Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Closed in Forest Hills of Western Springs

On the market for 2 days Listed for $375,000 and sold for $375,000 3 br, 2 1/2 bath built in 1966 this split level was on a 50 x 184 lot.

Client looking for a summer rental here in Western Springs

If you or anyone you know would be willing to rent their home here in Western Springs to a former resident please let me know. Rental term from end of June until September. Comes with references. Looking to pay approx. $300-$350 per week. You can leave home and have someone keeping an eye on your property!

Closed in Fairview Estates of Western Springs

This home was listed for $339,000 and sold for $309,000. It was marketed by me for the Cook County Public Administrator. It had been vacant for 4 years. There were 11 offers ranging from $189,000 to over the asking price. Great 4 bedroom 2 1/2 bath home on a 77" wide lot. Needed work but will be a wonderful home.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Closed in Old Town of Western Springs 4012 Wolf Road

Well I have been a realtor for 34 years in town and I had to say WOW when I saw the sale price. Listed for $260,000 and lowered to $250 than $199,900 and Closed For $140,000. Value was said to be in the land as it was a 2 bedroom, 1 bath house on a 60 x 135 lot. Some of the prices will amaze you!

Friday, March 23, 2012

Closed in Field Park of Western Springs

This home was on the market for 178 days in 2010 starting at $535,000 and reduced to $485,000 Back on at $485,000 and lowered to $459,900- on that time for 190 days Listed again for $439,900 and lowered to $399,000 and was on the market for 145 days when it sold and closed on March 23rd for $375,000. 4 bedroom, 3 bath with a 1 car garage on a corner lot.

Beautiful ranch in Woodridge

This home backs up to a pond and park. All the upgrades you could want and gently lived in. I am passing this along to you since one of my weekly readers is related to this seller and thinks this is an exceptional home for an empty nester. If you know anyone call me.
Home is listed for $399,900 Linda Hanley Kelly 708-334-5356

HARP program changes -submitted by Mark Silverstein, Senior Mortgage Banker

I have known Mark for over 15 years. I first met him when he was working for the Community Bank of Western Springs. Here is some information I think you will all find interesting and helpful to some. Within the next few days, HARP 2.0 will be rolled out to lenders, and they will have the opportunity to offer their borroweres a great opportunity to refinance to a lower rate and save significantly on their monthly mortgage costs. Those new guidelines include eliminating the limit on how far underwater a borrower can be and still qualify for a HARP refinance. Previously, borrowers could owe no more than 125% of the value of their home; the new guidelines have no limit on how much your mortgage debt may exceed your home value. There are some qualifications that each borrower must meet. You are only eligible if your current loan was bought by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac prior to May 31,2009-they can help you determine this. You will also need to show that you have been current on your mortgage payments-you may have one 30 day late payment in the past 12 months, but none within the past 6 months. Contact Mark to see if you can qualify for this program. HARP 2.0 is available through 2013, so even if you don't quality now-if you had a late payment in the last six months, for example-there's still time to get back on track to qualify and take advantage of this great program. The point of HARP 2.0 is to help struggling, underwater homeowners or simply to assist borrowers who wanted to refinance into a lower rate but couldn't qualify under previous guidelines. With this program you will be able to refinance into a better rate, reduce your mortgage payments, pay down your loan balance and rebuild your equity. Written by Mark Silverstein, Senior Mortgage Banker1st Advantage Mortgage, 3934 N. Lincoln, Chicago, Il 60613 Cell: 312-919-6275 efax:312-654-7292 mark.silverstein@1amllc.ocm

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Spring Activities registration now open for Spring Tennis and Spring Session Classes at the Rec Center

Call Office now for clarification. You do not need to wait until April 13th for Spring Tennis, Volleyball, Softball, basketball, fly fishing. 708-246-9070 to register for these classes.

