North Shore|Northwest Suburbs|Chicago Illinois Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Coldwell Banker Barrington, IL | Homes-Real Estate

Pending Home Sales NAR

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Here are the stats from the PHSI/Pending Home Sales Index, across the country. The Midwest market is down 27.8% [seasonally adjusted] over last year/2009.

Posted by: Carol Best - Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Barrington, IL

For your private showing appointment on any property listed for sale, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Buy Owner files for Liquidation

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Buy Owner, a Florida-based company that helped for-sale-by-owners market their properties around the country has reportedly filed for liquidation. It has turned over its assets to Michael Moecker & Associates, an auction firm that liquidates insolvent companies.

The auction firm said it will continue operating the Buy Owner.com website and provide services to consumers for the time being, in order to continue generating revenue to pay off creditors.

Buy Owner reportedly settled a class-action lawsuit last year that required it to pay refunds to many clients from 2002-08. The lawsuit alleged that Buy Owner hadn't allowed clients to cancel contracts, the story said.

The Deerfield Beach, Florida-based company does business in 10 markets, including Miami, Chicago, Dallas and Atlanta.

Buy Owner reportedly owes more than $3.9 million to its only secured creditor, and $1.2 million in back wages to executives.

Palatine, IL Luxury Home Sale Trends

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:03:00 GMT

Here's the recap of luxury homes that are selling in the Palatine, IL zip code of 60067, along with the number of days on the market. How is your home being marketed and is it priced correctly?

Detached Single
	No. New	Avg. New OLP	Med. New OLP	No. Sold	Avg. Sale Price	Med. Sale Price	Avg. Days	Med. Days
Feb 2009	9	$781,600	$785,000	0	-	-	-	-
Mar 2009	3	$804,633	$739,900	2	$614,000	$614,000	190	191
Apr 2009	6	$798,966	$787,500	3	$684,333	$690,000	643	782
May 2009	3	$685,633	$668,000	4	$672,500	$680,000	249	131
Jun 2009	7	$874,655	$749,000	3	$649,000	$650,000	237	308
Jul 2009	9	$892,144	$782,000	4	$799,519	$720,000	173	82
Aug 2009	6	$756,316	$732,450	2	$697,500	$697,500	73	73
Sep 2009	5	$719,000	$725,000	1	$634,500	$634,500	17	17
Oct 2009	6	$708,116	$687,000	3	$680,000	$620,000	156	188
Nov 2009	5	$739,760	$724,000	3	$739,333	$790,000	254	184
Dec 2009	2	$1,049,950	$1,049,950	1	$650,000	$650,000	207	207
Jan 2010	6	$769,949	$727,500	3	$741,666	$735,000	134	136
Feb 2010	5	$761,760	$750,000	1	$600,000	$600,000	49	49
Mar 2010	5	$791,400	$760,000	1	$665,000	$665,000	156	156
Apr 2010	10	$776,162	$724,913	1	$700,000	$700,000	36	36
May 2010	13	$758,384	$719,500	1	$798,000	$798,000	15	15
Jun 2010	16	$750,950	$682,450	4	$631,875	$630,000	140	89
Jul 2010	7	$712,114	$699,900	2	$715,000	$715,000	179	179

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Up-Sizing or Down-Sizing - this is THE ONE!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 04:23:23 GMT

When only the Best will do... Gorgeous end-unit townhouse in Premium location overlooking pond in cozy upscale community. Open floor plan and first-floor master suite - perfect for those up-sizing or down-sizing. This unit is immaculate!

Kitchen is perfect for entertaining - quick snacks for the kids at the breakfast bar, or casual dining in the full-size dining room. French doors to the fenced-in courtyard with fountain, makes this a totally pleasurable dining experience. Vaulted ceilings and skylights are an added plus which makes this a super bright & cherry unit - even on a cloudy day. The loft area works perfect for his/her office space and there is plenty of room to share.

The finished English look-out lower level has a full bath, bedroom, playroom for the kids or grandkids, and media area. Enjoy the wet bar with built-in wine cooler without having to run upstairs. A fun movie-night with popcorn & beverages right around the corner.

The expansive deck, with bubbling pond water feature, just might lull you to sleep - feels like you are on vacation 24/7.

