Archive for June, 2009
GREEN CLEAN? YES!
June 30th, 2009 categories: Market Trends
Could you use an extra shelf or two in your home–I certainly could! Like most people, our home has a couple of shelves of cleaning products for the various surfaces that need to be cleaned in our home. Last Thursday (July 18, 2009) the Chicago Sun Times printed an excellent article about how to use green cleaning products and recommended a book,” Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home”. Some of the suggestions for using common household inventory follow.
Did you ever think of using Tabasco Sauce as a cleaner–it removes tarnish from brass! Or how about white vinegar–baking soda and white vinegar will unclog a blocked drain. The combination turns fatty acids into soap and glycerin and the clog washes down the drain. Caution–don’t do this if you have already used a commercial drain cleaner–a dangerous combination could result. I had heard of using old newspapers but had never been told to age them a few days so that the newsprint doesn’t smear.
A good idea is to use rags instead of paper towels because they can be washed and re-used. There is a commercial product that can be used to clean your shower head and it can also be done with a mix of equal parts of white vinegar and warm water–if you can’t detach the shower head just put the mixture into a plastic bag and tie onto the shower head for a couple of hours. Pouring a can of cola into my toilet and letting it stand for an hour is a very unusual idea–it is supposed to remove most stains. Not only are these products less expensive–a joy in these economically challenged times–they are green and help protect our climate challenged world–and we only have one of those.
Do you have questions about Chicago real estate? I would love to share my twenty years experience with you–312-981-2360, (direct). 312-607-1306 (cell). E-mail is fine too!
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WHY GET AN INSPECTOR FOR MY NEW HOME?
June 29th, 2009 categories: Market Trends
Most people buy a “used home.”–it’s just plain easier. In Chicago existing homes are usually considerably larger than the newly built homes–single family, townhouse or condo–this is just generally true. New is smaller for the same dollar amount. Don’t let the look of new carpet and the smell of fresh paint deceive you. They make the home attractive and easy to move into and they may be the least of your worries. What really matters is the guts of the home–the appliances, age and condition, and if you have them, the heating and air conditioning units.
An inspection is a necessity in my book–especially for first time home buyers. Your inspector should be able to tell you about the age and condition of your appliances, your water heater, furnace and air conditioning units. A good inspector can also tell you the life expectancy of all these items, too. With that knowledge you can forecast when you will have to buy replacements.
Your home inspector should be totally objective and provide a quality report. A good home inspector will be available after the inspection for follow-up questions. The cost of the inspection can vary–don’t make a choice based on cost alone.
Need someone to help you find a new home to be inspected? Please call me at 312-981-2360 (direct), or cell phone (312-607-1306). E-mail works too!
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VACATION HOME, RETIREMENT HOME?
June 25th, 2009 categories: Buying, Market Trends
Whether your preference is a beach, like mine and like the picture, a lake, a mountain, a forest, a farm, or a downtown neighborhood–do you go back to the same place year after year? Do you think of that spot as a second home that you don’t own? Have you ever looked at the real estate ads in the local paper or looked online for homes for sale or even the Help Wanted ads? With interest rates low and inventory high, this might be just the right time to think of buying a second home.
You might consider a few of these exploration ideas in order to help you decide. Go at different times of the year–if you ordinarily vacation in early August, try a long weekend in November or May. Think of renting a condo for a few weeks or months–lots cheaper than making a bad mistake with a purchase. Try shopping for your usual groceries, check out the local movies, check out the library–any place or store that is important to you at home. See what the new location has to offer you within the framework of your likes and dislikes.
The general idea is to pretend you REALLY live there. Get information from the local Chamber of Commerce, subscribe to the local newspaper. Get all the information you can and then decide if you want to explore the homes for sale online.
If you really want to live in the new town after you retire, think about buying a vacation home now and renting it out when you are not there. You could have the best of two worlds–a vacation home in your favorite place and a retirement home ready and waiting. The rentals could be helping you pay for the new place until you are ready to retire. When you figure the amount to charge for rent, remember PIT (and if it’s a condo A)–Principal, Interest, Taxes (A, assessment). You will undoubtedly be happier with your new investment if you at least break even. Should you change your mind about where you want to retire, you can probably sell the home with a profit (hopefully) and move on to your new favorite location.
My specialty is downtown Chicago and I am working with an increasing number of empty-nesters who want to live in the center of things. Frankly I can’t help you personally with beach, farm, lake, or forest properties–I can help you find a good agent in another location. Downtown Chicago is my meat and potatoes–call me at 312-981-2360 (direct) or 312-607-1306 (cell) and I will be happy to answer questions. E-mail works well, too, I can e-mail listings to you and you can pre-screen from any location.
Here are some blogs from recent months that might interest you: Buy To Resell, 3-09; Thinking Of Buying Chicago Real Estate:, 4-09; The Answers, 4-09; Chicago Real Estate Agent Before Finding Chicago Real Estate?, 6-09
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NATIONAL REAL ESTATE NEWS GETTING BETTER TOO!
