"Turn at the Mushroom House" you may hear people say when giving directions to the best kept secret of North Glen Ellyn, IL.  Derby Glen is a subdivision built in the 1990's by J.C. Brothers Builders (traditional designs) and Airhart Builders (more of a contemporary design)  http://quaidhomes.com/06862872.ad This link will give you an example of the type of homes found in Derby Glen.  Derby Glen is a close knit community with many neighborhood sponsored events throughout the year: neighborhood garage sales, progressive dinners, girls and guys nights out, etc.  Conveniently located to both Downtown Glen Ellyn and Downtown Wheaton, Derby Glen's location can't be beat.  Easy access to the Metra Train line, I355 and I88 Expressways make getting to work a breeze.  Award winning Glen Ellyn Elementary School District 41 and High School District 87, fabulous ParkDistrict programs, Community Events http://quaidhomes.com/links.htm Take a look at what Glen Ellyn has to offer.  This subdivision gives you the large home without the "in-town" price tag to go along with it!!  Houses do not go up for sale in this neighborhood very often.  Feel free to contact me at kquaid@wowway.com to set up a search for you or let the Realtor you are currently working with set one up.  Derby Glen- don't forget to turn at the mushroom house!!!

When getting ready to sell your house you have to remember one very important "room" - your exterior - yard and house!!  The first thing that people see when you put the sign in your yard is the exterior of your home - make it shine!!  Certain parts of the country have a hard time making their house shine during the gloomy winter months, but there are still things you can do to perk it up.  A beautiful wreath or door ornament can brighten up your entrance.  Also, empty planters can be adorned with evergreens, decorative branches, etc.  I was staging an empty home during the holiday season and literally cut branches off of my clients crabapple tree, red twig dogwood and evergreen and it made the most beautiful planters - no cost!!

In the warmer weather make sure that your grass is cut, sidewalks swept and flowers are in the planters and flower beds.  A little color goes a long way.  If your patio furniture is looking shabby give it a little face lift.  Power wash it, maybe a new coat of paint and some new cushions make the "outdoor living space" more inviting.  If you have a concrete patio or sidewalks give them a good power washing as well - your concrete will look new again.

There is  a great amount of competition out there right now - make your home stand out and be noticed!!

You have been looking for a house for some time now and suddenly there it is!!  You look at your Realtor, a big smile comes across your face, you start to get butterflies in your stomach and the next thing you know you are writing a contract.  Believe it or not, your Realtor is just as excited for you as you are for yourself.  You present the offer and the negotiations begin.  Back and forth, waiting for responses, countering - you feel like you are on the longest rollercoaster ride ever.  Then it happens - the Seller's Agent calls and says that another offer has come in - what is happening?  Can they do this? 

The Seller's Agent has an obligation to their client to submit ALL offers that come in.  What are the chances of someone bringing in an offer at the same time you do - actually,  the chances are very good.  When an offer comes in on a house the Listing Agent immediately gets on the phone and starts calling any buyer that was on the fence about the house.  This is a great way for the Listing Agent to get a multiple offer situation going and most likely getting a better price for the Seller.

When this happens the Listing Agent should call all parties involved and tell them to bring in their highest and best offer.  The Sellers will look at all offers presented and choose the offer they would like to work with.

If you find yourself in this situation truly go in with the highest offer you can afford and the best terms (earnest money, closing date, etc) that work for you and prepare yourself for the outcome.

If your offer is not chosen you WILL be disappointed, but shake it off.  Everything happens for a reason.  You will find another house and, in 99% of the cases, you will be sooooo happy that the first one did not work out!!

You are sitting at the closing table excited and nervous - you have just purchased a new home!!!  You bought Title Insurance and Homeowner's Insurance, but there is one more "Insurance Policy" you should buy  - A Line of Credit (LOC) on your new home.  Immediately following the closing is the best time to open a LOC.  Open the line for the highest amount possible.  Most banks offer a LOC for a mere $50 per year fee and often times there is no closing cost.  You don't have to use it, but it is always there - just in case!!  You never know what opportunities might present themselves to you - an unexpected home repair, a new vehicle, a real estate opportunity, school expenses, etc.  When these situations come up you don't want to have to scramble for the money.  The worst time to try to get money is when you NEED it - be prepared!!  Get your $50 "Insurance Policy" and rest easy.

I received a call today from a buyer who had seen my bulletin board in town and was wanting me to discuss the possibility of listing their home.  "Wow", I thought to myself, this is great!  Not only was I excited about the prospect of a new client, but I was happy that my marketing was paying off.  I proceeded with the conversation and finally asked, "So, where is your house?"  The seller's voice immediately changed its pitch and the reply was less than enthusiastic. They went from happy and excited about the possibility of moving to not so happy about the fact they had to sell their particular home.

The one thing that sellers have to remember is that enthusiasm is contagious!  They are the #1 advocates for thier home.  If you act as if your particular neighborhood or property is anything but great then everyone else will follow suit.  This is also true of the agents you talk to about marketing your home.  If they come into your home and focus solely on the negative aspects - promptly mark them off of your list!  It is important that you and your agent are realistic, but EVERY piece of property has something positive about it - make sure that THAT is what you concentrate on.  

I asked my prospect if their neighborhood was on well and septic.  Again, the Debbie Downer voice creeped in and they replied "yes".  I said that you should reply "Yes! you can water your lawn all day long for free!!"  Whenever I am asked things about a property I am listing I am truthful and POSITIVE!  Make sure you price your house according to the neighborhood comps - a realistic price is a price that sells.

So the next time someone asks you about your home tell them how much you love it - you never know - they just might be in the market for a new home!