Super-convenient location that is close to shopping, restaurants, and expressways. The following stores are within a 5-10 minute drive: Costco, Wal-Mart, Target, Jewel, Dominick's, & Trader Joe's grocery stores, Office Max, McDonalds, Wendy's, and even fine-dining in Barrington is still very convenient.

Kitchen has upgraded 42" Maple cabinetry w/Crown Molding, black granite counters, & undermount sink w/pull-out faucet
KitchenAid dishwasher, Whirlpool Gold Stainless Steel oven
Six-panel Pine doors with satin nickel hardware throughout from Pottery Barn & Restoration Hardware.
Quick-connect direct gasline hookup for outdoor grilling.
Nine foot [9'] ceilings on the main level.
Security System
Fire Sprinklers
Humidifier
Water Softener
Two 3/4" chase pipes from Attic to Basement [for cables]
The rear lot adjacent to the Pond is under Trust [Hackney's] with protected greenway
Upgraded lighting throughout
Full finished basement with unfinished workshop - no crawl space

Visit the Village of Lake Zurich website for more area information.

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Arlington Hts, Luxury Home & Sales Trends

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Here's the recap of luxury homes that are selling in the Arlington Heights, IL zip code of 60004 & 60005, along with the number of days on the market. How is your home being marketed and is it priced correctly?

Detached Single
	No. New	Avg. New OLP	Med. New OLP	No. Sold	Avg. Sale Price	Med. Sale Price	Avg. Days	Med. Days
Feb 2009	3	$919,000	$979,000	0	-	-	-	-
Mar 2009	3	$917,966	$899,900	1	$825,000	$825,000	200	200
Apr 2009	6	$1,043,620	$948,463	0	-	-	-	-
May 2009	8	$1,124,825	$1,125,000	2	$950,000	$950,000	429	430
Jun 2009	6	$1,062,433	$999,900	1	$750,000	$750,000	299	299
Jul 2009	4	$2,322,500	$1,157,500	5	$884,000	$800,000	252	319
Aug 2009	5	$808,560	$799,000	0	-	-	-	-
Sep 2009	2	$1,047,388	$1,047,389	1	$802,000	$802,000	579	579
Oct 2009	0	-	-	1	$1,050,000	$1,050,000	119	119
Nov 2009	1	$845,000	$845,000	0	-	-	-	-
Dec 2009	0	-	-	1	$760,000	$760,000	797	797
Jan 2010	3	$1,040,966	$924,900	0	-	-	-	-
Feb 2010	4	$957,106	$789,450	2	$750,870	$750,870	311	312
Mar 2010	5	$884,540	$890,000	1	$795,000	$795,000	78	78
Apr 2010	6	$870,466	$864,500	1	$775,000	$775,000	4	4
May 2010	2	$1,039,500	$1,039,500	1	$805,000	$805,000	41	41
Jun 2010	6	$943,466	$921,950	1	$775,000	$775,000	31	31
Jul 2010	7	$1,032,542	$849,000	3	$871,666	$855,000	527	692

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Lake Bluff, IL Luxury Home Sales Trends

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Here is the latest real estate information in terms of what is selling in Lake Bluff, IL zip code of 60044, in the price range of $1,000,000+; please note days on the market. How is your home being marketed and is it priced correctly?

