RealEstateConsumerInfo.com: January 2010

Red Rock, a popular community in Schaumburg that features one level and 2story townhomes each with a private entrance.  Tucked behind the intersections of Barrington and Schaumburg Roads, it was built in 1994/1995 by Town and Country Homes.

There are 4 different models available with square footage between 1098 and 1333 square feet.  Upgrades can include: skylites, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, 6 panel doors, 9 ft volume ceilings, greatroom concept with open kitchens, family room extensions, cabinetry upgrades.  All homes come with an attached 1 car garage.

Currently there have been 7 sales ranging from $150,000 to $188,500 in which some models have not sold. (July to December 2009).

Red Rock is close to either Hanover Park or Schaumburg Train Stations (Milwaukee West Line) for commuters and within walking distance to tons of shopping!  Various banks, Lowes, Home Depot, Kohls, food stores, Bally fitness center - pretty much everything is here!  The grounds features a park, play area, covered picnic space, tennis court and a soccer field that is maintained by the Schaumburg Park District for residents enjoyment.

Mohave, 2BR 1BA, ranch styling ~ $150,000 to $170,000  2 sales.

Mesa, 2BR 2BA, upper unit ~  $188,500  1 sale.

Pueblo, 2BR, 1.5BA, 2story ~  $158,000 to $183,700  2 sales.

Sedona, 2BR, 1.5 or 2.5BA, 2story ~  $170,000 to $191,642  2 sales.

If you are looking to sell your home in Red Rock or looking to purchase a home in Schaumburg, please don't hesitate to begin your search at my Home Search Website.  You can search for ALL homes listed in the MLS of Northern Illinois and beyond regardless of who it is listed with.  

Want to search Red Rock now?  I bet there are a couple of homes on the market right now for us to look at!

Schaumburg Village Overview
How long will it take for my Schaumburg Home to sell?
Schaumburg Home Sales - 4th Q 2009
Schaumburg Market Update - October 2009
Business Week - Best Places to Raise your Kids
Tax Credit Q & A
Mortgage Rate Shopping Tips
Cook County Downpayment Assistance - Did you know about this?
Red Rock came in as one of the top selling Schaumburg Subdivisions.

Chicago Agent Magazine Feature

Having someone in your corner with over 25 years experience will ensure every detail of your purchase or sale is handled smoothly!  

Looking forward to working with you!

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

My Email is:  LynSims@msn.com

Fill out this FORM for more information!

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.

Red Rock - Schaumburg IL ©2010 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com and RealEstateBuyMe.com

Foreclosure Basics - Fannie Mae Specials on the Home Steps Program

Well I guess they want to join the spring market with new incentives for buyers (dangle that carrot?) with closing costs help and new appliances!  Most foreclosures obviously have 'iffy or icky' appliances so this would at least give buyers some incentives/breaks on those new appliances.  This was just released and is valid until May 1, 2010.  You must close by that date.  The press release shown is not very clear but I rechecked and the date starts for contracts on January 27th, 2010.

My other post on Fannie Mae Foreclosures.

Think a foreclosure might be for you?  I can help with all those questions.

Ahhh the lure of foreclosures!  To some buyers it's like the smell of hamburgers on the grill when you've been stranded on a desert island!  They gravitate towards 'the deal' (not the Donald).  It's like Homer Simpson and his 'donuts' mantra, they just can't help themselves.

This post is from a successful buyers agent, Carla Muss-Jacobs from Portland, and what she finds when she shows foreclosures to overly eager buyers.  You better know what your 'in for' and go in with both eyes open!  In fact, get as many eyes as possible to help you out (inspectors, contractors, etc) if this is your first home. 

As a buyers agent, I'll show you all homes available in your price range.  But you better have your financing, a mentor or contractor for advice and a good sense of humor if you want to take on a foreclosure!  Cause after the closing YOYO babe!

Enjoy this post!

Autumn Ridge is considered one of the more upscale townhome communities in Schaumburg first developed in 1990 by Town and Country Builders.   When I first visited the subdivision many years ago it impressed with the brick exteriors and it offered a ranch model which was in buyer demand but never built by most builders.  For extras and unique points we have available:  vaulted ceilings, full wall brick fireplaces, end unit upgrades, 1st floor Familyrooms, palladium windows, lunette windows, catwalk landing, whirlpools, skylites.  Another rarity at the time was it also offered basements and buyer favored 2 car garages.

