Real Estate Consumer Info.com

Low Prices, Low Rates = Opportunity

The best time to buy something is when no one else wants it = yes, another Opportunity

Housing prices have fallen dramatically all over the country and rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages are already close to 5 percent. Experts say it's possible, with government encouragement, that rates will fall as low as 4.5 percent. I believe this is the way the market will go.

So ...... Now is the time for buyers to step up. Here are some things to consider:

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

I proudly serve and sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately.

Disclaimer:  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.

Buyers have great opportunities ©2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com

Northern DuPage County Market Summary

I have been following along with interest over the last few months the Chicago Tribune and the ‘Price Pulse’ real estate sales snapshot.  This article in particular is for comparisons of August thru October 2008 and August thru October 2007.   This is for my areas and communities that I cover in DuPage County only.

It mentions changes in median housing prices either an increase, no change (or no sales), or a decrease.  Now let’s go over what a median house price is – ½ the homes sold for more and ½ the homes sold for less.

Bartlett          ▼    $253,000*

Bloomingdale    ▲    $254,500

Carol Stream    ▼    $228,500

Glendale Heights    ▲    $180,000

Hanover Park    ▼    $190,000*

Itasca    ▼    $261,500

Medinah    ▼    $295,000

Roselle    ▲    $230,000*

St. Charles    ▼    $217,750

West Chicago    ▼    $204,000

Wood Dale    ▼    $253,500

 

This just gives you a casual idea of what is going on in the real estate market of your particular community.  I think it offers much better information on market trends than a website like Zillow where they try and give your home a ‘free Zestimate’.  Notice that the words ‘guess and estimate’ are blended together for nothing more than a computer generated guess.  You might also ask your Ouija Board or Magic 8 Ball for the same answers.

 

If you are thinking of selling your home soon or purchasing a home in these areas, please give me a call for an up-to-date market evaluation of your home.   I have all the current MLS data at my finger tips.

 

 

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

 

I proudly serve and sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately

* Also in another county.

Sources:  Data supplied by Record Information Services which is responsible for data accuracy.   Chicago Tribune/House & Homes/Sunday Feb. 22, 2009

Northern DuPage County Market Summary ©2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com 

The Ultimate Man Cave

Check out this unique newly listed home around $300,000. Truly a 'Man Cave' that is actually pretty nice! No comps for it though as the seller mentions!

The Power of 3

What’s the most asked question that I receive from people about real estate?  What’s the #1 tip that I could pass along?

Well there’s actually 3 things that are enmeshed together – location, price and condition.  All 3 actually make your home either sell or be rejected by prospective buyers.

So a real estate mantra in case you don't know it:

Location, location, location!

There's that 3 again but there is a reason that it is used over and over.  Nobody listens!

The location of your home makes a 'price' difference to buyers from the town that it's in,  the street that it's on and the school district the kids will be attending.

Obviously different towns have different socio-economic benefits for living there.  Maybe you need the train to go to work?  Maybe you've grown up in the city and want your kids to run around and play soccer in the best park district - all these reasons encompass location.

So this portion of the series really will ask you to take a step back and look at your home with a critical buyers eye.  Do you have a good location?  

Is it safe?    Is it quiet?    Is it in the middle of the subdivision across from a park?    Walking distance to schools?    Close to expressway access or public transportation?    Golf Course view?    Wooded view?

After answering these questions if you find yourself saying:

That's a location issue that effects your price.  If you take 2 similar homes and put them side by side as a buyer will do, which home would you choose?  Come on, be honest?

Each location issue will pose a difference in the price.  Buyers will either except or reject your location based on your price just like they would consider other features like a basement or number of bedrooms.


Be sure your home is set at a competitive price based on your location.  Remember the ‘Power of 3’.

 

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

Power of 3 - Price
Power of 3 - Condition

I proudly serve and sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately.

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.

The Power of 3 -  Home Selling Advice on Location ©2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com 

The Power of 3

What’s the most asked question that I receive from people about real estate?  What’s the #1 tip that I could pass along?

Well there’s actually 3 things that are enmeshed together – Price, condition, location.  All 3 actually make your home either sell or be rejected by prospective buyers.

Price - Obviously in this market with the elevated inventory you have to be ‘spot on’ with your homes price.  Too high and no one will take your home seriously and it will be passed over.  Too low?  Well that really doesn’t happen too often except in distress sales, foreclosures and the like.  A fair price – what a seller is willing to accept and a buyer is willing to pay.  That’s what we normally strive for.

When an agent puts your home on the market, it has to be sold three times.

The first sale is to my peers, the other REALTORS® and agents who are in the market everyday. They need to be excited about the price or they simply ignore the listing because it's often a waste of their time to show it to buyers who won't pay that price.

