Real Estate Consumer Info.com

SO WHAT'S UP WITH THE REAL ESTATE MARKET?

Interested in getting a copy of the best overall market information and real estate sales conditions that I could find recently?  It’s an article from Chicago Magazine’s October Issue "What's your House Worth" that just came out and offers extensive data on each town and neighborhood in the Chicagoland area.   What makes this article important is that it is compiled from the local MLS (MRED) not some of these other hallucinating websites like zillow, yahoo real estate, etc. where they never seem to actually know where their numbers come from.  Accuracy is important to me, it should also be important to you regarding your largest investment - your home.

You're probably curious about what is going on in the area marketplace regarding your homes value or you wouldn't be here.  The ‘talking heads’ tell you everyday the doom and gloom of either the mortgage crisis or another corporate meltdown taking place.   I think when you read the article you will be pleased that your homes value hasn’t tanked but there is a definite glut of homes on the market for sale. 

Prices do not increase when competition to sell is a fierce as it is.  Here are some examples of the 'absorption rates' for our area.  This is fancy speak for 'Hey - how many homes are on the market and how long with it take to sell on the average'.  A 'good market' is normally in the 5-6 month range.  (This is what Realtors go to church on Sunday and pray for!)

Single Family Homes Only

Schaumburg -  9.9 months supply, highest was in 12/2007 at 32.3 months.

Hoffman Estates -   11 months supply, highest was in 12/2007 at 15.5 months.

Elk Grove Village -  12.1 months supply, highest was in 12/2007 at 23.2 months.

Bartlett -   9.8 months supply, highest was in 12/2007 at 22.8 months.

Roselle -  15.6 months supply, highest was in 3/2007 at 26.2 months.

Bloomingdale -  15.1 months supply, down from highest of all in 1/2008 of 86 months.

Streamwood -  11.9 months supply, highest was in 2/2008 of 20.6 months.

Hanover Park -  10.2 months supply, highest was in 10/2007 of 20.8 months.

Elgin -  14.5 months supply, highest was in 12/2007 at 27.6 months.

South Elgin -  10.5 months supply, highest was in 12/2007 at 24.8 months.

Itasca -  13.4 months supply, highest was in 6/2008 at 79 months.  

Carol Stream -  9.3 months supply, highest was in 11/2007 at 21 months.

St. Charles -  14 months supply, highest was in 1/2008 at 28.9 months.

I hope you find this periodic information valuable.  If you need the complete article which also includes the Chicago neighborhoods it will be posted in PDF format on my website.  Go there now please.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to give me a call as I want you to feel you can call me for advice regarding your home and real estate in general.

Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 at RE/MAX Suburban

Real Estate Experience is a necessity in this market!

**MRED MLS of Northern Illinois, Data Compiled on 9/25/08, Agent Metrics, Chicago Magazine.

So what's up with the Real Estate Market?©2008 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com  All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only.  Lyn Sims makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from it’s display or use.

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

NEED HELP FINDING A HOME AND DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?

DID YOU KNOW THAT USING THE SERVICES OF A REALTOR WILL COST YOU NOTHING?  That's right - nada, zip, zero and zilch!  You get the advantages of the realtors experience in contract negotiations, neighborhood knowledge, mortgage programs, and a whole list of other skills wrapped into a nice package! 

Just to mention a 2006 survey, a full 76% of home buyers purchased their home through a real estate agent.  Real estate professionals are relied upon to have experience in every aspect of a typical home purchase.  The home buyer ultimately wants the agent to help the buyer find the right property to purchase (50%) and many more concerns. 

1)  Help find the right home to purchase.

2)  Help buyer negotiate the terms of the sale.

3)  Determine what comparable homes are selling for.

4)  Help with price negotiations.

5)  Help with paperwork.

6)  Help determine how much a buyer can afford to spend on a home.

7)  Help find and arrange financing.

SO ......  WHEN WOULD YOU LIKE TO GET STARTED?

A real estate agent, such as myself, Lyn Sims, has all the available properties for sale listed in one place (MLS) for you to look at.  No hopping around from site to site!  Most listings now have virtual tours and multiple interior pictures so you can get a complete feel for the homes qualities and room sizes.  Another important step that must be taken first is to get pre-qualified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search!  I can also help with any questions that you might have in the mortgage/loan area also because I've been thru the process before!

I look forward to working with you on finding your new home.

