TheBlogDog.net

Streamwood IL Real Estate - What's going on with our housing market?

Mon, 07 May 2012 02:54:12 -0700

Streamwood IL Real Estate - Housing Market for April 2012

How to describe this market for Streamwood IL Homes? We have actually been seeing an improvement for the last 12 months. It still feels sluggish with extended market times, erratic movement, and unpredictable both for buyers and sellers. Interest rates have never been lower with affordability being the best it's ever been. But buyers are still pensive and definitely not pulling the trigger very fast which then frustrates sellers!

The months supply of inventory for Streamwood IL Homes has been steadily decreasing and is an asset for recovery. We have 29% less in housing inventory then we did 12 months ago. When there are many homes on the market it becomes more competitive and prices are forced downward. Currently Streamwood has experienced an inventory drop from 4.6 months to only 2.9 months. This has never happened before. We have never had inventory this low without it becoming a sellers market and bidding wars begin. Is this a sign that balance is coming soon for our market?

Another great indicator that the Streamwood IL market is improving is the number of homes that go under contract each month. Currently we are between 16 to 23%. This is terrific and has never been higher!

Percentage of Listed Streamwood Homes that go under contract each month.

Feb 2012 Mar 2012 Apr 2012 16.5% 20.3% 23.3%

Average Sold Prices for Streamwood Homes

Feb 2012 Mar 2012 Apr 2012 $96,000 $130,000 $107,000

What's positive about the market in Streamwood? Inventory down - contracts are up. It's been constantly improving from the number of homes that go under contract each month but average prices are bouncing up and down. It's good to see a forward momentum going into the summer months.

Let me remind you that during this past year the lower end homes are selling first which brings down the average prices for the whole market. The more foreclosures entering with the lower prices makes the cycle continue. Buyers are being 'enticed' by all the REO's and foreclosures because why should they buy the same home for $30,000 more? Banks are now giving two year home warranties and paying mortgage points too.

Move-up buyers have been wanting to move up to a larger home and also take advantage of the interest rates and great prices. Just one problem - they can't sell their current home. Same conditions for people that want to down size. I can only wonder when the market will turn for these buyers.

Multi-Family Market - Streamwood Homes that go under Contract each month

Feb 2012 Mar 2012 Apr 2012 11.3% 13% 20%

Multi-Family Market - Average Sold Prices for Streamwood Homes

Feb 2012 Mar 2012 Apr 2012 $130,000 $89,000 $73,000

If you are thinking of buying a Streamwood IL Home, please consider me as a 'buyers agent' for your purchase. An experienced veteran, like myself, can steer you through the 'mine field' on your way to your first or tenth home!

If you are researching this update to possibly sell your Streamwood IL Home, please email or call to discuss the advantages of my marketing abilities and getting your home turned to 'SOLD'.

Search for Streamwood IL Homes
Streamwood IL Home Foreclosures
Streamwood IL Townhomes
Streamwood IL Townhome Foreclosures
Streamwood Community Overview

Sources: MRED, Agent Metrics, my little pencil.

Hoffman Estates IL - 720 Morton St in Parcel C

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:02:04 -0800

Lyn Sims | RE/MAX Suburban | (847) 230-7324

720 Morton St, Hoffman Estates, IL

3BR/1+1BA Single Family House

offered at $184,900

Year Built 1959 Sq Footage 1,686 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 1 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 10,064 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

GREAT HOME WITH LOTS TO OFFER! LIVING ROOM WITH BAY WINDOW, DINING ROOM, KITCHEN WITH PERGO FLOOR, SPACIOUS EATING-AREA, LOTS OF SPACE FOR ENTERTAINING INSIDE & OUT. COVERED PORCH, FLORIDA ROOM, OVERSIZED PATIO.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Washer - Dryer

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 2 Car Detached Garage - Covered Porch, Sunroom - Pergo floors in Kitchen - Familyroom - Formal Dining Room - New Carpet in 2BR's - Walk to Grade School(s)

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Livrm

Dining

Kitchen

Eating Area

Master BR

2nd BR

3rd BR

Sunroom

Garage

Contact info:

