Tag Archives: real estate trends

It’s PITITUM, not just PITI to Manage Your Budget

What the heck is PITITUM???!  PITI is a common mortgage term and stands for Principal, Interest, Taxes & Insurance.  But I have started advising homeowners to get on the PITITUM bandwagon and get a more realistic handle on their budget, and what they can … Continue reading

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First peek at post-tax credit sales…not great

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 … Continue reading

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Sellers, Do you Want a “For Sale” Sign…or a Moving Van???

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 … Continue reading

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New Remodeling Law – Are you UNLEADED?

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 … Continue reading

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Lessons with the Tax Assessor

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 … Continue reading

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New Home “Affordability” Study Shows the Value in Elmhurst!

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 … Continue reading

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Why Sell When You can Trade-up?

C’mon…admit it.  Your current home is feeling a little cramped, you’re sure you want to stay in award-winning Sandburg school district and you’d buy…if you didn’t have to sell.  So why sell?  Why not trade-up instead?   The seller at 400 S. Washington in … Continue reading

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v2.0 Released! Website makes Myrtle Marketing 94% paper-free!

v2.0 of the detailed feature sheet for 250 N. Myrtle in Elmhurst was released today!  A special green home deserves a special green marketing plan.  And the website www.250NMyrtle.wordpress.com does just that.  The site reduces paper-based marketing for Myrtle by 94%! … Continue reading

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250 N Myrtle – Great Home, Green Home, New Price

250 N. Myrtle is staged, with a great new price.  The elegant home was carefully designed and finished to provide upscale and healthy living in a home that can actually cut your utility bills!  The new price will be $788,500 … Continue reading

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Cost, Value and Payback – Part 2: The Quick Win!

Out of the whole Remodeling Magazine survey this year, one project jumps out at me – entry door replacement.  This year in the Midwest a new entry cost $1229 and added $1106.  It recouped 90.1%, putting it in the top … Continue reading

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