Tomorrow is Valentines Day and is meant for those who are in love, care about one another, want to express their feelings towards someone special but need that nudge and hence, some feel Valentines Day is the day to make that move forward in their life.
I just saw an awesome video of a swimmer who proposed to his girlfriend on the podium. He had to win the race or his plot would have gone down the tubes.
I remember way back "in my day", we used to make our handmade valentines for everybody in the class. The teacher would give us a list of everybody's names printed out on a piece of paper and so for two nights, I would be home working on these valentines. When Valentines Day came, we each had our own handmade mailboxes and the Valentines would be dropped in our boxes. We couldn't open them at school but had to wait until we got home. It was a lot of fun to make these valentines because they were personalized and some of them, well, we found out that "Bobby" or "Steve" had a crush on us .... at least for that day.
Lots of money is spent on Valentines Day and the price for roses jumps up pretty much the week before and the week after Valentines Day. To me, it was never about the roses but about being with that certain someone, that night, for dinner or watching a moving and cuddling on the sofa watching a movie together.
No matter what you do for Valentines Day, just make sure that you make is personal but whatever you do, don't buy your significant other an appliance! My Dad's Advice to my brothers prior to their marriages.
Have a Happy Valentines Day and I hope it is something extra special for you.
CNNMoney wrote an article about "9 Remodeling Tips to Make Your Home Feet Bigger" but I disagree partially with the article and here is why:
I agree that if someone needs to put a hold on selling their home that they should rethink and recreate the existing home to ease the frustration of why the owner wants to move/sell and/or remove the subconscious mindset of "this home is driving me crazy".
This kitchen is a perfect example for the homeowner who needs more space but may feel confined.
I love counterspace. Free of clutter. Free of everything except the countertop.
If you look to the right above the stainless steel stove, you see a fan hood with a double cabinet above it.
Next to the Stainless steel refrigerator is a microwave sitting on the countertop.
Then there is that cabinet space area above the kitchen sink.
Here's some ideas to increase and recreate space for this kitchen:
A. Remove the exhaust fan/hood above the stove and the cabinetry above the fan/hood, install a block - roughly 3" from the top and then install the microwave so that it is in proportion to the amount of space needed for cooking.
B. Remove the cabinets above the kitchen sink (if you do not prefer to have the microwave above the range/stove) and install the microwave above the sink. (not totally idea but another option which isn't ideal but it does confirm to the triangle and messes would be caught because you would be above the kitchen sink. : )
C. Change the cabinet doors. Have the outside framework of the cabinets changed to whatever color, grain you prefer but this is what would open that kitchen and create more space. The three doors on the upper cabinets adjacent to the fridge and left of the kitchen sink, have the doors opened up with like a raindrop type of glass inset so you can see into the cabinets but not fully. Or, just have those doors with glass.
D. Want more dramatics with those cabinets: After you replace the front doors and use some glass inset doors on the upper cabinets, if you have some fine dishes or items you wanted to display and show, remove the wood/particle shelving in those cabinets and install a thicker pre-cut glass shelving so that you can install one of those stickum lights on the upper ceiling of those glass inset cabinets and it would shine all the way down through the glass shelves.
E. Open that kitchen up more? I would suggest removing that fake bulkhead as it isn't housing any electrical, plumbing, etc. and then I would add some quality crown molding to the refaced kitchen cabinetry.
This is just one example of how you can make some change in your home whether you are staying or are in a holding pattern until the market improves but would like to create some more space without moving walls.
When we were kids, my Mom and Dad always took us on vacation during the Christmas Season (as it was a low time in real estate appraising due to holiday) to Florida.
We looked forward to that annual trip to Florida for two reasons:
1. The first person to spot a palm tree got a nickel from my Dad; and
2. We got to choose which home we wanted when we grew up and got married.
There are four of us in my family and I rank #2 in age. I took my time choosing my home (a/k/a honey moon cabin) because I wanted something spacious, grand, land, etc. By the time we got to my next sibling, well, he has a hard time making decisions and hence, my baby sister didn't get to choose her home until we hit Georgia or Florida but her home had to be chosen within (x) miles before we hit our destination.
