Nancy's Blog

Buyer's Beware!

2008-08-15T10:05:00.002-05:00

As you look for a home, in determining your monthly payments, you need accurate tax information for the property. I was just showing homes this whole week in the Homer Glen/Orland Park/Lockport areas. What we noticed is that most of the taxes for Homer Glen show 2006 taxes. Take note of the tax year and remember that you pay one year in arears meaning that you pay last year's taxes. Here are some important questions you may have. This is from the Will County Treasurer's office website: http://www.willcountytreasurer.com/

What is an assessment?
An assessment is the property value that is officially entered in the county assessment books (sometimes called the "tax roll"). This value is used to determine what portion of the total tax burden each property owner will bear. Your assessed value is 33.33% of the fair market value of your property.

What is market value?
Market value is the amount at which a property would sell in a competitive and open market, presuming that (1) both the buyer and seller are knowledgeable about the sale and are using sound judgment by allowing sufficient time for the sale and (2) the sale is not affected by undue pressures (e.g., foreclosures, bankruptcy, etc.).

How is market value determined?
One or more of the following three methods is used to determine market value:
Market data—Similar, neighboring properties that have sold recently are compared to the property being assessed.
Cost—The cost to reproduce (or rebuild) the property is calculated, the amount for depreciation (e.g., wear and tear, age) is subtracted, and land value is then added.
Income—The present worth of the income from an income-producing property is calculated by measuring the amount, quality, and durability of the future net income the property can be expected to return to an investor.

How can I tell if my assessor has placed a fair value on my property?
The first method is to compare the fair market value of your property with recent sales of similar properties in your neighborhood. This method is appropriate if you have recently purchased your property or have obtained a professional appraisal. The second method is to compare the assessed value of your property with similar properties in your neighborhood. You can get this information from your township assessor or the supervisor of assessments office.
Good luck and be careful to look at all information on the listing sheets.
I love referrals so my business can keep growing, so if you have a friend or family member thinking of making a move, I would love to help them and promise to give them superb service!
It's a good life,
Nancy

The Race Is On

2008-08-01T11:59:00.004-05:00

Ok, I am not too proud to correct myself. The 3% Ameridream down payment assistance program will be available until OCTOBER 1, 2008, not January 1, 2009 as I originally thought. If you are thinking of buying and/or selling, please take advantage of this wonderful program. I would say 98% of all Buyers that I am helping right now are FHA approved therefore could really benefit from this program. If you are selling your home, you owe it to yourselves to offer this progam to stimulate activity.....you will get showings! For other innovative ways to get your home sold fast, please call me today.

This is critical to stimulate the market again and get things rolling. If you are on the fence about buying, ask for the down payment assistance and you use your hard earned money towards something new for your next home. Remember, if you are reading this on my website, than you are thinking about making some type of move. Act fast before it goes away......the race is on!
It's a good life!
Nancy

7500 reasons to buy right NOW!

2008-07-31T11:56:00.003-05:00

First Time homes buyer? Well please take advantage of one of the BEST things President Bush has done for you lately. He has provided that you will receive $7500 tax credit for buying your first home. Wow, that's great. It's only available until June 1, 2009, so don't hesitate.
Here are some useful links to learn more because you may have many questions and they are all answered on these links:

http://www.nbnnews.com/NBN/issues/2008-07-28/Front+Page/index.html

http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/

http://www.nahb.org/mythbuster

Now, give me a call and I'll help you find the perfect home. Hurry, though time is wasting!
It's a good life! Make it a great day!
Nancy

Signed, Sealed, Delivered!

2008-07-30T20:39:00.002-05:00

Well, many of you may have already seen or heard the news. The new housing bill has been passed and signed by President Bush. There are good things to come out of it, namely, the new maximum conventional conforming limits will be $625,500. FHA's new limit will also be $625,500 in high cost areas. At this point, it's not sure what they will be in Illinois. And, there will be refundable tax credits for first time home buyers.
The not so good things are the increased down payment requirement on FHA loans to 3.5%, and the elimination of DAP's ( Down Payment Assistance programs ), effective October 1st. It's still unclear yet as to if the October 1st date is the last day to close on a DAP, or to register a DAP. In either case, there will technically be no 100% financing options available to home buyers, aside from a Veterans VA loan that still allows 100% financing. So, if you are buyers that were relying on a DAP, and have no other alternative gift opportunities from family members, I'd suggest that you take advantage of this program right now
I'm keep you posted to any other changes coming your way!
It's a good life!
Nancy

Buyers and Sellers, get educated!!!

2008-07-25T12:32:00.002-05:00

Buyers and Sellers, please educated yourselves on the following: This could change the market to make it even harder to buy and sell after 1/1/09:

"On July 22nd, the House of Representatives passed a housing bill that is expected to be soon passed by the Senate, and signed by President Bush. There are many provisions to the bill, but the significant provision that will affect our business is below. It comes directly from the Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America’s opinion on the legislation:

• FHA Modernization: Authorizes a $25 million appropriation to improve technology, processes, program performance, eliminate fraud and provide appropriate staffing. Effective January 1, 2009, it also increases the FHA loan limit to the lesser of 115 percent of the local median home price or $625,500 with a floor for lower priced markets of $271,000, establishes a 12-month stay on FHA’s proposal for risk-based premiums, sets the down payment requirement at 3.5 percent and prohibits seller-funded down payment assistance (both direct or through a third party).
Okay. So what does this mean to us? Potentially significantly higher loan limits for FHA financing…. A great thing! A down payment requirement of 3.5% instead of the current 3% down requirement…. Not a biggie. The elimination of seller assisted down payment assistance programs, i.e.; AmeriDream, Nehemiah etc….. A huge biggie!!!!
In reading the full article, the proposed changes should take place Jan. 1, 2009, assuming no changes are made by the Senate or President Bush. If you are a buyer that has been waiting for prices to still come down, but are in need of down payment assistance, and don’t have mom and dad to get a gift from for the down, I’d suggest you know that you should be looking to buy now, and not later. As with all new guidelines, once the new ones are in effect, there will be NO exceptions made. "
Courtesy: Dale Noble (7/25/08)
Home Mortgage Consultant Wells Fargo Home MortgageM2968-0124332
Fox Valley Center DriveAurora, Il. 60504
630.428.0317 Tel 630.820.5221 Tel
Cell: 630.878.5012
Fax: 866.359.5903
Email: dale.noble@wellsfargo.com
http://www.ilendfast.com

I am here to answer any questions you may have about these programs and how this would affect you. If you have any friends or family thinking of making a move soon, please have them read this and call me. I promise to give them superb service and make the moving process as stress-free as possible.
Have a great weekend and remember.....it's a good life!
Nancy

Can I Assume your FHA Loan?

