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2809 Effingham Ct - Schaumburg IL - Towne Place $250,000 Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 REMAX Suburban
0 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • February 05 2010 03:54PMIs your veterinarian using a recalled drug?
What if your veterinarian was using a recalled drug -- and didn't know it?
That's not a hypothetical question. On Sept. 4, at least two 
veterinary drugs made by Teva Animal Health, Inc., a division of Israeli-based Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, were recalled by the FDA, which shut the company down in July. But few veterinarians or pet owners were aware of the recall until the end of December.
Although the reported deaths of five cats led the FDA to issue public recall notices on Dec. 22 and Dec. 29, just what products are involved, and over what time period they were manufactured and sold, remains unclear.
The recalls involve two commonly used injectable veterinary drugs: butorphanol, a fast-acting opioid used to control pain from surgical procedures in dogs and cats, and the anesthetic agent ketamine.
Ketamine is part of a "cocktail" of drugs that induces anesthesia in animals, including dogs and cats. It can be used, usually with valium, prior to surgery, a dental cleaning and sometimes as a form of restraint for procedures such as an imaging scan. It's not the only drug that can be used in this way, but it's one of the most common.
The only explanation so far given as to just what's wrong with the recalled ketamine came in a press release issued by the FDA on Dec. 22, which said, "This recall is being conducted as a result of an increased trend in serious adverse events associated with this product, including lack of effect, prolonged effect, and death."
See the rest of the article here!
Previously posted by 2010 SF Gate
1 comment • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 25 2010 06:59PMSelling your Home When Everyone Else Is - Gearing up for Spring
Every winter sellers begin to think about moving and putting their homes on the market 'IN THE SPRING'. This post from Lisa Udy, in Utah gives a perspective on waiting to list your home or doing a price reduction can actually cost you more money.
Are you 'chasing' or setting the market for your home? Did you wait on an advised price reduction?
More homes are always put on the market in the Spring months and who knows what the 'market' will hold this year of 2010? It used to be the norm but who knows now? What used to be is no longer in the real estate market - better prices and increased activity just can't be guaranteed!
The market is the market - right now! Enjoy this post.
Via Lisa Udy Realtor Utah Real Estate Specialist (Logan Utah Real Estate The Platinum Real Estate Group):
In the last month I have had a few sellers that have taken their Logan Utah homes off the market. They decided they just wanted to wait until spring time, and didn't want their homes to become stale on the market. Some of these seller's homes were on the market for some time, and I couldn't talk them into reducing their prices. The market had spoken, their homes were overpriced.
Just because you wait to sell in the spring doesn't mean your home is priced to sell.
Everyone knows in the real estate business, spring time is the busiest time of the year. There are more buyers in the spring, but there is also a lot more competition.
If your home is on the market for an extended amount of time, the worst thing you can do is take it off the market and wait to price it exactly the same a few months down the road when you are going to have twice the competition.
Here's Why:
- The market has already shown your home isn't priced correctly, if it was, it would have sold no matter what season it is. Price is the #1 factor for selling a home, no matter what condition it is, if it's priced correctly, you can sell it.
- Your mortgage payment isn't going to go away. Every month you stay in your home, you have to pay for your mortgage. Which means more money you pay your lien holders in interest. That money is gone forever.
- The longer your home is on the market, the more behind the market it becomes. If your home was priced competitively in the first month, but soon after you start noticing homes selling in your price range for less then what they were the month before, you have to adjust your strategy. It may have been priced right 3 months ago, but how does it compare today? The real estate market is a living creature, it changes, and no one knows where it's going until it has already been. Price your home ahead of the market.
- If you think it's going to be hard to sell your home in the winter, imagine how hard it's going to be when inventory goes up 30%.
Now, don't get me wrong, I understand you need a certain amount of money out of your home. The problem with that thinking is, the market doesn't care how much money you need out of your home. The market doesn't care that you can't sell your home for the price the market says it's worth. The market provides the price a buyer is willing to pay, and nothing more.
Take a deep breath, look at the facts, and think about your motivations for selling your home. If you can't price your home at the price the market dictates now. Why would you want to wait until the busiest time of the year, with more competition, higher interest rates and then price it at the same as you did with less competition, better interest rates, and in a market that is heading into the unknown?
What are your motivations for selling? Are you relocating? Are you trying to move into a bigger home? Are you downsizing?
