The Real Estate Market: A Consumer's Perspective - 04/30/10 10:05 AM
The results are in! Prudential Real Estate recently conducted a study in which 1,000 consumers whose annual income is at least $35,000 were polled regarding the real estate market.
Here’s a summary of the results:
Prudential’s new study suggests that most consumers’ decisions to purchase or not purchase a home will NOT be affected by the end of the homebuyers’ tax credit. The study shows that the general public believes the market will improve over the next year. Perhaps the most comforting conclusion of this study: nearly everyone still views owning a home as a solid investment. Lastly, most people think … (0 comments)

Urbana's Market at the Square starts Saturday!!! - 04/28/10 04:39 PM
Why do I feel as though spring has finally arrived? Because the Urbana Farmer's Market opens for another season this Saturday May 1st at Lincoln Square!
You'll find lots of exciting new updates to the market this year. First of all, there will be a vendor selling CHOCOLATE. Now you'll be able to purchase your healthy foods AND your not-so-healthy foods all in one place:-)
Another improvement is that the city is helping to implement a token system, whereby you can use your credit card, debit card, etc. to purchase tokens and use those tokens at any vendor's stand instead of … (0 comments)

I'm Addicted to Trivia Night at Bentley's - 04/27/10 10:40 PM
Monday Night = Trivia Night at Bentley’s.
It wasn’t too long ago that I was introduced to trivia night, but it very quickly became an addiction. It’s something I now thoroughly look forward to…and even prep for, to an extent. Bentley’s is located downtown Champaign at Neil and Washington. It’s a small, local pub, and while it’s not high-end, it’s also not a “yucky” bar, if you know what I mean. Trust me, I choose to spend very little time at bars, so the fact that I like this one says a lot.
The first time my husband and I showed … (2 comments)

Boulder Ridge, Champaign IL: Modern Homes in a Growing Subdivision - 04/27/10 02:26 PM
Boulder Ridge is one of several newer subdivisions on the surrounding edge of Champaign. It’s located north of Bradley Ave. between Staley Rd. and interstate 57. The homes are no more than 5 years old, but many are new construction and some are still very much in the construction phase.
On the lower end of the price spectrum, there are 2 – 3 bedroom, 2 bath condos in a part of the subdivision called “The Cove”. Some of these condos have wonderful lake views. The more expensive properties are higher-end detached homes with around 2,000 sq. ft. of living space and … (1 comments)

A Memorable Ebert Fest in Champaign, IL - 04/26/10 10:32 PM
Last week I had the extraordinary opportunity to volunteer my time helping with the annual Ebert Fest. For those of you unfamiliar with this festival, Roger Ebert was born in Urbana and attended the University of Illinois, and each year he hosts a film festival held here in Champaign-Urbana. In between my volunteer responsibilities I, of course, took advantage of the opportunity to see several films screened during the course of the week. I’d like to share a little about one particular film that I saw…
If you’ve lived in the Chicago area, you might be familiar with the name Vincent … (0 comments)

Communication really IS key! - 04/26/10 05:21 PM
Ever heard of “Mr. Landlord”? Otherwise known as Jeffrey Taylor, he’s a dynamic speaker on the topic of managing rental property and maximizing your rental income. Last week I had the opportunity to hear him speak, and I attended a) To pick up tips for my investor friends and clients, and b) To pick up tips for my own use!
While I got LOTS of fantastic suggestions and information out of his presentation, one topic of discussion really stuck with me. He was talking about COMMUNICATING with your residents and building rapport with them. This would include answering your phone or … (3 comments)

Homes in Historic West Urbana, Illinois- Glimpse of A Neighborhood - 04/24/10 09:55 PM
Homes in Historic West Urbana, Illinois- Glimpse of a Neighborhood
The neighborhood of West Urbana has a distinct historic feel to it. Many of these homes were built in the early 1900s, making it one of the oldest neighborhoods in the community. Not only are the homes old, but most of them have been well cared for. And hundred-year-old trees line the streets, blanketing them throughout all seasons. (See below for more pictures.)
West Urbana scores many points for location. The public elementary, middle, and high schools are all within walking distance of the homes in this neighborhood. Also within walking … (4 comments)

6 Tips for Your Visit to Champaign-Urbana - 04/22/10 01:13 PM
If a trip to Champaign-Urbana is in your future, then these pointers are just for you...
1. If you have to fly to get here, use Willard Airport located just south of Champaign in Savoy. This one isn’t always feasible, of course. Sometimes you can find very affordable airfare in and out of this airport, and other times you can’t. But if you do happen to find good airfare, you can avoid a 2-hour car ride to the Indianapolis or Chicago Airport, and that will make your trip so much easier.
2. Make sure your visit doesn’t coincide with a big … (0 comments)

Newer Homes and New Construction in Sawgrass Community - 04/21/10 02:57 PM
Sawgrass is a newer subdivision in west Champaign. Sunday I hosted an open house there, and had an excellent turnout indicating a great interest in this type of home and neighborhood. If you're looking for a spacious home with modern amenities, an open layout, and in a more suburban location, then Sawgrass might just be for you.
This community is located east of Staley Rd. and south of Bradley Ave. While the interstate is visible from the backyards of a few homes, other homes have views of wide open spaces, and most homes simply have views of the other homes and … (0 comments)

How to avoid a real estate DISASTER when purchasing a home! - 04/21/10 11:49 AM
Like anything else in life, real estate transactions don’t always go exactly as planned. Sure, we’d all LOVE to have our own home purchase go perfectly smoothly. The seller would just accept your first offer (and you’d get a GREAT deal), the home wouldn’t have a thing wrong with it and you’d move in 30 days exactly after signing the contract. Done.
But that would be boring. Instead you usually have a moment or two where you’re not sure if you’ve made the right decision. Rarely does the seller accept the first offer, and the home always has at least a … (1 comments)