Detached Single
	No. New	Avg. New OLP	Med. New OLP	No. Sold	Avg. Sale Price	Med. Sale Price	Avg. Days	Med. Days
Jan 2009	2	$1,327,000	$1,327,000	0	-	-	-	-
Feb 2009	11	$4,272,818	$1,895,000	0	-	-	-	-
Mar 2009	3	$1,381,333	$1,499,000	3	$1,375,000	$1,400,000	303	281
Apr 2009	5	$6,535,600	$4,574,000	2	$1,250,000	$1,250,000	432	432
May 2009	3	$1,380,500	$1,197,500	0	-	-	-	-
Jun 2009	4	$1,949,250	$1,749,000	1	$1,200,000	$1,200,000	38	38
Jul 2009	3	$2,014,666	$1,799,000	1	$1,325,000	$1,325,000	117	117
Aug 2009	2	$1,537,000	$1,537,000	0	-	-	-	-
Sep 2009	3	$2,114,666	$1,799,000	2	$1,400,000	$1,400,000	215	215
Oct 2009	4	$2,240,000	$2,297,500	0	-	-	-	-
Nov 2009	0	-	-	1	$1,140,000	$1,140,000	221	221
Dec 2009	1	$1,199,900	$1,199,900	2	$1,325,000	$1,325,000	431	432
Jan 2010	3	$8,101,666	$1,990,000	1	$1,150,000	$1,150,000	478	478
Feb 2010	3	$1,956,333	$1,495,000	3	$1,215,833	$1,260,000	305	332
Mar 2010	2	$2,147,000	$2,147,000	1	$1,325,000	$1,325,000	23	23
Apr 2010	7	$2,154,111	$1,259,000	0	-	-	-	-
May 2010	8	$1,682,000	$1,697,000	1	$1,455,000	$1,455,000	243	243
Jun 2010	4	$8,006,000	$5,599,500	2	$1,417,500	$1,417,500	326	326
Jul 2010	2	$1,837,500	$1,837,500	1	$1,050,000	$1,050,000	102	102

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Lake Forest, IL Luxury Home Sales Trends

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Here's the recap of luxury homes that are selling in the Lake Forest, IL zip code of 60045, along with the number of days on the market. How is your home being marketed and is it priced correctly?

Detached Single
	No. New	Avg. New OLP	Med. New OLP	No. Sold	Avg. Sale Price	Med. Sale Price	Avg. Days	Med. Days
Feb 2009	14	$2,459,357	$2,222,500	4	$1,968,750	$1,587,500	269	209
Mar 2009	17	$3,050,576	$1,999,900	3	$3,347,500	$3,460,500	1030	1192
Apr 2009	13	$2,354,076	$2,400,000	4	$2,656,250	$2,600,000	416	337
May 2009	17	$2,691,235	$1,895,000	4	$1,615,000	$1,705,000	342	285
Jun 2009	17	$2,502,352	$1,950,000	9	$1,583,055	$1,400,000	282	245
Jul 2009	13	$2,770,538	$1,995,000	2	$1,243,750	$1,243,750	242	243
Aug 2009	7	$3,242,714	$2,300,000	8	$1,683,562	$1,525,000	264	62
Sep 2009	13	$2,016,461	$1,999,000	8	$2,035,000	$1,750,000	141	160
Oct 2009	10	$3,206,000	$1,693,500	3	$2,555,000	$1,275,000	116	87
Nov 2009	7	$1,804,700	$1,749,000	4	$2,012,375	$2,101,000	192	178
Dec 2009	1	$1,500,000	$1,500,000	7	$1,549,678	$1,385,000	207	251
Jan 2010	21	$2,255,761	$1,799,000	1	$1,100,000	$1,100,000	158	158
Feb 2010	29	$2,626,379	$2,150,000	7	$1,843,857	$1,800,000	288	211
Mar 2010	29	$2,520,448	$2,000,000	4	$1,241,031	$1,284,563	283	272
Apr 2010	27	$2,510,000	$1,980,000	5	$2,866,500	$2,057,500	643	595
May 2010	34	$2,470,555	$2,192,500	4	$1,186,250	$1,197,500	125	88
Jun 2010	34	$2,155,644	$1,685,000	18	$1,490,569	$1,169,625	352	108
Jul 2010	17	$3,057,176	$1,800,000	5	$1,677,000	$1,610,000	133	70

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Inverness, IL Luxury Home Sales Trends

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Here's a recap of what is closing in the Inverness, IL real estate market. How is your home being marketed and is it priced correctly?

