While the downturn in the real estate market has possibly taken a chunk out of your home’s value, it is unlikely that your tax assessment has gone down. During the boom, as your home gained in value, it made sense that your assessment would increase.  Prices have flat lined or lowered in most areas so it doesn’t make sense anymore that your taxes should only go upwards.  But what’s a homeowner do to?  Well don’t expect the assessor to give you any help!Yes, the tax man cometh!  For those in my readership area of Schaumburg, Elk Grove, Palatine and Hanover Township this is your reassessment year baby!  So what’s a girl to do you say?The good news is that getting your tax assessment lowered is possible. With a little patience it is actually easy to do.  Here are a couple of tips: Review y... 08/12/2008

Over the weekend, I had a number of showings in the Plainfield area.  I had scheduled 5 showing and all but one of the properties was on SentriLock.  Since I'm a member of the Northwestern suburbs association of realtors, I had my Activekey with me.  Unfortunately, these different lockbox systems don't communicate with each other.  Supra, ActiveKey, SentriLock are just a few of the lockbox systems that I've worked with. How difficult is it to have 1 lockbox system for the entire state?  Who's really getting kickbacks from selling these lockbox systems to the different associations?  SentriLock   Surpa/ActiveKey 08/11/2008

Are you buying, selling, or just curious about the real estate market? Check out my weekly market report on the local housing market. Don't make the mistake of not understanding market conditions when buying or selling a home. Take a look and the report for the current market and start understanding housing market in your area. If you need someone to help you find the perfect property, please call me at (630) 707-4734. I am more than happy to help. Greg Wilson   08/08/2008

BRIAR POINTE TOWNHOME SALES IN SCHAUMBURG -Built in 1996/1997 and located near Springinsguth and Irving Park Rds.  Briar Pointe is surrounded by open areas, parks and nature sanctuaries.  Popular area with the current residents because of it's close proximity to the Schaumburg Train Station (Miwaukee West) and the Alexian Field Minor League Baseball Stadium.  Short drive to access the 390 Elgin-O'Hare and then connection to 355 North/South and into Chicago.There are 7 models to choose from with great options available:  fireplaces, skylites, hardwood floors, 6 panel doors, stained doors and woodwork, vaulted Master Bedrooms, 2nd floor Utility Rooms.  One of the great features that Briar Pointe has over older townhome subdivisions is the multiple baths.  Private entry way in each townhom... 08/06/2008

Recycling Avenue is a new company in Wheeling formed to help "green the planet" by recycling small electronic items. Recycling Avenue was started by and is run by a group of physically challenged young adults who want to make a difference in their environment. Currently accepting:  Cell Phones, DVDs, game consoles, print cartridges, digital cameras and digital video recorders, laptops, and notebooks. NOT ACCEPTING: monitors, printers, PCs, or toner cartridges. Recycling Avenue is also available to run an electric recycling drive at your office, city, school, church, synagogue, town, village, or municipality. Scout and student assistance is always welcome. There is a bin conveniently located in the Schaumburg Township Lobby (MAP) for recycling your items. Phone number is (847)884-0030. F... 08/03/2008

Amplified Phone Program (ITAC)   If you have difficulty hearing, you might like to check out the four amplified phones that are free for Illinois residents with a certified hearing loss and local phone service. Call Disability Services at (847) 884-0030, ext. 2025 for more information and an application from Illinois Telecommunication Access Corporation (ITAC). They are always looking for volunteers to demonstrate the phones to applicants, which is a very satisfying job.     Looking to buy or sell a home in the Schaumburg Area?  I have provided service now in the Schaumburg Area for over 25 years listing and selling homes.  Would love to help you: 1)  Find a home with no stairs so you can keep your independence. 2)  Find a quality safe, area with close amenities like shopping, banks, e... 08/03/2008

Township Riders Initiative Program-"T.R.I.P" A transportation program in Northwest Suburban Cook County is available to residents of five area townships - Elk Grove, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, and Wheeling. The Township Riders Initiative Program, or T.R.I.P, is an intertownship transportation program for medical purposes, created to serve the needs of area senior citizens and persons with disabilities. The cost is based on a $5.00 fee per township line crossed with a cap of $10.00 per one-way trip. Riders are able to bring one service animal or one caregiver. Riders may travel anywhere within Barrington, Elk Grove, Hanover, Palatine, Schaumburg, Maine, and Wheeling townships, as well to the medical campuses of Stroger Cook County Hospital, Hines Veteran's Hospital in Maywood, and t... 08/03/2008

Are you buying, selling, or just curious about the real estate market? Check out my weekly market report on the local housing market. Don't make the mistake of not understanding market conditions when buying or selling a home. Take a look and the report for the current market and start understanding housing market in your area. If you need someone to help you find the perfect property, please call me at (630) 707-4734. I am more than happy to help. Greg Wilson 08/01/2008

  The table below lists all of the single family detached and single family attached homes currently on the market in Schaumburg, IL  The data lists available homes by price range with average time on market in each range. Should you have an interest in homes in a selected price range, send me your physical characteristics requirements. I will send complete details on those homes that meet your criteria. If you are contemplating a change in lifestyle, ie. a more luxurious home or the luxury of the amenities in a senior citizen development, I may be able to save you some money via discounts available to me.    