2008-07-23T11:58:00.003-05:00

We all know everybody trying to sell their home right now is tired and frustrated. I think I have a solution...FHA loan assumption. Here is how it works:
If you own a home that you are trying to sell with an existing FHA loan, you probably have a better interest rate than most Buyers can get right now. Why not let a Buyer assume your mortgage and pay a minimal fee or you offer to pay the fee in order to have them assume your loan? It's a win/win. You sell your home faster, and Buyer's get a lower than market interest rate and a shorter loan period.
Buyers will save on closing costs, because FHA loan assumptions are generally less expensive than obtaining a new mortgage. For Buyers who are worried about huge downpayments, remember that many,many homes are worth less money right now than they were 4-5 years ago so you may not need a huge amount down.
If you like homes that you see, ask if the current loan on the home is through FHA and call your lender to find out what it would cost you to assume it.
It's worth the phone call! Seller's it's an innovative way to sell your home quickly, instead of inching the price down $1000 at a time until you get to that "Magic Number".

Here is another great FHA program for Buyers looking at distressed properties, but don't have the cash to update it:

FHA 203K Rehab Program
http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/203k/203kabou.cfm

The 3% DPA and 6% seller contributions are allowable on 203K's.
This program will allow you to finance up to $30,000 additional funds to update or fix up a property for owner occupied homes. This is not for investors looking to flip.
Again, it's worth asking your lender if you qualify.
Have a great day! Please remember that I love referrals as that's how my business continues to grow.
It's a good life.
Nancy

Now that's "Historical"

2008-07-20T14:45:00.002-05:00

Not only do I love selling Real Estate, but I love looking at it. As a young girl growing up in Naperville, I used to love driving down Chicago Ave. to see all of the huge "mansions" and think what life was like for the people living in those sprawling homes. If you haven't heard, Naperville now has hundreds of "sprawling" homes that look just like those along Chicago Ave., but they aren't all historical. So I was wondering, what makes your old Victorian a member of the Heritage Society or just a landmark?
Well, the men and women of Naperville wondered the same thing and started a library where you can research your home's history to determine its status. Just go to this link.
http://www.naper.settlement.museum/history/research_library.htm
I have shown a gorgeous old Victorian in Joliet which had a plaque on the front. Joliet told us that the home was marked Historical landmark based on the original owner, not the address or location. I found that "hysterical".
If you wonder about your home, do some research. It may be "historical" and make great dinner conversation with your family.
Have a great day. It's a good life.
Nancy

Ready to do Battle?

2008-07-16T14:48:00.003-05:00

A couple of years ago, buyer or seller objections and fears were likely related to the lack of inventory, or to multiple-offer scenarios. While this presented its own set of challenges at the time, today inventory is up, the market has adjusted and objections are a big piece of the puzzle we have to solve. Oftentimes fear is the only thing standing between you and your dream home.
Typically, objections are just smokescreens for peoples’ fears. Instead of telling us, the professionals, you are afraid, you’ll throw up a smokescreen as a way to get time to think. When making a decision, you are committing to something and that can make you nervous. And if there’s one thing that can make people nervous, it’s buying or selling a home.
I am here to listen to your concerns; try to help isolate what is causing the fear and then work with you to find a solution. Remember, this is not a sword fight. A transaction creates just a paycheck, but my clients are an asset that grow and grow for years to come.
As your professional Realtor, I am excited to deal with obstacles...and go into battle for you. Remember, I LOVE referrals!
It’s a good life!
Nancy

Remember to eat your vegetables

2008-07-14T19:16:00.002-05:00

"Remember to eat your vegetables" My parents used to say that every single night growing up. That is what I thought of when I heard the term "Going Green". If anyone attended this years Calvacade of Homes in Plainfield, you will
know that "Going Green" means more than stomaching spinach and brussel sprouts just to get dessert.
Everywhere you looked at those homes, there were references to this "Going Green' phenomenom. I suppose it's the way of the future, or the future is here.
Simply put, we are in an environmental downward spiral and we need to do some simple things to keep us from carbon dioxide meltdown.Go to www.climatecrisis.com for more info. on that.
Here are several suggestions of what we can do at home to help out;
1. Change your light bulbs from the old fashioned kind to those new swirly kind which will, in fact, use 60% less energy and can save 75% of your lighting bill.
2. Wrap your water heater with an insulated blanket. You will save 1,000 pounds of carbon dioxide a year.
3. Keep your air conditioner at 78F during the summer and 68F during the winter. You will save up to 20% of your heating and cooling costs per year.
4. Install sprinkler timers which will automatically shut off. Get sprinklers which emit large drops, and water in the morning so the water soaks into the ground.
5. Recycle half of your garbage and it will save 2,400 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.
Wow, I know that's a lot to remember, but saving the earth is like eating our vegetables and living in a beautiful environment healthy for our children is our just dessert!
Have a great day and remember it's a good life.
Nancy

Realtor Etiquette 101

2008-07-10T08:46:00.004-05:00

What you are about to read to a true story, so brace yourself:

