Chicago Home Sales Are Up in 2010 From This Time Last Year!
June 24, 2010 by Marina
Filed under Today's Real Estate News
This is the news that every Chicagoland Home Seller wants to hear:
Chicago home sales jump 32% in May
It is great news to deliver to home sellers who want to list their home. We know that the home tax credit drove buyers out into the market as well as the low price tags on short sales and foreclosures. It is no surprise that I can report this based on the perks we have seen in the market. This idea that home sales continue to drive forward after the tax credit is wonderful for everyone. We are seeing the market recover in the number of sales.
Median home sale prices remain steady from this time last year but the high end homes are the harder sale, as buyers know they have their choice of homes, and more money equals more buying power. Although we see home sale prices remain lower then 2 years ago, this is great news for both buyers and seller; Chicagoland Homes Are Selling!
According to the Illinois Association of Real Estate, Crain’s has reported the following information. As a Northern Illinois Realtor I feel it is important for you to see the numbers of homes that are selling and keep you informed on the Real Estate market. Working with a professional who knows the market is what can set your home aside from the rest when selling or get you the dream home that you have always wanted to buy.
(Crain’s) — More homes were sold in Chicago in May than a year earlier, marking the ninth month in a row of year-over-year gains.
The Illinois Assn. of Realtors reported Tuesday that last month’s sales of 2,057 single-family houses and condominiums represented a 32.1% increase from May 2009 sales. The median price also rose, up 2.2% to $230,000, from the same month last year.
The city’s May sales uptick was also seen in the greater Chicago area, where 33.6% more homes were sold. The median price for those homes, however, fell, down 4.8% to $190,500.
Illinois home sales were up 27.1%. The median price of the 11,638 homes sold statewide last month was $157,00, a slight increase from the $156,000 median of May 2009.
The National Assn. of Realtors said Midwest home sales remained strong in May as the homebuyers tax credit drove sales nearly 22% higher than in May 2009. The credit called for offers to be made by April 30.
The data released Tuesday show 130,000 sales in the 11-state Midwest region in May. The median home price increased more than 2%, to $150,700.
Midwest sales again rose more than national ones. Nonseasonally adjusted figures show May home sales nationwide increased about 18% over last year.
The Associated Press-Re/Max Monthly Housing Report, which also was released Tuesday, showed home sales increasing in all but one of 12 major Midwestern cities tracked. Fargo, N.D., led the region with a 66% sales jump. Detroit reported the only sales decrease, a 15% drop.
Are You Looking to Buy or Sell Your Northern Illinois Home?
If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Illinois or you have any real estate related questions please feel free to contact me, Marina Jacobson at 847-510-5009 or email me at Marina@MarinaJacobsonHomes.com. Visit my website at www.MarinaJacobsonHomes.com for current real estate information. Click Here to Search The MLS Listings for FREE
Low Interest Rates = Good News for Northbrook Home Sellers!
June 22, 2010 by Marina
Filed under Northbrook, Selling a Home
There is good news for Northbrook sellers. With the low interest rates, we do anticipate that 1st time home buyers will come back into the market regardless of a tax credit. The rental market is higher in price for High End Northbrook Homes and that will also make buying a home attractive.
So how does this affect the Northbrook Sellers?
If you are thinking of selling your Northbrook Home then recognize that your home has to finish in the top 5 homes on a buyers list. The home that shows the best with updates, fresh paint, looks clean and welcoming and is priced to sell is the one that will attract the buyer. Northbrook sellers are competing in a very tough market as you can see in the charts below.
There are 355 single family homes and 214 townhomes and condos currently on the market in the Northbrook area. So you have to ask:
What is Going to Set My Northbrook Home Aside From The Rest?
Staging your home to show your property at its best, including de-cluttering rooms, removing personal items and pictures and rearranging furniture can help in the sale of your home. I hire a professional photographer to takes the pictures of your Northbrook home when it is ready. We then take it to the next level with marketing your homes on 25 plus Websites and print advertising. I offer each home its own www.address. And the list goes on. The first viewing for potential buyers is most likely going to be online, so it has to have a great lasting impression. Marina Jacobson can help and give you the tools to get your home sold.
As a Northbrook Realtor out of Koenig and Strey, I can help buyers and sellers with Homes in Northbrook. If you need a real estate expert, look no further. Marina Jacobson can help you with all of your needs. Contact me, Marina Jacobson at 847-510-5009 or email me at Marina@MarinaJacobsonHomes.com. Visit my website www.MarinaJacobsonHomes.com for all of your real estate needs.