Active Listings List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 64 175 $150,000 - $199,999 184 114 $200,0... 07/30/2008

Are you buying, selling, or just curious about the real estate market? Check out my weekly market report on the local housing market. Don't make the mistake of not understanding market conditions when buying or selling a home. Take a look and the report for the current market and start understanding housing market in your area. 07/24/2008

Schaumburg Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Schaumburg real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of July 23, 2008.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Schaumburg, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=... 07/23/2008

What makes a Market Expert?  I’m sure to each of you reading this it would take a different answer.  The dictionary describes an expert as:  ‘having, involving, and displaying special skills or knowledge derived from training or experience.’  With that said, let’s begin talking about the Schaumburg IL Real Estate Market Place of which I have been part of for the last 20+ years.  What is going on really?  This post started with trying to update the consumer with numbers that they can both understand and use with regard to area home sales.  With all the bad press that the real estate market is getting on the news and now with Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae failing badly, most people want to know what will happen now?  Since I don’t know the outcome yet on how it can effect our marketplace, l... 07/15/2008

Schaumburg Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Schaumburg real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of July 14, 2008.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Schaumburg, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=... 07/14/2008

Schaumburg Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Schaumburg real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of June 25, 2008.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Schaumburg, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=... 06/25/2008

Schaumburg, IL - Sunday, June 29th is Petland Dog Day at Alexian Field. Fans are encouraged to bring their dogs out to the park for the day game. Petland will provide a goody bag for each dog in attendance. The canine festivities will kick off with a pre-game Doggie Parade around the warning track. Water troughs will be available in the lawn area to ensure pooches stay cool and hydrated. Bark Busters training center and Fetch! Pet Care of Greater Schaumburg will also be in attendance providing goodies and information. All dogs must be registered with the Schaumburg Flyers. Upon arrival, dog owners must register their dog at the booth inside the 3rd base gate. The Schaumburg Flyers are a member of the Northern League, a 6-team Independent Professional Baseball League established in 1993.... 06/23/2008

Top Selling Schaumburg Subdivisions by Price Range  - Well you must be interested in Schaumburg if you're here!  Or are you just curious?  This is a short piece on the top selling subdivisions in Schaumburg over the last year. Under $300,000        Weathersfield - One of the largest and 1st subdivisions in the area.Under $350,000        Weathersfield      Sheffield Park - Probably the 2nd planned subdivision in Schaumburg.      Timbercrest - Known for it's nice tree-line streets and huge garage sale!   Under $400,000        Kingsport - known for it's large 2-story Colonials.                                    Weathersfield West - Known for it's large Ranchs.Under $450,000       Timbercrest                                   Heritage Homes                                   Country GroveUn... 06/12/2008

Minding my own real estate business when out of the blue came an email from Zillow telling me my Schaumburg Market Area here in Northwest Chicago had decreased 5.3% and had I been aware of it?  WHAT?  CUMON! I knew the market was in a slight downturn but 5% a quarter in the Midwest?  Seemed suspicious but I left it aside and thought nothing further about it.  But it stewed and stewed in my head!  How did they come to find those numbers?  How could I verify those numbers that were being spread thru the internet like a bad case of athlete's foot?  How could I keep my blood pressure down! A little background here first.  I have always been suspicious of Zillow and their numbers and on two different occasions have found them faulty and downright ficticious with available listings in my mark... 06/07/2008

Schaumburg Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Schaumburg real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of June 6, 2008.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Schaumburg, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=findahome.asp&page=s... 06/06/2008

"A History of Service ...A Commitment to the Future" Welcome! Begin here. 06/05/2008

Top 5 Selling Schaumburg Subdivisions – Multi-family homes which is MLS computer speak for condos, coach homes, manor homes, quads, townhomes, duplexes.  After starting all this research the actual total turned out to be 15 and going thru all the different sales, by type, etc. I decided to do it by price range, so here goes ~~~ Under$150,000     Lakewood near the corners of Weathersfield and Roselle Rds.                                Country Lane Park near the corners of Fairlane and Irving Park Rds. Under $200,000      Weathersfield Commons and Weathersfield Lakes – Near Schaumburg High School just north and south of Schaumburg Rd.                                 Lexington Green 1 and Lexington Green 2 – south of Meacham and Schaumburg Rds. Under $250,000     Briar Pointe– near the co... 06/05/2008