buying: If you are looking to buy or sell a home - 02/01/07 05:28 PM
If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Cherry Hill, Mount Laurel, Voorhees or the surrounding areas in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester or Atlantic Counties we are the Agency for you. If you list with me you will see your property as a featured listing on this site.
Experience … (2 comments)
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buying: $155 Million? I'm in! - 02/01/07 04:05 PM
Ever wondered about the most expensive house...in the world. I have. Come to find out, it's called Updown Court in Windlesham, England. It comes in at a nice $139 million. Not bad, unless you're Tim Blixseth and want to top it. Tim, you see, is building a new dream home just … (0 comments)
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buying: Times are Bad....what?? - 01/31/07 11:52 AM
Another article in the Des Moines Business Record shows that even though some things have been declining, the economy's looking better and better for 2007 in Des Moines and central Iowa. FORECAST FOR 2007: Things are looking up. "A solid year" - Carl Tannenbaum.
"Home sales have declined steadily since 2004," … (1 comments)
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buying: Looking to Buy or Sell ? Any Town- Any Where....Look Here First! - 01/31/07 07:41 AM
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buying: Existing Home Sales Across U.S. Plummet: Silicon Valley Take - 01/27/07 05:27 PM
Local station CBS5.com reports that existing home sales dropped sharply in 2006 across the country.
2005 was the peak of this recent real estate boom and during that year a whopping 40% of all home sales were to investors or people buying vacation homes, according to David Lereah, chief economics … (0 comments)
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buying: Real Estate is going to the dogs in Lawrence, KS - 01/27/07 11:53 AM
Last year we had the opportunity to baby sit... or should I say doggie sit our neighbor's lhasa apso, named Enzo, while our neighbor was out of town.
My husband suggested to me that I was going to meet quite a few people walking such a spunky dog...
Not only … (8 comments)
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buying: 401(k), 403(b), stocks, you and me. - 01/26/07 11:44 PM
401(k), 403(b), stocks, you and me: Financing your mortgage
Todays Tribune real estate section featured a great article about using securities accounts, 401(k)s and 403(b)s as financing options for home purchases. For instance, one can use these accounts as an equity line with various payback requirements. This is no way condoned … (1 comments)
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buying: What makes a Chicago neighborhood hot? - 01/26/07 11:36 PM
Albany Park... Not so Hot
Crain's featured a short little story about neighborhoods that haven't "popped" and heated up as thought. Albany Park was on that short list which is a little upsetting... guess where I live people. Anywho, I really hate those hit and run articles... so let's add a … (0 comments)
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buying: Hey brokers and lender... weigh in on incentives - 01/26/07 10:38 PM
Mortgage 101: Preferred lenders and builder's incentives
We've seen it a million times (and when I say WE, I mean me). Maybe you have seen it. A builder of a new home subdivision, condo building, or new condo conversion offers incentives somehow based on the preferred lender. "If you use our … (0 comments)
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buying: For Chicago neighborhoods... it's all in a name - 01/26/07 10:21 PM
The West Wilson Corridor: Chicago's North Side
What's in a name? In Chicago the short answer is: Everything. People identify themselves not only by their neighborhood, but by their block... and their street... and their building! You just don't live in Lakeview, you live on Seminary Street, or Halsted or on Lake Shore Drive. Not just … (3 comments)
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buying: FINDING YOUR REALTOR - 01/26/07 07:50 PM
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buying: God stopped making dirt a long time ago. - 01/26/07 07:43 PM
I see so many articles that deal with the short term values of real estate. Is this a good buy, is now the time to buy, where will values be in 6 months or in a year, all kinds of speculations as to where real estate is heading right now. But, … (0 comments)
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buying: THE BUSINESS CYCLE AND BUYING A HOME - 01/26/07 05:44 PM
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buying: WHY BUYING A HOME IS A GOOD IDEA - 01/26/07 04:23 PM
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buying: Finding the Right Silicon Valley Public School - 01/24/07 02:06 AM
Choosing the right school for your children is such an important decision that it may help determine where you decide to live. It's not a simple choice, but with the right resources, you can be confident in your decision.
