April 29, 2010 in Blog by admin

Naperville and Dick Tracy – What Do They Have In Common?

Downtown Street Scene

On a Sunday afternoon a group of my friends and I meet for breakfast at the local Egg Harbor in downtown Naperville, and decided to walk around the Riverwalk. If you have not been to the river walk lately take a trip down to Naperville which was named as # 3 of the best places to live by Money Magazine in 2008.

Located in the far western suburbs of Chicago, Naperville is the 5th largest city in Illinois. Once considered a farming town, Naperville become a wealthy city as professionals moved in during the 1990′s seeking jobs in some of the local companies such as Alcatel-Lucent, Tellabs, BP North America Headquarters, and Nalco Holding Company. Along with its top rated public schools and its housing stock, it was also rated by Fortune Magazine as “one of the best places to launch a business” in 2008 rating 29 out 100.

Settled in 1831 by Joseph Naper and known as “Naper’s Settlement” it remained a mostly rural community until the 1960′s when it started growing its population and when the East/West Tollway was built in the 1970′s and 1980′s it kept growing. But it’s population really grew in the 1990′s as the more corporations brought technical and management jobs to the area and it’s location along Metra’s route allowed commuters to easily get into Chicago’s Union Station and access the city’s major employers.

The Riverwalk which stretches aproximately 4 miles running along the west branch of the DuPage River was built as part of Naperville’s Sesquicentennial anniversary in 1981. The river walk winds through downtown and neighborhoods facing the river.  Along with the scenic bridges, fountains,

Riverwalk Fountain

benches and memorials stands a very interesting statue.

Dick Tracy Staute

Located across from the busy downtown side and across the river is a larger than life statue of comic book hero Dick Tracy. Unless you cross over he looks like a statue of many of the downtown commuters that use the Metra station to go into Chicago. On closer inspection you realize it’s Dick Tracy. So why is a staute of Dick Tracy on Naperville’s Riverwalk?? The answer is that Naperville is the home of the current Dick Tracy comic strip writer and he gave the city the Statue. The original writer of the 1930′s comic strip, Chester Gould also was a resident of Illinois. It’s amazing what you learn on a walk through downtown Naperville!

Close Up of Dick Tracy

Along with the Dick Tracy statue there are 29 other pieces of public art along the River Walk. This Century Walk sculpture depicts Jim Moser and Mayor Chet Rybicki representing the volunteer spirit that has helped build theRiverwalkas one of Naperville’s “must see” attractions.

Statue of Jim Moser and Mayor Chet Rybicki

As we meandered through the area we ran into a variety of people using the Riverwalk for activities as varied as fishing and dog walking.

Meeting of the Dogs

Man fishing at Riverwalk

This bridge allows you to cross to get a closer look at the Dick Tracy statue or visit one of the many business’ located across from the Riverwalk.

Close Up of Riverwalk Bridge

Many restaurants familiar to Chicago residents such as Hugo’s Frog Bar, Jilly’s, Catch 35 and Rosebud have locations in Naperville’s booming downtown.

One of Many Naperville Restaurants

Whether your looking to move into Naperville or just visit, a trip to the Riverwalk is a must!

April 18, 2010 in Blog by admin

Four Lakes 1 Bedroom Condo – Motivated Buyer Wanted!

If your the type of person that would rather spend their time traveling, or taking off at a moments notice versus cutting the lawn on a Saturday morning then I have the perfect 1 bedroom condo in the well known Four Lakes subdivision just for you.

6020 Oakwood, Lisle, IL

Located in Lisle, IL Four Lakes has its own ski hill, lakes to fish or canoe on, an onsite Pantry and the famous 4 lakes “The Lodge” located at the bottom of the ski hill, minutes from the volley ball courts which were in full swing when I stopped to take pictures this past week. Activities abound year round with resident parties, sking, snowboard in winter and swimming during the summer. The wooded area with walking trails is tranquil and inviting. Located off Rt. 53 and Maple Avenue you are minutes to the Metra Lisle stop and the Maple Avenue exit for I-355. Whether going downtown Naperville or downtown Chicago the location of your 1 bedroom 1 bath condo allows you easy access to major transportation.

Located on the 3rd floor it has a open floor plan that boasts a fireplace in the living room, a dining area off the galley style kitchen with granite countertops and newer appliances. The bedroom has access to the balcony which runs from the living room to bedroom. With a stackable washer and dryer in the bedroom doing the laundry has never been easier. The current owners have outgrown the condo as their family has grown at the same time that the real estate market has dropped. The fact that it’s a short sale makes this a great bargain.

Call and take advantage of the great location and wonderful resort style living minutes from restaurants and movies at the 7 Bridges shopping center and other area amenities. At only $89,900 it will be almost as cheap as rent.