Detached Single
	No. New	Avg. New OLP	Med. New OLP	No. Sold	Avg. Sale Price	Med. Sale Price	Avg. Days	Med. Days
Jan 2009	0	-	-	1	$1,650,000	$1,650,000	190	190
Mar 2009	1	$1,999,000	$1,999,000	0	-	-	-	-
May 2009	3	$1,799,333	$1,750,000	0	-	-	-	-
Jun 2009	4	$2,199,000	$2,229,500	0	-	-	-	-
Jul 2009	6	$2,089,166	$1,845,000	0	-	-	-	-
Aug 2009	1	$1,900,000	$1,900,000	1	$1,175,000	$1,175,000	25	25
Sep 2009	1	$1,149,000	$1,149,000	1	$1,600,000	$1,600,000	455	455
Oct 2009	1	$2,500,000	$2,500,000	1	$1,260,000	$1,260,000	433	433
Nov 2009	2	$1,169,995	$1,169,995	0	-	-	-	-
Dec 2009	1	$1,399,000	$1,399,000	0	-	-	-	-
Jan 2010	3	$1,244,633	$1,239,000	0	-	-	-	-
Feb 2010	5	$1,584,780	$1,500,000	0	-	-	-	-
Mar 2010	3	$2,270,000	$2,495,000	0	-	-	-	-
Apr 2010	3	$1,649,300	$1,498,000	0	-	-	-	-
May 2010	2	$1,424,000	$1,424,000	0	-	-	-	-
Jun 2010	9	$1,581,000	$1,450,000	2	$1,313,500	$1,313,500	61	61
Jul 2010	5	$2,433,385	$1,999,927	1	$2,000,000	$2,000,000	325	325

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Long Grove, Kildeer, Hawthorn Woods, IL Luxury Home Sales Trends

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Here is the latest real estate information in terms of what is selling in 60047 in the price range of $1,000,000+; please note days on the market. How is your home being marketed and is it priced correctly?

Detached Single
	No. New	Avg. New OLP	Med. New OLP	No. Sold	Avg. Sale Price	Med. Sale Price	Avg. Days	Med. Days
Jan 2009	1	$1,200,000	$1,200,000	1	$1,200,000	$1,200,000	726	726
Feb 2009	4	$1,284,225	$1,249,450	0	-	-	-	-
Mar 2009	7	$1,650,714	$1,698,000	0	-	-	-	-
Apr 2009	5	$1,592,394	$1,429,750	0	-	-	-	-
May 2009	6	$1,725,679	$1,664,500	1	$1,850,000	$1,850,000	79	79
Jun 2009	2	$1,990,000	$1,990,000	0	-	-	-	-
Jul 2009	4	$1,457,250	$1,370,000	5	$1,113,000	$1,100,000	831	1017
Aug 2009	1	$1,749,000	$1,749,000	2	$1,215,000	$1,215,000	97	97
Sep 2009	6	$1,791,000	$1,687,000	2	$1,130,000	$1,130,000	330	331
Oct 2009	0	-	-	1	$1,350,000	$1,350,000	197	197
Nov 2009	2	$1,472,500	$1,472,500	0	-	-	-	-
Dec 2009	1	$1,550,000	$1,550,000	1	$1,094,120	$1,094,120	217	217
Jan 2010	14	$1,412,485	$1,349,000	0	-	-	-	-
Feb 2010	10	$1,509,790	$1,399,000	0	-	-	-	-
Mar 2010	2	$1,889,000	$1,889,000	1	$1,100,000	$1,100,000	159	159
Apr 2010	2	$1,144,500	$1,144,500	2	$1,075,000	$1,075,000	16	16
May 2010	12	$1,228,188	$1,299,889	0	-	-	-	-
Jun 2010	10	$1,382,470	$1,299,450	0	-	-	-	-
Jul 2010	8	$1,982,750	$1,572,500	0	-	-	-	-

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Barrington, IL Luxury Home Sales Trends

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Here's the real estate recap of luxury homes that are selling in the Barrington, IL zip code of 60010, along with the number of days on the market. How is your home being marketed and is it priced correctly?

