champaign real estate: 100 Reasons NOT TO RENT - 10/06/08 09:40 AM
I urgently need your help!! Today's economic turmoil is keeping many first time home buyers on the sidelines and passing up some of the best deals in years. Low rates, low prices, $7500 tax credit, tax deductions the list goes on and on. How can you help you ask? We'll it's … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Fanie/Freddie Bailout GOOD For Mortgage Rates!! - 09/08/08 02:03 PM
Ever since the Federal Reserve Bank announced yesterday they were going to take over Fannie and Freddie I've been looking for signs of good news. I came across an article in the MortgageNewsDaily that has one economist talking lower rates. Here is a little bit of what Brian Bethune, chief U.S. … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac Bite The Dust!! - 09/07/08 11:15 PM
In an announcement made today by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson the Federal Government has taken over mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Both companies have been placed into a government conservatorship under the recently created Federal Housing Finance Agency, under a plan announced by the Treasury Secretary and FHFA Director … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: So whats the deal With Champaign County Real Estate These Days! - 09/04/08 08:24 PM
Summer is over, the students are back, children are going to school and real estate is at a stand still. Currently there are 7 months of inventory in Champaign County. Remember we calculate inventory by dividing the current number of listings by the number of homes under contract. We got down … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Turnberry Ridge Subdivision, Champaign, IL - Real Estate Market Update - 08/26/08 04:50 PM
Turnberry Ridge Subdivision - Champaign, IL
Turnberry Ridge Real Estate Market Update:
The following data was compiled from the CCAR MLS as of 8/22/2008 Closed Sales of Single Family Homes
Similar to it's next door neighbor, Glenshire Subdivision, activity in Turnberry Ridge has picked up since our last market report. … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Glenshire Market Update May 13, 2008 - 08/21/08 11:09 AM
Real Estate Market Summary - 1/1/08 thru 5/13/08 The following data is taken from the CCAR MLS as of 5/13/2008
Looking at Glenshire as an individual market is a little tough to do because of the small number of sales every year so these statistics need to be incorporated with … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Fabulous Home in Champaign, IL - 08/07/08 11:19 AM
2428 Prairie Ridge Place Champaign, IL
Fabulous home! You'll love the natural light & the openness of the great room. You'll immediately notice the gorgeous wooden screens on either side of the entry. The gourmet kitchen features beautiful cabinets & a wonderful breakfast area with lots of windows for a perfect … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: President Signs Housing Bill Will It Bring Relief? - 07/30/08 09:44 PM
President Bush signed a bill today designed to help struggling homeowners and beleaguered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The bill will provide relief for an estimated 400,000 home owners, overhaul the FHA, and throw Fannie & Freddie Mac a multi billion dollar lifeline.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,394304,00.html
Hopefully this new bill will stabilize the credit … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Fannie Freddie Trouble!!!! - 07/11/08 11:22 AM
What do Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have to do with home mortgages? If you're not sure what they do or how they work look at the graph below.
… (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: How To Appeal Your Property Taxes In Champaign County - 07/09/08 01:57 PM
APPEALING ASSESSMENT WITH BOARD OF REVIEW:
When: Between July 1st and September 10th, 9 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
What to bring: Evidence of value is not required on residential property.
