While I Was Away
By Patty Boysen
I just returned back to work from my honeymoon and so much has changed since I have been gone! I drove in to work, put my flashers on and ran in to grab my parking pass that I had left at work for someone else to use while I was away. It was that moment that I decided to take a look around and see all of the new improvements that OwnACondo.com had made. I took a quick lap around our brand new office at 540 N. Lake Shore Drive to see that most of the boxes were unpacked, furniture was cleaned and pictures were hanging on the walls. I then hopped back in my car, parked it and entered back into work. Just as I sat down to start my day, my co-worker comes through the door. The questions that of course come out of my mouth right away was, “Hello, How are you?” and “What did I miss?”
After a short pause my co-worker says, “Oh, you didn’t hear what happened while you were away?” I said, “No, what?” He goes on further to say that I needed to get up right away and follow him to the conference room. Here I am thinking, oh maybe we got a new table or a new TV for the conference room or something.
As soon as I walk into the room, I immediately gasped! Yes, he explains someone drove into our conference room early Sunday morning. Needless to say there was glass everywhere, blinds broken, windows boarded up, and the bumper with the license plate on it. So my co-worker proceeds to say, nothing much really happened while you were away, just this small mishap!
So, just as OwnACondo.com gets the office spruced up and looking beautiful, a little surprise comes our way. This does not stop anything or anyone however, and work is resuming as usual. We are still recruiting and expanding all over the United States. Let’s just say, a car driving into our office doesn’t even stop us!
Sell Your Condo
When it’s time to sell your condo and put it on the market, many people wonder if they are better off selling as a “by owner” or using the services of a Realtor®. The reason for the quandary is typically a financial one. It is a common myth, actually, that the seller will net greater proceeds from the sale if they sell it themselves. In reality, buyers are typically looking for the “by owner” to drop the price of the realtor’s commission as much as a whopping 6-10% below the price of comparable homes listed by real estate firms. Otherwise, they can find more selection of homes and a more trusted sale if they use the services of the realtor.
Time is Money
How much is your time worth? If you don’t use a real estate professional, expect to spend at least 100 hours selling your condo – assuming there are no problems! Considering your work, family, and personal commitments, is that the best use of your time?
It’s a Big Deal
Selling a condo is a big deal. Most people don’t sell more than two homes in their lifetime, so it’s not something they develop expertise in. There are ever-changing laws, ethical practices and practical considerations that you don’t want to learn on your own through trial and error or relying on a book or information off the Internet. It’s just not worth the risk.
When selling a condo Your REALTOR®...
1 - Helps you understand the home selling process from putting your home on the market through closing
2 - Advises you as to the right price for the home based on their knowledge of what comparable condos are being sold for
3 - Assists you in determining the necessary home improvements required to get your property in the best selling condition possible for the lowest cost possible
4 - Develops your personalized condo marketing plan and places your listing on the exclusive Realtor® Multiple Listing System to reach as many buyers as possible
5 - Handles the showing of your property so your schedule is not tied up keeping appointments with prospective purchasers
6 - Conducts informative and professional tours of your home through open houses
7 - Negotiates the offers to purchase to obtain the highest price possible for your condo
8 - Tracks the various phases involved in meeting your contractual obligations as the seller
9 - Leads you through the home inspection phase and negotiates on your behalf
10 - Coordinates the supporting contractual paperwork required for settlement
11 - Organizes the details of your settlement amongst all parties to ensure a smooth transition
Why Should I Buy Now?
All we hear right now is about unemployment, health care reform and bailouts. That doesn’t mean there has not been talk of the real estate market and what is happening in that part of the economy. The question I am hearing more each day is, why should I buy now? Depending on who you listen to the market may or may not be at its bottom and who in all reality can forecast it. Many of those so-called forecasters were the ones that missed all aspects of the economy as it was tumbling downward. And down is not always a bad place to be since the only other way is up. Whether we are at the bottom, close to the bottom or on our way up it is a good time to buy your home or condo.
Why should I buy now? There are several factors that are in your favor by acting now.
