The journey to purchasing a home is an enjoyable time in one's life. But it is one that will bring many additional responsibilities. Having the assistance of a competant real estate agent can make all of the difference during this process.
Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20th century. Due to its flame resistant and highly durable qualities, asbestos was the ideal form of insulation for many industries.
One of the main things that can go unnoticed is taking simple precautions to avoid asbestos exposure. Homes built prior to 1980 may still harvest asbestos materials. This should not make you jump out of your chair because asbestos exposure is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions.
Asbestos
If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air.
Long term exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. The amount of asbestos-related incidents in the last few decades has lead to mesothelioma lawyer firms advocating victim rights around the U.S. The negligence involved with the asbestos scandal has been one of greed and dishonesty. Manufacturers of asbestos were aware of its toxic qualities, but repressed this information from the public.
Healthy Tips
Removal of asbestos in public facilities, workplaces and homes should be performed by licensed abatement contractors as long as the National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) are not violated. They must wear protective equipment such as masks and gloves to avoid any exposure. The materials should be removed in as large pieces as possible and places in disposable bags.
If asbestos is removed, green forms of insulation should be used as replacements. These include the use implementation of recycled building materials such as lcynene foam, cotton fiber and cellulose. These alternatives not only allow for a healthy and safe home, but can bring down annual energy costs.
For example, the use of cotton fiber foam has demonstrated to reduce energy costs by 25% per year. As education and technology of green sustainable practices increase, the numbers will continue to rise. Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Existing homes are eligible for a series of efficiency measures that pertain to the home shell (Insulation, Windows, Sealing) worth 30% of the installed cost (materials only, labor is not included in the credit basis).
Common Asbestos Locations in the Home
Call Lyn today for selling your home or purchasing a home in the Northwest Chicago Suburbs near Schaumburg. With her 25 years of experience and her affiliation with a top nationally ranked company for the last 20 years - she'll get the job done or send you on your way to your new location!
The 2009 Real Trends 500, an annual report from Real Trends magazine, is a national ranking of the 500 leading real estate offices or office groups with common ownership. The primary ranking is based on prior-year transaction volume (2008), while the second ranking is based on sales volume.
The exceptional productivity that so many of our offices achieved in 2008 testifies to the skills and dedication that RE/MAX agents possess that let them deliver outstanding results in all types of market conditions,” said Jim Merrion, regional director of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois network. “We take real pride in the 2008 achievements of the offices recognized by Real Trends.”
So for the 1st quarter of 2009 .............. we’ve had 18 properties close.
Why
am I not enthusiastic? Because Bartlett Single
Family is
doing better than the surrounding towns of Schaumburg and
Hoffman Estates as far as number of sales and in higher prices.
Bartlett Townhomes are not selling as they should and are 30%
down from the second half of 2008.
The graphs show us that obviously the first time buyers are spurring along the market in the lower price ranges all thruout the Northwest Suburbs. The majority of sales for Bartlett, over 88% were under $250,000. Also for those concerned, 2 were marked foreclosures and 3 were marked short sales. Our MLS allows us to differentiate these from regular closings. The lowest sales price was $71,000 which is such a great deal for a quad in Bartlett I'm sure you'll agree!
This graph is of the Multi-family homes (townhomes, quads, condos) that have sold during the last half of 2008. Over 74% have sold below the $250,000 price range.
There are currently 100 homes for sale below $250,000 available in Bartlett. And there are 39 choices below $175,000.
Think you might want to start looking? The 'Blog Dog' and I can sniff out some great deals!
Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 at RE/MAX Suburban
The 'Blog Dog' knows Bartlett!
Disclaimer: All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Lyn Sims makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from it’s display or use.
Well lately
we’ve heard some media buzz that improvement is happening in
the Bartlett Market and I just wanted to let
you know that YES –
it seems to be true!
So for the 1st quarter of 2009 .............. we’ve had 36 properties close – YIPPEE.
Why
am I enthusiastic? Because Bartlett is
doing better than the surrounding towns of Schaumburg and
Hoffman Estates as far as number of sales and in higher prices.
The graphs show
us that obviously
the first time buyers are spurring along the market in the lower price
ranges all thruout the Northwest Suburbs.
