Great article on the some home remodeling projects that capture the most bang for the buck when it comes to selling. McHenry County has seen its share of market downturn, and if you want to sell, these are some great ideas to be the best home for the money!

http://www.realtor.org/rmohome_and_design/Articles/1001_costvsvalue_2009

As always, call with any questions!

Shawn

check out the new video tours of our listings!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fg1_dpxenU

Here is a great tool to view the properties in your neighborhood that are currently on the market or have sold. Sign up to receive this FREE information. No crazy stalkers will call, we might email you, but we won't sell your info to anyone!

http://www.homeinsight.com/Widget/default.asp?F57HRA8G7LFW

Another great service from the Dream Team Realtors!

ok First timers, money is still available! We have some programs available to receive down payment assistance for your purchase, but of course once its gone its gone!

Now is still a fantastic time to buy. Prices have not been this good, and selection is still here. There are alot of fixer uppers and move in ready homes that can be bought for the right price. Speaking of the fixers, we also have 203K loans available. These are FHA backed loans that also provide the money needed to fix up the home. So you end up being able to buy a home with low down payment, and get a dose of cash to fix it up at the same time. Call or email and I can get you in touch with the right people!

As the year closes, don't say let's just wait till next year! The nicer homes are going fast.

In this market, pricing has become such a hard target. Every day we here about sales not being appraised due to comparable properties being distressed or just no traditional sales to use.

Sellers, please be aware of these issues and how to get a sale closed without issue. Many contributing factors go into pricing, but it drives the whole transaction. More showings, better offers because your market time is weeks instead of months, no appraisal issues, maybe even competing offers because we have attracted so many buyers to a property because it was priced right!

Buyers also need to realize that not every house can be stolen for 10% less than asking price. Again if it is priced right to begin with, you better be willing to go close to asking if the house is worth it, because we are now seeing more than one offer quickly! Now that said, if the house needs work or is just overpriced, then either justify it with comps, or move to another property, there sure are enought o choose from!

Thanks for checking us out and have a fantastic day!

Shawn

Huge news for first time buyers! This option gives first time buyers the real advantage of using the tax credit as the down payment to get into their first home.

Read more at http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/iar/newsreleases/monetization

Please call with any questions!

Hello all,

Well we all have heard about how paint color can trigger a home to sell or not sell. Typically we see buyers understand that they can just paint once they move in, but in this type of a market they will choose another house!

Here is a website about paint colors and how color can change the feel about a house. There are some great tools to check out on this page. Thanks to the National Association of Realtors for publishing an article with this link.

http://www.colormatters.com/entercolormatters.html

Consider paint colors if you are getting ready to sell, buyers are being very picky today about how a home looks since there are so many to choose from.

Shawn