TheBlogDog.net: February 2008

Looking for a townhome, condo, quad in the Bloomingdale 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 great and recently lowered despite all the media hype and is available to all with fairly decent credit.  In fact, I do still have 100% financing if that is your requirement! 

SITTING ON THE FENCE HAS TO START HURTING AFTER AWHILE!     LET ME HELP YOU GET IN THE GAME!

These are the current market numbers and availability for Multi-family or attached homes in Bloomingdale, IL.  The best selections are in the $150,000 to $200,000 range and we've got great larger executive styled homes for price ranges above that up to $523,975!  The median listing price for Bloomingdale is $249,900 and the Average Market Time is 183 days.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get "instant equity" in the market by doing the work themselves!

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                                     2/22/08

Active Listings for Multi-Family in Bloomingdale, IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 4 94 $150,000 - $199,999 39 181 $200,000 - $249,999 33 202 $250,000 - $299,999 11 182 $300,000 - $349,999 18 145 $350,000 - $399,999 28 180 $400,000 - $449,999 11 141 $450,000 - $499,999 4 262 $500,000 - $549,999 3 443

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 151 183 $249,900 $280,805 $523,975 $134,900

To search for homes currently available in the surrounding Bloomingdale area, please go directly to my homesearch page to get started. 

Other interesting articles for 'SELLERS' or 'BUYERS' are also available at my website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!

A real estate agent, such as myself, Lyn Sims, has all the available properties for sale listed in one place (MLS) for you to look at.  No hopping around from site to site!  Most listings now have virtual tours and multiple interior pictures so you can get a complete feel for the homes qualities and room sizes.  Another important step that must be taken first is to get prequalified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search!  I can also help with any questions that you might have in the mortgage/loan area also because I've been thru the process before!

I look forward to working with you on a great adventure called "finding your new home".

My bio and qualifications can be found here for you to see.  I've got alot of experience selling homes in the area!

Lyn Sims, RE/MAX Suburban 847-230-7324  OR  EMAIL ME AT LynSims@remax.net

 

I can help you find a home in Bloomingdale, Bartlett, Carol Stream, South Elgin, Elgin,  Hanover Park, Medinah, Schaumburg, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Roselle, Streamwood, Elk Grove Village and St. Charles.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

Looking for a townhome, condo, quad in the Bartlett 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 great and recently lowered despite all the media hype and is available to all with fairly decent credit.  In fact, I do still have 100% financing if that is your requirement! 

SITTING ON THE FENCE HAS TO START HURTING AFTER AWHILE!     LET ME HELP YOU GET IN THE GAME!

These are the current market numbers and availability for Multi-family or attached homes in Bartlett, IL.  The best selections are in the $200,000 to $250,000 range and we've got great larger executive styled homes for price ranges above that up to $546,000!  The median listing price for Bartlett is $250,000 and the Average Market Time is 142 days.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get "instant equity" in the market by doing the work themselves!

FIND OUT A LITTLE ABOUT THE BARTLETT COMMUNITY!

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                                      2/22/08

Active Listings for Multi-Family Homes in Bartlett IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 9 113 $150,000 - $199,999 17 126 $200,000 - $249,999 37 127 $250,000 - $299,999 32 180 $300,000 - $349,999 23 131 $350,000 - $399,999 3 159 $400,000 - $449,999 1 531 $450,000 - $499,999 4 133 $500,000 - $549,999 3 50

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 129 142 $250,000 $265,797 $546,000 $114,900

To search for homes currently available in the surrounding Bartlett area, please go directly to my homesearch page to get started. 

Other interesting articles for 'SELLERS' or 'BUYERS' are also available at my website to make you market "savvy" before you start your home adventure!

A real estate agent, such as myself, Lyn Sims, has all the available properties for sale listed in one place (MLS) for you to look at.  No hopping around from site to site!  Most listings now have virtual tours and multiple interior pictures so you can get a complete feel for the homes qualities and room sizes.  Another important step that must be taken first is to get prequalified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search!  I can also help with any questions that you might have in the mortgage/loan area also because I've been thru the process before!

