The Future of Real Estate is Looking Up

Much has been written during the last several months about real estate. Many of our suburban areas saw appreciation or very little depreciation.

While it is taking longer (in many areas) to get properties sold, most sellers are holding tight for the price they need in order to move. Few, if any, are selling below market value.

Foreclosures may be up, but the lenders still want fair market value for the property.

If you've been reading that now is the time to reach out and snap up homes and other properties for pennies on the dollar, it's generally not true. Both sellers and lenders are willing to wait, in most cases, for a fair price. If you want to chase these kinds of opportunities (below market prices, desparate sellers, etc.) - you'll be spending lots of time running around in circles, reading list after list, throwing offers together, and quickly getting no where.

With continued low, low interest rates don't wait to buy the home you've been looking for. Chances are, the property value will not be going down very much, if at all. It's predicted the summer real estate market will rebound and prices rise again.

To self-search available properties around suburban Chicago go to: http://www.suburbanchicagopropertysearch.com, register and login to search.

You will never, ever be spammed by our agents/company. If you ask for information, guidance, or help it will be there. You will never be added into some "drip" campaign that sprinkles you with "valuable information". We respect your privacy, your time, and most of all your trust. In return for this valuable and costly service we provide you, we expect your loyalty to let us serve your real estate needs if you are in our service areas or let us refer you to someone who can serve you better in locations we don't service.

When you find a property you would like to see, contact us. We service most western, southwestern (west of Cicero Avenue), northern, and northwestern suburbs of Chicago.

We're confident you'll love our services, information rich resources and care we provide our clients. Working with a servant's heart for your best interests.

We treat you like family because you become part of our real estate family!

Register by Tuesday to vote in upcoming elections + real estate info

Tuesday, January 8, 2008 is your last day to register to vote in the upcoming elections. That means you only have hours to get ready. Are you ready?

Voting is one of our privileges as Americans. Don't waste it.

On the real estate side of things: I think we will begin to rebound after this past year of downward trends. In many of our communities, prices dropped very little and in some case we saw double-digit appreciation! However, keep in mind, market times (the time from listing to selling/closing) are up considerably so allow ample time to get it done.

Don't listen to those doom and gloom nay sayers. If you need to move this year - sell or buy, call me. I service most of Chicagoland's western, southwestern, northern and northwestern suburbs. Plus we still have fantastic interest rates! Remember when interest rates were 18-19% and how extactic we were when thy got down to 10%!

Are you registered to vote in Ilinois?

You have only a few more days to be registered to vote in the elections coming up soon. Don't wait. Set a good example for your children and family. Imagine how horrible it would be if no one voted. Exercise your right, enjoy your privilege, do your duty and vote for the candidate of your choice. Who do you feel is best for our country? You can't complain if you don't vote for the name of the person you choose. It's important.

A New Year....A New Beginning

Happy New Year to Everyone!

Having been a licensed REALTOR since 1985, I have garnered considerable experience and knowledge over the years. On my new blog spot I hope to share beneficial information for real estate sellers and buyers around suburban Chicago, perhaps an insiders view point occasionally, and post items you may need to be aware of to educate and assist you toward your real estate goals, or it could be something totally unrelated to real estate.

One huge note of caution: I am a real estate broker in the state of Illinois, working in the suburbs of Chicago, so most of what I include here will be specific for the state of Illinois sellers and buyers. Laws-federal, state, and local laws can vary - even within the same state. So if you are from a different state, you need to contact a local REALTOR in your area - or email me with your contact information and how you need assistance and I'll try to help find a REALTOR in your area to help you.

Beginning today, January 1, 2008, a new law goes into effect that concerns both sellers and buyers. It is the Illinois Radon Awareness Act. Nearly every seller of single family homes up to and including 4 unit apartment buildings must complete a Radon Disclosure Form to give to prospective buyers. There is a pamphlet called "Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions" that gives you some information and more details can be found by clicking this link.

This is SharonG-BusyB signing out for now.

Sharon Gonwa, REALTOR, Broker/Owner
CSC - Certified Staging Consultant
1st Choice Homes Realty
2021 Midwest Rd, Ste 200
Oak Brook, IL 60523
By Appointment Only
630.495.2888