Going on vacation is an exciting time and there can be all kinds of last minute problems and annoyances that can arise that can keep you from taking care of things that you should before you leave. Unfortunately, remembering those things that you should have done later on is not going to help, so here are some things to be sure to check off on your list before you leave on vacation:
1. Lock all doors and windows throughout the house.
2. Unplug most electronic items especially those that are expensive or may have valuable data on them. These can include your TV set, stereo, and especially computers. If a storm comes through while you are away, these items can be damaged beyond repair simply by being plugged into the wall outlet, so remove that possibility before you leave. Also, if you use a modem it would be good idea to unplug it as damage can also happen due to the phone connection used.
3. There is no need for your water heater to continue to operate at a high level since it will not be used throughout the time that you are gone, so turn it down to a low setting.
4. Call and cancel your paper and mail delivery while you are gone. You certainly don't want newspapers and mail piling up outside your home and sending a clear signal to burglars that your house is an easy target.
5. Leave a radio or something going in the house that makes sound and can be viewed as an indication that someone is home.
6. Disconnect the garage door so that it cannot be operated by remote control from the outside. Usually there is a lever that you can pull on the opener that can accomplish this easily.
7. Unplug your washing machine hoses. These can easily break and if they do while you are away for several days it could cause near catastrophic flood damage to your home before you would be able to do anything about it.
8. If you have pets make sure that they have an automatic feeder and plenty of food and water, if you choose not to board them in a kennel or leave them with someone else. Also be sure that the heating/AC system is set to keep things comfortable for them in the house while you are gone. If you do choose to leave your pets at home it's a good idea to arrange for someone to stop by daily and check on them and spend a little time with them too.
There are other reminders that would be good to have on your away list too, but these should be a good start to help keep you focused on necessary items to take care of before leaving on any family vacations.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Market Update
The Real estate market continues to be slow. Homes are selling, but at a very slow pace.
We (Cathy & Jim) have sold 31 Homes so far this year, which is at the top of the market average for Realtors. Our marketing plan is reaching the buyers that are looking, but there are few buyers actually purchasing homes.
Some good news is that Internet Views of homes, on Realtor.com, the #1 home search site in the country, are as high as ever, indicating that there are many interested buyers, but they are not making the move to purchase due to low consumer confidence... A sign that the economy is still in trouble. We send these Internet View reports to our clients on a regular basis.
New statistics show that 84% of the home buyers start their search on the Internet. Again showing the importance of Internet marketing with an enhanced webpage like we provide our clients.
The most critical factor for housing in 2010 is what happens to employment. People who have jobs are becoming much more risk-averse to buying a more expensive house; for one they worry will they keep their job and two, can they sell the existing home.”
As consumer confidence in the economy is restored, then it is likely that a more robust rebound in sales will occur; in the interim, a high percentage of the housing transactions will be from households relocating as a result of job changes and, with the continuing aging of the Illinois and U.S. populations, there will be housing sales as a result of retirements.
In the last hours for congress to get the Home Buyer Tax Credit deadline of June 30th to get extended to September 30th for closing, has hit several road blocks. This was an amendment attached to HR 4213 “American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010” or “The Unemployment extension bill”. This hit several political hurdles that stalled the bill and could not get enough votes to pass the Senate.
What has happened now is you have a couple of stand-alone bills, one for unemployment and for tax credit extension. The tax credit extension bill has passed the house on Tuesday, so we will need the Senate to pass with no changes then the president can sign it into law. Will this happen before the end of the day, it is very possible, BUT as of now for home buyers to get their tax credits they need to close by June 30th and had their sales contract written by April 30th.
We (Cathy & Jim) have sold 31 Homes so far this year, which is at the top of the market average for Realtors. Our marketing plan is reaching the buyers that are looking, but there are few buyers actually purchasing homes.
Some good news is that Internet Views of homes, on Realtor.com, the #1 home search site in the country, are as high as ever, indicating that there are many interested buyers, but they are not making the move to purchase due to low consumer confidence... A sign that the economy is still in trouble. We send these Internet View reports to our clients on a regular basis.
New statistics show that 84% of the home buyers start their search on the Internet. Again showing the importance of Internet marketing with an enhanced webpage like we provide our clients.
The most critical factor for housing in 2010 is what happens to employment. People who have jobs are becoming much more risk-averse to buying a more expensive house; for one they worry will they keep their job and two, can they sell the existing home.”
As consumer confidence in the economy is restored, then it is likely that a more robust rebound in sales will occur; in the interim, a high percentage of the housing transactions will be from households relocating as a result of job changes and, with the continuing aging of the Illinois and U.S. populations, there will be housing sales as a result of retirements.
In the last hours for congress to get the Home Buyer Tax Credit deadline of June 30th to get extended to September 30th for closing, has hit several road blocks. This was an amendment attached to HR 4213 “American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010” or “The Unemployment extension bill”. This hit several political hurdles that stalled the bill and could not get enough votes to pass the Senate.
What has happened now is you have a couple of stand-alone bills, one for unemployment and for tax credit extension. The tax credit extension bill has passed the house on Tuesday, so we will need the Senate to pass with no changes then the president can sign it into law. Will this happen before the end of the day, it is very possible, BUT as of now for home buyers to get their tax credits they need to close by June 30th and had their sales contract written by April 30th.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Where have All the Buyers Gone?
We are convinced that the first time homebuyer tax credit was a huge success. Business was up, home viewings by prospective buyers were way up.
Then came April 30th and the Home viewings dropped to record lows.
Our office charts the number of showings on our property listings.
Home viewings were up over 70% in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
The week after the tax credit ended, showings were down about 14% compared to the same period in 2009, and 2009 was an extremely slow year.
But, this is not a reason for home sellers to panic.
The only constant in real estate is change.
Eventually, the buyers desire to purchase a home will outweigh the thoughts of a tax credit and they will return.
And hopefully, soon, President Obama will announce whether the tax credit is coming back. This will make up the minds of the indecisive.
Real estate is not going to return to a sellers market anytime soon, but Homes will continue to be purchased, because mortgage interest rates are historically low and because home ownership is still the American Dream.
Then came April 30th and the Home viewings dropped to record lows.
Our office charts the number of showings on our property listings.
Home viewings were up over 70% in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
The week after the tax credit ended, showings were down about 14% compared to the same period in 2009, and 2009 was an extremely slow year.
But, this is not a reason for home sellers to panic.
The only constant in real estate is change.
Eventually, the buyers desire to purchase a home will outweigh the thoughts of a tax credit and they will return.
And hopefully, soon, President Obama will announce whether the tax credit is coming back. This will make up the minds of the indecisive.
Real estate is not going to return to a sellers market anytime soon, but Homes will continue to be purchased, because mortgage interest rates are historically low and because home ownership is still the American Dream.
Friday, April 23, 2010
News You Can Use
*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.
**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 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
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