The Surface Transportation Board  (STB) is seeking public input at  a meeting tonight at West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New  York St,  Aurora.  Beginning at 4pm you may  ask  questions and review project maps of the draft  environmental impact studies (EIS).  From 6-9pm you can provide public comments to the STB on the draft  environmental impact studies.  Unable to attend?  The STB  is accepting written and recorded comments on the draft EIS through September 30.  For more info on go to www.naperville.il.us/eje.aspx. Naperville has  many railroad crossings that  will be impacted by  this proposal, get out and let your views be heard! 09/09/2008

News that the government is going to bail out mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac caused stocks to rally on Monday.  Why?  the underlying idea is that the government's bailout  of these giant  companies and the $5 trillion in home loans they back,  ends the rumors and speculation about the fate of the two firms.  This  will  provide stability to the battered fiancial and housing industries.  This stability may be seen in lower mortgage rates, which may give banks the confidence to ease lending standards. This will make it easier for consumers to get new mortgages or refinance existing mortgages, at better rates giving hope to consumers who are struggling with ever increasing payments.   Looking to buy or sell in Naperville?  I'd love to work with you! Browse the entire MLS for fr... 09/09/2008

"I was wondering if we should leave more room to negotiate," my client asked this morning.I have heard this many times, and it is the biggest mistake sellers make.They leave too much room to negotiate.Even in today's market, multiple offers and bidding wars are not unheard of.But only when the homes are priced correctly.Buyers today are more cautious and better educated than ever.  You will never get a bidding war on an overpriced home.Homes priced properly from the beginning will get more showing activity, a quicker contract, and a higher average selling price.When you overprice your home (and that is what you are doing when you leave room to negotiate) the person that should be buying your home may never see it.Why would they?  It is out of their price range.You never have to accept o... 09/07/2008

I think it can... I am meeting with a client tomorrow morning to put an offer on a home.  My buyers are hoping to make the offer contingent on the selling of their current home.  We have talked about their expectations on price and they are very realistic. My thought is this.  I want to sell their home first, and then make the offer for the new home. If they make the offer now, they will probably have to pay too much for the new home, being that the offer would be contingent on sale of their current home. We need to sell ours first, and then do the shopping.  Worst case, we can't sell our house.  We are exactly where we would be if we had made the offer. Best case, we sell our house quickly and negotiate from a position of strength.  That is how you negotiate. I can sell their home quic... 09/06/2008

I wrote this business plan last week and posted it.  I wanted to post it again this week, slightly updated.  I have written lines through the neighborhoods that I have delivered my newsletter to. I am on schedule with my deliveries.  Currently out of ink.  I need to purchase more ink for our color laser printer.  The ink costs around $300.  The ink should last for about 2000 copies.  So far, I have received exactly one call from a potential seller.  It was a man that took my flyer from my hand as I delivered it to the Carrolwood neighborhood.  We had a slight language barrier.  He asked me what I charge, I told him, and he is has since listed with another agent.  Overpriced. Anyway, I hope my posting this encourages someone else to at least write down their plans, if not post them.  I f... 09/06/2008

09/01/2008

With all of the construction being done on the highways in Chicago, local Naperville businessman Chris Gogola has literally beaten the odds and traffic to succeed in the limousine business with his company, Action Limo. "I couldn't worry about the price of gas.  I had a vision.  And I chased it.  I am still chasing it today," said Chris on the back patio of his home in Naperville one sunny afternoon. Chris's home, in the Springhill Subdivision located in Naperville Illinois, is more than just where he keeps his expanding family.  It is also where he maintains his office, his growing fleet of cars, and his two dogs, Bella and Buddy. His wife Julie, pregnant with their second child due in late October, helps in the office when she can.  Most of her time, though, is chasing her young son, ... 08/30/2008

Ken's 6 Month Business Plan:  Marketing:  Very simple.  Very traceable.  Very effective. I will hang 1400 neighborhood newsletters every two months.  Rain or shine.  8 neighborhoods.  7 in Naperville.  1 in Lisle. The neighborhoods were hand picked by me.  I have a personal connection to all of them. Quality marketing+strong personal presence+quality product=huge business. August70 Maplebrook78 Wheatland South100 Crestview Knolls100 High Meadow160 Carrolwood140 River Bend September365 Lakewood Crossing365 Springhill  October   70 Maplebrook78 Wheatland South100 Crestview Knolls100 High Meadow160 Carrolwood140 River Bend November 365 Lakewood Crossing365 Springhill December70 Maplebrook78 Wheatland South100 Crestview Knolls100 High Meadow160 Carrolwood140 River Bend  January365 Lakewood ... 08/30/2008

