Here is a great tip when making an offer on a property – DO NOT FIXATE ON PRICE!

Offering to purchase a property is a delicate balance on what the offer consists of – it is my job as your buyer’s agent to serve you and pitch it to the sellers in the best way I can to ensure that we can all be happy. This is negotiation at its finest.

Too many potential buyers fixate on price. However, it is important not to – if you are selling your home, would you prefer the cash buyer who wants to move in this weekend who was offering $10,000 less than a buyer who needed to obtain financing who offered $10,000 more? See! It is not that easy!

Buyers and sellers need to know that the dollar amount itself is not the most important part of the deal. There are several other componants which make up the offer which should be considered before making an offer (if you are a buyer) or accepting an offer (if you are a seller):

1. Closing Date -  This can really make or break a deal. Buyers and sellers need to negotiate to work to find a deal that works for both parties. So, if a seller comes back to your offer with a date that is 8 months away, perhaps you might not be able to make it work for that property as  you need to move in a month?

2. Inclusions and Exclusions – these are the parts of the contract dealing with appliances, furniture etc. This is an important element as a home which is unfurnished or needs appliances for its kitchen will cost money to purchase those items as opposed to a home which offers them as part of the deal.

3.  Terms and Conditions – an exit strategy for the buyer and seller is key – if the contract seems too stringent and you are worried about the results of a home inspection this is something to consider also.

Ultimately it is all about how comfortable you feel. It starts with pricing but doesn’t end there!

Whether you are a first time buyer trying to determine how much you can afford, or an experienced buyer who is selling your current property and ready to buy your next home I can help you with all your real estate needs in the Chicagoland Northwest Suburbs Area.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Bartlett IL, Schaumburg IL and the Hoffman Estates using our complimentary MLS Search service. You can also view our fantastic range of featured properties!

Alternatively please contact me today if you need more specific assistance in your real estate needs. You can call the office on: 847-874-6731 or Cell phone on: 847-913-2606 or of course email me at: Joe@JoeStacy.com

My expertise, experience and dedication to you and your specific needs are anything but average – it’s why this office is number one in the Northwest Suburbs year after year!

Joe Stacy
2570 W. Schaumburg Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60194

There are several ways in which you can improve your springtime curb appeal here in Northwest Chicagoland.

Ok, I know it is winter, which can be a problem! Snow, ice, dead leaves etc. But really you can make your home cleaner and at the same time taking care of a few small projects to spruce up your homes curb appeal, which will help it show better when selling. Really, it works!

Here are some problem areas to focus on which cost very little and yield big “wow factor” results:

1. Driveway and Sidewalks.

Stain/pressure wash your driveway and walkways. Fix cracks and make sure that everything is neat and tidy – this is the first impression a buyer gets of a property, so make it a good one!

2. Consider accenting your front door.

Use a constrasting color to make your home stand out! Grab a pint of paint and get experimenting, make sure that if you do this yourself that you are careful with the paintbrush around the detailed areas as sloppy paintwork does not yield good brownie points. Make sure to choose sympathetic colors – blacks, dark blues and reds work well for colonials, electric pink does not.

3. Landscaping

Ensure that all your trees and bushes are trimmed and that your lawn, no matter how brown is also tidy. Also, consider some early spring plants, this will add some color to your yard. Baskets of plants are always a great idea as they are relocatable.

4. Inside Cleaning

Clean all windows and skylights, make sure to keep the insides of cabinet and drawers tidy – buyers love to snoop through these – I know that all potential buyers do it! Also, ensure that bathrooms are clean and that all baseboards are clean and if white, make sure they are white! - perhaps give them a new coat of pain for good measure.

All in all when you have done this you should have a home which is show ready which took little effort and money to prepare. Of course, preparing your home is only part of the selling process. Call me today if you need assistance and advice on selling your home in Northwest Chicagoland.

Whether you are a first time buyer trying to determine how much you can afford, or an experienced buyer who is selling your current property and ready to buy your next home I can help you with all your real estate needs in the Chicagoland Northwest Suburbs Area.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Bartlett IL, Schaumburg IL and the Hoffman Estates using our complimentary MLS Search service. You can also view our fantastic range of featured properties!

