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Collinsville, IL Real Estate News

Things are Rockin'! Interest rates are low, housing prices are low, sellers are helping with closing costs and in the mood to negotiate. Builders are throwing in "extras". Investors are buying those foreclosures and adding new kitchens and floors and paint.....creating beautiful homes that need occupants. What are we waiting for?  Trying to guess when the market will hit bottom? Trying to guess when interest rates will hit bottom? Don't wait too long, or you will find that "Elvis has left the building." Call your local realtor and take advantage of the situation.  Call your lender and see what kind of rate you qualify for and how much home you can afford.  It's time to move!
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Let's face it...most of us are fairly inteligent people.  We know what we know and are good at something.  However, we can't be experts at everything. Living in the information age, one would think we could learn just about anything.  All we have to do is sit down at our computers and google any subject under the sun and find pages and pages of information.  However, I think many of us suffer from information overload....and the next dreaded step in that process is called paralysis by analysis. Deciding whether or not to purchase a particular stock, or how to best handle our retirement savings, or if it's a good time to buy or sell a home.  Often we find so many conflicting opinions on every subject and we do our best to sort through it all that we end up doing nothing.....and then....w...
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Definition: A catch phrase (or catchphrase) is a phrase or expression recognized by its repeated utterance. We all use little catch phrases.  In recent years some have become so overused that they often lose their meaning.  I was just sitting here thinking of some of the ones that are so worn out that it may be time to ditch them for something else. Here's my list: "Think outside of the box." - I'm guilty of using this one.  What I would really like to do is just burn the box...Or maybe be the only person left still in the box. "Change" - A campaign favorite!  Everyone loves change...they love it, that is, until you actually start changing things. "What goes around comes around." - This is another one I like to use.  It makes me feel better when people are mean. "If you are not part of ...
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Don't you just love it when your driving down the road and the guy in front of you just stops...just stops dead in the middle of a busy road. First, you slam on the breaks to avoid rearending him, then as you sit there, you begin to wonder if everything is all right.  "Should I go around?" you ask yourself, "does he need help?" And, just as suddenly as he stopped, he turns left. All of this confusion and consternation could have been avoided with one very simple, yet ingenious device, known as a turn signal.  This wonderful little instrument is one means of communication a driver can use to communicate his intentions to other drivers in the immediate area.  It's convenient and easy to use, yet many drivers choose not to use it. Turn signals, break lights, horns and even the middle finge...
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A few months ago I wrote a post entitled What's The Difference Between a Vision and a Goal?  I believe in practicing what I preach, so I thought I would share with you some things that have happened since I wrote the article. As many of you know, I am a new agent, so I am still in the process of getting the ball rolling.  I am happy to say that after months of pushing the ball, it is beginning to gain momentum and getting easier to push! In the last month I have implemented some strategies that have garnished me 3 listings.  One listing has received an offer after less than 2 weeks on the market.  I have picked up more buyer leads and gained more confidence when talking with leads. In other words...I have begun to take control of my destiny!!!!! I remember being 15 years old and getting...
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The economy is slow and when I speak with sellers, there's a certain level of hesitance about listing their homes.  Some sellers are still hanging onto the idea that their homes are worth more than what buyers are willing to pay.  Some sellers are in a tough spot because they find that they need to sell their homes.  Some have taken all the equity out of their homes and find that the sale price won't cover all the expenses that go into selling a home. This being said, I am happy to say that homes are still selling.  People are just being very careful to make every dollar they spend stretch as far as possible.  When it comes to purchasing a home, people are looking to get the most "BANG" for their buck. What does this mean to a seller?  It means that you really need to evaluate what has ...