My Bio and Qualifications can be found here for you to check out. I've been working in the area for over 20 years and can answer all your questions about a neighborhood that you might be interested in.

What makes a Good Neighborhood?

I'm excited and I want to start looking now Lyn - take me to the MLS search!

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324

Homes for Sale in Schaumburg IL and surrounding areas of Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Bartlett, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Carol Stream, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles.

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

 Setting the Stage Article

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

One of the Great things to do in the Fall!  Apple Picking Orchards and Apple Farms Guide near Schaumburg, Illinois

Apple Picking Resource Guide - go Apple picking near Schaumburg, Illinois!

Want a unique, fun activity for fall in the Schaumburg, IL area? This is where you can find Schaumburg area apple picking orchards, apple farms, apple festivals for Schaumburg and Cook County, Illinois.

Here is a list of the best 'pick your own' Illinois apple orchards and apple farms that offer the best apple picking around or a short drive from Schaumburg, Illinois!

Apple Blossom Farm
9809 North Rt. 91
Peoria, IL 61614
Peoria County, Illinois
Phone: (309) 243-5757

Applesource
1716 Apples Rd
Chapin, IL 62628
Morgan County, Illinois
Phone: (800) 588-3854
Website: www.applesource.com

Christ Orchard
4313 N. Texas Road
Elmwood, IL 61529
Peoria County, Illinois
Phone: (309) 446-3324
Website: www.christorchardonline.com

Curtis Orchard & Pumpkin Patch
3902 S. Duncan Road
Champaign, IL 61822
Champaign County, Illinois
Phone: (217) 359-5565
Website: www.curtisorchard.com

Doll's Orchard
573 Doll's Orchard Road
Pocahontas, IL 62275
Bond County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 669-2414

Eckert Orchards, Inc.
901 S. Greenmount Road
Belleville, IL 62220
St. Clair County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 233-0513 or (618) 239-6277
Website: www.eckerts.com

Eckert's Farm
Route 1, Box 87A
Grafton, IL 62037
Jersey County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 786-3445

Flamm Orchards
Old Hwy 51 N.
Cobden, IL 62920
Union County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 893-4241

Fortschneider Orchard
Deer Plain Road
Brussels, IL 62013
Calhoun County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 883-2423

Grissom's Lost Creek Orchards
680 Il. Rt. 13
Greenup, IL 62707
Cumberland County, Illinois
Phone: (217) 923-3736
Website: www.grissonslostcreekorchards.com

Guten Tag Orchard
3946 State Route #3
Chester, IL 62233
Randolph County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 826-3300

Hagen Family Orchard
Brussels Ferry Road
Brussels, IL 62013
Calhoun County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 883-2343

Harmony Hill Orchard
R. R. 2
Virginia, IL 62691
Cass County, Illinois
Phone: (217) 458-2260

Jefferies Orchard
1016 Jefferies Rd
Springfield, IL 62707
Sangamon County, Illinois
Phone: (217) 487-7582; (217) 487-7401; (217) 487-7845

Lipe Orchards
3925 South Illinois Avenue (old Highway 51)
Carbondale, IL 62903
Jackson County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 549-1263
Website: www.lipeorchards.com

Mills Apple Farm
11477 Pocahontas Road
Marine, IL 62061
Madison County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 887-4732
Website: www.millsapplefarm.com

Okaw Valley Orchard
RR 2, Box 124
Sullivan, IL 61951
Moultrie County, Illinois
Phone: (217) 728-8269
Website: www.okawvalleyorchard.com

Rendleman Orchards
9680 State Route 127 North
Alto Pass, IL 62905
Union County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 893-2771
Website: www.rendlemanorchards.com

Joe Ringhausen Orchard & Apple House (II)
267 South Street
Jerseyville, IL 62052
Jersey County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 498-6951 or (618) 376-6772

Schneider's Orchard
1036 County Rd. 1150N
Henry, IL 61537
Marshall County, Illinois
Phone: (309) 364-3037

Schwartz Farms
1941 Copple Road
P. O. Box 885
Centralia, IL 62801
Marion County, Illinois
Phone: (618) 532-8058 or (618) 249-8546

Tanner's Orchard
740 Illinois Highway 40
Speer, IL 61479
Stark County, Illinois
Phone: (309) 493-5442
Website: www.tannersorchard.com

Twin Brook Farm
R. R. 1, Box 209
Stronghurst, IL 61780
Henderson County, Illinois
Phone: (309) 924-1529

