ERA Team Feinstein, LLC - Real Estate Blog

MARKET IS PICKING UP……

Mary Lou Scala — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 13:04:12 +0000

As the first quarter of the year has approached and nearly coming to an end, there are many optimistic reasons for buying/selling in today’s market.

In the past 4 months, I have had the opportunity to sell/rent steadily in this market. People are noticing the change in the market and definitely for the better.

1. Interest rates are at an all time low for mortgages.

2. Sellers have become more acceptable to market pricing.

3. Buyers are ready to purchase with 20% down and make the move.

4. For those who aren’t getting the price they would like, and have decided to rent, rentals are up quite a bit from last year. It seems there are more renters than there are rental properties.

So, the market is moving. Please remember, that social media and tv seems to get more notice when speaking of the market and news in general in a negative manner. It perks up a consumer’s ears to hear something may be wrong in the market.

This is not true. As a real estate agent in the western suburbs, I can promise you that homes are being sold. Take time to research when looking to buy/sell.

Take time to look for the realtor that can make you one of the optimistic statistics in the real estate market….ME!

National Mortgage Rates & Payment Calculator YAHOO.COM

Mortgage Type	Today	Last Week	Change	Graph
15 Year Fixed	3.330%	3.326%	0.004	graph
30 Year Fixed	4.017%	4.008%	0.009	graph
1 Year ARM	3.285%	3.284%	0.001	graph
3/1 Year ARM	3.214%	3.212%	0.002	graph
5/1 Year ARM	3.138%	3.122%	0.016	graph

ENJOY YOUR WEEK!

In the meantime be sure to check out my website! You can view the entire inventory of homes for sale in your area.

LOG ON!!! Search the entire MLS from MaryLouScala.com.
Create your own customized real estate search today and find the home of your dreams! Click Here to Begin

Mary Lou Scala

Broker Associate, ABR, CNC, GRI, SFR

630-915-3373

Mary Lou Scala — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:47:01 +0000

Mary Lou Scala

Broker Associate,ABR,CNC,GRI,SFR

www.marylouscala.com

630-915-3373

TOP 10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE NEED REALTORS:REALTORS help determine your true buying power, After evaluating some basic
information on your finances, your Reattor witihelp you understand
different financing options and refer you to qualified ienders for pre-approval.
2′ REALTORS offer a myriad of resources to assist you in your home search,
usually far beyond the properties actively advertisbd, giving you the very best selection homes that of meet your criteria.
3′ REALTORS assist you in narrowing your choices by providing objective information and due diligence, including valuable insighion local communities and responsible professional for inspections and tiile searches.
4′ REALToRS help you negotiate and determine the best possible price, financing, terms, date of possession, along with details such as the inclusion or exclusion of repairs
i
5′ REALTORS guide you through the closing process to make sure everything flows smoothly, often addressing dozens of questions from ihe time you initiate a sales agreement and closing.
6′ REALTORS provide up-to-date information on what is happening in the marketplace such as the pricing, financing, terms and condition of competing propertiJs when selling’your home.
7′ REALToRS know when, where and how to advertise your property and screen potential
buyers’ Consider the fact that there are well over 2 million ficensed professionats working in real estate if you think advertising alone sell homes.
8′ REALToRS help you objectively evaluate a buyer’s proposal to eliminate potential
pitfalls.
9′ REALTORS assist with closing the sale of your home and giving vatuable advise.
10′REALTORS subscribe to a strict code of ethics and have access to an abundance of resource in their effort to best serye all your real estate needs.

Getting a “COMPETENT” inspection when purchasing a home….

Mary Lou Scala — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:27:13 +0000

One of the integral parts of purchasing a home is deciding on a home inspection. A home inspection gives insight to many aspects of the home before the purchase goes into effect.

And in doing so, finding the most competent inspector is extremely important. His job is to come in and write up a report with findings about the home, major problems, etc.

Brown and Tyson say “Just becuse an inspector is an ASHI member doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get a good inspection, but it certainly increases the likelihood that you’ll be working with a qualified professional.”