I look forward to working with you on a great adventure called "finding your new home".

My bio and qualifications can be found here for you to see.  I've got alot of experience selling homes in the area!

Lyn Sims, RE/MAX Suburban 847-230-7324    EMAIL ME AT LynSims@remax.net

 

I can help you find a home in Bartlett, Carol Stream, South Elgin, Elgin,  Hanover Park, Medinah, Schaumburg, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Palatine,  Bloomingdale, Roselle, Streamwood, Elk Grove Village and St. Charles.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

Looking for a townhome, condo, quad in the Carol Stream 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 great and recently lowered despite all the media hype and is available to all with fairly decent credit.  In fact, I do still have 100% financing if that is your requirement! 

SITTING ON THE FENCE HAS TO START HURTING AFTER WHILE!     LET ME HELP YOU GET STARTED!

These are the current market numbers and availability for Multi-family or attached homes in Carol Stream, IL.  The best selections are in the $200,000 to $250,000 range and we've got great larger executive styled homes for price ranges above that up to $419,900!  The median listing price for Carol Stream is $209,900 and the Average Market Time is 143 days.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get "instant equity" in the market by doing the work themselves!

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                          2/22/08

Active Listings for Multi-Family Homes in Carol Stream, IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 29 186 $150,000 - $199,999 28 125 $200,000 - $249,999 41 118 $250,000 - $299,999 13 170 $300,000 - $349,999 5 220 $350,000 - $399,999 11 95 $400,000 - $449,999 2 175

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 129 143 $209,900 $214,941 $419,000 $79,900

To search for homes currently available in the surrounding Carol Stream 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!

A real estate agent, such as myself, Lyn Sims, has all the available properties for sale listed in one place (MLS) for you to look at.  No hopping around from site to site!  Most listings now have virtual tours and multiple interior pictures so you can get a complete feel for the homes qualities and room sizes.  Another important step that must be taken first is to get prequalified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search!  I can also help with any questions that you might have in the mortgage/loan area also because I've been thru the process before!

I look forward to working with you on a great adventure called "finding your new home".

My bio and qualifications can be found here for you to see.  I've got alot of experience selling homes in the area!

Lyn Sims, RE/MAX Suburban 847-230-7324    EMAIL ME AT LynSims@remax.net

 

I can help you find a home in Carol Stream, South Elgin, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Medinah, Schaumburg, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Palatine,  Bloomingdale, Roselle, Streamwood, Elk Grove Village and St. Charles.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

Looking for a townhome, condo, quad in the South Elgin 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 great and recently lowered despite all the media hype and is available to all with fairly decent credit.  In fact, I do still have 100% financing if that is your requirement! 

SITTING ON THE FENCE HAS TO START HURTING AFTER WHILE!     LET ME HELP YOU GET STARTED!

These are the current market numbers and availability for Multi-family or attached homes in South Elgin, IL.  The best selections are in the $200,000 to $250,000 range and we've got great larger executive styled homes for price ranges above that up to $434,900!  The median listing price for South Elgin is $214,900 and the Average Market Time is 139 days.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get "instant equity" in the market by doing the work themselves!

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                           2/22/08

Active Listings for Multi-family homes in South Elgin, IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 7 182 $150,000 - $199,999 33 151 $200,000 - $249,999 50 127 $250,000 - $299,999 2 202 $300,000 - $349,999 1 75 $400,000 - $449,999 1 1

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 94 139 $214,900 $208,438 $434,900 $112,000

To search for homes currently available in the surrounding South Elgin 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!

A real estate agent, such as myself, Lyn Sims, has all the available properties for sale listed in one place (MLS) for you to look at.  No hopping around from site to site!  Most listings now have virtual tours and multiple interior pictures so you can get a complete feel for the homes qualities and room sizes.  Another important step that must be taken first is to get prequalified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search!  I can also help with any questions that you might have in the mortgage/loan area also because I've been thru the process before!

