Carol Best | Luxury Homes and Real Estate Blog | Barrington, IL

Home Make Over by Carol Best of Coldwell Banker Real Estate in Barrington, IL

Sun, 07 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Home Sellers... so you have decided to list your home for sale. How does your home compare to other properties on the market?

In these competitive times, it is all about first impressions. Your home needs to appeal to the age range of the buyer. In most cases, your home might need a "make under." This is not often talked about, but how you live in your house is not how you sell your house. You need to neutralize, de-clutter, and then make 3 piles: 1) donate 2) keep/pack 3) trash/garage sale.

Your home needs to be in a state of less is more. A clean look, not a lot of stuff. Get advice from an expert - a top agent knows exactly what to do, but those agents are far and few between. The difference will be just listed, versus SOLD! Work with the best - hire a CRS - Top 3% of all Realtors nationwide.

Posted by: Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Real Estate | Licensed since 1992

For a confidential consultation - click here

E-mail Carol Best - click here

BUYERS: Best Buys - Short Sales & Foreclosures - click here

SELLERS: Find out what is for sale, pending & sold in your neighborhood - listings will be emailed to your inbox - click here

Housing Prices | a Crystal Ball | Kleenex by Carol Best of Coldwell Banker

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Everyone wants to know - which direction are we going in the real estate market... up, down, or sideways. The answer is that it all depends on your local statistics, graphs and current level of inventory [not to mention days on the market]... but keep in mind that the reason why the median values might be trending up, is because the high-priced foreclosures are selling, not necessarily because of an increase in property value.

Here is a hotlink to an interesting article - take the time to understand the bigger picture. If your agent is not providing you with charts, facts, statistics, and cannot tell you which way the market is trending, i.e. up, down, etc, then it is probably time to start interviewing new agents and find a pricing expert. Some listings have been on the market for years with the same agent - hello... something just isn't right. Read what the experts from the Wall Street Journal, the Housing Wire and Reuters are saying. After all, you wouldn't go to a podiatrist for heart surgery, would you?

Posted by: Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Real Estate | Licensed since 1992

For a confidential consultation - click here

E-mail Carol Best - click here

BUYERS: Best Buys - Short Sales & Foreclosures - click here

SELLERS: Find out what is for sale, pending & sold in your neighborhood - listings will be emailed to your inbox - click here

Relocating to Northwest Suburbs of IL | Homes for Sale by Carol Best

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Do you have plans to relocate to the Northwest suburbs or North Shore of IL? Here's your E-Z sign up to receive listings of homes, condos, and townhomes currently for sale: www.FindNorthernIllinoisHomes.com will send you a daily e-mail of homes for sale.

Work with the Carol Best Team for all your real estate needs - whether buying, selling, or if you have questions regarding a potential short sale. We're here to help.

Posted by: Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Real Estate | Licensed since 1992

For a confidential consultation - click here

E-mail Carol Best - click here

BUYERS: Best Buys - Short Sales & Foreclosures - click here

SELLERS: Find out what is for sale, pending & sold in your neighborhood - listings will be emailed to your inbox - click here

Tenants Rights in Foreclosure in IL-Carol Best Team

Sun, 21 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Tenants Rights in Foreclosure:

The Illinois legislature recognized the problems with the current system and passed the Right to Possess law which goes into effect January 1, 2008. [10] It specifies that a bank may only evict a tenant 120 days after notice of the foreclosure hearing or through the duration of the lease, whichever is shorter. While opponents of the statute argue the newly imposed restriction will make it more expensive for banks to do business and result in higher mortgage rates, proponents contend that the statute adds much needed tenant protection to the foreclosure process. Some disagree with both positions, arguing that the law does very little. Since the statute gives tenants 120 days from the notice of the hearing, not the judgment of the court, it has almost no effect on the rights of the tenants since the judgment may come months after initial notice of the hearing and the tenant is still left guessing as to the outcome.

A law that focuses on giving tenants time to relocate after the day of judgment instead of the initial hearing would certainly be more effective than a law that gives 120 days following the notice of hearing in protecting tenants’ rights. Nevertheless, the Right to Possess puts tenants in a better position than they were in before. At the very least, tenants are now aware of the minimum number of days they will be permitted to occupy the premises even if the property is foreclosed.

**********************************************
Greg Bedoe
847-902-9898

Short Sale Help | Carol Best | Coldwell Banker | Barrington | Lake Forest | Long Grove, IL

Sat, 20 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

HOME SELLERS: It is imperative that you choose your Realtor wisely, not necessarily based on friendship, but based on advanced training - given our current market conditions here in Illinois. EXPERIENCE & ADVANCED EDUCATION makes all the difference in the world but you also need to find an agent that is willing to invest their time & expertise into getting your property sold. Working with an agent's staff/clerical help, is probably NOT in your best long-term interest.

