May 17, 2012 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Pre-Approved? Follow these Commandments and Get to Closing!

You have your pre-approval in hand and are ready to start viewing a couple of dozen homes with your favorite real estate agent.  But before you head out the door remember the following 10 Commandments brought to you courtesy of Karen Deis of Origination News.  She stoled it from her favorite real estate agent who stole it from someone else....thanks to the originator of these Commandments....from another thief!

May 9, 2012 in Blog, Short Sales by admin

Multiple Offers in A Short Sale? What is Highest & Best?

Although I have been reading about multiple offers becoming more common in AZ, FL, and other states like many things until it actually happens to you it does not hit home.

So it was with some surprise that it finally has started to happen in my area, here in the suburbs of Chicago.  In the Oswego, IL area I have been hearing from many agents that they are now getting multiple offers on their well priced listings even short sales!  Lo and behold, on one of my more recent listings it finally has happened.

Now whenever I get that on offers I put in I always feel like they are “just” saying that to up the price.  Especially foreclosures which seem to always have “multiple offers”.  So how do I respond when I am the buyer’s agent?

I ask my clients how much do they really want the property?  Do you love it?  Really want the home?  Would you be upset if you lost it  to someone else?

If they answer yes then I recommend that they come in higher than the list or asking price.  When dealing with investors they don’t mind paying a couple of thousand dollars extra to secure the property if it makes sense on paper.  They know they can make up the money when they rent it out to a tenant in a relatively short time perio.d

So how do you tell your average home buyer in a “buyer’s market” that if they really want to have their offer submitted to the bank in a short sale that they may actually have to offer MORE than LIST PRICE!! 

If the home will appraise out higher than it’s listed for and if the home was not a “short sale”  would you be willing to pay more for the home?  More than likely you will still be paying less than most “traditional sales” and if the home meets all your current needs, and you really, really would hate to lose out on it, then go for it!  Banks will see how serious you are and more than likely will not counter on the price.  So don’t let your urge to “get the deal” at the lowest price make you “lose your dream home” and put you in the “should have, could have” club.  Put in your HIGHEST & BEST!

The market is changing and buyers are waking up to the fact that interest rates are the lowest in decades, home prices are  more affordable than ever and the bottom is almost there.  Few people have been able to “time” the market.  Few people saw the signs in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and sold their homes and rented waiting for the downturn.

Timing the Market

Don’t Be Caught Trying to Time the Market!  instead take advantage of today’s market, buy your dream home in the neighborhood you love knowing that chances are you will have a lower mortgage than most of your neighbors and you will be enjoying that home for years to come!

If you are underwater on your home call me for a confidential consultation to discuss your options!

May 9, 2012 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Do Multiple Offers Indicate an Upswing in the Market? Is your Highest and Best Your Best?

Although I have been reading about multiple offers becoming more common in AZ, FL, and other states like many things until it actually happens to you it does not hit home.

So it was with some surprise that it finally has started to happen in my area, here in the suburbs of Chicago.  In the Oswego, IL area I have been hearing from many agents that they are now getting multiple offers on their well priced listings even short sales!  Lo and behold, on one of my more recent listings it finally has happened.

Now whenever I get that on offers I put in I always feel like they are "just" saying that to up the price.  Especially foreclosures which seem to always have "multiple offers".  So how do I respond when I am the buyer's agent?

I ask my clients how much do they really want the property?  Do you love it?  Really want the home?  Would you be upset if you lost it  to someone else?

If they answer yes then I recommend that they come in higher than the list or asking price.  When dealing with investors they don't mind paying a couple of thousand dollars extra to secure the property if it makes sense on paper.  They know they can make up the money when they rent it out to a tenant in a relatively short time perio.d

So how do you tell your average home buyer in a "buyer's market" that if they really want to have their offer submitted to the bank in a short sale that they may actually have to offer MORE than LIST PRICE!! 

If the home will appraise out higher than it's listed for and if the home was not a "short sale"  would you be willing to pay more for the home?  More than likely you will still be paying less than most "traditional sales" and if the home meets all your current needs, and you really, really would hate to lose out on it, then go for it!  Banks will see how serious you are and more than likely will not counter on the price.  So don't let your urge to "get the deal" at the lowest price make you "lose your dream home" and put you in the "should have, could have" club.  Put in your HIGHEST & BEST!

The market is changing and buyers are waking up to the fact that interest rates are the lowest in decades, home prices are  more affordable than ever and the bottom is almost there.  Few people have been able to "time" the market.  Few people saw the signs in 2005, 2006 and 2007 and sold their homes and rented waiting for the downturn.