I look forward to working with you on a great adventure called "finding your new home".

My bio and qualifications can be found here for you to see.  I've got alot of experience selling homes in the area!

Lyn Sims, RE/MAX Suburban 847-230-7324    EMAIL ME AT LynSims@remax.net

 

I can help you find a home in South Elgin, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Medinah, Schaumburg, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Roselle, Streamwood, Elk Grove Village and St. Charles.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

Looking for a townhome, condo, quad in the Streamwood 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 great and recently lowered despite all the media hype and is available to all with fairly decent credit.  In fact, I do still have 100% financing if that is your requirement! 

SITTING ON THE FENCE HAS GOT TO HURT AFTER AWHILE!         LET ME HELP GET YOU IN THE GAME!

These are the current market numbers and availability for Multi-family or attached homes in Streamwood, IL.  The best selections are in the $150,000 to $199,900 range and we've got great larger executive styled homes for price ranges above that up to $479,000!  The median listing price for Streamwood is $198,500 and the Average Market Time is 198 days.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get "instant equity" in the market by doing the work themselves!

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                                  2/22/08

Active Listings for Streamwood IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 30 181 $150,000 - $199,999 77 126 $200,000 - $249,999 47 125 $250,000 - $299,999 24 141 $300,000 - $349,999 10 129 $350,000 - $399,999 8 225 $400,000 - $449,999 1 241 $450,000 - $499,999 1 52

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 198 140 $198,500 $211,214 $479,000 $83,900

To search for homes currently available in the surrounding 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!

A real estate agent, such as myself, Lyn Sims, has all the available properties for sale listed in one place (MLS) for you to look at.  No hopping around from site to site!  Most listings now have virtual tours and multiple interior pictures so you can get a complete feel for the homes qualities and room sizes.  Another important step that must be taken first is to get prequalified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search!  I can also help with any questions that you might have in the mortgage/loan area also because I've been thru the process before!

I look forward to working with you on a great adventure called "finding your new home".

My bio and qualifications can be found here for you to see.  I've got alot of experience in the area!

Lyn Sims, RE/MAX Suburban 847-230-7324    EMAIL ME AT LynSims@remax.net

 

Northwest Suburban Chicago IL areas of Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Medinah, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Carol Stream, Schaumburg, Bloomingdale, Roselle, Elk Grove Village and St. Charles.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

Looking for a townhome, condo, quad in the Elgin 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 great and recently lowered despite all the media hype and is available to all with fairly decent credit.  In fact, I do still have 100% financing if that is your requirement! 

SITTING ON THE FENCE HAS GOT TO HURT AFTER AWHILE!  LET ME HELP GET YOU IN THE GAME!

These are the current market numbers and availability for Multi-family or attached homes in Elgin, IL.  The best selections are in the $150,000 to $199,900 range and we've got great larger executive styled homes for price ranges above that up to $489,000!  The median listing price for Elgin is $204,900 and the Average Market Time is 277 days.  Some "handyman specials" and "fixer uppers" are available for buyers trying to get "instant equity" in the market by doing the work themselves!

Elgin is divided into two counties, Cook to the Northeast and the balance in Kane County. 

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                               2/22/08

Active Listings for Elgin IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 37 178 $150,000 - $199,999 98 147 $200,000 - $249,999 77 162 $250,000 - $299,999 37 181 $300,000 - $349,999 18 167 $350,000 - $399,999 7 215 $400,000 - $449,999 1 109 $450,000 - $499,999 2 241

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 277 163 $204,900 $213,091 $489,000 $69,499

To search for homes currently available in the surrounding Elgin 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!

A real estate agent, such as myself, Lyn Sims, has all the available properties for sale listed in one place (MLS) for you to look at.  No hopping around from site to site!  Most listings now have virtual tours and multiple interior pictures so you can get a complete feel for the homes qualities and room sizes.  Another important step that must be taken first is to get prequalified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search!  I can also help with any questions that you might have in the mortgage/loan area also because I've been thru the process before!