Some days are meant to roll over and stay in bed! So......I'm all dressed up and got my car all cleaned and smelling like "new car". All of my paperwork is in order and I am feeling preeeeeeeety proud of myself. I shake the hand of some young, new prospective Buyers who are all wide-eyed and excited about the propect of purchasing their first home. They have the cutest little girl, I would say around 2 years old with them. We put her carseat behind the driver's seat and fasten it securely to insure her safety and make sure she has toys, a blanket, and treats for the long ride to see homes. Dad hops up front with me to look at the listing sheets and discuss how an offer works, while Mom settles in behind the passenger side so I can see her clearly while we talk. The morning was going beautifully.....we had eliminated 2 of the 5 homes we were scheduled to see. We were laughing and all was going particularly well if I could say so. We were sailing down 75th St. onto the next home.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, that precious little girl in the back seat said somthing I will soon never forget....."Mommy, b_ _ by" She then proceeded to unhook herself out of the well restrained child proof car seat which I meticulously installed, walked over to her mother who raised her shirt and.....started eating lunch. I slammed on the brakes and swirved aimlessly!
People!!!!! For the health and safety of every Realtor in the country, PLEASE feed your children before embarking on a house hunting trip with a stranger or at least give us some notice. It was all I could do to control my mini-van from crashing, smile, and continue the conversation as normal while all the while thinking that I am not running a "wet bar".
Have a wonderful day, stay safe, and remember it's a good life!
Nancy

What's in a name?

2008-07-09T18:44:00.004-05:00

Many people who visit my website are from out of state either relocating back to the Chicago area or are new transferees. There are so many towns with so many names like Naperville, Warrenville, & Carpentersville. But what do you really know about those names? I thought I would share some terrific links to check out which will give you dependable information about towns in this area.

First, most everyone's number one concern is schools, so check out www.greatschools.com. This site will allow you to type in any city and school in the nation and give you an actual rating on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being wonderful. It's user-friendly and accurate which I like.

Here's another great site: www.city-data.com. This site will give you all of the demographic information on any town in the country including income levels, education levels, drive time to work, crime rate and you can even link to a Registered Sex offenders site which some of you may find useful.

Finding a home can be a long, stressful "journey", but if you do your homework, work with an experienced Realtor who knows the area well, and align yourself with a good lender, then it's a piece of cake. Have fun with it because there are thousands of home for sale and they are all waiting for a Buyer just like you!
Make it a great day!
Nancy

Making your dreams come true

2008-07-08T16:35:00.002-05:00

Feeling a little down in the dumps, because gas prices just keep going up? Are you putting off that family vacation because airfares are out of reach? Well, I have the perfect solution to Plainfield's version of Disney World; the 2008 Cavalcade of Homes in Stewart Ridge. While Goofy, Micky, and the gang might not be there. It will be a fantasy trip through million dollar homes to inspire even the faint hearted in believing that dreams can come true..despite what you hear on CNN.
Now this wonderful display of impeccable homes may not be for everyone, but neither is DisneyWorld. But, here is the catch.....less money to get there, shorter lines, lower heat index, lower humidity, and you go home with some money in your pocket.
So gas up, make the long treck with your family to check out this year's offering by some pretty talented Custom Builders. Even Cinderella would want to live in these castles!
Here is the link so you can check it out:
http://www.cavalcadeofhomes.com/

Have a great time and keep dreaming.
It's a good life,
Nancy
Oh and by the way, if you have friends or family thinking of making a move soon, please call me as I would love to help them. I promise to make their move, interesting, fun, and stress free. I love referrals!

Just look at those floors

2008-07-07T19:36:00.005-05:00

I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend. It was picture perfect here in the Naperville/Plainfield area! I just had a situation arise today that I thought I would share. I have a Buyer interested in a townhome which is advertising the Kitchen, Dining,and Living rooms as having "hardwood". Now, when we went to see the unit, the floors looked like laminate. My buyer was concerned that it was false advertising on the part of the Realtor. Was it?
Well, no it wasn't because there is what is called Laminate Hardwood. It can be confusing so I am inserting part of an article defining Laminate vs. Hardwood flooring. I hope you find it helpful.
"Laminate Vs. Hardwood Floors
Article:When you are shopping for flooring you should look for a flooring product that offers you the look, quality, durability and price that works best for you. You can use these characteristics to compare laminate vs. hardwood floors. To start with you will want to look at the pros and cons of natural hardwood flooring. Natural hardwood flooring has many pros that can be attributed to them. First they are very versatile. Hardwood floors can be finished to compliment just about any color palette. They can also be selected to compliment a room's theme. For example you can choose mahogany wood planks to create an elegant look or you can select an oak or rustic pine to create a rustic look. The biggest drawbacks of hardwood floors are that they are an expensive flooring option, they can be damaged by minimal amounts of water, they are susceptible to gauges, scratches, dents and scuffing, and they are difficult to install and maintain. Laminate flooring can be the perfect flooring solution that solves many of the drawbacks of owning a hardwood floor. Some of the advantages of laminate floors are: they cost substantially less than hardwood floors, they are more durable than hardwood floors, they resist moisture better than hardwood floors, they are very easy to maintain and they are so simple to install most home owners choose the install them themselves, saving typically a minimum of hundreds of dollars, and often thousands of dollars. Just like any product when purchasing laminate flooring, make sure you compare your flooring options to carefully select the best product for your family. Price and brand are not sufficient shopping tools. "

I know, not every blog from me can't be hilarious, but I hope this was helpful. Here are some great links to check pricing:
http://www.lumberliquidators.com/
www.floorone.com/informative/general/laminate_vs_hardwood.asp
http://www.bruce.com/
http://www.simplefloors.com/
Make it a great day and remember I love referrals!
It's a Good Life,
Nancy

Let Freedom Ring!

2008-07-04T13:52:00.002-05:00

Happy 4th everyone. When I first got married, my husband was in the Army and we were stationed at Fort Stewart, GA. The most patriotic thing I can remember about that experience was driving across Post at 5p.m. daily. The entire Post, all moving cars, had to stop and all soldiers had to get out, face the Post flag, and salute while Taps was played over a loud speaker. A color guard took down the Post flag and they played Retreat. Once the flag was completely down and the music stopped, you were allowed to continue driving. While it was inconvenient sometimes, it was heart stopping always and made me so proud to be an American. God Bless our soldiers worldwide fighting for our freedoms. May you all have a happy and safe holiday!
It's a good life.
Nancy

My favorite word in golf? Four!!!!!