Please contact Evelyn Santiago for more information.

April 14, 2010 in Blog by admin

Fox Valley Home Buyers – Under Contract By 4/30!!!

Tomorrow, tomorrow is a thought that comes across our minds sometimes on a daily basis. I will do the ironing, tomorrow, I will clean the car….tomorrow.

If you are thinking about buying a home your tomorrow has arrived. The 1st time home buyer’s credit expires in a few weeks – April 30th. This is the deadline that you must meet to have an approved and accepted contract so you will qualify for the June 30th deadline. You must close before June 30th.

With the current tight lending standards and the volume of applications that the deadline is generating you will need those 60 days to get your loan approved.

So stop right now – call me! Don’t put this one off till tomorrow since it does not look like they will be extending this credit anytime soon.

Call me on 630-251-0059! I am virtual which means I will come to you and we can start searching for a home on my computer if you don’t have one or if you have an email account I will be happy to email you possible home choices based on your criteria.

Take advantage of the possible $8,000 1st time home credit and the $6500 move up credit. The weather is great here in the Fox Valley area so it’s a great time to go out and start your search!!

Evelyn Santiago can help with all your home buying and selling decisions for Fox Valley and Chicago real estate.

April 8, 2010 in Blog by admin

Hungry? My Favorite Italian Beef Place in the Fox Valley – Genoa Pizza

Gloomy, rainy weather and a day full of phone calls and errands. Before I knew it it was 7:00 p.m. and I had not had dinner. I normally don’t like fast food but every few months I stop at a small strip mall near my home for what I personally think is the best Italian Beef in the area. Only locals probably know about it but I have decided to let the secret out to the rest of Chicagoland.

Located at 4538 Route 71 in Oswego, IL, Genoa Pizza has been in Oswego for 20 years! For a small business this is a major accomplishment and with today’s economy a bit of a challenge to keep the regular customers and grow your business. As a fellow small business owner I understand how difficult this can be so I want to give as many small business’ in my market area a little push.

Ever since I moved to the Oswego area about 10 years ago I have stopped in and gotten an Italian Beef. I used to buy the pizza’s but due to dietary issues I am now limited to only a few items. But I recommend their pizza’s especially on Monday’s and Tuesdays where you can take advantage of their special – Buy One Pizza – Get One Free! – thin crust only! Now that is a deal!

The service is always good and quick. The place is not fancy by any means but the food is great, the location for those in the area is convenient and for the rest of you that have to make the trip – well worth it!

So when you are in the area – stop by! For those who live in the Oswegoland area support this local business who has been supporting local baseball teams for years. There are many national franchise’s that have opened up on Rt. 34 area and they have the big advertising budgets to keep them open but you have to admire a small business that has been around in the community for 20 years.

Call Cesare at 630-554-9699 or check them out at www.genoapizza10.net

April 8, 2010 in Blog by admin

National Open House Weekend – April 10 & 11 – Is Dual Agency a Possibility?

This weekend the National Association of Realtor’s is sponsoring a National Open House. If you are planning to participate as either a Realtor with any of your listings or as a potential buyer here are some things you should remember.

The agent at the open house represents the SELLER (homeowner). His fiduciary duties are to his SELLER.

If you, as the buyer. like the house and would like to make an offer make sure you understand what DUAL AGENCY is before you make the decision to use the SELLER’s agent to present your offer.

DUAL AGENCY is allowed in IL and other states so it is legal but there are certain disclosures that must be given to you before you agree to use the same listing agent to submit your offer.

So what can the listing agent do under a Dual Agency situation:

* Treat all clients honestly

* Provide information about the property

* Disclose any latent material defects of the property

* Disclose financial qualifications of the buyer or tenant

* Explain Real Estate terms

* Explain closing costs and protocol/procedures

* Provide information on comparable homes to provide guidance on potential offer price

* Help buyer find and compare mortgage financing

* Explain the various inspections and recommend possible vendors and coordinate inspections

What Agents CANNOT do under DUAL AGENCY!!!

* Disclose any confidential information you gave them without your permission

* Disclose the price the seller or landlord will take besides the listing price

* Disclose the price the buyer will be willing to offer on the property

* Give a recommended price the Seller should accept or counter

* Give a recommended price the Buyer should offer

Remember that if you are not comfortable doing a Dual Agency transaction let the Agent know and get your own Buyer’s Representative. You are NOT required to do a Dual Agency.

Realtors please make sure that you DISCLOSE, DISCLOSE DISCLOSE! Make it clear to any prospective clients who YOU represent before they show interest. Don’t become involved in an undisclosed Dual Agency transaction. In the long run it is not worth the extra commission if there are any problems.