Complaints unless the property has been recently a) purchased, b) constructed, c) appraised, d) listed for sale, … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Year To Date Sales Stats Champaign County Through May - 07/09/08 11:59 AM
Year To Date Comparison 2007 vs. 2008
Jan. 1,2007 - May 31, 2007 Jan. 1, 2008 - May 31, 2008
Total # Sold and Closed -1123 Total # Sold and Closed - 932
Dollar Volume - $165,000,981 Dollar Volume - $140,466,085
Average Price Home - $146,929 Average Price Home - … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Year To Date Sales Stats Champaign County Through April 2008 - 07/09/08 11:50 AM
Year To Date Comparison 2007 VS. 2008
Jan. 1,2007 - Apr. 30, 2007 Jan. 1,2008 - Apr. 30, 200S
Total # Sold and Closed - 782 Total # Sold and Closed - 656
Dollar Volume· $113,464,340 Dollar Volume· $96,209,929
Average Price Home-$145,095 Average Price Home-$146,661
One Month Comparison: … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: M2 Condos Change the Downtown Champaign Landscape....Again - 06/26/08 08:29 PM
M2 Condos Are Changing the Downtown Champaign Condo Market…Again
In early May I had the chance to sit in on a presentation on the M2 condo development at 312 N. Neil Street in Downtown Champaign. It was presented by the developers and staff from One Main Development and answered … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: New Illinois Homestead Exemption Information - 05/06/08 11:43 AM
Hopefully every homeowner that reads this is taking advantage of the Homeowners Property tax exemption. If you aren't email me at Mark@MarkWaldhoff.com for a copy of the Champaign County form or visit the Champaign County Assessment Office site:
Some current info on the basic exemptions for the 2008 tax year (payable … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: What Does Absorbption Rate Mean? - 04/29/08 08:25 PM
What Does Absorption Rate Mean? It's simple, take the current number of homes listed and divide that by the number of pending sales and you have the answer. As of April 29 there are 1857 properties listed and 430 pending sales, that means we have just over 4 months of inventory … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Timing the market big risk for first-time buyers - 04/29/08 03:22 PM
Buying your first home is stressful enough without all the bad press about the real estate market. Most first time home buyers are having friends, family and co-workers giving them advice without having all the facts. In a recent article by BankRate.com they bring up some very good points as to … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: 32 Reasons To Use A Land Trust - 04/14/08 11:47 AM
The information listed in this post was writtten by my real estate mentor Randy Hughes. Land trusts are a great way to protect yourself. Take some time and read the info it will be worth your time!!
Advantages of Using a Revocable Land Trust
•1. Avoids property being probated (out of court transfer … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: 6 of 10 Great Walks in Champaign-Urbana - 04/06/08 02:54 PM
Tom Kachich, a columnist and editor with the News Gazette in Champaign, IL, had an article in a recent edition of the paper talking about Spring, getting outside and places you could take a nice walk in Champaign and Urbana.
A few of his top 10 included:
The Boulware Trail in south … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Champaign County Real Estate Update - 04/02/08 06:29 PM
I'm always thinking of ways to better serve and inform my clients and thought a monthly real estate conference call would be a great way to do so. That being said I would like to know what my readers want to keep informed about. Please take some time to think of … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: 5 Great Reasons To Use A Realtor -- - 04/02/08 06:21 PM
… (5 comments)
|
champaign real estate: How Long is This Going to Take? - 03/27/08 10:16 AM
Whether you are a first-time home buyer or a seasoned pro, this is a pretty typical question.
Luckily, you don’t have to shut down your search or buy the last house you saw after a set limit. Can you imagine if that was the case...."um, honey....bring the checkbook tonight b/c … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: The Top Undergrad Business Schools - Go Illini! - 03/25/08 11:17 PM
I've enjoyed finding all sorts of interesting things at BusinessWeek.com lately but I really love to find articles where I have a personal attachment.
That most recent find was Business Weeks 2008 survey of the top undergrad business schools, The University of Illinois at Urbana, Champaign ranked in at #18, up … (4 comments)
|
champaign real estate: College Town Real Estate - 03/25/08 10:10 PM
Despite the general doom and gloom from the majority of media outlets it is possible to find reports that focus on specific real estate markets instead of blanket statements that may or may not apply to your specific area.
