. $11 for adults and $9 for children. (Take $1 off if you a are a Collinsville resident with a Collinsville Area Recreation District card)

9:00 - 10:30 am

April 22 - 29

Earth Day/Arbor Day Celebration

The Collinsville Area Recreation District will be planting 20 trees in several Collinsville parks and they are looking for volunteers to help. all 618-346-7529 for details.

April 30

Willoughby Waggin' Dog Walk

10:00 - 2:00 pm Willoughby Heritage Farm, 631 Willoughby Lane

Explore trails and meet other dog owners during this free event. On-site vendors and a special visit and presentation by the Collinsville Police Department's K-9 officers. FREE!

Edwardsville Short Sales - Selling Your Edwardsville Home as a Short Sale

Thu, 10 Mar 2011 11:37:22 -0800

If you're experiencing a financial hardship that has caused you to fall behind on your house payments, there is hope.

1. Don't feel embarrassed. With the recent economic downturn, many people are going through the same experience you are. You are not alone.

2. Don't give up. Communicate with your lender - the worst thing you can do is try to ignore the problem. Since late payments are so common in today's lending environment, many lenders will work with you to lower your payments or help you work out a loan modification.

3. Foreclosure isn't the only option. If you can't qualify for a loan modification or you think you have no other options, a short sale may be your next step.

With those points in mind, you may be wondering what exactly a short sale is and what it means for you as a seller.

The simplest definition of a short sale is: When you have a hardship that is preventing you from making your payments and your house isn't worth what you owe the bank. For example, if you owe your lender $200,000 but your home is only worth $175,000, a short sale allows you to sell the home at the current market value.

PLEASE NOTE: Whether or not you will have to pay back the amount shorted, pay taxes on the amount shorted or if the shorted amount will be forgiven varies from lender to lender - it is important that you consult your tax advisor and/or attorney for detailed information regarding your specific situation.

If you're facing foreclosure and want to explore other options, we can help. At Goshen Realty Group we will be your guide through the process. We'll provide you with the information and tools needed to successfully sell your home as a short sale.

Our team is set up to help you reach your goal of selling your Edwardsville home as a short sale. Kristina Pratt is one of our team members who is a REALTOR that holds the SFR designation - Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource. This designation is earned from the National Association of Realtors and trains agents on the intricacies of the short sale and foreclosure process. Goshen Realty Group also offers sellers the expertise of a transaction coordinator that has successfully closed numerous short sales, and REALTOR Nancy Milton who holds the GRI designation.

If you're wondering if a short sale is right for you, contact us today.