Standardized Test Scores.
The California Department of Education measures the academic … (0 comments)
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buying: “I Don’t Need a Real Estate Agent” and Other Silly Things Buyers Say - 01/23/07 07:40 PM
#1
“I don’t need a real estate agent who’s going to cost me a bunch of money”
The truth is, not having an agent when you buy a home will probably cost you money. There are some small fees that you will pay even if you don’t have an agent, … (1 comments)
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buying: Do We Really Need More Sites That Post House Listings? - 01/23/07 01:50 PM
I'm not an MLS apologist. I believe that information wants to be free and that agents should be good interpreters of information and not gatekeepers, but we're coming to a point where listing real estate is going to get much worse before it gets better.
While Zillow.com made the big splash in … (4 comments)
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buying: How Much House Can I Afford? (Part 1 of 2) - 01/19/07 01:22 PM
As with most decisions when buying a house, figuring out how much house you can afford is half financial and half psychological. How happy you are after your purchase depends on how well you balance the two.
The Financial HalfHow much of a house you can afford financially boils down … (0 comments)
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buying: $299,900 Direct Oceanview...... Ormond by the Sea, Florida - 01/18/07 03:56 PM
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buying: Chicago has a Northwest Side according to the Chicago Tribune - 01/18/07 10:37 AM
Discover Chicago's Northwest Side
The above title sounds innocent and pedestrian enough, but you should know me better.The Chicago Tribune ran a story concerning the religious epiphany many soon to be buyers/home owners are having; there is a Northwest Side to the city. However, the story misses the boat on where … (0 comments)
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buying: How do you view Open Houses? - Part II - 01/17/07 06:20 PM
After my post yesterday, How do you view Open Houses?, I saw a lot of varying opinions on the usefulness of what I consider a staple in our industry, Open Houses. With each market being different from the next, it's clear that the measurable benefits of an OH vary. However, for … (28 comments)
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buying: How To Sell Your Home Quickly - 01/17/07 04:05 AM
When you put your home on the market your agent assumes that you want to sell your home as quickly as possible for the highest amount of profit. If this not what you have in mind, you need to tell your agent up front what you want. A home that sits … (0 comments)
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buying: How to Make Your Investment Property Work for You - 01/17/07 04:02 AM
Do you own an investment property? Do you ever worry about how you are going to make money with that property? Most investors think the only way to make money is the rent. This is just not the truth! If you have a real estate agent that is telling you this … (2 comments)
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buying: Avoiding Foreclosure - 01/17/07 03:48 AM
This topic is very important to me. I've seen a lot of mis-information out there and want to clear some of it up. I am a real estate agent, my career of choice. My job is to put people in to homes, not take them out of it. Foreclosure is … (3 comments)
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buying: What Does a Realtor Do When I Want to See a House or a Condo? - 01/16/07 11:52 PM
Some may think that there is nothing to showing homes or condos. Let me take a minute to let all Buyers know what a Realtor does when they are working for you and what you need to do when you are working with a Realtor.
You, the Buyer are interested in buying … (3 comments)
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buying: BETTER THAN FULL SERVICE REAL ESTATE AGENT - 01/16/07 11:13 PM
I have been selling real esate for over 10 years and have built my business by providing exceptional customer service. I'm committed to educating homebuyers on the homebuying process and educating homeowners on the homeselling process.
The bottom line is that I am committed to provideing exceptional customer service
Buyers
When I … (0 comments)
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buying: Things To Know For First-Time Buyers - 01/16/07 06:02 PM
Pre-Qualification:You need to meet with a mortgage broker and find out how much you can afford to pay for a home. Pre-Approval: When you know how much you can afford the seller will be much more receptive to you as a potential buyers because you have been pre-approved. You'll also avoid … (0 comments)
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buying: How do you view Open Houses? - 01/16/07 05:22 PM
I was reading Mario Trejo Romero's blog this morning, "Are Open Houses Still Worth It?" and found myself evaluating my own "motives," if you will, for holding Open Houses. It sparked my curiosity on how others on ActiveRain use Open Houses or if you do at all. I know that every market … (48 comments)
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buying: Asking the right questions before showing homes! - 01/16/07 05:09 PM
It is occurring more frequently that Internet buyers are not asking to work with a buyers agent to represent them, rather they want someone to open the door and let them in! Agents that do not have lot of experience are fueling this. Since many agents do not sell a lot … (2 comments)
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buying: Save the Commission - “For Sale by Owner” - 01/16/07 08:19 AM
According the National Association of Realtors in 2006, there are expected to be 14% of homes sold without representation of a Realtor®.