Click Here to Search Homes in Northbrook
Morton Grove Home: 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Morton Grove Short Sale
June 18, 2010 by Marina
Filed under Featured Listings
Morton Grove Short Sale
Morton Grove Short Sale!
www.8440CallieAve604.com
Great Sun Filled Top Unit with a Courtyard View in the Woodlands of Morton Grove. The Kitchen features Upgraded 42” Raised Cherry Wood Cabinets with Stainless Hardware, Stainless Steel Appliances & Hard Wood Floors.
The Master Bedroom has an Exit to the Balcony and a Bathroom with a Marble Top Vanity. The Open Living Room Features an Exit to the Balcony. The 2nd Bathroom has a Pedestal Sink an Walk-in Shower. For Your Convenience there is in Unit Laundry.
The Amenities Include a Fitness Center & Heated Garage. The Woodlands is a quick Walk to Metra Train Station. This Morton Grove Short Sale is Subject to Bank Approval, Please Allow Ample Time for Response. 24 hour notice for Showings. Great price, Make an Offer!
Morton Grove Homes For Sale
Select the Link Above to View All Morton Grove Homes For Sale
Village of Morton Grove
School Information
- Niles North High School District #219
- Maine East High School
- Niles North High School
- Niles West High School
District #67
- District #67
- Hynes Elementary School K-4
- Golf Middle School 5-8
- Morton Grove/Skokie Schools District 69
- Tomas Edison School
Morton Grove School Dist 70
East Maine School Dist 63
- East Maine School Dist 63
- Mark Twain
- Nelson School
- Melzer School
- Hynes Elementary School
Glenview Events for Summer Fun – Get Glenview News Here
June 18, 2010 by Marina
Filed under Entertainment, Glenview
Are you looking for Events in Glenview to fill your weekends with fun, look no further, Marina Jacobson, Glenview realtor of Koenig & Strey has the news you can use. Coming up this father’s day weekend and throughout the month of June are great Glenview Events that you and your family can enjoy.
9th Annual Wagner Farm Dairy Breakfast
On June 19th This Glenview Event takes place at the Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview, IL between 8:00am and 1:00pm. Enjoy a delicious farm-style breakfast complete with a variety of dairy items. Farm tours, demonstrations, hay rides and plenty of hands-on activities throughout the morning. Click Here for more information on the Wagner Farm Dairy Breakfast or call 847-657-1506 for more details on this event.
The Black Dogs Car Show at the Glen
This event will be taking place on Father’s Day, Sunday June 20th from 9:00am-3:00pm at The Glen Town Center on Tower Drive. You can register your car from 9am to noon. The car show is FREE, there is no entry fee and trophies will be awarded to the top 25 vehicles. $150 Glen Town Center gifts cards will be awarded to the best in show for Show Stock, Modified and Future Classic Cars. Pop your engines, open your doors and rev your engines for this great Glenview Event. Visit www.blackdogcarshows.com for more event information and future dates of the shows throughout Northern Illinois.
Glenview Farmer’s Market at Wagner
On June 26th from 8:00am-12:00pm stop by the Wagner Farm, 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview, IL for the weekly farmers market. Starting June 26th through October 9th every Saturday local venders will be selling their fresh fruits, vegetables and baked goods. Don’t miss the amazing array of fruits and vegetables, or pick up some homemade jellies and jams. Bring home some fresh cut flowers to brighten up the rooms. Bring the family and when you are done shopping stop by the farm and visit the animals or sit on the antique tractor and take some pictures. There is fun for all at the Glenview Farmer’s Market, click here for more information or call 847-657-1506.
Summer Drop-In Activities
There is always something exciting happening everyday this summer, June 7-August 27 at the Historic Wagner Farm at 1510 Wagner Road, Glenview, IL.
Dollar Drop-in Days – Monday-Saturday, 10-11 am: Participate in fun crafts, demonstrations and farm-related activities. Activities change daily. Meet at the Heritage Center front desk. $1/day per participant.
Monday-Saturday, 4:30 pm: Public Milking Demonstrations in the Heritage Center’s milking parlor. Free.
Monday-Sunday, 10 am – 3 pm: Meet costumed interpreters as they go about daily life on a working 1920s farm. Free.
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4 pm: Storytelling with Miss Joyce and Miss Mary Beth. Free
If you are looking for something to do with your family during the week or on the weekend, stop by the Wagner Farm and enjoy all of the Glenview Events it has to offer.