Autumn Ridge has a total of 4 different floor plans ranging from 1464 to 1725 square feet.  Sales ranging from $250,000 to $340,000.

Auburne  Ranch Style, 1530 square feet, 2BR 2BA, Den.

Claret  2story, 1464 square feet, 2BR, 2.5BA, Loft.

Garnet  2story, 1676 square feet, 3BR, 2.5BA, landing overlooking Livingroom, 1st floor Familyroom.

Sorrel  2story, 1725 square feet, 3BR, 2.5BA, Familyroom adjoining Kitchen, Vaulted Livingroom, Catwalk/Landing overlooking Livingroom/Diningroom areas.

Well, this is sort of embarrassing as there is only 1!  Yep, one sale, a Garnet Model with a basement that sold for $315,000 for all of 2009.  You won't get confused with all the different numbers that's for sure!

If you are looking to sell your townhome in Autumn Ridge  OR   looking to purchase a home in the Schaumburg area, please don't hesitate to begin your search at my Home Search Website.  You can search for ALL homes listed on the market in the MLS regardless of what company it is listed with.  

Want to search Autumn Ridge now?  I bet there are a couple of homes on the market right now for us to look at!

Autumn Ridge came in as one of the top selling Schaumburg Subdivisions.
Village Overview
How long will it take for my Schaumburg Home to sell?
Schaumburg Home Sales - 4th Q 2009
Schaumburg Market Update - October 2009
Business Week - Best Places to Raise your Kids
Tax Credit Q & A
Mortgage Rate Shopping Tips
Cook County Downpayment Assistance - Did you know about this?

Chicago Agent Magazine Feature

Having someone in your corner with over 25 years experience will ensure every detail of your purchase or sale is handled smoothly! 

Looking forward to working with you!

     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.

Autumn Ridge ©2010 Lyn Sims, RealEstateConsumerInfo.com, RealEstateBuyMe.com

BRIAR POINTE TOWNHOME SALES IN SCHAUMBURG

Built in 1996/1997 and located near Springinsguth and Irving Park Roads.  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 Expressway and then connection to 355 North/South and into Chicago.

Briar Pointe received the 'Best Maintained Landscape Award' in 2006 and still maintains their common areas quite well.

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 into each home 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 $165,000 to $230,000 with the median list price of $189,660.  There was a total of 15 homes that have sold and the average market time was 86 days.  List to Sales Price ratio for the area is 95.5%.    (Sales are from 7/1/2009 to 12/31/2009)

Abby Model, 2BR 2BA, 1st floor Ranch styling $143,000 to $165,000     3 total sales

Bethany Model, 2BR 2BA, 1st floor Ranch styling $172,000     1 total sale

Coventry Model, 2BR 2BA, 2nd floor styling $192,500     1 total sale

Drake Model, 2BR 2BA, 2nd floor styling $170,000 to $182,900    4 total sales

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

Arlington with Loft  (Rare)    0 total sales

Barrington Model, 2BR 2.5BA, 2story townhome styling $196,500 to $218,000     3 total sales

Barrington with Loft  (Rare)   0 total sales

Carlton Model, 2BR 2.5BA, Loft, End Unit, 2story styling  $218,000 to $223,000   3 total sales

If you are looking to sell your townhouse in Briar Pointe or looking to purchase a townhouse in Schaumburg, please don't hesitate to begin your search at my Home Search Website.  You can search for ALL homes listed in the MLS of Northern Illinois and beyond regardless of who it is listed with.  

Let's start a Briar Pointe Search right now - I bet there are a couple of homes on the market right now for us to look at!

Having someone in your corner with over 25 years experience will ensure every detail of your purchase or sale is handled smoothly!  

Looking forward to working with you!

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

Top Selling Schaumburg Subdivisions

My Email is:  LynSims@msn.com

Fill out this FORM for more information!

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.

Briar Pointe - Schaumburg IL ©2010 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com and RealEstateBuyMe.com

Lexington Green is a large coach home community located off Meacham Road just south of Schaumburg Road on both the east & west sides of the street.  The community offers a pool and clubhouse for the residents and exterior maintenance, snow removal, scavenger service and common area insurance is included in the monthly assessments.  A great golf driving range is located nearby along with the Fox Run Golf Course.  Close to Woodfield Mall, great restaurants and fast access to 355 North or South.