The majority of sales for Bartlett, over 66% were
under $300,000. Also for those concerned, 6 were marked
foreclosures and 5 were marked short sales.
Our MLS allows us to differentiate these from regular
closings. The
lowest
sales price was $190,000 which is
such a great deal for a 3BR home in Bartlett I'm sure you'll agree!
This graph is of the single family homes that have sold during the last half of 2008. Over 59% have sold below the $300,000 price range.
There are currently 76 homes for sale below $300,000 available in Bartlett. Think you might want to start looking?
Lyn Sims (847)230-7324 at RE/MAX Suburban
The 'Blog Dog' knows Bartlett!
Disclaimer: All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Lyn Sims makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from it’s display or use.
The size of new homes is shrinking for the first time in at least a decade, says USA TODAY. Nearly 9 out of 10 builders are saying they are building or planning smaller homes than in the past. The average size of new homes started in the 3rd quarter of 2008 was 2,438 square feet, down from 2,629 in the 2nd quarter.
How about affordability? These builders are just not getting the fact that nobody can afford these new homes! It is common knowledge in my industry that new construction is always the most expensive but people gravitate toward all the new features that only new construction can offer! No need to rehab the kitchen with new construction.
How about the fact that the new construction is way, way out from all the hub employment centers. Not to mention the sting of $4.00 a gallon of gas is still fresh in most buyers minds. They don't understand why people might not want to drive 30 miles to work each way twice a day - DUH!
Also in another new survey out of Las Vegas they recently did a consumer preference survey from the new Realtor Blog. No mention by the way of how the statistics were compiled on this - so this is probably just a published 'guess'. But here's the meat & potatoes of the report that says the following features are falling out of favor (fad) with buyers:
Fireplaces: a reduced request from the 90's down to 51% in 2007. I don't know of anyone that has ever passed up a fireplace except in rare occurances. There have been a few times where the placement or shape was not the best, but most buyers here in the Midwest love them.
Carpet: a declining request with most people now preferring hardwood floors. My opinion is that carpet is still popular in bedrooms here in the Midwest. I will agree that hardwood has had an upturn in popularity. NOT LAMINATE.
Livingroom: 34% of participants said they would be willing to buy a home without a Livingroom. Well they have been trying to get rid of that 'useless room' for the last 25 years and have yet to do it. Buy a home without a Livingroom and upon trying to resell it what will your feedback be? Wish it had a 'Livingroom'.
Desks in the Kitchen: They are 'clutter' areas. You won't get any disagreement from me there! But there are desks and then there are 'media center desks' in Kitchens! There are some people installing plasma TV centers that monitor everything in the house from heating to surveillance. Throw in a cappuccino maker and I give it a thumbs up!
Skylites: Only 10% of new homes will include them this year, so it's been a downward spiral for the poor skylite. The 'old fart' conservative types always say that they 'leak' even though they've never lived in a house with skylites. I can't ever remember a skylite screwing up the resale or presentation of a house.
Upscale Kitchen finishes: granite counter tops are now becoming less desirable to buyers who are now moving toward more affordable, low maintenance laminate counter tops. NAWWW Don't Think So! Buyers are just not dumb enough to buy the granite counters from the builder! They'll have them installed later at a better price. That's what I think is happening and I can't think of a buyer that would turn down granite over regular laminate counters. It just shows more 'richly' and more upscale no matter what the size of the house.
These are just a couple of examples I've found of 'current or upcoming' trends in the real estate market. What are some of your favorite features?
Lyn Sims at RE/MAX Suburban (847)230-7324
The 'Blog Dog' also giving her 'Pawspective' on the Market.
Northwest Suburbs of Chicago - Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood, Bloomingdale, Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Palatine, Elk Grove Village, Itasca, Medinah, Carol Stream, Roselle, Elgin, South Elgin, St. Charles.
Email her: LynSims@remax.net
Sources: The Week Mag 1/23/2009, Realtor Styled, Staged, Sold Blog Post
Disclaimer: All data and information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Lyn Sims makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from it's display or use.
Size no longer matters? - 2009 Lyn Sims - TheBlogDog.net
Broker and Dog with a Blog! Associated with the area's top listing and selling company for over 25 years! Social Media Agent gets top in internet presence in the Northwest Suburban Chicago Area.
