Real Estate and Life in Chicago’s Northwest Suburbs | Real Estate in Chicago's North & Northwest Suburbs

How to add value to your home for under $100

Written by Phil Lifshin on August 12, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Simple ways to add resale value to your home without breaking the bank

If you are thinking of selling your house, it’s a good idea to ask yourself “what can I do to add value to my home?” There are many ways add value to the resale of your house, there are some big item tasks like remodeling a kitchen or finishing the basement, but there are also some less expensive smaller tasks you can do that can make a big difference. Here are some cheap ways to add value to your house:

Repaint your home. A gallon of paint is about $30 and it’s a cheap and easy way to add value. If you are looking to sell your house, neutral, earth-tone colors are your best bet to make your home desirable to potential buyers.

Become energy efficient. A good place to start is at the U.S. Department of Energy website. The site has plenty of tips on changes you can make that will save money on energy and make your home more eco-friendly.

Make your kitchen appliances look new. Appliances that don’t match can make your kitchen look old, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to buy brand new ones. Many appliances can look new again with new doors or face panels.

Update the bathroom. There are easy changes you can make to help your bathroom look great. A few simple options are to get a new shower curtain, purchase a new toilet seat and replace damaged flooring with new tile.

Give your front door a facelift. The front door is the first thing potential homebuyers see. Repainting the door and changing out your lock-and-handle set for a sturdy, more modern piece of hardware are a few ways to update your look without breaking the bank.

Clean with power. Go out and rent a power washer. It isn’t that expensive and you will save money taking the time to wash the exterior of your house yourself.

Add curb appeal. Doing the little things makes a big difference when it comes to adding value to the exterior of your house. Clean up clutter, do basic landscaping tasks like weeding and add some in-season plants and flowers to your yard and put flower pots on your front porch. Also, make sure your lawn is well trimmed; you never know when a potential home buyer might drive by.

SIX FACTORS THAT CONTROL THE SALE OF YOUR HOME

Written by Phil Lifshin on August 6, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Has today’s housing market changed the factors that control the sale of your home?

DEFINITELY NOT!

These factors are still the same and there are only are only six that affect the sale of a home. As the seller, it is important to understand who or what has control over these factors.

YOU Control 3 of the 6:

1. Price – Your Realtor will do a market analysis of your home, assist you in choosing a list price, but you determine its list price. Choosing a list price above the market for homes similar to yours, will impact negatively on showings and the buyer’s interest in making an offer.

2. Condition – How well you have maintained and what updates are in the home, will influence the buyers who are willing to make an offer. Most buyers today, want a home that is updated, well maintained and with very few repairs.

3. Terms – This IS a buyer’s market and they have requirements just as sellers do. Your willingness to negotiate which terms will be acceptable to both parties can have a very positive impact. Price and dates will still be the main points of discussion.

The MARKET Controls 2 of the 6:

4. Timing – Seasons and weather factors can affect the time it takes to sell a home. The economic situation has nothing to do with the property condition, but, does have an effect on pricing and terms.

5. Competition – The number of homes on the market and the amount of short sale – foreclosure properties in your area, most certainly can affect your ability to sell your home in a timely manner and at a certain pricing level.

Your REALTOR® Controls only 1 of the 6:

6. Marketing – This is the only factor within your Realtor’s control. Your agent handles the Multiple Listing System input, internet marketing, informing you of the feedback from potential buyers who have viewed your home and any other programs they have that can impact your home sale.

CONCLUSION

YOU, as the seller, have the most control over the sale of your home. You choose the price range, you determine its condition and you determine the terms. However, your willingness to make adjustments in price, condition or terms, based on the information provided by your agent, will be the final determinant as to how quickly your home will sell and at what price.

Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights area new school year information

Written by Phil Lifshin on August 4, 2011 · Leave a Comment

What you need to know about the start of the school year in the Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights area.

Summer has flown by, and the start of school is right around the corner. There are many great schools in the Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove area. Here is some information about the major school districts, and what you need to know for your child to begin a new year at one of their schools.

