Buy Cary Area Homes, Real Estate and Home Staging

Lake in the Hills - 4 bedroom home!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 06:03:53 -0500

Lake in the Hills - 4 bedroom home priced to sell at 294900! 419 Prides Run - Excellent condition, gorgeous back yard with loads of professional landscaping and pool!

To visit, call Mary McDonald at 847-989-2462 or visit http://www.McMary.com and click on "featured listings"

Cary, IL Homes for sale in Sterling Ridge!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:59:15 -0500

Newer 4 bedroom home in Sterling Ridge backing to common area - amazing price of 399,000!

394 Sterling Circle - completely spotless and move-in ready. To visit, call Mary McDonald at 847-989-2462 or visit http://www.BuyCaryAreaHomes.com and go to "featured listings"

Cary, IL Homes for sale in Brittany Woods!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 05:55:01 -0500

Brittany Woods - three car garage - finished basement - backs to open area - newer roof and siding!

Listed at 319,900 this weekend! Hurry!

Call Mary McDonald at 847-989-2462 to tour this home or visit http://www.BuyCaryAreaHomes.com and click on featured homes!

The Psychology of Selling

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:47:45 -0500

A recent seller had originally been approached when they were not on the market by and agent and her buyers - As they were not going to have to pay the listing side of the sale they agreed to a price. The only problem was that the buyers said they would attempt a bridge loan as they had a home to sell but really wanted the sellers' home. One extension request followed another and finally the sellers were frustrated because their home was "invisible" to the market and this buyer had the advantage. Finally they listed their home and underpriced it by nearly 10K in order to attract attention and as well because after so many months of waiting for the buyers to get their bridge loan, the home's marketing price had fallen anyway. Within the first 2 weeks they received an offer that was very close to their asking price and therefore much higher than the original buyers were going to offer with a buyer eager to close within 3 weeks. While they have to rent, they are thrilled that they can now enter this market as buyers and will rent until they find the home that will suit their family. In this scenario it really made sense to underprice their home slightly in order for it to stand out!

magnet lettering for cars

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:40:01 -0500

Somewhere I remember seeing car lettering (not the vinyl magnets) that looked somewhat like the raised lettering that car manufacturers use to name the brand of vehicle. These were raised silver letters that had a magnetic backing to put onto one's car. Can't seem to find them now. Does anyone know where I may have seen these?

It's easy to register your clients at Elgin River Park Place

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 07:10:08 -0600

Yesterday the REMAX hot air balloon was available for tethered rides at the Elgin townhomes at Elgin's River Park Place. However after an hour, winds picked up and the rides had to be stopped in the interest of safety. In lieu of the tethered rides, guests are invited to enter a drawing for a free ride for two on the balloon. Agents, to register your clients this builder is making it easier than ever in honor of your relationship with your clients. Simply visit http://www.ElginRiverParkPlace.com and print the client registration form -- complete and fax it to the number at the top of the form. Do this even if your clients have yet to visit the properties as it will protect your relationship even if they visit without you!

Find Yourself Above The Crowd at River Park Place -- Elgin

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 05:36:52 -0500

For those Remax agents (other agents too but it is a Remax balloon so not sure you would want to) who care to take advantage of this - invite your clients! I am representing a builder in Elgin, IL who is opening up the model townhomes across the street from the Grand Victoria Casino and the river in the downtown Festival Park area. On November 10th from 2:00-5:00 pm (weather permitting) the first 75 guests who tour the models can cross the street to the park with their ticket for a tethered ride in the world famous Remax hot air balloon. For a virtual tour of these properties visit the Elgin River Park Place Townhomes!

Wrap Your Mind Around This!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 04:31:23 -0500

In a class yesterday I joined a seasoned agent for lunch whom I had just met. He asked how I am interpreting this market and my response was that it was the only market I have known so I wasn't feeling it perhaps as strongly as agents who, when they joined, joined in a stronger market. He, on the other hand, had seen this market before so too felt he was able to weather it. Something I haven't tried yet but have questions about is how often have some of you approached your sellers about offering a wrap around mortgage to a buyer who otherwise would not be in a position to give a conventional mortgage? If the seller can afford to continue to carry the mortgage does this approach make sense? Do they need to put the home in trust and assign beneficial interest to the buyer in order to avoid the buyer getting home owner's insurance in the new name? Is this practice increasingly popular?

Why Buyers Agents need to embrace Staging

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 05:53:38 -0500

In a recent report by the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents, Mary McDonald, Broker Associate and member of The Mary Opfer Team at RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest was named among the Nation's Top 5 Home Staging Professionals.