If you have all the time in the world to wait out the market, that's great and you are in a unique situation, but be prepared to wait a long time. If you want to sell your home fast, price it to sell in today's market, and you will actually save a lot of money in the long run.
This market is, to be blunt, insane. No one knows what's going to happen over the next few months, and if you wait until the grass is greener on the other side, you may find that someone has poisoned the grass.
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Lisa Udy, Logan Utah Real Estate Copyright © 2009
If you are considering buying or selling a home in Utah, you deserve local expertise and advice to be provided by a professional in real estate. Lisa Udy, is a Utah REALTOR® providing full time, professional real estate services to home buyers and sellers in the cities of Logan, Providence, North Logan, Hyde Park, Smithfield, Richmond, Nibley, Lewiston, Cornish, Trenton, Amalga, Clarkston, Newton, and all surrounding cities in the Cache County Northern Utah area.
You may be relocating to or from Utah due to any number of reasons , whatever the case, when searching for a real estate professional outside the state of Utah, please feel free to Contact Me or call me at 435-881-3022 as I am more than honored to provide to you the contact information of exceptional agents across the U.S.
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3 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 25 2010 04:21PMSeller Advice - I'll have to take a pass on that Dalmation Paint Job
I fired myself and here's why!
Did you ever have one of those listing presentations that just 
didn't get off on the right foot from the get go? Saturday I had an appt. for a listing that was either to be for sale or for rent as the seller was moving shortly to Florida. She wanted to know her options in this tough market so I offered my expertise and to come see the property.
Well, you know what happens when the seller just expounds too much about the condition of her home? No, Lyn I've lived here 5 years and there is no need to paint! The carpet is in fabulous shape but she can't even tell you what color it is? Neutral - now that's a color. I'll have to jot that down.
Upon arrival I asked for the customary tour and unfortunately what I expected surrounded me. Lots of clutter, way too much furniture and an extreme need for a paint job! In fact, this had 'paths' in a couple of rooms that I happened to mention made the rooms look terribly small and guess what 'we're selling square footage here right'?
Next was the interview from the parents - ahhhh, and that did not go well. I was trying to be respectful but who owns this home and who is going to sign the listing agreement? As it turned out, voices started to get louder and louder and Dad's face getting redder and redder by the minute when I seem unflapped by his statements. 'I don't care if you've been selling real estate for 50 years - we are not going to spend the money to paint'!
So when you move the furniture what do you expect to find? Alot of bad paint. And Dad's suggestion seemed to be the 'dalmatian method' of painting. Turn the entire house into 'clean spots' and 'dirty spots'! After a few minutes of his blood pressure getting elevated, I gently gathered my things from the couch and began to put them away.
That's it folks, I'm packing up and leaving this circus! And that's what I did!
2 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 22 2010 10:56AMHanover Park IL - Hanover Township Reassessment
Assessment Notices Mailed to Hanover Township Taxpayers
First-Ever Downward Market Adjustment Lowers Assessments of 
Hanover Township Homes; All Hanover Township Taxpayers Being Notified of Changes in Levels of Assessment
Chicago – January 19, 2009 – Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan announced today that residential property owners in Hanover Township were mailed notices reflecting a reduction in the assessed values of their properties. The impact of these reductions will be seen in second-installment tax bills payable in the fall of 2010.
"The situation we are facing in the real estate market is extraordinary, and the downturn has had an impact on home values," Houlihan explained. "After analysis of market sales and foreclosure data, we determined that Hanover Township homeowners should not have to wait until their properties are reassessed next in 2010 for the downturn to be reflected in their assessments."
Normally, properties are reassessed and receive notices every three years. The north suburbs are not scheduled to be reassessed again until 2010; the south and west suburbs will be reassessed next in 2011. This year, the City of Chicago will be reassessed.
Due to this first-ever downward market adjustment, residential properties in each suburban township will receive adjustments of their assessed values. A 7% decrease will be applied to the assessed values of all residential properties located in Hanover Township.
The deadline to file appeals for properties located in Hanover Township is February 22, 2010.
These market reductions come as the Assessor’s Office is implementing the 10/25 Ordinance, a measure passed by the County Board last year which was designed to simplify assessment levels. Homes will now be assessed at 10% of market value. Commercial and industrial properties will be assessed at 25% of market value. All Cook County property owners will receive notices telling them of the changes in assessment levels this year.
These changes in assessment levels will neither increase nor decrease assessments. They will simply give taxpayers the ability to review their assessments and determine if they accurately reflect the market value of their properties.