Edwardsville Tigers Football Schedule - 2010

Sat, 28 Aug 2010 23:27:24 -0700

Varsity

Saturday 8/28 11:00AM @ Lincoln Way East

Saturday 9/4 7:00PM vs. Bogan High School

Friday 9/10 7:00PM vs. Belleville East High School

Saturday 9/18 1:00PM @ East St. Louis Senior High School

Friday 9/24 7:00PM vs. Collinsville High School

Friday 10/1 7:00PM @ Granite City High School

Friday 10/8 7:00PM vs. Alton High School

Friday 10/15 7:00PM @ O'Fallon High School

Friday 10/22 7:00PM @ Belleville West High School

Sophomore

Saturday 9/11 11:00AM @ Belleville East High School

Monday 9/20 4:00PM vs. East St. Louis Senior High School

Saturday 9/25 11:00AM @ Collinsville High School

Saturday 10/2 11:00AM vs. Granite City High School

Saturday 10/9 11:00AM @ Alton High School

Saturday 10/16 11:00AM vs. O Fallon High School

Tuesday 10/19 6:00PM vs. Rockwood Summit High School

Saturday 10/23 11:00AM vs. Belleville West High School

Freshman

Saturday 9/4 9:00AM @ EHS JAMBOREE

Saturday 9/11 9:00AM @ Belleville East High School

Saturday 9/18 9:00AM @ East St. Louis Senior High School

Saturday 9/25 9:00AM @ Collinsville High School

Saturday 10/2 9:00AM vs. Granite City High School

Thursday 10/7 5:00PM @ Staunton High School

Saturday 10/9 9:00AM @ Alton High School

Saturday 10/16 9:00AM vs. O'Fallon High School

Saturday 10/23 9:00AM vs. Belleville West High School

62034 Homes For Sale - Glen Carbon Real Estate

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:30:17 -0700

62034 Real Estate: Update on Homes for Sale in Edwardsville IL

Earlier this year, CNN Money magazine named Glen Carbon, Illinois as one of their best places to live.

Since that news broke, I'm hearing from more people who are curious about the real estate market in Glen Carbon and how they might be able to take advantage of home sales opportunities in our area.

Browse through active real estate listings at your convenience by following the links below. I've organized them into variety of price categories. (Don't know what price range you need? Send me an email and I'll give you the contact information for some excellent local lenders.)

Click here to see all homes for sale in Glen Carbon priced under $100,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in Glen Carbon priced from $100,000 to $200,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in Glen Carbon priced from $200,000 to $300,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in Glen Carbon priced from $300,000 to $400,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in Glen Carbon priced at $500,000 and above

62025 Real Estate: Update on Homes for Sale in Edwardsville IL

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 22:22:22 -0700

62025 Real Estate: Update on Homes for Sale in Edwardsville IL

Earlier this month, Family Circle magazine named Edwardsville, Illinois as one of the 10 Best Towns for Families 2010.

Since that news broke, I'm hearing from more people who are curious about the real estate market in Edwardsville and how they might be able to take advantage of home sales opportunities in our area.

Currently, there are 273 single-family homes for sale in the city of Edwardsville proper. Expanding the search to include the entire Edwardsville School District, 430 houses are on the market. (The district encompasses a wide area of more rural communities such as Hamel, Prairietown, Worden and Dorsey as well as the large community of Holiday Shores which is centered around a popular recreational lake and next-door neighbor Glen Carbon, one of CNN/Money's Best Places to Live in America.)

Click here to see all homes for sale in and near Edwardsville priced under $100,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in and near Edwardsville priced from $100,000 to $200,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in and near Edwardsville priced from $200,000 to $300,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in and near Edwardsville priced from $300,000 to $500,000

Click here to see all homes for sale in and near Edwardsville priced at $500,000 and above

Homes For Sale In Ebbets Field Edwardsville, IL

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:36:12 -0700

Ebbets Field is an upscale neighborhood in Edwardsville is located off Gerber Road near Goshen Road. It is east of IL-159 and close to schools, shopping and the new YMCA Meyer Center.

Click here to see details and pictures of homes currently for sale in the Ebbets Field.

Ebbets Field is located in the Edwardsville School District. See anything you like? Call, text or email and we'll see if the homes in Ebbets Field will meet your needs.

Weekend Events In Edwardsville

Fri, 20 Aug 2010 23:25:03 -0700

August 21

Storytime at the Benjamin Stephenson House 1:00 - 2:00 Admission is free

Goshen Farmers Market - downtown Edwardsville from 8:00 - Noon

August 22

Metro-East Humane Society Annual Critter Classic at Oakbrook Golf Club - $85 per golfer, click the link for more details.

D.A.R.E. Car Show Edwardsville High School - Register your car, enjoy food, silent auction, kids games. All money raised goes to the Edwardsville Police Departments DARE program.

August 30

Horizon of Hope Campaign Dinner for breast cancer research Dinner at 6:30 at the N.O. Nelson Campus Leclaire Room. $35 per person, please RSVP by August 23rd. Call Patty at 781-2348 or Sheri at 655-9522 for details

Buying Your First Home Is A Big Milestone, So Have Some Fun!

Sat, 31 Jul 2010 00:24:27 -0700

There are certain rites of passage in this crazy ride we call life. You're born, you take your first steps, say your first words, and then before you know it you're off to your first day of school. There are a lot of "firsts" in our lives. But let's not forget one of the biggest - your first house. First time buyer (and now friend) Laura, is pictured to the right.