Pride of ownership is the number one reason people want to buy a home. Home ownership offers you and your family a sense of stability and security while making an investment in the future.
Home ownership is currently one of the best tax shelters available with the volatility of today’s stock market. Mortgage interest is fully deductible on your tax return which lessens your tax burden year after year.
Mortgage reduction builds equity in your home. Each month you make a payment the principal portion of your loan goes down and as the principal goes down and the price of your home goes up, you are building equity or more asset value.
Another reason to ask yourself why should I buy now is interest rates are lower than they have been in years. Do you realize that you may be able get a 30 year fixed rate for less than 5% which makes a purchase start to look very appealing and if you tie that with anticipated inflation you will be paying back the loan with devalued dollars meaning you are getting more for your money than when you started. That means you can afford more home or if you want you can buy a more reasonably priced home and keep the payments low, maybe even less than you are paying in rent. Would you have imagined several years ago that you could get free money and a great interest rate on buying a home? If you are like most of us you would have laughed us out of the place, but it is happening now. We would never have guessed it, just like we are never going to guess the bottom of the housing market. So just do it!
Condo Rentals in Chicago
Condo rentals are a means to many different types of ends. Condo rentals in Chicago can help you to find the perfect place for you no matter what your motivation might be, from a place to call home until you can purchase or possibly for that much needed vacation residence.
Condo rentals in Chicago for your vacation are open to everyone, no matter your age, background, or lifestyle. The jazz clubs in which Chicago is well known for will delight music lovers. If the national pastime is more to your liking, Chicago offers two major league teams each in a different part of the city. Everyone in the family will enjoy the many architectural and historical landmarks that Chicago is known for from the Sears Tower to Soldier Field. Other sights to see are the many museums that are home to Chicago such as, Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum, Museum of Science and Industry and the Kohl’s Children’s Museum known for it’s hands on learning laboratory. But that’s not all for the kids! The attraction-filled Navy Pier and Lincoln Park zoo will make your vacation one that the kids will remember for a long time. A relatively new addition to Chicago will excite the kids beyond belief with a trip to Millenium Park and “the bean” where reflections of the city makes incredible photos to take home to their friends. Last but not least is Lake Michigan which is always fun when it is sunny and warm out. If this doesn’t sound appealing to you yet then perhaps you are wondering about how affordable condo rentals can be. Don’t worry you can definitely find cheap accommodations no matter if it is a weekly rental or one night accommodations.
What if you are not looking for a vacation rental? Condo rentals in Chicago are also an excellent source to find a place to live. You may just need a place to rent until you decide to buy or possibly enter into a rent to own agreement which is becoming more and more popular in today’s real estate market. Either way finding a condo in Chicago is just a click away but there are several things you show know.
- All rental agreements are not alike – a lease us for a definite period of time, generally one year. A month to month rental agreement is not for a set period and continues until you decide to move or the owner asks you to leave.
- Rental agreements do not have to be in writing, they can be oral. However, a lease for more than a year generally must in writing.
- You have rights! The law says that your apartment must be livable. You must have hot and cold running water, heat, and electrical lighting in good working order.
Finding a condo to rent or buy can be a daunting task but doing your homework and finding the right real estate agent to help will pay off many times over.
Chicago condo market
Let’s be honest. The national real estate market is certainly facing its challenges and the Chicago Condo market is no different but there are some reasons to be optimistic about what is happening across the nation and more specifically in the Chicago market. The Chicago Tribune reported new housing and condo developments have undergone a record seven month decline, which may be the reason the Chicago condo market is somewhat stable. The lack of new developments has helped to slow a glut in the housing and condo markets for Chicago and we are beginning to see prices stabilize. I am hearing from many potential condo buyers that they expected a big collapse in prices so they could pick up a condo cheap but they now think that collapse may never happen. We could very well be at the bottom of the housing market which means there is no way to go but up encouraging buyers to get in the market for those great deals before they are all gone.
