<?xml version="1.0"?><rss version="2.0"><channel><title>Mount Prospect Illinois Real Estate News &amp; Listings Presented By RE/MAX Suburban</title><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com</link><description></description><lastBuildDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:32:36 GMT</lastBuildDate><item><title>1961 STILLWATER RD 1961, ARLINGTON HEIGHTS 60004</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1961-STILLWATER-RD-1961-ARLINGTON-HEIGHTS-Illinois/images/index/375906/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Ct entry & Kit leads to ball lit combo LR & DR hardwood flred & highlighted w gas logged mantel fireplace. Fully applianced kit w/eating area-ss refrig, microwave & pantry w/view of great rm. Includes washer/dryer convenient on 1st flr. Master suite features vaulted ceiling, walk in closet & dressing area. Patio off sliders in nice interior location. Enjoy Lake Arlington & its amenities: swim, walk & exercise.]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1961-STILLWATER-RD-1961-ARLINGTON-HEIGHTS-Illinois</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1961-STILLWATER-RD-1961-ARLINGTON-HEIGHTS-Illinois</guid><pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:46:58 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>1436 THACKER ST 409, DES PLAINES 60016</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1436-THACKER-ST-409-DES-PLAINES-Illinois/images/index/374830/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Motivated owner offers Pearson Hse quality-flexicore constr& well maintained br elevator bldg. Original owner pride w/lovely updates incl:Newr windows w/shades, sliders to balcony-newer refrig & stove in huge eat in kit, furnace & roof. Deeded heated gar pkg #31-ample off street pkg. Walk Score 92shows central location to Metra, shops, Library & restaurants. Great flr plan w/foyer entrance, great pric]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1436-THACKER-ST-409-DES-PLAINES-Illinois</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1436-THACKER-ST-409-DES-PLAINES-Illinois</guid><pubDate>Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:43:18 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>35 BAYBROOK 511, PALATINE 60074</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/35-BAYBROOK-511-PALATINE-Illinois/images/index/374552/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Transferred owner offers this 1 Bedroom unit with heated underground Garage #65. Newer Carpeting, Newer furnace & Central air. 30 ft balcony accessed from Dining Rm & Master Bedrm.Storms on all windows & doors. Storage & laundry on same floor. Complex offers pool & clubhouse in convenient locationto train, town, 53 & Twin Lakes. No FHA. 100% owner occupied. Short sale.]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/35-BAYBROOK-511-PALATINE-Illinois</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/35-BAYBROOK-511-PALATINE-Illinois</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 19:44:58 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>When is the most activity in Real Estate Sales?</title><description><![CDATA[<h2 class="title">When Do Showings, Contracts and Closings Spike Each Year?</h2>
<div id="stats"><span>January 16, 2012</span> <span></span><span>&nbsp;</span></div>
<div class="clearfloat entry">
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<div class="addthis_default_style addthis_toolbox"><span>Below is the LeapRE's data for nationally when more showings occur in real estate, when pendings (contracts are signed) and when closings occur. My business is fairly consistant, but as my Father, Bob Walters, used to say, make 3/4 of your year by June. I have always found a spike in the fall for closings in the winter months.<br /></span></div>
<p>According  to LeapRE&rsquo;s data, showings spike early on in the year, contracts spike shortly  thereafter, and closings spike in late summer &ndash; just in time to finance a family  vacation. The year 2011 ended with an uptick in closings in December&hellip;is that a  good omen for 2012?</p>
<p><a href="http://chicagoagentmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/btn.gif"><img class="wp-image-26659 size-full alignleft" title="btn" src="http://chicagoagentmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/btn.gif" alt="" width="450" height="864" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://chicagoagentmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/leapre-logo1.jpg"><img class="wp-image-16536 size-full alignleft" title="leapre-logo" src="http://chicagoagentmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/leapre-logo1.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="54" /></a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;So your most competition in the market appears to be in February and March for the spring move in. So when is the time to be on the market?? I would think there would be less competition right now in January, and yes, the closings will come in March.</p>