What was the number one reason given by the homes sellers that they didn't want to use a Realtor®? The answer was they wanted to save the commission. … (2 comments)
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buying: HOA – What You Need To Know Before You Purchase - 01/16/07 07:29 AM
What is an HOA? HOA stands for Home Owners Association. Here is an example of a home owners association: When you buy a new home you think to yourself "Wow, this home would look great in Forest Green." If the neighborhood that you are planning to buy into has an HOA, … (0 comments)
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buying: 8 Steps to Getting Your Finances In Order - 01/14/07 04:51 PM
We've all seen the statistics. As a general rule, we Americans aren't saving enough. We're not careful enough with our money. We don't plan, therefore, we plan to fail. The national average debt per person rises each year. Basically, as a whole, we're spending more than we're making each year. I … (2 comments)
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buying: Excited! - 01/13/07 11:31 AM
I'm really excited about the housing market this year and where it is headed. The Spring looks to be very robust for Buyers and lots of promise for Sellers. That indicates a good market and coupled with continued excellent interest rates, it promises to be a very good time to be … (1 comments)
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buying: 7 Reasons To Own Your Own Home - 01/11/07 01:51 PM
7 Reasons to Own Your Own Home
Tax breaks. The U.S. Tax Code lets you deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, property taxes you pay, and some of the costs involved in buying your home.
Gains. Between 1998 and 2002, national home prices increased at an average of 5.4 percent … (0 comments)
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buying: Chicagoans want new...NOW - 01/11/07 08:30 AM
Chicagoans want new...NOW
Or like new. Where do you want your market research from...national news or the real estate junkie on the Chicago streets? Several observations since January 1st:1. Buyers are flooding the market. In November... well, I should have taken November '06 off. Maybe a nice island somewhere. It was … (0 comments)
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buying: NAR Marketing Survey - 01/10/07 11:16 AM
NAR Marketing Surveyby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
I just received an eMail from the National Association of REALTORS ® (NAR). I'll bet you got the same one.
They wanted to let me know about the 2007 marketing campaign and the results of the 2006 message. They are also following through … (0 comments)
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buying: Willowalk - Perhaps Hemet's Premier Address - 01/09/07 11:19 PM
Willowalk - Perhaps Hemet's Premier Addressby John Occhi, Hemet REALTOR®Hemet CA Real Estate
This afternoon I had the opportunity to preview several homes in the new subdivision found at the south east corner of Sanderson and Stetson - right across the street from the Super Wal-Mart in Hemet, California.
I remember when they … (3 comments)
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buying: It's A Good Time To Buy - 01/09/07 07:31 PM
REALTORS® can help buyers make smart decisions in their local marketplace and the National Association of Realtors (NAR) has begun a public awareness program that highlights favorable conditions for home buyers and explains how my team can help you, the buyer.
According to the NAR, Many real estate markets across the country have … (0 comments)
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buying: www.Homesforsaleco.com - 01/08/07 08:06 AM
I just signed up to be a member of this site and thought I would say hi. I'm a Realtor in Colorado Springs and love to travel. Go check out my website at http://www.homesforsaleco.com/ and don't forget, if you or anyone you know is considering selling, buying or renting property now … (3 comments)
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buying: Do Sellers Have Smellers? - 01/08/07 06:19 AM
Early in my real estate career, I read an article titled "If You Can Smell It, You Can't Sell It." I don't remember the author, the publication, or even many of the details, but the catchy title has always stuck with me.
