*While inflation remained low, stronger than expected economic data released this week was negative for mortgage markets. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week a little higher.
**The big news in this week's economic data came from the housing sector. March Existing Home Sales rose 7% from February, and existing home sales were 16% higher than one year ago.
The chief economist of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) credited the homebuyer tax credit for the strong March housing data. Buyers must sign a contract by April 30 to take advantage of the tax credit, so the April data should benefit as well.
***A popular measure of business investment rose at the fastest rate in 9 months.
****First-time buyers accounted for 44% of existing home sales in March.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Northwest Indiana Real Estate Update
Northwest Indiana
What's Happening in the local Real estate market?
2010 has not produced the busy real estate market we were expecting, even in Indiana.
Sales were up from 2009, but below expectations.
Inventory is higher this year than last.
The 1st time home buyer & existing homeowner tax rebates end April 30th.
It will be interesting to see what effect this has on sales.
Sold & Closed Detached Properties
Town ---------------2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Munster -------------26 - 32
Dyer ------------------14 - 20
Schererville----------24 - 25
St. John---------------16 - 18
Highland -------------31 - 36
So Hammond--------46 - 55
Sales were up on average 17%.
Sold & Closed Attached Properties, Townhomes, Condos, etc
Town ----------------2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Munster ------------4 - 13
Dyer -----------------9 - 10
Schererville --------14 - 19
St. John -------------8 - 6
Highland -----------11 - 8
So Hammond ------1 - 0
Sales were up on average 20%.
Cathy & Jim are licensed in Illinois & Indiana for your convenience, and belong to both Multiple Listing Services, Illinois & Indiana.
What's Happening in the local Real estate market?
2010 has not produced the busy real estate market we were expecting, even in Indiana.
Sales were up from 2009, but below expectations.
Inventory is higher this year than last.
The 1st time home buyer & existing homeowner tax rebates end April 30th.
It will be interesting to see what effect this has on sales.
Sold & Closed Detached Properties
Town ---------------2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Munster -------------26 - 32
Dyer ------------------14 - 20
Schererville----------24 - 25
St. John---------------16 - 18
Highland -------------31 - 36
So Hammond--------46 - 55
Sales were up on average 17%.
Sold & Closed Attached Properties, Townhomes, Condos, etc
Town ----------------2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Munster ------------4 - 13
Dyer -----------------9 - 10
Schererville --------14 - 19
St. John -------------8 - 6
Highland -----------11 - 8
So Hammond ------1 - 0
Sales were up on average 20%.
Cathy & Jim are licensed in Illinois & Indiana for your convenience, and belong to both Multiple Listing Services, Illinois & Indiana.
Market Summary Illinois
Illinois South Suburbs
What's Happening in the local Real estate market?
2010 has not produced the busy real estate market we were expecting.
Sales were up from 2009, but below expectations.
The 1st time home buyer & existing homeowner tax rebates end April 30th.
It will be interesting to see what effect this has on sales.
Sold & Closed Detached Properties
Town--------- 2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Lansing ----------- 34 - 46
South Holland--- 47 - 58
Calumet City------72 - 73
Lynwood----------- 4 - 14
Crete--------------- 31 - 25
Thornton------------ 6 - 4
Beecher-------------- 9 - 9
Sales are up approx 12% in these south suburb towns.
The number of foreclosures remains extremely high.
Sold & Closed Attached Properties (Condos, Townhomes, etc)
Town--------- 2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Lansing----------- 3 - 10
South Holland--- 0 - 0
Calumet City----- 4 - 7
Lynwood---------- 1 - 2
Crete--------------- 1 - 1
Thornton--------- 0 - 0
Beecher----------- 2 - 2
Most sales here are foreclosures.
If we missed your Town, send us an Email and we will quickly send it to you.
What's Happening in the local Real estate market?
2010 has not produced the busy real estate market we were expecting.
Sales were up from 2009, but below expectations.
The 1st time home buyer & existing homeowner tax rebates end April 30th.
It will be interesting to see what effect this has on sales.
Sold & Closed Detached Properties
Town--------- 2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Lansing ----------- 34 - 46
South Holland--- 47 - 58
Calumet City------72 - 73
Lynwood----------- 4 - 14
Crete--------------- 31 - 25
Thornton------------ 6 - 4
Beecher-------------- 9 - 9
Sales are up approx 12% in these south suburb towns.
The number of foreclosures remains extremely high.