Lyn Sims

RE/MAX Suburban

(847) 230-7324

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Feb 11, 2012, 12:22pm PST

Elgin IL Homes - Elgin IL Real Estate - Housing Market for March 2012

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 09:00:00 -0700

Elgin IL Homes - Elgin IL Real Estate - Housing Market for March 2012

How to describe this market for Elgin IL Homes? We have actually been seeing an improvement for the last 10 months. It still feels sluggish with extended market times, erratic movement, and unpredictable both for buyers and sellers. Interest rates have never been lower with affordability being the best it's ever been. But buyers are still pensive and definitely not pulling the trigger very fast which then frustrates sellers!

The months supply of inventory for Elgin IL Homes has been steadily decreasing and is an asset for recovery. We have 29% less in housing inventory then we did 12 months ago. Too many homes on the market makes it more competitive and prices are forced downward. Currently Elgin has experienced an inventory drop from 8 months to only 5 months. Is balance coming soon for our market?

Another great indicator that the Elgin IL market is improving is the number of homes that go under contract each month. Currently we are between 7 to 14%. This is terrific!

Percentage of Listed Elgin Homes that go under contract each month.

Jan 2012 Feb 2012 Mar 2012 11% 12% 14.7%

Average Sold Prices for Elgin Homes

Jan 2012 Feb 2012 Mar 2012 $104,000 $116,000 $120,000

What's positive about the market in Elgin? It's been constantly improving from the number of homes that go under contract each month to the average sold prices. I have to be honest, many surrounding towns have recovered faster with less extreme changes in the inventory, sales numbers, average prices each month than Elgin has. It's good to see a solid momentum going into the summer months.

Don't forget that during this past year the lower end homes are selling first which brings down the average prices for the whole market. The more foreclosures entering with the lower prices makes the cycle continue. Buyers are being 'enticed' by all the REO's and foreclosures because why should they buy the same home for $30,000 more? Banks are now giving two year home warranties and paying mortgage points too.

Multi-Family Market - Elgin Homes that go under Contract each month

Jan 2012 Feb 2012 Mar 2012 7% 7% 14.5%

Multi-Family Market - Average Sold Prices for Elgin Homes

Jan 2012 Feb 2012 Mar 2012 86,000 $69,000 $94,000

If you are thinking of buying a Elgin IL Home, please consider me as a 'buyers agent' for your purchase. An experienced veteran, like myself, can steer you through the 'mine field' on your way to your first or tenth home!

If you are researching this update to possibly sell your Elgin IL Home, please email or call to discuss the advantages of my marketing abilities and getting your home turned to 'SOLD'.

Search for Elgin IL Homes
Elgin IL Home Foreclosures
Vintage Elgin Homes (50+ years)
Elgin IL Townhomes
Elgin IL Townhome Foreclosures
Elgin Community Overview

Sources: MRED, Agent Metrics, my little pencil.

Top 10 Ways to Make Home Buyers Hate your House!

Sat, 17 May 2008 14:57:29 -0700

Selling a Home? Avoid these Common Home Buyer Turnoffs

Are you selling your home? Did you know that even though buyers are looking for something different, the majority of them will turn around and walk back out the door if they notice one or more of these ‘Top 10 Problems'.

1. Odors

House odors are number one on the home selling uh-oh list. And narrowing it down, odors from cigarette smoke and pets take top billing, with mildew not far behind. If you smoke indoors - the house smells like cigarettes. If you have pets, the house might smell bad - even if you don't notice it. Ask someone who doesn't live there to take a sniff, and don't get angry when they tell you the truth. Eradicate the odors so that you can present potential buyers with a clean, fresh atmosphere - not a house that's full of perfumes to cover up the other odors.

2. Dogs that Meet You at the Door or in the Driveway

Dogs frighten some people and irritate others. You'll have a much better response from showings if you control your pets - dogs, cats, whatever. You say you plan to put them in a bedroom or garage and then ask people not to open the door to that area? Bad idea. Would you buy a house you can't inspect? Of course not. Remove pets during showings if possible. If you can't, contain them in crates for their own safety and to show respect for the feelings of potential buyers.

