The Wall Street Journal reported this weekend that home sales are looking down in May. The federal home buyer tax credit expired on April 30th. This is consistent with what I am seeing in the market. I am expecting a big drop in pending home sales for May and June. Disappointed?, yes. Surprised?, no.
Much like [...]
When I work with potential sellers I always go over what I call the “Moving Van” slide. Too often, sellers size up who they think it their competition – homes with a “for sale” sign. But I tell them, you don’t want to study those guys. Instead study the families who had a moving van [...]
On Earth Day, April 22nd, a new Federal law goes into effect requiring lead paint-safety precautions on most remodeling jobs for properties built before 1978. If this is the first time you are hearing about this, you are probably not alone. Many are grumbling about the EPA and their lack of publicity for the effort. So what does [...]
Schiller Real Estate announced today they are joining Koenig & Strey effective immediately. I think it’s a great testament to our community that a well-run chain like Koenig & Strey sees the importance of the Elmhurst market. It also makes me appreciate that much more the special LW Reedy Real Estate focus on Elmhurst families [...]
York Township recently completed hearings on tax assessment appeals for the current tax cycle. The next appeal cycle doesn’t open until the fall, but it’s a good time review how the appeal cycle works, and how I can help!
Before Thanksgiving the Township publishes new assessed values. Appeals are due within 30 days from the publish [...]
You know all those friends of yours who moved out to Aurora and bragged about how cheap their homes are? Well, the Center for Neighborhood Technology today released a way to look apples to apples at what it really costs you to live in any of 161,000 neighborhoods! The new study defines “affordability” from the standpoint of [...]
Last month, eight Elmhurst schools were honored for academic excellence. Only 438 schools in Illinois earned a place on the Illinois Honor Role by the Illinois State Board of Education. Keep up the great work!
Remodeling Magazine recently came out with its 2009 Cost vs. Value Report. It is interesting to see that this year many of the top projects had an energy efficiency angle. I think the report is very valuable for homeowners as usual. But instead of just looking at the value various projects add at resale, how [...]
Great article in the Chicago Homes section of the Chicago Tribune today about Elmhurst. The article features all the great things about Elmhurst such as our great schools and location, local businesses and events, Elmhurst College, our collection of museums and more. I appreciate that they also focused on something I think makes Elmhurst very [...]
As you know, the spring real estate market came early this year. This is due to the extension of the home buyer credits ($8000 for first-time buyers, $6500 for current home owners through 4/30.*) The tax credit has motivated many sellers to get off the fence and list their homes, so we are seeing nice, [...]