November 14, 2011 in Blog by admin

Cold Weather in Chicagoland Turns Thoughts to Naples, FL

Fall is definitely here with the rain, cool weather and thoughts of winter around the corner. For many of us who are ready to take the next step – retirement or those of us that are just tired of the cold and snow a change of location might be in order.

Now that I have my Real Estate Broker license in Florida and access to the Naples area MLS I wanted to find out what is on the market/ Currently close to 6,000 active listings are available in the Greater Naples area.

A lot of variety with a broad range of prices to entice almost everyone. Whether looking for a simple home under $100K or your dream home in the millions the Naples area has enough inventory but multiple offers are starting to be common in the lower price points and prices are stabilizing and increasing. According to Realtor.com:

7. Naples, Fla.
Average list price: $713,087
Year-over-year increase: 15.13%

According to Realtor.com Florida has 10 out of 15 ciities that are seeing price increases so now is the time to make the move.

Under $100K – 3 bedrom 1 bath or 2 – 59 listings – short sales, TLC, foreclosures, some with pools even in various parts of Naples area.

Sure, these are not in the “gated golf communities” that Naples is famous for but many are on large lots of 1 acre and yes they need work but for those that are willing to do the work you can move and enjoy sunshine instead of cold and snow!

Some of the subdivisions represented are: Avalon Estates, Arrowhead Reserve, Naples Manor, Trail Acres, Golden Gate Estates, Golden Gate City, Jubilation and Shadowlawn to name a few. Under 1300 sq. ft on average.

$101K to $200K – 3 bedroom 1 or 2 bath – 177 listings – More variety – large square footage

$201 to $300K – 3 Bedrooms,w 1/2 baths – 177 listings – Variety, large square footage.

$301 to $500K – 3,4,5+ Bedrooms, 1/2+ baths – 516 listings – Many in gated communities with tons of amenities but along with the amenities come Quarterly association fees and restrictions. With subdivisions such as: Banyan Woods, Olde Cypress, Lake Placid, Wilshire Lakes, Island Walk, Imperial Golf Estates and similar lifestyle subdivisions.

$501K to 1M – 3, 4, 5, or more bedrooms – 1, 2 or more baths – 459

Location, Location – these homes are closer to the beach, in exclusive or old Naples subdivisions with the space and workmanship that the price range commands with large square footage, some are even totally furnished.

With 613 listings in the million plus category you can find an equivalent home from your Gold Coast, North Shore, Barrington or Naperville residence. From the $28M “Casita De La Playa” on 1.5 acres on the Gulf of Mexico, to the $1,050,000 5 bedroom home in Coquina Sands. With this much selection you are bound to find a home that appeals to your dreams of a Naples summer home or your final dream home.

Start your search here.

Before you know it Chiagoland will be knee deep in snow while further south they will be enjying the sun and beach that the Naples Florida area is famous for. So what are you waiting for? Contact your personal connection to the Sunshine State! Same number for both states – 630-251-0059!

Evelyn Santiago

Naples Broker Realty – FL

Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc. – IL

November 14, 2011 in Blog by admin

Oswego IL October 2011 Market Activity

The winds are howling and leaves are almost off the trees as one of the colder nights in Chicagoland begins. Looking back at another month of home sales in Oswego the numbers tell the story.

In the single family detached homes there are currently 219 active listings, 14 new listings less than 7 days old with 15 price changes, 66 homes in contingent stage and 10 pending a closing date. In October 31 homes were sold. Year to date 262 homes have been sold. Out of that number 61 were foreclosures and 32 were short sales. In 2010 we had sold 242 homes so we are ahead of the game this year!

In the attached single family category we have 66 active listings, 2 new listings, 25 price changes, 26 contingent with 8 sold homes in October. 91 homes have been sold year to date with 34 foreclosures, 20 short sales and 1 corporate own. By the same time 2010 we had sold 105 attached homes so we are also ahead in the attached homes.

If you are planning to buy or sell your home this year in the Oswego, Montgomery, Yorkville or Aurora IL  and surrounding areas, remember that I am here ready to assist you reach your real estate goals!

September 6, 2011 in Blog by admin

Why Won’t You Show Me the House?? The New Reality

The good old days when you could “pop up” and show a house to anyone that called you are over but for some reasons potential Buyers don’t understand why calling any random agent will not gain them access to the house they saw as they were driving by the street.