Wolfe Orchard
1657 North, 1125 East Road
Monticello, IL 61856
Piatt County, Illinois
Phone: (217) 762-8029

Northeast Region

All Season Apple Orchard
14510 Route 176
Woodstock, IL 60098
McHenry County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 338-5637
Website: www.allseasonfarm.com

Apples On Oak
16146 Oak Avenue
Lockport, IL 60432
Will County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 726-0386
Website: http://peceniak.tripod.com/home.htm

Curran's Apple Farm
6385 Trask Bridge Rd [Rt 70]
Rockford, IL 61101
Winnebago County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 963-7848

Homestead Orchard
11802 Charles Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
McHenry County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 338-7443
Website: www.homesteadorchard.net

Honey Hill Orchard
11747 Waterman Road
Waterman, IL 60556
DeKalb County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 264-3337

Jonamac Orchards
19412 Shabbona Rd.
Malta, IL 60150
DeKalb County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 825-2158
Website: www.jonamacorchard.com

Knutson's Country Harvest
13550 Townhouse Rd
Newark, IL 60541
Kendall County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 695-5905
Website: www.knutsonsharvest.com

Kuipers Family Farm
1N318 Watson Rd.
Maple Park, IL 60151
Kane County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 827-5200
Website: www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Lang's Orchard
17411 Secor Rd
Woodstock, IL 60098
McHenry County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 568-7547
Website: www.langsorchard.com

More Than Delicious Orchard
9905 Thompson Rd
Woodstock, IL 60098
McHenry County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 338-2309
Website: www.morethandelicious.com

Prairie Sky Orchard
4914 N Union Rd
Union, IL 60180
McHenry County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 923-4834
Website: www.prairieskyorchard.com

Royal Oak Farm and Fruit Orchard
15908 Hebron Road
Harvard, IL 60033
McHenry County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 648-4141
Website: www.royaloakfarmorchard.com

Valley Orchard
811 E Elgin St
Cherry Valley, IL 61016
Winnebago County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 332-9696

Woodstock Country Orchard
17015 Garden Valley Road
Woodstock, IL 60098
McHenry County, Illinois
Phone: (815) 923-4359
Website: www.woodstockcountryorchard.com

Apples are one of the easiest fruits to gather - even for little hands. Here are a few tips to get the most out of your apple picking experience:

- Apples on the outside of the tree tend to ripen first. Because there are so many varieties, color isn't necessarily an indication of ripeness. If you're not sure, ask.

- When going to pick your own apple picking farms, choose firm, bruise-free fruit and place it gently in your basket (just throwing them in will make them bruise and go bad more quickly).

- To increase shelf life, keep your apple haul in a cool, dry place, like a basement. Don't wash them until you use them. Then bring on the apple pies, sauce and cider!

Some fun Apple Picking facts:

-Apple trees take four to five years to produce their first fruit.
-There really was a Johnny Appleseed, famous for planting apple trees. His real name was John Chapman and he was born in 1774
-There are about 8000 varieties of apples around the world. Only about 100 types of apples are grown commercially in the U.S.
-After you go apple picking, amaze the kids with this trick: when you slice an apple in half, the core resembles a star.

LYN SIMS at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324

Real Estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago - Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Palatine, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles areas.

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

Garage Sale Saturday 9/13 and Sunday 9/14 in the Glens of Schaumburg Subdivision near Fairlane & Irving Park Rds. near Springinsguth.

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324

Glens of Schaumburg Specialist

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

What makes a Market Expert?  I’m sure to each of you reading this it would take a different answer.  The dictionary describes an expert as:  ‘having, involving, and displaying special skills or knowledge derived from training or experience.’  With that said, let’s begin talking about the Schaumburg IL Market Place of which I have been part of for the last 20+ years. 

What is going on really?  This post started with trying to update the consumer with numbers that they can both understand and use with regard to area home sales.  With all the bad press that the real estate market is getting on the news and with the mortgage market changing almost every day, most people want to know what will happen now? 

Since I don’t know the future market outcomes and how it can effect our marketplace, let’s talk about what I do know - right now - and what has happened with market conditions for 2 different time segments:  6 months ago (3/17 thru 8/31) and over a 1 year period (August 2007 thru August 2008).