Good questions to ask an inspector?
1. How long have you bee in the profession?

2. Are you experienced in residential inspections?

3. How long does the inspection take?

4. The cost? Any written report? And does the inspector encourage the client to be present.

As a real estate broker, I have sat in on many home inspections and it’s detrimental to the client in getting a “competent” inspector.

Good questions to ask an inspector?
1. How long have you bee in the profession?

2. Are you experienced in residential inspections?

3. How long does the inspection take?

4. The cost? Any written report? And does the inspector encourage the client to be present.

As a real estate broker, I have sat in on many home inspections and it’s detrimental to the client in getting a “competent” inspector.

Mary Lou Scala

ERA Team Feinstein

Broker Associate, ABR, CNC, GRI, SFR

www.marylouscala.com

Home Buying Info…

Mary Lou Scala — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:43:23 +0000

Purchasing a home isn’t just meeting with a realtor, viewing homes, and putting an offer in that is hopefully accepted.

Of course, that is the beginning process, but that is just the beginning. After a sales contract is accepted, most times the buyer needs to be entrusted with a lender that can help them through the mortgage process as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

There are 3 important documents that help this lending process succeed.

1. Pre-Qualification letter – A letter stating what a potential buyer can afford on a loan. Nothing is verified and checked at this point. There are many sellers who shy away from this letter because it is not verification that the buyer can purchase.

2. Pre-Approval letter – This is a more solid letter stating the buyer has contacted a lender, provided all information, but now the lender has looked at credit and verified all information necessary.

3. The Commitment Letter – This is the goal a buyer is trying to achieve. Peper work has been filled out, verified, and at this point although more work is involved, usually an appraiser is hired to go to the home. The process should be completed.

Please remember, it’s extremely important to be well prepared when purchasing a home as well as selling a home. Now is the time to buy. But in doing so, make sure the research is done and you as a buyer are ready. Leave the rest to me!

YOUR REFERRALS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AND TRULY APPRECIATED!

ENJOY THIS INCREDIBLE WEATHER!

Mary Lou Scala, Broker Associate, ABR, CNC, GRI, SFR

ERA Team Feinstein, LLC.

22 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521

+1 630 915 3373 Cell Phone:
+1 630 574 0839 Fax:
mls@marylouscala.com E-mail:

www.marylouscala.com Website:

895 Red Oak Addison

Mary Lou Scala — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:35:05 +0000

CHARMING HOME.. 2-STORY FOYER,OAK STAIRCASE,OAK TRIM, 6-PANEL DOORS,2-FIREPLACES W/MARBLE AND OAK MANTLE,HUGE MASTER-SUITE W/FIREPLACE,JACUZZI AND SKYLITE,2ND FLOOR LAUND FINISHEDENGLISH BASEMENT WITH LOOK-OUT WINDOWS AND 4TH BEDR LARGE DECK WITH HOT-TUB,ATTACHED 2 CAR GARAGE ,LARGE WOODED CORNER-LOT. NEW ROOF, New deck….BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF PROPERTY! For more information, click here.

Mary Lou Scala, Broker Associate, ABR, CNC, GRI, SFR

ERA Team Feinstein, LLC.

22 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521

+1 630 915 3373 Cell Phone:
+1 630 574 0839 Fax:
mls@marylouscala.com E-mail:

www.marylouscala.com Website:

701 Byron Addison, Illinois

Mary Lou Scala — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:25:22 +0000

REMARKABLE BRICK/STONE HOME WITH ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES!! 4 BEDROOMS, 3.1 BATHS WITH CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, BRAZILLIAN CHERRY FLOORS, PORCELAIN FLOORS, ALL VIKING APPLIANCES, SOARING 2 STORY FAMILY ROOM W/MARBLE FIREPLACE, FIRST FLOOR MASTER BEDROOM WITH FULL BATH & BIDET. 3 CAR GARAGE, 2 SEP FURNACES, FOR EACH FLOOR! OWNER ADDING SOD AND A FENCE FOR BUYERS! For Full Information, click here.