Everyone becomes a first time buyer at a different stage in their lives. I've worked with buyers fresh out of college, and those that are in their 50s and 60s. It doesn't matter when you get to this milestone - it's a big one. And it's supposed to be fun. It's something you'll only do once. That's why I love working with first time buyers - they made up over 90% of my buyer clients this last year.

When you choose to work with me and my team at Goshen Realty Group to buy your first home, you can expect it to be a fun process.

The first thing I'll do is have you come into our office for a quick consultation about how everything works, what costs are involved, your needs/wants and why it's important to have your own representation. (Just to let you know, in our market buyer's agents are paid by the seller at closing, so you don't owe me a dime at the closing table. But, there are things such as home inspections, down payments and appraisals that are paid for by the buyer.)

After our meeting, you can have a chat with one of our local lenders. It's important to talk to a lender not just to get pre-approved, but to understand that your monthly payment will include things such as property taxes and possibly mortgage insurance. Our lenders understand that first time buyers have tons of questions, and they are always happy to help. You will never feel like you are "bothering" anyone during this process. You will always know that I'm just a text, phone call or e-mail away.

Once we've got your price range and needs/wants squared away - the fun can begin. We'll look at houses and eventually we'll walk into a place where you'll feel right at home. It meets all your needs and it even includes some of your wants. You'll know this is the one for you.

That's when I really go to work for you - we'll put an offer together and I'll handle negotiations, setting up inspections and handling any bumps along the way - all in an effort to make your first home buying experience as fun and stress-free as possible. Once we've cleared all the hurdles together, it's time for closing.

At the closing table, you'll sign a bazillion papers and by the end of it you'll be wishing you had a rubber signature stamp. You'll take the keys knowing I've been with you every step of the way, watching out for your best interests and making sure you're happy during a stressful -- yet ultimately rewarding -- time in your life.

So, who out there is ready to have some fun? Text or call me at 618-917-0775.

Low Cost Back To School Physicals in Edwardsville

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:31:13 -0700

With the new school year fast approaching, parents are going to be spending a lot of money on supplies - but here is one way you can save.

On July 27th, 28th (1:00 - 7:00) and July 30th (4:00 - 7:00) at Lincoln Middle School in Edwardsville, your child can receive a back to school physical from the Lewis and Clark Mobile Health Unit for just $25. Physicals will also be available at Liberty Middle School on July 29th from 1:00 - 7:00.

For more information call Kim McAdams at 468-4440.

Metro-East 4th of July Fireworks displays

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:51:09 -0700

Looking to add a "bang" to your 4th of July weekend? :)

Here is a list of local displays for July 2010

Holiday Shores
July 4th at dusk
309 Holiday Dam Rd
Edwardsville, IL 62025

Alhambra Fireworks Display
July 3rd 9:15pm
610 W Main St
Alhambra, IL 62001

Troy Tri-Township Park Fireworks Display
July 4th - Dusk
Tri-Township Park
Troy, IL 62294

Granite City Fireworks
July 4th at dusk
Wilson Park 2900 Benton St
Granite City, IL 62040

Alton Riverfront Amphitheater
July 2, 2010 9 p.m.
#1 Henry St.
Alton, IL 62002

Lake Lou Yeager
July 4
Fireworks at 9:30pm.
Litchfield, IL 62056

Goshen Gourmet - Welcome back, Red'z Rib Shack!

Sun, 30 May 2010 00:32:34 -0700

Yum. The smell of pulled pork, chicken, ribs and pork steaks is once again filling the air in Madison County. Welcome back, Red'z Rib Shack.

In the early 1990s, Red'z started as a humble operation in a small house in Maryville. The original owners eventually sold the business when they moved from the area, and a brother and sister team took over.