The report highlighted the effects of Home Staging on buyers and warned buyers and their agents to be aware of the emotional draw to properties that have been staged for sale. The report illustrated how working with an buyer's agent who is unfamiliar with home staging can lead to selecting a home to purchase based solely on emotion. While the report's intent was to encourage buyers to work with the association's member agents, it exposed critical reasons why both buyers and sellers should choose an agent who is very familiar with and embraces Home Staging. Read the complete (short) article at http://www.McMary.com/HSTop5

Speaking of Looking on the Bright Side...

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 08:06:42 -0500

Last October I began a "relationship" with an internet buyer who clicked onto my website which resulted in a sale 9 months later. She had asked me to compare this home to others in the neighborhood....why was it listed so high, might I visit it and take inside photos, measure for furniture...be sure to get a shot of the driveway's angle as well as the depth of the back yard....and don't forget the neighboring yards....are there pools and playsets and might that suggest loud children in the summer? Did all that....then continued "talking" for months. As she was from Florida, we didn't get to meet live until Mother's Day weekend this year. Because her home had finally sold (she had also called me to refer her a new listing agent in FL at one point) she was ready now to buy. She mentioned that she had a friend in Real Estate but that this "friend" didn't know the Cary market I sell in and she was only in that weekend....needed answers. Ultimately what I learned after the closing, when her friend in Real Estate filed an arbitration, was that in fact she had been working with her all along and in fact had taken the same inside photos of the same home -- and had even walked her through the home over the holidays while she was in visiting her family. In fact I had been used and her friend had been discarded. I of course had every right to defend my efforts but saw that any decision to award compensation would be a tough one....so waived compensation allowing it to be turned over to the "friend" who in my opinion had been wronged. I told the client that while I worked hard for her and ulitimately for my family, that my integrity was not for sale for any price and most certainly not for the stated commission on the sale of this home.

Why is it that people seem so willing to use Realtors? One wouldn't dream of making an appointment with an attorney or a physician with no intention of paying for the service. Too bad we can't post a sign on our cars reading that "Payment is due at the time of service". There are so many people I have met who would be described as "really great" by their friends and family but who are willing to "take" from a Realtor. Is it because they put us into a category of people for whom they just don't have respect? Anyway, here's the bright side.... We learn from every experience so I am more grateful to those who really do appreciate what we do and am willing to work very hard for them. As well, for some Realtor designations one needs to have represented a given number of buyers and sellers....so this counts as one more, albeit for free! Thoughts?

Riverfront Opportunity on The Fox!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:24:16 -0500

100FT of Riverfront on the popular Fox River. One of the best river lots - high and dry and deep! Home needs some work but property is worth it! Visit http://www.McMary.com for a virtual tour and more information

There's going to be a gravel pit in your backyard?

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sat, 12 May 2007 07:02:03 -0500

What happens to property values when a gravel pit is proposed to be developed adjacent to the property? We are touring a home today - family likes the home - and we have pulled comps in anticipation of writing an offer. How do we adjust (if we do) for the proposed gravel pit and its affect on the property values? The proposed pit is owned by Meyer Material Company and has been proposed to be developed over a 10 year period beginning immediately upon approval in Cary, IL. Mining will take place 6 days a week from sunup until sundown.

Has anyone had experience with this?

Behaviors That Don't Serve Well

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Wed, 02 May 2007 07:02:51 -0500

I have been at this long enough now to recognize behaviors that don't serve a buyer or a seller well. I am eager to hear from you as to what you witness and any advice you have.

Here's one: A buyer who doesn't want to list their home until they find the "perfect property". We have been looking for that property now for a year. I have explained to the buyer that when that home surfaces they should recognize the possibility that they are not going to be in as strong a negotiating position because their home isn't yet listed. Ideally they would have their home under contract already so that they are a "stronger buyer" and therefore more liberated to negotiate. Can you imagine waiting a year for the perfect home only to have your offer bumped because another buyer has already sold their home? From their perspective they don't want to have entered into a contract to sell their home and then be "forced" to compromise on their new home. I do understand the reasoning. I suppose that the another possibility exists that they will have to sell their home at a more competive price in order to move it quickly should they be in a contract to purchase their "dream home". Then again, a home has an ideal asking price anyway, regardless of the seller's motivation. I suppose if their expectations are set that they could lose the dream home by being bumped....how much time they invest in finding it is up to them.

How to Visit Open Houses

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:23:49 -0500

Should you allow a public open house on your listed home?

Before you hold an open house, it is wise to discuss with your real estate agent what you should expect from an open house. Some agents believe that with the proliferation of virtual tours and multiple photos on the Internet, that hosting an open house is a complete waste of time.