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By Tammy Anderson, Owens, Broker/Owner
("The Gateway Home Team" of RE/MAX Alliance)
Tammy Anderson-Owens | The Metro East Home Team of RE/MAX Preferred | 618-581-8729 5 Twin Oak Ct., Collinsville, IL Bank says drop it to $220,000!!! Started at $284,900 4BR/2.5BA Single Family House offered at $220,000 Year Built 1993 Sq Footage 3,341 Bedrooms 4 Bathrooms 2 full, 2 partial Floors 2 Parking 3 Car garage Lot Size Unspecified HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Beautiful home on great cul de sac lot! Landscaping includes sprinker system, misting system with at least 30 heads for plant watering and more! You will enjoy the outdoors with your wooded lot and great deck and patio. This home has it all with large kitchen and breakfast nook, 19 seer zoned a/c, variable speed staged heating, full brick fireplace, 6 panel stained doors and trim, bypass air cleaner with carbon filt...
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By Tammy Anderson, Owens, Broker/Owner
("The Gateway Home Team" of RE/MAX Alliance)
This has by far been the most stressful couple of months that I have had in a long time!  Stressful but exciting.  In July my broker/owner came and asked if my husband and I would be interested in buying our branch office.  After very little thought we jumped in with both feet.  After signing the paperwork we realized that our current lease was up November 1st and we weren't really crazy about our location.  Soooooooo in 6 short weeks we turned this:     into this:     Wow!!  I have so many people to thank, my husband, my contractor (brother), my wonderful agents in my office, my parents and friends and family.  We kicked butt!  I attended the broker/owner training for 5 days in the middle of all of this.  My back hurts, my brain is fried and I really feel like we have accomplished some...
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Breast Cancer has touched my life in many ways even though I have never had it.  When I was a girl, my grandmother had breast cancer.  At that time the treatment was very radical.  She had both breasts removed and the doctors even removed the underlying muscle.  I can remember the horrible scars that covered her entire chest stretching under each of her arms.  I remember how hard it was for her to find prosthetics and how much she changed after her surgery.  She lived a very long life, but she was never the same. In my twenties I had a friend who got breast cancer.  She had two young children, the oldest, her daughter, was 8 years old at the time.  She fought her cancer with every thing she had and died when the cancer returned and spread throughout her body.  I remember the day I was t...
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Here we sit...between a rock and a hard place.  Congress arguing over the best solution for the financial crisis.  As usual they look to the people to foot the bill and scare us with dire consequences if it is not passed.  After just passing the largest budget in history...we are being asked to dig even deeper into our pockets.  I've even heard it said that paying taxes is "The Patriotic Thing To Do." I'm no financial wizard...so please forgive my ignorance...but I think that congress has failed to look outside the box for a solution.  Of course if they don't find a reason to tax us more, they won't have control over more of our money. What about this?........I was just sitting here thinking about all the countries that have benefitted from the United States since the last depression.  ...
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By Laura Kombrink
(RE/MAX Alliance)
How many ethics classes have we all had to take as Real Estate Agents?  We laugh and roll our eyes when we think about how often we are required to attend an ethics class.  Many of those who have been in the business a long time can even quote portions of the code of ethics. The code of ethics was developed (as I understand it) to protect the public, and to help us conduct business with one another in a professional manner that lifts the image of the real estate industry.  I know that we all have at least a working understanding of what is outlined in the code of ethics. On occasion someone may violate a code unwittingly.  However, I have seen in the last few months some very blatant violations by members of our profession who have been in business long enough to know better. I think th...
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People always say that things happen for a reason...and usually at the right time.  I have to say that I whole heartedly agree! I decided 3 months ago to become a Real Estate Agent after having coached agents for over 2 years.  Prior to doing that, I was an EMT which was something I had wanted to spend the rest of my life doing.  I ended up injuring my back and after surgery and re-injury, I was told I could no longer do the job. I was devastated.  I had spent 2 1/2 years studying for nursing before deciding to work out in the field on an ambulance.  I loved what I did and didn't know what to do next.  However...things happen for a reason.  I got a job working for an IVR call capture company in their customer service department and began to educate myself on the Real Estate business.  I...