It has stuck with me because it's catchy, but … (2 comments)
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buying: How To Sell A Home! - 01/05/07 09:23 PM
I did a little research on where most people found the home that they bought.
1. Realtor -36%
2. Internet- 24%
3. Yard Signs- 15%
4. Referrals- 7%
5. Home Builders- 7%
6. Advertising or Newspapers- 6%
7. Knows the Seller- 3%
8. Others- >1%
These are very interesting numbers. What is seems to show, is that to have the most chance of selling your home it needs to … (2 comments)
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buying: Feedback On "Calling For Feedback" - 01/04/07 06:15 AM
I am amazed by the feedback I have gotten on my blog about calling for feedback. It illustrates a point I forgot to mention in my post: If you put something out there that interests people, you will get feedback whether or not you ask for it.
A few of the responses … (3 comments)
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buying: Smart Showing Guidelines - 01/02/07 07:20 PM
As a young buyer's agent, I was amused by the variety of responses from sellers when I asked to show their houses. Some stayed and chatted up the buyers, some tried to show the house themselves, some nervously met us at the door and then raced out as if we had a contagious … (2 comments)
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buying: About Chapel Hill, North Carolina - 01/02/07 03:39 PM
Welcome to Chapel Hill and Carrboro, nestled in the rolling, wooded Piedmont of North Carolina. Our towns are ideally located three hours from the Atlantic coast and three hours from the Blue Ridge Mountains, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy a variety of recreational activities.
As one of the three "points" … (0 comments)
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buying: Helping Buyers Make a Decision - 01/02/07 02:46 PM
You've all been there You spend a lovely afternoon showing houses. The buyers see several homes they like and seem to be encouraged, but at the end of the day they haven't made a decision. Worse yet, you can't remember which houses they liked, which they didn't, which had the skylight in … (25 comments)
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buying: PRICE YOUR HOME TO SELL Part 5 of 5 - 01/01/07 01:19 PM
PRICE YOUR HOME TO SELL Part 5 of 5BY JOHN OCCHI, HEMET REALTOR®Originally posted to this BLOG
This is the final installment of a 5 part article, educating the consumer on the process of how homes should be priced to sell, in an market. Looking back at the First Part, we stimulated … (2 comments)
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buying: If Someone Likes It, They Will Buy It - 12/31/06 07:34 AM
Every Realtor knows that property condition and "showing well" are of primary importance in getting an offer on a house. But we've all had this experience: Just after you've explained that the kitchen needs new counter tops, the cracked tile in the bathroom needs to be replaced, the yard needs landscaping, … (2 comments)
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buying: Great day of investing - 12/30/06 03:36 PM
5:00 So I wake up this morning to run out and check out a cottage that I have just purchased out of foreclosure. When im done with it it will sell for about $80,000 and I got it for $24,000. I will maybe stick $10,000 into it. I could be happy … (0 comments)
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buying: Considerations for selecting a Real Estate Agent - 12/30/06 01:22 PM
If you're considering buying or selling a home, selecting a real estate agent is the first important decision you will have to make. While there are many qualified real estate agents out there, it's important to decide on a professional who will understand your needs and individual preferences, someone who you … (1 comments)
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buying: How To Sell In A Strong Buyer's Market - 12/29/06 12:08 PM
It's a challenge to sell 'against' the cycle. If you're a homeowner that's thinking about selling in our local strong buyer's market, here are some things to consider.1st - Do you really *have* to sell? Is it a pressing reason like a job change, a major lifestyle change, etc.? If not, … (1 comments)
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buying: What clients don't know: Condo association turn-over - 12/29/06 01:27 AM
The condo turnover meeting in Chicago
I frequently post on condo association issues... I feel it will at least get my readers and clients going in the right direction. With a recent rush of new clients out in the field looking for that teriffic box to put their new couch they haven't … (5 comments)
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buying: Buyers: I know you want a second opinion but do it the right way - 12/28/06 08:21 PM
I was reading this blog http://activerain.com/blogsview/29858/Sigmund-Freud-What-does and the comment about buyers bringing a third party into a deal convinced me to write this blog.