Gazebo Grill Grand Re-Opening & Friday Night Live
Friday, June 25, 6:30-9 pm at the Glenview Park Golf Club, 800 Shermer Road, Glenview, IL the Gazebo Grill will be opening for the summer. Bring the whole family & enjoy the food, drinks, fun and stick around for live entertainment featuring Curt Lechner, “The Essence of Elvis.” Enjoy free cake, lemonade and iced tea. There will be burgers & brats “hot off the grill” and cocktails available for purchase. One for the money, two for the show, three to get ready now go cat go. Don’t miss the Gazebo Grill Grand Re-Opening and Friday Night Live Glenview Event.
Free Grove Trail Walk
Saturday, June 26, meet at The Grove Interpretive Center, 1421 Milwaukee Ave, Glenview, IL at 2:00pm to check out wildflowers, bird migration and other signs of spring with a Grove Trail Walk. It is a great time to appreciate the beauty of nature and take a nice relaxing trail walk. For more information call (847) 299-6096.
I will continue to update you on Glenview Events throughout the summer. It is always nice to get out and enjoy the weather with family and enjoy all that this township has to offer. Glenview is a wonderful place to live as many of the homeowners in Glenview will attest to that. When I am working with relocation buyers I can honestly say Glenview is always on the top list of their choices. The school district in Glenview helps keep the homes prices in Glenview stable. Glenbrook North and South High Schools offer a great education. Glenview also offers great Elementary and Junior Schools as well as Early Care facilities. What a great town to live in, and it is always a pleasure to work with Glenview Buyers and Sellers.
If you are looking to buy or sell a Glenview Home, call your local Glenview Realtor, Marina Jacobson out of The Glenview Koenig & Strey Located in The Glen 847-510-5009 or email me at Marina@marinajacobsonhomes.com. You can also visit my website www.MarinaJacobsonHomes.com for all of your Glenview real estate needs. Click here to search Homes in Glenview.
Staging Your Home to Get it SOLD – Tips From Your Real Estate Pro
June 9, 2010 by Marina
Filed under Home Selling Tips, Selling a Home
You don’t get a second change to make a first impression on buyers, so it is always a good idea to make it a lasting one when selling your home. Consider your home a contestant in a beauty contest and set your goal to finish in the top three. Every seller wants their home to be the winner, but you have to groom it and get ready to show off your goods. Staging your home before you go on the market is what might set your home aside from the rest of your competition. You want to make sure you have everything in order before the pictures of your home are taken and before you listing goes live. Since most buyers today are viewing your home online first, you want to wow them with your new and improved home. Here are some steps you can take when staging your home to help put your house in the running for a buyer.
1. Less is more – remove enough so that there is some empty space in closets, on shelves, and in cabinets.
2. Remove or hide all small kitchen appliances and clutter on the countertops.
3. Remove all refrigerator art, pictures, magnets, calendars, etc.
4. Pack up all personal photos, people need to be able to themselves in your home.
5. Remove personal necessity items from bathroom and enclosed showers… shampoo, toothpaste, hairbrushes, dirty towels, etc. Put them in a basket that is easy to hide.
6. Remove and store seasonal clothes from closets, this is a good time to donate any of your old clothes and shoes to good will.
7. Rent a storage space if possible. Remove all visible storage boxes from closets, basement and garage.
8. Remove some furniture to open up the rooms. A good rule of thumb, consider eliminating half of all furniture and accessories.
9. Remove dated or worn furnishings and accessories. Display only updated new looking items, new couch and chairs covers may come in handy, even a decorative pillow.
10. Remember the rule, “One will do”. When accessorizing surfaces, remember that for staging purposes one item is better than two or more. One vase or clock on a fireplace mantle shows off your home better that two or three items.
11. Use mirrors generously. A mirror at the end of a long hallway makes the home look larger and relieves any cramped feeling. A mirror opposite the bathroom vanity pushes walls back and makes small bathrooms larger.
12. Paint the interior of the house and the front door. A fresh coat of paint makes a room look new.
13. Repair, paint, or wash all exterior walls, doors, and trim.
14. Power-wash exterior concrete and other outdoor areas. Remember this will be the first thing buyers will see.
15. Replace worn, stained carpeting and cracked floor tiles. Be sure that any remaining carpet, drapery or upholstery holds absolutely no odors.
16. Wash the windows, inside and out. Remove unnecessary screening.
17. Arrange a minimum number of towels in bathroom racks and put out fresh soap.
18. Inside, use fresh flowers in vases. Decorate outside with planters and potted plants.
19. Decorate the patio or deck with flowerpots and enough furniture to show that it is usable living space.
20. Furnish covered porches with small outdoor tables and chairs to turn them into obvious living spaces.
21. Make sure the landscaping is well kept and the grass is maintained. T
22. Air the home by opening windows and doors and try not to cook before showing. No one wants to smell what you ate for lunch or last night for dinner.