3. Dirty Bathrooms

Grimy bathrooms are an instant turnoff. Scrub them, paint them, buy a new shower curtain, rugs and towels - do what it takes to make them shine. If you're serious about selling the home, the extra work is a must.

4. Dimly Lit Rooms

Dark homes are a turnoff to most home buyers, so try to brighten them up:

Replace dim light fixtures or use higher wattage bulbs
Install additional light fixtures
Install (quality) sun tunnels or skylights
Remove heavy drapes to let the light stream through windows
Repaint some rooms with colors that reflect light
Trim tree limbs that shadow the house

Dirty and fogged windows are another buyer turnoff. Clean them inside and out to bring in more light. If possible, replace any double-pane windows with broken seals. You can find them by looking for a foggy residue (looks like milk on the glass) that cannot be removed.

5. A House Full of Busy Wallpaper

Busy wallpaper in every room turns off most buyers, and even people who love wallpaper rarely like what you've chosen. It's a personal decorative touch that they want to select themselves. It's the masses you must appeal to when you're selling a home, so take a hard look at your wallpaper and decide it should be removed and replaced with paint. Don't paint over it, because it will be obvious that you did - and buyers know that makes removing it even more difficult.

6. Damp Basements

Dampness or damp smells in the basement throw up a red flag to buyers that the foundation leaks! Most problems we see are not caused by faulty foundations. They occur because rainwater is being diverted towards the foundation instead of away from it.

Clogged underground drains
No rain gutters along roofline
Downspouts aimed the wrong way

Go outside the next time it rains and determine where that runoff water is going.

7. Bugs

Roaches, ants, spiders, any insect that shouldn't be in the house. Get rid of them!

8. Poor Curb Appeal

You must grab a buyer's interest from the curb if you want to sell the home for top dollar. Home buyers often refuse to go into a house with an unkempt yard, sagging doors or peeling paint. You say you can't afford to paint? You can get that yard in tip-top shape and grab a screwdriver to fix those doors and cleaning doesn't cost a lot of money! Clean the front door and ‘welcome' the buyers into your home.

9. Gutters with Plants and Small Trees Growing in Them

I'm serious! Some people never clean their gutters, and it always makes buyers wonder what else hasn't been maintained. Remember the drainage issue in #6? Cleaning packed gutters might help.

10. Sellers Who Hang Around for Showings

Yes, you ... leave the house during showings. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is home. Remember, hovering is for helicopters so give the buyers space when they need it most.

My Parting Words

Most of the Top 10 problems are home selling issues you can correct without spending a lot of money. Do it now, before you put the house on the market, because if your house develops a reputation among agents as the house that smells, the house with the huge barking dog or the house where the owner won't leave people alone, it will be too late. Your house will be last on their list to show potential buyers.

Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 Direct Home Search MLS Access Website

Email: LynSims@msn.com

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban is a 25+ year veteran agent who works the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago in Streamwood, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Schaumburg, Elgin, South Elgin and St. Charles.

Top 10 Ways to Make Home Buyers Hate your House, Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 RE/MAX Suburban

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 09:41:12 -0700

Selling a Home? Avoid these Common Home Buyer Turnoffs

1. Odors

House odors are number one on the home selling uh-oh list. And narrowing it down, odors from cigarette smoke and pets take top billing, with mildew not far behind. If you smoke indoors - the house smells like cigarettes. If you have pets, the house might smell bad - even if you don't notice it. Ask someone who doesn't live there to take a sniff, and don't get angry when they tell you the truth. Eradicate the odors so that you can present potential buyers with a clean, fresh atmosphere - not a house that's full of perfumes to cover up the other odors.

2. Dogs that Meet You at the Door or in the Driveway

3. Dirty Bathrooms

4. Dimly Lit Rooms

Dark homes are a turnoff to most home buyers, so try to brighten them up:

Replace dim light fixtures or use higher wattage bulbs
Install additional light fixtures
Install (quality) sun tunnels or skylights
Remove heavy drapes to let the light stream through windows
Repaint some rooms with colors that reflect light
Trim tree limbs that shadow the house

5. A House Full of Busy Wallpaper

6. Damp Basements

Clogged underground drains
No rain gutters along roofline
Downspouts aimed the wrong way

Go outside the next time it rains and determine where that runoff water is going.

