Home sales were up 23.5% in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the first quarter of last year (IAR.org)! That is great news! I remember the first quarter of last year, and it was rough. This spring felt a lot better. Buyers were out and about; dual offers were not uncommon; and prices were [...]
Archive for the 'sellers' Category
Filed under buyers, market stats, sellers
A Great First Quarter for Illinois!
Comments Off Laura on May 12th 2010
Finally, we’re beginning to see some beautiful new inventory in the Northwest Suburbs. And, as always, the nicest homes are getting snatched up quickly.
I’ve been in several dual offers this year already. Properties have been priced extraordinarily well and interest rates are low, so smart buyers aren’t stalling. If you see something nice, you have to act right [...]
Comments Off Laura on Feb 12th 2010
This weekend was busy in the first time home buyer price range of $100,000 to $400,000. I don’t have stats to report, but I can tell you that the office was super busy Sunday and Monday. I can always tell that the market is picking up when there are lines for the copier and scanner [...]
Comments Off Laura on Feb 2nd 2010
Friend and fellow blogger, Robert Darrow, just wrote an interesting article on the spring market for this year. The tax credit and uncertainty about how long interest rates will stay low make timing critical for 2010. Check it out.
Timing When to Buy or Sell: Calendar of Important Events
Comments Off Laura on Jan 21st 2010
Well, for all the hype about the real estate market starting early this year, we’re not seeing much activity yet. Sure, a bunch of ugly, scary, roughed-up foreclosed homes hit the market early in January, but not much else has arrived yet.
My bets are on the post-Superbowl sellers. I think a lot of homeowners are [...]
Comments Off Laura on Jan 21st 2010
Filed under buyers, random, sellers
The Truth About Window Treatments
One of the biggest mistakes sellers can make in staging their home is leaving up old-school, heavy drapery. Fancy, expensive, over-the-top fabric window treatments are slowly going extinct.
What’s hot now is sleek and subtle, light-breathing looks. Plantation blinds, Roman shades, or whispy fabrics provide a more updated look. Moreover, they allow more light in. You [...]
Comments Off Laura on Jan 12th 2010
*from U.S. News and World Report . . .
Here is an excerpt from Luke Mullin’s report.
1. Prices to Bottom
2. Mortgage Delinquencies Up
3. Foreclosures Move Upstream
4. Mortgage Rates to Rise
5. Buyer’s Market Remains
6. Modification Plan Could be Modified
7. FHA Lending Standards May Increase
8. Tax Credit Available Through June [home must be under contract by April 30 [...]
2 Comments Laura on Jan 3rd 2010
The $8000 tax credit for first time home buyers has been extended until the end of April. In addition, the federal government has now added a $6500 tax credit for home buyers who have lived in their home for five consecutive years of the past eight years.
For all the details including FAQ’s, check out the [...]
Comments Off Laura on Nov 9th 2009
Filed under buyers, market stats, palatine, sellers
Home Values in Palatine’s Reseda Neighborhood Remain Strong
One of my favorite areas of Palatine is Reseda. The streets are lined with oaks and maples, and the homeowners prune and polish their homes and yards. Many of the houses are all brick; others are brick and cedar mixes. Besides providing a nice place to live, this kind of subdivision tends to perform [...]
Comments Off Laura on Oct 22nd 2009
