Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Why Naperville Illinois ? The night life or the schools you pick!
First class schools, and libraries. Fantastic shopping, dining and fabulous night life.
Serene river runs through the city surrounded by parks scattered throughout.
Weekly concerts in the summer time and throughout the fall season. Special events that are often free of charge. A awesome pool that is considered one of the biggest chlorinated pools in the United States with the feel of being at the beach.
Tree-lined neighborhoods that include custom homes built to last many lifetimes.
The population is highly educated, polite, caring, charitable. A 32 minute train ride is all it takes to one of the world's leading business and financial centers. Live within walking distance to the city or train or a few miles away.
Beautiful, relaxing backyards!
Are you ready to move?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
GoodBye Green Shag!
Floor the Competition
When people enter your home they usually look down before up, so that first step is vital for attracting a homebuyer and making a great first impression. This is one reason why more people are installing hardwood floors in their homes.
Hardwood flooring enhances the look of any room and can create a classic ambiance that will beautify the interior design of your home. Real Estate agents agree that homes with wood floors hold their value better, sell faster and for higher prices.
Last year, 99 percent of the real estate agents responding to a national survey conducted by the National Wood Flooring Association agreed that homes with hardwood floors are easier to sell. The survey also found that 82 percent believe that homes with hardwood floors sell faster and 90 percent said they would sell for more money.
We are now finding homes in all prices having hardwood in The Napervillle, Illinois area. This is a good sign as hardwood use to be found only in more expensive homes.
The American Hardwood Information Center adds that restoring hardwood flooring in the home is one of the best long-term investments to be made. I especially recommend this prior to selling your home.
“Hardwood floors are environmentally friendly, forever fashionable, and will last for generations,” said Pembroke Jacobs, president of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association. “Plus, with an expected life span of up to 100 years for certain premium hardwood flooring, you can be assured that that the hardwood really is a one-time investment with a very long-term payoff.”
I often find that even new carpeting does not impress potential buyers, but hardwood floors are always a draw. Engineered wood floors impart warmth, depth and richness to a home’s decor that cannot be matched by carpeting, tile or vinyl flooring. Rugs like those above, which can be cleaned thoroughly, can change a room for the seasons when you want a softer look. Many local places sell large area rugs that work great with hardwood. The options are endless.
Despite the existence of modern architectural trends in flooring, hardwood can still compete with floor tiles and other artificial materials. It comes in a variety of colors and grains; light, medium, or dark shades; and a variety of sizes, styles, finishes and species.
Maple, mahogany and oak are the most popular woods, but some homeowners are investing in exotics such as Brazilian cherry.
The Environmental Protection Agency has said that indoor air quality is one of the top health threats and wood floors can help contribute to a healthy living environment. In fact, a recent EPA study found that pesticides used in gardens and homes accumulate on floors and other surfaces in the home, but that wood floors greatly reduce the accumulation of such toxins. This is especially true with carpeting near entry ways. Hardwood floors also do not trap or harbor dust mites or molds. This is good news for people with allergies.
I have noticed when showing foreclosed homes in the Naperville, Illinois area which have been generally closed up and not maintained for sometime, that when the flooring is hardwood the overall feel and smell of the home is much better because their is no carpeting which tends to hold many odors. These foreclosed homes generally sell for more money also.
Slate, ceramic and many other type of hard surface flooring can be easily incorporated with hardwood if you would like to have a different look. This is especially true in bathrooms which really is the only room where hardwood may not be the flooring of choice. I personally have had good luck with hardwood in my powder room and laundry without any problems.
Though wood floors will probably need to be refinished at some point, when properly taken care of they are much easier to maintain than other floor surfaces. I find they can goes as long as 20 years before they need refinishing.
The NWFA recommends regular sweeping of hardwood floors with a soft-bristle broom or dust mop to remove surface dirt and debris. I personally use a light vacuum and swifter mop.
Consider Hardwood for your home today and selling tomorrow.
Tamara Schuster, Broker Naperville, Il can be reached at 630.886.9596. Prudential Elite Naperville is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Buy the home that meets your needs and paycheck
Frequently I work with first time home buyers usually couples in their 20's without kids in Naperville, Illinois they are looking for the perfect first home. They have a budget in mind and I encourage them not over spend and be comfortable with their mortgage so they can have extra money for updating their home, furnishings and much needed vacations. Ideally, in a bind, they could pay their mortgage on one salary. Sometimes they are told differently by others. Let me give you an example:
This is a great buying time, a major investment, so why not go all out right? Buy big, then you will grow into your home .
