Ken Tracy Realtor Naperville Illinois Real Estate

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.

The home is vacant. It's a nice three bedroom home in the south of Naperville. Tons of space, two thirds of an acre, a sun room, big windows, walk to Springbrook Forest Preserve...Needs just a bit of updating...

I will be putting it on the market this afternoon. It had previously been listed by another agent for 244 days.

The seller? He was an investor who had "found me on the internet."

As an investment property, the house has been vacant for sometime. It is fairly clean. But stale.

It needs just a bit of love.

I have been putting together the things I will need today:

1. Broom and dustpan: I believe clean floors are the most important thing for a home on the market. Especially a vacant one. A broom and dustpan is the way to start on the hardwood, even in a vacant home.

2. Mop and Murphy's Oil Soap: The home has a ton of hardwood. Clean shiny hardwood looks great. Dull dusty hardwood looks OK. The floor needs shined. The air smells stale. Common for any vacant home. The Murphy's Oil soap smells great. Should keep the house smelling fresh for weeks.

3. Rags and all purpose cleaner: I don't know how it happens, but empty homes just seem to get dirty. Perhaps the house has had more traffic than I think. But once again, a fresh scrub of the window sills and sinks will help alot. Their are a few cobwebs that don't help at all, especially on a sunny day.

4. Glass cleaner and paper towels: Windows and mirrors are crucial. Once again, when clean they look awesome, when they are dirty...not so much.

5. Vacuum (Dyson): The carpet is new and looked great, but I want to be sure. Once again, the floors give you the most bang for the buck. Clean is great. Dead bugs in the corner is always a turnoff. The Dyson was a gift from a seller. Thanks Greta!

6. FOR SALE SIGN: Bold red with color picture. I figure, why not? Helps spread the brand more than just my name alone.

7. Sentri-Card Lock Box: This is the new access box that my Local Realtors Association began using a few months back. I think they are much more useful than our old Supra boxes.

8. Wood Brochure Holder: There are many varieties of holders. The wood look nicer. Costs a little more. But worth it.

9. House keys: All this planning doesn't do much good if I can't get in. :)

10. Digital Camera: It's about 3:30 on a beautiful fall day. It should be a great time to get some nice pictures...

So I must get moving. The sun sets quickly this time of year...

I will need to return to the home in the next couple days. Brochures still need to be made and put in and outside of the home.

I have lots of work to do.

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

One of my favorite activities is taking walks around the neighborhood with my family.

It's cheap. It's low impact. It's social.

It's just nice getting out of the house.

We currently live in Wheatland South in Naperville. Our walks take us all through that subdivision, as well as Crestview Knolls next door.

On our walks, I have noticed a nice variety of mailboxes.

I haven't seen any studies, but I believe one's mailbox tells a lot about who they are.

Private? Outgoing? Pet loving? Modern? Classic?

So many different types of mailboxes...

So many different types of people.

Yesterday, while walking with my daughter, I captured some interesting mailboxes that can be found here in Naperville (see below).

What does your mailbox say about you?

Ken

A Realtor you can trust.

-Do you think the owner of this mailbox has any pets?

-This mailbox is perfect for the security conscious. Perhaps they have had a mailbox taken out by local kids having some "fun".

-This mailbox looks basic enough. But it's bright while color and synthetic makeup causes it to stand out a bit from the rest.

-This mailbox has certainly seen better days. There are some large dents in the side. I think some children have been practicing there rock throwing on this one!

-This double mailbox also shouldn't be messed with. That is a serious wooden mailbox post. Probably an environmentalist.

-Ahhh. A lovely pair of cardinals (the state bird of Illinois). I still think it's interesting that male birds have such beautiful colors.

-What do you think this owner does in his spare time? What would a bass this size weigh? Do you think the neighbors appreciate this mailbox as much as I?:)

-This charming mailbox, has a chimney and cedar shingles. I was surprised to see the home didn't also have a cedar roof.