Allyson Hoffman
Displaying blog entries 81-90 of 243
Dierks Bentley will be at the UIC Pavilion on April 30th at 8 PM. It is located at 525 S. Racine in Chicago.
Dierks Bentley worked hard to get where he’s at. He is nothing but proud to have had opening tour slots for Strait and Kenny Chesney on the strength of his debut album. So get out and enjoy this amazing country music in Chicago!
Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
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Many headlines in the media right now are proclaiming the total collapse of the housing market. What makes it seem very believable is the headlines are based on two reports from the National Association of Realtors (NAR): the Existing Home Sales Report and the Pending Home Sales Report. However, all is not what it seems.The negative headlines you have been reading are based on the Y-O-Y statistics. They are horrific. There is a logical explanation for this however. Last year, at this time, we were headed toward the expiration of the Homebuyer Tax Credit, one of the greatest buyer tax incentives in American history. There were people rushing to get their home into contract and/or to a closing. This dragged demand forward. People who would have normally closed later in the year moved their closing up in order to take advantage of the tax credit. Comparing sales in the first four months of this year to the same time last year wouldn’t be comparing similar situations. That wouldn’t make sense.
A better way to judge the market at this time is to compare month-over-month sales. Here is a graph showing the increase in pending sales over the last twelve months.
As we can see, sales dropped dramatically after the expiration of the tax credit in April 2010. Then sales began to slowly rebuild and are now increasing nicely.
The market is gaining momentum not losing ground. Headlines sell papers. Actually knowing what is truly happening in the real estate market is what’s important.
Article from KCM Blog
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Please join Green Dot Environmental as they celebrate the 2nd Annual 5K for Earth Day presented by Merchants Banc on Saturday, April 23, 2011. Providing a celebration of the intersection of health, the mainstream green movement and diverse community engagement, this 2nd Annual 5K run/walk highlight the best Chicago of the future set against the historic landmarks of Humboldt Park.
Beginning with a family friendly 5k run/walk, the race will culminate at the Humboldt Park boat house with a free Green Living Expo including great music, family entertainment, delicious food, exciting vendors and shopping, environmental education and fun for the whole family. With the support of city councilmen Roberto Maldonado of the 26th Ward, the 5k for Earth Day / Green Living Expo is an integral part of his Green initiatives.
This event also goes beyond these neighborhoods as everyone from in and around Chicago was invited to run/walk locally and think globally. They also welcome national and international organizations to participate locally. The Earth Day Network and Global Exchange are just some of the organizations that have joined in their efforts.
For those who will be unable to run, walk or celebrate that day, you may still contribute by way of a charitable donation given to one of the following beneficiaries: The 26th Ward Community Reinvestment Fund, the Humboldt Park Advisory Council. Click 5K for Earth Day / Green Living Expo Donation.
Preliminary Event Schedule (April 23, 2011)
7:00 Race Day Registration
7:40 Registration Closes
7:45 Warm-Up
7:50 Opening Ceremony Hosted by 35th Ward Aldermen Rey Colon
8:00 Runners Begin (Walkers Start Immediately Following the Runners)
9:00 Green Living Expo begins (full schedule of activities will be posted on April 1st)
9:30 Awards Ceremony Hosted by 26th Ward Aldermen Roberto Maldonado
T-shirts / Awards & Categories
Every participant will receive a high quality organic cotton T-Shirt and recyclable tote bag. Awards will be given to the top 3 male and female runners.
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Although lenders want to make loans for those in the market for a Northern Illinois home, this difficult economy has made it where only the best credit scores will be approved. While many Americans are struggling to make their monthly payments and hang onto their high credit scores, mortgage companies and other lending institutions are being forced to tighten their belts and credit qualifications are more important than ever before.
Those rock bottom interest rates? They are reserved for top tier credit risks – borrowers who have scores of 720 and above. Your banker is also looking for thorough documentation of your income and assets. Keep in mind that from mortgages to car loans, your credit history and score matter more than they did
If you're buying a new Chicago North Shore home or refinancing the mortgage on your primary home, you'll need a minimum down payment of 5% to 10% for a conforming loan or 10% to 15% for a conforming jumbo loan (125% of a metro area's median home price, up to $729,750).
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will take a credit score of 620 if you have at least 25% equity in the property or a score of 660 with equity of less than 25%. Oh and that debt to income? Make sure it’s at 36% or less.
In addition to stellar credit history lenders look for:
Even if you are preapproved, you will be subject to a second or final approval – lenders will pull a second credit report before closing. If you have taken on any new debt, your deal may go right out the window. Home equity loans are tougher to get now as well. In most areas you'll be able to borrow no more than 80% of the appraised value – and that’s with your perfect credit score.
The long and the short of it is this: take care of your credit! It can be very challenging in this economy, but your credit history and score are more important than ever! Bad lending practices have resulted in extremely tight standards that will give credit only to the highest scores. Those who have enough cash and income that they may not even have the need to borrow the money to begin with.
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Spring into FREE Fun at the Gurnee Park District’s Family Fun Day and Passport Journey! Enjoy kite flying entertainment and our Touch a Truck event! Also, meet with Gurnee-area agencies to learn about the services and amenities available.
Fill your passport and receive a gift! Friday April 15, 5:30-7:00 p.m. at the Hunt Club Park Soccer Field located at 4374 Old Grand Avenue in Gurnee.
Sponsored by Dr Robert Bard D.D.S. and Oana Honey D.M.D.
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Escrow is part of the process when you are purchasing a Northern Illinois home. Many first time homebuyers have many questions about the escrow process. Here is some information to make it a little easier to understand.
What is an escrow?