Should you buy big now?
Why not make the most of that investment right? While sometimes this may make perfect sense work, it may not necessarily be right. Circumstances and tastes change, as I found out through the years working with many home buyers. You may need to relocate, as many do, to a new city or current office moves a hour north and the commute causes you to move closer. So many different circumstances may arise. If you buy that big 4 bedroom house now, you will be paying more taxes, more in electricity and heat and upkeep in general. You will be paying on a home that you assume will meet your future needs. Think it all through before you make your move.
Buyers should look at their needs now and what will meet their needs for the next 5-7 years. Buy the home that is affordable to you. One that will grow with you, yet not overwhelm you with a high mortgage and tax bill.
Tamara Schuster, Broker
3rd Generation Realtor
Prudential Elite Naperville
Monday, March 7, 2011
What to look for in a Realtor
. Are you FULL TIME? Important because of the fast pace ever changing market you cannot chance that the most expensive purchase you will make in the hands of a part time agent.
2. Internet Savvy professional? 90% of business starts on the internet for buyers and sellers. Your agent must be active and innovative on the internet.
3. Will you be with me from start to finish? This is important and includes anything from overseeing fixing up your home to sell, staging of furniture, home inspection, weekly market updates, ideas to increase market exposure and being present at closing.
4. If you take a vacation who will assist me if needed? Yes, your Real Estate broker is human and available almost 24/7 for you. However a well deserved vacation is needed once in awhile. Make sure you know ahead of time if this were to occur ,during that time when a fantastic home on Webster St in downtown Naperville, walking distance to the train, priced under 300k appears on the MLS, when your agent is sailing in the South of France , that you are set with the same TOP NOTCH service agent to fill in for your agent. Yes most Brokers plan vacations during slower seasons such as early January, however if that is the time your GEM appears you are fully covered. Great agents are PREPARED!
5. What negotiating skills do you have? Yes, what is your background? Do we need Donald Trump? No but we do need a sharp agent who is up to date and knows not to let you over pay as a buyer and when to accept a offer on your home.
6. Do you have a college degree or equivalent work experience ? Yes most Brokers take their education seriously including many extra classes that go up and above to increase their knowledge and education. ASK! However ,very few states require a college degree or business background experience when applying for a Real Estate license. We have to remember just obtaining a Real Estate license is the minimum requirement by the State not by YOU. Since commission structures demand TOP NOTCH. Don’t be confused with Top Producer as some may be BOTH but others may prefer to service fewer at a time but high contact and visibility. Both may work.
7. What can I expect from you after the home is closed? The answer is I am here for you. Your the agents greatest source of referrals and future income. Your Realtor has contacts from painters, to landscapers, to window installers and many others who are their own list of reliable and reasonable workers who will make your new title as a home owner easier because they have researched this for you. You may need a preschool or doctor recommendation. The list is endless. You should be a text, email or phone call away from communication even after the keys are handed over. Sometimes they are your first friend in Town. KEEP THIS IS MIND WHEN CHOOSING YOUR BROKER/AGENT.
8. LIKE YOUR AGENT ! This may catch me some flack but I said LIKE. Feel comfortable. You may spend hours with this person. Please you have to feel comfortable. Share, talk and laugh. This can be stressful. A great agent will help you overcome this. And please if you have kids pick an agent who does too. When you are looking at homes you need to consider the big picture.
9. Humor! Yes, talented educated Realtors have seen everything in then some. Humor makes this experience which can be breath taking at times and full of non stop anticipation of where you will live, a lot easier in the more stressful times. This should be a positive experience for all involved.
10. TRUST! This is so important. This person is here to help and assist you, educate you and be their for you. This is not a Sales position. They are here as your Real Estate Expert. Yes they are not paid until closing but you are finding the home of your needs and hopefully dreams using a highly educated agent who can be there for and will be there for after the paycheck. In reality is not about the paycheck for the agent who has the PASSION for finding someone their dream home. That satisfaction is more important than the bottom line. When you find a agent who is just excited about selling a 50k home as a 500k home you know you have one with a heart you can trust.