There are 4 models to choose from and could be either on the 1st (patios) or 2nd floors (balconies).  Each model has something unique to offer with 'C' and 'B' units having closet pantries and are middle units.  'A' and 'D' units offer larger eat-in Kitchens and a formal Diningroom space.  A one car garage is included with each home.  (Sales are from 7/1/2009 to 12/31/2009).

C Units 2BR 1BA, Low Price of $127,000 to the High Price of $155,000   5 total units closed

B Units 2BR 2BA, Low Price of $135,000 to the High Price of $185,000   6 total units closed

D Units 2BR 2BA, Low Price of $154,500 to the High Price of $190,000   5 total units closed

A Units 3BR 2BA, Low Price of $170,000 to the High Price of $191,900   3 total units closed

If you are looking to sell your coach home in Lexington Green or looking to purchase a home in Schaumburg, please don't hesitate to begin your search at my Home Search Website.  You can search for ALL homes listed in the MLS of Northern Illinois and beyond regardless of who it is listed with.  

Let's start a Lexington Green Search - I bet there are a couple of homes on the market right now for us to look at!

Having someone in your corner with over 25 years experience will ensure every detail of your purchase or sale is handled smoothly!  

Looking forward to working with you!

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

                           Email:  LynSims@msn.com

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.

Lexington Green - Schaumburg IL ©2010 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com and RealEstateBuyMe.com

Brass - Get over it! It's no long in vogue, style, even likeable. It's done! Time to remove it from your home if you are thinking of selling!

I'm sorry you were duped into believing it is still an upgrade. (circa 1989?) From my own personal experience this year on my own house, changing out the knobs and handles 'instantly' brings your home up to date!  Pay attention to a few sales and you can do this remarkably within budget.  Shop around on the internet and you can probably do even better!

This post is true, every buyer I've worked with over the last 2 years has said the same thing about brass hardware!  Don't let buyers make fun of you too!

School Report Cards for Northwest Suburbs

Search Board of Education data from Illinois standardized tests. Daily Herald is also providing articles (2009) that are closely related to School Scores.

Search by:

• School Level ~ Grade School and High School Levels
• School Year
• Search by School
• Search by School District
• Search by Community
• Search by County
• Adequate Yearly Passing (AYP) is given if wanted.

Report Card Article dated 10/30/2009

A majority of suburban schools saw gains in reading, but scores dropped in math.  Lowest and highest average salaries for teachers, by district.

IL Report Card Site Here

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

                       Email:  LynSims@msn.com

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.

Resources: Daily Herald, IL Interactive School Reports.

School Report Cards ©2010 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com and RealEstateBuyMe.com

FHA announced changes - how will it effect me as a buyer?

OK, what I'll do is try and explain the 'new rules' for an FHA mortgage ~

• The upfront mortgage insurance premium (UFMIP) will increase to 2.25 percent up from 1.75 percent. Contrary to reports, FHA will continue to allow the financing of the UFMIP.

• Borrowers with a credit score below 580 will be required to have at least a 10 percent down payment. The minimum down payment will remain at 3.5 percent for all other borrowers.

• Seller concessions will be reduced to 3 percent from 6 percent.

This is a great post that explains the purchase offer and the 'how, why and what' of negotiating. Price is not the only issue despite what you might have been told. It's a 'package' and you should make your 'presentation' to the seller as strong as possible!

Credit for this post goes to a successful agent from Atlanta, Sally English. Enjoy her explanation and perspective.

Scrapers, creeps and scammers!

Illinois has just enacted some tougher laws regarding all types of advertising on the internet.  Especially deceptive and misleading statements toward consumers or misleading information driving buyers to their personal or company websites.  I'm really happy that this was just enacted and here's why - companies are now advertising your listings or your brokers listings without your permission or knowledge.  In Illinois, you are not allowed to represent (or advertise) you have a particular listing in any form if the listing does not belong to your company.  Now we are not talking about generic searchs here with IDX.  We are talking about these 'scammers' going out on the internet with particular keywords and attaching YOUR listing to them to attract buyers.

What!  Yep, it's happening more and more as I keep a close eye on certain keywords for my market place.  In fact I would say that over the last month, I've caught plenty of folks doing 'the nasty' with other peoples listings!  Do these people or sites have permission from the agents?  Nope, I know this for a fact as one of the listings is here in my office.  Why would we give permission for a competitor to highlight and drive traffic away from us and our ability to sell it?  We wouldn't, but only if we knew it was going on!

That is just another reason to keep vigilant about what is going on with your listings and your market area thru Google Keyword Alerts.  This is the easiest way to keep up on blogs, news alerts etc. with your areas of interest.   I think that every agent should also have their name added in order to monitor what is said on the internet about them or their company!