June 24th, 2009 categories: Buying, Market Trends, Selling
Wow, can you believe yet another leprechaun? Three in two weeks and two in one week! Actually, when I began to look for other articles with good news, I found yet another post in June so we have three good news leprechauns in June! The article, 3 More Signs Of A Strengthening Housing Market, by Steven Levitt gives his take on an improving housing market. One of the most important things Levitt says is “All real estate is local.” As my blogs have said for a long time, real estate news is like the weather news–has to be local. Even though that is a premise I believe in wholeheartedly, it certainly doesn’t hurt to know that the national market is improving along with our local market.
This is an absolutely incredible time to buy a home–if you would like to pick my brain (20 years of real estate knowledge stored there), please call me at 312-981-2360 (direct), or 312-607-1306, cell phone. I can e-mail listings to you that will help you weed out the possible from the impossible–and I would love to do so! You can subscribe to my blog by clicking on the subscribe button just under my picture.
Other articles you might enjoy: 2010 Looking Better And Better, 6-09; Leprechaun Good News, 6-09; Leprechaun Dance Closer, 6-09; National Real Estate News Versus Local Real Estate News, 5-09 (one of my favorite rants)
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2010 LOOKING BETTER AND BETTER
June 23rd, 2009 categories: Market Trends
Here’s that leprechaun again–two outings in two weeks! Real Estate must be getting better!Once again my trusty Chicago Sun Times real estate writer, Don DeBat, has given us some good news in the Sunday, June 21, Real Estate section. The article, Optimism in Chicago Condo Market Despite Slump is quite educational. Among other things DeBat feels that unsold inventory has peaked and affordability is excellent because of the low interest rates. Gail Lissner, Appraisal Research, is also quoted extensively. One of the things that will help the recovery in Chicago is the lack of development homes coming on the market–only 610 units are currently under construction for 2010. And the Obama administration’s $8,000 tax credit isn’t hurting the recovery either. The article is certainly worth a perusal!
Please do call me with any Chicago real estate questions you may have, 312-981-2360, direct, or cell, 312-607-1306. E-mail works too! If you would like to receive my blogs, just subscribe in the subscribe space just under my picture.
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A PICTURE IS WORTH 1,000 WORDS
June 19th, 2009 categories: Buying, Selling
First impressions count and today that first impression is usually made before a potential buyer steps in the door. Most buyers browse the internet for listings that might interest them. The pictures on the internet are key to attracting buyers. When I am working with out of town buyers who are moving into Chicago from another area, I e-mail listings to them. This enables them to screen the possible from the impossible.
The quality of the pictures is of the utmost importance. Your agent should invest in a good camera and learn how to use it or hire a professional photographer. And if you, the seller, take the pictures yourself, be sure they are GOOD!
Zillow researched the impact of pictures for a week and found that listings with at least one photo were viewed 41 per cent more times than photo-less listings. My personal preference, for the average two or three bedroom listing, is nine photos on the Internet and a virtual tour. I invest in a good photographer and feel the money is well spent.
Have questions about Chicago Real Estate? Just call me at 312-981-2360 (direct) or 312-607-1306 (cell). I have 20 years of experience that will help you with your questions. E-mail works fine too! To receive my blogs regularly, subscribe in the space provided just below my picture.
Previous blogs that might interest you are: What Is My Home Worth?, 6-09; Real Estate Conversations, 3-09; Staging–What Is It?, 2-09; Real Estate and the Internet, 9-08
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WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!
June 18th, 2009 categories: Lifestyle, Selling
Dealing with the clutter that we all inevitably accumulate is one of the most difficult processes in getting your home ready to sell. Getting rid of the clutter is painful for some people and a relief for others. As a Realtor I see entirely too many homes that would show extremely well if the owner had just de-cluttered. Just think of what a nasty impression a space like the one in the picture would make on a buyer! Here are a few suggestions to help you with the de-clutterization of your home.
We might also say when in doubt, take it out! All of the excess furniture, the stacks of magazines and books, the too-many pictures–get rid of it. Leave enough space for a buyer to see how their objects and furniture would look in the space.
Hide it if you can’t remove the stuff entirely. Organize your closets and cupboards so that all of the extra stuff is hidden. There are dozens of plastic containers to help you with this project. Be very careful not to over stuff your closets–you want the potential buyers to think that in all those years, you couldn’t fill the closets. If the closets are too full, it may appear that there is not enough closet space.
Give it away or throw it away! Moving can be a wonderfully cleansing experience. If you haven’t used it for six months, pitch it! There are many charities who will be glad to make a pick up of all your unused stuff.
If all else fails, rent a storage locker for your extra belongings. Maybe one of the reasons you are moving is because you are desperate for more space. In that case, a short term storage locker is a good solution.
Ask a brutally honest person to take a look at your place and see what else needs to be moved or re-moved. And don’t get mad at them if they tell you things you don’t want to hear. Do what they say. Be appreciative–it isn’t easy to be honest about someones home.
