August 13, 2010 in Blog by admin

Appreciation For a Job Well Done – Always well…Appreciated!

Monday’s are usually tough days in almost everyone’s workday….weekend fun is over…the short respite of 2 days is past and another long week of work faces us.

For realtors and other’s involved in real estate…the weekend still is work so Mondays…sometimes are our “catch up day”.  I spent most of the weekend doing price cuts for some of my listings hoping that it will generate some showings.

I have been trying to think of ways to increase the exposure of my listings besides blogging and posting them on every internet site I can think of. 

So it was really great to open up an email from a former client and find a wonderful testimonial that I can post on my marketing material.

I have blogged previously about the horrible closing we had with them a couple of months ago. I felt so bad for my buyers, Jim & Patti, that I would not be surprised if they never move again!

At The Closing

They didn’t hold the experience against me personally and even invited me to their barbeque open house earlier this summer.  They love their home and I am glad that they were able to close on it despite all the obstacles.

Following is the email that I received from them today:

OUR HOME BUYER EXPERIENCE

In today’s economic environment, home buyers (especially first timers like us) need an experienced professional to help them locate the right house, understand financing and legal concerns, and to simply be a reassuring friends when obstacles arise.  We could not have been happier with the guidance provided by Evelyn Santiago in our home buying adventure.  From our first showings in 18 inches of fresh snow, to finally getting keys to our new home, Evelyn was right there with us.  She was immediately available at any time, kept us informed of any information available, and made us feel like the most important clients she had ever worked with.  

As first time homebuyers, we weren’t even sure why type of property we really wanted.  Evelyn was patient is showing us townhomes and single family homes, discussed various advantages and disadvantages of each, and helped us to determine exactly what we were looking for.  As we modified our list of desired traits in a new home, Evelyn was quick to respond by searching the MLS, suggesting properties, and setting up showings.  After seeing twenty-six different properties, we finally found the house that we knew we could call ‘Home’.   Her experience and in-depth knowledge of the fluctuating home values enabled her to not only suggest an offer on the house, but she also accurately predicated the price we would pay for the home after final counter-offer negotiations completed!  

We soon learned, however, that finding a home in this economy can often be the easy part of the process.  Overly-tightened lending practices have created many obstacles that must be understood and dealt with.  Evelyn remained with us to keep us calm, offer suggestions, and encourage us through the maze (and mess) of home lending in a recession.  

On closing day, when even more paperwork oversights and obstacles suddenly arose that kept us at the title company for the entire day, only ONE person stood by us: Evelyn.  Attorneys for both the buyers and sellers, the seller’s agent, and even the title company representative all found “other” meetings as a reason to abandon us during the closing process.  Rather than follow suit and leave us to fend for ourselves at the closing table, Evelyn steadfasly waited, made calls, and represented our interests in a way that greatly exceeded even our highest expectations.  

If anyone, first-time or prior homeowner, is looking for a new propertly to call “home”, we highly recommend Evelyn Santiago as an extremely qualified real estate agent.  Challenging economic conditions require the assistance of an agent who is not only up to the challenge, but successful in overcoming obstacles, clearing red tape, and staying optimistic until the final goal is achieved.   We are now in our new house, and pinch ourselves every day when we drive up to “our home”.  We know this dream-come-true would not have been possible without Evelyn.  We are eternally grateful for all her help, guidance, and encouragement.       Sincerely,   Jim and Patti Cryer – 7/12/10

It’s great to know that my hard work was appreciated and that they are willing to talk with potential buyers about my services.  You can’t ask for a better referral!  So back to trying to find more ways to bring my seller’s buyers…I know that Jim and Patti will be happy to talk with them.

August 13, 2010 in Blog by admin

Another First – 2 Bedroom Mobile Home in Retirement Park – Montgomery, IL

Nestled in a quiet spot off Douglas Road and Montgomery Road is Oak Grove Mobile Park.  A 55 and over retirement community in the small village of Montgomery.  Located close to shopping, restaurants and easy access to Aurora’s Metra stop.

If you are looking for a lower cost retirement option then you are in luck!  This barely 2 year old mobile home is in excellent condition.  From its large eat-in kitchen with all appliances, to the large living room - this is not your grandmother’s mobile home! 