2008-07-02T08:03:00.003-05:00

Yesterday I had the priviledge of being "INVITED" to go golfing with a Lender. The only person I ever golf with is my husband. That's because I make occasional trips back to the clubhouse, talk on the phone to clients, and maybe do my nails. Oh, there was one time that I actually brought a book. It was a really good, steamy one that I just couldn't put down.
So as I am trying to impress this partner, I just kept my head down, like the pros say, brought my club all the way back, and swung like the dickens. Boy, what a beauty...high and gorgeous...until it hit the utility box about 50 yds. in front of us and veered to the right in a perfect trajectory into a pond. That was a proud moment, indeed.
So we giggled as women do, and trudged onward to the next holes trying different clubs along the way in hopes that I could break 150. It was about hole 15 when I realized there was no hope of that and I wished I had my book.

Oh, on Hole 17 I did out drive my partner and I felt on top of the world! I shouted and laughed and jumped up and down like a toddler watching Barney for the first time. Then she meticulously out putted me again for the 17th time and at that point, I would have done anything for that book!

I had an "OPRAH" moment and realized that golfing is a lot like looking for a house. You just have to keep trudging along with your Realtor and wait for that once in a life time shot to find the perfect home. So here is my worldly advice in finding your next home...be patient, stay out of the rough (if you can), and keep your numbers low.
If you would love a home along a golf course, check out this great site:
http://www.newhomesource.com/golf-homes/state-Illinois/amenity-golf-homes/area-Chicago
Make it a great day....it's a good life!
Nancy

Let me you 'bout a story 'bout a man named Oscar

2008-06-30T19:46:00.002-05:00

Finally, some good news in real estate. This story is about location, location, location!
By JAMES MacPHERSON, Associated Press Writer Mon Jun 30, 5:00 AM ET
BEULAH, N.D. - Oscar Stohler was raised in a sod house in western North Dakota and ranched there for nearly seven decades. He never gave much thought to what lay below the grass that fattened his cattle.
When oilmen wanted to drill there last year, Stohler, 83, doubted oil would be found two miles underground on his property. He even joked about it.

In less than a year, Stohler and his wife, Lorene, 82, have become millionaires from the production of one well on their land near Dunn Center, a mile or so from the sod home where Oscar grew up. A second well has begun producing on their property and another is being drilled — all aimed at the Bakken shale formation, a rich deposit that the U.S. Geological Survey calls the largest continuous oil accumulation it has ever assessed.

Good for you Oscar and Lorene! Anyone want to buy a nice little sod house in North Dekota? I can make a call!!!!

Anything wonderful happen in your neck of the woods that was newsworthy? If so, please tell me about it.

It's a good life!

Nancy

No more dead heads, please.

2008-06-30T09:40:00.003-05:00

There's nothing I hate seeing more when showing homes than dead animal heads!
Yesterday, I showed a small ranch home with a 14" x 12" Living Room that had a stuffed buck on one wall and a huge stuffed wild boar on another. It absolutely gave us the willies and we couldn't get out of there fast enough.
Now I know you hunters out there are very proud of yourselves, but take down and store any dead heads before putting your home up for sale. The market is challenging enough without you offending the buyers right after they step in the door.
For Banks out there trying to sell homes........here's a tip: close the windows. Just this Saturday, I was showing a home and the birds thought the house was a tree as they flew in and out of it. It was kind of disturbing. The more disturbing thing, was that my Buyers still wanted to go in "just for fun" to see a home that was described as having "nonfunctioning kitchen and bathrooms". The dutiful agent that I am, followed. There was no septic tank so the smell was preeeeeeeety strong! There were so many empty boxes in one bedroom piled floor to ceiling that you couldn't even walk into it. WEEEEE, a good time was had by all.
This stuff is real, people. I couldn't make this up if I tried.
I hope you had as "fun" as weekend as I did. Please call or email me with any wacky stories you have, I'd love to share them. You can email me at nancyhosler@remax.net.
It's a good life.......for most of us anyway!
Nancy

Cry Me a River

2008-06-27T08:34:00.002-05:00

Holy Short Sale Batman Part Deux:
This is an actual except from a CA. Realtor's blog regarding tips for Buyers when they are competing with multiple offers.
Write a letter to the seller. "Don't discount the emotional factor," says Ms. Edwards. One way to set yourself apart is to write what she calls a "love letter" to the seller describing yourself and your partner and children, if you have them, and why you want the house. You might even include pictures your children have drawn of the home.
Ms. Grove and Ms. Wells included a photo from their wedding and described themselves in a personal letter to the owner of the home they wanted in San Rafael. Although they didn't get the property, such letters often work because they set potential buyers apart and make the transaction less about money, says Ms. Edwards. "It sounds cheesy, but it does work," she says. "The cheesier the better."
Oh My Gosh! I need some tissue! That is sooo mushy. First of all, most of the homes I am showing are bank owned. The Banks don't want photos from your wedding; nor do you want your contract getting shuffled in with drawings from other children of the same home.
You can camp out on the front porch, send flowers, send candy, send the Sellers on a Hawaiin vacation after closing if you want, but none of that will matter when the Banks are looking at numbers. They obviously want to make as much money as possible.
So, keep your wedding photos in their frames and put the crayolas away. Do your research with your Realtor on existing sales and put in an offer you can afford. Remember, you will be paying the mortgage after closing...no one else, so keep it comfortable for you. The right home is out there. Don't give up.
Have a fantastic Friday and I'll blog you later!
Oh, by the way, if you have any friends or family thinking of buying/selling soon, I am never too busy for your referrals. I love them!
Nancy

Holy Short Sale Batman

2008-06-26T16:08:00.002-05:00

These days I think it will take a superhero like Batman, Superman, or even Spiderman to save the day for these Buyers who can't seem to buy a home because the banks are taking forever to negotiate and close Short Sales and Foreclosures.