People always ask me “Lyn, how many homes are selling?”   Well that seems to make a difference in what area or subdivision you live in.  It’s really not an evasive answer.  Each area and subdivision is totally different!  It also makes a difference if you have a single family home, a townhouse or a condo.  Here’s what I do know about the Schaumburg Market –

Single Family Homes 

Schaumburg now averages about 4 homes sold per week over the last 6 months.  The Median Sold Price over the last 6 months is up 14% to $316,250 from $276,500.

Single Family numbers work out to 292 homes on the market with 26 going under contract for August 2008.  That is a little under 9%.  This means that only a little under 9% of homes on the market have sold in Schaumburg! 

Over the last 1 year period - Number of homes for sale dropped from August 2007 by 18%.  That means there are 18% less homes on the market than a year ago.  Homes going under contract is up 8% over the last year offering a slight market improvement.  But, the actual closings are down from August 2007 by 25%. 

August 2008 had 8.6 months of inventory vs. 11.7 months in 2007.  This inventory is call the "absorption rate".  That is down 26% which is a good improvement and can also be contributed to the overall lesser amount of homes on the market.

Average Days on the Market is 92 for August 2008 vs. 93 for August 2007.  So that is a minuscule improvement hardly worth noting.  Let's just say that market time is the same with less homes for sale on the market now.

Multi-Family Homes  – these are the townhomes, quads, coach homes, manor homes and condos that everyone is familiar with in our area.

There has been a significant shift over the last few months in this market.  The Median Sold Price over the last 6 months is down 11% to $178,750 from $200,000.  There is a definite swing towards lower priced homes which I attribute to the recent condo conversions in the area.

There were a total of 641 homes for sale and 44 went under contract for August 2008.  This means that only a little under 7% of homes on the market have sold in Schaumburg!  This is down from my report in June from 9%.

Number of homes for sale increased by 25% over the last 6 months.  Homes that went under contract is also down 50% from 6 months ago.  

Over the last 1 year period - Number of homes for sale increased by 3% from August 2007.  Homes going under contract are down 29% from August 2007 and homes closing are down 53%.  This is an unfortunate downturn due to the increased homes on the market and added condo conversions.  So the inventory is increasing and the sales are decreasing month after month.

August 2008 had 11.8 months of inventory vs. 7.9 months in 2007 which reinforces my statement above.  Average Days on the Market is 102 for August 2008 vs. 62 for August 2007 which is a significant increase of 60%.  

My goal every month for all my clients is to be sure they are included in that 7 to 9% every month.  How can they do that?

Can my home really sell?  My answer is – you bet!  You just have to be a little more flexible and a little more patient in this marketplace and do a lot more work!  The buyers are out there!

What's your main reason to move? 15 Reasons why People Sell their Home

6 Common Problems that Spook Buyers

Top Selling Subdivisions by Price Range

Top 5 Selling Subdivisions (Multi-family)

10 Ways to Make Buyers Hate Your House

Curious about Closing Costs?

Schaumburg - A great place to live!

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324

**Figures compiled from MLSNI/MRED, my accurate little pencil and calculator, AgentMetrics Market Details.

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

How a Buyers Agent can help you ....

If you are currently in the market for a new home, you may be interested in how a real estate agent can help you.  You are about to make a great investment of both money and time.  I have a wealth of experience helping buyers of all categories like you make sound, informed decisions.

Did you also know that we don't cost you a thing?  That's right - zip, nada, zilch!

Here are some ways that a Buyers Agent can help you:

• Agents can help establish a plan for a home that fits your needs. Style, size, amenities, and other preferences will help determine what kind of home is best suited for you. They are familiar with all the floorplans and styles.
  
• They will help you to determine realistic spending limits. They can often explain alternative financing options or introduce you to a mortgage counselor. Agents can arrange to have you "pre-approved", which can help improve your positioning in negotiations.
  
• Access to all home listings all in one place within the multi-listing system (MLS) enables them to evaluate homes based on your affordability and the qualities you desire.  You can also have custom searches of multiple areas on my website until you make a final choice on a particular town.  Not all companies offer this service!
  
• They have access to information on taxes, real estate values, and municipal services, all of which can aid you in your decision to buy.
  
• They can "work for you" as a buyer's agent, helping to negotiate the best terms and price for you.
  
• They can make you comfortable with the closing process and they will obtain closing figures in advance for your review.
  

