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Best of my Blog My life in real estate: FSBO - part 1
November, 2009
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Fast forward to my next life experience in real estate...
I decided it was time to move from Scott Street. My income was better, so I could afford a bigger place. I wanted both a change and an apartment with a second bedroom so houseguests wouldn't have to sleep on a sofa bed in the living room. Because of my first venture in real estate...
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| In the news... | |
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"What was once a humble storage space is becoming a trophy accessory, growing in size to rival living rooms and equipped with breakfast areas, sound systems and chandeliers."
The $100,000 Closet
- Wall Street Journal
"Everyone loves the smell of freshly baked cookies, but don't expect that aroma to sell your home, new research suggests. Homeowners are often coached to create pleasing aromas when potential buyers pay a visit. But complex smells, like baked goods and potpourri, are likely..."
Using Smell to Make a Sale
- Wall Street Journal
"Home sales are slowly climbing back, thanks to investor demand, improving consumer confidence in housing, and the surprising return of former homeowners who once walked away from their commitments.
These so-called, "strategic defaulters," some of them investors and some owner-occupants, are coming back to the market, despite damaged credit, and apparently the market is welcoming them back..."
- CNBC
"It might finally be time to come out of the basement.
Seven years after the housing market began to collapse, rising prices and thinner inventories are presenting new opportunities for home sellers..."
- Wall Street Journal
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Greetings!
Welcome back to "How's the Market?"
First of all, since it's March 1st, I want to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy St. David's Day! (What can I say? I'm of Welsh not Irish decent.)
As I'm looking out my window there are only signs of winter. Whether Spring makes an appearance or not in the next few weeks, we're definitely feeling signs of the Spring Market. Every day new houses are being listed and sold and the volume seems to be increasing in such a hopeful and optimistic way.
I want to remind you that this is a good time to consider an Energy Impact assessment for your house. I did one with a client this month and it was pretty revealing about how heat can escape our homes. Check out this excellent program, Energy Impact Illinois.
Stay warm!
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Just the facts..
Are you ready -- can you feel it?
It may look like winter outside, but I'm definitely sensing an uptick in the market place. Agents are fielding multiple offers. Clients, who are feeling the urge to move, are calling. Spring is around the corner and I am exceedingly hopeful that is going to be the best Spring Market in the last seven years! We'll know by summer, but all signs are looking favorable.
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The North Shore's Highest Sales in February
Lakefront Mansion in Winnetka
sells for $12.3 Million
Crains Chicago Business
(not recorded in the Multiple Listing Service)
Glencoe - 10 Maple Hill
Original List Price - $8,250,000
List - $3,299,000
Sale - $3,025,000 (92%)
Total Days on Market - 1860
Total Days on Market at Final List Price - 40
Kenilworth - 112 Oxford Road (new construction)
List Price - $3,175,000
Sale - $2,850,000 (90%)
Total Days on Market - 184
Total Days on Market at Final List Price - 184
(According to the MLS) a total of 2 homes closed for over $2,000,000 during the month of February:
Glencoe - 1
Kenilworth - 1
(There are currently 191 homes for sale over $2,000,000.)
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13 Hot Home Trends for 2013
 The design choices of 2013 will be shaped by uncertainty over how long current home owners will stay and what future buyers' tastes may be. So, home owners' needs and style preferences are more influential in today's designs than what buyers want.
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Refinancing your home at a lower rate makes sense if you can keep your refinancing costs to a minimum...
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Resolve to Reduce Junk Mail in 2013
The average American receives 41 pounds of junk mail per year, of  which 44% ends up in a landfill. There are environmental and monetary costs to create, transport, sort, process, manufacture and dispose of these materials.
Tired of having your mailbox crammed with unsolicited mail, including preapproved credit card applications? Fed up with getting telemarketing calls just as you're sitting down to dinner? Fuming that your email inbox is chock-full of unsolicited advertising? The good news is that you can cut down on the number of unsolicited mailings, calls, and emails you receive by learning where to go to "just say no."
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2012-13 Cost vs. Value: Make the First Impression Count
 If your clients are wondering what home improvement projects will give them the best return on the sale of their home, tell them to think "curb appeal." When buyers are shopping for a home, the exterior can make (or break) the first impression. According to the 2013 Cost vs. Value Report, exterior replacement projects are among the most valuable home improvements that sellers can currently invest in, starting with the.... |
Featured ListingCurrently Exempt
1143 N. Sheridan Road, Lake Forest
Walk to town, schools, beach and train from this delightful home in East Lake Forest. Stunningly decorated and magnificently landscaped, this serene and lovely home is a wonderful place to both entertain and unwind. Amazing kitchen space with both a sitting area and breakfast bar. With two fireplace, a great mudroom, finished basement, two offices, laundry on the second floor and a host of other features, this is an ideal place to call home!
See the details of this beautiful home! 4BR/3.1 Baths
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Spring is around the corner, so it's a fun time to watch the real estate market -- if you're thinking about a move -- now's the time!
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!
Ann
R. Ann Jones,
Broker Associate
Prudential Rubloff Properties
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