Today, I had to tell yet another pre-approved, eager Buyer that they are up against multiple offers on a home. As their Buyer's Agent, I am not privvy to the purchase amounts for the other offers.

I need the Incredible Hulk to shake things up! For those of you in this situation, all is not lost. The good news is that there is a huge inventory of homes out there waiting to be snatched up faster than a speeding bullet!

Unless you have cashola, be prepared to walk away from that home and find another. Don't give up because the deals are a plenty.

Just think of the banks as The Joker, Lex Luther, Green Goblin and Venom. Remember, they are always vanquished in the end. Buyers, you defeat them and come out on top.

Have a great day and email me at nancyhosler@remax.net if you have any questions or referrals.

It's a good life!

Nancy

Celebrity Woes? I don't think so!

2008-06-25T14:51:00.004-05:00

Let's face it, for better or worse, we as a culture are obsessed with celebrity and celebrity lifestyle. We all want to know where they go, what they wear and who they're sleeping with. And of course, where they live. It's so good to know that even the rich and famous are struggling in this market. Here are some examples of some recent price reductions or sales that left me crying in my soup.

Donald Trump's Miami mansion reduced it's price from $125million to $100million and sold. The Donald says "that was a bargain".
Right....so we all have heard about poor Ed McMahon filing bankruptcy. Tony Danza reduced the price of his small 6,778 sq. foot bungalow from $6.15million down to $5million. Winona Ryder just sold her Manhattan apartment for a mere $2,200,000 which she swears "is a steal".Even Oprah is selling her 2 bedroom condo in Miami for $2,090,000. Word has it that she paid $660,000, cash natch, back in 1996. Given current market conditions in FL., I bet you can run down there and snatch it up for under $1,500,000.

Well, here is my advice. They can all pack up their Hummers and move to Plainfield or Naperville, where I KNOW I can find them a good 'ole bargain!

If you have any tips, leads, comments, or suggestions, email me at nancyhosler@remax.net. I'd love to hear from you.
It's a good life! Make it a difference in someone's life today.

Nancy

It's time to purge

2008-06-24T12:21:00.002-05:00

Every increased possession loads us with new weariness. - John Ruskin

Boy isn't that the truth! I was in my basement this morning just staring at stuff. My husband, the pack rat, still has all of his old military and hunting gear. Anyone want a used tree fort, just in case you want to climb a tree and sit there for hours, just for fun? Our college text books make great dust collectors too. But the best, is luggage circa 1980 that is better suited for a science experiment, then a family vacation. Why do we hang on to so much stuff? I suppose for sentimental reasons. Memories of happy days gone forever and the hopes that they will come again (like me fitting into my wedding dress again, easily).
When I show older (occupied) homes, it amazes me at how much we all have in common......our stuff.
Well, if you are even thinking of moving in the next 5 years, start purging.
Here are some excellent websites for both organization and/or donations to get rid of your unused items that you have no use for or just could be holding up the rest of your home.
www.orgsolutions.net
www.cluttercoach.com
www.chaostoorder.com
www.lifeisbetterorganized.net
To donate:
www.cvm.org
www.hidaya.org
www.Ncsh.org
www.usc.salvationarmy.org
www.CraigslistFoundation.org
www.donationwizard.com/IL_Plainfield.htm
www.CharityNavigator.org
Make a donation to help others. It will make a difference!
It's a good life.
Nancy

Love the house, too small for my furniture

2008-06-23T15:37:00.003-05:00

Poll answer: The Most Expensive Home in America

The William Randolf Hearst Mansion

Beverly Hills, CA

$165,000,000

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! I showed 20 homes and I can't tell you how many times I heard this phrase, " Gee Nancy, we love the house, but we can't fit our furniture". Problem solved...

I just love cool stuff, so here are two awesome websites to not only help you with furniture placement, but color choices, design choices, etc. without being an interior decorator (who can afford one.....really?) so have fun and you'd be surprised how much furniture you can fit in the tightest spaces.

http://www.bhg.com/

http://www.plan3d.com/pages/InteriorDesignhome

Have a great day!

Nancy

Rain, Rain Go Away

2008-06-20T08:02:00.002-05:00

Ah, it's another beautiful Friday morning and we are expecting thunderstorms. I would complain, but then again I am not living along the Mississippi River today. So I was thinking......I bet most people don't even know a thing about flood insurance, the cost per inch of water, etc. My husband and I have been flooded 3 times in our marriage. I don't remember saying "til flood waters ruin our stuff,do we part" in our vows, but I might not have been paying attention to that part.
Here is a cool interactive site which illustrates exactly what the damage will cost you per inch of water. Enjoy~
http://www.floodsmart.gov/floodsmart/pages/flood_policies/the_cost_of_flooding.jsp
This site demonstrates how to install a back up sump pump; just because I love This Old House.
http://www.pbs.org/thisoldhouse/videos/viewer.php?item=sump
To find out if you live on a flood plain, call your local Village administrator.
Remember to put your most valuable things in plastic storage containers, place valuables at least a foot off the ground if in the basement, unplug electricals when it starts thunderstorming (if there is a flood warning in your area), and don't let children go down in a flooded basement.
Have a great weekend and remember......I am never too busy for your referrals.
It's a good life,
Nancy

Nancy's Blog: Oh, this traffic is killing me

2008-06-19T21:47:00.000-05:00

Nancy's Blog: Oh, this traffic is killing me

Oh, this traffic is killing me

2008-06-19T07:50:00.000-05:00

So you live at 123 Main Street. Firetrucks, 18 wheelers, school buses, and ambulances go by your home daily. Parades even go by your home. Not to worry. Here are some easy solutions to get your home noticed by Buyers.