The Chicago condo market is improving due to the current rental market. Chicago is known for the consistency in which rents increase. The media has sensationalized the troubles in the real estate market regarding the difficulties in getting financing to purchase a home or condo which has encouraged landlords to increase their rents year after year believing the market is glutted with renters. Nothing could be further from the truth. With the advent of rent to own programs and the $8000 tax credit more and more potential first time home buyers are entering the market. There is no question even in today’s real estate market that owning a property is a much better alternative if you intend on staying for at least 4 or more years.
Historically, the Chicago condo market has been volatile with its many well known developers, political movers and shakers and just the attitude of its residents. Chicago is such a mix of cultures and nationalities with over 77 different neighborhoods that condo buyers have a variety of choices from the more upscale Gold Coast to the excitement of Wrigleyville. There is no place like the city of Chicago and all it has to offer from the dozens of museums to professional sports for those who want to live in one of the most exciting cities in the world. Check out the condo market in Chicago, you will be pleasantly surprised.
Why Should I Buy Now?
All we hear right now is about unemployment, health care reform and bailouts. That doesn’t mean there has not been talk of the real estate market and what is happening in that part of the economy. The question I am hearing more each day is, why should I buy now? Depending on who you listen to the market may or may not be at its bottom and who in all reality can forecast it. Many of those so-called forecasters were the ones that missed all aspects of the economy as it was tumbling downward. And down is not always a bad place to be since the only other way is up. Whether we are at the bottom, close to the bottom or on our way up it is a good time to buy your home or condo.
Why should I buy now? There are several factors that are in your favor by acting now.
Pride of ownership is the number one reason people want to buy a home. Home ownership offers you and your family a sense of stability and security while making an investment in the future.
Home ownership is currently one of the best tax shelters available with the volatility of today’s stock market. Mortgage interest is fully deductible on your tax return which lessens your tax burden year after year.
Mortgage reduction builds equity in your home. Each month you make a payment the principal portion of your loan goes down and as the principal goes down and the price of your home goes up, you are building equity or more asset value.
Another reason to ask yourself why should I buy now is interest rates are lower than they have been in years. Do you realize that you may be able get a 30 year fixed rate for less than 5% which makes a purchase start to look very appealing and if you tie that with anticipated inflation you will be paying back the loan with devalued dollars meaning you are getting more for your money than when you started. That means you can afford more home or if you want you can buy a more reasonably priced home and keep the payments low, maybe even less than you are paying in rent. Would you have imagined several years ago that you could get free money and a great interest rate on buying a home? If you are like most of us you would have laughed us out of the place, but it is happening now. We would never have guessed it just like we are never going to guess the bottom of the housing market. So just do it!
Selling at Auction
When most people think of auctions they think of buying but in order to buy someone must be willing to sell. Selling at auction for real estate is definitely not for everyone. In the best of situations your property should be in the same price range as all the other properties in the auction. The last thing you want to see is that the majority of the properties in the auction are derelict homes in a low value area when you are trying to auction off your four bedroom, 3 bath, updated kitchen and family room home. You are most likely to not have much luck selling your home at market value since everyone at the auction is comparing prices on the other available properties.
Selling at auction requires a legal agreement and most auctioneers will wish to enter into a sole agency agreement. This means they will advertise your property in brochures and catalogues on your behalf with the understanding you will be liable for the costs of that advertising, as well as a portion of the room fee, regardless of whether someone buys your property or not. This may not seem fair but in reality you will have a hard time finding an auction company who will sell your property without such a legal, binding agreement. And these may not be the only fees involved so find out about the charges before you sign any documents. Once you have satisfied yourself with the agreements you should discuss pricing. Find out the likely market value of your property and seek advice at what price to advertise as the reserve bid.
Now that you have everything in place there is nothing left but attend the auction. As the seller you must attend the auction due to a variety of reasons, one of which is you may want to take a lower offer than the advertised reserve bid to get your property sold. When the gavel goes down that last time it signifies the agreement of a binding contract between buyer and seller and you have sold your home at true market value. The buyer must now pay 10% of the total sale price before leaving the auction house and in most cases must pay off the remaining balance in 30-45 days. Your responsibility as the seller is to guarantee your ability to legally convey the property to the new buyer. Selling at auction has its advantages for buyer and seller and can be the way to go depending on your motivation and comfort level.
