Katie Arnholt Kim

Do you wonder what our local housing market condition really is?

The Peoria Area Association of Realtor's President Pat McCarthy was a guest on WMBD. He was asked about the current housing market situation in Peoria. He gave some great satistics on how our market is doing better than most of the other markets around the country that you are seeing on the news media.

Check out:

WMBD Podcast: http://wdl18.streamhoster.com/paarstaff/PodCasts/POD%202%20020409.mp3

PJStar article: http://www.pjstar.com/business/x2060123162/Area-home-sales-down

In reading an article from Trafic Court I realize there is an opportunity that many are not taking advantage of in this market. Some of the "big box" retailers in our market have closed down their location and how there is a big empty space to fill and given the current condition of the market, most of them are still empty. We as real estate professionals are asking ourselves how can we fill those spaces? who would fit best in that location? Well...

What Julia Christensen found in a recent research assignment was that many big box spaces especially the old Wal-Marts and Kmarts have been put to a new use and often times by a nonprofit organization, church group, or community group. These groups want lots of space and for a low price with good exposure or access. So these spaces are a perfect fit for them. She also found out that schools, libraries and health clinics are a good fit for the spaces as well. Wal-Mart has stated that at least 16 of its stores have been converted into churches since 2002.

So...does your organization or church have a need for more space? If so, now is a great time to take advantage of the numerous opportunities out there! Please feel free to email me (katie@thekimgroup.com) or call (309) 208-2898 to discuss some of the opportunities that are out there for your group. I can also help you with the space build out design. So you can see what your space could look like.

Written by Katie Arnholt Kim, katie@thekimgroup.com, Director of Commercial Division for Keller Williams Premier Realty. www.thekimgroup.com.

KELLER WILLIAMS PREMIER REALTY IS PAINTING THE TOWN RED THIS SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8TH.

CHECK OUT OUR OPEN HOUSES THIS WEEKEND

• 9824 THOUSAND OAKS CT IN PEORIA
  • Hosted by: The Kepple Team
    


• 607 W THOUSAND OAKS IN PEORIA
  • Hosted by: The Kepple Team
    


• 4719 N KOERNER IN PEORIA
  • Hosted by: The Kepple Team
    


•  12133 N. TALL TREES IN DUNLAP
  • Hosted by: The Kepple Team
    


• 5037 N. Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights. MLS#1104009  ($344,900)
  • Hosted by: Shara Manning   208-6578
    


• 205 Winston, Bartonville
  • Hosted by: The Schauble Team  208-9900
    


• 6903 North Buckeye, Edwards
  • Hosted by: The Schauble Team  208-9900
    


• 606 West Stratford Drive, Peoria
  • Hosted by: The Schauble Team  208-9900
    


• 621 East Sciota, Peoria Heights
  • Hosted by: The Schauble Team  208-9900

To view more information about the residential listings at Keller Williams Premier Reatly, please go to: www.kwpeoria.com.

To view more information about the commercial listings at Keller Williams Premier Realty, please go to: www.thekimgroup.com.

If you are a buyer...this Sunday is an excellent opportunity to check out open houses (in the midwest). The weather is going to be GREAT! It is suppose to get up into the mid to high 50s. It's a heat wave! :) Also, there are new LOWER prices on homes. Everyone is getting ready for spring to hit and homeowners want to be in their new home by that time. So there are some amazing deals to be had out there!

If you are a realtor...this Sunday is a great time for an open house. The weather is going to be amazing - almost a heat wave for the midwest. :) Also, 48% of all buyers atten open houses! Most of these buyers do not have an agent representing them at this time as well. So there is a great opportunity to pick up some Buyer Clients.

If you are looking to host an open house for another realtor, here are some points to keep in mind:

• • Check out the price - is it one of the new lower price homes?
  • Pick a house that is in the price range buyers are buying right now. You can check your MLS stats for this information. You want to be hosting a home that is in the desired range.
  • Pick a house that you can get people to the home with no more than 3 signs. You do not want to send them on a scavenger hunt to find your open house.
  • Have a sign-in sheet and give-a-ways for individuals who attend the open house. Be different and stick out in their mind!
  • Get your name in the paper along with the open house ad, put it on your website, email your sphere of influence, put it on your MLS's open house site (if you have one), etc. Promote the good weather and your open house!

Best wishes this weekend!!!

The Illinois Associate of Realtor's Advocacy Program has created an informational guide for REALTORS who are also landlords or involved with the management and/or leasing of residential rental properties. To get your free copy go to www.illinoisrealtor.org or download a copy from www.IARActionCenter.org.