You can feel confident that whether it's pricing your home, qualifying the purchaser, negotiating a contract, lining up financing, coordinating the closing, displaying the latest advertising techniques or just explaining the entire process ... you can always rely on her ability to guide you thru the whole process!
Above all, you'll know she has the confidence and the experience to get the job done!
The bottom line for you as a seller is more money in your pocket, the bottom line for you as a buyer is saving money with a better purchase price!
Working with one of the largest and most successful firms in the area, I can give you the greatest competitive advantage whether buying or selling!
Lyn's website is one of the top 75 RE/MAX agent websites in the Northern Illinois Region for 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Hey there's 3200 total agents). This brings in more buyer traffic for your home.
You will have confidence that with over 25 years experience, she knows how to negotiate the best price for you in today's market.
Earning a Brokers designation has provided her with the advanced marketing knowledge required to sell homes faster, and for more money in today's competitive marketplace.
You have the assurance that she has been working hard right in your neighborhood year after year - full time.
You need a competitive advantage! Being with one of the largest and most successful firms in the area, she can deliver that in this tough market. Gone are the days when homes 'sell themselves'.
You deserve effectiveness! While other companies are barely holding their market share, we are outproducing our competitors year after year! Within the Northwest Suburban Market Area (MRED) for 2008, RE/MAX had 28.3% of market share! That's 1 out of every 4 homes in the area were sold by us - no one comes close to our results! DuPage County Results
Just in the Bartlett Area alone, RE/MAX has 42% of market share! That's over 1 out of every 3 homes sold there! Click here for the results!
Click here for the results in Streamwood Click here for results in Hanover Park
IF YOU WANT TO BUY .... LYN WILL ....
IF YOU WANT TO SELL . . . . LYN WILL . . . .
MY COMMITMENT TO YOU!
I Promise ..... To provide the highest degree of honesty and integrity, coupled with professional and effective service for all the clients I represent. I will never tell a client anything but the truth, I will never promise anything I can not or will not deliver.
I Promise ..... To monitor and coordinate every transaction from contract to closing with the support of my staff and every one involved in the sale of your property. To conduct a professional and trouble free closing.
I Promise ..... To help my client receive the best possible price for their home based upon the market and economic conditions.
I Promise ..... To continually strive for excellence in my profession, to look for more effective ways to better service my clients.
THIS IS MY PERSONAL DEDICATION TO ALL MY CLIENTS!
Past Client Testimonials:
She is a 'Can Do' person that makes you feel good about the whole process of selling your home. From the very beginning we felt so comfortable with her and had great confidence in her experience and knowledge of the Real Estate market. After our first meeting with her, we knew she was the agent for us. She guided us through the whole process with helping us with presentation and never letting us lose hope, even in these difficult times with the market. She was always coming up with fresh, new, and innovative marketing techniques to stimulate interest and market our place. She also always kept you well informed on what was happening in the Real Estate market in our area with updates on listings, and sales.
You could not ask for a more knowledgeable, and dedicated agent than Lyn Sims. You always knew she was there for you with good advice and the knowledge that she was always looking out for your best interest. When we had a problem, she was the one we knew if we called her, she would come up with a very workable solution. We will always value her professionalism and friendship and would recommend her to all our friends.- J.B. and S.B., Freeport, formerly of Schaumburg
"Purchasing my first home was very exciting for me and I appreciate you being there to guide me through. Thanks so much for all your help!"
- C.D., Bloomingdale
"She proved to be knowledgeable and professional every step of the way. She gave expert advice and kept me continually informed!"- G.R., Schaumburg
"You've helped me in so many ways since I started my search for this home. I'll always recommend you to my friends!"- J.D., Schaumburg
"She is a hard working and aggressive agent! We would not hesitate to recommend her to others who are in the market to buy and sell a home!"- P.G., Buffalo Grove
"Lyn's cooperation, resourcefulness & willingness to do whatever was necessary to overcome a variety of difficulties we encountered with our home sale was most appreciated!"- M.K., Inverness
"I appreciated her cheerful, courteous disposition and perseverance in finding new ways to market my home!"
- P.H., Wilmette
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