If you've lived in Maryville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville or Edwardsville for awhile you may remember that Red'z Rib Shack was on the corner of 159 and 162. In the world of real estate, we call this location "prime"... ;) Many BBQ lovers were upset to see Red'z go when Walgreens bought the chunk of land and developed it in 2008.

However, our patience has now been rewarded. Red'z is open again with the original owners (Randy and Shiona Quick) in a new location. It's located in the heart of Edwardsville on Troy Road. (Across from Deals in the old Rally's building).

The menu will look familiar to those of us that were among the first visitors to the original restaurant. Hickory smoked chicken, pulled pork, ribs and center cut pork steaks are back. Each platter is served with two sides and bread, a kaiser roll or homemade sourdough bread. Sides include potato salad, coleslaw, applesauce and baked beans.

Can it get any better? Oh yes, it can. Red'z now delivers... yeah, I told you it got better.

So fellow BBQ lovers, rejoice. The Shack is back.

Red'z Rib Shack
1501 Troy Road
Edwardsville, IL 62025

618-656-8000

Tuesday - Sunday from 11:00 am til 8:00 pm

Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Home Sales

Thu, 27 May 2010 14:00:54 -0700

Did you know the odds of selling your home in Edwardsville or Glen Carbon are only 51%?

In the past six months, 205 houses sold in Ed/Glen - while 402 were put on the market. The average days a house spends on the market before closing is 285.

The market is tough right now, but it doesn't mean you can't sell if you need to. The following five steps will help increase your odds.

1. Price it right. Don't price your house higher than the market will bear - or even worse - higher than your competition. You must price your home competitively or buyers won't even bother to look at it. There used to be a time when you could build-in a lot of wiggle room for negotiations - those days are gone. Price it right to garner the attention of buyers. The job of your agent is not to tell you what the house is worth, rather their job is to help you price it to sell.

2. Clean it up. Make sure your home sparkles. Go the extra mile to clean sinks, counter tops, cobwebs, kitchens and especially bathrooms. Put the toilet lid down, close shower curtains, check the fridge for funny smells and open blinds for showings. (Just make sure you clean your windows and glass doors first).

3. De-clutter. In a market where buyers have so much choice available, maximize your living and closet space by renting a storage unit. Make every square foot you have count.

4. Neutralize. You might love your bright red walls, blue carpet, floral wallpaper or neon green bedroom - but buyers won't. If your home is going head to head with competition that is already neutralized, odds are the home that doesn't require a cosmetic overhaul will win out.

5. Make repairs. Even small repairs can help buyers feel like they are getting the most for their money. Tighten loose door knobs, change light bulbs, fix broken baseboards, fill holes in walls - you get the idea.

Above all, don't be afraid to ask your agent for help pointing out some things that might require attention. The hardest part of selling your house is making the shift in your mind to treat it as a commodity instead of a home. Right now most buyers want to get the most for their money. They tend to prefer homes that are move-in ready.

In a tough market, you need all of the advantages you can get.For more information visit our "Sellers" section of our website at GoshenRealtyGroup.com With a little bit of elbow grease, a good agent and above all - patience - you can sell in this market.

What Do You Mean It's SOLD Already!?!

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:26:06 -0800

Buyers, lets face it... how many times have you thought this after calling an agent of a house you found online?

The fact is, homes in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon and the surrounding areas that are priced right and in excellent condition sell fast. Many websites that have listings don't update daily - sometimes not for 5 to 15 day spans - and the best new listings are under contract before these sites even post them for sale.

Think about that for a second... that means many of the great values and outstanding homes are sold long before they ever show up on the Internet. One of those homes may have been "the one" and you just barely missed out on it.

However, all is not lost - there is a quick and easy solution - a property manager account on GoshenRealtyGroup.com

Our website has a property search feature that feeds directly from the multiple listing service. It updates more than once a day, and you will be notified when your dream home hits the market. By searching for your home at GoshenRealtyGroup.com you will have a distinct competitive advantage.

Stop missing out... head over to GoshenRealtyGroup.com and start searching today.