With a stacking washer/dryer, full bathroom and 2 comfortable bedrooms you don’t realize your living in a mobile home. 

The large inviting deck awaits its new owner. 

Imagine sitting and enjoying your retirement off this almost new deck!

Priced at $58,500 wtih $450 monthly lot lease – you can easily enjoy your retirement without breaking the bank!  Call me for a private showing!

August 13, 2010 in Blog by admin

Oswego’s Best Kept Secret…ssh..

Childhood memories in the summer always remind me of one of my favorite treats…ice cream!  In my small town the favorite place for a cone is the Dairy Hut on Main Street.  Although their menu has expanded beyond ice cream it has been known since the 50′s as the place to get a great ice cream treat.  Originally a trailer it has now has a permanent place on Main Street.  The current owner, Jeff Smkal, has owned it for the last 3 years and has kept the tradition alive.

When I stopped by last month it was obvious why it’s a favorite stop for those in and around town.  The smiling courteous staff is efficient and ready to help you make your selection.

With the owner’s and customer permission I took some pictures of those enjoying a respite from the summer heat enjoying a cone or food item from Oswego’s best kept secret. Available for ice cream cakes/creations, catering and just great food!  Call 630-554-6800 or email at dairyhutonmain@prodigy.net

Upcoming events:   August 21, 2010 – Elvis Night at Dairy Hut from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Another cruise night for you classic car lovers.

August 13, 2010 in Blog by Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Another First – 2 Bedroom Mobile Home in Retirement Park – Montgomery, IL

Nestled in a quiet spot off Douglas Road and Montgomery Road is Oak Grove Mobile Park.  A 55 and over retirement community in the small village of Montgomery.  Located close to shopping, restaurants and easy access to Aurora's Metra stop.

If you are looking for a lower cost retirement option then you are in luck!  This barely 2 year old mobile home is in excellent condition.  From its large eat-in kitchen with all appliances, to the large living room - this is not your grandmother's mobile home! 

With a stacking washer/dryer, full bathroom and 2 comfortable bedrooms you don't realize your living in a mobile home. 

The large inviting deck awaits its new owner. 

Imagine sitting and enjoying your retirement off this almost new deck!

Priced at $58,500 wtih $450 monthly lot lease - you can easily enjoy your retirement without breaking the bank!  Call me for a private showing!

August 10, 2010 in Blog by Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Dairy Hut – A Standing Summer Tradition in Oswego, IL

Childhood memories in the summer always remind me of one of my favorite treats...ice cream!  In my small town the favorite place for a cone is the Dairy Hut on Main Street.  Although their menu has expanded beyond ice cream it has been known since the 50's as the place to get a great ice cream treat.  Originally a trailer it has now has a permanent place on Main Street.  The current owner, Jeff Smkal, has owned it for the last 3 years and has kept the tradition alive.

When I stopped by last month it was obvious why it's a favorite stop for those in and around town.  The smiling courteous staff is efficient and ready to help you make your selection.

With the owner's and customer permission I took some pictures of those enjoying a respite from the summer heat enjoying a cone or food item from Oswego's best kept secret. Available for ice cream cakes/creations, catering and just great food!  Call 630-554-6800 or email at dairyhutonmain@prodigy.net

Upcoming events:   August 21, 2010 - Elvis Night at Dairy Hut from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Another cruise night for you classic car lovers.

August 1, 2010 in Blog by admin

HAFA Approved Short Sale!

Quick close possible on this HAFA approved Short Sale 35 miles south of Chicago in Steger, IL. Nestled on 2 fenced in acres this brick ranch needs some TLC to make it a showplace. A wonderful country get away with fruit trees, mature trees and plenty of land for your hobbies.

Area for Play Set

Exterior

The home consists of a 4 bedroom main house with a massive master

Master Bedroom Sitting Area

bedroom floor with skylights, master bath with large whirlpool tub

Main Master Bath - Whirlpool

and plenty of space for a sitting room and/or office. 3 bedrooms with 1.5 baths on the main level along with a family room, formal living room and

Dinig Room

dining room with sliding glass doors leading to the in ground pool and spa.

Living Room

The guest house has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and living room and 2nd kitchen.

Call for your personal showing!