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Champaign, IL Real Estate News

By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Interest rates on fixed-rate home loans fell again this week on weak housing prices and consumer spending, Freddie Mac said Thursday. The government-sponsored loan buyer said the rate on a 30-year fixed-rate loan fell to an average 5.96 percent for the week ended Dec. 6. That was down from 6.10 percent a week ago. At this time last year, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.11 percent. It has not been lower since the week ending Sept. 29, 2005, when it averaged 5.91 percent. If you've been waiting to buy that first home or move up the time is right. Please call with any questiions and lets make 2008 the year you buy a new home!
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
The University of Illinois and Champaign/Urbana is weathering the real estate downturn quite well as reported in the USA TODAY CLICK HERE FOR THE ARTICLE.  When compared nationwide Champaign real estate values are stable to flat. Our local economy insulates Champaign real estate from price spikes and falling values. There is something to be said for the boring mid-west at least when it comes to real estate. The timing is right to purchase that first house or move up to your dream home. If you're tired of renting or have just outgrown your current home give me call today. Get started now so you can be ready for the spring purchase market!!
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
One thing to consider before you buy that new home is are there any sexual predators in the area you wish to purchase. I have found a website that will let you do just that Click Here, FamilyWatchDog.us  It's easy to use and includes photos of the offenders. They've even have a feature that will alert you when an offender moves into your area, so if there aren't any now you'll be alerted if they move in. Click Here for a FREE Stranger Safety Home Guide.
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Even though real estate news is bleak there is a bright spot, less inventory on the market. As of November 21, 2007 there are 1883 active residential listings in Champaign County. That number is down from a high of over 2000! Sellers just hold tight the odds are getting better you'll see a SOLD sign in the future. If you have any questions or want to talk real estate please call me anytime 217-649-6602  
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Cheesecake Factory Pumpkin CheesecakeCrust:1-1/2 cups graham crumbs5 Tbsp. butter, melted1 Tbsp. sugarFilling:3 - 8oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened1 cup sugar1 tsp. vanilla1 cup canned pumpkin3 eggs1/2 tsp. cinnamon1/4 tsp. nutmeg1/4 tsp. allspiceWhipped CreamMix crust ingredients together, just till coated and crumbly. Press onto thebottom and 2/3 up the sides of an 8" springform pan. Bake for 5 mins. at350. Set aside. Combine cheese, sugar and vanilla in large bowl, mix untilsmooth with an electric mixer. add pumpkin eggs,and spices, beat till smoothand creamy. Pour into the crust. Bake for 60-70 mins.or till the top turns abit darker. Remove from oven and allow to come to room temperature, thenrefrigerate. After it has thoroughly chilled, remove the pan sides and cut.Serve with whipp...
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Prevent cabin fever this winter by getting out with the family. The Champaign Park District has many family fun activities to help beat the winter blues. From sports and martial arts to dance and tumbling there's shure to be an activity for every member of the family. I've attached a link below the the parks activity guide for fall and winter 2007. Remember there's a cure for cabin fever, it's called family fun!!!Click Here
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Are you a renter who gets a vicarious thrill by reading the classified ads describing homes for sale? Do you, secretively and occasionally, drive by a few of the homes that sounded interesting in the paper? Have you ever gone to an open house just so that you could get a look inside? No, you’re not sick. But you may be ready to buy a home of your own. Even if you’re not prone to these behaviors, you may benefit from exploring your home-owning options. At this point, you may need the name and phone number of a “friend” in real estate. I’d like to offer mine. Under today’s computerized and cooperative real estate system, I can show almost any home to any interested party. So if you’re curious about a home, or read an ad on a property and want more information, call me and let me do all th...
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
I stumbled across a great new website called EATCU.COM that offers a unique way to decide what to eat. The site has more than 25 different restaurants and food choices with a special bar section. You can order food online, request delivery and even get loyalty rewards for ordering from your computer. Take a few minutes check out the site I'm sure you like what you see.  Click Here For EATCU.COM
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
I was watching Dr. Oz on Oprah with my wife tonight and the information was an eye opener. Showing what extra weight and stress can do to your body was frightening. Don't let another day go by without taking better care of your self. I have included a link to Dr. Oz's 14 day plan on Oprah's website. Get going today and change your life for the better!!! Click Here To Extend Your Personal Warranty 
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Get the 411 on 217 here @  the217.com your source for news and events you won't get elsewhere. If your looking for a great place to eat, a good martini or live music the217 can tell you where the hot spots are. Don't sit home another night bored and alone get online and find that HOTSPOT thats right for you!!Click Here For The 411 on 217
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Former Loan Officer Spills The Beans! I proudly present to you this free report that uncovers the most common mistakes consumers make when getting a mortgage. The information was compiled over my seven years as a mortgage loan officer and seeing what misteps people made. I hope this will assist you when choosing among the many mortgage options available. Most importantly, I have created this report to save you money. After all, a home mortgage is probably the largest financial transaction you will make in your life and my job as your Realtor® is to help you make the best decision when purchasing a home. --Aaron Gallagher You are about to make what will most likely be the largest transaction of your life...purchasing a home.  Unfortunately, many homebuyers do not take the time to researc...
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Check out the News Gazette's 1/2 price haven section on-line. Various area businesses have offered their services or products for 1/2 price. My favorite section is the restaurant section since I love to eat. Also check back regularly for Triple T coupons they do a great job on your car.Click Here For 1/2 Off
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Before you buy a home get pre-approved for your loan. Not only will it save you time it allows your offer to get top priority over others that aren't approved. Take my advice as a former mortgage lender get your ducks in a row so you can make the most of your search. If you need a referral to a lender I would recommend Mark Cortez at National City Mortgage in Champaign, 217-363-4180!
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Listed below are the current market statistics for Champaign County through September 2007. It's probably no surprise the average sales price is lower, but we're not seeing the same market problems as other parts of the United States. As I mentioned from other posts it's a great time to purchase that new home at a lower price than last year!!! Please contact me with any questions or better yet post a comment on my website.                                                 Year To Date Comparison 2006 vs. 2007               Jan. 1,2006 - Sept. 30, 2006                             Jan. 1,2007 - Sept. 30,2007               Total # Sold and Closed - 2700                         Total # Sold and Closed - 2855               Dollar Volume ~ $399,074,235                           Dollar Volume - ...
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
Remember all real estate is local and what's on the news is not always true in Champaign/Urbana. The evening news paints a general picture of real estate nationwide. Don't take the word of someone hundreds of miles away reading a script get your information from a local professional like myself. Please call or email for the most accurate and up to date market information. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR HOMES VALUE
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By Aaron Gallagher
(Green Street Realty )
I'm new to real estate sales but not to real estate. For the seven previous years 2000-2007 I was a mortgage loan officer and for 5 of those years 2000-2005 our problem wasn't a lack of buyers but a lack of homes for them to buy. During that time I had more qualified buyers then my realtor referal sources had homes to sell. Not only that, prices were bid up over the asking price. Now that I'm a realtor it's not a lack of homes but a lack of buyers, go figure. Seems to me buyers would be coming out of the wood work but, the psycology of todays market is keeping them on the sidelines. Remember the law of supply and demand, if you have more inventory than buyers it just might be a buyers market! It's a great time to be a first time homebuyer, you can pay less for something your friend paid...
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By Danis Pelmore
(Green St. Realty)
Today is my first day Blogging... It is my goal to increase my exposure and share my knowledge about real estate. Please hang in there with me as I begin.
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