Finally–here is a good test. If you think it should be removed or thrown out, it probably should be. Trust your gut. Are you thinking of selling your home and need someone to help you stage or de-clutter–I would love to talk with you. I promise I can be brutally hones if I need to be. Call me at 312-981-2360 (direct), or 312-607-1306 (cell). E-mail works too.
Related Articles: Hme Sale Taking Too Long? Try St. Joseph, 6-09; Old Sayings, True Sayings!, 6-09; Dual Agency–How Does It Work?, 4-09
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NEED TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME AND STRETCH YOUR DOLLARS?
June 17th, 2009 categories: Market Trends, New Developments
Money is tight right now, you are staying home more and there are some corners that look a bit tired or you are trying to get your home ready to sell and don’t have a lot of extra cash to spend on sprucing up. Here are some ideas. Time to get your creative juices working!
Paint is one of the cheapest ways to freshen a space. Try an accent wall in a different color. Paint can rejuvenate old furniture as well as walls–faux finishes and metallic finishes can be a great accent in a room.
Can’t afford new cabinets in the kitchen–try new knobs and drawer pulls to are like jewelry or a great scarf–accessories that can make a huge difference. New towel bars are also a great dresser-upper. Inexpensive window treatments can be made more attractive with rods, rings, and finials.
Accent pillows are wonderful brighteners–replace all the ones you have or mix new ones with the old. Be sure that the pillws have some down inside so that you can squish them into shape for TV watching or reading.
Recover some of your present furniture–get a great fabric that you love and don’t worry about what it costs–a really fine fabric can give an expensive aura to everything around it.
Light fixtures can make a huge difference–think of that bathroom light bar that is right out of the eighties. Home Depot and other stores like Home Depot have tons of inexpensive fixtures that will freshen your bathroom and bring it into the present century.
Re-use and re-purpose what you have. Get it all out–all of the accessories and pictures, etc., from every room in the house and mix it up. Think of a new place for that picture and this poster and that vase–create new groupings. Family pictures can add lots of atmosphere–be careful, though. A few years back I had a listing with one whole wall of family pictures going back to the immigrant founders of the family–potential buyers were fascinated by the pictures and I just had to allow them time to peruse.
Think out of the box–change your furniture arrangements–try pulling things into the center of the room, move the pieces around and place them in different spots. Visit antique stores and junk shops. Try Fort Pitt Furniture Liquidators in Chicago–they buy used furniture from hotels and have a monster warehouse.
Art and other pieces to be used as accents and focus pieces can be bought at summer art fairs. We are just now in the heart of the season here in Chicago.
Related Articles: A Door Is A Door Is A door, 4-09; 5 Things Buyers Really, Really Don’t Like, 3-09
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HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?
June 16th, 2009 categories: Buying, Lifestyle, Selling
Hopefully–Mary, Mary, quite contrary can answer that her garden grows very well. Our Chicago winters can be so brutal and even our spring season can be pretty nasty (like this year) so those of us who have a bit of ground or a balcony or a rooftop, love to enjoy the brief summer season by being outdoors as much as possible.
Lots of town homes have a small front yard and an area at the rear of the home with space for a few flowers, maybe a tomato plant or two and a barbecue. The spaces can be made suitable for just lounging or lounging and entertaining both.
Many single family homes have a roof deck on their garage or on the house itself. Since the standard Chicago lot is only 25 feet wide, these roof decks make a great deal of sense. And actually roof rights add a great deal to the value of a top floor condominium also.
Some condominium buyers say a balcony is a must-have–it frequently comes right after permission to have a dog and an in-unit washer dryer. The building my husband and I live in is noted for it’s balconies–some are as large as 27 feet by 8 feet.
The whole purpose of any kind of outdoor space is to help an us enjoy summer in a private outdoor space of our own. That space can be as elaborate and expensive as we want it to be. Some of us just enjoy getting outside and grubbing around in the dirt and others want just a few flowers and a peaceful place to read the paper or just relax. Some of us want to entertain bunches of people and others don’t want anyone else in their private outdoor haven. Whatever you do, whatever it costs, use your outdoor space in the way that gives you the most pleasure. Summer is over in a nanno second in Chicago and we need to treasure every precious bit of it.
Related Articles: Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, Make My home Fairest of All, 6-09; Daily Habit Change = Energy Cost Change, 6-09; Luxury On The Cheap, 5-09
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LEPRECHAUN GOOD NEWS
June 15th, 2009 categories: Buying, Chicago Events, Market Trends, New Developments, Real Estate Finance, Selling
Our jolly leprechaun has good news for us–at least according to Don DeBat’s column in last week’s Chicago Sun Times. As we know, our home prices have not fallen off the mountain as they have in California, Nevada and even Washington and Oregon. DeBats column says that there is an improvement in the downward slide of home prices from a steep decline to a more moderate one. The article is well worth reading because it clearly explains how the different statistics affect home prices and it quotes several excellent sources.
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