The photo you see is generally the pickens my sister got because she felt she had to make a decision before (x) amount of miles. Not much of a "honey moon" cabin, now is it?
Here's my point: You are buying your first home, you don't panic like my sister and just choose something because your time may be limited, there might not be the right home you desire and you settle for second best.
Financial Wisdom: When you are buying a home, look at how much you really want to spend each month and not how much you qualify for.
The next step to Financial Wisdom: Does the home you are looking for have room for improvement or are you banking on the market appreication/depreciation to carry you?
The Third Step to Financial Wisdom: What do you really need in a home vs What do you really want makes a huge difference. If the home you select, has potential for growth, you have a winner as you will be able to live in that home for years to come and not transition every 3-4 years.
The Fourth Step to Financial Wisdom: If you are thinking about buying a condominium, look at the history on resale over the course of the last ten years of that particular building. Check to see if there are any special assessments and how often have special assessments been implemented for that building?
Buying your home is an emotional time but should not be an emotional decision.
Oh, by the way, my sister finally realized that she needed to wait and she finally got that honey moon cabin that she wanted in Florida.
Personal Financial Troubles don't happen overnight. Most of the time, we are in denial and want to forget that we are heading towards the loss of our home or bankruptcy. The denial? If the credit card still works that means I still have credit and the ability to buy.
Who are we fooling?
We need to get a back bone and recognize that there is a problem. Once we do, the ship will turn around for us but it takes dedication and commitment to make it happen.
Heres the Red Flags:
Credit Card Payments: If you are making minimal payments on your credit cards or returning items to keep the credit card balance higher, you've got a borrowing problem. If you can't pay your credit card balance in full at the end of the month, then pay at least two minimum payments to keep yourself from spiraling down into financial trouble.
Emergency Money: This is not a savings account but a bone fide Emergency Money Account that should be equal to six months of your monthly income. This is a bottom basis for Emergency Money and it would be ideal if you had more in this Emergency Fund but we have to start some place if our Emergency Money fund is ZERO!
Bills: Are you throwing the bills into a box and picking out which ones you want to pay for the month? Or, are you just overstretched for the month only. There is a difference and one says you are heading into finaical trouble and the other says, you are okay but be careful.
Credit Scores: If your credit score is below 620, that is another red flag that says you are in financial trouble or heading that way.
Bouncing: I have a friend who was paying over $350 a month in bounced check or late payment fees to her bank or credit cards. If this is happening every month you are in financial trouble.
Words of Encouragement:
We were not born to understand our finances. It is something that is learned. Do not beat yourself up because you have two or more of the red flags. What you need to do, is to read and learn from your mistakes and take baby steps. I am a believer in baby steps. The sad fact is few people take the courage to reach out for change. I hope you reach out and take that first baby step.
Why do I think Chicago's Lincoln Square is heading into a Seller's Market?
Basically, supply and demand are not in balance. We have roughly 45 homes for sale in Lincoln Square right now with a median list price in the low to mid $400K. The 45 homes that are currently on the market are not even the prime Lincoln Square Neighborhood but surrounding extended parts of Lincoln Square.
We have a lot of condominiums but most are roughly below $240K and so there are few 3 bedrooms to choose from and those are pretty desireable.
The buyers are out there but the type of properties that those who are transplanting from another neighborhood in Chicago are move-up buyers.
In 2011, Real Estate Sales were there worst yet, I saw signs going up in the front yards of a lot of Lincoln Square Neighbors that did sell.
It will be interesting to see what happens in sales in Lincoln Square this year but if you are serious about selling, consider getting consultation on ways to appeal to the buyer. When the home appeals, the buyer buys. The inventory is old, stale or not appealing and this is your chance to come out like a shining star on the selling of your home!
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of curb appeal, decluttering, neutralizing, and enhancing as that adds up in the final net selling price for you. the Chicago Lincoln Square Home Seller.
It has been said "that anybody can put a post in the ground, put the property in the MLS and prayer that the buyer comes." Those are three good first steps but it takes more to selling a home then just that. Because of my background in appraising, I have to understand the neighborhoods, the trends, the changes and what is not changing. When the market adjusts, I shift with the market and not chase it. Constantly monitoring the changes, the demands by the consumers, the banks, the City gives my buyers and sellers the Edge in Real Estate.
