Check out the deals on this website www.BargainDash.com

Selection is limited, but the prices are pretty great. If you decide to buy anything, make sure to use Coupon Code "ar907" to get an extra 10% off your whole order before 9/30/07.

Check it out. I ordered a new digital camera, mp3 player, and batteries! By cutting out high cost advertising and relying only on word-of-mouth and active rain, they pass along the savings to their customers.

Cheers,
Mike

Recently, I've had the question asked, "Does it matter what day of the week I list my home for sale on the MLS?"

I tell my clients that Wednesday is the best day to list a property.  Buyers are starting to look forward to the weekend and visits to real estate websites often increase later in the week.  Plus, for the Multiple Listing Service of Illinois, new listings are marked as "NEW" for the first 5 days.  Thus, you want your listing to reflect that it's new/fresh for the whole Friday/Saturday/Sunday that it's on the market.

Lastly, Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell finalizes their weekend print advertising on Thursday morning... so you'll want your NEW listing to not only be NEW for the whole weekend, but also to appear in the newspaper and print media for that first weekend.  This is just one of many tips I utilize to maximize the marketing impact of the homeowners I work for.

I've definitely met agents with varied opinions on this.  What do you think?  Do you have another strategy or approach?  Let us know what works for you!

Happy Listing!

RealtorMike   www.NorthStarAgent.com

As the Joliet, Plainfield, and other markets slow down and shift to favor buyers, many homeowners are struggling to sell their house.  While some sellers are utilizing home warranty programs to entice buyers and compete with the abundance of homes on the market, savvy sellers and realtors are offering special buy-down options to attract more buyers without lowering their price.

It's a win-win situation in which a seller can "buy-down" the interest rate for the buyer.  This typically will cost the seller less money than lowering their price, yet it will save the buyer more money in interest than if they purchase the home at a lower price.  Additionally, it can help more buyers qualify for financing.  Call, email, or post comments for more details on this really great option!  It can help you save $1000's!!

Best Wishes,

Mike

If you've missed out on Movie in the Park this summer, there's still a couple more opportunities to bring the family out before school resumes!

• Friday August 10th @ 8pm   Raiders of the Lost Ark (rated PG, run time 115 minutes)
• Friday August 24th @ 8pm   Little Giants                    (rated PG, run time 106 minutes)

I recommend you bring a couple lawn chairs or possibly blankets to lay out on.  As far as I know, coolers with non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.  So make time for a family night or treat your loved one to a date night!  Best of all... it's FREE!

The movies will be shown in the Richard A Rock Amphitheater at Settlers' Park which is located southeast of the intersection of Lockport St (Rt-30) and Van Dyke directly behind the new Village Hall.  Parking is available in the Village Hall lot off of Village Center Drive and on Van Dyke.

Hope to see you there!  For further details, Click Here.

Michael Hitchcock   815-600-1831   www.NorthStarAgent.com