Sold & Closed Attached Properties (Condos, Townhomes, etc)
Town--------- 2009 - 2010 (Jan 1-April 8th)
Lansing----------- 3 - 10
South Holland--- 0 - 0
Calumet City----- 4 - 7
Lynwood---------- 1 - 2
Crete--------------- 1 - 1
Thornton--------- 0 - 0
Beecher----------- 2 - 2
Most sales here are foreclosures.
If we missed your Town, send us an Email and we will quickly send it to you.
3 Home Video Tours
10553 Oakridge ct, St. John, In
Beautiful Brick Ranch with large 3 car garage. This Home Shows Like New! Glimmering Hardwood flooring in Foyer, Dining room & hallways. Attractive blend of Carpet & Ceramic tile. 2 sided fireplace from Kitchen to Great room. Huge master bedroom suite w/ walk in closet, whirlpool tub, double sink vanity & separate shower.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeaLFU6sB8M
1807-183rd St, Lansing
Over 4500 Sq Ft of Finished Living on 3 Levels!
Luxurious Brick 2 Story. Countless amenities. Vaulted & Tray ceilings. Grand entrance with Oak staircase and Hardwood floor. Beautiful blend of Hardwood & Ceramic flooring. Solid Oak doors & trim. Kitchen has Oak Cabinets, desk area, Granite counters & a Large eating area with Vaulted ceiling & Plant shelf with a picturesque View of the yard. Stove, refrigerator, Dishwasher & Microwave included. Luxury master bedroom suite w/ balcony, tray ceiling, fabulous Jacuzzi tub, separate Shower, double sink vanity, toilet, bidet & walk in closet. Main level Family room w/ Brick Fireplace which has a fan to distribute the heat throughout the room. Formal Dining room w/ attractive mirrored wall. Finished Basement w/ Fireplace in the 2nd Family room, PLUS an Office or 5th bedroom. There is also a full bath. Could be used for related living because there are 2 sets of stairs... one to the main level and one to the exterior. 2 Balconies off the bedrooms w/ French Doors. Main level laundry room w/ Washer & Dryer Included. 3.5 car heated garage w/ running water & floor drain. Large Deck w/ hot tub. Heated Inground pool w/ Poolhouse & full bath.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jlb7EZsuh4
18616 Sherman, Lansing
This Ranch home is Gorgeous. Updated beautifully top to bottom. Attractive hardwood & laminate flooring. Dream Kitchen w/ Island, new cabinets & counters & new SS Stove, refrig, DW & MW . Large Dining area. Double sink vanity & new tub enclosure in main bath. Finished bsmt w/ Family rm, Game area & 4th bdrm. All new fixtures, windows, doors & flooring throughout. 2.5 car garage. Fenced yard. Classic front porch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjfV_2lOBMM
Beautiful Brick Ranch with large 3 car garage. This Home Shows Like New! Glimmering Hardwood flooring in Foyer, Dining room & hallways. Attractive blend of Carpet & Ceramic tile. 2 sided fireplace from Kitchen to Great room. Huge master bedroom suite w/ walk in closet, whirlpool tub, double sink vanity & separate shower.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XeaLFU6sB8M
1807-183rd St, Lansing
Over 4500 Sq Ft of Finished Living on 3 Levels!
Luxurious Brick 2 Story. Countless amenities. Vaulted & Tray ceilings. Grand entrance with Oak staircase and Hardwood floor. Beautiful blend of Hardwood & Ceramic flooring. Solid Oak doors & trim. Kitchen has Oak Cabinets, desk area, Granite counters & a Large eating area with Vaulted ceiling & Plant shelf with a picturesque View of the yard. Stove, refrigerator, Dishwasher & Microwave included. Luxury master bedroom suite w/ balcony, tray ceiling, fabulous Jacuzzi tub, separate Shower, double sink vanity, toilet, bidet & walk in closet. Main level Family room w/ Brick Fireplace which has a fan to distribute the heat throughout the room. Formal Dining room w/ attractive mirrored wall. Finished Basement w/ Fireplace in the 2nd Family room, PLUS an Office or 5th bedroom. There is also a full bath. Could be used for related living because there are 2 sets of stairs... one to the main level and one to the exterior. 2 Balconies off the bedrooms w/ French Doors. Main level laundry room w/ Washer & Dryer Included. 3.5 car heated garage w/ running water & floor drain. Large Deck w/ hot tub. Heated Inground pool w/ Poolhouse & full bath.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Jlb7EZsuh4
18616 Sherman, Lansing
This Ranch home is Gorgeous. Updated beautifully top to bottom. Attractive hardwood & laminate flooring. Dream Kitchen w/ Island, new cabinets & counters & new SS Stove, refrig, DW & MW . Large Dining area. Double sink vanity & new tub enclosure in main bath. Finished bsmt w/ Family rm, Game area & 4th bdrm. All new fixtures, windows, doors & flooring throughout. 2.5 car garage. Fenced yard. Classic front porch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjfV_2lOBMM
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Makes you Stop and Think
This is interesting. Makes you stop and think!!
Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, surely I Can't look that old?
Here is a little story about that:
My name is Alice Smith and I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new Dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name in my High School class some 30 years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a secret crush on, way back then?
Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray- haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate.
After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended Morgan Park High School. "Yes, I did. I'm a Mustang," he gleamed with pride. "When did you graduate?" I asked. He answered 1960. "Why do you ask?" "You were in my class!" I exclaimed.
He looked at me closely.
Then that ugly, bald, wrinkled, fat, decrepit old man asked,
"What did you teach?"'
Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, surely I Can't look that old?
Here is a little story about that:
My name is Alice Smith and I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new Dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name in my High School class some 30 years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a secret crush on, way back then?
Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray- haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate.
After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended Morgan Park High School. "Yes, I did. I'm a Mustang," he gleamed with pride. "When did you graduate?" I asked. He answered 1960. "Why do you ask?" "You were in my class!" I exclaimed.
He looked at me closely.
Then that ugly, bald, wrinkled, fat, decrepit old man asked,
"What did you teach?"'
What we've Learned from the Housing Bubble Bust
The pop heard ’round the world when the housing bubble burst brought a lot of bad news — from plummeting home prices to mounting foreclosures.
Depressed home prices and low interest rates may have you wondering if the real-estate market has reached its bottom. Even if the worst is behind us, it makes sense to take in the lessons of the past few years so we can avoid making the same mistakes again.
Lesson No. 1:
Adjust your expectations. Years ago, people purchased a home, lived in it all or most of their lives, passed it down to their children and enjoyed a gradual increase in wealth as the home gained value. But in the last decade, people bought a house expecting it to increase in value about 5 or 10 percent in a couple of years, and they’d move on to something bigger.
If the housing-bubble nightmare has shown us anything, it’s that you can’t count on a home to be worth more than you paid for it when you’re ready to sell. It’s back to basics. You have to be in it for the long haul and you can’t be looking at your home value every month to see how much it’s gone up.
Lesson No. 2:
You can’t time the market. When home prices were skyrocketing, many people bought homes they could barely afford — or couldn’t afford — thinking they’d ride the wave of rising equity since the market was on the upswing. Likewise, today, many potential homebuyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the market to reach its ultimate low.
You will never sell at the all-time high and you’ll never buy at the all-time low by planning it. The market will time you. You will sell, and on occasion you may happen to hit the all-time high or happen to hit the all-time low, but to study it and plan it and figure out and actually do it — it doesn’t happen.
Instead, take a long-term approach to real estate and look for a home that enhances your life and will increase in value over time.
Depressed home prices and low interest rates may have you wondering if the real-estate market has reached its bottom. Even if the worst is behind us, it makes sense to take in the lessons of the past few years so we can avoid making the same mistakes again.
Lesson No. 1:
Adjust your expectations. Years ago, people purchased a home, lived in it all or most of their lives, passed it down to their children and enjoyed a gradual increase in wealth as the home gained value. But in the last decade, people bought a house expecting it to increase in value about 5 or 10 percent in a couple of years, and they’d move on to something bigger.
If the housing-bubble nightmare has shown us anything, it’s that you can’t count on a home to be worth more than you paid for it when you’re ready to sell. It’s back to basics. You have to be in it for the long haul and you can’t be looking at your home value every month to see how much it’s gone up.
Lesson No. 2:
You can’t time the market. When home prices were skyrocketing, many people bought homes they could barely afford — or couldn’t afford — thinking they’d ride the wave of rising equity since the market was on the upswing. Likewise, today, many potential homebuyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for the market to reach its ultimate low.
You will never sell at the all-time high and you’ll never buy at the all-time low by planning it. The market will time you. You will sell, and on occasion you may happen to hit the all-time high or happen to hit the all-time low, but to study it and plan it and figure out and actually do it — it doesn’t happen.
Instead, take a long-term approach to real estate and look for a home that enhances your life and will increase in value over time.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Handbook 2010
This is another one of those how to live your life. This one is pretty good.
Maybe we need to be reminded of this at least once a year....
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
Maybe we need to be reminded of this at least once a year....
Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.
Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree
Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.
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