Buyers are beginning to realize in a big way, that NOW is the time, particularly if you're thinking of purchasing higher end homes.  There's not going to be another opportunity like this for years! The money that's lost on the sale of a home is more than made up on the buy side when upgrading.  The benefits of buying now are great, including a reasonable amount of inventory, though the good ones disappear quickly!  Along with the fact that indications are interest rates will rise. If you wait until spring, you may have to scrap your move entirely when you discover that your proposed investment won't buy you much more than you currently own.  Sellers are motivated now.  If you sit on the fence too long, you may just find the fence has fallen beneath you.  Find yourself a good REALTOR and... 08/30/2008

Can it be?  It doesn't seem possible, but it's that time again already!  Time for Naperville Jaycee's Last Fling. The Fling begins Friday, August 29th and runs through to Monday, Sept 1.   Come out and celebrate the end of summer in true Naperville fashion!  Activities are planned for those of all ages ranging from the parade of course, to the Big Wheel Race, Senior Bingo, Craft Fair, Skater Activities, Soccer Activities, Diaper Derby & even Four Legged Follies (dog show) to name just some.   Big Name Entertainment including but not limited to the Doobie Brothers and Gavin DeGraw.   For more information on times and events go to http://www.lastfling.org/ .   Get out there an enjoy - it's shaping up to be a wonderful weekend.   Proceeds from the Fling go to support local charities. 08/27/2008

08/25/2008

08/22/2008

Yesterday I was out "on tour." That's where listings are available for agents to see without an appointment. And, I noticed the following at one of the listings: 1) the lawn was brown and weedy 2) the cement pad at the front door was severely cracked and coming apart 3) there were weeds in the landscape area near the front door 4) the screen door was ripped 5) there were rust stains on the front door Now, these were just the front door impressions. In today's market, when a buyer has a choice of 25, 50 or even 100 homes in his price range, if your home doesn't have curb appeal you're not going to get the buyers into the house. Remember, that almost all of our listings are online and they either have the exact address or a map which shows the approximate block. I know that most of my buy... 08/20/2008

                                                                    -The girls of Troop 1275 helping out at the ADOPT Animal Shelter A new school year brings with it a new year for the Girl Scouts!  Troop 1275 from Peterson Elementary will be having their Junior Girl Scout Round-Up party this Friday.  In the past the troop has helped raise funds for the ADOPT Animal Shelter, helped package food for the Feed My Starving Children organization, and ran a coat drive among many other exciting activities.  The girls are looking forward to another year helping their community. -Jennifer Schoeck, Scoutleader   08/19/2008

08/18/2008

08/17/2008

                                                I have been trying to watch the Olympics.  My buddy Kevin and I have been fighting over the remote control.  He wants to watch the Chicago Bears.  It's preseason football. I want to watch the end of the womens marathon. Why am I so into the Olympics? Is it because the they come only once every four years? But I have been into the Olympics huge this year.  Am I alone? Is it China?  Michael Phelps?  The live coverage?  Capitalism vs. communism? What is it? This Olympics is awesome.  The gymnastics, the swimming.  The track is just getting started. The 100 meter finals is due on in a few minutes!! I love it all. Is it just me? Ken If you want to sell your home, call me anytime at 630-697-0536.   08/16/2008

What I see as key real estate trends for 2009 1) Social A) Increasing numbers of SENIORS. Many will keep on working past their "normal" retirement age as they've lost money in the stock market in the past 8 years. B) Pent-up demand from first-time buyers as they establish new households. C) People staying in place while aging. My "average" client has now lived in his home for 19 years. D) More real estate people using Linked-in, YouTube and FaceBook. E) Fewer real estate companies and agents. Those that survive take larger market share. 2) Economic A) Continuing high rates of unemployment. Fierce competition for jobs in distressed areas such as Ohio and Michigan. B) Relocating buyers will negotiate so that their old home is no longer their responsibility. C) Lenders underwriting standar... 08/16/2008

I know many Realtors may be happy about this but...                                                      Where have all the FSBOs (FOR SALE BY OWNERS) gone??                                                         The FSBO has always been a valuable prospect for the real estate agent.  Most FSBOs eventually hire a Realtor, so who better for an agent to talk to??  But the real estate market seems to have sent the For Sale By Owner into hiding.                                                                              As a Realtor, when I see a FSBO sign I smile, pull over, and knock on the door.  If no one answers, I leave a card with a note.  But over the last couple months here in Naperville, the FSBO seems to be an endangered species.  I CAN'T FIND ANY FSBOs. Look, I am not that bus... 08/14/2008

Are you looking for Real Estate in Naperville Illinois or surrounding area? Search over 130,000 properties for FREE at www.panhomes.com NO Registration Required! You will find New Construction, Resales, Condos, townhomes even foreclosures. Panorama of Homes Realtors is your one stop Real Estate Brokerage.   08/14/2008