7. Bugs

Roaches, ants, spiders, any insect that shouldn't be in the house. Get rid of them!

8. Poor Curb Appeal

9. Gutters with Plants and Small Trees Growing in Them

I'm serious! Some people never clean their gutters, and it always makes buyers wonder what else hasn't been maintained. Remember the drainage issue in #6? Cleaning packed gutters might help.

10. Sellers Who Hang Around for Showings

Yes, you ... leave the house during showings. Home buyers feel awkward about opening closet doors and lingering for a really good look at the house if the seller is home. Remember, hovering is for helicopters so give the buyers space when they need it most.

My Parting Words

Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 Direct Home Search MLS Access

Lyn's Website

Email: LynSims@remax.net

Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban is a veteran agent who works the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago in Bartlett, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove Village, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Elgin, South Elgin and St. Charles.

1010 Lincolnshire Ct, Elgin IL $144,900 OAKWOOD HILLS

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 14:14:37 -0700

Lyn Sims | RE/MAX Suburban | (847) 230-7324

1010 Lincolnshire Court, Elgin, IL

PRIVATE LOCATION ~ TONS OF SPACE

2BR/2BA Condo

offered at $144,900

Year Built 1996 Sq Footage Unspecified Bedrooms 2 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking Unspecified Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $152 per month

DESCRIPTION

Vaulted Livingroom gives lots of light! 6 panel doors, location upgrade, laminate kitchen floor, 42" cabinets & marble counter. Master BR is generous & can accomodate the largest furniture also has walk-in closet. Private 1 car garage.
see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Living room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Granite countertop - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking - Guest parking

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 6 panel doors ~ white molding ~ fresh paint - Master has Walk-in Closet - Private Balcony - 42" cabinets & marble counter in Kitchen

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front

Livrm

Master BR

Kitchen

Eating Area

Contact info:

Lyn Sims

RE/MAX Suburban

(847) 230-7324

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 14, 2010, 9:56am PDT

What makes a Good Neighborhood?

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 13:44:53 -0700

What Makes a Good Neighborhood?

When you buy a house, you also invest in the neighborhood that surrounds it. The identity of a neighborhood may be as important to property values as the individual properties themselves. In a “planned community”, strictly controlled architecture governs a carefully crafted identity block after block. In a rural town, tree-lined streets and an old-fashioned town square preserve a disappearing way of life. In a large city, an older neighborhood's ethnic history has shaped its character and often drives its rejuvenation. It's important to know where a neighborhood has been—and where it's going—before you decide to buy.

1. Start with Statistics

It's now possible to get valuable neighborhood statistics online. Crime statistics, school scores and demographic information are all readily available. Check the village websites for specific information on the town as a whole. Park Districts are important and so are the schools in a particular community so study these carefully. Demographics can now be found by zip code here.

2. Check with the City or Village Hall

You can get any kind of town planning document from your town or county's zoning and/or planning authorities. If you want to be sure that the rural hideaway you just bought stays rural, check with these officials. They start planning large projects like major road construction years from the actual start date.

3. Research the Resale Potential

The quality of the neighborhood will play a big role in your home's resale value—whether you live in the least or most expensive house on the block. (It’s better to have the smallest house in the best community). Check out the neighborhood for job growth and home appreciation numbers in the area you're interested in. Get a list of homes for sale in the neighborhood from your real estate agent to determine how many days they've been on the market. If properties haven't been selling quickly, find out whether the market is slow or if there are neighborhood issues that may make resale difficult.

How can I Find Neighborhoods on the Rise?

Start looking for tomorrow's hot neighborhoods right on the edge of today's most desirable, well-established neighborhoods. These tangential neighborhoods are frequently next in line to experience a surge in prices.