Detached Single
	No. New	Avg. New OLP	Med. New OLP	No. Sold	Avg. Sale Price	Med. Sale Price	Avg. Days	Med. Days
Feb 2009	13	$1,649,223	$1,495,000	2	$1,527,500	$1,527,500	155	155
Mar 2009	11	$1,744,254	$1,550,000	3	$1,343,333	$1,245,000	389	271
Apr 2009	12	$2,207,833	$2,100,000	5	$1,728,074	$1,300,000	340	416
May 2009	14	$2,042,357	$1,740,000	3	$1,229,333	$1,083,000	137	130
Jun 2009	15	$2,514,733	$1,450,000	5	$1,364,000	$1,390,000	296	176
Jul 2009	8	$3,572,875	$1,917,000	5	$1,080,500	$1,037,500	210	121
Aug 2009	11	$1,828,880	$1,450,000	3	$1,813,333	$1,400,000	534	455
Sep 2009	11	$2,147,999	$1,725,000	2	$2,413,500	$2,413,500	45	46
Oct 2009	15	$3,034,053	$1,750,000	1	$1,275,000	$1,275,000	214	214
Nov 2009	15	$1,648,532	$1,375,000	0	-	-	-	-
Dec 2009	6	$2,805,500	$2,144,500	3	$1,232,666	$1,270,000	342	266
Jan 2010	8	$2,118,875	$1,742,500	4	$2,818,750	$1,837,500	391	256
Feb 2010	13	$2,602,461	$1,525,000	0	-	-	-	-
Mar 2010	26	$2,221,569	$1,512,450	0	-	-	-	-
Apr 2010	22	$2,006,613	$1,500,000	4	$2,031,500	$2,143,000	361	319
May 2010	26	$2,102,919	$1,610,000	0	-	-	-	-
Jun 2010	20	$2,489,800	$2,220,000	4	$1,988,500	$1,914,500	186	206
Jul 2010	18	$2,343,222	$1,999,500	3	$1,466,666	$1,275,000	210	225

For your private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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FICO Scores

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:16:00 GMT

More Americans' credit scores sink to new lows - reported July 12, 2010: By EILEEN AJ CONNELLY (AP)

NEW YORK — The credit scores of millions more Americans are sinking to new lows.

Figures provided by FICO Inc. show that 25.5 percent of consumers — nearly 43.4 million people — now have a credit score of 599 or below, marking them as poor risks for lenders. It's unlikely they will be able to get credit cards, auto loans or mortgages under the tighter lending standards banks now use.

Because consumers relied so heavily on debt to fuel their spending in recent years, their restricted access to credit is one reason for the slow economic recovery.

FICO's latest analysis is based on consumer credit reports as of April. Its findings represent an increase of about 2.4 million people in the lowest credit score categories in the past two years. Before the Great Recession, scores on FICO's 300-to-850 scale weren't as volatile, said Andrew Jennings, chief research officer for FICO in Minneapolis.

Historically, just 15 percent of the 170 million consumers with active credit accounts, or 25.5 million people, fell below 599, according to data posted on Myfico.com.

Thank you Eileen for trying to help keep the consumer informed as much as possible.

To BUY or SELL, or for a private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Wells Fargo - 3 Strikes & You are OUT!

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Submitted by Carol Best on July 11, 2010 - 5:49am to Inman News

WELLS FARGO: Appraisers | BPO's | Short Sales | Buyer Loans

Continuous Horrible Experiences with Wells Fargo - 3 Strikes & You're OUT! Wells Fargo has been nothing but a disaster [for me and my clients] here in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.

1) I referred my buyer to a great loan officer with Wells Fargo. Too bad Wells Fargo wired the check to some bank in Indiana - that was only a 4+ hour disastrous closing!

2) I have a $375,000 short sale of a 3 year old townhouse. Wells Fargo orders a BPO from a broker/owner of a C-21 office in Chicago/Cook County, who is doing 100 BPO's per week! Apparently this agency does not work with buyers or sellers, just stayin' alive with BPO's.

I checked out his company's transactions over the last several years - his agency/agents have never sold, closed, or probably even been in Lake County, IL! Do you think he or the assistant that did the BPO has a true clue about how to understand the comps? Did he look at the single family homes in this community where prices have tanked, NO. A buyer can purchase a large single family home for the price he put on this townhome. What a huge disconnect! Hello Wells Fargo, have you ever heard of garbage in/garbage out?

