Search for Homes

Realistically, the majority of fixer-uppers are in complete disrepair, meaning that it will cost you more to “fix it up” than to purchase a home in move-in condition, especially in 2009. However, if you're serious about buying a sound fixer-upper, here are a few tips to help.  1. Look in neighborhoods with resale potential (A SourceOne expert can pull the data if you need it)    2. Try to find a home that has been listed for sale for a year or more   3. Always estimate your fix up costs before buying   4. Avoid homes requiring structural improvements  5. Avoid major additions, such as adding a family room or bedroom     The industry standard rule of thumb is to buy a fixer-upper for at least 20 to 30 percent below its “fixed-up” market value. It’s important to avoid both under-improving and over-improving a fixer-upper; in either situation you will not realize a good return on your investment. If you’d like some help in finding fixer-upper property, call us any time. 800-498-0967  info@SourceOneRealty.com

If you really want to sell your home effectively, “testing” the market with an inflated price for you home can be quite dangerous. First, it leads to diminished interest from buyers. An inappropriately priced home will sit on the market for long periods of time. In the real estate business, as in many other things in life, interest wanes over long periods of time. Secondly, overpricing a home attracts the wrong buyers. Remember, buyers in a particular price range are comparing and contrasting your property to other properties that they’ve viewed. Other homes with more amenities than yours will immediately put you at a disadvantage with these buyers. Finally, overpricing results in fewer offers. Believe it or not, buyers don’t want to have to give you a “low-ball” offer. A buyer wants to feel that they are in a comfortable negotiating position. Being thousands and thousands of dollars off the mark will deter buyers from even making an offer on your home. We offer free home valuation services. Contact us if you would like an accurate report done to determine the market value of your home. wwwSourceOneRealty.com 800-498-0967

Housing and Economy Headed for Sustainable Recovery; First-Time Homebuyers Lead the Way

 Print Article

For all the pet lovers out there, the  All Natural Pet Storeweb site has a great variety of ALL natural and organic food, treats, vitamins, supplements for your favorite four legged friends (and more). Here is a link to  their sale page where you might find the perfect gift for cat or dog, or just make them glamorous this holiday!

Buying property with a family member or friend can be a terrific idea. Family and friends can be more reliable than simple business partners.  However, you also want to protect yourself when investing with family or friends. Make sure it’s clear which expenses each of you will cover.  Make sure you know how each of you will help maintain the property. More importantly, clarify how you’ll split the profits. To make sure that you’re protected, you may want to consult an attorney. Find one who is familiar with investment partnerships among family or friends, or contact a Chicago area SourceOne Realty office 800-498-0967. 

Search over 125,000 properties (FREE) at SourceOneRealty.com Chicago West South and North - A great investment property is closer than you think!

According to Mashable.com (LINK) Twitter and LinkedIn are syncing. You can now post to Twitter and it will show up in LinkedIn, vice versa. For the agents that are already on the social side of real estate, this is great news!

This is a wonderful event held each year in West Suburban Hinsdale... 

Sixth Annual Tour of Hinsdale and Burr Ridge Homes
Sunday, December 6, 2009 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Thomas De Walle, Executive Director 630-887-0203 or tdewalle@hinsdalearts.org   www.hinsdalearts.org

The sixth Annual Hinsdale Center for the Arts (HCA) Holiday Home Tour will take place on Sunday, December 6, 2009 from 1:00-5:00 pm. Tickets are available in advance for $35 by calling HCA at 630-887-0203. Advance Tickets are also available at Adornments at 28 E. First St., Hinsdale, Hinsdale Center for the Arts in Katherine Legge Memorial Park (5903 S. County Line Rd.), Ashley's at 22 S. Prospect Ave, Clarendon Hills, Luv It in Gateway Square, Hinsdale, Fuller's Home and Hardware at 35 E. First St., in Hinsdale, Horton's at 60 S. LaGrange Rd., LaGrange, The Uptown Shop's two locations at 111 E. First St., Elmhurst and 921 Burlington, Western Springs, Linly Designs at 232 N. Cass, Westmont, Dream Interiors at 5122 Main, Downers Grove, and Swoozie's two locations at The Burr Ridge Center and 3041 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook. Day of tour tickets will be available for $40 at Adornments, 28 E. First St., Hinsdale.

We are still waiting for all the details on FHA condo changes. There have been some announcements about compromises but I am waiting to see the actual letter.

Rates are holding at about 5 percent for fixed (Conv and FHA). Some a bit higher and some a bit lower depending on credit and such. 5 Year ARMS are still just below 4Pct. These are great for a first time buyer. If you have a listing that is tough to sell offer a buy down. Who wouldn't want to buy a house with 3 or 4 oct money. Ask me how and I will show you the numbers.

Good luck and Happy Veterans day

Chris DeJong - Bank of America

REMEMBER: Cell Phone Numbers Go Public next month.
  REMINDER....all cell phone numbers are being released to telemarketing companies and you will start to receive sales calls.

.... YOU WILL BE CHARGED FOR THESE CALLS

To prevent this, call the following number from your cell phone:    888-382-1222.
It is the National DO NOT CALL list.. It will only take a minute of your time. It blocks your number for five (5) years. You must call from the cell phone number you want to have blocked. You cannot call from a different phone number.

HELP OTHERS BY PASSING THIS ON TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS... It takes about 20 seconds
 

Here is a neat opportunity to take children to meet Kimberly Thompson, author of "Toulouse on the Loose," here in Downers Grove on Saturday, November 14th from 1:15 to 2:30 p.m. Event will be held at the Citibank branch in Downers Grove, Illinois at the corner of Main and Curtiss. Thought you may enjoy!   http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=95506039949&index=1