Briar Pointe SubdivisionI just sold and closed a Barrington Model 2BR 2.5BA 2-story townhome in the neighborhood!  It had the best location on the nature sanctuary!  Fireplace, newer appliances, newer carpet, BA's remodeled with granite, 1 car garage, skylite.Interested in selling or purchasing a home in Briar Pointe?  Please don't hesitate in giving me a call.Briar Pointe Townhomes203K FHA Rehab LoanSchaumburg - Best Places to raise your kids, runner up.Is it FHA Approved?Downpayment Assistance for First Time Buyers - ADDITips for buying a ForeclosureBuying a Bank Owned Home - REOSchaumburg - Top Selling SubdivisionsCommon Buyer Closing CostsSchaumburg #1 with Residents 11/28/2009

Castle Rock Subdivision I just sold and closed a foreclosure in the neighborhood!  2BR 1.5BA, no basement and no garage.  Definitely needed work with new kitchen and all appliances and mechanicals.  Buyer did the 203K FHA rehab program thru me.Interested in selling or purchasing a home in Castle Rock?  Please don't hesitate in giving me a call.     203K FHA Rehab LoanSchaumburg - Best Places to raise your kids, runner up.Is it FHA Approved?Downpayment Assistance for First Time Buyers - ADDITips for buying a ForeclosureBuying a Bank Owned Home - REOSchaumburg - Top Selling SubdivisionsCommon Buyer Closing CostsSchaumburg #1 with Residents 11/28/2009

Schaumburg say it ain't so - imposing property taxes? One of the last village hold outs for communities with no property taxes in the area include Schaumburg.  But recently in this down turned economy, the revenue to keep the village moving forward might have to come from possible property taxes.Daily Herald on November 15th, 2009 states:"The health of today's retail economy affects more than just the entrepreneurs and workers who earn their livings by the sale of merchandise.  Also closely watching the rise and fall of consumer behavior are municipalities like Schaumburg, which have tied their own fortunes to those of the marketplace. With the luxury of being Illinois' second largest economy after Chicago, the village has foregone such typical revenue generators as a property tax to re... 11/25/2009

Some of the subjects covered:     * Roles of the Lender/Mortgage Broker    * Credit    * Pre-Approval    * Roles of the Real Estate Agent    * Searching for Properties    * Contracts    * Negotiation    * Closing Class Location: Schaumburg, IL Streets of Woodfield Starbucks, 601 North Martingale Road, Schaumburg, IL Wednesday, December 16th at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 6th at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 20th at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, please call or e-mail Tammy at:TammyH@StartingPointRealty.com(815) 540-7671 11/25/2009

Business Week's Best Places to Raise your Kids 2010 Schaumburg just missed out and was a noted 'runner up' for 2010.  Last year for 2009, Mt. Prospect cinched the title.  We'll get 'em next year!So here is the full article for BusinessWeek's annual ranking of the best places to raise your kids.  Each picture represents a state and a little bio about each town that won!Best Place to Raise Your Kids 2010:  Tinley Park, ILNearest city: ChicagoPopulation: 54,491Median family income: $90,377Runners-up: Arlington Heights, Schaumburg"Tinley Park, a fast-developing southwestern suburb of Chicago, is this year's Best Place to Raise Your Kids—not just for Illinois, but for the nation as a whole. It has great schools, a vibrant downtown, and housing options that range from modest to luxurious. Oak... 11/24/2009

Santa Is Coming To Town on November 27th The Schaumburg Fire Department will officially escort Santa Claus to town on Friday, November 27, 2009 to join village officials in the annual tree lighting ceremony and welcome the holiday season from 6 to 8:30 pm at the Prairie Center for the Arts. Village President Al Larson and members of the Board of Trustees will begin the evening singing holiday carols at 6pm at the Prairie Center for the Arts. Santa is anticipated to arrive at 6:30pm on the plaza between the Robert O. Atcher Municipal Center and the Prairie Center for the Arts. Santa will be greeted by village officials who will assist him in his lighting duties. In keeping with holiday tradition, the tree will be decorated with ornaments crafted by area youth groups and organizations. Af... 11/24/2009