11. What is the last book you read? Let you be the judge.
I will add more later. Please feel free to add on. As in life I am POSITIVE so please keep the tips coming!
Signed,
Your 3rd Generation Broker
2. Internet Savvy professional? 90% of business starts on the internet for buyers and sellers. Your agent must be active and innovative on the internet.
3. Will you be with me from start to finish? This is important and includes anything from overseeing fixing up your home to sell, staging of furniture, home inspection, weekly market updates, ideas to increase market exposure and being present at closing.
4. If you take a vacation who will assist me if needed? Yes, your Real Estate broker is human and available almost 24/7 for you. However a well deserved vacation is needed once in awhile. Make sure you know ahead of time if this were to occur ,during that time when a fantastic home on Webster St in downtown Naperville, walking distance to the train, priced under 300k appears on the MLS, when your agent is sailing in the South of France , that you are set with the same TOP NOTCH service agent to fill in for your agent. Yes most Brokers plan vacations during slower seasons such as early January, however if that is the time your GEM appears you are fully covered. Great agents are PREPARED!
5. What negotiating skills do you have? Yes, what is your background? Do we need Donald Trump? No but we do need a sharp agent who is up to date and knows not to let you over pay as a buyer and when to accept a offer on your home.
6. Do you have a college degree or equivalent work experience ? Yes most Brokers take their education seriously including many extra classes that go up and above to increase their knowledge and education. ASK! However ,very few states require a college degree or business background experience when applying for a Real Estate license. We have to remember just obtaining a Real Estate license is the minimum requirement by the State not by YOU. Since commission structures demand TOP NOTCH. Don’t be confused with Top Producer as some may be BOTH but others may prefer to service fewer at a time but high contact and visibility. Both may work.
7. What can I expect from you after the home is closed? The answer is I am here for you. Your the agents greatest source of referrals and future income. Your Realtor has contacts from painters, to landscapers, to window installers and many others who are their own list of reliable and reasonable workers who will make your new title as a home owner easier because they have researched this for you. You may need a preschool or doctor recommendation. The list is endless. You should be a text, email or phone call away from communication even after the keys are handed over. Sometimes they are your first friend in Town. KEEP THIS IS MIND WHEN CHOOSING YOUR BROKER/AGENT.
8. LIKE YOUR AGENT ! This may catch me some flack but I said LIKE. Feel comfortable. You may spend hours with this person. Please you have to feel comfortable. Share, talk and laugh. This can be stressful. A great agent will help you overcome this. And please if you have kids pick an agent who does too. When you are looking at homes you need to consider the big picture.
9. Humor! Yes, talented educated Realtors have seen everything in then some. Humor makes this experience which can be breath taking at times and full of non stop anticipation of where you will live, a lot easier in the more stressful times. This should be a positive experience for all involved.
10. TRUST! This is so important. This person is here to help and assist you, educate you and be their for you. This is not a Sales position. They are here as your Real Estate Expert. Yes they are not paid until closing but you are finding the home of your needs and hopefully dreams using a highly educated agent who can be there for and will be there for after the paycheck. In reality is not about the paycheck for the agent who has the PASSION for finding someone their dream home. That satisfaction is more important than the bottom line. When you find a agent who is just excited about selling a 50k home as a 500k home you know you have one with a heart you can trust.
11. What is the last book you read? Let you be the judge.
I will add more later. Please feel free to add on. As in life I am POSITIVE so please keep the tips coming!
Signed,
Your 3rd Generation Broker
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Is Price really the number one reason for buying today?
Price really the No. 1 incentive to get people to look at your listing?
Sudies contuinue to show that when you price a home correctly right from the start you will get more showings and a higher sellling price than if you priced your home above current market value just to see what happens.
The reality is: When a home is priced too high, you are forced to lower the asking price and price reductions sometimes weekly, are a common accurance with some when selling a home today.
Studies continue to show, once a property fails to sell at its debut price, the time it spends on the market can encourage buyers to be aggressive in negotiating and bring lower offers than average. Price reductions continue to encourage this aggressive bargaining."