1. Pricing (though important with all homes) is extremely important with homes that are on busy streets. The home has to present a great value to the buyer who most times would rather be buying a home that is on a less busy street. Usually the difference in pricing is someplace between 6% and 16% depending on what type of traffic is traveling on your busy street and at what times.
2. Keep the lawn mowed and landscaping trimmed.
3. If you have a fenced yard, make sure it is freshly painted or stained. On busy streets, fences are your best friend.
4. Put a pretty wreath on the front door.
5. Make sure your Realtor puts a clean, larger sign in your yard to make it more noticable.
6. Light up the sign at night with a spotlight; minimal electric for you, but huge impact when people drive by in the dark.

I would love to hear comments about my blogs and answer any questions you may have about real estate. You can email me at nancyhosler@remax.net.

It's a good life!

Nancy

I'm having a hot flash again

2008-06-18T07:22:00.000-05:00

These days I am always asking my kids, "is it hot in here or is it just me?" Ladies over 40 I know you can relate. If you're not over 40, then get ready, because it'll happen to you too.
Anyway, I tend to sneak to the thermostat and turn it down a few degrees thinking this would be better than stripping off layers all the time. My 16 yr. old would kill me, especially since his friends are over every day.
So, I found this link which may help all of us, including me, on how to save on energy bills this summer. Let's face it, we know Com Ed. is not going to grace us with credits or coupons in our Valuemailer envelope, so we need to get help other places.
http://realestate.msn.com/improve/green/Article_SM.aspx?cp-documentid=8078145
Hope it helps. Make it a great day today and remember that I am never too busy for your referrals.

It's a good life,
Nancy

Hurry up and wait

2008-06-17T08:44:00.000-05:00

Today, I am supposed to get paid. No such luck. Another closing postponed. What is going on?

What happens if the closing doesn't happen on time??

Don't panic! This happens frequently. Most Buyers are using FHA loans right now. Remember Sellers, that Buyers are dealing with a government agency to process their loan, so with that comes waiting. That doesn't mean that all Buyers will walk away and not close. Remember, they liked your home enough to write an offer and inspect it. That's money out of their pocket.
Stay in constant contact with your Realtor and attorney if you are the Seller and remain calm. Let the professionals you trust handle it. Hopefully, it will close within the next several days.

Have you experienced a nightmare closing? If so, please share it with me so I can pass it along.
Nancy

Let's Make A Deal

2008-06-16T09:11:00.001-05:00

Good morning,
I hope all of you had a wonderful Father's Day weekend. I have a lot of Buyers right now ( you may be one of them) just sitting on the perverbial fence waiting and waiting to take action and write a contract on a home they really like.

Why??? I think I may have one reason. Uncertainty about price. Here is an excellent question I got yesterday:

Hi Nancy,

I am wondering about how much if anything I can plan on coming down on the list price of each home? What about the prices of the foreclosed homes? Can we plan on getting them for lower also?

Here is what I have found in the last 6 months with Buyers:
You are in a wonderful position as a Buyer. You can ask up to 10-12% off of foreclosed homes. What alot of Buyers are doing is asking Sellers to pay up to 3% towards FHA down payment assistance programs and/or up to $5000 towards closing costs. You can ask Sellers to buy down your interest rates and there are many options. An example is a 2:1 buydown where they would buy down the interest rate 2% the first year, 1% the second year and years 3-30 would be at whatever the current fixed rate is. There are the 3:2:1: option; 2:1 option; 2:2:1 option and probably more.
This is great because it allows Buyers to get more home for their money right now.
Sellers: take note be prepared for Buyers to ask for these things or be prepared to offer them in the marketing of your home. Downpayment assistance is tax deductible for you, so why not help someone out to get into your home faster?
It's a win,win situation for all parties.
The bottom line: now is the time to wheel and deal for Buyers. With the inventory out there, you can come in lower than normal or come in close to the asking price, but ask for 1 or 2 of the items above.

There is no time like right now to make a fantastic deal!!!
For more information on FHA down payment assistance programs go to :
www.ameridream.org/
www.fha-home-loans.com/down_payment_assistance_programs_fha_loans.htm
www.homefair.com/articles/mortgage/down-payment-options.asp

Call me with any real estate questions you may have today at 630-772-6410.
Good luck and remember, it's a good life!
Nancy

Lawyer Up!

2008-06-13T11:01:00.000-05:00

Ah....remember Jimmy Smits and Harry Hamlin in the show LA Law? Isn't Chris Noth dreamy in Law and Order: Criminal Intent? Don't you love James Spader on Boston Legal? And who can forget good ole' Perry Mason? Ok, I just aged myself.

Yes folks, we may watch alot of lawyers on tv, but that doesn't make us real estate attorneys. Reading and understanding your sales contract for your X-Box will not fly when signing and understanding title papers.

So here is a question I received last week.....honestly. Can I forget about getting an attorney and just have you help me sign the papers at closing?

Answer: No. While I mooned over all of the attorneys above, I did not, nor did I want to attend law school. I am a Realtor only. Your Lender is not an attorney either. So for those of you lucky enough to have a Lender who attends closing, don't ask them to help you sign the papers.
These are life changing papers you will be signing! So be smart people, and get an experienced real estate attorney.

Call me if you do not have an attorney and I will recommend two or three to call.
Keep the questions coming and remember, I am never too busy for your referrals.
Have a great Father's Day and I'll post again on Monday!

Nancy

Something stinks in here!

2008-06-12T19:20:00.000-05:00

I got a really interesting question today and thought I would share it;

If you think you have a mold problem in your house, it is better to disclose it, price it really low and sell as is, or get it mitigated ("cleaned up" for those of us who don't deal with mold on a daily basis)???

I find stinky leftovers at the back of my refrigerator and my four boys like to leave me moldy socks as a present, but I am no mold expert.

Here are some good websites for you to investigate. My advice would be to contact a good real estate attorney. Disclose, disclose, disclose!!!!

What is Mold? Good article;
http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/indoorair/mold/index.html#cleanup

Mold inspection services:
www.Amerispec.com
www.MoldInspectionSpecialists1.com

Mold Clean up services:
www.PuroCleanSite.com/Chicago
www.jcrestoration.com
www.GoAboveBoard.com

Keep the questions coming! Stay dry and remember; it's a good life!
Nancy

My heart can't take it!