So to all you potential buyers that think the Realtor that you called is being mean, picky or whatever other adjective you might want to use, here are the reasons why they just won’t go along and show you the house despite the fact that you assure them that you qualify to buy it.

1. We only show homes to “qualified buyers”.

So, what is a “qualified buyer”? In today’s current lending environment it means someone that has the ability to payback the loan, the credit score to substantiate the lender to risk lending them the money and the only way you will find out if you are a “qualified buyer” is to actually speak to a lender and give them your financial and job history. Every lender will have small variations of what the criteria is so bite the bullet and find out if you are a “qualified buyer”.

Real Estate agents are not trying to be difficult. Beleive me we would love to show you the house, but only if you are able to buy it today not in the distant future. Put yourself in the seller’s shoes. Showings are going to disrupt their daily schedule enough. You want your agent to only show your home to buyers that can actually buy the home, not to curious strangers and neighbors that are just wondering what your house looks like because they like the outside.

The days of being a “pop tart” agent, i.e. Popping up and showing a house to anybody and everybody that calls to see it, are over. You must have a pre-approval before I can show you any house that is listed in the multiple listing service to protect my seller, myself and ultimately you! Falling in love with a home that you can’t buy because its beyond your affordable monthly payment or price range or because you can not get a mortgage does a diservice to everyone!

Oh, and if you plan on buying cash please be prepared to show me a bank statement from your bank or brokerage firm that you have the available funds in your account. Their are specific guidelines that must be followed in a cash transaction so again you have to show me proof that you are able to actually “buy” the house cash within 30 days or less. Every contract requires either a proof of funds or a pre-approval letter when you submit it.

Unfortunately, this is the new reality and agents are not being difficult, mean or lazy, we just want to “sell” homes not merely “show” them.

July 8, 2011 in Blog by admin

Double Yolk Hits a Bullseye in Aurora IL

In today’s economy deciding where to spend your hard earned money has become
more important than ever.  So when friends told me that a new restaurant had
opened in my hometown I was ready to check it out.

My 2nd visit to the Double Yolk Pancake House & Restaurant in Aurora,
IL was even better than my original visit.  Opened only a couple of months the
Double Yolk located on at 1555 Butterfield Road off Farnsworth Avenue is a
pleasant surprise in today’s franchise heavy restaurant market.

From its friendly staff, clean modern ambience and its prices you will be
pleasantly surprised when you visit.  Whether you come after a shopping spree at
the Premium Outlet
Mall or running around the Fox Valley area you will not regret stopping
by.

Here are a few of the happy clients that I ran into on this visit:

Adira loved the creamer while Manny (aka Dad) and Krista (aka Mom) waited for
their order – return customers that loved the food!

Karen, a frequent traveller for business was enjoying her 2nd cup of coffee
and a great omlette while taking in the ambiance.

Long time friends,
Carolyn and Jacqie enjoyed catching up while finshing up their last cup of
coffee – Nothing like a girl’s morning meeting.

Susan and John from Terre Haute, Indiana were visting in the area and decided
to stop by and although they had not gotten their order were looking forward to
eating and getting to the outlet mall.

We even had a group of law enforcement personnel that opted not to be
pictured but were enjoying a well deserved break…how’s that for an
endorsement!

Make a visit to the Double Yolk and join the many satisfied customers that
have already made this place the “in place for breakfast” in the Western
suburbs.  If you need to contact them call 630-820-YOLK (9655).  Grand opening
is slated for July 26th – beat the rush and enjoy a great breakfast dining
experience!

Tell them Evelyn sent you…

June 20, 2011 in Blog by admin

Horses Allowed in Yorkville IL – Unique Horse Friendly Properties

As this old farming community changes to another bedroom community of Aurora/Chicago the number of properties that allow horses that are not actually farms continue to dwindle in Yorkville, IL.

Horse

As a horse lover this is sad but those that are left are truly unique. I found 7 properties that indicate that horses are allowed.

Country Road

Currently we have a small 5 acre parcel that is quite a steal for the right buyer. Build your own home where the current farm house sits and a horse barn to enjoy this great piece of property. Below $400K you will have a bargain!

