I was reading the latest edition of Realtor magazine and was happy to see this article praising the coming year.

Existing-home sales are expected to rise gradually in 2007 from current levels, with annual totals slightly lower than 2006, while new-home sales will continue to slide, according to the latest forecast by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

This is due to lower interest rates at the beginning of the year, however it is expected that interest rates will rise to around 6.7% in or around the fourth quarter of 2007 as opposed to the Freddie Mac reporting of a fixed, 30 year at 6.11%

I have been reviewing and tweaking my goal setting for the upcoming year (with the help of some blogs by fellow AR members) and want to wish everyone a successful and positive 2007.

I don't know what it is, but lately I've been bombarded with all of these companies that provide leads, etc.  As we all know, in this industry, without leads, we've got nothing. 

I have researched a few of these sites (House Values, Realty Tracker, etc.), but have found they are quite expensive.  Not to mention that I've never spoken to anyone who has used them.  Which brings me to this blog.  Does anyone use these tools?  Have you found they're worth the price?  Which one (if any) works best for you?

I am curious to hear how many people have had success with (or have at least tried) any of these lead generation companies.  Please let me know your thoughts.

If I've said it once, I'll say it again.  "I love Algonquin!"  So much to do, so little time...From the great shopping at Algonquin Commons to the various festivals held in the downtown area throughout the year...

Here's some info on the current market conditions for Algonquin real estate.  As of today, there are 226 single family homes on the market ranging from $150k-$999k.  The average market time for properties in this area is 117 days. 

For townhomes and duplexes in this area, there are currently 110 units on the market ranging from less than $149k to $399k. Average market time for these properties is 109 days.

For information on available real estate in Algonquin, please visit http://suburbanhousehunters.com/ or call me directly at 847-208-5151.

 

 

I wanted to reach out to my fellow Realtors to find a better method of organization to keep one's car clean from various showings, etc.

What system have you implemented that works best for you?  I am finding that at the end of the day, I have stacks of papers, etc in my car and it's really hard to keep everything straight.

Please provide any information on what works for you.  I appreciate your input.

Laurie

So I just returned home from showing properties in a popular suburb nearby. Out of the 5 houses shown, 3 of them were absolutley filthy!  What's going on???

Do sellers not realize the value of having a cleaning crew come through?

I have to say that I am absolutely boggled. A few of the houses reeked of smoke.  Several had thick dust "bunnies" throughout the house and layers of dust.  Need I even mention the piles of clothes and trash cans that looked like they haven't been emptied in a month??

Am I crazy, but in this market, as agents when we list, do we not stress the importance of cleanliness?

I just can't get over it.  I think I have the odor from the last house all over my clothes. 

Please stress to your sellers how important it is to have the house cleaned and in order!!

Those Febreeze air fresheners only cost a few bucks, but make a HUGE difference when showing a home, not to mention what a difference clothes being put away and trash being emptied make!

I'm going to shower now...gotta wash that smell off of me.  Ewww.

 

Does anyone have feedback regarding the blogs I've been posting?  I'm just curious.  Are there other subjects I should be more focused on?  I thought the snapshots of my area could help other agents nationwide so that they would be educated in the market in Illinois.

Please let me know any feedback.

Bartlett is a western suburb of Chicago.  There are many golf courses, parks, and fine restaurants located within the downtown area.  Bartlett is a great place for commuters because the Metra train line runs through the downtown area, making it easily accessible to individuals working in the downtown Chicago vicinity.

Below is an average of properties available on the market in the Bartlett area:

Active Listings Summary

Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price 119 $339,700 $372,663 $2,250,000 $134,900

Visit www.SuburbanHouseHunters.com for more information about Bartlett Real Estate or call me directly at 847-208-5151.

Carol Stream is a suburb offering many buyers various avenuesof home purchasing options.  This community boasts a large park district with state of the art facilities and many newer schools.  There is an abundance of shopping in this area as well as proximity to various highways and toll roads, which make it a great location for commuters. For the avid golfer, there are 46 golf courses located in DuPage county. 

The current snapshot for Carol Stream for available properties is:

Avg. MT	Median List Price	Avg. List Price	Max. List Price	Min. List Price
94	$284,900	$291,016	$738,500	$93,900

 

Visit www.SuburbanHouseHunters.com for more information about Carol Stream Real Estate, including a free mls search that includes all homes on the market or call me directly at 847-208-5151.

Mount Prospect has quite a variety of real estate options.  Condos and townhomes start in the low $100,000s for one or two bedroom properties. The larger, newer townhome communitites and condos range from the high $300,000s - $800,000 and more for luxury-living units featuring additional amenities. Single-family detached homes are available from $300,000s - $800,000s. There are many great parks nestled in the quiet, tree-lined streets of the village.

Current market averages for the Village of Mount Prospect are:

Avg. MT	Median List Price	Avg. List Price	Max. List Price	Min. List Price
96	$349,900	$359,468	$1,350,000	$95,900

Visit www.SuburbanHouseHunters.com for more information about Mount Prospect Real Estate, including a free mls search that includes all homes on the market.