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</div>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/When-is-the-most-activity-in-Real-Estate-Sales</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/When-is-the-most-activity-in-Real-Estate-Sales</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 10:03:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Short Sale Documention Required</title><description><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Short Sale application process is very similar to the loan origination process when you received your loan from a bank. This package must be prepared for a bank to <img style="margin: 4px 7px; float: left;" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/mtg%20loan%20application.jpg" alt="" width="150" height="100" />consider approving your request to sell your home short.</p>
<ul>
<li></li>
<li></li>
<li></li>
<li></li>
<li></li>
<li>Financial Information:</li>
<li>Tax information --two most recent 1040's and 2 most recent W2's</li>
<li>60 days of current bank statements-(this is ongoing until the approval)</li>
<li>30 days of current pay stubs or commission check stubs.</li>
<li>If self employed- pay stubs or YTD profit and loss statements</li>
<li>Monthly budget/financial statement signed and dated</li>
</ul>
<p>Hardship Information</p>
<ul>
<li>Hardship letter dated and signed same day as purchase contract</li>
<li>Any documention supporting the actual hardship</li>
<li>Medical Bills</li>
<li>Child support or alimony payment information and divorce decree or child support order.</li>
</ul>
<p>Mortgage &amp; Other Relevant Property Information</p>
<ul>
<li>First Mortgage Statement</li>
<li>2nd mortgage statement if required (home equity loans?)</li>
<li>Recent Real Estate Tax bills</li>
<li>Recent condo association bills if applicable</li>
<li>Any recent water, sewer bills, electricity, gas bills.</li>
</ul>
<p>Other Documention</p>
<ul>
<li>Authorization form for lawyer and Realtor</li>
<li>Short sale disclosure</li>
<li>Waiver of conflict if representing the buyer</li>
<li>3 recent comps</li>
<li>Listing agreement</li>
<li>Offer to purchase agreeement</li>
<li>Listing history</li>
<li>Buyer proof of funds letter or Pre approval letter.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>It is important to understand that the above documents are required for almost every short selling bank. There are also bank specific forms that, in most cases, must accompany the above.</p>
<p>The end result if packaged correctly will be a happy buyer, seller and bank negotiator. By preparing yourself for the financial details you will make this horrendous task an easier one.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Short-Sale-Documention-Required</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Short-Sale-Documention-Required</guid><pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 11:56:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Home Buying myths!</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 5px; float: right;" title="Understanding the functions of your team." src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/magnifying%20glass.jpg" alt="Misconceptions are Magnified" width="160" height="160" />Knowing the right information and putting everything in perspective:</p>
<p>1. Zillow reported that 47% of all buyers think that the average appreciation in real estate is 7% a year.....</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; j-whoa there! Real estate appreciation in normal times was 3-5% in the&nbsp;&nbsp; Chicagoland area.</p>
<p>2. Zillow reported a misconception about mortgage insurance.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; j-Mortgage insurance is paid by a buyer who has less than 20% down to protect the Bank. There is no value to the buyer at all ==&gt; it's a risk to the Bank to protect their portion of their money.</p>
<p>3. Zillow reported that 56% thought appraisers for the Bank acted as a HOME INSPECTOR.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; j- An appraiser is there to justify the price paid in the market for a house. The Bank is protecting their interest in your choice of housing.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; A Home inspector is there to tell you the up and down side of used housing. Every home has a problem, and it behooves the buyer to have a crystal clear view of potential problems with any home.</p>
<p>4. 37% of all buyers thought that Homeowner's Insurance was an optional insurance.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;J-All Banks require Homeowner's Insurance, and if you fail to pay your premium, the note allows the Bank to charge you for the insurance they pick.</p>
<p>5. Zillow reported that many people believed the signed offer to purchase means they own the home.</p>
<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; J-Not until the Bank has commited the funds, the deed has been transferred in your name, does a buyer own the home.</p>
<p>Let me clear up your questions on Home Purchases! Call me anytime.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Home-Buying-myths</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Home-Buying-myths</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:58:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Housing market going Rental?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>The reason for the shift to rentals, according to the Morgan Stanley's report:</p>
<ul>
<li>Home price declines: not only are millions of homes available to investors at deeply discounted pricing but the low prices are changing consumer attitudes on housing as an investment</li>