Alternatively please contact me today if you need more specific assistance in your real estate needs. You can call the office on: 847-874-6731 or Cell phone on: 847-913-2606 or of course email me at: Joe@JoeStacy.com

My expertise, experience and dedication to you and your specific needs are anything but average – it’s why this office is number one in the Northwest Suburbs year after year!

Joe Stacy
2570 W. Schaumburg Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60194

I know I cannot predict the future, no one can. But my years of experience in the real estate business have helped me be the best and when you have been in the industry as long as I have, you start to learn to be able to subconsciously “read the market”.

I, rather tentatively, would say that all factors are pointing to a great 2010 for real estate in my part of the country, that is Northwest Suburban Chicago, particularly Schaumburg IL, Bartlett IL and Hoffman Estates IL where things are on the up!

Realtytimes published this interesting piece just a few days ago which made good reading, while talking about the market in 2010.

The most interesting question it goes to answer is: “Will housing outperform the overall economy in 2010 as we pull out of the Great Recession?” – the answer is of course not certain but there are “solid indications” that the answer is yes!

Why? home sales are up in many areas across the nation – partially driven by the tax credits available – as well as the general fact that people are taking advantage of the market – using the low mortgage rates and ensuring they get a home at a great price. Also, don’t forget that in general 2009 was better than 2008! Even The National Association of Realtors‘ chief economist, Lawrence Yun predicts a 20% increase over 2009.

So it now begs the question for those buyers out there who are readiing this who are  not sure of what to do, well, the answer is there – now is the time to buy! Waiting in this situation could be negative for your prospects of finding and obtaining that dream home in NW Chicagoland.

Whether you are a first time buyer trying to determine how much you can afford, or an experienced buyer who is selling your current property and ready to buy your next home I can help you with all your real estate needs in the Chicagoland Northwest Suburbs Area.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Bartlett IL, Schaumburg IL and the Hoffman Estates using our complimentary MLS Search service. You can also view our fantastic range of featured properties!

Alternatively please contact me today if you need more specific assistance in your real estate needs. You can call the office on: 847-874-6731 or Cell phone on: 847-913-2606 or of course email me at: Joe@JoeStacy.com

My expertise, experience and dedication to you and your specific needs are anything but average – it’s why this office is number one in the Northwest Suburbs year after year!

Joe Stacy
2570 W. Schaumburg Rd
Schaumburg, IL 60194

Definitely exciting times ahead for Chicagoland real estate!

Despite the cold the market is moving and the interest by first time homebuyers is at its peak. Yet, there are often alot of unanswered questions by people when it comes to the homebuying process, the tax credit as well as where the market is going and if now is the time to buy!

Well, last year as we mentioned at the previous “Schaumburg FREE First Time Homebuyer Seminar“ that real estate prices were at 2003 levels and interest rates were at historic lows, the question on whether it’s the time to buy is a no brainer!

Of course rates are still low and the market still offers a great range of fantastic properties for sale – from standard sales, to short sales and foreclosures.

However, in order to make sense of all of these different types of sales and what your options may be, again this year I am hosting another FREE First Time Homebuyer Seminar (click for PDF Flyer) – in addition to a host of other seminars! The first time homebuyer seminar will encompass a wide range of topics, such as:

• Do I Qualify For the $8,000 Tax Credit?
  How To Buy A Foreclosure?
  New Homes Vs. Existing Homes
  How important is Credit When Buying A Home?
  What Mortgage Program Is Best For Me?
  Tax Advantages of Home Ownership
  What Are The Top 10 Home Defects
  Do I Do an Inspection Before Making an Offer?
  Important Contract Contingencies
  What Is An Attorney’s Role In a Real Estate Sale? 

As a courtesy I am holding the seminar on two dates to ensure that everyone has the best chance of being able to attend. They are as follows;

Thursday January 21, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m OR Saturday January 30, 2010 at 12:00 p.m – 2:00p.m.

Register online today for the seminar – seating is limited and the deadline for registration is January 18th 2010. Click here for the registration page.

The location of the seminar is at The Schaumburg CRC, 505 N Springinsguth Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60194 (click for Google Map of location and to get directions!)

This is definitely something which I would recommend that a first time homebuyer thinking of purchasing a home in Bartlett IL, Schaumburg IL and the Hoffman Estates or any other area attends to see if purchasing a home right for them and allow them to connect with professionals who know the business in the Northwest Chicagoland area.