Mary Lou Scala, Broker Associate, ABR, CNC, GRI, SFR

ERA Team Feinstein, LLC.

22 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521

+1 630 915 3373 Cell Phone:
+1 630 574 0839 Fax:
mls@marylouscala.com E-mail:

www.marylouscala.com Website:

Curb Appeal….

Mary Lou Scala — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:12:32 +0000

It’s that time of year when everything starts to bloom, grass gets green and Spring is in full swing that it’s improtant to remember as a seller….curb appeal.

Curb appeal is the first impression a buyer sees when viewing your home. Lawn, shrubs, entryway, doors, shutters, pain, and overal look of the home.

TRY TO FOCUS ON A FEW POINTS:

LAWN: Make sure your lawn is looking green and presentab…le.

BUSHES AND FLOWERS: If you have them, make sure they look healthy and fresh. If you don’t have any, it might be a good time to purchase a few.

ENTRYWAY: It all includes front porch, front door, windows around the door, paint, etc. Again, it needs to be freshly painted and freshened up so that the buyers may see themselves in your home!

Mary Lou Scala, Broker Associate, ABR, CNC, GRI, SFR

ERA Team Feinstein, LLC.

22 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521

+1 630 915 3373 Cell Phone:
+1 630 574 0839 Fax:
mls@marylouscala.com E-mail:

www.marylouscala.com Website:

6138 Boundary Downers Grove, Illinois

Mary Lou Scala — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:28:41 +0000

STUNNING, OVER 5000 SQ FT HOUSE, SITS ON A HUGE LOT. ELEGANT GRAND ENTRANCE, 4 CAR GARAGE, STONE-BRICK-STUCCO, COVERED PATIO WITH HALF BATH, 20 FT CATHEDRAL CEILINGS, DYNASTY CABINETS, THERMADORE APPL. 2 HARDWOOD STAIRCASES, FULL FINISHED BASEMENT WITH FULL BATH, LUXURIOUS 1ST FLOOR MASTER SUITE, SECOND MASTER UPSTAIRS, PRIVATE BALCONIES, LOTS MORE TO MENTION. READY TO MOVE IN!EASY ACCESS TO MAJOR HIGHWAYS. View Slideshow Here

Mary Lou Scala, Broker Associate, ABR, CNC, GRI, SFR

ERA Team Feinstein, LLC.

22 N. Lincoln Ave.
Hinsdale, IL 60521

+1 630 915 3373 Cell Phone:
+1 630 574 0839 Fax:
mls@marylouscala.com E-mail:

www.marylouscala.com Website:

OPTIMISM FOR REAL ESTATE MARKET

Mary Lou Scala — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 23:22:53 +0000

A great article from CoreLogic, a leading provider of real estate market information stated:

The real estate market is showing signs with upward trending sales activity and a healthy month’s supply of homes for sale. The article goes on….

When starting that selling/buying process, be sure to look for a realtor that has the knowlege and expertise to give you the service you are looking for. That agent is me. Please call me for any questions regarding selling/buying.

Beautiful Lake Front Property for Sale 5660 S. Monroe, Hinsdale – $1,100,000

Martha Lichter — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:26:29 +0000

IDEAL LOCATION ON 33 ACRE LAKE–THIS ONE’S A TREASURE! OPENONE LEVEL FLOOR PLAN TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE OF WATER VIEW WITHEZ ACCESS TO MULTI-LEVEL DECKING/STONE PATIOS/DOCK. TOP OFTHE LINE NEW EVERYTHING–UPSCALE KITCHEN & 3 BATHS/ ZONED MECHANICALS/ EXCEPTIONAL LIGHTING/ EXTENSIVE LANDSCAPING/BONUS LOFT. SEE IT TO BELIEVE IT–NONE LIKE THIS OFFERED BEFORE.SAILBOAT/CANOE NEGOTIABLE. WALK TO HINSDALE CENTRAL.