3) I have a $275,000 short sale listing - Wells Fargo's suggested listing price. Another Wells Fargo mess - talk about clerks pushing files to new negotiators, to W.F. Marketing Managers to whomever else. It's a shell game! This house has been on the market a total of 373 days and counting. We have an offer on the table from a buyer willing to pay $232,000 and EVEN APPLY for a Wells Fargo loan to get this deal done. Wells Fargo has approved a sales price of $275,000. Let's see, there have been no/zero/showings in this very depressed area and this is one of the Top 4 highest-priced 4 year old new construction ranches on the market. The home is marketed with 25 photos on Realtor.com, featured on Trulia, etc. Hello Wells Fargo - maybe YOUR CHOSEN APPRAISER would like to buy this house. This is another out-of-area appraiser.

My confidence in Wells Fargo with ANY transaction, remains at zero - you've outdone yourself Wells Fargo and are a true embarrassment to to the full-time professionals that have been in & remain in this business. Perhaps it is time to involve Channel 7 Eyewitness News. This needs to be reported - someone needs to stand up for the consumers & sellers!

* * * * * * * * * *

Realtors: did you know that unlicensed spouses of licensed agents are doing BPO's? Speak up and be heard - the government continues to make changes that do not work. Thank goodness they did not give the banks/lenders the carte blanche real estate licenses they wanted several years back!

Carol@CarolBest.net
www.CarolBest.net
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
Barrington, IL 60010

Home Sales Plummet by Carol Best of Coldwell Banker

Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:18:00 GMT

The National Association of Realtors reported today that Home Sales have taken a dive!

Pending Home Sales Plummet - July 1, 2010

Pending home sales dropped in May to the lowest level on record dating back to 2001, NAR reported this morning. The Pending Home Sales Index based on contracts signed in May plummeted 30 percent from April and is 15.9 percent below May 2009. The drop-off comes after three strong monthly gains as homebuyers rushed to take advantage of the tax credit, which expired April 30.

Pending sales tumbled in all four U.S. regions. In the Northeast, pending sales fell 31.6 percent in May and were 14.8 percent lower than a year ago. In the Midwest, the index dropped 32.1 percent and was 20.2 percent below May 2009. Pending home sales in the South fell 33.3 percent in May and were 14.4 percent lower than a year ago. In the West, pending sales dropped 20.9 percent during the month and were 15.1 percent below May 2009. Thu, Jul 1, 2010.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun says the tax credit helped stabilize housing prices. “Without the tax credit, there will be more aggressive price negotiations between buyers and sellers. The key test on whether the housing market can stand on its own without stimulus medicine will depend critically on private sector job creation in the second half of the year. We’ll also keep a close eye on market conditions on the Gulf Coast,” Yun says.

Yun also noted that some local markets such as Portland, Maine, and Jacksonville, Fla., posted pending sales increases in May over last year without the tax credit.

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Wynstone-North Barrington, IL YTD thru 7-5-2010 Market Activity-

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Wynstone - North Barrington, IL

If you are interested in the market activity in Wynstone, here are the details.

Currently, there is 1 property under contract, 57 for sale, and 29 that have been canceled, expired and possibly re-listed for sale.

Average days on the market for Actives: 485 [16+ months]

How many have Sold/Closed since 1-1-2010: 2 [days on the market of 896]

Translation: 14+ years of inventory at the current rate of sale.

To BUY or SELL, or for a private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Coldwell Banker-Closed UNITS YTD 2010 $750,000+

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

What great news - Coldwell Banker leads the way in Cook & Lake County Illinois for the greatest number of closed units in the $750,000+ price range year-to-date for 2010.

It's always a great feeling to work with and for the best brokerage in the United States. Nobody does it better than Coldwell Banker - nobody!

For a private showing appointment, call or text Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or e-mail to: Carol@CarolBest.net

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Coldwell Banker-Closed VOLUME YTD 2010 $750,000+

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Which brokerage is leading the way in Cook & Lake Counties in Illinois? Coldwell Banker has the greatest market share of closed dollar volume YTD for 2010. The chart, from our Agent Metrics system ia shown below:

To BUY or SELL, call, text or e-mail Carol Best @ 773-799-5939 or Carol@CarolBest.net

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Una Bella Vista - Your Tuscan Retreat!

Sat, 03 Jul 2010 06:40:50 GMT

Una Bella Vista - Designer Showcase House as featured in Chicago Magazine in 2000... is named for the panoramic views from nearly every window. When the sky is the limit for creating the unique home of your dreams, this is "the one."

