The Blog Dog .net

BUYING A HOME SOON? You want to find the best home or property for your needs and to make the wisest investment possible. Lyn Sims understands the importance of this major purchase to you and has the essential knowledge to ensure your buying experience is a smooth and successful one!

Here's a dozen reasons why Lyn Sims can help:

1. Determine your buying power and criteria.
2. Research available properties in your market via many resources such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and a broad network of REALTORS - even if you are locating to another city.
3. WE HAVE ALL THE PROPERTIES LISTED FOR SALE IN ONE PLACE - THE MLS!  No need to go jumping around from site to site to find a home. (START MY SEARCH NOW)
4. Show you properties that meet your specific criteria.
5. Give you objective information about each property.
6. Negotiate a price that fits your budget.
7. Help you understand different financing options and identify qualified lenders. We still do offer 100% financing to qualified individuals! 
8. Provide up-to-date information on property values, real estate taxes, municipal services and facilities, and local zoning changes.
9. Recommend home inspection services to help analyze the structure and condition of the home.
10. Understand the complex paperwork and steps for the purchasing process.
11. Serve as your advisor from "offer through closing".
12. WE DON'T COST YOU A THING - Zip, Zero, Zilch!  As a buying client you pay no fees for our services.

Lyn Sims, a veteran realtor at RE/MAX Suburban, wants to help you find your next home.  Go to the "Consumer Advisor" section of her website to learn more tips, suggestions and plain advice on searching for your new home!

Lyn Sims RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 works in the NW Chicagoland Suburbs of Elgin, South Elgin, Roselle, Elk Grove Village, Medinah, Bartlett, Itasca, Hanover Park, Carol Stream, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and St. Charles areas.  She works for your interests as a "Buyers Agent".

Please contact me Lyn for more information!

Area Market Survey Criteria         Status: Active          Property Type: Detached Single   Area: South Elgin   Months Back: All Months

Active Listings

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt $150,000 - $199,999 6 183 $200,000 - $249,999 26 137 $250,000 - $299,999 26 148 $300,000 - $349,999 16 160 $350,000 - $399,999 9 155 $400,000 - $449,999 10 233 $450,000 - $499,999 13 212 $500,000 - $549,999 9 141 $550,000 - $599,999 1 89 $600,000 - $699,999 1 14 $700,000 - $799,999 4 87 $800,000 - $899,999 4 195 $900,000 - $999,999 1 201 $1,000,000 - $1,999,999 2 30

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 128 159 $317,400 $390,694 $1,890,000 $155,000

Median List Price for South Elgin Single Family homes is $317,400.  The largest amount of homes available for sale are in the $250,000 to $300,000 price range.  Begin the Homesearch now!

Lyn Sims at (847)230-7324 serves the areas of South Elgin, Elgin, St. Charles, Hanover Park, Itasca, Bartlett, Streamwood, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Roselle, Medinah, and Elk Grove Village.

Lyn Sims and the "Blog Dog" 

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

BUYING A HOME SOON? You want to find the best home or property for your needs and to make the wisest investment possible. Lyn Sims understands the importance of this major purchase to you and has the essential knowledge to ensure your buying experience is a smooth and successful one!

Here's a dozen reasons why Lyn Sims can help:

1. Determine your buying power and criteria.
2. Research available properties in your market via many resources such as the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) and a broad network of REALTORS - even if you are locating to another city.
3. WE HAVE ALL THE PROPERTIES LISTED FOR SALE IN ONE PLACE - THE MLS!  No need to go jumping around from site to site to find a home. (START MY SEARCH NOW)
4. Show you properties that meet your specific criteria.
5. Give you objective information about each property.
6. Negotiate a price that fits your budget.
7. Help you understand different financing options and identify qualified lenders. We still do offer 100% financing to qualified individuals! 
8. Provide up-to-date information on property values, real estate taxes, municipal services and facilities, and local zoning changes.
9. Recommend home inspection services to help analyze the structure and condition of the home.
10. Understand the complex paperwork and steps for the purchasing process.
11. Serve as your advisor from "offer through closing".
12. WE DON'T COST YOU A THING - Zip, Zero, Zilch!  As a buying client you pay no fees for our services.