I look forward to seeing you there!

Whether you are a first time buyer trying to determine how much you can afford, or an experienced buyer who is selling your current property and ready to buy your next home I can help you with all your real estate needs in the Chicagoland Northwest Suburbs Area.

Finding your dream home or finding a buyer is only part of the challenge of a successful transaction. Click here to search Bartlett IL, Schaumburg IL and the Hoffman Estates using our complimentary MLS Search service. You can also view our fantastic range of featured properties!

Alternatively please contact me today if you need more specific assistance in your real estate needs. You can call the office on: 847-874-6731 or Cell phone on: 847-913-2606 or of course email me at: Joe@JoeStacy.com

My expertise, experience and dedication to you and your specific needs are anything but average – it’s why this office is number one in the Northwest Suburbs year after year!

Are you a 1^st time home buyer looking to purchase your 1^st home in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL? Come and learn everything you need to know to buy that home at a FREE 1^st time home buyer seminar. Round table discussions with real estate industry experts to include a Realtor, Real Estate attorney, Licensed home inspector, and Mortgage loan officer. Experts will also be on hand to answer any questions after the seminar. Also, FREE mortgage loan approvals will be offered.

Topics to include: How do I qualify for the $8,000 1^st time home buyer tax credit? What are the tax advantages of home ownership? Do I do an inspection on a property before making an offer? What does an attorney do in a real estate transaction?

This FREE seminar is on Thursday June 11, 2009  from 6:30PM-8:30PM at the Schaumburg CRC located at 505 N. Springinsguth Road in Schaumburg, Illinois. Advanced registration is required. The dead line to register is June 10^th.

To register online, go to www.chicagolandhomebuyerseminar.com and fill out the electronic form. Any question call 847-874-6731.

In Illinois, anyone planning on an outdoor project that requires any type of digging regardless of the depth or project size needs to call JULIE before they start digging. JULIE stands for Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators which is a not-for-profit corporation that provides homeowners and professional excavators with FREE locating and marking of underground utilities.

Planning a project for this spring that requires digging? Call JULIE at 800-892-0123 or if in the city limits of Chicago call 312-744-7000. You now may also dial 811. You must call at least 48 hours or 2 working days (excluding holidays) in advance of the start of your excavation. When you call, be prepared to provide the operator your name, address, a phone number at which you can be reached and a fax number if available. You must also provide the county, city and address of where the excavation is to take place (if different than your contact information) and the start date and time for the planned excavation. It is recommended that you property identify your project area by marking the area with white paint and/or flags.

Within 2 working days, a representative from each utility company will mark the location of their underground utility with paint and/or flags at the excavation site. Each utility locator uses a different color paint or flag to mark their buried utility. Gas is yellow, electric is red, water is blue, TV or phone is orange and sewer is green. Work must be completed in 14 days.

Respect the marks and dig with care.

In 2008 Congress created a $7,500 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit for individuals making up to $75,000 and couples making up to $150,000. The first time home buyer credit went into effect April 8, 2008 and was set to expire July 1, 2009. The big problem was that the credit had to be repaid over 15 years. People viewed it as a debt and not a benefit.

Immediately following the issuance of the tax credit, The National Association of Realtors began advocating to remove the repayment feature of the credit, extend the credit to the end of 2009 and to make the credit available to every home buyer.

The government, working with Realtors® across the country, enacted the new 2009 first time home buyer credit and removed the repayment requirement for 2009 purchases. The credit is still repayable for 2008 purchases. The new credit has been extended to on or before November 30, 2009 and can be claimed by those who closed on homes on or after January 1, 2009 and has also been expanded to $8,000 (Or up to 10% of the purchase price, whichever is less). Unfortunately, the credit is still only for first time homebuyers. A first time home buyer is defined as someone who did not own another main home at any time during the three years prior to the date of their new purchase. CHICK HERE for a comparison of the 2008 credit versus 2009 credit.

In conclusion, the new credit is greatly improved compared to the old credit. It is a true credit and does not need to be repaid as long as you occupy the home for 3 years.  The NAR estimates that hundreds of thousands of potential buyers will take advantage of the credit.

For more info on the credit and the 2009 Stimulus legislation, CLICK HERE or consult a tax advisor. If you have real estate related questions, contact me.