Look for these signs of increasing popularity:

·         Multiple offers on homes for sale
·         An increase in the number of buyers moving in from other areas
·         An increase in the number of local residents trading up within the neighborhood
·         A decrease in the percentage of renters
·         Signs of remodeling

4. Get to Know the Community Yourself

It may sound like a cliché, but nobody knows a neighborhood like the people who live and work there every day. Visit a neighborhood on your own at different times of day and night. Talk to neighbors. Visit nearby schools and local businesses. Small local papers can be chock-full of information that gives you a feel for the neighborhood or community. If you depend on public transportation, find out how accessible it is in this area. Drive to and from the house from several different directions, so you see both the scenic and not-so-scenic routes. Plan how long it will take for your daily commute.

Home Search Website

ARE YOU READY TO TAKE THE FIRST STEPS? ARE YOU READY TO GET STARTED?

I HAVE 20+ YEARS EXPERIENCE WORKING THE NORTHWEST SUBURBAN MARKET AREA AND WOULD LOVE TO GET YOU ON YOUR WAY TO YOUR NEXT HOME!

SHADOW HILL | ELGIN IL

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 16:17:17 -0700

Lyn Sims | RE/MAX Suburban | (847) 230-7324

228 Sonoma Dr, Elgin, IL

SAVE BIG ON THIS BIG HOUSE! 4BR'S - DEN - LOFT - 2.5 BA'S - 3 CAR GARAGE

4BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $279,900

Year Built 2007 Sq Footage 3,122 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size .24 acres HOA/Maint $30 per month

DESCRIPTION

Save $100K or so on this newer home! Wonderful floorplan with open Greatroom & open Familyroom areas.
see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Office/Den - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Stainless steel appliances - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Yard - Jacuzzi/Whirlpool

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 3122 SQUARE FEET - 3 CAR GARAGE - HARDWOOD FLOORS - 2STORY FOYER - BRICK FRONT WITH PORCH - INSULATED BASEMENT W/ROUGHED IN PLUMBING - MASTER HAS 2 WALK-IN CLOSETS - MASTER BATH HAS WHIRLPOOL, SEPERATE SHOWER - BA's HAVE CERAMIC FLOORS

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Front Porch/Brick

Familyroom

2story Foyer

Kitchen

Master BR

Master BA

Contact info:

Lyn Sims

RE/MAX Suburban

(847) 230-7324

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jun 19, 2010, 11:35am PDT

Bartlett IL - Dog Parks in the area

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 11:21:07 -0700

Dog Parks for your frisky pooch!

Bring your dogs to get off leash exercise, play and socialize with other dogs. An annual pooch permit allows you and your canine companion to enjoy these different areas just a short drive away.

2009 U.S. and Canada Off-Leash Dog Park Guide

Hanover Park - Bloomingdale Area

Mallard Lake with Off Leash Dog Area

Glendale Heights - Addison - Medinah Areas

East Branch Off Leash Dog Area

Bartlett - Wayne - West Chicago

Pratt's Wayne Woods Off Leash Dog Area

Roselle - Schaumburg

An annual pooch permit allows you and your canine companion to enjoy the Odlum Park Dog Park. (kinda redundant?) A liability waiver and current vaccinations are required to obtain a pooch permit. Membership is valid from July 1, 2008-June 30, 2009. Registrations fees are non-refundable, non-transferable and are not prorated.

Odlum Park is located close to Central and Rodenberg actually on Travis Parkway- (close to the Schaumburg Flyers Baseball Stadium and the Schaumburg Train Station)

'Woofstock' in Roselle at Odlum Dog Park

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

      The 'Blog Dog' knows Bartlett!

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.

Bartlett Area Dog Parks ©2009 TheBlogDog.net and Lyn Sims

Elgin IL Real Estate - Wonderfully Secluded 1 Acre Lot - $312,900

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 09:54:23 -0700

Lyn Sims | RE/MAX Suburban | (847) 230-7324

51 Gromer Rd, Elgin, IL

LOOKING FOR PRIVACY? LOOKING FOR GREAT WOODED LOT? 1 ACRE WITH
PLENTY OF ROOM!