I will be sending along a truckload of information to the Board and the MLS shortly after I finish this post.  

What's being done with YOUR listings?  Do you even know?

Assessment Notices Mailed to Hanover Township Taxpayers

First-Ever Downward Market Adjustment Lowers Assessments of Hanover Township Homes; All Hanover Township Taxpayers Being Notified of Changes in Levels of Assessment

Chicago – January 19, 2009 – Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan announced today that residential property owners in Hanover Township were mailed notices reflecting a reduction in the assessed values of their properties. The impact of these reductions will be seen in second-installment tax bills payable in the fall of 2010.


"The situation we are facing in the real estate market is extraordinary, and the downturn has had an impact on home values," Houlihan explained. "After analysis of market sales and foreclosure data, we determined that Hanover Township homeowners should not have to wait until their properties are reassessed next in 2010 for the downturn to be reflected in their assessments."


Normally, properties are reassessed and receive notices every three years. The north suburbs are not scheduled to be reassessed again until 2010; the south and west suburbs will be reassessed next in 2011. This year, the City of Chicago will be reassessed.


Due to this first-ever downward market adjustment, residential properties in each suburban township will receive adjustments of their assessed values. A 7% decrease will be applied to the assessed values of all residential properties located in Hanover Township.


The deadline to file appeals for properties located in Hanover Township is February 22, 2010.


These market reductions come as the Assessor’s Office is implementing the 10/25 Ordinance, a measure passed by the County Board last year which was designed to simplify assessment levels. Homes will now be assessed at 10% of market value. Commercial and industrial properties will be assessed at 25% of market value. All Cook County property owners will receive notices telling them of the changes in assessment levels this year.


These changes in assessment levels will neither increase nor decrease assessments. They will simply give taxpayers the ability to review their assessments and determine if they accurately reflect the market value of their properties.


"If Hanover Township taxpayers want to appeal their proposed assessments, we encourage them to do so online," Houlihan said. "Our newly redesigned Web site is easy to navigate, contains a wealth of information, and makes it easier than ever to appeal a proposed assessment."

Hanover Township Assessor can be reached at 630-837-0301 from 8:30 am to 4:30pm.  They are located on Rt. 59 just south of W. Bartlett Rd.

I fired myself and here's why!

Did you ever have one of those listing presentations that just didn't get off on the right foot from the get go?  Saturday I had an appt. for a listing that was either to be for sale or for rent as the seller was moving shortly to Florida.  She wanted to know her options in this tough market so I offered my expertise and to come see the property.

Well, you know what happens when the seller just expounds too much about the condition of her home?  No, Lyn I've lived here 5 years and there is no need to paint!  The carpet is in fabulous shape but she can't even tell you what color it is?  Neutral - now that's a color.  I'll have to jot that down.

Upon arrival I asked for the customary tour and unfortunately what I expected surrounded me.  Lots of clutter, way too much furniture and an extreme need for a paint job!  In fact, this had 'paths' in a couple of rooms that I happened to mention made the rooms look terribly small and guess what 'we're selling square footage here right'?

Next was the interview from the parents - ahhhh, and that did not go well.  I was trying to be respectful but who owns this home and who is going to sign the listing agreement?  As it turned out, voices started to get louder and louder and Dad's face getting redder and redder by the minute when I seem unflapped by his statements.  'I don't care if you've been selling real estate for 50 years - we are not going to spend the money to paint'!  

So when you move the furniture what do you expect to find?  Alot of bad paint.  And Dad's suggestion seemed to be the 'dalmatian method' of painting.  Turn the entire house into 'clean spots' and 'dirty spots'!  After a few minutes of his blood pressure getting elevated, I gently gathered my things from the couch and began to put them away.

That's it folks, I'm packing up and leaving this circus!  And that's what I did!

Five Keys to Unlock the Secret to a Successful Sale

Oh, Lyn there you go again talking about 'staging' and preparing my home for sale.  Do I really have to spend all this time and energy?

YES .... YOU DO.  What sellers don't seem to understand is the competition out there in the marketplace.  Buyers have a lot of choices when they search for homes and why should they choose yours?  Well .....  I'll wait why you think about it.

As a buyer, there are endless choices you could make on your home search and you want your home to stand out ('spot on' as we say) because you only get once chance for a good first impression!

This is great advice from a successful stager, Sharon Tara from New Hampshire.  Enjoy her advice and perspective.