I recently had an experience with this situation and realized that most buyers are not aware of how difficult it is to bring in a third party especially after … (2 comments)
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buying: Chicago Market Predictions for 2007... here they come - 12/28/06 01:32 PM
Chicago Market Predictions for 2007 Hope we are all enjoying a great holiday season. I'm back in the loop... at least writing again... barely legible, but writing.Good story written by Mary "Zillow" Umberger titled "A market in need of a push: Home buyers and sellers must break stalemate for sector to … (0 comments)
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buying: 4 Real Jobs You Can Do From Home - 12/26/06 12:21 PM
You gotta admit... from time to time haven't you wondered how you might be successful by working from home? Well, perhaps you were lucky enough to catch all of Good Morning America's© episodes. However, if you missed their episodes, then you might find the following e-Articles of interest: Click Here MSN … (5 comments)
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buying: Top 3 of 10 Tips to Successful Home Buying - 12/26/06 11:43 AM
Tip #1: Research Is The Key To Discovery
Home sellers won't call you with an offer to buy a maintenance-free home with a wonderful mortgage. You have to find the gems yourself! Only by reading available materials, talking to friends and experts, and spending time looking at different homes, schools, and neighborhoods … (0 comments)
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buying: 2006... A Stellar Year By Many Accounts! What Can We Expect In 2007? - 12/26/06 06:30 AM
Existing Home Sales Are Expected To Recover!
2006 Was the 3rd best year on record; Existing Home Sales are expected to rise steadily;Buyers, especially 1st time buyers, now have a more balanced window of opportunity to purchase with the plus of Seller concessions/flexibility and still very low interest rates; and By the 4th … (1 comments)
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buying: FREE! - 12/25/06 06:26 AM
Choose us to assist you in Buying or Listing your home & receive...
Your choice of a $100 Gift Card to...
or or ...
OR
1-YEAR HOME WARRANTY - $335 Value...
Drain Line Stoppages ~ Plumbing Pipe Leaks ~ Water Heater ~ Toilets ~ Instant Hot Water Dispenser ~ Pressure Regulator ~ Sump Pump ~ Recirculation pump … (2 comments)
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buying: South Jersey Resource Center - 12/24/06 03:02 PM
South Jersey Resources
The Southern New Jersey area, better known as South Jersey, is also part of the Delaware Valley region. In South Jersey, with less dense areas than it's northern counterpart and most of the vacation shoreline, you tend to be oriented towards the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley metropolitan area for your TV, news and … (0 comments)
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buying: Burlington County NJ - Resource Center - 12/24/06 02:19 PM
Burlington County, New JerseyBurlington County SealCounty Motto: "More To Explore!"
Welcome to the Burlington County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of New Jersey, known as South Jersey, then you've come to the right place. This … (0 comments)
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buying: Salem County NJ - Resource Center - 12/24/06 02:12 PM
Salem County, New Jersey Salem County SealCounty Motto: "The Garden Spot of the Garden State"
Welcome to the Salem County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of New Jersey, known as South Jersey, then you've come to … (2 comments)
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buying: Cumberland County NJ - Resource Center - 12/23/06 02:00 PM
Cumberland County, New JerseyCumberland County SealMotto: More To Offer!
Welcome to the Cumberland County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of New Jersey, known as South Jersey, then you've come to the right place. This is … (1 comments)
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buying: How Financing Details Affect Your Offer - 12/23/06 05:31 AM
How Financing Details Affect Your OfferMost buyers do not have enough cash available to buy a home, so they need to obtain a mortgage to finance the purchase. Since you will probably make your purchase contingent upon obtaining a mortgage, the seller has the right to be informed of your financing … (0 comments)
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buying: Writing an Offer - Safeguards Regarding the Property - 12/23/06 05:29 AM
Writing an Offer - Concerns About the Property
Disclosures
Although you have toured the property, looked at the walls and ceiling, turned on the faucets and played with the light switches, you have not lived in it. The seller has years of knowledge about his or her home and there may be some … (0 comments)
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buying: Offering to Purchase Real Estate - the Basics - 12/23/06 05:22 AM
Writing an Offer to Purchase Real EstateOnce you find the home you want to buy, the next step is to write an offer - which is not as easy as it sounds. Your offer is the first step toward negotiating a sales contract with the seller. Since this is just … (0 comments)
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buying: Factors Affecting Your Offer Pirce - 12/23/06 05:17 AM
How Property Condition Affects Your Offer
Since you have toured the property you are interested in, you should know how it compares to the general neighborhood. All you have to do is put the home in one of three categories - average, above average, or below average.
