Greetings!
Thank you for your business. July sales brought many happy buyers and sellers. Whether you are a buyer, a seller, or referring me to one of your contacts I appreciate your business.
Here are a few recent comments from clients:
"You were never too busy to answer any of my questions. If you could not answer a question from experience, you immediately began research until you found the answer. You always returned my calls ASAP" - Larry Bosley, Chebanse
"You are a savior! You finally sold our house after it was on the market for a long time (with another agent). We have never even met you, but you accomplished everything without us. We appreciate all of your service" - Lalalni Kuruppu, Manteno
We deliver prompt, creative and effective ways to make your real estate buying or selling experience a positive memory.
Please call me and "Experience the Difference". If there is a real estate question or topic that you would like to see addressed in the next e-newsletter, please reply to this and write me an email. I will do my best to get your topic mentioned. Thank you and enjoy this newsletter!
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Lisa's Market Update |
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There are so many positives.... interest rates are 6.75% for a 30 year fixed and 6.25% for a 15 year fixed rate. There are many buyers with good credit that are still able to get 100% financing through FHA. Please note: The FHA Ameridream is schedule to be discontinued in October. If you are a buyer wanting to be included in this 100% financing opportunity your purchase contract must be dated no later than September 30 , 2008.
I often get asked, "How long does it take to sell a home?" Here are some facts.
FACT: The average days on market through our Multiple Listing Service for the month of July is 135.
FACT: The average that sellers have changed their price from asking price to selling price in the Multiple Listing as reported in July is 95%
FACT: Of the sellers that I have helped so far this year......The average that sellers have changed their price from asking price to selling price is 97%
It is a goal of mine to help sellers with the sale of their home. That means that I can interpret the market so that the seller know what they can expect to get out of the market. I am able to help sellers plan for their future and make their move faster because of my knowledge in the market place. If you are serious about wanting to sell in this market, call or email me so that I can deliver a customized plan that will work for you.
As you can see by the percentages above I help sellers get MORE net proceeds (MORE money in your pocket) sooner. Call me I look forward to helping you. |
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5 Facts About The Illinois Housing Market |
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NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY
- There is no such thing as a national real estate market. Just like there is no national weather forecast, local housing market conditions are oftentimes different from what's happening nationally, so it's best to work with an Illinois real estate professional to determine timing, pricing and the best value. Now is a good time to buy.
- Illinois home values are stable. from 2004 to 2007 the median price of a home increased 10.3 percent from $184,900 to $204,000. Most Illinois homeowners are experiencing very healthy long-term gains in the value of their homes, and real estate remains the single best investment over the long term providing wealth accumulation especially for those who keep the home for a typical holding period of six to ten years. Now is a good time to buy.
- Owning a home is a good investment. According to the Federal Reserve Board, the average renter's net worth is $4,800 while the average homeowner's net worth is $171,000. Real estate has delivered the most consistent positive return over any investment over the last 40 years. I don't know of any millionaire that doesn't have real estate as part of their winning portfolio. Now is a good time to buy.
- Mortgages are available and at historic lows. Contrary to perceptions, conventional mortgages are widely available at favorable interest rates for the bulk of homebuyers. The mortgage market is facing a few head winds going forward. Overall we should begin to see improving mortgage market conditions. Now is a good time to buy.
- Conditions are ideal for buyers with prices moderating, low interest rates and a good supply of homes available.
Now is a good time to buy.
Source: Illinois Realtor Magazine
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Real Ideastm |
New vs. Existing Construction
Which is the best move when buying a home: to buy an existing home or build a new one? Like most questions about real estate, there isn't one, all-encompassing answer to that question.
As a general rule, existing homes give you more home for the money. That's true primarily because of the escalating costs of building materials, labor, and land costs, among other things.
The most obvious advantage of a new home, provided you have an opportunity to have substantial say in the design, is that you should end up with the exact home you want.
Ask your real estate professional to put you in touch with some new home builders and get all the facts. That way you'll be better able to decide which route is best for you. |
Thank you for your real estate business! Please let me know anyone that is interested in receiving my real estate services or this newsletter.