416 Ela in Barrington $474,900

Downtown Barrington home within walking distance to the train & shopping has just been reduced to $474,900!  416 Ela is a well maintained home and is move-in ready. It has undergone tons of updates in the last 2 years including new windows and exterior doors, roof, driveway and kitchen updates.  Custom paint and hardwood floors are featured throughout the home with 1^st floor crown molding. A recently remodeled kitchen boasts Corian counters with a breakfast bar, maple cabinets and 2 cabinet pantries.  Open to the kitchen is a warm family room with a fireplace. There is also a mud room & screen porch addition as well as a powder room on the 1^st floor.  The 2nd floor has a master suite with his & her closets a private bath with a luxury shower.  Three additional bedrooms boast lighted ceiling fans and large closets.  This floor is finished with an additional full bathroom.  A partially finished basement has an office with a built-in desk & bookcase and a rec room with a bar area. There is so much more this house offers as well including a 1 & ½ car garage, new roof & asphalt driveway ‘07, new windows & storm doors in ‘08.  It’s all ready for you to move in!

For more information on 416 Ela, CLICK HERE

For a full brochure of the property, CLICK HERE

VIEW MORE HOMES FOR SALE IN THE NORTHWEST SUBURBS OF IL

Understand how your credit score is determined

Many factors influence your credit score. The most important factor that determines your credit score is if you pay your bills on time. If you pay late or have had something go to collection, the history will show up in your credit report. Other factors that have an impact on your score are: What is your outstanding debt? How long is your credit history? Have you applied for new credit recently? How many and what types of credit accounts do you have. CLICK HERE for a FREE publication on credit scoring from the Federal Trade Commission.

Pay your bills on time

If you are having trouble paying your bills on time, consider an online payment service. Most banks, I use Citibank and find it works out great, have online checking and online bill payment services. Once established, you can arrange to have your bank make your payments for you. You can even schedule to have a payment made at a point in the future which allows you to keep your money in the bank until that time but keeps you from forgetting to make your payment. You can also see your current balance to avoid costly overdraft fees when making payments.

Get a copy of your credit report to make sure the information is correct

Under federal law, you can get a free report from each of the 3 national credit reporting companies every 12 months. CLICK HERE for a free copy of your credit report. You can also call, 877-322-8228. This will not affect your credit score. Once you receive your credit report, make sure that all of your credit is accurate. If something is there that shouldn’t be, contact the creditor directly or you may also contact the credit reporting agency. Consider closing out credit cards that are no longer used.  CLICK HERE for a FREE report from the Federal Trade Commission on How to dispute credit report errors.

April 15 will arrive sooner than we think so it’s time to get our taxes in order. Although filing your taxes is not exactly an enjoyable activity, preparation is the key to minimizing the stress.  Here are some tips to speed up the tax filing process:

• ORGANIZE- Organize your files and papers in a way that works for you long before April rolls around. If you are low tech, use simple file cabinets or folders to separate your receipts, W-2’s and pay stubs.  If you fall into the “tech savvy” category, there are many online tax preparation services out there to help you with this. One of the best is Turbo Tax, which guides you through your return step-by-step. It also fills in IRS forms for you!

• START EARLY- Simply put, don’t procrastinate on filing your taxes. If you wait until April 14, you will end up rushing through the process and you will most likely make mistakes, which could affect your return. Starting early will eliminate errors and make time for any changes that you need to make.

• GET HELP- There are heaps of free resources out there that will assist you with your tax preparations.  The IRS has a 24 hour help line at (800) 829-1040 and also has prerecorded answers the most common tax questions in over 150 topics at (800) 829-4477.

• RESEARCH- If you are still uncertain about how to file your taxes, the internet is rich with free resources for you to use. I recommend going to the IRS websiteYour Federal Income Tax which references the most common tax payment questions. first. There are tons of forms, articles, and tips to download, including a useful publication called

• HIRE-If all else fails, hire a professional certified public accountant. Their expertise and knowledge can save you money and most likely offset the fee that they charge. If in the Chicagoland area, I would highly recommend Jeff Weidner of The Accountants Group. They are located in Buffalo Grove but have satellite offices and do mail in tax service as well. For more information, call Jeff at (847) 634-3990 ext.108 or send him an email at jeff@accountantsgroup.com.