FHA Appraisals and the Rules Lately in my area there has been a tremendous amount of miscommunication and misinformation with FHA appraisals.  It is so rampant in our area that I've decided to post the drama.Schaumburg IL - Townhouse listing of mine does not appraise out and is $5000 under contract price.  Seller does not want to sell at the appraisal price and the buyer doesn't want to pay the contract price. Deal dead which is easy enough.  Buyer #2 comes along with their overzealous buyers agent, let's call her 'Gloria Go-Getter'.  She's overcaffinated, overconfident, never listens to what is being said and is constantly on her 'crack berry' answering those important emails.  Buzz, buzz, buzz, there she goes.  After negotiating this new offer at the appraisal price (I surprised her w... 11/20/2009

Heating and cooling adjustments on a forced air furnace - Winter and Summer SettingsWarm air rises; cooler air sinks. Keep this principle in mind, and you’ll realize why opening the correct air returns in winter and summer will provide better air distribution-which, in turn, allows more even temperatures in your home.When you use a forced air furnace for summer cooling, you should open the high returns. This allows the furnace to take warmer air from the top of the room back to the air conditioning cooling coil in the furnace. In the winter, open the low returns to collect cold air at the floor.For a two-story home, you may also need to adjust the supply air for winter and summer.  In the winter, warm air rises to the second floor, so less heating is required there.In the summer, warm a... 11/18/2009

Well here's a kick in the head ...... I recently cancelled a listing that I had for some time because the seller just would not lower the price.  All the signs were that since she didn't have a fireplace, she was being overlooked at her price.  Townhomes with fireplaces were getting regular showings and this one didn't have a showing in 30 days!  We had to adjust our price for wanted features that we didn't have.  Seller said no way, they can just make an offer as we've all heard that before.  "Lowering my price won't make a difference and everyone knows they can just make an offer in this market."Well, as always I check the new listings everyday in the MLS and who should appear?  Ms. I won't ever reduce my price!  Here's that kick in head - she's $13,000 lower than I had it.  I'm quite... 11/17/2009

The 3 Things you should know about Price ~ What’s the most asked question that I receive from people about real estate?  What’s the #1 tip that I could pass along? Well there’s actually 3 things that are enmeshed together – Price, condition, location.  All 3 actually make your home either sell or be rejected by prospective buyers. Price - Obviously in this market with the elevated inventory you have to be ‘spot on’ with your homes price.  Too high and no one will take your home seriously and it will be passed over.  Too low?  Well that really doesn’t happen too often except in distress sales, foreclosures and the like.  A fair price – what a seller is willing to accept and a buyer is willing to pay.  That’s what we normally strive for. When an agent puts your home on the market, it has ... 11/12/2009

Schaumburg Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Schaumburg real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of November 6, 2009.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Schaumburg, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&p... 11/06/2009

Some of the subjects covered:    * Roles of the Lender/Mortgage Broker    * Credit    * Pre-Approval    * Roles of the Real Estate Agent    * Searching for Properties    * Contracts    * Negotiation    * Closing Class Location: Schaumburg, IL Starbucks at the Streets of Woodfield, 601 North Martingale Road, Schaumburg, IL Wednesday, November 4th at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, November 14th at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, November 19th at 6:30 p.m. To RSVP, please call or e-mail Tammy at:TammyH@StartingPointRealty.com(815) 540-7671 10/28/2009

Schaumburg Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Schaumburg real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of October 23, 2009.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Schaumburg, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&pa... 10/23/2009