2008-06-12T08:32:00.000-05:00

Ok....so last night I was back in my favorite neighborhood, you know the one with the house/crime scene from my last blog. This time, we were leaving a house about 3 doors down, and I noticed that the lawn didn't look too bad (5 out of 10 on my landscaping scale). All would have been fine, except the Buyers that I was with noticed a dead snake in the yard which must have had a run in with the mower, since its head was missing.

Advice point #2 for this week.....get rid of dead animals in your yard. Not a great landscaping asset or selling point!
Here are some helpful links:
www.willcountyillinois.com/DepartmentDirectory/AnimalControl/tabid/225/Default.
www.ratpatrolofillinois.com ( I have seen a huge dead rat right in a Seller's front yard near the door with Buyers-we all ran from that house)

Have a great day! It's a good life.
Nancy

Just Plain Me

2008-06-11T21:27:00.000-05:00

Hi,
I will try not to cut and paste boring messages any more. I want to show you who I am as a person, by talking with you about real estate. First of all, I love this industry. I can't think of any other job that allows me to meet such interesting people and see such a variety of homes on a daily basis.
Like for instance, just two days ago I was in a home with TWO taped off body images on the basement floor. That is the truth! It didn't look like they were playing hop scotch either.
Now, I have heard a lot of good advice about how to sell your home fast, but I think the best advice I can think of today, would be to remove the tape marks....please! Oh, and get some bleach too, just in case.
If you have seen anything crazy in your house hunting experience or have any questions for me about real estate, please send me a message. I really want to hear from you.
Thanks,
Nancy

Landscaping That Sells

2008-06-11T08:26:00.000-05:00

Just as a beautiful frame can turn a photograph into a work of art, the right landscaping can turn a home into a showplace.
For Home Owners on a Budget Landscaping doesn’t have to cost as much as your house. To cut costs, a plan can be installed in stages, Thoelecke says. There also are many affordable improvements home owners can make to enhance curb appeal. Start by trimming bushes and pruning dead limbs in front of windows to avoid blocking views, says Brian Huggler, ABR®, CRS®, associate broker with Huggler & Bashore in Lansing, Mich. “If buyers can’t see a home, you can’t sell it,” adds Sandra Holmes, owner of Home Staging Concepts in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Other ideas from the experts:
Clear away lawn art, toys and other “clutter.”
Edge beds and add fresh mulch.
Paint or seal terraces and replace rotted wood.
Add a touch of color. A few pots of tulips in March work magic; red and white colors add the most punch, says Jones.
Use container gardens. Pots are an affordable, portable way to line a path, embellish an entry, grow herbs, and decorate indoor rooms when weather changes.
Encourage home owners to avoid planting materials too close, making beds too small, or overwatering, Jones says. They — and you — can learn more about landscaping by reading books, visiting botanic gardens, participating in local garden walks, and even by chatting with neighbors who have impressive gardens. But most of all, remind clients to have fun, Jones says. “Plants are resilient. Home owners really can’t make a mistake.”

Attractive landscaping is one of the best ways to make a good first impression on prospective buyers and show that a home is loved. Though a well-designed landscape can be simple, it also can move far beyond a velvety lawn and colorful flower beds to encompass trees, shrubs, irrigation, hardscaping, and lighting. By making informed choices, home owners can tranform their properties, whether they’re selling or just moved in and plan to stay for years. Before jumping into a landscaping-improvement project, it helps to have a general knowledge of what kind of plants would thrive on the property, says Steve Jones, (a.k.a. “The Plant Man”) owner of Greenwood Nursery in McMinnville, Tenn. Home owners should do some research to learn about their yard’s various components:
Soil condition. To analyze soil, home owners should contact a local college extension service or buy a kit from a garden center. An analysis determines the pH balance. Most plants thrive in near-neutral pH conditions but some like slightly acidic soil, says Jones.
Drainage. The type of soil — sandy, silty, clay, or loam — will affect drainage. For example, clay soil may drain poorly, which can prevent nutrients and oxygen from reaching plant roots, but soil can be modified, Jones says.
Sunlight. Home owners should stand outside at different times of the day to see when, where, and how much sun strikes their yard, Jones says.
Hardiness zone. Also referred to as climate zones, hardiness zones are a guide to help you know which plants will grow where you live, so you don't plant materials that will soon die just because they can't survive the region's temperatures, according to BackyardGardener.com, which provides a hardiness zone map on its Web site.
Next Steps: Make a Budget, Hire HelpA budget will largely determine the scope of a project. If home owners want to replicate the cover photo from a recent Fine Gardening magazine, they should be prepared to pay dearly. Plants, soil, and all the extras that make a garden picture-perfect, can really add up, Jones says. For example, a single 8-foot-tall, 1-inch-caliper, shade-loving red maple may cost $60 to $70, he says. But buyers should remember to factor in the cost of hiring a gardener, landscaper, or arborist. A gardener may be sufficient for home owners seeking to tidy up to improve curb appeal, while a landscape designer or architect is usually best for those who want to do more extensive work. Either professional can develop a master plan to enhance the exterior, make the site look attractive from the inside out, and keep materials safe from weather, insects, and animals. Many charge between $75 and $150 an hour — or more, depending on the area of the country and complexity of the project, says landscape designer Tim Thoelecke Jr. of American Academy of Landscape Design in Glenview, Ill. For those planning long-term improvements to the property, rather than simple pre-sale enhancements, an arborist also can be brought on board to inspect the condition of trees, the lawn, and the drainage system, says Jones.When budgeting for a landscaping overhaul, home owners should plan to spend about 10 percent of the value of the home, says Russell Cletta, senior landscape architect for Valley Crest Estate Gardens in Calabasas, Calif. To achieve a grander look, a bigger budget of 15 percent may be necessary, Thoelecke says. But if you’re going far grander — perhaps duplicating the closely clipped lawn at the Augusta National Golf Club, site of the Masters Tournament — even more may be in order. 6 Practical Project IdeasHere are some simple projects that experts say will make a big impact on the property’s appearance — and possibly boost resale value.
Plant trees. Trees look nice, cut down on heating and cooling costs, and can even help a home sell for more money, the USDA Forest Service says. Properly placing just three trees can save an average household between $100 and $250 in annual energy bills, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And a report from Arbor National Mortgage found that 84 percent of practitioners believe that a house on a treed lot would fetch at least 20 more than one on a lot without trees.
Go for year-round color. Rather than make do with empty beds and a brown lawn in winter, home owners can pick materials that remain green all year. Examples: evergreen arborvitae, junipers, and boxwood, says Jones.
Help the environment. There are dozens of ways to be a good environmental steward. A rain garden can retain water rather than send it into the nearest storm sewer. In drought-prone areas, xeriscape plants require less water. Large shade trees can screen a roof and windows from sun and block cold wind and air, Cletta says.
Make your yard livable. A yard can be transformed into livable outdoor “rooms.” High on the wish list are well-equipped kitchens, sometimes with pizza ovens and fire pits, and the newest star — media rooms. Cletta installed a projection screen so one client could float in his pool and watch movies.
Just add water. Everyone loves water’s soothing sound, whether it cascades into a pond, fills a fountain, or churns in a hot tub.
Build a pergola. A pergola — a set of columns supporting a roof of trelliswork on which climbing plants can grow — adds architectural interest, vertical growing space, and shade.
For Home Owners on a Budget Landscaping doesn’t have to cost as much as your house. To cut costs, a plan can be installed in stages, Thoelecke says. There also are many affordable improvements home owners can make to enhance curb appeal. Start by trimming bushes and pruning dead limbs in front of windows to avoid blocking views, says Brian Huggler, ABR®, CRS®, associate broker with Huggler & Bashore in Lansing, Mich. “If buyers can’t see a home, you can’t sell it,” adds Sandra Holmes, owner of Home Staging Concepts in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Other ideas from the experts:
Clear away lawn art, toys and other “clutter.”
Edge beds and add fresh mulch.
Paint or seal terraces and replace rotted wood.
Add a touch of color. A few pots of tulips in March work magic; red and white colors add the most punch, says Jones.
Use container gardens. Pots are an affordable, portable way to line a path, embellish an entry, grow herbs, and decorate indoor rooms when weather changes.
Encourage home owners to avoid planting materials too close, making beds too small, or overwatering, Jones says. They — and you — can learn more about landscaping by reading books, visiting botanic gardens, participating in local garden walks, and even by chatting with neighbors who have impressive gardens. But most of all, remind clients to have fun, Jones says. “Plants are resilient. Home owners really can’t make a mistake.”

