Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate

They were a nice young couple. I picked them up at the train station on Rte. 59 in Aurora...

It was Friday morning. The weather was cold, but the sun was shining bright. A great day to show homes.

We would be seeing several homes priced in the low to mid 200's. They were in from Virginia, and considering moving to Chicago.

They would be needing a home near the train line for the commute to Chicago.

The search was fairly challenging. We would only have two to three hours. The couple did not know the area at all.

We started in Lehigh Station. It is located on the edge of Aurora, right next to Naperville. The townhomes are nice, but have been a tough sell for the builder who started the project during the market boom.

But they are nice, a short drive to downtown Naperville and priced roughly 20-25% below the original builder prices. Fairly spacious...

Anyway, I showed them the builders model. It was loaded. A real fun show, with huge windows and still fully decorated. It was priced at $279K. High end of our range. Doable. But certainly a stretch.

We then moved our search to Lakewood Crossing. Naperville. Good location.

I showed them one of the best deals in Naperville. Further from the train. But still real nice. Corner lot. Not for those that must have their privacy. But very nice layout. Single family. Open kitchen. 3 bed, 2 and 1/2 bath. Unfinished basement. Priced at $275k.

Could probably be picked up at a nice price...

Buyers loved it. But probably too far from the train...

We drove through Maplebrook, and then Springhill.

Neither were quite right...

They really liked River Bend. Located in Lisle, the townhomes are a short drive to downtown Naperville. Very nice.

I showed them a nice end unit. Big windows. Basic. But very clean and nice. They were asking $285.

I think that is the home these buyers would pick.

But there still are plenty of hurdles to clear before this couple would become clients.

They appreciated my time, and liked my tour, but...

They have not even been offered the job yet. At the earliest, they would be moving in April.

Patience is key.

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

I recently made a new contact with a mortgage broker at Chase Bank here in Naperville. New contacts are always good.

He was having his first child this November. He was excited.

He had called me from one of my newsletters. I had been marketing his neighborhood. Anyway...

He was excited to hook up with a Realtor. He wanted us to host "open houses" together at his branch.

Sounded cool for me. Me in a branch on Saturday morning serving donuts and coffee? The Realtor of choice? Endorsed by the bank?

Sounds perfect.

Yesterday I found out my mortgage broker had been laid off...

Cold. Windy. Overcast. Occasional snow flurries.

Those were the conditions I faced today delivering Ken's Springhill View.

I set a personal record. 365 copies hung on every door in Springhill, a subdivision of modestly priced homes located just a mile and a half from downtown Naperville.

I enjoyed delivering today. I have been busy with work as well as chasing Erin around, so I need to set larger blocks of time for the newsletter.

I felt excited. Business seems to be improving...

I felt proud. I was working. Three solid (and cold) hours spreading my brand. That's quality marketing time.

That feels real good.

I am still on my plan.

My seller for my new listing on Alan Road just called. We spoke for about 5 minutes about the decline in the stock market and the economy.

At the end of the call we decided to lower the asking price from $319,900 to $299,900.

That is very exciting to me. At this price point, it will be compared to homes in the $250,000 to $300,000 range. That is a great comparison for our home...

It is on 2/3 of an acre in South Naperville. Great layout. Needs about $50,000 of love to be a gorgeous home.

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

So here I am. It's Saturday. 1:23 PM. November 15th.

I am at an OPEN HOUSE for my new listing. I took the listing two weeks ago, a short sale on the south side of Naperville.

I am pleasantly surprised how nice the home looks today. A few lit candles. Lights are all on. A cold cloudy November afternoon...

It feels nice. This would be a great "Thanksgiving" home...

My spirits are high. It has been a productive day. I had showings this morning and an open house in the afternoon. That is a good real estate day...

I love open houses. I was available this afternoon, and with a vacant listing? I can't think of a better way to spend it than hosting an open house.

Worst case scenario, I freshen up my new listing, I work on my computer, and my open house signs are up. That's great advertising. Plus the seller is happy.

Best case scenario, I sell the house, and the seller is really happy.

I hear lots of debate about open houses. Are they worthwhile or not...

I have always felt it is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Ken

To find your next home, go to my website, Ken's Featured Homes.

First time home buyers are a growing portion of my business.

As that number grows, I am always learning.

Radon, mold, closing, attorney, inspection, mortgage, down payment, property tax...These words can scare first time home buyers.

Buyers should not be scared. Buying a home should be great experience. Not terrifying.

Four professionals will usually be needed during the home buying process:

1. The Realtor

The Realtor will fill many roles during the home buying process.
They will coordinate the transaction. They can also narrow down home choices, educate on neighborhoods, assist with negotiations, and even provide a shoulder to cry on.
A Realtor can show any home listed on their local Multiple Listing System (MLS).
The Realtor should be patient. A home is a big purchase. An agent should understand that.
A good agent will help in many ways. Find one you trust.

2. The Mortgage Broker

The mortgage broker is the contact between the home buyer and the finance companies. They can educate about interest rates and loan choices. They will also help determine how much home a buyer can afford. They should be involved early in the search process.

3. The Real Estate Attorney

The attorney will look over the contract and schedule the closing. They will review the inspection report. They will also protect the client's interests should any unexpected legal issues occur.

4. The Home Inspector

The home inspector will review the home from top to bottom. They will point out any structural issues.
A good one will differentiate big problems from smaller issues. They will write up a detailed inspection report which will be reviewed with the attorney.

These are exciting times for first time home buyers. Get started early. The process can take anywhere from 30 to 180 days. Sometimes longer.

Home prices are lower than they have been in years. Neighborhoods that were out of the budget are now affordable.

Considering a first home? Try to relax and enjoy the process.

Use professionals to get the job done.

Buying a home should be a great experience.

Ken

Start you home search on my website, www.KensFeaturedHomes.com.

It was only 32 degrees today. Brrr. Pretty cold here for mid November in Naperville.

Just two months ago it was hot and humid and today I am wearing a winter coat and hat!

I was in Maplebrook, one of my favorite subdivisions in Naperville. The homes are priced in the low to mid 300's and are only two miles from downtown. Huge trees. Sidewalks. A real neat place.

My wife, Nickie and I lived there for 10 months with our daughter, Erin.

We loved walking the tree lined streets...

As I delivered my 70 copies of Ken's View, I ran into several old neighbors.

I spoke with a friendly retired man I know named George.

He asked about business.

"It has been challenging. I have had to market 10 times more than I expected. But it's fun. And I am learning every day," I answered.

I told him about my business plan.

"Well that's what you gotta do," agreed George.

My wife pulled up in our Jeep. She picked me up with a wave. She knew George as well.

As we drove away, we both agreed.

"This is a great neighborhood."

Ken

To find your next home in Naperville, go to my Naperville real estate website anytime.