<li>Hurdles to buying: down payment requirements, higher FICO score thresholds, and income verification are making it harder for households to even consider buying</li>
<li>Costs of ownership: without home price inflation, costs like property taxes, home owner association dues, maintenance and repair make ownership less attractive</li>
<li>Demographic effects: Gen Y growth is heading up while baby boomer households are downsizing</li>
<li>Unemployment, labor insecurity and mobility: long unemployment durations make labor mobility (and thus renting) more important</li>
</ul>
<p>Morgan Stanley says the U.S. home ownership rate, which has fallen to about 64 percent from close to 68 percent at its peak, is really closer to 60 percent when you factor in home owners who&rsquo;ve stopped paying on their mortgage and only remain in their house because the bank hasn&rsquo;t finished processing their foreclosure yet. Once these cases make it through the system, they&rsquo;ll move to the renter side of the equation.</p>
<p>So how I see it is if you can get a mortgage, or you have savings, some of the distressed properties are such a bargain, (of course, you'll do some rehab), your return on an investment is increasing. It was interesting to me that 4 out of 10 people prefer to rent rather than purchase at this time.</p>
<p>j</p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Housing-market-going-Rental</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Housing-market-going-Rental</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:41:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Housing market going Rental?</title><description><![CDATA[<p>The reason for the shift to rentals, according to the Morgan Stanley's report:</p>
<ul>
<li>Home price declines: not only are millions of homes available to investors at deeply discounted pricing but the low prices are changing consumer attitudes on housing as an investment</li>
<li>Hurdles to buying: down payment requirements, higher FICO score thresholds, and income verification are making it harder for households to even consider buying</li>
<li>Costs of ownership: without home price inflation, costs like property taxes, home owner association dues, maintenance and repair make ownership less attractive</li>
<li>Demographic effects: Gen Y growth is heading up while baby boomer households are downsizing</li>
<li>Unemployment, labor insecurity and mobility: long unemployment durations make labor mobility (and thus renting) more important</li>
</ul>
<p>Morgan Stanley says the U.S. home ownership rate, which has fallen to about 64 percent from close to 68 percent at its peak, is really closer to 60 percent when you factor in home owners who&rsquo;ve stopped paying on their mortgage and only remain in their house because the bank hasn&rsquo;t finished processing their foreclosure yet. Once these cases make it through the system, they&rsquo;ll move to the renter side of the equation.</p>
<p>So how I see it is if you can get a mortgage, or you have savings, some of the distressed properties are such a bargain, (of course, you'll do some rehab), your return on an investment is increasing. It was interesting to me that 4 out of 10 people prefer to rent rather than purchase at this time.</p>
<p>j</p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Housing-market-going-Rental-2</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Housing-market-going-Rental-2</guid><pubDate>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:41:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Mortgage Bottleneck</title><description><![CDATA[<p>Recently read this article and I am not surprised!<img style="margin: 6px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" title="Mortgage applications are taking more time" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/mtg%20loan%20application.jpg" alt="Mortgage applications" width="150" height="100" /></p>
<h2 class="singleh2"><a title="Permanent Link to Mortgage Bottlenecks Hold up Closings" rel="bookmark" href="http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/2011/10/mortgage-bottlenecks-hold-up-closings/">Mortgage Bottlenecks Hold up Closings</a></h2>
<div class="date">
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<td>Written by: <a title="Posts by editor" href="http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/author/editor/">editor</a> Mon, October 24, 2011</td>
<td><a title="View all posts in Beyond Today's News" rel="category tag" href="http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/category/news/">Beyond Today's News</a>, <a title="View all posts in Crisis Watch" rel="category tag" href="http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/category/housing-crisis/crisis-watch/">Crisis Watch</a>, <a title="View all posts in Housing Crisis" rel="category tag" href="http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/category/housing-crisis/">Housing Crisis</a></td>
<td>
<div class="print" style="border-bottom: medium none; width: 50px;"><a title="Print" rel="nofollow" href="http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/2011/10/mortgage-bottlenecks-hold-up-closings/print/"><img title="Print" src="http://www.realestateeconomywatch.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-print/images/print.gif" alt="Print" align="left" />Print</a></div>
<br /></td>
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</table>
</div>