Our 2nd property on 10 acres is a wonderful home which affords you tons of privacy and a place for your favorite horse priced at $474,900 the 2202 sq. ft. home is comfortable and affordable.

If you need a much larger home our 3rd property will fit the bill at $524,900. With 5,000 sq. ft. you have plenty of room to stretch out and your horses will love the 7 stall barn and arena. Some updating needed to give it your special look.

Our 4th property is a country estate home on 4 acres built in 2002. All the updating has been done on this beauty and the views are incredible. With a wonderful paver patio, fire pit and of course a place for your favoite horse everyone will be happy you found this one. Listed at $589,000!

The 5th property on our list is an amazing retreat on 22 acres built in 1991 that backs to a wooded area. You really have to view it to appreciate its beauty. The home is brick and stone English Tudor style delight with 4,000 sq. ft. Reduced over 200K the seller is motivated and you will enjoy your own private retreat – You deserve it!

How do you top this last property? Well, how about a 4.3 acre riverfront property with 157′ feet of river frontage! Built in 2009 the home is 4649 sq. ft. and has everything you always wanted!

Making Friends

Last, but certainly not least, is our 7th property – a Historical Home completely restored on 17 acres on Ashly Road. Build in 1845 own a bit of history. This Italianete Design home with coupla with its wrap-around porch is a true classic. Perhaps you always wanted your own B&B…well now is your chance. Or you may want to make this your family home and enjoy the rural lifestay while having easy access to major highways like I-55/I-80. Why buy another cookie cutter condo in Chicago or high end home in Naperville when you can have something as unique as this to call your own. Priced at only $1,195,000 and you can have plenty of land for your horses to romp in.

June 9, 2011 in Blog by admin

It’s June in Oswego IL…Which Means PrairieFest!

Downtown Oswego

Living in a small town like Oswego allows me to enjoy not only the slower, quieter
lifestyle but many great summer activities. June is PrairieFest time which
starts on June 16 and runs until the 19th. Provided by the Oswegoland Park
District and its major sponsor – Allied First Bank, it’s a great family
festival.

With music, food, petting zoo, 5K and many other activites, there is
something for everyone – it’s a great weekend activity.

Neighborhood Park

Some of the bands playing are: 7th Heaven – Thursday – June 16

Blue Oyster Cult – Friday – June 17 – 9:30 – 11p.m.

Howard & the White Boys – 7-9 p.m.

Sister Hazel – Main Stage – Saturday – June 18

Hix Bros. – Main Stage – Sunday -June 19

It’s Father’s Day weekend and what a great way to spend time with your
favorite Dad enjoying the small town feeling in Oswego!

Arrive early since parking lots can get full early! You may like Oswego
enough to make it your next home!

June 2, 2011 in Blog by admin

Oswego IL May 2011 vs May 2010 Market Activity – We are Even!

With all the bad housing news on TV it sounds like no one is buying. But the
truth is somewhere in the middle. People are still buying homes and we are still
keeping pace with last year.

As of today, closings for May 2011 were 34 for single detached homes
and May 2010 was 34! We had less foreclosures in 2011 for May
with only 1 versus 14 in 2010. We had 2 short sales in May 2011 and only 1 in
May 2010. There are currently 10 homes that are pending
(cleared all contingencies) in May that should close in the next couple of
months.

Year to Date for 2011 – 102 homes have closed versus
2010 were we had 119 closed. Remember that in 2010 we had the
1st time homebuyer incentive which in my humble opinion caused an increased
number of buyers taking advantage of the tax break. Considering that there has
been no incentive 102 homes is a solid number.

In the attached homes (townhomes,duplex, condos) for May 2011 -
10 homes closed (3 Foreclosures – 1 Short Sale) versus 12 homes
in 2010 (4 Foreclosures – 1 Short Sale). We are doing fairly well
again.

Year to Date in Attached Homes you can definitely see how
1st time home buyers took advantage last year. Currently in
2011 we have closed on 35 homes versus
2010′s number of 56! Foreclosures out of the
35 were 14 with only 5 Short
Sales. in 2010 we had 16 foreclosures out of
56 and 4 Short Sales. The tax incentive really
made an impact on the attached home segment. There are currently 13
pending contracts that should close within the next couple of months
for attached homes.

Currently there are 255 Active Listings in single family
homes and 105 Active Listings in attached homes.