The second sale is to the buyer, and they compare your home to the others they're looking at in the marketplace comparing features and benefits that are important to them.

The third sale is to the appraiser for the lender. Even if we're lucky enough to get a higher than market price from a buyer, the appraiser compares the sale with past sales in your neighborhood and their appraisal usually hits right at the market price.

Now let’s think about this question for a moment - if you bought a home and the appraisal came in lower than what you paid, what would you do?  How would you feel as a buyer?

I'll tell you what normally happens from past experience, the deal falls through and we begin the whole process all over again.  Start again at square one, we’re back on the market baby!  How would you feel about that?

Be sure your home is set at a competitive price.  Remember the ‘Power of 3’.

 

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

The Power of 3 - Condition
The Power of 3 - Location

I proudly serve and sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately.

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.

The Power of 3 -  Home Selling Advice on Price ©2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com 

Some Things To Live By   ~~

Some Things to Think About   ~~

 

Fun, Laughter, and Enthusiasm ...  We should strive to keep that childlike spirit in our work and our play. When we grow up we take ourselves way too seriously, and sometimes we become a heart attack waiting to happen.

No Limit Thinking .... As children we believe that we might become president, a great artist or a great explorer. But as adults we begin to put fences around those dreams.

No Inhibitions ...  Children speak from the heart, and as adults we should strive to do more of that.

Read People and Situations ... Children can see past the trappings of material success and see into the core of people. As we grow older we begin to label people, and as the saying goes, "labeling is disabling."

Creativity and Imagination ... A great philosopher once observed, "Genius is childhood recaptured at will." The imagination and creativity we had at age five too often begins to fade at fifteen.

Why is it so tough to find an interest rate payment chart?

This is another post in the 'Real Estate 101' series where I have attached an interest rate payment chart for buyers interested in knowing what a payment would be with each interest rate jump either up or down.  You wouldn't think in this day and age that it's a big deal - but it is!  I've went to countless mortgage websites, both big and small, and came up short.   We've got plenty of fancy 'calculators' but nothing where you can actually see 5% is ???   5.5% is ???   I've got bad credit so mine is 6.5%.

This is a classic example where you can see WHY your credit report score is so important to your payment.  If your credit score has a few bumps in the road it definately means you are paying a higher interest rate and you should work on getting your credit score back in order.

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

 

I proudly serve and sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately.

Interest Rate Payment Chart ©2009 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.

BRIAR POINTE TOWNHOME SALES IN SCHAUMBURG -  2008 Update

Built in 1996/1997 and located near Springinsguth and Irving Park Rds.  Briar Pointe is surrounded by open areas, parks and nature sanctuaries.  Popular area with the current residents because of it's close proximity to the Schaumburg Train Station (Miwaukee West) and the Alexian Field Minor League Baseball Stadium.  Short drive to access the Elgin-O'Hare and then connection to 355 North/South and into Chicago.  Briar Pointe recently received the 'Best Maintained Landscape Award' for a multi-family development from the Village of Schaumburg in 2006.

There are 7 models to choose from with great options available:  fireplaces, skylites, hardwood floors, 6 panel doors, stained doors and woodwork, vaulted Master Bedrooms, 2nd floor Utility Rooms.  One of the great features that Briar Pointe has over older townhome subdivisions is the multiple baths.  Private entry way in each townhome no matter what style or model.

Square footage in the Manor Homes styles is between 1074 to 1266 either on the 1st or 2nd floors.  Square footage in the Townhomes is between 1130 to 1398 sq. feet.

Prices range from $185,000 to $235,000 with the median list price of $210,500.  There was a total of 23 homes that have sold and the average market time was 106 days.  List to Sales Price ratio for the area is 96%.

Abby Model, 2BR 2BA, 1st floor Ranch styling $190,000 to $205,000     2 total sales       47 days average

Bethany Model, 2BR 2BA, 1st floor Ranch styling $165,000 to $198,000      5 total sales        84 days average

Coventry Model, 2BR 2BA, 2nd floor styling $209,000 to $215,000     3 total sales        105 days average

Drake Model, 2BR 2BA, 2nd floor styling $180,000 to $215,000    3 total sales        47 days average

Arlington Model, 2BR 2.5BA, 2story townhome styling       0 total sales

Arlington with Loft  $205,000  (Rare)

Barrington Model, 2BR 2.5BA, 2story townhome  $212,000 to $223,000     6 total sales     119 days average

Barrington with Loft  $215,500  (Rare)

Carlton Model, 2BR 2.5BA, Loft, End Unit,   $217,500 to $231,200      2 total sales     43 days average

There are currently 15 homes available for me to show you if you are interested!