<div class="entry">
<p>Backlogs in approving mortgages are causing significant delays in home purchase closings, according to the latest Campbell/Inside Mortgage Finance HousingPulse monthly tracking survey of real estate market conditions.</p>
<p>While the normal mortgage approval timeline is around 30 days, heavy lender workloads due to a surge in refinancing applications and appraisal complications have stretched timelines to 45-60 days. In some areas, up to half of home purchase closings have been affected, according to real estate agents responding to the national HousingPulse survey in September.</p>
<p>I have noticed a longer and longer timeline with pre-approved buyers since June. As the interest rates have been the lowest in history, the need for extensions to get mortgage commitments from banks have been more and more common. I was reading a RE/MAX survey results in August that said the average time needed for a full approval for a buyer has increased from 35 days to 55 days. The delays have been attributed to backlag in the processing departments, appraisers getting assigned their work, as well as the appraisers getting their appraisals into the lenders .</p>
<p>What does this mean to you the buyer? Your time line just grew from the mortgage contract to the closing. Adjust your time table to not need the house for 2 months. What does this mean to the seller? Patience. There is little your Realtor can do to push a file for buyer other than to "bug" the loan officer.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Mortgage-Bottleneck</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Mortgage-Bottleneck</guid><pubDate>Thu, 27 Oct 2011 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Opportunity is Knocking!</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/955-HARTWOOD-DRIVE-STREAMWOOD-Illinois/images/index/351490/0/t" title="Newer siding" alt="great beginnings" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Looking for a rare opportunity? Premium pond view location viewed from the custom company sized deck, this  3 br Homestead 2Story is located in popular Meadows Sub.  Ceramic tile entry leads to eat in kitchen & fireplaced family rm w/accessto deck & full semi finished basement. Huge master w/wic and shared bath. Needs TLC-Carpet condition is extremely bad -priced accordingly. Short Sale.]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/955-HARTWOOD-DRIVE-STREAMWOOD-Illinois</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/955-HARTWOOD-DRIVE-STREAMWOOD-Illinois</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 18:44:10 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Giant Sand Sculptures - Randhurst Village</title><description><![CDATA[<h3>Giant Sand Sculptures are back again!</h3>
<div class="inner"><em>Display Dates: 10-15-2011 to 11-13-2011 </em><span><br />
<p>Everyone is invited to watch The Sand Sculpture Company artisans create giant sand sculptures from 50 tons of sand. They will start carving October 14th and finish on October 21st. Five sculptures will be carved and displayed along Randhurst Village Drive - look for Rapunzel's Castle, Billy Goats Gruff, Princess and the Pea, The Headless Horseman and King Arthur!</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</span></div>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Giant-Sand-Sculptures-Randhurst-Village</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Giant-Sand-Sculptures-Randhurst-Village</guid><pubDate>Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:12:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Woodview Manor Opportunity-In-Law or Home office</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1519-Mura-LN-MOUNT-PROSPECT-Illinois/images/index/351349/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" />Contemporary 10 rm split sytle home enjoys gleaming hw LR, DR & hall to newer carpet in bedrooms. Tile entry, newer windows, furnace, siding & roof in 2001. Freshly painted t/o. Huge eat-in wood laminate flr kitchen w/interior window to FRaddition w/gas logged fp ~ ez access to huge deck & yard. 5br, 3 bath ~perfect design for Home Office or in-law or guest area. Sun shines in w/above grade windows in rec room.]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1519-Mura-LN-MOUNT-PROSPECT-Illinois</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1519-Mura-LN-MOUNT-PROSPECT-Illinois</guid><pubDate>Sat, 22 Oct 2011 18:41:33 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Radon Gas Blues</title><description><![CDATA[<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Radon- A Health and Safety Issue for your Family</span></span></strong></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /><img style="margin: 6px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" title="Everyone is at Risk! 47% radon likelihood." src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/illinois%20radon%20map.gif" alt="map of radon map in Illinois" width="250" height="381" />Radon gas can be a worry for homeowners. This naturally occurring substance has been found in homes throughout the Illinois and the country. 47% of the entire state of Illinois has this problem, and interesting enough the house next door may be under the 4.0 psi measure and you maybe way above.</p>