Don't Be Caught Trying to Time the Market!  instead take advantage of today's market, buy your dream home in the neighborhood you love knowing that chances are you will have a lower mortgage than most of your neighbors and you will be enjoying that home for years to come!

If you are underwater on your home call me for a confidential consultation to discuss your options!

March 29, 2012 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Sweet Tooth in the Oswego, IL area???

For those of us that have a sweet tooth and live in the Oswego, Montgomery and Yorkville area or what I affectionately call OMY, we are in luck!  Another brave small business owner, Chris McClimans & Betsy Kammerer with a dream have opened up My Sister's Lil Donut Shoppe across from the Oswego, IL post office.

I heard about it on my local Patch email and of course, had to try it out 1st hand.  Well, let me tell you, I was pleasantly surprised.  I rarely buy doughnuts and pastries due to trying to lead a healthier lifestyle and trying to change to a more raw and organic food diet.  But in life we must have balance - so when I do indulge I want to make sure that going off my chosen path is worth the effort and calories!

The two sisters involved in this venture have nalied it!  I had a sampling of their delicious offerings last week and was not disappointed.  The little shop was packed with customers as word of mouth has spread.  It doesn't hurt that the owners are lifelong Oswego residents and that one worked for the Village!  From fellow business owners stopping by to congratulate & welcome them to the business community, to friends and neighbors coming to taste and buy up their offerings. Our sweet tooth's were definitely happy! 

The hours are a bit of a challenge unless your write them down somewhere - Closed Sunday & Monday and open the rest of the week to 1:00 p.m.  I believe they are open at 5:30 a.m.  Just in time for your morning coffee and a sweet treat.

 Call at 331-203-2736 or visit their Facebook page!  Come on Oswego...support all the local new businesses so they can be a success and we can attract more dreamers willing to make their dreams reality!

November 10, 2011 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Oswego IL October 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, remember that I am here ready to assist you reach your real estate goals!

November 10, 2011 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Oswego IL October 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, remember that I am here ready to assist you reach your real estate goals!

October 1, 2011 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Leaves are Turning in Chicagoland and Your Thoughts are Heading 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 Chicagoland will be knee deep in snow while further south they will be enjoying 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

October 1, 2011 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Leaves are Turning in Chicagoland and Your Thoughts are Heading 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 Chicagoland will be knee deep in snow while further south they will be enjoying 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

October 1, 2011 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Sushi Bay in Yorkville…Yea Yorkville, IL

 Perhaps when you picture Yorkville, iL you don't think of sushi, but after visiting Sushi Bay in the strip mall on the corner of Rt. 47 and Route 34 (Ogden) earler this year Yorkville and Sushi are no longer that far apart.

With its great location minutes from down town Yorkville and centrally located from both the older sections of town and the newer subdivisions such as Grande Reserve, for sushi lovers that discover this place its definitely a find.  I have visited the local Panera Bread many tims before and really had not paid attention to this other restaurant but I am glad that some close friends asked me to meet them there and now I don't have to travel to Naperville or Batavia for sushi!

Not as large as its Naperville location, the food is just as good or even better.  They were doing a brisk carry-out business while we were eating so many have discovered this great spot.

 Make sure that when you are in the Yorkville/Oswego/Sugar Grove area you make a stop at this great spot!

Here is their website:  http://www.sushibay.us/

September 10, 2011 in Short Sales by Evelyn Santiago - Dynamic Real Estate Network, Inc.

Showing Companies, Appointment Desks and What Not to Say!

Call me petty, but when I have to call any of the many showing companies to set up a "showing" why is it that they always ask - How can I help you? or What can I do for you? or a variation of that?  So after I surprise them and tell them that I want to show such and such...why do they ask my name...and then...what do you want to show and when do you want to show it?

Would it not make better sense to say" Thanks for calling, what is your name, give me your showing pin:"...and then actually listen to the name of the property that I want to set up an appointment with?

Probably its safe to say that 98% of the time a realtor is calling  a showing company is to .... set up a SHOWING...NOT TO ORDER A PIZZA OR CHIT CHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER. 

So cut to the chase...if I have been waiting in line because volume is up or because the last agent was too busy munching on something and they dropped my call, I really don't want to hear "How can I help you" since your only job is to set- up showings and perhaps once in a while take a complaint or get other directions regarding a showing.

Please listen to me the first time and don't make me repeat myself several times because you are not payting attention! Please speak distinctly, stop chewing gum, eating granola bars or speaking to your best friend while trying to get my informaton.   Please attempt to pronounce my name if I correct you or admit you have problems with "foreign" names.

It's amazing where you can get insperiation for a blog post!