I personally believe that there are certain advantages to having a public open house, and if you are willing to put up with the more likely perceived disadvantages, you may benefit from opening your home to the public.

Here are some tips to make your open house more successful: Visit http://www.Visit-Open-Houses.com for Tips on Open Houses.

Lake Killarney at its best!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 15:18:58 -0500

This home in Lake Killarney is offered at 259,900 with full finished lower level with full bath!

Lake rights in this community. Beach... trees!

visit http://www.McMary.com for more information.

Buyer Behavior & Sales Skills in Real Estate

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 17:16:29 -0500

I haven't been in real estate for very long but I gather that what I am experiencing in buyer behavior is different that what agents have experienced in the past. A few weekends ago I opened the door at a much anticipated showing on a Saturday afternoon. Earlier that week I had sent a rather unique home to a family. They drove by..."love it", drove by it again throughout the week, "oh my goodness....we feel so at home there" and couldn't wait to see the inside. The home was everything they expected it to be, charming, unique (I loved it) - okay the kitchen was dated but that added to the charm of the home...a nice place. They held hands and listened to the wind in the trees and even closed their eyes dreaming what it would be like to live there. And they were pre-approved for the full amount! So I was surprised when they turned to me and asked, "what are you doing next weekend? There are a few more we thought we would like to see". WHAT!?! Is it because there is so much on the market that people want to be absolutely certain they aren't making a mistake? I decided that I hadn't uncovered their true motivations...and as it turns out they have decided to stay put until their son is out of school.

Now my backgrond is in sales training for a large medical company so I should be able to apply what I know but I suppose I have gotten lazy...or I think they will know what they want. What are some other experiences others are having and what questions are you finding helpful to determine a buyer's motivations?

Open House Ettiquette

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 14:03:52 -0500

Open House Ettiquette

How do people feel about removing shoes while touring an open house? Whether or not we remove them in our own homes, it is of course polite to remove them when visiting someone else's home. There are times when removing shoes seems odd. I was at a holiday party one evening a few years ago where shoes were part of the attire - it was a rather formal party so I was surprised when the staff at the door asked not only to take my coat, but my shoes too! Everyone looked strange walking around in gowns and suits and stocking feet!

At open houses and when touring homes it is different. You are not a guest in the home. While the homeowner wants to sell, it is somewhat of a violation to have people you don't know opening your closets, looking in your pantry and opening kitchen drawers. To think that they are willing to trapse around with shoes on at the same time is offensive. There are some people for whom walking "barefoot" is uncomfortable and for them most agents will place booties at the front door. But even with booties in a basket, the subtlety is lost on some people and we have to greet them with a sign that says "Please remove your shoes". Even with these signs there are people who will choose to leave shoes on. It is one of the more uncomfortable tasks a good agent is required to do and that is to remind people to remove them. I have thought it enough to bend over to remove mine, leading by example, only to find that I still have to ask my some of my clients to remove them. Believe it or not, it could help your negotiating position if you choose to put an offer on the home. If the homeowner has an opinion about a visitor who wore shoes (they can tell) they may be reluctant to negotiate with that interested family. Our behaviors often define our character in another person's eyes. So, do yourself a favor when touring open houses and wear slipons!

What Camera do You Use?

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Thu, 15 Mar 2007 07:30:10 -0500

I am in the market for a new camera and wondered if anyone has suggestions. Here is an example of a shot that I think captures more of the room and shows flow from room to room.

Then here is an example (wish I had the same room) of a room I believe could possibly look better with a better photo.

What camera do you use?

Photography and Staging

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 11 Feb 2007 19:44:27 -0600

I recently took another continuing ed class on staging and as always we were thrilled with the home's transformation. The next morning I looked in the MLS and saw that the newly listed and staged home was there. I was however so disappointed in the photographs. Too often realtors take photos of corners of the room or otherwise very uninteresting angles. Imagine you are clicking through 25 homes on the internet with 7 photos each. When you are scrolling through 175 pictures your eyes need a place to rest and ideally they will rest on a beautifully staged room in a home that is fairly priced. Homes that are photographed well get more showings and that is a fact! I believe that agents and stagers and those of us who are both, should get a camera they are comfortable using. Understand the backlight feature. Not all rooms are easy to photograph. I have had to stand outside the room and try to take a picture of it from the hallway and sometimes to my surprise it looks better that way. It certainly looks better than a corner of drywall. So often I am wondering if the dining room set is what is for sale! Sellers should expect more from their agents. I came across a photo yesterday of a kitchen where it was obvious the family had just come in from the grocery store. All I could think was that the agent showed up unannounced and was in too big a hurry to wait until they put away the groceries. Another virtual tour this morning scanned the room from top to bottom and rested on the cat's litter box. Unbelievable. Oh well. I have to go put away some groceries.