<p>It is odorless, colorless and undetectable without sophisticated testing. Radon is a health and safety issue in home inspections, and &nbsp;has been linked to many diseases, and environmental experts caution that it should be tested. Remember that if radon gas is detected, it can usually be removed at a relatively low cost with simple ventilation systems.<br /><br />Concerned about radon in your home? You can have it tested. You can contact your the <a href="http://www.radon.illinois.gov">Environmental Protection Agency</a> for information about how to find a reputable company qualified to perform the tests or you can call me, since I have had to do the research for some of my sales and listings.&nbsp;If you are buying a new home, you might consider including a radon test as part of the inspection contingency clause. And if you are planning to sell your home, you can test it for radon before placing it on the market. If there is no problem, your fears will be put to rest, and even if radon is detected, it is neither difficult nor costly to correct.</p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Radon-Gas-Blues</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Radon-Gas-Blues</guid><pubDate>Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:35:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Throw away the Car in Des Plaines</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img title="Walk to the Metra" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/des%20plaines/des%20plaines%20downtown.jpg" alt="Des Plaines In Town Area" width="183" height="79" /></p>
<p><strong>Walk to train, library and shops in Proud <a title="Des Plaines Community Information" href="http://www.janmcnulty.com/Des-Plaines">Des Plaines</a> In Town area!</strong></p>
<p>This 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with garage is Value Priced in the market at 109000. The advantages of this great location are many with a walk score clearly in the 90's. The home has been well maintained by the original owner with newer windows, newer furnace and central air conditioning.</p>
<p>Enjoy the south exposure balcony in this all brick elevator building with laundry on the same floor. This neighborly building is all owner occupied. Get more information and tour in the link below:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1436-THACKER-ST-409-DES-PLAINES-Illinois-2">http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/1436-THACKER-ST-409-DES-PLAINES-Illinois-2</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Throw-away-the-Car-in-Des-Plaines</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Throw-away-the-Car-in-Des-Plaines</guid><pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 18:35:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>IAR Housing Trends Newsletter</title><description><![CDATA[<div class="headline_area">
<h1 class="entry"><img style="margin: 6px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" title="IAR reports More Sales and low interest rates" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/jagged%20arrow%20going%20up.jpg" alt="Housing - Sales going up" width="200" height="150" />Illinois housing market forecast for the second half of 2011</h1>
<p class="headline_meta">by <span class="fn vcard author">Mary Schaefer</span> on <abbr class="published" title="2011-08-18">August 18, 2011</abbr></p>
</div>
<div class="entry-content format_text">
<p>July Illinois home sales were up 18.4 percent from a year ago, a strong jump and the first year-over-year sales gain since June of 2010 when sales were still under the influence of the homebuyer tax credit stimulus, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS&reg; <a href="http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/July2011">July Home Sales Report</a> issued today.</p>
<p>With mortgage interest rates still at <a href="http://freddiemac.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=12329&amp;item=51053">record lows</a>, affordability conditions remain strong for qualified and motivated buyers who are out there studying their options. However, the current level of economic uncertainty and tight credit are taking a toll on buyer confidence.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The market, like the economy, continues to struggle even though interest rates and prices would appear to suggest favorable conditions for housing purchases,&rdquo; said economist Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the<a href="http://www.real.illinois.edu/"> Regional Economics Applications Laboratory</a> (REAL) of the University of Illinois.</p>
<p>In the latest <a href="http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/sites/illinoisrealtor.org/files/2011marketstats/REAL%20Report%20-%20August%20Forecast.pdf">REAL forecast</a> for the Illinois housing market, Dr. Hewings indicates that when we get stronger signals from the economy with sustained employment growth of the order of 200,000 jobs added per month, that is when &ldquo;we can we expect to see a sustained uptick in housing sales and some modest recovery in prices.&rdquo;</p>
</div>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/IAR-Housing-Trends-Newsletter</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/IAR-Housing-Trends-Newsletter</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:53:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>IAR Housing Trends Newsletter</title><description><![CDATA[<div class="headline_area">
