Park Ridge TodayPark Ridge Illinois Real Estate and More

Recently, I’ve found a new way to get what I want from bigger companies – Hang up and call back.  Not sure about everyone else, but as soon as I start talking to someone from customer service, I can tell if this person is going to help me or going to give me grief.  And with that, I’ve found that I can end the call politely and call back and hope to get someone a little more “service” oriented.  And – It has worked! 

So next time you have a problem with a big company’s “service”, end the call and call right back – you may be surprised and get what you were calling for.  (This applies to mortgage companies as well)

 

Here’s the most recent report from Credit Suisse on the Real Estate market, organized by major cities.  The gist of the report is that the severe weather has affected sales in January but that April and May should see significant increases in activity and hopefully, transactions.  Just cannot get away from the weather….

Reading the business section of the Daily Herald lately has my head spinning.  Last week – The big story was new construction sales were the worst since the dinosaurs roamed the earth or something to that effect – Then two days later – Home sales up 43% from last January!  Again, the catalyst for the surging sales is being attributed to the Tax Credit for First Time home buyers and the new one for existing home owners.  Lastly, there was one other article about property values increasing in Kane County. 

I really like to work with facts, not dramatic headlines. Fact, this is one the very best times to buy real estate – looking for something bigger, now is the time.  Investors are also reaping some of the benefits of this market.  In fact, did you know that you can buy a home with your IRA as an  investment? 

If you need any of the facts, please let me know.

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.

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

 

Here is yesterday’s Business front page from the Daily Herald:  “Home Sales Still on Shaky Ground”
Here is today’s Business front page from the Daily Herald:  “Home Prices, Confidence Increase”Â
Get the facts about your local market, just like you would anything that will impact your life as much as a Real Estate purchase.  One thing is still certain in this market – It is the time to buy your first home or move up in price if your career is stable (Is there such a thing?).  The media certainly loves drama – but I work with the facts – Please let me know if you need market statistics for Park Ridge or the surrounding areas and you be the judge as to which headline is most accurate.

Now – How confusing is this?

 

Here’s an option out there for refinancing homes that have lost market value.  This brief eligibility questionnaire from the US government might be able to help.

If you are a homeowner who is current on your mortgage payments but unable to refinance to a lower interest rate because your home value has decreased, you may be able to refinance.  Click Here for the Home Affordable Refinance Program. 

Please let me know if I can be of any assistance.