Western Springs Recreation Department Summer catalog

Just a reminder that the brochure came in the mail today and registration for Summer programs is mail-in must be received by 4:30 PM on Thurs., April 12 at 1500 Walker St. Than resident registration continues as a walk-in with 1st come 1st serve on Monday April 16th at the Rec Center beginning at 8:30 am. Non-resident registration begins Monday, April 23rd. Lottery registration for mail-in/dropped off forms takes place at 8:30 am to noon on April 23rd. Walk-in registration begins at noon with 1st come 1st serve. If you are moving here and want a brochure call the office at 708-246-9070

Monday, March 19, 2012

Sold 4200 Gilbert in Field Park of Western Springs

On the market for 324 days. Sold in March of 2009 for $360,000 Went on the market for $419,000 and was down to $379,000 when it sold for $372,000 on March 19, 2012 Built in 1951 and sits on a 50 x 131 lot. 3 bedroom and 2 bath ranch.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Western Springs Raffle...Gift Certificates to the local shops

Been busy with real estate but don't want to forget about all of my Western Springs Raffle fans! I will be giving gift certificates that can be used in the town to number 46 and 32 in honor of my new listing at 4632 Woodland in Old Town South. Here is a great home in a wonderful location that makes walking to town and the train a joy! Get rid of that second car when you purchase this home. And if you win a gift certificate walk uptown and visit our merchants.
Here it is...a home in the location you come to Western Springs for. Walk for ice cream, coffee, lunch or a 5 star dinner. Get fresh fruit or high end meat. Need a gift, shop at the local gift shops. Walk to the library, play tennis at night and all of this is only a 2 to 3 block walk from this custom built 4 bedroom home with features you need to come see. $929,000. Move right into this home.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Closed in Forest Hills 5333 Fair Elms

On the market for 70 days 5333 Fair Elms Listed for $349,900 and sold for $325,000 on a lot 60 x 150 3 bedroom 1 1/2 bath with a finished basement.

Closed in Old Town of Western Springs

Here was a quick spring sale. On the market for 4 days. Listed at $299,900 and sold for $291,000 68 x 153 lot with an older bi-level with 3 bedrooms, 1 1/2 baths. I am guessing this will be a teardown but I do not know that for sure.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Spring Coloring Contest in Western Springs

This contest is open to ages preschool-5th grade. The form is available at wsprings.com, the library, the rec center, Grand Avenue Community Center and the schools. Submit the form by April 2nd to the Recreation office for display and a chance to win a prize!

Tear downs in Western Springs

I am predicting a year with many teardowns. I personally just sold two that are going to be torn down. What is your prediction?

Youth Lacrosse begins in April

Youth Lacrosse is for 1st to 8th graders and starts outdoors in April. Find out more at their home page.

Spring at the Rec Center in Western Springs

Next session starts April 23 and runs to June 9. If you need a spring brochure call 708-246-9070 or find it at www.wsprings.com

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Closed in Field Park of Western Springs

This home sold in September of 2008 for $510,000. Listed in April 2010 for $524,900 and lowered to $485 on for 128 days. Back on in August 2011 for $499 and lowered to $439 Closed March 14, 2012 after 184 days for $408500. Charming home on Johnson in Field Park.

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Closed in Forest Hills of Western Springs 5316 Central

n the market for 115 Days. This home started at $319900 and was lowered to 299900 and sold for $265000. 3 bedroom, 2 bath bi-level on a 50 x 150 lot. Original owner.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

What happens when a listing appears to be a great deal

I have noticed this happening throughout my career but it just happened to me and I noticed it happened to a few other listings on the MLS in the past few months. A home hits the market at a great price and we get multiple offers. Everyone wants what others want so offers are written in haste and the buyer gets cold feet. Unfortunately in the next few days it is reactivated because the buyer wants out of the deal. I am not sure what the reasons are and I would guess they vary from buyer to buyer. One guess I have is that buyers don't feel as good about the purchase when they feel rushed. Also there may be circumstances they didn't take into consideration because of the hurried situation. Another lesson you can take from this story is if you were one of the offers that did not get the deal ask your agent to inform the listing agent that your offer stands for the next few days. You may still wind up with the property. Listing homes on the low end does create interest and offers. In most of these cases the homes resold again very quickly. When looking in the spring market as a buyer you need to be prepared for a quick purchase. Some of the prices do seem like excellent values. If you have been looking for a long time and you see one of these "great buys" don't second guess yourself. You have a 5 day attorney approval and a home inspection. During that time you can calmly access your purchase and determine if you have bought a home in a condition you can live with. The really good homes or the really good deals will most likely sell quick right now. Get out there and see what is available in your price range so you are ready when the right home comes along! If you need a buyer's agent call me. If you want to sell your home this year-call me! If you just want to talk about real estate-call me! Linda at 708-334-5356