I look forward to working with you on a great adventure called "finding your new home".

My bio and qualifications can be found here for you to see.  I've got alot of experience in the area!

Lyn Sims, RE/MAX Suburban 847-230-7324    EMAIL ME AT LynSims@remax.net

 

Northwest Suburban Chicago IL areas of Elgin, South Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Medinah, Itasca, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Carol Stream, Streamwood, Schaumburg, Bloomingdale, Roselle, Elk Grove Village and St. Charles.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

5 COMMON FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER MISTAKES that Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban doesn't want her buyers to make!  Guiding her buyers with over 20 years experience, she can help you find the best home in the Northwest Suburban Chicago IL Market.

1.  They don't ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.

Lyn's Comments - All lenders do not carry the same financing. Some do not handle FHA loans or loans with more flexible qualifying ratios that a first-time home buyer might need in order to get into that first home.  I can point you in the right direction so you get the best financing for you.  You MUST be prequalified for a loan BEFORE you begin your home search.

2.  They don't act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

Lyn's Comments- I'll help provide you with the information you need to make a confident decision.  Real Estate is local and each neighborhhood is unique.  I can show you which areas are on the upswing and which are not. 

3.  They don't find the right agent who's willing to help them through the homebuying process.

Lyn's Comments- Not all real estate agents are equal.  Not all real estate agents do this full-time.  Some of us have actually perfected their craft and know the in's and outs of each neighborhood you might be interested in.  I have been in the area for over 20 years and I understand the trends both past and present.  Did you know that a hiring a Realtor won't cost you a thing?  That's right nada - zip - zilch.  Why not take advantage of my expertise?

4.  They don't do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller.

Lyn's Comments- The sellers main concern is whether you can complete the transaction with your financing!  He says - Show me the money!  That's why going and getting pre-approved is a must.  Low-balling a seller will do nothing for your negotiations but give you a black eye!  There's a misguided "Chicago" adage that says "let's start $20,000 under list to see what they will do".  Well, in my experience I can assure you it'll be nothing!

5.  They don't think about resale before they buy. The average first-time buyer only stays in a home for four years.

Lyn's Comments- I am able to show you the market trends going back as many years as you would like.  The MLS data available to me can tell you the average increases or decreases in a particular neighborhood.  I also have statistics giving you town to town appreciation increases over a period of years.  All this information and expertise can help you make a great buying decison.

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban can be reached at (847)230-7324  OR  you may email her at LynSims@remax.net with any questions you might have regarding home ownership.

Working the areas of Streamwood, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Medinah, Itasca, Roselle, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elgin, South Elgin, Schaumburg and St. Charles.

              Tips for First-Time Home Buyers

             Ten Steps to Prepare for Home Ownership

 

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

There is a large amount of inventory thruout the Chicago Northwest Suburban Market which includes the Carol Stream IL area.  SMART PEOPLE ARE BUYING REAL ESTATE NOW!  Sellers are hot to compete and make their home standout above their competition.  Sellers are flexible!  Lots of Inventory = Buyer Benefits  SO WHY NOT GET IN THE GAME?  This is a great time to get your first home, move to a smaller home or get that larger home of your dreams!  To some buyers 100% financing is still available with a decent credit score and history!

Here is a chart of ACTIVE homes in Carol Stream with the MARKET TIMES posted as "Average Days on the Market". 

There are currently 110 homes in various styles and types available with the Average Market Time of 155 days.  The median price is $289,897 and the highest price is $749,900. 

Lyn Sims RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                                     2/17/08

Active Single Family Listings for Carol Stream IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt $150,000 - $199,999 2 207 $200,000 - $249,999 18 222 $250,000 - $299,999 42 142 $300,000 - $349,999 17 119 $350,000 - $399,999 12 119 $400,000 - $449,999 5 93 $450,000 - $499,999 2 158 $500,000 - $549,999 3 76 $550,000 - $599,999 5 268 $600,000 - $699,999 2 410 $700,000 - $799,999 2 59

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 110 155 $289,897 $334,994 $749,900 $194,900

As you can see the average bracket of pricing for the Carol Stream Area is between $250,000 to $299,900.  To search for homes up-to-the-minute on the market in the Carol Stream IL area, please go directly to my MLS search website at www.LynSims.net. 