If you are serious about selling, NOW is the time to adjust the price to whatever it takes to get the property sold. PRICE ALONG WITH AN AGGRESSIVE MARKETING PLAN.
NO one knows where the market is going. Now is the time to price right and sell if you are ready to sell. If you're upside down (owe more on the home than it can sell for), but you can get out of it for $10,000 today, do you want to wait a year and risk getting out out for $20,000? That's what sellers need to think about. This is a selling time based on where the market is going and a buying time if you are ready to benefit from the low interest rates and great home buying opportunites.
No one wants to make these hard decisions, so they do so with a long term plan involved. Just remember, if your waiting for the market to "turn around" it may be a long road if your a seller. If you are a buyer NOW is the time to enjoy the benefits of home ownership at the right price. If your are going to be in your home for 7-10 years this is your time.
Sudies contuinue to show that when you price a home correctly right from the start you will get more showings and a higher sellling price than if you priced your home above current market value just to see what happens.
The reality is: When a home is priced too high, you are forced to lower the asking price and price reductions sometimes weekly, are a common accurance with some when selling a home today.
Studies continue to show, once a property fails to sell at its debut price, the time it spends on the market can encourage buyers to be aggressive in negotiating and bring lower offers than average. Price reductions continue to encourage this aggressive bargaining."
If you are serious about selling, NOW is the time to adjust the price to whatever it takes to get the property sold. PRICE ALONG WITH AN AGGRESSIVE MARKETING PLAN.
NO one knows where the market is going. Now is the time to price right and sell if you are ready to sell. If you're upside down (owe more on the home than it can sell for), but you can get out of it for $10,000 today, do you want to wait a year and risk getting out out for $20,000? That's what sellers need to think about. This is a selling time based on where the market is going and a buying time if you are ready to benefit from the low interest rates and great home buying opportunites.
No one wants to make these hard decisions, so they do so with a long term plan involved. Just remember, if your waiting for the market to "turn around" it may be a long road if your a seller. If you are a buyer NOW is the time to enjoy the benefits of home ownership at the right price. If your are going to be in your home for 7-10 years this is your time.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Home not Selling?
Home Not Selling? It’s Not Personal, It’s Probably Price
By Tamara Schuster, Broker
Prudential Elite Realtors
Home sellers face a new reality as they look to move up, down, in or out of their American dream in today’s market. Consumers, particularly those who purchased their homes within the last five years, often find their options limited by a lack of equity. Those who can sell are sometimes numbed by deflated home prices and find it difficult to justify yesterday’s valuations with today’s reality.
Many home sellers only one price in mind, hoping to lose no additional ground. Others seem to have taken this market personally, letting emotions override analysis when setting price. Buyer sentiment has shifted as well, centered on maximum value with abundant amenities , these homes sell FIRST. The rest of the homes are just languishing on the market. Both sides should be realistic as comparable sales and local-market dynamics still determine fair-market value.
And there are compelling reasons to be realistic and make a move now? Sellers, assuming their objective is to buy another home, can capitalize on some of the lowest mortgage interest rates on record and an inventory of homes at attractive prices. So while they will sell for less, they will also buy for less and with significantly cheaper borrowing costs. The more you move up, the more you usually save.
Of course, professional sales representation is essential this transitioning market or any other. The Prudential Real Estate Network, recently recognized for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, is composed of true, local-market experts whose experience, analysis and consultation generate results in all market conditions.
As the local experts, they’ll help set fair-market prices using factual reference points, such as an appraisal, comparables sales and personal knowledge to help estimate market value. Today, a house priced at or slightly below market value will attract the interest of real estate professionals and buyers, while overpricing chases them away. Even if the sellers adjust their prices later, it’s difficult to recapture buyer interest.
Sales professionals develop comprehensive marketing strategies to sell a home. They generally use open houses, yard signs, Internet exposure, MLS, newspaper ads, brochures and other means to market properties.
Beyond that, they counsel sellers on other conditions that may keep sellers’ homes on the market, including:
• CONDITION AND APPEARANCE: Sellers shouldn’t rely on buyers to use their imagination; they need to capture it. Remember that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious, and the most cheerful. This invariably means rearranging and eliminating furniture, removing excess knickknacks and so on, to create an open, uncluttered look. Outside, do a visual check of the front of the house from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and a freshly painted front door. A real estate professional can offer some guidance in this area.