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Lisa's Featured Listings
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 $360,000
1300 Cobb Blvd.,
Kankakee Kankakee Quality and elegant stone and brick home once owned by Governor Shapiro. Sits on the boatable part of the beautiful Kankakee River. The stone walkway to the river allows you to view the park district grounds, the historic clock tower, and of course the boaters relaxing on the river. Call for more details. |
$298,000
1944 Flagstone, Bourbonnais Many Upgrades & Quality Galore And A Full Finished Basement. The Quality Starts W/ The Exterior Cultured Stone & 6 " Double Paneled Siding. Over $50,000 Of Improvements Since The Owners Purchased. Call today for more details! | |
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 $315,000
355 E. Kay St.,
Herscher
This custom dream home sits on 1.5 lots and includes a full basement. The entry foyer leads to sitting room with fireplace. Spacious dining area. Wait until you see this awesome kitchen with a huge dinette area all open to the family room. Call today for more details. |
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 $269,900
2390 Chesterwood Turn,
Limestone Twp.
This quality construction sprawling ranch sits on 1.25 acres & has a full finished basement w/full bath. The style is comfortable every day living w/no wasted space. The BR off the kitchen makes for a great office or extended living. Call for more details.
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$118,500
865 S. 5th, Kankakee
Beautifully Maintained Two Story Home W/ Many Nice Updates. The Covered Porch W/ Swing Leads You To A Spacious Dining Room That Is Open To The Living Room & Beautiful Kitchen With Hickory And Oak Cabinets (updated In 1999). The Laundry Room Is Conveniently Located On The First Floor By The 3/4 Bath.
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$99,900
216 S. Oak, Chebanse Very Well Maintained One Owner Home Built By Fairmont Homes "hampton Estate" Modular Model. The Split Floor Plan Offers An Open Living, Kitchen, And Dining Room W/ Cathedral Ceilings. The Master Suite Has A Huge Full Bath And A Walking In Closet. Very Clean And Neutral Colors. |
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Located in the beautiful Foxborough Oaks Subdivision, within the Limestone School District and Limestone Township. CITY WATER. Many larger Oak, Maple, Hickory, and Walnut hardwood trees. Call for a copy of the covenants, designed to protect your investment. Each home built within Fox Borough Oaks has a 1800 min. square footage. Located within 3 miles of 2 hospitals, restaurants, banks, grocery stores, etc... Foxborough Oaks has city convenience and country character in one location. 4 miles west & 1/2 mile south of RT. 17. ONLY 15 LOTS LEFT!
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| Farm Ground |
$259,900
16750 E 6000N Rd, Momence
37.26 Acres. 6 Mile Grove pass Minnie Minoso golf course cross 16000 E Rd. turn South (left) onto 16750 E Road take curve to east property on the south side on the street. Property is currently rented.
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| Commercial Property |
$259,900
223 S. West Ave, Kankakee A Wonderful Opportunity For You To Have Your Business On The 1st Floor While Income Comes In From The 5 Apartments Upstairs. Huge Attached Garage That Lead To The 1st Floor Or Basement * The Apartments Currently Rent On A Month To Month Basis And Gross $1,500 Per Month.
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LISA'S MOST RECENT GOT SOLDS! |
900 Coyote Trail, Manteno
Gorgeous And Spacious 4 Bdrm/3 Bath Home W/ A Basement Located On A Corner Lot. The 2 Story Open Foyer Welcomes You With Oak Hardwood Flooring.The 1st Floor Office Is A True Convenience. Call today for more details!
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527 Hollyberry, Bourbonnais
Still Time To Pick Your Flooring Lighting, And Counter Tops In This New Construction By Pro Builders. The Garage Conveniently Located Off The Kitchen. The Kitchen Is Open To The Living Room With Cathedral Ceiling. You'll Enjoy This Floor Plan That Is Open And Bright With Many windows. Call today for more details!
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846 LaPointe, Bourbonnais
One of the largest Briarpoint units with a beautifully finished walk out lower level. The courtyard welcomes you to this neutral & well maintained home w/ a remodeled kitchen that includes cherry cabinets & a spacious dinette are Call today for more details! |
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Absolutely Immaculate Ranch Style Home With Tons Of Updates. Great Floor Plan With A Spacious Kitchen With Breakfast Bar. Enjoy Both A Living Room And A Family Room. Sliders Lead To The Backyard With Mature Trees.
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You'll enjoy the character and the convenience of all the updates in this bungalow style home w/ finished basement. The updates include thermal pane windows, furnace, AC, water heater, roof, wiring, trim and all new drywall in living room kitchen and bedrooms. Call today for more information.
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Speckman Realty, Inc. GMAC