<h1 class="entry"><img style="margin: 6px; float: left; border: black 1px solid;" title="IAR reports More Sales and low interest rates" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/jagged%20arrow%20going%20up.jpg" alt="Housing - Sales going up" width="200" height="150" />Illinois housing market forecast for the second half of 2011</h1>
<p class="headline_meta">by <span class="fn vcard author">Mary Schaefer</span> on <abbr class="published" title="2011-08-18">August 18, 2011</abbr></p>
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<p>July Illinois home sales were up 18.4 percent from a year ago, a strong jump and the first year-over-year sales gain since June of 2010 when sales were still under the influence of the homebuyer tax credit stimulus, according to the Illinois Association of REALTORS&reg; <a href="http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/July2011">July Home Sales Report</a> issued today.</p>
<p>With mortgage interest rates still at <a href="http://freddiemac.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=12329&amp;item=51053">record lows</a>, affordability conditions remain strong for qualified and motivated buyers who are out there studying their options. However, the current level of economic uncertainty and tight credit are taking a toll on buyer confidence.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The market, like the economy, continues to struggle even though interest rates and prices would appear to suggest favorable conditions for housing purchases,&rdquo; said economist Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the<a href="http://www.real.illinois.edu/"> Regional Economics Applications Laboratory</a> (REAL) of the University of Illinois.</p>
<p>In the latest <a href="http://www.illinoisrealtor.org/sites/illinoisrealtor.org/files/2011marketstats/REAL%20Report%20-%20August%20Forecast.pdf">REAL forecast</a> for the Illinois housing market, Dr. Hewings indicates that when we get stronger signals from the economy with sustained employment growth of the order of 200,000 jobs added per month, that is when &ldquo;we can we expect to see a sustained uptick in housing sales and some modest recovery in prices.&rdquo;</p>
</div>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/IAR-Housing-Trends-Newsletter-2</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/IAR-Housing-Trends-Newsletter-2</guid><pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 22:53:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Buy American Made Month - Aug. 1st</title><description><![CDATA[<div class="mbm uiHeaderBottomBorder uiHeader">
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<h2 class="uiHeaderTitle"><img style="float: left; margin: 4px; border: 1px solid black;" title="Buy American Made- pass it on" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/catch%20the%20wave%20(Small).jpg" alt="Catching the wave to Armerican Made" width="320" height="240" />Buy American Made--Let's help our own economy! Aug. 1st to Sept. 1st.</h2>
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<div class="fcg fwn fsm lfloat uiHeaderSubTitle mbs">by <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jan.mcnulty1">Jan McNulty</a> on Thursday, August 4, 2011 at 7:04pm</div>
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<p>AUGUST 1st  to  September 1st</p>
<p>Did y'all see Diane Sawyer's special report?  They removed ALL items from a typical, middle class family's home that were not made in the USA.</p>
<p>There was hardly anything left besides the kitchen sink, literally. During the special they showed truckloads of items - USA made - being brought in to replace everything and talked about how to find these  items and the difference in price etc.</p>
<p>It was interesting that Diane said if every American spent just $64 more than normal on USA made items this year, it would create something like</p>
<p>200,000 new jobs!</p>
<p>I WAS BUYING FOOD THE OTHER DAY AT WALMART and ON THE LABEL OF SOME PRODUCTS IT SAID 'FROM CHINA '</p>
<p>FOR EXAMPLE THE "OUR FAMILY" BRAND OF THE MANDARIN ORANGES SAYS RIGHT ON THE CAN 'FROM CHINA '</p>
<p>I WAS SHOCKED SO FOR A FEW MORE CENTS I BOUGHT THE LIBERTY GOLD BRAND OR THE DOLE SINCE IT'S FROM CALIFORNIA.</p>
<p>Are we Americans as dumb as we appear --- or --- is it that we just do not think .</p>
<p>70% of Americans believe that the trading privileges afforded to the Chinese  should be suspended.</p>
<p>Why do you need the government to suspend trading privileges?  DO IT YOURSELF, AMERICA!</p>
<p>Simply look on the bottom of every product you buy, and if it says 'Made in  China ' or 'PRC' (and that now includes Hong Kong ), simply choose another  product, or none at all. You will be amazed at how dependent you are on  Chinese products, and you will be equally amazed at what you can do without.</p>
<p>THINK ABOUT THIS: If 200 million Americans each refuse to buy just $20  of  Chinese goods, that's a billion dollar trade imbalance resolved in our  favor . . . fast!</p>
<p>Most of the people who have been reading about this matter are planning on  implementing this on Aug . 1st and continue it until September 1st. That is only  one month of trading losses, but it will hit the Chinese for 1/12th of the  total, or 8%, of their American exports. Then they might have to ask themselves if the benefits of their arrogance and</p>