They can recommend home inspectors and go with you during the process to explain any concerns or repairs. These are just a few ways that a veteran buyers agent, like myself Lyn Sims, can help you in your journey towards buying your new home. More information to prepare buyers can be found on my website or by calling me directly. I'm confident that I can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make this process an exciting one. Please don't hesitate to call or e-mail me with any questions you may have.

Lyn Sims RE/MAX Suburban (847) 230-7324   OR  Email her:   LynSims@remax.net

Having someone in your corner with over 20 years experience will ensure every detail of your purchase is handled smoothly!  Looking forward to hearing from you!

Northwest Suburbs of Chicago - Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Medinah, Roselle, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles.

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

HEY LISTEN UP!   

Just wanted to tell you about a great place to choose a cat or dog as your next companion!  Please consider adoptionbefore you talk with a breeder!  There are many people that either cannot afford their dog or cat because of bad financial times or they had to move and can no longer take their pet!  Please consider this first if you can and make a life better for a cat or dog that had no choice in being here!  

I have recently adopted a puppy from Almost Home Foundation and the best form of compliment that I could pay to them is to give them more advertising!  HELP ADOPT A CAT OR DOG TODAY!  Almost Home Foundation rescues from other places and is a no kill facility.  In my instance, shots and neutering were included in the adoption fee!  So don't use the excuse of too many vet bills to think about! 

Visit their website today and begin your search for your new buddy!    CHECK OUT A DOG OR CAT HERE!

Every Saturday is Pet Adoption Weekend at a few local Pet Smarts in the area in Hoffman Estates, Bloomingdale or Schaumburg.  The website will have the location of the dog you are interested in so you can meet them personally so see if you get along!  Pretty easy!

DOG ADOPTION PROCESS

DONATIONS ARE GLADLY EXCEPTED TOO!

Almost Home Foundation P.O. Box 308 Elk Grove Village IL 60007  (630)582-3738                     

This is 'Bella' Sims a "Britney & Springer Spaniel" and all around happy puppy!

Adopted 12/1/07  A picture of the 'gang' is below.

I adopted "Reba".

NOW AFTER YOU ADOPT A DOG OR CAT DO YOU NEED A LARGER HOME?  LOOKING TO SELL YOUR HOME IN THE SCHAUMBURG AREA?  THAT'S WHERE I COME IN!

LYN SIMS at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324

Home Search Site:   www.LynSims.net

Homes for sale in the Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Roselle, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles areas.

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims

       

ONE OF THE LARGEST MODELS IN THE SCHAUMBURG AREA - SHOULD BE NEAR THE 400'S FOR THIS HOME!  COME CHECK IT OUT AND GET YOURSELF A GREAT DEAL IN A GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD. 

CALL ME FOR YOUR APPT TODAY!  DON'T KNOW HOW LONG THIS WILL LAST!   LYN SIMS (847)230-7324 RE/MAX SUBURBAN

** COOP WITH MLSNI/MRED

<< 1 of 2 >>

Detached Single    Status: ACTV MLS #:  06975468 Address: 15 Staffire Dr, Schaumburg, 60194 Bedrooms:  4 Price: $339,900 Baths:  3.1   Total Rms:  8 Area: 193 Master Bedroom Bath: Y HO Assessments:   # Fireplaces: 1 Frequency: Not Applicable PIN:  07192040010000 Taxes:  6,360.03 Special Assessment/Service Area: N Tax Year: 2006 Type Ownership: Fee Simple Tax Exemptions:   Agent Owned/Interest: N Year Built: 1976 Basement:  Y Built Before 1978: Y Parking Type: Garage # Cars: 2 Subdivision:  SHEFFIELD ESTATES Model: EXETER Type:  2 Stories Contract Date:   Style:  Colonial Closed Date:   Approx SF: 2500 Sold Price:   Exterior: Aluminum/Vinyl/Steel Siding (AVS), Brick (BR) Currently Leased:   Age: 26-50 Years Lease Exp Date:   Elementary:   District #: 54 Middle:    District #: 54 High:    District #: 211 Lot Dimensions: 100X85 Lot Size: Less Than .25 Acre Acres: 0 Waterfront:  N North:  11 South:  0 East:  0 West:  25 Directions: BARRINGTON TO SCHAUMBURG RD E TO STAFFIRE NORTH

Copyright 2008 MRED LLC - INFORMATION NOT GUARANTEED, CHECK FLOOD INSURANCE, ROOM SIZES ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST FOOT

 

                       
    © 2007 - 2010 Lyn Sims