Well every January it seems a new group of laws goes into effect so why should Illinois be any different!  Keeping you updated with real estate matters is what I do so here's another law that just went into effect regarding closings.

So some people might be under the misunderstanding that 'bags of money' are brought to closings - well that's not true any longer.  Illinois sure knows how to take the 'fun' out of a real estate transaction!

If funds required for a transaction are $50,000 or more, you must now provide these funds in the form of a wire transaction.  Please note that the title company will continue to accept checks from another title company escrow transaction.  For example, if you sold a home and are buying a home, the title company proceeds (in the form of a check) from the sale of a home may be used as 'good funds' for the new purchase transaction.  

The New Rule of Thumb:  If you need $50,000 or more for a title company transaction, you will have to wire the funds from your bank or financial institution (no more cashier's or bank checks).  This will probably now cost you a small fee from your bank.

Go figure, your cash (in nickels or quarters) is no longer good at closings.  
 



Reference:  January 1, 2010, "Good Funds" Section of the Illinois Title Insurance Act (215 ILCS 155/26 (2010).

This is the 'Months Supply of Inventory' for Medinah IL Single Family Homes for 2009.

This number is also called the 'Conversion Rate' or the 'Absorption Rate' which is how long and how much inventory is on the market in that particular town. Obviously, the higher the rate, the longer the market time for homes in that community.

Does your agent know the 'Absorption Rate' and will they share that information with you? It shouldn't be kept a secret because it plays a pivotal role in how your home should be marketed.

So we obviously have different levels of 'Absorption' in the market and I've tried a humorous visual demonstration for you.

Q tip Rate - nothing much getting sold.

Toilet Paper Rate - I think a few Buyers are out there but they are just sitting there and spinning their roll.

Empty Toilet Paper Rate - Just OK, nothing terrific, steady as she goes, things are looking up!

Generic Paper Towel Rate - Buyers are remembering about the tax credit deadline, still cautious and mulling over values.

Bounty Towel Rate - This is where Sellers might see a micron of appreciation. The market is faster than this 'picker upper'.

Fluffy Towel Rate - Pretty darn good, feels good too!

Sham Wow Rate - This is the good old days of Real Estate!  Homes don't sit on the market at all!  Sellers are happy and Buyers are mad during this level. All is right with the world!

Well, let's come back and discuss the current market for Medinah IL homes! The good news is that the inventory is down by 10% over a year ago of December 2008. Either people are not moving and changed their plans, have given up or possibly rented their homes. It could be a variety of circumstances.

December 2009's sales rate was 1 under contract vs. November's 2.  Homes under contract are highest in October with 4!  December and January are expected slow months and sometimes even slower depending upon how much snow we get!  

If you are thinking of purchasing or selling in Medinah, please consider me your neighborhood expert.  I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your options in today's marketplace.

Illinois Home Sales
REO's and Foreclosures - Think they could be possibly for you?
Average Closing Costs in IL
203K Loan - Know what it is?
Zip Skinny for Medinah

Big Banks Accused of Short Sale Fraud - gee, who'd a thunk it?

Just as regulators, lawmakers and all forms of financial oversight boards are talking about new regulations to guard against mortgage fraud and another mortgage meltdown, there appears to be yet a new mortgage fraud out there today, allegedly perpetuated by agents of, yes, the big banks.

CNBC Story Link Here

It was only a manor of time when this nonsense would come to light on the 2nd lien holders behavior.  I'm glad these guys blew the whistle.  Short sale agents, feel free to comment.

Towne Place  is a fairly large community built by Lexington Builders located northeast of the intersection of Schaumburg and Barrington Roads behind the Kohls and Lowe’s Shopping Center.   A great mix of open areas, landscaping and recreation are available here.  There are two pools and clubhouses in the neighborhood and a walking/jogging path is also provided surrounding a nature preserve and pond.   The Schaumburg Park District also operates Veterans Park which offers soccer, baseball and football fields.  The Metra Train is available at either the Schaumburg Station or the Hanover Park Station depending on your schedule.  Walk to Kohl's, Lowe's, Bally's Fitness, Jewel Food Store, Home Depot, PetSmart, Harris Bank, and Target Greatland.  Tons of other great Schaumburg shopping too, that is just a small sample close by.