I have and continue to see agents and attorneys give totally incorrect advice - very sad.

Example #1: attorney tells seller not to make any mortgage payments and to just allow their condo to go into foreclosure. This does not have to happen.

Example #2: agent who knows a lot of residents, lists homes for sale. It is now well over 4 and 5 months and her short sale listings have not yet closed. At 6 months, a homeowner is typically in foreclosure. She has no advanced education on how to properly market listings and close short sales. This foreclosure will impact the sellers' credit rating for easily the next 15 years.

Example #3: a long-time agent on the North Shore who is connected with the who's-who lists a multi-million dollar property for sale - it has been up for sale for nearly two years. I read in the newspaper that this property has been taken over by the attorneys. This did not have to happen. Choose your Realtor wisely - not all Realtors are created equal. Just because that agent was extremely successful when homes were selling like hotcakes, does not mean they know the ins/outs of selling in this down market of short sales & foreclosures.

I am saddened to see homeowners lose their foreclosure battle - they chose the wrong agent. There are agents and broker-owners who have taken some classes, but they only wanted the designation. Translation: the short sale listings of those agents are slipping into foreclosure as of this posting...

Would you have open heart surgery from a GP? A general practicioner Dr. cannot successfully accomplish heart surgery! Choose your Realtor wisely - ask the right questions. Is your home listed with an agent who REALLY cares and has the tenacity and experience to get the job done... or will you be handed off to one of their hourly staff?

The Carol Best Team has the experience and experts in place to accomplish your goals - we're here to help.

Posted by: Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Real Estate | Licensed since 1992

For a confidential consultation - click here

E-mail Carol Best - click here

BUYERS: Best Buys - Short Sales & Foreclosures - click here

SELLERS: Find out what is for sale, pending & sold in your neighborhood - listings will be emailed to your inbox - click here

Hines Lumber Co Auction | Carol Best of Coldwell Banker

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Auction slated for Edward Hines Lumber assets

Crains Real Estate Daily reportd that yet another home-town company, Edward Hines Lumber Company, with corporate offices in Buffalo Grove, IL will be auctioned off.

When my husband and I general contracted and built our dream home, Hines was the main supplier for our enormous real estate endeavor. They provided outstanding customer service - we knew that first hand, as we were just in our mid-twenties and building our dream home. They offered explanations, answered questions, and helped us with the big task of bidding out the house costs, so we actually knew our budget and what we were spending, before ever breaking ground.

That awesome hands-on general contracting experience caused me to be unlike most Realtors - I had the experience and sweat [equity] of knowing what it takes to spend 7 months... every night "going to the house' and every weekend accomplishing yet one more task. No one worked harder than my husband and me. Thank goodness my Uncle Bud came out of retirement to put up the shell of a 5 bedroom home in just 2 weeks - he was a pro as he walked the rafters at 60-someting years old.

Edward Hines provided us with an education that you just can't get today - Hines, you guys were the best - you'll be missed in our neck of the woods... in the big box stores they just don't get it...

Home SELLERS: Click here to discuss listing your home for Sale with Carol Best & Coldwell Banker

BUYERS: Search all homes for sale in Chicago & Northern IL

BUY a DEAL: Search Home Foreclosures-Luxury

E-mail Carol | Carol's Website | Call or Text: 773-799-5939

Carol Best 2010 Kitchen Design Trends

Sat, 13 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

National Association of Home Builders-NAHB Las Vegas, NV - February 10, 2010

KEY MESSAGE @ THE SHOW WAS: If you want someome to buy your house, sell them the kitchen! This message was repeated time and again at the International Builders Show that featured hundreds of seminars on all aspects of housing, including how to deck out your kitchen for maximum resale value.

KITCHEN DESIGN TRENDS TRANSLATE TO DOLLAR SIGNS!

1) Color, pattern, finishes. Blue is the new "green" for 2010 soft blues to a consumer relate to clean water, clean air, clean earth. Blue is calming and in this down economy, we all want to be calm. Younger consumers like gray with a touch of pumpkin-orange as an accent color. Wallpaper is coming back in large-color prints but just on an accent wall [not all four walls]. Cabinet choices have turned from a maple phase to painted white.

2) Homes are getting smaller & kitchens are getting better. The newly built singlel-family home shrank in 2009. Downsizing continues and buyer priorities are: price, energy, and organization. High on the list is kitchen space where the entire family can dine. They want table space vs. chairs at a counter.

Walk-in pantries, a family foyer at the BACK of the house by the garage, with space for backpacks, coats, boots and maybe a desk for crafts or homework. Do this and you'll hit a home run!

3) Common Cents - watch your costs! Green buyers value energy-efficient appliances, insulation and smaller windows.