     

Begin your home search now and see ALL THE LISTINGS AVAILABLE  at my website:  www.LynSims.net

Lots of great BUYER and SELLER information, school information, town profiles to help you make informed decisions.

Top Selling Schaumburg Subdivisions

My Email is:  LynSims@remax.net

Fill out this FORM for more information!

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

I proudly serve and sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.  If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately.

Disclaimer:  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.

Briar Pointe Townhomes - Schaumburg IL ©2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com

 

Isn't it amazing that George Carlin - comedian - could write something so very eloquent ... and so very appropriate. 

A Message from George Carlin:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have  bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. 

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.   

We  have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. 

We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble  crossing the street to meet a new neighbour. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.  

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.  

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. 

It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe,  because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. 

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, ' I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it.  A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. 

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: 

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

 

I just remembered why I love George Carlin!

The size of new homes is shrinking for the first time in at least a decade, says USA TODAY.  Nearly 9 out of 10 builders are saying they are building or planning smaller homes than in the past.  The average size of new homes started in the 3rd quarter of 2008 was 2,438 square feet, down from 2,629 in the 2nd quarter.

How about affordability?  These builders are just not getting the fact that nobody can afford these new homes!  It is common knowledge in my industry that new construction is always the most expensive but people gravitate toward all the new features that only new construction can offer!  No need to rehab the kitchen with new construction.

How about the fact that the new construction is way, way out from all the hub employment centers.  Not to mention the sting of $4.00 a gallon of gas is still fresh in most buyers minds.  They don't understand why people might not want to drive 30 miles to work each way twice a day - DUH!

Also in another new survey out of Las Vegas they recently did a consumer preference survey from the new Realtor Blog.  No mention by the way of how the statistics were compiled on this - so this is probably just a published 'guess'.  But here's the meat & potatoes of the report that says the following features are falling out of favor (fad) with buyers:

Fireplaces:  a reduced request from the 90's down to 51% in 2007.  I don't know of anyone that has ever passed up a fireplace except in rare occurances.  There have been a few times where the placement or shape was not the best, but most buyers here in the Midwest love them.

Carpet:  a declining request with most people now preferring hardwood floors.  My opinion is that carpet is still popular in bedrooms here in the Midwest.  I will agree that hardwood has had an upturn in popularity.  NOT LAMINATE.

Livingroom:  34% of participants said they would be willing to buy a home without a Livingroom.  Well they have been trying to get rid of that 'useless room' for the last 25 years and have yet to do it.  Buy a home without a Livingroom and upon trying to resell it what will your feedback be?  Wish it had a 'Livingroom'.

Desks in the Kitchen:  They are 'clutter' areas.  You won't get any disagreement from me there!  But there are desks and then there are 'media center desks' in Kitchens!  There are some people installing plasma TV centers that monitor everything in the house from heating to surveillance.  Throw in a cappuccino maker and I give it a thumbs up!

Skylites:  Only 10% of new homes will include them this year, so it's been a downward spiral for the poor skylite.  The 'old fart' conservative types always say that they 'leak' even though they've never lived in a house with skylites.  I can't ever remember a skylite screwing up the resale or presentation of a house.

Upscale Kitchen finishes:  granite counter tops are now becoming less desirable to buyers who are now moving toward more affordable, low maintenance laminate counter tops.  NAWWW Don't Think So!  Buyers are just not dumb enough to buy the granite counters from the builder!  They'll have them installed later at a better price.  That's what I think is happening and I can't think of a buyer that would turn down granite over regular laminate counters.  It just shows more 'richly' and more upscale no matter what the size of the house.

These are just a couple of examples I've found of 'current or upcoming' trends in the real estate market.  What are some of your favorite features?

 

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

 

 

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

Email her:   LynSims@remax.net

 

Sources:  The Week Mag 1/23/2009, Realtor Styled, Staged, Sold Blog Post

Disclaimer:  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.

Size does matter! - 2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com

 

 

If you are currently in the market for a single family home in Roselle, 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 and zero!

 

 
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 floor plans 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 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!  My site now offers direct access to the foreclosures on RealtyTrac.
  
• 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 you to negotiate the best terms and price.
  
• They can make you feel comfortable with the entire closing process.
  

The median list price for single family homes in Roselle Illinois is $319,900 with the average market time of 218 days.  The lowest priced home available is $179,900 (DEAL ALERT!) and the highest is $1,195,000 for custom construction.  The largest supply of homes available is in the $250,000 to $300,000 price range for this report.

There are currently 90 single family homes to choose from.

The above reasons 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.

Village of Roselle Profile

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!

 

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

  

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

Email her:   LynSims@remax.net

Disclaimer:  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.

Roselle Illinois Homes for sale - 2009 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com