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Canada vs. USA tomorrow at 2:00 PM – This should be a great game.   I just wanted to wish all of our Blackhawks well, but we’re pulling for Team USA tomorrow!

Been a while since we’ve had a chance to see the grass under all the snow.  I’ll take it as Spring is coming!  I don’t know about the rest of us Illinoisans, but this is that time of year that I look forward to the end of winter.  We’ve had a cold winter with plenty of snow, but our neighbors to the East really got hammered this winter. 

As the new season approaches so does the deadline for the homebuyer taxt credit.  Again, if you are even thinking of moving up in price to a new home, now is the time.  Rates are low, prices are still below normal and the tax credit is good even for current homeowners that have lived in their primary residence for the last 5 years. 

Please feel free to call me if you have any questions about the tax credit, real estate in or around Park Ridge or need more info on government programs for distressed properties and homeowners.

Home prices rose in more than 40 percent of U.S. cities during the fourth quarter of 2009.  The National Association of Realtors said last Thursday that the median sales price for previously occupied homes rose in 67 out of 151 metropolitan areas in the October-December quarter versus a year ago.  The national median price was $172,900, or 4.1 percent below the fourth quarter last year. That was the smallest year-over-year decline in more than two years. Sales of homes are up over 27% from a year ago and much of the activity is attributed to the tax credit extension.  Good news, nonetheless.

I just saw this today and thought I would pass it on from Market Watch:  What buyers look for today in a new home.

1. Large Kitchens, With an Island – The Kitchen is still King!

2. Energy-Efficient Appliances, High-Efficiency Insulation and High Window Efficiency – Not to mention, tax credits and resale value

3. Home Office/Study – More and more people are working from home or trying to make that switch

4. Main-Floor Master Suite – Not sure about this one

5. Outdoor Living Room - BRR – They even said in Canada – but here in Park Ridge, they’re great for spring/summer

6. Ceiling Fans - Easily installed by professional if you want one

7. Master Suite Soaker Tubs – Next to the kitchen, bathrooms make big impressions

8. Stone and Brick Exteriors – Always a nice feature

9. Community Landscaping, With Walking Paths and Playgrounds – We all want something that connects the neighborhood

10. Two-Car Garages – At least