4) Multiple cooks & different generations. Grandparents helping in the kitchen and the little ones want to learn too - be sure there is adequate lighting. Consider countertops, shelves, appliances at various heights. If a grandparent is in a wheel chair, they can't reach the microwave over the stove.

5) Granite counters become a personal choice, but consider soapstone or a quartz composite if you don't want to look like the rest.

SELLERS: Click here to discuss listing your home for Sale with Carol Best & Coldwell Banker

BUYERS: Search all homes for sale in Chicago & Northern IL

BUY a DEAL: Search Luxury Home Foreclosures

E-mail Carol | Carol's Website | Call or Text: 773-799-5939

IL Ranks #6 Nationally in Real Estate Foreclosures | Realty Trac | Carol Best

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

It was just announced on national news today that IL currently ranks #6 in foreclosures.

Realty Trac just sent me my Monthly Newsletter stating that 2009 Foreclosure filings in IL ended the year with a staggering 131,132 foreclosures.

If you think you might qualify for a short sale and want to save your credit rating from a foreclosure, register here: www.ShortSaleHelpNorthernIllinois.com - my team and I save homeowners from foreclosure 9 times out of 10!

Foreclosure Suit Hits McHenry County Airport

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

According to today's Chicago Real Estate Daily email, Harris Bank has sued to collect about $14.3 million on an unpaid loan on Galt Airport in northwest suburban McHenry County, specifically Wonder Lake, IL. A 60-year old airfield for private pilots, this airfield also became a venue for outdoor concerts. In 2009, there was a 40th anniversary celebration to celebrate the 1969 Woodstock music festival in upstate New York. For more detailed information, click here: http://www.ChicagoRealEstateDaily.com/cgi-bin/news.pl?id=37056

Unfortunately, The Djurian home on Foster Avenue in Lake Forest, IL is in pre-foreclosure, with a $3.2 million dollar mortgage. It is not currently listed for sale.

Posted by Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate Brokerage

SELLERS: Click here to discuss listing your home for Sale with Carol Best & Coldwell Banker

BUYERS: Search all homes for sale in Chicago & Northern IL

BUY a DEAL: Search Luxury Home Foreclosures

E-mail Carol | Carol's Website | Call or Text: 773-799-5939

Tails A Waggin 4 U Dog-Running-Service in Buffalo Grove, IL

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Give Your Dog a New Lease on Life!

45 minutes a day... That’s the amount of time it takes urban dogs to get into great physical shape. Canine health professionals know how critical exercise is for your dog’s physical and mental health. A fitness program that includes jogging and running sessions that progress to a pace specific to each dog’s needs is paramount for a healthier and happier dog.

www.TailsAWaggin4U.com - a Buffalo Grove based pet sitting company provides the exercise your dog needs. Peggy Corey, owner and long distance runner, runs with local dogs on a daily basis. One of her star pupils is Mocha an 11 year old schnauzer. Mocha has always had a dog walker, but after moving to the area, her owner Chris contacted Peggy @ www.TailsAWaggin4U.com for dog jogging/running/walking services.

After walking for a few days it was obvious that Mocha really wanted to run. The sessions progressed based on Mocha’s abilities and after a short period of time she was running. Now, Mocha can run 2 miles and barks for more. Mocha is in the best physical shape of her life. Mocha the Wonder Dog!

Posted by: Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Real Estate

SELLERS: Click here to discuss listing your home for Sale with Carol Best & Coldwell Banker

BUYERS: Search all homes for sale in Chicago & Northern IL

BUY a DEAL: Search Luxury Home Foreclosures

E-mail Carol | Carol's Website | Call or Text: 773-799-5939

Palatine-Inverness, IL Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Palatine-Inverness, IL Coldwell Banker Real Estate just announced that all its listings will have advanced features and be listed on even more internet sites for 2010.

Realogy just announced that Coldwell Banker will benefit from its strategic alliance with Cartus Relocation company. Cartus has 40% market share of corporate and government transferee/relocation business.

Chicago and Northern IL average sales price was down 12% in 2009; however, Coldwell Banker agent sales exceeded the average sales price in IL!

SELLERS: Click here to discuss Listing your home for Sale with Carol Best & Coldwell Banker

BUYERS: Search all homes for sale in Chicago & Northern IL

BUY a DEAL: Search Luxury Home Foreclosures

E-mail Carol | Carol's Website | Call or Text: 773-799-5939

North Barrington, IL Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

North Barrington, IL Coldwell Banker Real Estate just announced that all its listings will have advanced features and be listed on even more internet sites for 2010.

Arlington Heights, IL Real Estate and Homes for Sale

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Arlington Heights, IL Coldwell Banker Real Estate just announced that all its listings will have advanced features and be listed on even more internet sites for 2010.