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By Tammy Anderson, Owens, Broker/Owner
("The Gateway Home Team" of RE/MAX Alliance)
If you ask someone that question you could get a variety of answers.  The truth is that Collinsville, Illinois is jumping!  Within the last couple of years this community has seen a great deal of growth both residential and commercial.  With Collinsville Crossings Development some were worried about the Belt Line and Lakeside Plaza but watch out!  We are currently building out a space next to Communication Concepts and expect to be moved in by November 1st.  Club Fitness has recently opened and seem to be doing a booming business.  With the strong possibility of Kohl's building at the old Wal-Mart site, Lakeside Plaza will be vibrant as usual.  Then there is the downtown area which if you haven't seen the plan, you should make it a point to!  Collinsville is the community to be in and I...
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By Tammy Anderson, Owens, Broker/Owner
("The Gateway Home Team" of RE/MAX Alliance)
OK, this one touches a nerve with me.  I am a Realtor and have wonderful listing in Collinsville that had someone interested in it.  I called the buyer today to ask if she and her husband wanted to go back through the home.  She said "No, we've decided we don't want to be in Collinsville School District"  ARRRGGG!!  Let me explain a few things - Yes, Collinsville school's may have a slight lower score on the standardized testing, Yes, they may have a few more incidents that make the newspaper but let's look at the entire picture here!  We will just start with the High School because that's where I hear the most concerns.  As parents, our main objective when our children reach this age is to either get them prepared for higher education or to get them ready to go out in the world.  Colli...
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By Kristina Pratt, REALTOR - SFR - GoshenRealtyGroup.com
(St. Louis' Illinois Suburbs - RE/MAX Preferred Partners)
Less than 22 days until one of my favorite Madison County Traditions - The Italian Fest in the heart of downtown Collinsville. Every year, folks from all over Madison County (and some from St. Louis, too) pack the streets of downtown Collinsville for a taste of Italy.  From traditional favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, to local inventions like toasted ravioli, there is something to please any palette. The Italian Fest originally started in 1984 as a Columbus Day celebration for downtown business owners.  Since then, the yearly treat has expanded to include entertainment, 5k walk-runs, wine making contests and more. This year's event takes place Friday September 19th - Saturday September 20th. For a complete list of vendors and events, please visit http://www.italianfest.info
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By Nancy Milton Holtzscher, Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, Illinois Broker, REALTOR
(RE/MAX Alliance in St.Louis' Illinois suburbs)
It's Friday and that can only mean one thing in Madison County:  Fish Fry Night. If you're new to the St. Louis metropolitan area -- or new to the Midwest -- this might be an unfamiliar ritual. It involves calling a bunch of people you know and arranging to meet them at the Fish Fry of your choice. My family and friends have patronized the American Legion Post in Collinsville, Illinois for years, so that is the event I'll detail for this blog post. There are certain restaurants in the world where you have to know exactly what to do before you set foot in the door. Mother's in New Orleans is one ("whatchu havin', baby?), and the famous Soup Nazi from Seinfeld is another ("No soup for you!). The Fish Fry is also a prime example of a place where you have to get your act together before ste...
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By Nancy Milton Holtzscher, Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, Illinois Broker, REALTOR
(RE/MAX Alliance in St.Louis' Illinois suburbs)
Last summer I helped two of my favorite customers, Kristin and Rob, buy their first home. It's a charming brick bungalow with spacious rooms and a lot of character, located in Collinsville, Illinois. Outside, the huge yard is complemented by an amazing deck. Now the 2-year newlyweds are in the process of making the home their own through paint, fabric, hard work and trips to Ikea for special items that reflect their unique sense of style. I saw the couple recently at the International Horseradish Festival in Collinsville (It's the horseradish capitol of the world. Seriously.) and they told me that the outdated kitchen is next on their hit list. Best of luck with that big adventure. Congratulations on your one year anniversary in your home, Kristin and Rob. You're doing a great job! You ...
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