4BR/2+1BA Single Family House

offered at $312,900

Year Built 1978 Sq Footage 2,510 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 43,560 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month

DESCRIPTION

COUNTRY SETTING BUT CLOSE TO EVERYTHING IN THIS GREAT HOME! PRIVATE YARD, SCREENED PORCH, 6 PANEL DOORS, CORIAN COUNTERS IN KITCHEN. UPDATES INCLUDE NEUTRAL CARPET & PAINT, HARDWOOD FLOORS IN FOYER & DINRM. MASTER BATH UPDATED, GREAT BR SIZES! FINISHED BASEMENT HAS REC ROOM, LOTS OF STORAGE & WORKSHOP.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - Central heat - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Family room - Living room - Dining room - Basement - Washer - Dryer

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- Wooded Lot is 1 acre - 6 Panel Doors - Anderson Windows - Finished basement

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Wooded 1 Acre

Livingroom

Diningroom

Kitchen

Familyroom

Master BR

Master BA

2nd BR has walk-in

3rd BR

Finished Basement

Screened Porch

Side yard

Backyard

Contact info:

Lyn Sims

RE/MAX Suburban

(847) 230-7324

For sale by agent/broker

Posted: Mar 29, 2012, 12:43pm PDT

DuPage County Down Payment Assistance

Fri, 07 May 2010 16:54:22 -0700

Down Payment Assistance and Home Ownership Opportunity in DuPage County IL

Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP)

DuPage County is purchasing bank-owned foreclosed homes and rehabbing them for sale to qualified buyers, who would be willing to live in the house. This owner-occupied new program includes a special financing plan that can save you money and help you get the home of your dreams.

How does it work?

Borrower must qualify for a purchase price of at least $100,000
Tax impound account required
Term of 15, 20 or 30 years
Fixed rate, must be reasonable
Fully amortized
Renovation loans not allowed (203K)
Lenders not on the Authorities Participating Lender List will need to submit a copy of the Good Faith Estimate (GFE) and Commitment Letter to the Authority at time of first mortgage loan application for approval & review.

There are income requirements! 1 person is $63,350 gross maximum while a 8 person household is $119,450 maximum income level. (See guidelines sheet).

Buyers need to make a minimum downpayment of $1000 from their own funds (no gifts) plus the required closing costs.

Education requirement - Borrower must complete an 8 hour home buyer education seminar, home maintenance class and budgeting class provided by the Authority.

Credit score minimum's of 660.

2 months reserves for borrower required.

Assistance Amount - 17% of the purchase price with no interest.

You will need a Realtor (me!!!) to show you these homes or to be sure they are still available. This is a tremendous opportunity and when the funds are used up the program is gone.

NSP Guidelines

Properties Available

Frequently Asked Questions

Please call Lyn Sims for this down payment assistance and home ownership opportunity for DuPage County in IL!

Hanover Township Assessor - Notice of Reassessment 'Downward'

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:30:58 -0700

Well is this good news? We shall see. Don't forget to look for this assessment change in your mailbox coming soon. Don't forget that every Illinois homeowner has the right to protest their taxes if they feel they are being overvalued and over taxed. Just wanted to be sure that you were informed as the county doesn't seem to be getting the word out like it should. This will effect all homeowners in Cook County!

Cook County Assessor Announces First-Ever Downward Market Adjustment for Homeowners (released 5/11/09)

Cook County Assessor Jim Houlihan announced that residential properties not being reassessed this year will receive a market adjustment reflecting the real estate downturn. Residential properties in 30 suburban townships will receive reductions in their assessed value.

“The situation we are facing is extraordinary. Foreclosures and declines in sale prices and volume have taken a toll on home values,” Houlihan said. “After careful analysis of market sales and foreclosure data, we determined these townships should not have to wait until their next reassessment for the impact to be reflected."

“Homeowners are already getting less protection from the 7% Expanded Homeowner Exemption this year,” Houlihan added, noting the General Assembly’s decision to phase it out. “That makes the adjustment even more urgent.”