"If Hanover Township taxpayers want to appeal their proposed assessments, we encourage them to do so online," Houlihan said. "Our newly redesigned Web site is easy to navigate, contains a wealth of information, and makes it easier than ever to appeal a proposed assessment."
Hanover Township Assessor can be reached at 630-837-0301 from 8:30 am to 4:30pm. They are located on Rt. 59 just south of W. Bartlett Rd.
0 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 20 2010 12:45PMStreamwood IL - Hanover Township Reassessment
Assessment Notices Mailed to Hanover Township Taxpayers
First-Ever Downward Market Adjustment Lowers Assessments of 
Hanover Township Homes; All Hanover Township Taxpayers Being Notified of Changes in Levels of Assessment
Chicago – January 19, 2009 – Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan announced today that residential property owners in Hanover Township were mailed notices reflecting a reduction in the assessed values of their properties. The impact of these reductions will be seen in second-installment tax bills payable in the fall of 2010.
"The situation we are facing in the real estate market is extraordinary, and the downturn has had an impact on home values," Houlihan explained. "After analysis of market sales and foreclosure data, we determined that Hanover Township homeowners should not have to wait until their properties are reassessed next in 2010 for the downturn to be reflected in their assessments."
Normally, properties are reassessed and receive notices every three years. The north suburbs are not scheduled to be reassessed again until 2010; the south and west suburbs will be reassessed next in 2011. This year, the City of Chicago will be reassessed.
Due to this first-ever downward market adjustment, residential properties in each suburban township will receive adjustments of their assessed values. A 7% decrease will be applied to the assessed values of all residential properties located in Hanover Township.
The deadline to file appeals for properties located in Hanover Township is February 22, 2010.
These market reductions come as the Assessor’s Office is implementing the 10/25 Ordinance, a measure passed by the County Board last year which was designed to simplify assessment levels. Homes will now be assessed at 10% of market value. Commercial and industrial properties will be assessed at 25% of market value. All Cook County property owners will receive notices telling them of the changes in assessment levels this year.
These changes in assessment levels will neither increase nor decrease assessments. They will simply give taxpayers the ability to review their assessments and determine if they accurately reflect the market value of their properties.
"If Hanover Township taxpayers want to appeal their proposed assessments, we encourage them to do so online," Houlihan said. "Our newly redesigned Web site is easy to navigate, contains a wealth of information, and makes it easier than ever to appeal a proposed assessment."
Hanover Township Assessor can be reached at 630-837-0301 from 8:30 am to 4:30pm. They are located on Rt. 59 just south of W. Bartlett Rd.
0 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 20 2010 12:14PMDog's really like Pie!
Some interesting Dog Facts that you might not know! This is why the 'Blog Dog' enjoys her pie and ice cream!
Meat-Seeking Missiles
Dogs actually have specific taste buds receptors that are “tuned in” to meats and meat-related chemicals. Dogs also have sweet-seeking taste buds which – partially – explains why your dog looks longingly at you while you finish off the last piece of apple pie. It’s believed that your dog’s sweet tooth comes hardwired from his wild ancestors who had to supplement their meat-based diet with berries and fruit. Cats, on the other hand, who ate exclusively meat in the wild, generally tend to have little or no interest in sweets.
Glow-In-The-Dark Eyes
Have you ever noticed how your dog’s eyes seem to glow in flash photos or if you shine a flashlight looking for him in the yard at night? This glow is caused by a structure in the eye called the tapetum lucidum which acts to collect extra light from the environment that other parts of your dog’s eyes may have missed. The ability to collect this extra light makes your dog’s night vision much better than that of other species – such as humans – who lack this extra light-catching effect.
Make No Bones About It
Your dog’s shoulder bones are only loosely connected to the rest of his skeleton and body. In fact, if you feel around your dog’s shoulder and neck you will see he lacks the collar bone that we humans have. The “disconnected” shoulder bones help to maximize your dog’s stride length for running and jumping.
Before You Trim Those Whiskers
Whiskers, technically called vibrissae, are an important part of your dog’s sensory functions. The whiskers are extremely sensitive and receptive to touch and movement; so sensitive, in fact, that they can detect subtle changes in air currents. If you look at the base of each whisker (where it connects to your dog’s face), you will see a little dark spot which is actually a collection of nerves that helps the whisker to transmit information about movement to your dog’s brain. The whiskers are particularly helpful because dogs have difficulty focusing well on objects right in front of them – rather than relying on their eyesight, they use their whiskers as a guide to help them locate and identify objects. Because of the important role your dog’s whiskers play and because they are so sensitive, many experts agree that it best to leave them untouched when grooming your dog.