The Top 3 Things Your Realtor Wants You to Know

2008-06-10T16:54:00.000-05:00

Before You Buy: The Top 3 Things Your Realtor Wants You to Know
As you begin the home buying process, we’re glad that you’ve chosen to work with a Realtor. Because buying and selling real estate is what we do every day, we know three simple things that will really pay off for you in the long run if you’ll follow our advice.
1. Our experience tells us one of the smartest financial decisions you can make with regard to buying a home is to contact a Lender before actually going home shopping. We understand that obtaining financing is a lot less fun than looking at houses, but you’ll be so glad you got it out of the way so that the fun part can begin!
When you are pre-approved for a home loan, you know exactly how much you can afford to spend so your Realtor can do a better job of showing you only those homes that are a good fit for your budget. In addition, a Seller may be more favorable towards an offer made by a pre-approved Buyer than from one who does not already have financing in place. Ask your Lender to provide your pre-approval letter to us or you may bring it in when you get it. Trust us when we say this is a biggie!
2. Communicate with your Realtor. Sure, this sounds easy enough, but you’d be surprised how often a Realtor thinks her customer is looking for a ranch style 3 bedroom on a large lot when what her Buyer really wants is a two-story house with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths on at least 3 acres. If you’ll take just a few minutes right now and list the things you do and do not want in a home and provide that list to your Realtor, she can do a much better job of finding the home that’s just right for you and your family. If you have specific times of the day or week when you can look at real estate, you might make a note of those as well.
3. Get that home inspected PRIOR to making an offer! We understand that budgets are always tight and spending additional money for a home inspection before you even know if you’re going to own the home may sound a little wasteful. Not only is it NOT wasteful, you may save yourself hundreds or even thousands of dollars and here’s why:
As per state and federal laws that govern Real Estate Agents, a Realtor cannot offer any Buyer advice about whether or not a home is sound mechanically and/or structurally. We are not home inspectors and therefore do not have the necessary knowledge to advise you on what may or may not be wrong with a home. What we always do, of course, is to tell you everything we know regarding defects in the home that have been disclosed to us. As you might imagine, this can sometimes leave a gap. Occasionally there are defects even the Seller is not aware of and if the Seller doesn’t know, we don’t know. And if we don’t know, you don’t know!
If you spend a relatively small amount of money up front to have a qualified home inspector go over the property you are interested in, he or she will be able to tell you more about that house than you ever dreamed. They will check everything from the roof to the heating and air to the structure and then disclose everything they find to you. Once you have that report, you will be able to make an offer that is backed with knowledge and therefore may carry more weight than an arbitrary number you pick out of thin air. Equally important, once you have made an offer and it has been accepted by a Seller, you have entered into a legal and binding contract. If you discover problems with the property once the deal is done, you will have to handle them at your expense. Your Realtor’s hands are unfortunately tied.
One quick note: Often a Buyer wants to have a favorite uncle or friend look over the property in lieu of a licensed home inspector in an effort to save money. The problem you will encounter using this method is that a Seller has no reason to accept what “Uncle Bob” thinks about the property as he is not an impartial licensed inspector.
Please consider using a qualified and licensed home inspector.
Thank you for choosing our agency. We look forward to assisting you at every step along this exciting path and to being there for that wonderful moment when you find the home of your dreams.