Lyn Sims, a veteran realtor at RE/MAX Suburban, wants to help you find your next home.  Go to the "Consumer Advisor" section of her website to learn more tips, suggestions and plain advice on searching for your new home!

Lyn Sims RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 works in the NW Chicagoland Suburbs of Elgin, South Elgin, Roselle, Elk Grove Village, Medinah, Bartlett, Itasca, Hanover Park, Carol Stream, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine and St. Charles areas.

Please contact me Lyn for more information!

Area Market Survey Criteria                                   Status: Active, Re-activated   Property Type: Attached Single           Area: Elgin               Months Back: All Months

Active Listings

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 35 177 $150,000 - $199,999 94 132 $200,000 - $249,999 75 186 $250,000 - $299,999 34 257 $300,000 - $349,999 17 230 $350,000 - $399,999 11 289 $400,000 - $449,999 2 158 $450,000 - $499,999 3 152

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 271 182 $209,900 $218,909 $489,000 $69,499

Median List Price for Elgin Multi-Family homes is $209,900.  The largest amount of homes available are in the $150,000 to $199,999 price range.  Begin the Homesearch now!

Lyn Sims at (847)230-7324 serves the areas of Elgin, South Elgin, Hanover Park, Bartlett, Streamwood, St. Charles, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Roselle, Medinah, Elk Grove.

These are the current market numbers and availability for single family homes in Streamwood.  Lots of great selections near the $250,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above that!  The median listing price for Streamwood is $254,000.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves!

To search for homes "up to the minute" available in the Streamwood area, please go directly to my HOMESEARCH PAGE  to get started.  Other interesting articles for sellers or buyers are also available at www.LynSims.net to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!

Area Market Survey Criteria        Status: Active              Property Type: Detached Single   Area: Streamwood                    Months Back: All Months

Active Listings

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt $150,000 - $199,999 26 142 $200,000 - $249,999 92 170 $250,000 - $299,999 80 142 $300,000 - $349,999 12 129 $350,000 - $399,999 9 125 $400,000 - $449,999 5 208 $450,000 - $499,999 1 286 $500,000 - $549,999 12 194 $550,000 - $599,999 2 117 $600,000 - $699,999 4 173

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 243 156 $254,900 $280,267 $675,000 $152,000

Call Lyn Sims for Streamwood IL real estate at (847)230-7324 or (800)637-9345 Outside IL!     Real estate experience of 24 years in the area!

Lyn Sims and the "Blog Dog"

"Blog Dog"©2007 Lyn Sims

Looking for a home in the Hanover Park area?   This is a great time to get your first home, move to a smaller home, or move to a larger home.  Interest rates are stable and recently lowered despite all the media hype and is available to all with fairly decent credit.  In fact, YES I STILL DO HAVE 100% financing AVAILABLE if that is your requirement! 

These are the current market numbers and availability for single family homes in Hanover Park IL.  Lots of great selections below the $250,000 range and we've got great custom construction for price ranges above that!  The median listing price for Hanover Park is $249,900.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get instant equity in the market by doing the work themselves!

To search for homes currently available in the surrounding Hanover Park area, please go directly to my homesearch page to get started.  Other interesting articles for sellers or buyers are also available at www.LynSims.net to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!

Hanover Park is located in both Cook and DuPage Counties and has two school districts - U46 Consolidated and District 54 in Schaumburg.  I can provide lots of information about school districts and the schools themselves.

Area Market Survey CriteriaStatus: Active    Property Type: Detached Single   Area: Hanover Park   Months Back: All Months

Active Listings

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt $150,000 - $199,999 17 126 $200,000 - $249,999 71 147 $250,000 - $299,999 65 178 $300,000 - $349,999 8 173 $350,000 - $399,999 3 107 $400,000 - $449,999 1 34 $500,000 - $549,999 1 148 $600,000 - $699,999 2 198

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 168 157 $249,900 $257,317 $679,000 $155,900

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in the Hanover Park area, please feel free to contact Lyn Sims at REMAX Suburban at (847)230-7324 or (800)637-9345 Outside IL.  I can provide you with information on many of the areas communities that would be right for you! 