A recent article from BusinessWeek.com, College Towns: Still a Smart Investment, provides a … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Smart Buys in College Towns -- University of Illinois at Champaign/Urbana - 03/25/08 09:10 PM
"Smart Buys in College Towns" that was the headline in a recent AOL real estate article written by Business Week Magazine. Click Here We made the list along with Athens GA, Chapel Hill NC, College Park MA just to name a few locations. Please contact me with any questions about our great … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Multiple Offers Do Still Happen @ Least In Champaign County - 03/23/08 12:31 PM
A healthy economy and the spring market make Champaign County a great place to own real estate! If you've been reading my blog you're aware our market is still healthy despite what you might be reading or hearing from the national news. In fact last week I was helping new home … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Champaign County Year To Date Sales Statistics - 03/16/08 10:31 AM
Year To Date Comparison 2007 vs. 2008
Jan. 1,2007 - Feb. 28, 2007 Jan. 1,2008 - Feb. 29, 2008
Total # Sold and Closed - 305 Total # Sold and Closed - 282
Dollar Volume - $43,841,934 Dollar Volume - $41,222,633
Average Price Home - $143,744 Average Price Home - $146,180
… (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Buyers Don't Wait, In 24 Hours Champaign County Became A Sellers Market!!!! - 03/10/08 09:32 PM
I posted yesterday we were still in a buyers market, remember that's when there are more than 6 months of inventory to sell. There were so many contracts written over the weekend the absorption rate is now 5.79 months of homes, now it's a sellers market!! Don't be one of those people who are … (6 comments)
|
champaign real estate: It's Still A Buyers Market In Champaign County, But That Could Change!! - 03/09/08 07:37 PM
Whenever there is more than 6 months of inventory on the market REALTORS consider it a buyers market, and it's been a buyers market for a while now. As I've watched the statistics daily I've been noticing a change in the trend towards a sellers market. Not more than 3 months … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: New Construction In Champaign Illinois - 03/09/08 07:03 PM
Even with record inventory on the market many of my clients still can't find the right house. For those looking in the $200,000 and up price range I'm recommending new construction. I have many close relationships with the areas top builders and know how to help you get the home you truly want.This … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: 1st Floor Bedroom, 3 Car Garage, 2500sqft - 1301 Cobblefield, Champaign - 03/02/08 04:01 PM
… (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Choosing Your Realtor - 02/27/08 10:02 AM
While I've referenced it in another post, I have finally finished the whole book, "Your First Home, The Proven Path to Home Ownership". The principles included really should be shared with anyone looking to buy a home, not just first-time home buyers.
One of the top articles that caught my eye … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Breakfast with a 2 Year Old... - 02/24/08 04:12 PM
Yesterday morning I was up eating an early breakfast with Tessa, my 2 year old daughter.
I started to think about my schedule for the day. Who I was meeting, what listing appointments were coming up, homes I wanted to see in Urbana and different calls I had to make. … (3 comments)
|
champaign real estate: FREE E-BOOK FOR REAL ESTATE INVESTORS - 02/23/08 09:02 PM
When I bought My first home I was self employed and no bank wanted to give me a mortgage. I felt trapped because I couldn't buy, thats when I met Randy Hughes. Randy is a local real estate investor who lease optioned some of his homes and I decided to take … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: The Four Basic Principles in Buying a Home - 02/19/08 09:43 PM
It's pretty tough to break this topic down to 4 basic tenants but the book "Your First Home, The Proven Path to Home Ownership" has made a very good effort.
The "Rules" of real estate are always localThe best deals are usually win-win Price does not equal valueChoose with your heart and … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Great Local Resource For C-U - 02/17/08 05:04 PM
As a busy family man and Realtor in Champaign County, I'm always looking for ways to save time. One resource I've come to rely upon is http://www.illinoishomepage.net/. It's a great source for local the local weather forecast and up to date school closing information. My favorite feature is Frugal Friday's, every … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Do Home Warranties help sell homes? - 02/06/08 03:25 PM
In order to judge if home warranties are in fact helpful in selling and buying real estate it is a good idea to look at benefits for all parties involved: Sellers, Buyers, and Agents.
Agent Benefits: Creates Hassle-Free experience between the Buyer and Seller in real estate transactions. In addition, since listings with home … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Do You Want to be the First to Know of New Home Listings? - 02/05/08 10:56 PM
Imagine if you will...
You're browsing through the latest issue of your local homes magazine and spot your dream home. The picture of the front of your new home looks immaculate. The grass is the greenest you've ever seen, the landscaping is ideal! You see the pictures of your perfect kitchen, the … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Will an Open House Sell My Home? - 02/03/08 07:11 PM
Is Your Real Question, "Are Sunday afternoons for football, yard work, or selling homes?"
The following questions (or some variation) on Open Houses come up during my appointments with home sellers almost every time.
Will an Open House sell my home? Do you plan on hosting an Open House?Will you have an Open … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Free Radon Tests for Champaign County! - 01/28/08 07:43 AM
Have you been unsure about testing for Radon?
From reading the Champaign News Gazette this morning I learned that the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is providing free radon test kits for those living in Champaign County.
You can pick up your kit at the Environmental Health Dividision of the CUPHD in Champaign. … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Housing Market Facts - 01/28/08 07:17 AM
One of the basics of news is, "If it bleeds it leads", and while thats great for most stories it bad for others and the real estate market is a perfect example. While it's true the housing market nation wide has seen better days what we're experiencing today we've seen in … (2 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Zero-Lot Line Homes… the Mystery Revealed!! - 01/27/08 05:54 PM
Zero-Lot Line Homes... the Mystery Revealed!!