The Nose Knows
While you have only five million scent receptors in your nose, your dog, depending on the breed or mix, has around 220 million scent receptors. Also, inside your dog’s nose is a shelf-like area that allows your dog to collect and accumulate odor molecules. The shape of the shelf traps odor molecules, and when your dog breathes his breath passes under the shelf without disturbing the shelf’s scent “contents.” The scent molecules are then processed by two olfactory bulbs in your dog’s brain. Whereas a human brain’s olfactory bulbs weigh only about .5 ounces, your dog’s olfactory bulbs weigh 2 ounces. Combine this with the fact that the human brain is about ten times larger in total than a dog’s, and we can say that your dog devotes nearly 40 times more of its brain to scent than humans do.
Resource and credits: 2010 AKC Newsletter Jan. 2010
14 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 18 2010 04:38PMElgin IL - How long will it take for my house to sell?
This is the 'Months Supply of Inventory' for Elgin IL Single Family Homes for 2009
This number is also called the 'Conversion Rate' or the 'Absorption Rate' which is how long and how much inventory is on the market in that particular town. Obviously, the higher the rate, the longer the market time for homes in that community.
Does your agent know the 'Absorption Rate' and will they share that information with you? It shouldn't be kept a secret because it plays a pivotal role in how your home should be marketed.
So we obviously have different levels of 'Absorption' in the market and I've tried a humorous visual demonstration for you.
Q tip Rate - nothing much getting sold.
Toilet Paper Rate - I think a few Buyers are out there but they are just sitting there and spinning their roll.
Empty Toilet Paper Rate - Just OK, nothing terrific, steady as she goes, things are looking up!
Generic Paper Towel Rate - Buyers are remembering about the tax credit deadline, still cautious and mulling over values.
Bounty Towel Rate - This is where Sellers might see a micron of appreciation. The market is faster than this 'picker upper'.
Fluffy Towel Rate - Pretty darn good, feels good too!
Sham Wow Rate - This is the good old days of Real Estate! Homes don't sit on the market at all! Sellers are happy and Buyers are mad during this level. All is right with the world!
Well, let's come back and discuss the current market for Elgin IL homes! The good news is that the inventory is down by 14% over a year ago of December 2008. Either people are not moving and changed their plans, have given up or possibly rented their homes. It could be a variety of circumstances.
Homes under Contract up 119% over December 2008 and another good sign is Closings are up 54% over December 2009. Yipee!
December 2009's sales rate was 79 under contract vs. November's 77. Homes under contract are highest in July 2009 with 91! December and January are anticipated slow months and sometimes even slower depending upon how much snow we get!
If you are thinking of purchasing or selling in Elgin, please consider me your neighborhood expert. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your options in today's marketplace.
Elgin Homes Available & Market Times - October 2009
Elgin House Tour Recap
Market Update by Price Range - June 2009
Tips for First Time Buyers
Average Closing Costs in Illinois
How to improve your credit BEFORE you purchase a home
REO's and Foreclosures - Think they might be for you?
203K Loan - Know what it is?
Illinois Home Sales - I'm seeing an improvement.
Please contact me Lyn, I need more information!
Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog©
(847)230-7324
RE/MAX Suburban
Email: LynSims@msn.com
Get the Blog Dog© Pawspective on Elgin!
This darn dog and I proudly sell real estate in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. If you are thinking about purchasing or selling your home in the communities of Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles and more importantly, want to work with a local area expert, contact me immediately.
Disclaimer: All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Lyn Sims makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from it’s display or use.
Elgin IL Months Supply of Inventory ©2010 TheBlogDog.net and Lyn Sims
3 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 18 2010 01:43PMHanover Highlands - Hanover Park IL
Hanover Highlands - Hanover Park IL
Looking to get your home sold in this area? I just sold this great split level 3BR's 2.5BA's with a family room addition off the back of the house! It was previously listed with another realtor for 223 days. I relisted the property and we went under contract in just 14 days!
This is a tough market for sellers and you deserve to give your home the opportunity it deserves by an area expert! Call me today so we can discuss getting you on to you new location!
2 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 15 2010 02:33PMBuyers Advice - This Will Make You a Rate Shopping Genius!