Buyers please make sure that you understand this type of transaction and are totally comfortable doing your own due diligence, coming up with the offer price,and understanding all your rights. Buying a home is a complex transaction not to be entered into lightly. The services of a Buyer’s Agent is usually free – the commission in most cases is paid by the Seller, so take advantage of this and hire and enter into an Exclusive Buyer’s Agreement.

Enjoy the National Open House weekend!

April 5, 2010 in Blog by admin

Fox Valley Buyers – Is It a Good Time to Buy?

There is not one true answer to this.  It is an individual decision where you must weigh a lot of different variables.

Let’s start with the financial aspect – Do you have enough for a down payment – what is a good down payment?  For a conventional loan the normal is 20% of the purchase price.  So if you want to buy a $100,000 home it would be $20,000.00 down payment with a $80,000 mortgage.

For a FHA guaranteed mortgage the current down payment is 3.5% of the purchase price.  The majority of 1st time home buyers choose this type of mortgage.

Besides a down payment you have mortgage and closing costs – some that come to mind – origination fee, title, attorney, home insurance, transfer fee, home inspection, radar inspection, application fee, etc., to name a few.  Figure an average of 3% of the purchase price to cover almost everything.

So if you decide to actually buy now what else do you have to think about after you qualify for a mortgage?  Make sure you can afford the property taxes in the location that you choose.  These can vary from county to county and even town to town.

You also have to make sure you are able to find affordable insurance which you have to pay the 1st year’s premium before closing which can be anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars for a condo to several thousand for a large luxury home.

Oh, and remember since you will be the owner – you will have to take care of utilities, maintenance and yes, unexpected repairs since you no longer can call your landlord or Mom and Dad.

Did you know that Easter Sunday is the 2nd best day to buy a home? Few buyers were out looking yesterday because of the holiday but don’t dispair – we still have aprx. 24 more days left for you to take advantage of the 1st time home buyer credit.

So do you think your ready?  If you are, give me a call and let’s go find the right home, at the right price, in the right location since you know today is the right time!

April 5, 2010 in Blog by admin

Fox Valley’s Oswego, IL March Market Activity – Attached Homes

As March is behind us and April brings us much warmer weather let’s take a minute to breakdown the latest market activity for our wonderful village. We are lucky to have a diverse housing stock. From condo’s to 20 acre farmettes and everything in between, you can find a home that suits your needs in our town. Although Oswego has a downtown reminiscent of times gone by we also have the latest in strip malls with everything from Home Depot to your favorite franchise restaurant or fast food. With our more prominent neighbors – Aurora and Naperville garnering more news we manage to provide great schools, diverse housing stock and plenty of green space for bike trails, farms and even a golf course.

We have 152 active attached single family homes. This category covers condo’s, townhomes, duplexes, and manor homes. Out of the 152 we have 37 foreclosures/REO, 35 short sales, and 50 market listings. Currently we have 23 contingent and 15 pending listings. Five are foreclosures/REO, 7 shorts sales and 26 market listings. There were 9 sold homes in March with 3 foreclosures/REO, 2 short sales and 4 market listings. Year to date we have 24 sold homes – with 8 foreclosures/REO, 2 short sales, 6 new construction and 8 market listings. Compared to 2009 where we only had 9 closed we are definitely ahead this  year- to date vs. March 2009 with only 3 closed listings.

April 2, 2010 in Blog by admin

Fox Valley’s Oswego IL March Market Activity

Since I am now officially in Oswego, I decided to add the local market activity for this past month.  I can’t believe we are already in April!  If you look at the chart below you will understand the following numbers:

Currently we have 257 Active Listings – Out of those we have 172 market listings, 6 Foreclosures/REO, 41 short sales and 38 new construction.  We currently have 67% regular market listings, 16% short sales, 2% foreclosures and 15% new home construction for those of you who like a different perspective.

In March there were 19 sales in the single family category.  Of those 19 sold 6 were foreclosures/REO, 4 short sales, 3 new construction with only 6 regular market listings.  We are behind 2009 March Sold’s which were 27 total with 11 foreclosures/REO, 2 short sales, 3 new construction and only 11 market listings.

The good news is that we have a lot of contingent and pending listings.  These are listings that have contracts/offers on them but are waiting for a contingency to clear where the listing will then go into the pending stage which means that the contingencies have been completed and the contract is waiting for a closing date.

There are currently 54 contingent listings.  Of those 54 – 7 are foreclosures/REO, 12 short sales, 10 new construction and 25 market listings.

In the pending category we have a total of 14 with 8 foreclosures/REO, 1 short sale, 1 new construction, and 4 market listings.

Looks like May will be a great month in sold listings for Oswego real estate.