If you've been in the house-hunting mode in Champaign County you have probably seen homes advertised as "zero-lot line" properties. And if you are like me, the first time you saw this you thought "what the heck is a zero-lot?".
It's not a typo or … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Insulation "R" Values - 01/24/08 08:34 PM
The most important thing to be aware of with insulation, other than the safety issues of urea formaldehyde and asbestos (covered elsewhere), is the R value, or the insulating factor. The higher the number, the better the insulator.
Don't be too shocked if the insulation in the 15 year old home … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Champaign Urbana Gets a $240 Million Dollar Shot Of Economic Activity! - 01/21/08 08:57 PM
As reported in the NewsGazette today Carle Foundation Hospital plans to file an application next month with the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board seeking permission to undertake its most ambitious modernization project ever on the central Urbana campus. What does this mean for Champaign/Urbana? That's yet to be seen but at … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: New Construction Slump Worste In 27 YEARS!!!! - 01/17/08 01:25 PM
The Commerce Department reported Thursday that construction was started on 1.353 million new homes and apartments last year, down 24.8 percent from 2006. It was the second biggest annual decline on record, exceeded only by a 26 percent plunge in 1980, a period when the Federal Reserve was pushing interest rates … (1 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Should You Test For Radon When You Buy A Home ? - 01/15/08 07:49 PM
If you decide to check for RADON make sure you choose the right technician to do the test. As part of my service as your agent I can recommend professionals to help you with the buying process including testing for RADON! I highly recommend Troy Doehring the owner of TechSpec home inspection service. … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: New Radon Disclosures In illinois - 01/15/08 07:26 PM
New protocols regarding Radon are now in effect. Just like the Lead Based Paint Disclosures, we are now required to have buyers and sellers sign Radon Disclosures. For more information on the Radon Disclosure, please click here http://iema.illinois.gov/radon/pdf/radontestguidelineforrealestate.pdf. If you have any questions or concerns about Radon Disclosures, please give me … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Avoiding The Most Common Mistakes Home Buyers Make - 01/14/08 09:40 PM
Which are:
Not understanding a local market and all that is available.Not screening the masses-trying to see everything, both in their own price range and not.Not understanding pricing and the value of certain amenities.Weak negotiating. This mistake alone can cost a buyer thousands of dollars.Not requiring the proper inspections.Not understanding all available … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: 2007 Year End Sales Stats For Champaign County Illinois! - 01/08/08 08:51 PM
The table below shows 2007 sales numbers for Champaign County Illinois. Even though our market is slower than normal we didn't get punished as bad as other parts of the US market. I will be posting the statistics monthly throughout 2008 so please RSS or bookmark this site!
Please bookmark or … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: 3 New Property Tax Exemptions for Champaign County - 01/02/08 10:39 AM
A recent article in the News Gazette outlines 3 new proposed property tax exemptions in Champaign County. The new exemptions will apply to returning combat veterans, disabled veterans and the disabled in general. For more information about the new exemptions please call the Champaign County Supervisor of Assessments at 217-384-3760
Please bookmark or RSS … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Champaign County Real Estate News Blog - 01/01/08 06:06 PM
Thank you for taking the time to stop by my new blog, Champaign County Real Estate News. All through 2008 check out up to date information about real estate in Champaign County. I'll be bringing you updates on prices, new sub-divisions and foreclosures just to name a few. Don't waste time … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Grow Your Traffic With BlogRush!! - 12/29/07 02:26 PM
This is my third post amy about the BlogRush sydication tool I'm so excited! Since using BlogRush my blog is being viewed more and my posts are being read! If you want to grow your traffic EASILY click on this link
http://www.blogrush.com/r15032848
Please let me know if you have any questions and … (3 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Clean Starter Home In Southwest Champaign - 10/31/07 11:31 PM
Click the link below to see a first time home-buyers dream. This great 3 bedroom 1 bath home has been redone inside and out. Seller has even updated the electrical to 200 amp service and will provide home warranty. Please contact me for any further information or with questions about other listings in … (0 comments)
|
champaign real estate: Champaign-Urbana First Time Home Buyer - 10/31/07 08:17 PM
I'm new to real estate sales but not to real estate. For the seven previous years 2000-2007 I was a mortgage loan officer and for 5 of those years 2000-2005 our problem wasn't a lack of buyers but a lack of homes for them to buy. During that time I had more … (1 comments)
|