Buyers Advice - good information is hard to find and this gentlemen, Bill Ladewig, gives great advice when you begin to 'shop rates'. Not all loan officers will treat you fairly so you must be up on the game and this advice tells you how!
So you will be a Rate Shopping Genius and decide who is giving you the best rate and program that fits your needs.
Don't forget that you must get pre-approved BEFORE you begin looking for a home and have your pre-approval in hand when you make an offer on a property!
When you want to begin looking for your new home, please give me a call so we can discuss the possibilities!
Via Bill Ladewig Your FHA Guru - FHA and VA Loans Since 1970:
This will Make You a Rate Shopping Genius.
Mortgage Rate Shopping is not Rocket Science
but you should know all the tricks.
Two Rules for Genius Mortgage Rate Shopping
Rule #1 Get it in writing.
Rule #2 Mortgage Rates, Points and Lender Fees are interdependent parts to each rate quote. When one part is Lowered another part must increase. A Rate Quote is worthless without all three quoted.
Valuable Mortgage Rate Shopping Tips.
Know your credit score before you begin shopping. Loan availability and the cost of your loan depend on your credit score. Most conventional lenders require a minimum 720 mid score, above 80% loan to value, from the three credit repositories (Experian, Equifax and Trans Union) and most FHA and VA lenders require a minimum 620 to 640 mid credit score. Do not allow any lender to run your credit until you select them as your lender. Credit reports run by several lenders will lower you credit score. If you do not already know your credit score, there are several Internet companies that will provide free credit scores. Google search for: "Free Credit Score"
Shop all lenders on the same day and time period. Mortgage Rates change every day, sometimes several times a day.
Insist that each lender price the exact same Rate. You pick a rate to shop. You are looking for lender for the lowest total cost for that rate. Once you establish the lowest priced lender you can zero in on a rate-point-fee combination that works best for your situation.
All lenders offer a range of rates and points for each of their loan types. Rate and points are interrelated, lower mortgage rates cost more points... higher rates cost less points. Create a "Rate Baseline" by asking each lender for the mortgage rate and then compare their points and fees for each rate.
Shop for a specific loan type, because each type is priced differently. i.e: FHA, VA and Conventional loans, conforming and jumbo have different mortgage rates. Insist that each lender quote rates for the same loan type. Some lenders may present you with other options but insist they also provide a quote for the loan you are shopping for to establish a pricing base line.
Shop each lender for the same mortgage rate lock time period. You must ask every lender to tell you the lock period for the rate they are quoting. Mortgage Rates increase incrementally for each longer lock periods. I suggest shopping rates for a 30-day lock period. Lock periods can vary but most lenders provide locks for 15, 30 and 45 days. Some lenders quote their 15 day, least expensive price, which is not available until after the loan is approved. If you find a lender initially quoting a 15-day rate, it would prudent to eliminate that lender from your short list.
Insist the lender provide a detailed Good Faith Estimate before you complete an application. You have a right to know to know the price of the loan before you apply. A few lenders, even some large well-known lenders, falsely claim rates cannot be quoted until they have all your personal information. This is an absolutely bogus sales technique, these lenders know that borrowers do not want their personal information spread all over town and their credit score lowered by several credit reports AND they know once a borrower provides their personal information they are likely to stop shopping. Do not apply to any lender before you receive a Good Faith Estimate.
Will the lender allow you to lock your mortgage rate today? You should be able to lock your rate on the day you submit your signed application as long as the signed application is received by the lender prior to 3:00 PM PT. Most lenders stop locking loans at 4:00 PM PT although this time is not universal so check with each lender for their lock cutoff.
Education is Consumer's Only Real Protection.
Listed below are some educational articles.
- What You Should Know About APR
- How To Shop for Mortgage Rates.
- Beware of Misleading Lender Advertising
- Education is the best consumer protection
- Rates and Point Relationship Explained
Bill Ladewig
800.664.7283 (SAVE)
Bill Ladewig is a Mortgage Broker Licensed by the California Department of Real Estate 00968137
San Diego FHA and VA Home Loans Escondido Mortgages Escondido Localism San Diego FHA and VA Home Loans San Diego Localism San Diego UFMIP Escondido Mortgages Escondido Localism San Diego Mortgage
0 comments • Lyn Sims and the Blog Dog© • January 14 2010 12:28PMContent © 2009 'Frequent Contributors'. Design © 2009 ActiveRain Corp.
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