It must be Springtime.Illinois Deed Provider is again sending out their "official" letter offering to get your deed certified.Save your money! In Illinois, you need a certified deed only in rare cases. And, in 30 plus years of selling real estate, I've never seen a certified deed.So, rather than spend $59 to $89 (guess they've raised their costs) donate the money to a local charity and take the tax deduction.And, oh, in case you're in another state and get a solictation from National Deed Providers or (Your State) Deed Providers...it's the same company. Just google their name and read what some of the recorders of deed have written! Amazing.Last summer an attorney general in a southern state contacted me because he had 70 seniors who sent in their money for this nefarious service. He wa... 02/24/2008

After several wasted years of trying to get a new high school buit on land at the corner of 75th Street and Route 59, school district 204 has chosen to buy land abutting Eola Road on the far north.As a result there are new boundaries being hotly debated. According to a map in a recent Naperville Sun, several far south areas (Tall Grass and Ashwood Falls) will be going to Waubonsie High School. But, Ashwood Creek which is south of 111th will go to Neuqua Valley High School.I remember in 2006 showing homes in Ashwood Creek and the buyer ultimately decided not to purchase based upon the proposed school boundary. At the time I said that school boundaries change almost every year. And when I saw her Thursday night, she said that yes, she remembered what I had said.And, what maybe a sign of t... 02/23/2008

Snow falling softly...and more snow and yet more snow! So far, February has been one of the snowiest and greyish on record. According to one of our local weather people, we've had only 11 minutes of sun this month! There's been snow almost every day and there was so much that Ms. Groundhog couldn't even come out of her burrow.And, our temperatures have ranged from 49 above to 5 below...all in the same day.And as beautiful as the picture above, underneath that snow lies dangerous pot holes. Some large enough to swallow your tire. According to the Naperville Sun today (which was buried in the snow bank at the end of the driveway) 600 pot holes have been reported. Yes, 600 pot holes. And, winter, believe me, isn't over! Not till tax day can we breathe...although we've had blizzards in the ... 02/12/2008

This winter has been one of the snowiest in our records.I exercise daily by shoveling the driveway. This morning's snow started as sleet and froze. Then heavy wet snow fell on top of that. Ugh. Cold too. I learned many years ago to shovel this type of snow very carefully. Because it's so wet, it's very heavy. You have to take small shovel fulls. And you don't try to do too much or as many people will tell you, it's a heart attack in the making.Of course, after shoveling all winter, I guess that I've built up my muscles! But, I'm not reckless, so I just do what I can.So glad that I'm not out showing today. Did that last year in a blizzard and it was no fun.  02/06/2008

Each weekend it amazes me how many buyers are wondering around attending open homes. And, each weekend I seem to be fortunate enough to find some great buyers who are not represented by Realtors to serve their needs. And, on many occasions I have sold the home that I actually held open. I know that many Realtors do not like to sit at open homes. But, I have found this a way to interact with buyers and connect them to homes that they would like to purchase. I enjoy meeting these buyers. It also gives me a chance to listen to the concerns, needs and wants of the buyers and to educate them on the Real Estate current market. With all the negative media attention, there are clients who want to list and sell their home and there are buyers out there to buy. It just takes more education, more ... 01/28/2008

With mortgage rates down (in our area around 5.5%) folks with adjustable mortgages will try to refinance. Especially if they expect their rate to re-adjust up.However, here's a warning. If you have your house on the market for sale, you probably will not be able to refinance.  If you had your house on the market in 2007 you'll probably need to wait 3 to 12 months to get a new mortgage.Why? Because lenders who do a refi and then have that loan sold within a short period of time don't make any money. And, we know that lenders and banks do want to show some profit. So talk to some lenders first. And, yes, I can recommend several lenders in our Naperville area.  01/28/2008

    Naperville Single Family Jan 2007 Jan 2008  # of Actives 948 947 3 Bedrooms 157 196 4 Bedrooms 654 589 5+ Bedrooms 121 143  Market Time   3 Bedrooms 158 161 4 Bedrooms 204 241 5+ Bedrooms 211 264  Average Prices 3 Bedrooms $428,703 $397,762 4 Bedrooms $735,423 $732,426 5+ Bedrooms $1,166.593 $1,279,927  Interesting playing around with year over year stats. Almost the same number of homes are on the market.But, notice that the market time has increased. The active listings for 4 bedroom homes have been on the market for approximately 8 months. No wonder, I've been showing so many vacant properties!And, average prices have also decreased in the 3 and 4 bedroom category. Yet, in the more expensive 5 bedroom homes, the price actually increased. I suspect that there are several reasons f... 01/25/2008