Cartus Relocation Acquires Primacy Relocation

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Realogy Corporation, a global and domestic provider of real estate and home relocation services to transferees world-wide, is proud to announce that Cartus has acquired Primacy Relocation in a major move. Realogy is the parent company of real estate franchise brands such as Coldwell Banker and The Corcoran Group on the East Coast. Translation: more relocation buyers & sellers for Coldwell Banker & Realogy companies across the United States and global relocation arena.

Cartus will now have a 40% market share of all relocation business - as a comparison, #2 Prudential has approximately 10% market share.

Primacy, which has approximatelly 700 employees operating in 25 offices located throughout the Americas, Asia and Europe, serves a number of U. S. Government agencies, Fortune 500, and 1000 and Global 100 corporations, as well as smaller emerging-market organizations.

Cartus has long been the leader in global relocation services - their acquisition of Primacy now positions them as the #1 Leader in Transferee Relocation Services world-wide. This acquisition also positions Cartus as a major service provider to the government sector.

SELLERS: Click here to discuss listing your home for Sale with Carol Best & Coldwell Banker

BUYERS: Search all homes for sale in Chicago & Northern IL

BUY a DEAL: Search Luxury Home Foreclosures

E-mail Carol | Carol's Website | Call or Text: 773-799-5939

Barrington IL Homes & Real Estate

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Barrington Hills, IL Coldwell Banker just announced that all its listings will have advanced features and be listed on even more internet sites for 2010.

Long Grove IL Homes and Real Estate

Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Long Grove-Kildeer-Lake Zurich, IL Coldwell Banker Real Estate just announced that all its listings will have advanced features and be listed on even more internet sites for 2010.

Saturday Morning Coffee & Real Estate with Carol Best of Coldwell Banker

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:

"It's important to let people know what you stand for.
It's equally important to let them know what you won't stand for.

- B. Bader

ARE YOU POLITICALLY CORRECT?

How careful we must be today - to avoid the slightest slight to others. If we continue, we will become totally homogenized - each looking, acting, talking, and walking like each other. The unique identity into which we were born will mellow, fade, and eventually become transparent. The gifts and talents we have to offer will be so diluted as to go unnoticed.

What ever happened to our right to speak out against wrong? Why do we allow ourselves to be hushed and shushed when we verbalize our expectation of respect from the very young? Why are we so sensitive to what "they" think of our actions when we attempt to do good?

Each of us is uniquely individual. We are one of a kind, not just an ingredient in the soup of humanity. Each of us is born with the ability to make a difference, to contribute our talent, to expect the best. We have the ability to set standards for ourselves, to choose the principles upon which we live and serve.

We also have the responsibility to teach our children "what we stand for" as well as "what we won't stand for." By unashamedly living those principles, and expecting the same from our children, we help set the course for others who have not the strength to do so. We are the example.

Political correctness, as it applies to granting full respect for others is perfectly acceptable. Political correctness, as it is often applied as a choke-chain to restrain the desire to uphold what is right, is a gross misuse of the desire for simple courtesy and politeness.

Let's just drop "political" and be correct!

Illinois Cook County Homes-Real Estate - Closed Sales by Broker-posted by Carol Best of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT

The market share graph below shows brokers with sales $500,000 and above in Cook County, IL. The following information is provided by our real estate multiple listing service: Midwest Real Estate Data LLC:

Green indicates which brokers have the Sellers | Yellow indicates which brokers have the Buyers

Sellers - Need a Market Analysis?

Illinois Lake County Homes-Real Estate - Closed Sales by Broker-posted by Carol Best of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT

The market share graph below shows brokers with sales $500,000 and above in Lake County, IL. The following information is provided by our real estate multiple listing service: Midwest Real Estate Data LLC - Date: 1/1/09 thru 12/5/09.

Green indicates which brokers have the Sellers | Yellow indicates which brokers have the Buyers

Sellers - Need a Market Analysis?

Mortgage-Interest-Rates-Time-to-Refi

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:00:00 GMT

If it has been over a year since you obtained a mortgage, you could possibly save a significant amount of money each month - the current rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage of $417,000 or less, is around 5%.

You could qualify if:

1) You have equity in your home
2) You have a credit score of 720 or more

However, don't assume you won't qualify at all - email our loan officer and ask the right questions. The time is now - these low rates won't last forever:

Find out if you could save several hundred dollars per month - the possibilities and answers are a simple email or phone call away - Greg's contact information is below:

Greg Bedoe
Mortgage Market Corporation
E-mail: Bedoe@comcast.net
Cell: 847-902-9898

Brought to you by: Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | Barrington, IL | www.CarolBest.net | 773-799-5939

Sellers: www.NorthernIllinoisHouseValues.com

Buyers: www.FindNorthernIllinoisHomes.com

All information deemed reliable but not warranted.