LinksMy BlogMy websitePhoto GalleryLivingroomLivingroomKitchenKitchenMaster BR2nd BRBackyard ViewFrontDescriptionThis place offers the largest BR's 16x12 in Schaumburg! Vaulted Greatroom, skylites, large kitchen with oak cabinets, pantry, newer appliances included. BR's are 'on suite' for roommates or that pesky teenage kid of yours!Oversized balcony view, 1 car garage, low taxes, Close to Elgin-O'Hare Access and Schaumburg Train Station for commuters. PRICED SLASHED 40k.SELLER IS OFFERING NEW BUYER A 2 YEAR JOB LOSS PROTECTION POLICY ON THIS HOME! No other real estate company is currently offering this to it's new buyers - Call today!FeaturesBedrooms: 2Bathrooms: 2Parking Spaces: 1 Car GarageYear Built: 1987Subdivision: GLENS OF SCHAUMBURGLocated on Floor #: 2Floors in Bldg: 2School Di... 10/23/2009

FHA Appraisal Requirements Effective for all case numbers assigned on or after January 1, 2010, the validity period for all appraisals on existing and proposed and under construction properties will be 120 days.  This change aligns FHA’s requirements pertaining to the validity of an appraisal with current industry practices. This is a change from the current validity periods of six months for an appraisal of an existing property that is complete, and 12 months for proposed and under construction properties. How will this effect you as a buyer? Not much, except in occurances where the property you purchase has an existing FHA appraisal.  That appraisal is valid and 'stays with that property' for the 4 month period.  Good news is, you won't need a new appraisal.  Consider it streamlining ... 10/21/2009

2009 Schaumburg Township Assessment Information (Due and payable in 2010) This summer the Cook County Board passed new assessment levels on the entire county.  Residential went from 16% to 10%; Commercial from 38% to 25%; and Industrial from 36% to 25%.  Every property in Cook county will receive an assessment notice this year regarding the new assessment levels.  Schaumburg Township should expect to received the new assessment information by late 2009.When you receive your new assessment, please review it and if you do not think it is fair or in error contact the Assessor to file an appeal.Don't forget that we have not received our 2nd and final installment of the 2008 taxes as of this posting.  This notice is for your future assessed value for 2009 payable in 2010. All data and inform... 10/20/2009

Schaumburg Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Schaumburg real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of October 17, 2009.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Schaumburg, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&p... 10/17/2009

I've recently had the please of working with Joe & Pat.  We sold their home in 3 weeks after being on the market with different agents for 2 years. Here is their recommendation: "Laura is very knowledgably of the industry, dependable and resourceful. She understands what it takes to produce a positive outcome and is creative in developing solutions to help meet her clients' goals. She is a very focused and an individual who will go that extra mile to ensure a positive conclusion for her clients. Great to work with and would highly recommend her." October 15, 2009 10/15/2009

FHA GUIDELINES FOR ASSOCIATIONS   I see a problem coming on the horizon and I don't have to be a clairvoyant to know that it's going to be bad.  In fact, I've started to see little bits and pieces of the problem over the last 6 months or so.  Some problems were created a long time ago, others created more recently.  Did you know that what your Association decides with your FHA approval and required submission can impact the sale of your home?   Most sellers don't know this has a HUGE IMPACT. With all the new lending guidelines and restrictions just laid out this year, more and more people will be using FHA financing.  It is normally more lenient with credit dings and dents. No major crashes or penalties, but a few minor bumps in the road.  Also, you only need a small down payment of 3.5... 10/13/2009

Water supply pipe information - Have you gotten this in the mail recently? The letter arrives in the mail stating that "your water service line that brings fresh water into the home might need some maintenance.  Have you considered what you would do if you were to suffer a burst or break in your water service line?"Well first off if you received this letter don't panic!  It's a completely unnecessary service says the Village of Schaumburg for most homeowners.  You see, your water pipe going into your home has a useful life expectancy of 100 years.  How old is your home?  Well, subtract that and that's how many years you don't have to worry about it.  Now if you come home from work someday and see a geyser coming up from your front lawn, well, that's an immediate problem.  Except in extr... 10/13/2009