As part of the congressional rebate program to stimulate the economy, FHA will now insure mortgage loans up to $725,000. However, I'm betting that amount will only be good in limited markets such as New York City, Chicago Metro area, San Francisco, San Diego and possibly Miami.Our Naperville area had/has conventional limits of $417,000. Anything higher than that is considered a jumbo loan with higher rates. Those rates have been as high as 1% over the conventional rate in the past six months.What will this accomplish? It will probably help those buyers who are looking to buy property under $650,000. It should enable them to get a lower rate and/or qualify for a more expensive home. It should help the builders who have been sitting with unsold inventory. It should also help that enormous... 01/24/2008

The school district has chosen a less expensive location for its third high school to be called Metea Valley.The land is on the east side of Eola Road, north of North Aurora Road and just south of the Illinois Prairie Path. Originally, they were going to build the third high school at the corner of Route 59 and 75th street. That proved to be too expensive and after several months of determining the cost of that location, they district looked at other locations.This new location is farther north and west than the original location. They expect the school to open by August, 2009. I'm doubtful that they can complete it that quickly. They still have to close on the land and work with their surveyors and their building design. I doubt that they can transfer everything that they've done previ... 01/23/2008

You remember the song? "If I were a rich man" from Fiddler on the Roof.Well, in today's real estate market, here's what I'd do.Let's suppose that I had a million dollars (remember this is my fairy tale). I'd go out looking to buy four Naperville homes whose value would range between $400,000 and $600,000. I'd negotiate very carefully and try to buy these properties way below their listed price. Maybe 75% or 80% of their value. I might have to write 10 offers to get one together. And, I'd put down 50% of the price paid for a fixed 30 year mortgage. That would mean that I'd make monthly income (not a lot at first) from the rents. It would also mean that I could keep my rental prices below market which would mean that I'd get my houses rented.So, I would be leveraging my million dollars an... 01/18/2008

If you're wondering where you can go to get rid of all the junk accumulating in the basement: Disposal of Hazardous Waste 1979 Brookdale Road, Fire Station #4 Naperville, IL www.naperville.il.us Saturdays and Sundays except holidays 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Businesses, institutions, governments, non-profits and other non-household entities may NOT drop off waste at this facility. Household hazardous waste includes only materials purchased for cleaning or maintenance of a home. Accepts: Oil-based paint, stain, varnish, solvents, automotive fluids, aerosol cans, household cleaners, mercury, 20-lb propane tanks, poisons, pesticides, insecticides, flammables, household batteries, sealed fluorescent light bulbs and tubes, hobby chemicals, expired and unused prescription medications. Not Accepted: Lat... 01/17/2008

I was out showing homes in Naperville school district #204 before my vacation and I had the distinct impression that prices were lower. So, this morning I did some research which backs up my "feeling."Harmony Grove 2006 Closed Sales27 homes closed$420,000 to $575,000 sales priceAverage Price: $483,000Harmony Grove 2007 Closed Sales17 homes closed$424,000 to $621,000 sales priceAverage Price: $471,000Hmmmmmmm...fewer sales and lower average prices. Also, noticed more vacant listings and higher buyer agent's commissions.Ashwood Creek/Ashwood Park 2006 Closed Sales18 homes closed$599,000 to $1,068,000Average Price: $811,247Ashwood Creek/Ashwood Park 2007 Closed Sales27 homes closed$453,000 to $1,060,000Average Price: $730,340The Ashwoods are newly developed sub-divisions in far southwest N... 01/15/2008

It appears that the site of the new Indian Prairie School District 204 high school - Metea Valley will be built in the Northwest quadrant of Naperville on an 87 acre parcel located on Eola Rd.  It is currently owned by St. John AME Church & Midwest Generation.  An announcement was made today 1/15/08 that a recommendation will be made 1/22/08 to the board to consider this purchase as the most feasible.In selecting the Eola Rd land parcel the district maintains that it will remain loyal to the promise to be fiscally responsbile to it's residents without sacrificing features such as a gymnasium or swimming pool.  This site will be a cost savings of approx. $13.5M over the Brach Brodie site.  Another factor that weighed heavily in the decision was the ability to complete the high school by ... 01/15/2008

 I felt like a new freshmen on campus.  Thank you to everyone that gently commented on my perspective and welcomed me to your community.  I look forward to reading and participating in more discussions.  Best wishes to all in the next few month!  Julanne 01/11/2008