Grand traditions of the past have been melded with 21st century conveniences & contemporary interpretation, steeped in Italian history, from every region in Italy. This elegant and understated 5+ acre estate, overlooks Hawthorne Lake... it exudes timeless grandeur and sensibility.

Venetian plaster finishes in the dining room, inlays, panoramic vistas from nearly every room; dream kitchen; first floor master suite w/designer bath; media room, wine cellar, & separate exercise room too.

Landscaped to immerse you in this recluse with mature trees, boulders, flagstone & blue-stone patio, pulls the architecture into the landscape and blends into the topography. Moon-lighting [hidden in the trees] is a pleasant surprise.

This home provides the grandest of details: 16" travertine floors with inlays in the foyer & great room, 4-piece crown moldings, and wine cellar/tasing room to name a few.

Click here to view the:

Glossy Brochure

One-of-a-Kind Custom Floor Plan

Plat of Survey

There's a custom Sport Court for tennis, basketball, soccer, volleyball & more. Plus, a separate 2BR coach house with a fireplace in the living room, dining area, kitchen & bath, w/2+ car attached garage. The owners lived in the coach house with their three children, to oversee construction.

Close to town with Cook County taxes, separate backup generator & so much more. The architectural drawings/plans are also available. Come home to your Italian-countryside, and vacation-paradise 24/7! Backs to Hawthorne Lake so you can enjoy sunsets every day...

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

E-mail Carol | Carol's Website |

Call or Text for your Private showing appt: 773-799-5939

Chicago & Suburbs: Real Estate Market Update

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 08:01:00 GMT

Credit-Suisse reports in June of 2010 that real estate traffic takes another step back as buyers' economic anxiety increases. Buyer traffic, home prices and incentives continue to fall in the 12 largest real estate market in the country. The lack of buyer confidence, economic concerns, and uncertainty of future employment keeps buyers on the sidelines. Buyers are looking for a steal or a deal - cash is king!

Home prices continue to be under pressure from weaker demand, higher & increasing inventories, as well as stiff competition from short sale & foreclosure deals. Inventories have trended higher for the 5th consecutive month.

Because so few buyers are out there, they definitely set the bar on how much they are willing to pay, regardless of the price the seller needs or wants.

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

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BETTER THAN NEW!

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:00:08 GMT

Better than new & waiting for you! Call the movers because this updated unit is move-in ready! Quiet interior location.

What's not to love with this gorgeous kitchen? Brand new cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite counters, new sink & faucet plus unique tiled backsplash that puts you above all the rest when it comes to first class and international flair for a simple/upscale design.

Arlington Club is a community that enjoys an 18 acre nature park with streams, ponds and walking/jogging trails. There are 3 pools and 3 clubhouses for parties, graduations or bridal/baby showers.

You are within an easy-walking distance to the local hardward & grocery stores too. This community is your dream-come-true as it is FHA approved for financing too!

Top-of-the-class Cooper Middle & Buffalo Grove High Schools makes this unit a best buy! To see this unit, simply e-mail Carol @ Carol@CarolBest.net or call/text to: 773-799-5939 for your private showing appointment.

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

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CCI.org-Helping People with Disabilities - Veterans - Service Dogs

Sat, 01 May 2010 02:00:00 GMT

HELP is a four-legged word - Canine Companions for Independence offers that HELP!

Do you know a veteran or person with a disability whose life could be aided with a canine companion? Please take a moment to view this website: Canine Companions for Independence

Volunteers raise and train puppies for approximately 18 months. These dogs receive basic obedience training and lots of opportunities to socialize and play. After 6 to 9 months of Canine Training at one of the regional centers, CCI dogs are ready to be partnered with a person with a disability.

CCI trains Service, Skilled Companion, Facility, and Hearing dogs. There are various local chapters & satellite offices [national headquarters is located in California] and regional centers are across the United States, located in California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, Ohio & Florida.

Forward this hotlink to a friend in need - just copy and paste the url into the body of your message. For more information please contact:

info@cci.org | call 800-572-2275 | www.cci.org| a non-profit organization

Posted by: Carol Best | Coldwell Banker Real Estate | Barrington, IL

Carol@CarolBest