As part of this historic step, the Assessor’s Office will mail notices to every property owner in Cook County this year. Normally, properties are assessed every three years and receive notices only then. The north suburbs are not scheduled to be reassessed until 2010; the south and west suburbs will be reassessed in 2011.

This year, each suburban township will receive an adjustment percentage, which will lower the existing assessed values of all residential properties in that township, Houlihan said. The reductions will likely range from 4% to 15%.

“Areas hit hard by foreclosures and market drops will see the biggest reductions. We will continue to monitor the market. The percentage reductions will change if the conditions warrant it,” Houlihan said.

The first notices will be sent to River Forest Township in May and will reflect a 5% reduction for residences there. Cicero Township, burdened by a high foreclosure rate and a battered sales market, will receive a 15% reduction, Houlihan said.

The market reductions come as the Assessor’s Office is implementing the 10/25 Ordinance, a measure simplifying assessment levels passed by the County Board last year. Under the ordinance, the assessment level of residential properties is 10% of market value; for industrial and commercial properties, it is 25% of market value.

Cook County Appeal Forms

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

The 'Blog Dog' gives her 'Pawspective'!

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 Streamwood, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg, Roselle, Palatine, Medinah, Itasca, Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Hanover Park, 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.

Hanover Township Assessor - June 2009 ©2009 TheBlogDog.net and Lyn Sims

Hanover Township Assessor - Long Time Occupant Exemption

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:45:57 -0700

LONG-TIME OCCUPANT HOMEOWNER EXEMPTION FOR COOK COUNTY

New exemption will allow homeowners residing in their homes 10 years or more to receive additional tax relief if the following requirements are met:

Homeowner with a total household income of $75,000 or below will have an increase limited to 7% over the prior year’s taxable value, with no maximum exemption amount.
Homeowner with a total household income greater than $75,000, but not exceeding $100,000 will have an increase limited to 10% over the prior year’s taxable value, with no maximum exemption amount.

So an example would be: Your taxes are $3500 per year - the most they could increase would be $245 and you would have to make less than $75,000 per year.

So an example would be: Your taxes are $3500 per year - your income is above $75,000 but below $100,000 your taxes could only increase $350 per year.

Please note the Long-Time Occupant Exemption cannot be received with the 7% Expanded Homeowner Exemption (in layman's terms, this is the regular homeowners exemption that one receives) or the Senior Freeze Exemption. The most beneficial exemption (the one that takes off the most amount of money) will be applied to the property.

If you would like additional information regarding this new exemption or any other exemption, please go to www.cookcountyassessor.com or your local assessor's office for a thorough explanation.

Be sure that you are applying for your exemptions so that you only pay what is necessary every year!

Be vigilant! The county is not making this information readily available to all that need to know!

Exemption Forms

Long-time Occupant Homestead Exemption (LOHE) – Cook County Only
Public Act 95-644 that passed into law in 2007 created a new homestead exemption for counties that are subject to the AGHE (currently only in Cook County). The new exemption is in effect in Cook County beginning with 2007 tax year for residential property that is occupied as a primary residence for a continuous period by a qualified taxpayer with a total household income of $100,000 or less. The property must be occupied for 10 continuous years or 5 continuous years if the person receives assistance to acquire the property as part of a government or non-profit housing program. This exemption limits EAV increases to a specific annual percentage increase that is based on the total household income of $100,000 or less. A total household income of $75,000 or less is limited to a 7% annual percentage increase in EAV or a total household income of over $75,000 to $100,000 is limited to a 10% annual percentage increase in EAV. The minimum limit is the same amount calculated for the GHE with no maximum limit amount for the exemption. Properties cannot receive both the LOHE and the AGHE, GHE or SCAFHE. Properties that qualify for the SCAFHE will receive the same amount calculated for the GHE. For information and to apply contact the Cook County Assessor's Office.

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

The 'Blog Dog' wants to be sure you file for your exemption!

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.

Sources and credits: Cook County Assessor

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.

Hanover Township Assessor ©2009 TheBlogDog.net and Lyn Sims

Schaumburg Townhomes - SUMMIT PLACE 3BR

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 13:59:26 -0700

Lyn Sims | RE/MAX Suburban | (847) 230-7324

924 Manchester Circle, Schaumburg, IL

WONDERFULLY UPDATED!

