Real Estate Blog

Not all articles and blog posts directly relevant to preparing a home for sale are bright and happy presentations. The grim reality is that tragic events and challenging situations arise when it comes to residential property that must be frankly discussed. This is one of those times. Through this discussion, you are provided important information and necessary strategies to restore a residence to livability (and salability) in the aftermath of a tragic event or ongoing situation that existed on the premises for an extended period of time.

Examples of Traumatic Events and Other Challenges in Residential Property

Typically, when a person makes the decision of putting a residence on the market for sale, the overriding issues include making certain

From summer vacations to winter holidays, it seems each season offers the perfect excuse to put off our to-do list. But be careful, homeowners: neglecting your home’s maintenance could put your personal safety—and one of your largest financial investments—at serious risk.

In no time at all, small problems can lead to extensive and expensive repairs. And even if you avoid a catastrophe, those minor issues can still have a big impact. Properties that are not well maintained can lose 10 percent (or more) of their appraised value.

The good news is, by dedicating a few hours each season to properly maintaining your home, you can ensure a safe living environment for you and your family ... and actually increase the value of your home by one percent

 Click Orland Park Home for Sale - 10254 Hyacinth Dr

Click the link above to see the website we created for the convenient one-level living Orland Park home for sale with an attached garage.  Now is your chance to get a nicely appointed home at an affordable price and with low utility bills.

This is a wonderful ranch style home that was originally 3 bedrooms.  It has been converted to 2 large bedrooms with a formal living room, kitchen and dinette area, spacious family room and 2 bathrooms.

As you step in the front door you'll notice the light and bright and open feel of the living room to the dinette area.  The dinette area is next to the kitchen with a snack bar.  All appliances will remain.  

The family room has a fireplace for those

As we begin another year, everyone wants to know: “Where is the housing market headed in 2019?”

It’s not only buyers, sellers, and homeowners who are impacted. The real estate market plays an integral role in the overall U.S. economy.  Fortunately, key indicators point toward a stable housing market in 2019 with signs of modest growth. However, shifting conditions could impact you if you plan to buy, sell, or refinance this year.

HOME VALUES WILL INCREASE

The value of real estate will continue to rise. Freddie Mac predicts housing prices will increase by 4.3 percent in 2019.  While the rapid price appreciation we witnessed earlier in the decade has slowed, the combination of a strong economy, low unemployment, and a lack of inventory in many

Click the picture above or here to view a website just for this Mount Greenwood house for sale

This is an updated ranch with basement home for sale in popular Mount Greenwood.  Be sure to click the link or photo collage above to see the website dedicated to this great brick home.

This is 2-3 bedrooms - 2 of the bedrooms are "tandem".  This was used in the past as a 3 bedroom home but because of our Multiple Listing Service (MLS) rules, we have it listed as a 2 bedroom home.  You could use the extra room as an office, den or whatever you'd need it for.

You'll notice the gleaming hardwood floors when you step into the living room.  There is a beautifully finished basement, which really expands the space and offers a laundry area and storage. 

Following is a guest post written by Jessica Kane

If you are contemplating placing your home on the market for sale in the not too distant future, you certainly want to make sure that your residence is in the best possible position to attract prospective buyers. With that in mind, there are six strategies you should consider implementing as part of preparing your residence for the marketplace.

Update the Tile

An important factor that you need to bear in mind is that bathrooms are key focal points to people who are looking to buy a home. Therefore, when it   comes to preparing your home for sale, you do need to pay particular attention to your bathrooms.

If you are like many homeowners, your bathrooms may be in need of a facelift.

0S544 Robbins St, Winfield IL home for sale!

Click the link above to see the website dedicated specifically to this beautiful split level style Winfield home for sale. The website will provide full details and all the photos on this split level with a sub-basement.

There are 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms, lower level family room plus a sub-basement, a two-car attached garage and a beautiful backyard with a patio for fair weather dining, entertaining and relaxing.

Formal living room with vaulted ceilings into the eat-in kitchen, which has a skylight to keep it light & bright. The kitchen has plenty of cabinets, new granite, new stainless steel appliances, new sink and faucet.

There are 3 bedrooms up.  The master en suite has a private

It’s a common misconception that you shouldn’t try to buy or sell a home during the fall and winter months. This is generally considered the “offseason” in real estate. Many sellers mistakenly believe that the cold weather will keep buyers away and that no one is looking over the holidays. Unfortunately, many real estate professionals perpetuate this myth by advising their clients to “wait until the spring” to list their home.

The truth is, homes are bought and sold year round. And while the market is typically quieter during the fall and winter, savvy buyers and sellers know how to use this slow down to their advantage. In fact, depending on your circumstances, now may be the ideal time for you to purchase or list a home. If you’re in the market

Below you'll see a quick video showing 6 tips for selling your home, and I'd like to add, selling it for top dollar.  That was the mantra when we sold our prior home.  I would say to my adult children, keep your bedrooms (and the house) clean so we can get top dollar!  We made a joke about it.  But it's true.

Today's buyers are extremely picky.  With flip homes as competition in most price ranges, you might be competing with almost "like-new" places.  Many buyers want a home in move-in condition.  They don't want to have to paint or change the old carpet or remove dated wallpaper.  Wallpaper tried making a comeback, but it really isn't working.  Many buyers will accept a smaller floorplan in a clean, updated home vs. a larger home that needs any kind

There are rules on what a seller and their agent need to disclose to prospective buyers about their home for sale.  In Northern IL, we use a comprehensive disclosure form that the seller needs to fill out.  There are separate Lead Based Paint forms for homes built prior to 1978 and a Radon Disclosure Form that everyone has to fill out.

There is nothing on the Seller Disclosure Form, called Illinois REALTORS® RESIDENTIAL REAL PROPERTY DISCLOSURE REPORT, that asks the seller if they are aware that their house is haunted.  In the 35 years I've been selling homes in Orland Park, Homer Glen and surrounding areas, I've never come across a supposed haunted house.  At least no one has disclosed it and I've never heard back from buyers telling me that a