23. No drips! Repair all plumbing, faucets, running toilets. You will have to repair these items after a home inspection, if you can fix them first you are better off.
24. Clean or repair/replace worn caulking around tubs, sinks, counter tops.
25. Deep-clean entire house, oven, fireplace, garage, etc.
26. Enhance fireplace firebox with candles or decorative logs.
I know the list is long here and as a seller you may not get around to everything, but this gives you a good starting point of what buyers are going to expect to see when they are looking for a new home. Although your home is not new for you, take into concideration that this will be a new home for the buyer. If the work is too much for you to do yourself, or you just can’t figure out where to start, I can refer you to a great home stager who will meet with you and give you suggestions on staging your home.
If you are looking to sell your home in the Northern Illinois Suburbs or you have any questions about staging your home contact me, Marina Jacobson at 847-510-5009 or email me at Marina@marinajacobsonhomes.com. I am a professional Real Estate Agent working out of Koenig and Strey in Glenview and I can help you get your home SOLD. For more real estate information visit my website www.MarinaJacobsonHomes.com.
Foreclosures and Short Sales
June 8, 2010 by Marina
Filed under Foreclosures, Short Sale/Foreclosure
Foreclosures and Short Sales are available in your area. If you are looking to buy a home and are prepared to move on a house quickly in order to get a great deal, shop for your Foreclosures and Short Sales here. Working with an experienced real estate agent who is knowledgeable in this area is important. I am available to help you with all of your real estate needs. Call me at 847-510-5009 and we can find out if a Foreclosure or Short Sale home is right for you.
Click Here to View Foreclosures in Your Area
Are You Looking to Buy a Foreclosure in Northern Illinois?
June 3, 2010 by Marina
Filed under Home Buying Tips, Short Sale/Foreclosure
Foreclosed and Short Sale Homes in the Northern Suburbs of Illinois are on the rise, but waiting for new properties isn’t as easy as it seems. As soon as good properties come on the market, they can be gone just as fast. As they say the early bird gets the worm.
The Foreclosure Market in the Northern Suburbs is about to become more active in the coming months and the opportunity to purchase one is going to be available for smart buyers. It is said that Nationwide Foreclosures are not going to peak until 2011. As a Real Estate Agent in Northern Illinois I have the access to systems and know people that can help me help you to find out about foreclosures coming on the market, but if it is a good deal, you have to move fast.
Buyers need to understand the Foreclosure Market which is different than the Short Sale Market.
Short Sales Verses Foreclosures
Short Sales are commonly known as pre-foreclosures. In a Short Sale, the seller arranges with their mortgage lender to accept a price that’s less than the amount they owe on the property. Part of the arrangement includes, the lender typically agrees to forgive the rest of the loan. Then the seller doesn’t have to go through a foreclosure, the buyer picks up a property at a discount, and the lender avoids taking on the burden of unloading the property. The one thing you hear about short sales, is they can take up to 6 months, so be prepared to wait. The upside of a short sale is once a contract has been signed by the seller and submitted to the bank; no one can come in and make an offer on the property. There is the possibility of the bank coming back and asking for more money, so make an offer on the property that allows you flexibility. You do not usually have this option with Foreclosures, those are one time shots.
A Foreclosure is the legal proceedings initiated by a creditor to repossess the collateral for loan that is in default. It usually involves a forced sale of the property at public auction or the bank will list with an agent in what is called a bank sale with the proceeds being applied to the mortgage debt. Bank Sales can typically close quickly once an offer has been accepted.
The Old Saying is what is too good to be true is usually the case. Foreclosed Properties in the Northern Illinois area are almost always priced 10% under the current market value. Banks are doing this to force multiple offers from buyers which usually go way over the asking price. They will collect offers for at least a week on foreclosed homes from all buying parties before they will make a decision on which offer to accept. Most of the time, the first offer you make is the final offer you make on foreclosed homes. Unfortunately the Banks have different rules then the rest of us folks. If you are looking to purchase a Foreclosed Northern Illinois Home, do your homework! Work with an agent that knows the process and who is working on your behalf.
For more information on Short Sales and Foreclosures visit my website at www.TodaysChicagoHomes.com and search local Short Sales and Foreclosures.
As a Northern Illinois Realtor out of Koenig & Strey, I can help buyers and sellers with Homes in Northern Illinois. If you need a real estate expert, look no further. Marina Jacobson can help you with all of your needs Contact Me at 847-510-5009 or email me at Marina@MarinaJacobsonHomes.com. Visit my website www.MarinaJacobsonHomes.com for all of your real estate needs.
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