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<img style="margin: 3px 2px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: text-top;" title="Pass it on!" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/catch%20the%20wave%20(Small).jpg" alt="Catching the wave to Armerican Made" width="550" height="412" /></div>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Buy-American-Made-Month-Aug-1st</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/Buy-American-Made-Month-Aug-1st</guid><pubDate>Thu, 04 Aug 2011 02:00:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>My New Smartphone Website</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="float: left; margin: 5px;" title="QR Code, SmartPhone WEBSITE" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/smartphone.jpg" alt="Smart phone technology" width="236" height="200" /></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>Attention! New Service!</strong></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>I just signed up for a SmartPhone Website with Quinn McNulty and I'm excited on all the new marketing I can do for my sellers. </strong></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong>I'll be linking all of the QR codes to the properties so Smart Buyers and get a hold of me to show them homes. Awesome stream of over 80,000 new ways to reach buyers. </strong></span></p>
<p>Quinn can tell you all about it...at quinnmcnulty@yahoo.com--he'll explain this new marketing tool or visit http://pgp.mviso.com for an example.</p>
<p>I am sooooo excited!!</p>
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<p><span style="font-family: verdana,geneva;"><strong><br /></strong></span></p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/My-New-Smartphone-Website</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/Blog/My-New-Smartphone-Website</guid><pubDate>Fri, 15 Jul 2011 09:55:00 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Sharp 3 bedroom rental</title><description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/319-Wisteria-LN-319-STREAMWOOD-Illinois/images/index/316671/0/t" title="" alt="" style="float:left; padding:3px;" /><p>Great location close to Clubhse, pool +park, private entry townhme is convenient to shopping &amp; xpressway,train. 3 br, 1.5 bath with woodburn fp in Lr &amp; attached gar. Wood laminateflring on 1st floor. Neutral carpet on stairs &amp; bedrms. Maytag stove,ref,dishwasher, washer &amp; dryer. Newr hot water heater. Rent includes water,garbage,snow &amp; landscaping. Freshlypainted. No voucher or cats, please. Realtor owned</p>]]></description><link>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/319-Wisteria-LN-319-STREAMWOOD-Illinois</link><guid>http://www.janmcnulty.com/property/319-Wisteria-LN-319-STREAMWOOD-Illinois</guid><pubDate>Tue, 14 Jun 2011 18:40:08 GMT</pubDate></item><item><title>Changed Market is a Reality for Sellers/Buyers</title><description><![CDATA[<p><img style="margin: 7px; float: left; border: black 2px solid;" longdesc="market condition is a nutshell" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/nutshell.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="149" />Several years ago, when our market was changing, most sellers were hoping that the values would change back. Now, our sellers are aware that this down draft is what it is.</p>
<div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;">They've heard and felt the recession, &nbsp;and the depth of this decline blasted at them by the media, and they're far more willing to go along with the market. Our <br />long market times are shortening, because of the more affordable pricing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left; background-color: transparent; color: #000000; overflow: hidden; text-decoration: none;">Standard &amp; Poor's Case Shiller index has reported that prices plummented 31% since 2006 for single family homes in Chicagoland.&nbsp;
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<p>Indeed, most real estate agents are increasingly pushing sellers to price aggressively at the start rather than choosing a wished-for number and hoping to get lucky. With the news and media coverage, and buyer's agency contracts, the buyers are keenly aware of what homes are selling for from their agents or even from web services ie Zillow.&nbsp;Price reductions can be a problem in Buyer perception of the house.</p>
<p>A recent study of the market I did suggests that pricing on the market value will net you more, than trying it a little higher and then starting to chase the market. Typically I found the house sold for 5% more when priced on market value. There are psychological threshholds in the market, and pricing the home should see it! For example 252900 makes little sense, when 249900 or 250,000 would be better. Typically the buyer looks at round numbers in the search engines.</p>
<p>Sadly the condo and townhome market are still pretty stagnet with the amount of foreclosures and short sales getting the most attention.</p>
<p>The buyers hoping for greater room for negotiating are finding a huge disappointment with their expectations not met. Pricing in Chicagoland, no matter the style of home, is around 5-6% of list price. <img style="margin: 5px; float: left;" src="http://www.janmcnulty.com/agent_files/nutshell.jpg" alt="" width="160" height="149" /></p>
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