If you are looking to find or sell a home in the general Carol Stream IL area, please feel free to contact Lyn Sims of RE/MAX Suburban at 847-230-7324 or 800-637-9345.  I can provide you with information on many of the areas communities.

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

Northwest Suburbs of Chicago IL - Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Bartlett, Roselle, Medinah, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, and St. Charles areas.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

There is a large amount of inventory thruout the Chicago Northwest Suburban Market which includes the Bloomingdale IL area.  SMART PEOPLE ARE BUYING REAL ESTATE NOW!  Sellers are hot to compete and make their home standout above their competition.  Sellers are flexible!  Lots of Inventory = Buyer Benefits  SO WHY NOT GET IN THE GAME?  This is a great time to get your first home, move to a smaller home or get that larger home of your dreams!  To some buyers 100% financing is still available with a decent credit score and history!

Here is a chart of ACTIVE homes in Bloomingdale with the MARKET TIMES posted as "Average Days on the Market". 

There are currently 85 homes in various styles and types available with the Average Market Time of 187 days.  The median price is $449,900 and the highest price is $1,900,000. 

Lyn Sims RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324                                                  2/17/08

Active Listings Single Family for Bloomingdale IL

List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt $250,000 - $299,999 8 134 $300,000 - $349,999 13 170 $350,000 - $399,999 14 188 $400,000 - $449,999 8 186 $450,000 - $499,999 5 182 $500,000 - $549,999 7 206 $550,000 - $599,999 2 340 $600,000 - $699,999 5 167 $700,000 - $799,999 8 299 $800,000 - $899,999 6 86 $900,000 - $999,999 4 176 $1,000,000 - $1,999,999 5 196

Active Listings Summary

# Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 85 187 $449,900 $560,483 $1,900,000 $259,000

As you can see the average bracket of pricing for the Bloomingdale Area is between $300,000 to $399,900.  To search for homes up-to-the-minute on the market in the Bloomingdale IL area, please go directly to my MLS search website at www.LynSims.net. 

If you are looking to find or sell a home in the general Bloomingdale IL area, please feel free to contact Lyn Sims of RE/MAX Suburban at 847-230-7324 or 800-637-9345.  I can provide you with information on many of the areas communities.

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

Northwest Suburbs of Chicago IL - Bloomingdale, Bartlett, Roselle, Medinah, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin, Carol Stream and St. Charles areas.

"Blog Dog"©2008 Lyn Sims

Moving to a new home can be stressful on your pets, but there are many things you can do to make the process as painless as possible. Experts offer these tips for easing the transition and keeping pets safe during the move.

1.  Update your pet's tag.   Make sure your pet is wearing a sturdy collar with an identification tag that is labeled with your current contact information. The tag should include your destination location, telephone number, and cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately during the move.

2.  Ask for veterinary records.   If you're moving far enough away that you'll need a new vet, you should ask for a current copy of your pet's vaccinations. You also can ask for your pet's medical history to give to your new vet, although that can normally be faxed directly to the new medical-care provider upon request. Depending on your destination, your pet may need additional vaccinations, medications, and health certificates. Have your current vet's phone number handy in case of an emergency, or in case your new vet would like more information about your pet.

3.  Keep medications and food on hand.   Keep at least one week's worth of food and medication with you in case of an emergency. Vets can't write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship, which can cause delays if you need medication right away. You may want to ask for an extra prescription refill before you move. The same preparation should be taken with special therapeutic foods - purchase an extra supply in case you can't find the food right away in your new area.