Email Lyn now with a question or ask for more information!

Lyn Sims and the "Blog Dog"

24 years Experience working in the Northwest Chicagoland Suburbs of Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Bartlett, Schaumburg, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, Elk Grove, Roselle, Medinah, Itasca and St. Charles areas.

"Blog Dog"©2007 Lyn Sims

Why Choose Lyn Sims to list your home?

You can feel confident that whether it's pricing your home, qualifying the purchaser, negotiating a contract, lining up financing, coordinating the closing, displaying the latest advertising techniques or just explaining the entire process ... you can always rely on her ability to guide you thru the whole process!

Above all, you'll know she has the confidence and the experience to get the job done!

• You can be secure in the knowledge that she comes highly recommended with testimonials
• Referrals
• Experience
• Relocation Services
• Your market advantage using the newest Advertising Techniques including video tours
• You can be assured of her Dedication and Commitment always being a "full time" agent
• Proven Results
• Integrity
• Professionalism

          You benefit as a seller by making more money!  I have an impressive 97% listing to sales price ratio which is above the MLS average.

          Lyn's homes sell twice as quickly against the MLS average.

         You will have confidence that with over 20 years experience, she knows how to negotiate the best price for you in today's market. 

         Earning a Brokers designation has provided her with the advanced marketing knowledge required to sell homes faster, and for more money in today's competitive marketplace.

         You have the assurance that she has been working hard right in your neighborhood year after year - full time.

         You need a competative advantage!  Being with one of the largest and most successful firms in the area, she can deliver that in this tough market.  Gone are the days when homes "sell themselves".

        You deserve effectiveness!  While other companies are barely holding their market share, we are outproducing our competitors year after year!  Within the Northwest Suburban Market Area (MLSNI) thru June 2007, RE/MAX had 27% of market share!  That's 1 out of every 4 homes in the area were sold by us - no one comes close to our results!

24 years experience in the Northwest Suburban Chicago Area, Lyn Sims, RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 or email  her now.

Lyn's Home search website is loaded with great seller information on how to get your home ready BEFORE you put it on the market to make the best first impression.

"Blog Dog"©2007 Lyn Sims

Remodeling Magazine's annual "Cost vs. Value Report" is finally out with the 2007 projects.  What Home Remodel Projects actually pay off at seling time?  Don't listen to the people at Lowe's or Home Depot - this report actually gives recoup costs on most projects done around the home.  Not everything pays off as you might expect.

Actual report in PDF Format  This is a national report - pick the "EAST NORTH CENTRAL" Region for our area of Chicago.

Of projects that saw national cost recovery rates of more than 80 percent in 2007, only one - a minor kitchen remodel, with 83 percent of cost recovered - was a strictly interior job. The others were an upscale siding replacement using fiber cement materials (88.1 percent), a wood deck addition (85.4 percent), midrange vinyl siding replacement (83.2 percent), and upscale vinyl and midrange wood window replacements (81 percent and 81.2 percent, respectively).

Projects with highest national percentage of costs recouped:  

88%
Upscale siding replacement

85%
Wood deck addition

81%
Wood window replacement

83%
Minor kitchen remodel

In this report there are wide regional swings.  A midrange bathroom remodel recovers 85% of it's cost in the South but only 63% in the Midwest.  This report is a good rule of thumb for anyone anticipating or planning on doing remodeling projects in the near future.

This report is just a small sampling of information that I provide my buying and selling clients from my home search website.  Sellers can get marketing information in the "SELL YOUR PROPERTY" section.  Buyers have great advice in the "CONSUMER ADVISOR" section.  Mortgage advice and mortgage calculators are also available.

Looking to buy or sell a home in the Schaumburg Area?  I'm confident that I can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make the process as hassle free as possible.  This is just one small example of the information that I provide to all my clients! 