When evaluating a home's condition, there … (0 comments)
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buying: Comparable Sales and Your Offer Price - 12/23/06 05:11 AM
Determining Your Offer PriceWhen you prepare an offer to purchase a home, you already know the seller's asking price. But what price are you going to offer and how do you come up with that figure?Determining your offer price is a three-step process. First, you look at recent sales of similar … (0 comments)
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buying: Funding your condo association - 12/22/06 09:25 PM
Funding your Condo Association
I wrote the other day about a piece posted by Peter at Closing Real Estate in Chicago concerning funding an association. He gives quick blog posts that send you in the right direction and posits questions to get you thinking. This is a conversation I'll have with you... that's … (4 comments)
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buying: Mercer County NJ - Resource Center - 12/21/06 11:48 PM
Mercer County, New JerseyMercer County SealMotto: The Capital County
Welcome to the Mercer County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of New Jersey known as Central Jersey (if dividing state into thirds), then you've come to … (2 comments)
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buying: Condo associations on my mind - 12/21/06 01:45 AM
Condo associations on my mind
Some wax poetic about women. I get together with friends and muse about condo associations. I'm a condo board president. "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger", I always say. So, as I lead our board and owners into increased potential for re-sale value because "it's … (0 comments)
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buying: Buying a Home With Resale Value -The House - 12/20/06 07:49 AM
Buying a Home With a ViewHomes with a pleasant view of the horizon often sell at a premium above similar homes without the view. However, if a view is important to you, buy it mostly for your own pleasure and not as an investment. Though you may place a considerable dollar … (4 comments)
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buying: Seller's Articles to help them in their Real Estate Transaction - 12/20/06 03:11 AM
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buying: How important is the second bath in your market? - 12/19/06 12:15 AM
Just a quick question... would you drop the second bath for the right location? Okay, I know this is tough for many markets to conceive... so this is more for the city people with good condo markets and lots of choices.
In Chicago, we have the BIG requests... Two bed, two bath, … (2 comments)
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buying: Prices and quality up west of Western Avenue, north of Irving Park Road - 12/18/06 11:47 PM
Prices and quality up west of Western Avenue, north of Irving Park Road
Recently, I have had several clients looking for two bed, two bathroom units with parking, outdoor space, storage and a large master bedroom. Oh, and over 1200 sq/ft. Oh, and near the "L"! Duh, right. In unit washer … (0 comments)
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buying: Atlantic County NJ - Resource Center - 12/18/06 05:12 PM
Atlantic County, New Jersey Atlantic County Seal
Welcome to the Atlantic County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of New Jersey, known as South Jersey, then you've come to the right place. This is for you! Think of … (1 comments)
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buying: Camden County NJ - Resource Center - 12/17/06 10:21 PM
Camden County, New Jersey
Welcome to the Camden County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of New Jersey, known as South Jersey, then you've come to the right place. This is for you! Think of this page … (1 comments)
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buying: Gloucester County NJ - Resource Center - 12/17/06 05:00 PM
Gloucester County, New Jersey Gloucester County SealCounty Motto: "Close to Everything, Far From It All"
Welcome to the Gloucester County Resource Center. If you're considering, planning or in the process of living, working or vacationing in this county, located within the area of New Jersey, known as South Jersey, then you've come to … (1 comments)
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buying: Women Are Targeted for Subprime Loans - An Overview of a Consumer Federation of America Study - 12/14/06 01:09 PM
A colleague sent me the link to an interesting study, which was published by Consumer Federation of America, http://www.consumerfed.org/ entitled, "Women are Prime Targets for Subprime Lending: Women are Disproportionately Represented in High-Cost Mortgage Market".
