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Best of my Blog Memories of Wendy
September, 2010
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Before I got my license, I really didn't appreciate how real estate offices worked. What much of the public doesn't understand is that real estate agents are independent contractors.... not employees. They can move around and change brokerages as they like. Brokerage offices vie to get the top agents and to add new agents to their ranks. It's actually somewhat competitive....
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"It is arguably one of the most popular U.S. tax deductions, and for some it is the necessary stimulus to buy a home.
The mortgage interest deduction, however, is now at risk, due to negotiations over the so-called "fiscal cliff" - the year-end deadline for large spending cuts and the expiration of tax cuts."
How 'Fiscal Cliff' Could Affect Mortgage Interest Deduction
- CNBC
"The clock is ticking on a tax break that saves struggling homeowners from paying thousands of dollars to the IRS."
- CNN Money
"Demand for single-family rental housing is outstripping the available supply of homes, and some housing markets that have been hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis have seen rental demand jump by more than 25% in the past year..."
Single-Family Rental Demand is Outstripping Supply
- Wall Street Journal
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12 Smart Year-End Tax Moves for 2012
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Greetings!
Welcome to "How's the Market?"
December is now upon us. Where did the year go? As the days get shorter and the cool weather descends upon us, it stirs up memories of other years and of other holiday seasons.
Our Prudential Rubloff office recently celebrated a milestone - we have now had FIVE magnificent years in Lake Forest. We had a wonderful party to mark the occasion. And as a bonus: my colleagues and I were delighted to see that our office manager, Mark Pasquesi, was selected as the suburban Managing Broker of the Year by Chicago Agent magazine. Mark has been with us now for the last year or so and we have all felt lucky to have such a terrific manager.
But in the midst of our celebration, those of us who started with Prudential Lake Forest back in 2007 couldn't help but remember with some sadness and sentimentality the creator of our office and first manager: the utterly amazing, much beloved, Wendy Bergseth.
Wendy LOVED Christmas -- for her more was more! She would put poinsettias on everyone's desk and deck the halls of our office with bright colors. And at her house -- oh my, it was overflowing with every imaginable holiday decoration.
So in memory of her, I thought for this month's Best of my Blog section, I would share my blog's most popular post ever: Memories of Wendy. Her birthday was in December, so I think about her a lot at Christmas time and remember how joyously she celebrated the season.
And as for real estate -- believe it or not -- there are buyers out there. Almost every year since I've been this doing this work, I've sold a house in December ... so if your home looks beautiful in its holiday splendor, don't hesitate to list it if you're thinking about selling! |
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Just the facts..
Stay tuned... I'll be providing an end of year recap in my January newsletter.
Here are some of the predictions for 2013 that are currently in the news...
"The housing market will improve moderately in 2013, but nobody will mistake this for a boom. The gains in activity and prices will be a welcome relief, but will leave many homeowners still underwater...." Real Estate Forecast 2013 - Forbes
"In case you haven't noticed... the housing market is making a recovery.
Most investors still shudder at the thought of investing in real estate again, but it's time to reconsider.
Here's why..."
2012-2013 Housing Market Forecast - InvestmentU
"The housing market recovery should continue through the coming years, assuming there are no further limitations on the availability of mortgage credit or a "fiscal cliff," according to forecast presentations..."
Housing Market Uptrend Expected Through 2014 - NAR
"The enduring low-gear real estate recovery should advance further in 2013: Emerging Trends surveys suggest that modest gains
in leasing, rents, and pricing will extend across U.S. markets from coast to coast and improve prospects for all property sectors, including housing, which finally begins to recover."
Emerging Trends in Real Estate - Urban Land Institute
"Fewer homeowners will refinance their mortgages in 2013, as a slowly improving economy pushes up interest rates, according to an economic forecast from the Mortgage Bankers Association or MBA."
Fewer Homeowners Expected to Refinance in 2013 - Millionaire's Corner
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The North Shore's Highest Sales in November
Glencoe - 6 Rockgate Lane
Original List Price - $7,499,000
List - $2,999,999
Sale - $2,621,000 (87% of asking)
Total Days on Market - 1,206
Total Days on Market at Final List Price - 23
(foreclosure)
Winnetka - 760 Prospect Avenue
List - $2,599,000
Sale - $2,100,000 (81%)
Total Days on Market - 85
(new construction)
Evanston - 1140 Lake Shore Boulevard
Original List Price - $2,400,000
List - $2,050,000
Sale - $1,910,000 (93%)
Total Days on Market - 191
Total Days on Market at Final List Price - 47
Total of 2 homes closed for over $2,000,000 during the month of November:
Winnetka - 1
Glencoe - 1
(There are currently 170 homes for sale over $2,000,000.)
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Real estate's fiscal cliff: 5 items to watch out for
 By now most of us are aware of the term "fiscal cliff." The term refers to the economic mayhem that is expected if tax increases, spending cuts and the budget deficit rules go into effect in January 2013. But while a fiscal cliff threatens the economy as a whole, real estate has its own fiscal cliff that's quickly approaching. And unless certain rules, laws and programs are extended, we could see a huge falloff in the recovery of the housing market.... |
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13 tips for selling your home in winter
What makes selling a home more stressful? Selling it in the middle of winter.
The lawn is brown, the weather is usually bad and, unlike the longer days of summer, you have less time to show it off during daylight hours...
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Outdoor Holiday Decorating
Decking out your home for the holidays involves more than just mantels! The real magic of the season happens outdoors, where strings of twinkling lights illuminate the fresh snow, and sprigs of evergreen can add holiday cheer almost anywhere. Family and friends alike will appreciate a festive welcome with these inspirational outdoor decorating ideas.
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Christmas Cookie Recipes
...favorite Christmas cookie recipes, including sugar cookies, gingerbread, shortbread, icebox cookies, and more.
from Martha Stewart
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As always, if there is any way that I can assist you with your real estate needs, please don't hesitate to call or write!
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year celebration ... I'll be back in the New Year with a recap of 2012!
Ann
R. Ann Jones,
Broker Associate
Prudential Rubloff Properties
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