An escrow is an arrangement in which a disinterested third party, called an escrow holder, holds legal documents and funds on behalf of a buyer and seller, and distributes them according to the buyer’s and seller’s instructions. The escrow becomes the depository for all monies, instructions and documents pertaining to the purchase of your home.
How does the escrow process work?
The escrow is a depository for all monies, instructions and documents necessary for the purchase of the home, including funds for the down payment, lender’s funds and documents for the new loan. The duties of an escrow holder include: following the instructions given by the principals and parties to the transaction in a timely manner; handling the funds and/or documents in accordance with instructions; paying all bills as authorized; closing the escrow only when all terms and conditions have been met; and, distributing the funds in accordance with instructions.
Do I need documentation?
Receipt of your deposit is generally included in your copy of your purchase contract. Your funds will then be deposited in your separate escrow or trust account and processed through your local bank.
What information will I have to provide?
Typically you will be asked to complete a statement of identity as part of the necessary paperwork. Because many people have the same name, the statement of identity is to identify the specific person in the transaction through such information as date of birth, social security number, etc. This information is kept confidential.
How long is the escrow?
The length of an escrow is determined by the terms of the purchase agreement and can range from a few days to several months. Typically an escrow often takes an average time of 30 to 45 days.
When does the escrow process end?
The day you actually close on your home, the escrow process ends. This is when all the funds are transferred where they need to be and all the documents are signed and you get the keys to your North Shore dream home!
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The CSL Art Exhibition was the vision of Dr. E. J. Duffy, Principal of Glenbrook North High School. His goal was to unify the CSL Schools through the visual arts, in a non-competitive environment.
Organized and facilitated by CSL Art Educators, the inaugural show was at Northbrook Court in 1988. The intent is to further nurture and cultivate a sense of Community and Commonality amongst all participants centered in the Visual Arts.
Friday, April 8th from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm you can check out the exhibit at the Art Center Highland Park at 1957 Sheridan Road in Highland Park.
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Closing day is when all the decision are final when purchasing a new or pre-owned Northern Illinois home. The purchase price is paid and the title is transferred from the seller to the buyer. In many states the mortgage lender’s attorney or a title agent will handle the closing details and protect the buyer and seller’s rights as a neutral 3rd part.
You will receive a number of important documents at the closing meeting. Review this list of documents before you go, so that you'll know what to expect when you're there.
Documents the Buyer Typically Receives
Closing costs are one of the least-understood aspects of the home purchase procedure. You should be sure to speak up and ask about anything you don't understand. Closing costs can vary but they generally are between two and five percent of the home's purchase price and include:
Closing day is the most important step in the home buying process. Always be sure to ask questions about anything you do not understand. Your realtor or attorney can handle most questions and if they don’t know, they’ll know which direction to point you in.
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Saturday, April 2nd from 9am to 5pm high school students from all over the Chicago area and beyond are welcomed to the Northwestern University campus to take classes from NU students and community members about anything! You read it right….anything!
This is an unconventional educational experience at the Evanston campus of Northwestern University. This event offers high school students from all over Chicagoland the opportunity to take short courses in fascinating subjects that wouldn’t be covered in their regular school curriculum. Northwestern students design their own courses on whatever subject they choose, from nanomaterials to origami to sign language. High school students will then choose their classes for the day, learning from Northwestern’s brightest and most creative undergraduates and grad students (maybe even a post-doc or two).
If you are interested in certain classes such as science or the humanities, or just random things that you have never heard about, there’s a class for you!
Sign up here and you can also contact Liza Plotnikov at nusplash@gmail.com Northwestern University campus is located at 2145 Sheridan Road in Evanston.
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If you want to sell your Northern Illinois home quicker and for more of a profit, you need to learn about a successful tool: staging. Staging will help you to make your home look bigger, brighter and give it a welcoming appearance. The best thing staging does is make the home buyers want it! As challenging as today’s market is, you need every tool you can find to help you to sell your home for top dollar, and fast!
Now you ask what staging actually is. Staging is showcasing your home in the best light possible. You are showing the buyers your home’s best attributes. And skillfully diverting their attention from the less than perfect parts.
In essence, staging is creating visual “eye candy” to bring out your homes positive parts. It takes science as well as art, and a lot of marketing. You can do this by painting, re-carpeting, new lighting and/or new window treatments. You could even borrow or rent furniture to give each room a new and improved look.
Watching shows like HGTV’s Designed To Sell or The Stagers will give you an idea of where to start. Also check out Top 10 Home-Staging Dos and Top 10 Home-Staging Don’ts by Designed to Sell’s Donna and Shannon Freeman.
Another good question: Should you stage your own house, or hire someone to do it professionally? There are two staging tricks that every home seller can use:
* Clear it out. You have stuff--lots of stuff. And your house is overloaded with all that stuff. Go through each room and get rid of the clutter everywhere you see it. Your rooms will look bigger, more restful, and more inviting. And all you did was pick up!
* Clean it up. Make sure everything shines inside and out, from windows, floors and countertops inside to the deck, garage and yard outside. Pay particular attention to the kitchen and bath. A little well-applied elbow grease will go a long way in selling your home. And it’s free!
Do these two simple things, and you’re already ahead in the staging game.
But should you keep going and stage other aspects of your own home? That depends on whether you have the eye, the skill--and the objectivity. Can you put yourself in the buyer’s shoes and see your home as the buyer will see it--positive points and negative points? Are you prepared to tackle those negatives? Do you have the “designer’s eye” for color and other design elements? Do you have the technical skills to complete improvements?
Whether you hire a professional or choose to do it on your own, staging can definitely give you the upper hand in selling your home. Feel free to contact me and we can go through a few more staging ideas and recommend a professional if needed.
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Displaying blog entries 81-90 of 243