Despite these numbers, interest rates are still low – down payment for FHA is
still 3.5% and prices are at their lowest in decades. With the
government trying to get rid of Fannie Mae and Freddie and politicians trying to
increase the down payment to 20% and the strong possibility
that interest rates will start climbing…don’t you think it’s the best time to
buy a home??

Don’t be the one telling stories 10 or 15 years ago…I should have bought a
house in 2011 when you could have bought a home in Old Reserve for less than
$400K…or in any Oswego neighborhood. Take Action today and find a great home,
at a great price today!

June 2, 2011 in Blog by admin

So What Can You Buy for a Million or More in Oswego, IL?

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Main Street in Oswego IL

Oswego, IL is your not your typical small American town. With a rural feel to it yet with national shopping and top restaurant franchises and several grocery stores we have all the conveniences of a larger city. With a diverse housing stock even millionnaires can find something to catch their attention.

Do you crave privacy and some land? This executive retreat with a 5,500 sq. ft. Victorian custom home may be your dream home. Known to locals as “Fox Run Farm” its only 10 minutes SW of Naperville. It’s a one of a kind that should be on your “must see” list if your price range is under 2 Million. Click here for all the details.

If you prefer less land and a slightly smaller home perhaps this 4 bedroom 4 bath – 4,300 sq. ft. home will fit the bill. On a rural road with other custom homes your 15 minutes from Rt. 55 N exit on Rt. 126. Located on 9 acres this stunning home has a lot to offer the discerning buyer. Take a look here for more details.

Do you enjoy being a little different? Unique barn conversion with all the top of the line details such as Sub-Zero, Thermidor and Viking Appliances in the gourmet kitchen. Six bedrooms – four with private baths – construction is post and beam with quality craftsmanship everywhere you turn. An indoor lap pool, 3 tiered pond, patios, decks and a 4 car garage. This 10,200 sq. beauty is truly a one of kind located off Reservation Road surrounded by other custom homes. View it here.

Just under 1 Million this 4 bedroom 3 bath home is located in Southfield Estates. Rustic with contempoary touches, vaulted ceilings, wrap around porch to enjoy summer evenings. Hardwood floors, stamped patio, and the list goes on. Take a peek..you won’t be disappointed.

So why should you move to Oswego IL and buy a million plus home? Let our high school students tell you 10 reasons!

April 27, 2011 in Blog by admin

Olive Gallery – It’s Not What You Think!

As I speeded (legal) down Rt. 47 several weeks ago, a sign caught my eye…and I made a quick decision to check it out.  I was heading towards Yorkville to do a couple of errands but did not have a time deadline.  The small strip mall like so many that cropped up during the heady days of the housing market was about 50% full. 

Could it be an art gallery?  Or perhaps some sort of art therapy company?  I took my camera to document my visit.  As I entered the store I noticed that the location next to it was being worked on.

What a pleasant surprise when I entered the Olive Gallery..rows upon rows of gourmet olive oil!  The ambiance was like a good Italian restaurant with warm earthy colors and diffused lighting.  I introduced myself to the owner and asked her about her business.  A short summary of my interview follows with my impressions of one of the new companies opening up in a small town in the Fox Valley area.

After marrying a local man from Yorkville and many years of living and working in Chicago’s Loop, Catherine Bucaro made her home in Yorkville.  She always wanted to open up her own business, but was not sure what type.  On a visit up to the northern suburbs she went into a store that specialized in olive oils and she finally had her answer.  After much research she took the plunge about a year and a half ago and opened up the Olive Gallery.  Marrying her love of Italian cooking with her business experience and a small business entrepreneur was born!

 Her personal touches are apparent as you walk through the store.  With every purchase of one of her gourmet olive oils you receive a recipe card to try at home.  She has added Italian bakery items and gelato’s and sorbets to her product line.  Business has been very good and she is expanding to the space next door.

So you lover’s of gourmet cooking, Italian food and those of us that are always searching for unique gifts, search no more and travel closer to home.  Stop by the Olive Gallery and keep Catherine in business and enjoy the wonderful array of olive oils available.  BTW, the tiramiso gelato is out of this world!!

Located at 2671 N. Bridge St. (Rt. 47), Yorkville, iL  60560  vist: www.theolivegallery.com