Like the song "Getting to Know You", I need to understand the product I am selling as well as getting acquainted with my sellers when marketing your home. What's your motivation?
I Sell Listings. I Don't Take Listings.
Background:
MY CREDO: My responsibility is to my clients and then the community. In meeting their needs, everything I do must be of high values. It is a business that challenges its own beliefs and continuously matches through actions. It is a roadmap that helps me identify the right priorities and arrive at the right decisions.
WHAT CLIENT'S SAY ......
Thank You ...for helping me closing my grandmother's home. I cannot thank you enough for all the energies, logic and passion you put into this file so that could get closed. While I won't be in my grandmother's neighborhood anymore, you have given us closure. Thank you.
Words cannot express the gratitude I have towards you in representing me on the sale of my condo that had to be sold as a short sale. Just when things seemed like they weren't moving in the right direction, you jumped in and made it happen. When I couldn't face another day dealing with creditors and the bank - you supported me and showed me how to take that stress away. When the bank was taking their sweet time and wouldn't respond to the attorney, you stepped in a figured out their email and got the file noticed. Thank you for caring.
2522 N. McVicker - "You have my sincere thanks and deserve to be congratulated for doing a terrific job. In my thirty years of private practice as an attorney, I have encountered many realtors and handled many real estate closings. In all that time, I have never encountered two realtors who conducted themselves more competently and professionally.
I was most grateful for your advice on how the property could best be marketed. All of your help and advice was both practical and shrewd. Your suggestions as to how to stage and present the property, as well as, your help in coordinating the repairs and redecorating made a huge difference in the sales price. Also, your expertise in coordinating the financing provided invaluable in securing a quick sale and closing on time.
The ultimate sales price you helped to negotiate and the net monies received by the estate, exceeded the suggested asking price of at least three other real estate agents I had consulted. I am convinced that it was because of your conscientious efforts, skill and attention that I received an offer that exceeded all of my expectations."
I still find it hard to believe that we were able to sell this property as quickly as we did in this difficult market."
- Paul E. Paprocki, Esq.
3130 West Wilson - I have had the great serendipitous fortune to have as my real estate agent, one Barbara Van Stensel. Not only was she able to sell my property in a very tough real estate market, but also she was able to lease two of my apartments at a great rate of income for myself.
Put her at the head of the class for her diligence and indefatigable energy while dealing in a declining market. She is the best!
John A. Randazzo
5141 West Deming Place - Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am amazed at your unique marketing strategies that produced multiple offers for my two flat. Your knowledge, courtesy, attention and tenancity during our assocaitino was much appreciated. Because of the complexities of the estate, you disclosed in writing a letter of direction that weeded out the "players" that isolated the serious buyers. When the first offer became overwhelming for the buyers, you didn't shut the doors to the multiple offers and had a backup offer in the rear to step up and close on the same date as the first offer.
Best of luck in the future and you can be assured that I will not hesitate to recommend your services when the occasion arises.
All my Best,
Carl Rohr
2201 West Huron - I have been on the market twice with Barb. The first time I thought I knew better but I was wrong. This time, I worked with Barb and can tell you that she had my head spinning with multiple offers, not once but two times in two weeks! The first round didn't qualify for buying my property as the agent who sold me this building 30 years ago, so me a bad building. I didn't know it. Barb explained to me the complexity of financing, where the fallout in a contract can happen because of the condition of my building. She was showing the property the day before Thanksgiving and that entire Thanksgiving weekend in the cold! On the second weekend, she brought 8 contracts to the table and explained about "net" is more then the selling price. How financing plays an important part as well as how fast the agents on the buyer's side respond. She then brought up to me that I may have to pay a capital gains tax and told me to consult with my accountant. I did. Once again, Barb saved me even more money and got my file into the hands of competent real estate attorneys that would hand my 1031 exchange and get it closed for me.
Barb has become my friend. She's tough and has a certain level of expectations. I told her that I wanted to retire in 5 years and she sat me down and explained a retirement plan where I will have $40,000 coming every year based upon her plan with good tax write-offs. She protected my interests all the way through and even guided me into a worry-free retirement in my future.
With thanks,
Jan Capiz
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