The full study is here: http://www.consumerfed.org/pdfs/WomenPrimeTargetsStudy120606.pdf
As professionals in the real estate industry, we know, home buyers without … (1 comments)
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buying: Technology Changes Everything…Or Does It? - 12/14/06 08:43 AM
What a difference a few years make. It used to be that if you wanted to buy a house you would get the Sunday paper - on Saturday, of course - and spend hours deep in the real estate section. Then you would spend more hours calling about houses, days driving … (4 comments)
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buying: What's more important - Buying a House? or a Homes? - 12/14/06 06:13 AM
Visit http://www.yourehomes.com/ … (0 comments)
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buying: Real Estate & Zen. - 12/13/06 06:05 PM
It's true that what you think about you bring about, so be careful. If you're always thinking, "I need more business" or "I need this listing to sell", it's very likely that you'll just continue to feed that need. The idea of "needing" means that you don't have something. Not having … (21 comments)
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buying: Single family homes on the Blue Line - 12/13/06 01:00 AM
I have recently been shopping homes with a client along the Blue Line stops from Belmont to Montrose. This is a great area for those who can't bear "moving up" to another condo, but can't afford Lakeview, Lincoln Square and Bucktown/Wicker Park prices.Need to commute downtown and can spend $400K-$500K? Want … (1 comments)
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buying: Real estate purchase offer contracts in Chicago - 12/13/06 12:07 AM
The Chicago Tribune ran a story concerning a preceived uptick in cancelled home purchase contracts. One of the most confusing issues, and the major obstacle for home buyers to become "mentally" ready to offer on a home, is the subject of earnest money and the contract itself.While most buyers today are … (0 comments)
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buying: Big spring in Chicago real estate market - 12/13/06 12:04 AM
Sellers take note. Home buyers in Chicago are out now. My brokerage has seen an up-tick. Me personally? Clients are coming from everywhere and want to be in a place by early spring... which means they'll be writing offers in January and February. Will your home be ready? The Chicagoist (read … (4 comments)
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buying: Let the Inspection help you decide - 12/12/06 11:34 PM
A home inspection will inform you of any problems or defects. This information could help your decisions in buying a property or what price you are willing to pay; thats why its essential that you select an inspector carefully. As your real estate professional, I can help you find a qualified inspector. Your inspector ahould be a full-time, … (2 comments)
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buying: Costly mistakes even smart people make when buying a home - 12/12/06 02:24 AM
Just as you would demand the services of a skilled attourney to guide and protect you through the legal process, you should also demand the services of a skilled and committed REALTOR, who recognizes that buying a home is a complex process which impacts every aspect of your life. Your … (0 comments)
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buying: Burlington County Information - 12/08/06 02:21 PM
Burlington County, New Jersey
For more information about Burlington County and South JerseyPlease select one of the following links: Burlington County NJ - Resource Center South Jersey Resource CenterBlog articles related to Burlington County and surrounding areas:Burlington County - articles related to Burlington CountySouth Jersey - information and resource articles related to South JerseyNew Jersey - … (0 comments)
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buying: Et tu, techie? - 12/08/06 11:21 AM
This question is slanted to us in the know...considering if you're reading this you are probably on the "good" side of technology. However, Robbie at Seattle's Rain City Guide points out that:Survey Says...?!Many Realtors discuss the need for technology, but invest little in it. I suspect, from my experience, many agents … (0 comments)
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buying: Buyers: Saving the best for first - 12/07/06 04:48 PM
Last weekend I met a nice married couple at my open house. This is typical for my business... I work open houses 75% of weekends throughout the year to sell my listings and meet new clients face to face.After showing the several units in our development, we figured this wasn't the … (26 comments)
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buying: McGuire AFB NJ: Resource Center - 12/07/06 03:28 PM