There are two styles of homes available at Towne Place: 

Coach Homes/Manor Homes which are a group of 4 units together, two on the 1^st floor and two on the 2^nd floor.  All have a private one car garage.  The 1^st floor homes are popular with seniors or those that just do not prefer any stairs.  The 2^nd floor homes have a spacious feel because of the vaulted ceilings thruout the unit.  Either a patio or a balcony is available for each home.

Then there are the traditional 2-story Townhomes having a 2 car garage.  There is one townhome model that has a 1^st floor den and is always an end unit.  Another has a 2-story Livingroom and often has a spectacular full wall fireplace sided by palladium windows.  All townhomes have good sized Kitchens with lots of cabinetry and all have formal Diningroom areas.  Various upgrades are available which could include:  end unit locations, whirlpools, fireplaces, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, pantries and luxury Master Baths.

This has what has sold from July 1^st, 2009 thru December 31st, 2009 for both Coach Homes and Townhomes just to give you an idea of the prices involved.

• Aspen, 1BR 1BA 1^st floor -     $152,000    1 total unit closed
• Birch, 2BR 1BA 1^st floor -
• Oak, 2BR 1BA 2^nd floor -     $176,000    1 total unit closed
• Elm, 2BR 2BA 1^st floor -
• Hawthorn, 2BR 2BA, 1^st floor -
• Spruce, 2BR, 2BA, 2^nd floor -
• Laurel, 2BR 2BA, 2^nd floor -     
• Willow, 3BR 2BA, 2^nd floor -    $192,000 and $175,000    2 total units closed

• Dorset,  2BR 2BA, 1 car garage -
• Fairfax,  3BR 2BA, 1 car garage -
• Bradford,  2-3BR, 2.5BA, 2 car garage -     $241,000    1 total unit closed
• Stratford,  3BR 2.5BA, 2 car garage -     $227,500 and $245,000    2 total units closed
• Pembroke,  2-3BR 2.5BA, 2 car garage -
• Ashton,  2BR 2.5BA, Den, 2 car garage -   $200,000 and $238,000    2 total units closed
• Westin, 2BR 2.5BA, Den, 2 car garage -   $255,000   1 total unit closed

If you are looking to sell your coach home or townhome in Towne Place  OR  looking to purchase a home in the Schaumburg area, please don't hesitate to begin your search at my Home Search Website.  You can search for ALL homes listed on the market in the MLS regardless of what company it is listed with.  I bet there are a couple of homes on the market right now for us to look at!

Towne Place came in as one of the top 5 selling Schaumburg Subdivisions

Not familiar with the Village of Schaumburg?   

Village Overview
How long will it take for my Schaumburg Home to sell?
Schaumburg Home Sales - 4th Q 2009
Schaumburg Market Update - October 2009
Business Week - Best Places to Raise your Kids
Tax Credit Q & A
Mortgage Rate Shopping Tips
Cook County Downpayment Assistance - Did you know about this?

Chicago Agent Magazine Feature

Having someone in your corner with over 25 years experience will ensure every detail of your purchase or sale is handled smoothly!  Looking forward to working with you!

       Lyn Sims  (847)230-7324 

       RE/MAX Suburban

www.LynSims.net   OR   Email her at LynSims@msn.com with any questions you might have on Towne Place or purchasing a home in general.  She's got over 25 years experience in the area!

Resources:  MRED MLS of Northern IL.

Towne Place, Schaumburg Illinois  ©2010 Lyn Sims - RealEstateConsumerInfo.com and RealEstateBuyMe.com

This is an important post to sellers and showing their homes. Sellers are very accomodating when it comes to showing their homes and are expected to 'disappear' for a showing without much notice BUT .... never let in a stranger that has just come up to your door to show your home!

This post gives the security we provide you when an agent makes an appointment to show your home. Now with the new technology, we always know who is in your home with the new computerized lock boxes!

Please don't take any chances. Call your listing agent (maybe me?) to schedule all showings.  Better safe than sorry!

How to pick a Realtor?  That's a tough subject (ouija boards, psychics don't seem to work) which I'll try to illustrate with some humor from an agent, Greg Nino that sells in Texas.  Some interesting perspectives that might make you smile.

You should interview your agent, both as a buyer or a seller and be sure you are comfortable with their skills and knowledge levels.  Don't be surprised if I don't agree with you as I'm not a 'yes man or uhhh women'.  I'm a straight shooter that tells the truth, whether you like it or not.  The market is the market and covering it with sugar is not going to get your home sold or get you into that REO that you've had your eye on!

Give me a call or email me so we can begin our 'interview' process today!