3BR/2BA Townhouse

offered at $169,900

Year Built 1986 Sq Footage 1,400 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 1 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $209 per month

DESCRIPTION

3BR 2BA largest model offers great floorplan & newly updated! Laminate floors thruout, skylite in vaulted livingroom, separate Diningroom can accomodate the largest furniture. Double door Master BR with walk-in closet. Baths remodeled with new vanities, ceramic floors. 6 panel doors added with white moldings thruout. One BR is separated which would be perfect for guests. Private entrance & private entry from your garage. Schaumburg offers lots of shopping, parks, recreation to do.

see additional photos below

PROPERTY FEATURES

- Central A/C - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Hardwood floor - Living room - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Stainless steel appliances - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio

COMMUNITY FEATURES

- Garage parking - Guest parking - Playground

OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES

- 6 Panel Doors - Skylites - Walk to grocery, banks, parks

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS

Photo 1

Livingroom

Dinrm

Kitchen

Master BR

Master BA

Main BA

Contact info:

Lyn Sims

RE/MAX Suburban

(847) 230-7324

For sale by agent/broker

Equal Opportunity Housing

Posted: Jul 17, 2011, 9:47am PDT

Bartlett Illinois - Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:48:47 -0700

WHERE CAN YOU PURCHASE A HOME?

The Program is available in these Cook County communities and all unincorporated Cook County areas only.

WEST
Bedford Park, Bellwood, Bensenville, Berkeley, Berwyn, Bridegview, Broadview, Brookfield, Burbank, Burr Ridge*, Cicero, Elmwood Park, Harwood Heights, Hillside, Hinsdale*, Hodgkins, lndian Head Park, Justice, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lyons, Maywood, McCook, Melrose Park, Norridge, North Riverside, Northlake, River Grove, Riverside, River Forest, Schiller Park, Stickney, Stone Park, Summit, Westchester, Western Springs, Willow Springs.

SOUTHWEST
Alsip, Chicago Ridge, Countryside, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Hometown, Lemont, Merrionette Park, Orland Hills, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Palos Hills, Palos Park, Tinley Park*, Worth.

SOUTH
Blue lsland, Burnham, Calumet City, Calumet Park, Chicago Heights, Country Club Hills, Crestwood, Dixmoor, Dolton, East Hazel Crest, Flossmoor, Ford Heights, Glenwood, Harvey, Hazel Crest, Homewood, Lansing, Lynwood, Markham, Matteson*, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Olympia Fields, Park Forest, Phoenix, Posen, Richton Park, Riverdale, Robbins, Sauk Village, South Chicago
Heights, South Holland, Steger*, Thornton.

NORTH
Deerfield*, Glencoe, Glenview, Golf, Kenilworth*, Lincolnwood, Morton Grove, Niles*, Northbrook, Northfield, Park Ridge, Rosemont, Wilmette, Winnetka.

NORTHWEST
Barrington*, Barrington Hills*, Bartlett*, Buffalo Grove*, Elk Grove Village, Hanover Park*, Hoffman Estates*, lnverness, Prospect Heights, Roselle*, Rolling Meadows, South Barrington, Streamwood, Wheeling*

Program Brochure

WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?

To make the “American Dream” of home ownership a reality for first-time home buyers in Cook County, this program provides down payment assistance to income-qualified families, who are first-time home buyers, to purchase single family housing that will serve as the family's principal residence in suburban Cook County. There are income limits on this program.

Qualified buyers are eligible to help them meet down payment and closing costs, through a five-year forgivable second mortgage (second lien) held by Cook County.

The application period for this program is currently open, and assistance is subject to the availability of funds and other program guidelines.

Lyn currently works with buyers in the Northwest Market Area. If you would like more information on this program and how to get started, please don't hesitate in contacting Lyn Sims today.

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

The 'Blog Dog' knows Bartlett!

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.

Bartlett - Down Payment Assistance for First Time Home Buyers ©2009 TheBlogDog.net and Lyn Sims