Lyn Sims of RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 works in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs of Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, St. Charles, Bloomingdale, Elgin, South Elgin, Roselle, Medinah, and Itasca areas.

"Blog Dog"©2007 Lyn Sims

Buying a new home?  Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban offers 10 Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership!

Lyn Sims, a 20+ year real estate veteran works in the NW Chicagoland Suburbs of Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park, Palatine, Roselle, Medinah, Itasca, Elgin, South Elgin, Carol Stream & St. Charles areas of Illinois.   

• Contact Lyn Sims at her office (847)230-7324 or (800)637-9345 Outside IL OR Email her at LynSims@remax.net

"Blog Dog"©2007 Lyn Sims

When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations -- shopping, entertaining, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressures to keep your home in "show-time" condition.  

It is understandable why you would be tempted to take your home off the market during the holidays.  And the list of justifications is long.  If you are too busy, buyers may be also, and you may find your efforts unrewarded with not enough showings.  And what if you do get an offer?  You may be faced with the possibility of packing and moving during the busiest time of the year.  Besides, you can give your house a rest, and it will have better momentum after the holidays.  Better to just pack it in and start fresh in January, right?

BUT WAIT!  Most top Realtors, (especially myself) agree that taking your home off the market during the Christmas season is a mistake!  What is the advantage?  

The holidays are a wonderful selling period!  Why?  Because most people take off work sometime during the season.  The husband and wife are both off and want to see houses.  Most agents like the holidays because the buyers have more time and they can look at homes together.

BEFORE YOU TAKE YOUR HOME OFF THE MARKET, CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING POINTS: 

• Although buyer activity may appear to slow down, the buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious.  Agents believe the home market is no more affected at Christmas than during other "busy" periods.  If that were so, the market would shut down throughout the year as families concentrate on spring weddings, June graduations, summer vacations, and autumn back-to-school activities.
• Many buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home either before or after the busy spring and summer rush.  They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful.  They may not have children, or they may have grown children, so moving to accommodate the school year isn't a consideration.  Finding the right home at the right price, however is.
• Relocating families often don't have a choice when they can leave for their new destination.  MOST RELOCATIONS OCCUR IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER.  Although 68% of transferring families have children, many families have to transfer during the middle of the school year.  These families are that much more motivated to get their families settled in before either the January semester begins, or to arrange for the move during spring break in March.  If you sign a contract by New Years Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.
• At Christmas time, our culture focuses on family and home.  Preparing for the indoor activities of winter is one of the most enjoyable periods of family life.  Allowing buyers to view your home during this most hospitable of seasons lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.
• When has your home ever looked more beautiful and inviting?  You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks like a picture postcard.  If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will surely be good enough to impress your buyers.  Get the family team to do a five-minute blitz pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum.
• You may find you have more showings than you would if you marketed your home during a busier time of the year.
• If you get a contract, you can arrange terms and negotiate a closing date of your choice.  Most people expect to close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time.  Possession and closings are very negotiable.

These are just a few tips that a veteran real estate agent, like myself Lyn Sims, can help you with in your journey towards selling your home!  More information can be found for sellers and buyers alike on my website or by calling me directly at (847)230-7324.  I'm confident that I can provide the kind of exceptional service that will make this process an exciting one.  Please don't hesitate to call or email me (LynSims@remax.net) with any questions you may have.

Lyn Sims RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 or (800)637-9345 Outside IL.

It's the Blog Dog!

Lyn Sims of RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 works in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs of Schaumburg, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, St. Charles, Bloomingdale, Elgin, South Elgin, Elk Grove Village, Roselle, and Medinah IL.

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324 is a veteran real estate agent of 24 years that can help you navigate all the laws required in buying or selling a home.  You don't have to go it alone!

The "Blog Dog" says Don't go it alone!

Start your home search for the areas of Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Roselle, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove and Medinah.  Takes you to my website with great information on either selling a home in "Sell your Property" Section or "Consumer Advisor" Section for buyers.