 Have you ever wondered how they do it?  All those people buying and selling on eBay?  Well here's your opportunity to join the ranks, and learn the ropes for free.  It's time to reap the rewards from all those tax dollars spent.  .Class will be held at the 95th St Naperville Library located at 3015 Cedar Glade Dr on Monday, January 14th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm.  All you need to register is a Naperville Library card...and if you don't have one yet, maybe now's the time.  The class will teach you how to Safely buy and sell on eBay.  To register - call 630.961.4100 X4990.  If you'd like more information call Mary Bannon 630.961.4100 X2231.   01/11/2008

Market Statistics CriteriaStatus: Active, Back on Market, Contingent, New, Price Change, Re-activated, Temp Off Market, Pending, Closed, Expired   Property Type: Detached Single, Attached Single, Two to Four Units, Mobile Home, Land   Subdivision: Tall Grass   Months Back: 12 Months    Active Listings   Detached Single Bedrooms# ActiveAvg. LPAvg. MTAll33$697,733259 426$685,599214 5 or More7$742,800427   Attached Single Bedrooms# ActiveAvg. LPAvg. MTAll13$352,523225 2 or Less6$348,017186 37$356,386258   Off-Market Listings   Detached Single Bedrooms# Sold% SoldAvg LP (Sold)Avg SPSP:LP RatioAvg MT (Sold)Avg LP (Unsold)% ExpdAll7181%$662,918$639,27696%138$683,78318% 46283%$635,409$614,33297%122$706,88517% 5 or More969%$852,422$811,11195%252$608,70023%   Attached Single Bedrooms# Sold% Sold... 01/09/2008

Naperville - West Highlands - Market Stats - '07 posted 1-9-08 for previous 12 months.IF THERE'S A SPECIFIC SUBDIVISION YOU'D LIKE TO SEE POSTED - LEAVE A COMMENT AND I'LL TRY TO INCLUDE IT. Market StatisticsStatus: Active, Back on Market, Contingent, New, Price Change, Re-activated, Temp Off Market, Pending, Closed, Expired   Property Type: DetachedSubdivision: West Highlands  Months Back: 12 Months    Active Listings   Detached Single Bedrooms# ActiveAvg. LPAvg. MTAll20$821,610163 35$329,94097 410$921,370196 5 or More5$1,113,760162   Off-Market Listings   Detached Single Bedrooms# Sold% SoldAvg LP (Sold)Avg SPSP:LP RatioAvg MT (Sold)Avg LP (Unsold)% ExpdAll2674%$437,074$423,72397%74$543,30023% 31267%$334,368$319,62596%40$337,50028% 41077%$403,820$391,23097%56$954,90023% 5 or More4100%... 01/09/2008

East Highlands Market Report Stats for '07 Market Statistics CriteriaStatus: Active, Back on Market, Contingent, New, Price Change, Re-activated, Temp Off Market, Pending, Closed, Expired   Property Type: Detached Single, Attached Single, Two to Four Units, Mobile Home, Land, Deeded Parking/Boat Slips, Multi Family 5+, Office/Tech, Bus / Bus w/Real Est, Retail/Stores, Mixed Use, Instut/To Develop, Industrial   Subdivision: East Highlands (Begins With)   Months Back: 12 Months   Active Listings Detached SingleBedrooms# ActiveAvg. LPAvg. MTAll22$1,166,65038435$446,540138410$1,268,4705095 or More7$1,535,557382LandBedrooms# ActiveAvg. LPAvg. MTNone2$421,45070Off-Market Listings Detached SingleBedrooms# Sold% SoldAvg LP (Sold)Avg SPSP:LP RatioAvg MT (Sold)Avg LP (Unsold)% ExpdAll1864%$894,77... 01/08/2008

If you are looking to buy or sell in Naperville or surrounding areas, please call me at 630-341-1545 or visit me at http://www.lanitacates.com/. As your agent, I will work hard to do the best possible job for you. You are the number one priority and your satisfaction is my main priority. Visit my websites and read my testimonials. 01/07/2008

A little about living in NapervilleNaperville has received national recognition as a terrific place to live and raise a family. According to 2006 Money magazine, Naperville was named the second best place in the entire nation to live. With wonderful amenities including award winning schools, a charming and vibrant downtown, parks and recreation areas and easy access to Chicago via highways and commuter train, Naperville has what many families desire. With approximately 143,000 residents, Naperville is the fourth largest city in Illinois – behind neighboring Aurora, Rockford and Chicago. Naperville continues to maintain the feel of a small town despite its size.    Real Estate in NapervilleHousing values in Naperville continue to rise despite the media onslaught. According to the Multip... 01/06/2008