Is it really a secret?

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Wed, 17 Jan 2007 22:11:10 -0600

I need to get the movie, "The Secret" because for years I have believed that in some ways we do tend to attract that which we believe and think about. Not sure why but some thoughts comes to mind. We have the capacity for so much more energy than we often use and when we allow it to be released, amazing things can happen. I don't immediately tie this to faith but how often have we seen people struggle through incredible odds and claim their faith got them through it? In some ways having faith does allow one to lift a burden and just maybe lifting that burden releases the energy we already possess. We know that when people are depressed that they tend not to see as many ways out of their depression. Even if we aren't depressed, when we have limiting thoughts then we don't expect luck to come our way. When I think about the results people experience based on their beliefs I am reminded just how important it is to think "what if" and expect that more is possible.

Suddenly I realized why I can stage more easily in someone else's home than in my own. In theirs more is possible and in my own I am probably limiting the possibilities. What intrigues me is the role of thought in possibly attracting buyers to a property....any thoughts on that are welcome!!!

Rolling Up Your Sleeves

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 31 Dec 2006 08:04:25 -0600

I was recently asked by Realtor Magazine what benefit there was to having staging as an added part of a marketing plan for sellers. After I filled a page of thoughts I realized that for me the biggest benefit was the feeling that I am able to physically do something to help move a listing. I was reminded just how stressful it can be to move just a few months ago when I moved my home. There is always a list of "to-dos" for homeowners that we suggest when they are getting ready for a sale. If we are able to get in there and actually get some of the work done by staging the home we have been able to provide a great service to the seller. Not only are we preparing the home to show its best, we often are able to mentally prepare the homeowner as well. Since the home looks great as a result the experience can be very uplifting. I look forward to reading what they take from the page of thoughts!

In Town - Cary, IL - Affordable - Huge Yard

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 06:12:00 -0600

In-town location - Cary, IL - Affordable, 3 bedroom, finished lower level. Huge yard - moments to metra train.

Visit http://www.mcmary.com/ for a virtual tour and more information.

Near New Home, Great Schools, NO SSA Tax

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 06:01:16 -0600

4 Year old upgraded home in Sterling Ridge Estates, Cary, IL. Private fenced yard, 4 bedrooms, master suite, granite and cherry kitchen, fire place, 3 car garage moments from Cary's excellent schools. No SSA tax! Visit www.mcmary.com for a virtual tour and more information.

This gorgeous home available now in Chicago's Northwest Suburbs!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 05:56:29 -0600

1.7 wooded acres nesteled at the end of a cul-de-sac yet minutes from I-90 to Chicago. 4 bedrooms, 4 fireplaces, sauna, hot tub, and more! Visit www.mcmary.com for a virtual tour and more information.

Is it a couch? Is it paint? No, It's the Lighting!

Mary Blanchard, Broker, CRS, E-PRO, ABR, ASP (Mary Blanchard, Broker) — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 05:42:17 -0600

In the dreary winter months every home needs brightening up, especially those that are going to be marketed to potential buyers. Lighting can make an otherwise "garden variety" room very interesting and inviting!

One homeowner and client of Re-Creating Interiors (an interior redesign company owned by Accredited Staging Professional and Realtor®, Mary McDonald), recently added and balanced lighting in a room. Friends that evening asked if she had redecorated or gotten new furniture! A commercial client and CPA firm added lamp light to desks in a room that offered only overhead fluorescent bulbs. Their clients visit them primarily in the winter months and the added warmth has welcomed them into a more inviting atmosphere.

There are many types of lighting. Ambient light is that which surrounds you. Overhead lighting is an example of ambient light. Adding dimmers to ambient light makes it more functional. Task lighting includes lamp light. Accent Lighting, while not meant to illuminate the room, adds drama. Small lamps on bookcases and up-lights beside trees are examples of accent lighting. Kinetic light is "light in motion" and is achieved using candlelight or fire in a fireplace. Check your room to see if it offers the different types of light.

Positioning light throughout the room is also very important. It is best to try to balance it by placing at least 3 lamps in a triangular pattern. Is there a matching lamp in another room you may want to use? Simply changing a lamp shade can change its look and is an affordable way to extend the use of a lamp you may already own.

Until we can throw open the windows and let the sun shine in, addressing the lighting in our homes can not only improve the feel of the room but it can lift our spirits as well! This is one reason why home stagers pay close attention to a home's lighting (among other things) before it goes on the market.