4.  Seclude your pet from chaos.   Pets can feel vulnerable on moving day. Keep them in a safe, quiet, well-ventilated place, such as the bathroom, on moving day with a "Do Not Disturb! Pets Inside!" sign posted on the door. There are many light, collapsible travel crates on the market if you choose to buy one. However, make sure your pet is familiar with the new crate before moving day by gradually introducing him or her to the crate before your trip. Be sure the crate is well-ventilated and sturdy enough for stress-chewers; otherwise, a nervous pet could escape.

5.  Prepare a first aid kit.   First aid is not a substitute for emergency veterinary care, but being prepared and knowing basic first aid could save your pet's life. A few recommended supplies: Your veterinarian's phone number, gauze to wrap wounds or to muzzle your pet, adhesive tape for bandages, non-stick bandages, towels, and hydrogen peroxide (3 percent). You can use a door, board, blanket or floor mat as an emergency stretcher and a soft cloth, rope, necktie, leash, or nylon stocking for an emergency muzzle.

6.  Play it safe in the car.  It's best to travel with your dog in a crate; second-best is to use a restraining harness. When it comes to cats, it's always best for their safety and yours to use a well-ventilated carrier in the car. Secure the crate or carrier with a seat belt and provide your pet with familiar toys. Never keep your pet in the open bed of a truck or the storage area of a moving van. In any season, a pet left alone in a parked vehicle is vulnerable to injury and theft. If you'll be using overnight lodging, plan ahead by searching for pet-friendly hotels. Have plenty of kitty litter and plastic bags on hand, and keep your pet on its regular diet and eating schedule.

7.  Get ready for takeoff.   When traveling by air, check with the airline about any pet requirements or restrictions to be sure you've prepared your pet for a safe trip. Some airlines will allow pets in the cabin, depending on the animal's size, but you'll need to purchase a special airline crate that fits under the seat in front of you. Give yourself plenty of time to work out any arrangements necessary including consulting with your veterinarian. If traveling is stressful for your pet, consult your veterinarian about ways that might lessen the stress of travel.

8.  Find a new veterinary clinic and emergency hospital.   Before you move, ask your vet to recommend a doctor in your new locale. Talk to other pet owners when visiting the new community, and call the state veterinary medical association (VMA) for veterinarians in your location. When choosing a new veterinary hospital, ask for an impromptu tour; kennels should be kept clean at all times, not just when a client's expected. You may also want to schedule an appointment to meet the vets. Now ask yourself: Are the receptionists, doctors, technicians, and assistants friendly, professional and knowledgeable? Are the office hours and location convenient? Does the clinic offer emergency or specialty services or boarding? If the hospital doesn't meet your criteria, keep looking until you're assured that your pet will receive the best possible care.

9.  Prep your new home for pets.   Pets may be frightened and confused in new surroundings. Upon your arrival at your new home, immediately set out all the familiar and necessary things your pet will need: food, water, medications, bed, litter box, toys, etc. Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away. Keep all external windows and doors closed when your pet is unsupervised, and be cautious of narrow gaps behind or between appliances where nervous pets may try to hide. If your old home is nearby, your pet may try to find a way back there. To be safe, give the new home owners or your former neighbors your phone number and a photo of your pet, and ask them to contact you if your pet is found nearby.

10.  Learn more about your new area.   Once you find a new veterinarian, ask if there are any local health concerns such as heartworm or Lyme disease, or any vaccinations or medications your pet may require. Also, be aware of any unique laws. For example, there are restrictive breed laws in some cities. Homeowner associations also may have restrictions - perhaps requiring that all dogs are kept on leashes. If you will be moving to a new country, carry an updated rabies vaccination and health certificate. It is very important to contact the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you're traveling to obtain specific information on special documents, quarantine, or costs to bring the animal into the country.

LOOKING FOR A PET FRIENDLY REALTOR?  

LYN SIMS at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324

Northwest Suburban Chicago IL Market Areas of Bartlett, Streamwood, Hanover Park, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Medinah, Roselle, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Elgin, South Elgin and St. Charles.

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