• TERMS/CONDITIONS: Even if the home is accurately priced, and the buyer is delighted with what he or she sees, if the buyer can’t live with the terms of the sale, he or she may walk away. Keep an open mind on terms and conditions and evaluate how they may affect a potential sale.
• INCENTIVES: Offering incentives can be just the impetus a potential buyer needs a buyer needs to choose your property over others. Consider offering a carpet or paint allowance. If the buyer knows up front there is allowance for the worn carpet or paint, then may overlook those cosmetic flaws. You could pay for a professional home inspection or a home warranty, or pay closing costs.
Real estate opportunities abound for sellers and buyers who can come to terms with today’s market conditions. A qualified real estate professional will help you navigate the market, protect your interests and keep you moving toward your housing dreams.
Tamara Schuster can be reached at (630) (886-9596). Prudential Elite Realtor Naperville, Illinois is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
By Tamara Schuster, Broker
Prudential Elite Realtors
Home sellers face a new reality as they look to move up, down, in or out of their American dream in today’s market. Consumers, particularly those who purchased their homes within the last five years, often find their options limited by a lack of equity. Those who can sell are sometimes numbed by deflated home prices and find it difficult to justify yesterday’s valuations with today’s reality.
Many home sellers only one price in mind, hoping to lose no additional ground. Others seem to have taken this market personally, letting emotions override analysis when setting price. Buyer sentiment has shifted as well, centered on maximum value with abundant amenities , these homes sell FIRST. The rest of the homes are just languishing on the market. Both sides should be realistic as comparable sales and local-market dynamics still determine fair-market value.
And there are compelling reasons to be realistic and make a move now? Sellers, assuming their objective is to buy another home, can capitalize on some of the lowest mortgage interest rates on record and an inventory of homes at attractive prices. So while they will sell for less, they will also buy for less and with significantly cheaper borrowing costs. The more you move up, the more you usually save.
Of course, professional sales representation is essential this transitioning market or any other. The Prudential Real Estate Network, recently recognized for “Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers Among National Full Service Real Estate Firms” in J.D. Power and Associates’ 2010 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM, is composed of true, local-market experts whose experience, analysis and consultation generate results in all market conditions.
As the local experts, they’ll help set fair-market prices using factual reference points, such as an appraisal, comparables sales and personal knowledge to help estimate market value. Today, a house priced at or slightly below market value will attract the interest of real estate professionals and buyers, while overpricing chases them away. Even if the sellers adjust their prices later, it’s difficult to recapture buyer interest.
Sales professionals develop comprehensive marketing strategies to sell a home. They generally use open houses, yard signs, Internet exposure, MLS, newspaper ads, brochures and other means to market properties.
Beyond that, they counsel sellers on other conditions that may keep sellers’ homes on the market, including:
• CONDITION AND APPEARANCE: Sellers shouldn’t rely on buyers to use their imagination; they need to capture it. Remember that buyers may see seven or eight homes in a single day. The most memorable home will be the one that seemed the brightest, the most spacious, and the most cheerful. This invariably means rearranging and eliminating furniture, removing excess knickknacks and so on, to create an open, uncluttered look. Outside, do a visual check of the front of the house from across the street. Does it have curb appeal? It should look inviting, with a trimmed lawn and a freshly painted front door. A real estate professional can offer some guidance in this area.
• TERMS/CONDITIONS: Even if the home is accurately priced, and the buyer is delighted with what he or she sees, if the buyer can’t live with the terms of the sale, he or she may walk away. Keep an open mind on terms and conditions and evaluate how they may affect a potential sale.
• INCENTIVES: Offering incentives can be just the impetus a potential buyer needs a buyer needs to choose your property over others. Consider offering a carpet or paint allowance. If the buyer knows up front there is allowance for the worn carpet or paint, then may overlook those cosmetic flaws. You could pay for a professional home inspection or a home warranty, or pay closing costs.
Real estate opportunities abound for sellers and buyers who can come to terms with today’s market conditions. A qualified real estate professional will help you navigate the market, protect your interests and keep you moving toward your housing dreams.
Tamara Schuster can be reached at (630) (886-9596). Prudential Elite Realtor Naperville, Illinois is an independently owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential Financial company. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