McGuire Air Force Base (AFB) is a United States Air Force Base located in parts of New Hanover Township, Pemberton Township, and Springfield Township, in Burlington County, (South) New Jersey. It is also a census-designated place, and as of the United States 2000 Census, the base population was 6,478. (Source: Wikipedia)From its … (3 comments)
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buying: It's Still True - You Get What You Pay For - 12/07/06 01:06 PM
Whenever I talk with a new client about listing their home for sale, one subject that always comes up is the commission rate. People are bombarded with information about ways to save money selling a house, and the agent's is always a target. Discount brokers and agents who provide limited service … (37 comments)
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buying: Purchase offers are in writing - 12/04/06 08:00 PM
Lately, it seems my buyer clients want to know if a seller will accept an offer... even when they have not made an offer.That is, my buyers have not sat with me and formulated a written offer for purchase. In Chicago, with many properties and many people out there looking, selling … (2 comments)
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buying: Real estate advice for parents without a clue - 12/04/06 06:53 PM
Must have been a slow week in real estate. I'm going to get the business for this post but I was exasperated reading this. You can make any subject super complicated. No offense to Anne Brennan, author of the front page Tribune story this weekend titled "Family Planning"... but come on. … (2 comments)
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buying: When Is The Best Time To BUY or SELL? - 12/02/06 11:49 AM
Well, a lot of that depends on each household's individual situation, but one of the top times of the year to buy or sell is fast approaching - January.
When the Holiday craziness has past, it is the time to focus on the future!
For Buyers: NOW is the time for you … (0 comments)
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buying: Math we can all understand... really - 12/01/06 12:48 AM
My open house was a little slow last weekend, which meant I caught up on a bit of reading and figurin'. Figurin' is my little way to explain simple housing and real estate math to clients.For instance, how much house should you buy? Mortgage lenders usually base your approved loan amount on a … (2 comments)
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buying: City Living 101... better on gas - 12/01/06 12:39 AM
City living in the face of gas hikes (re-posted from my other blog in April after a conversation with a suburbanite looking to move to the city)
You'll never hear me complain about the cost of a gallon of gas. Surprising considering I'm a Realtor who basically lives out of his car. Okay, maybe … (0 comments)
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buying: Chicago Bungalow Rehab... Bang for the buck - 11/30/06 11:24 PM
Chicago Bungalow Rehab
It's on. My partner Jon (pictured right) and I began the planning stage of the rehab. We took an inventory of the work we will do and discussed initial floorplan changes we'll make. We'll do some wild stuff, adding a master bath and re-doing the staircase to the second level.We'll … (0 comments)
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buying: Snowmageddon Chicago: 2006 - 11/30/06 11:10 PM
Snowmageddon 2006: Will Chicago dig out?
Photo of T-CREL staff... digging the good dig Snowmageddon 2006On the eve of Snowmageddon 2006, I sit before my computer monitor and wish all the fine citizens of Chicago God speed. If reports from the radio, T.V., the Chicago Association of Realtors (which may.. gasp!.. … (0 comments)
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buying: Newest, greatest Chicago sporting event... Olympic Speculation!! - 11/29/06 03:16 PM
If I were a great blogger, I would certainly start a series on my favorite sport. Olympic Speculation. But I'm not a great blogger, I don't even have tags and categories yet (my Blogger site has not invited me for the Beta upgrade ).We here at T-CREL and Chicago Home Estates have … (0 comments)
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buying: My Open House Scare - Beware ... - 11/29/06 10:30 AM
My scariest real estate story just happened to take place last week.
I was sitting an Open House in a new subdivision, and I appeared the only agent in the sub that day. I had had fairly steady traffic most of the day, mostly young families looking for "oh my gosh, we need a bigger house" … (4 comments)
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buying: Want a mortgage? Where do you live? - 11/28/06 11:59 PM
Mary Umberger reports in today's Tribune on the continuing debate surrounding credit counseling and zip codes. The IDFPR wants to curb predetory lending in certain zip codes by requiring credit counseling for those who meet a certain criteria. But many find their suggested rule will promote "redlining" of certain neighborhoods and … (0 comments)
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