District 96 Kildeer Countryside

Start Date- For Grades 1-8 school starts with a half-day on August 24^th. Kindergarten and early childhood classes begin on August 29^th.

Schedule

School Supplies

Registration Info

District 102 Aptakisic-Tripp

Start Date- On August 24^th, grades 1-8 begin with a half day, and kindergarten and early childhood classes will begin with a “drop-in” day. All grades have their first full day August 25^th.

School Supplies: On August 22^ndAptakisic Junior High will have an ice cream social and school supply pick-up day, giving students a chance to walk their schedule and locate their classes for the upcoming year. More information is available here.

Schedule

Registration Info- District 102 allows registration online for students here or for those who are new to the area they can call Jody Salus at 847-353-5690 for more information.

District 103 Lincolnshire-Prairie View

Start Date- August 24^th will be a full day for kindergartners and approximately 2 hours long for grades1-8. August 25^th will be a full day for all grades.

Schedule

School supplies for each individual school in the district and more information are available here

Registration Info

District 125 Adlai E. Stevenson High School

Start Date- Freshmen’s first day is August 22^nd, and all students begin on August 23^rd.

Schedule

Registration

District 21 Community Consolidated School District (Wheeling, Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Mt. Prospect, Northbrook and Prospect Heights)

Start Date- August 23^rd is the first day of classes for all grades, and the 24^th is the first full day of classes for all grades.

Schedule

School Supplies

Registration Information

School District 25 Arlington Heights

Start Date- Half day on August 24^th, and first full day August 25^th.

Schedule

School Supplies

Registration Information

District 214 Township High School (Buffalo Grove High School, Elk Grove High School, Forest View, John Hersey High School, Prospect High School, Rolling Meadows High School, Vanguard School, Wheeling High School)

Start Date- Classes start on August 23^rd.

Schedule

Registration Information

A Guide to Summer Festivities in Arlington Heights

Written by Phil Lifshin on July 16, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Summer Fun in Arlington Heights

If you’ve ever been to Arlington Heights you’re probably aware that it’s a great town with a welcoming atmosphere. But, when most people think of entertainment in Arlington Heights, they tend to think about Arlington Park Racecourse. While the world famous horse track is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon, the village offers numerous other options for summer entertainment, that sets this town apart from many others in the area.

Here are some great ways to have fun in the summer in Arlington Heights:

Staying Active in Arlington Heights

Pools- The Arlington Heights park district has a massive amount of facilities that are open to residents, and if you need proof, head to one of their pools. The town has five different outdoor pools that are open almost every day during the summer. The local favorites for families are Frontier Park and Camelot Park pools. If you would like to swim for exercise you can visit Recreation Park Pool which offers adults only swim hours. Families or individuals can purchase season pool passes allowing them to use any facility without any additional fees.

Golf Courses- There are two great golf courses located in Arlington Heights. Nickol Knoll Golf Course is a par three course and is perfect for the beginner or an experienced golfer looking to improve their short game. The course also includes “Payton Hill” where Chicago Bears Hall of Fame running back, Walter Payton, used to run up and down for training in the off-season. The other course is Arlington Lakes Golf Course, a more traditional course featuring a challenging and sprawling 18 holes.

Lake Arlington- For any local outdoorsman, Lake Arlington has plenty to keep you busy. The lake is surrounded by a scenic walking and biking path, giving residents a chance to enjoy nature in the comfort of their own back yard. The lake allows fishing and is regularly used for boating by smaller sunfish sailboats.

Entertainment in Arlington Heights

Music- Every Tuesday in the summer months, the town holds concerts at North School Park. These concerts feature a wide variety of local acts and provide a great opportunity for entertainment for the whole family.

Downtown Arlington Heights- The beautiful street downtown Arlington Heights has something for everyone in the summer time. There are many restaurants with outdoor seating and a bustling shopping district that is perfect for window shopping on warm summer days.

Arlington Park- This is the most well known entertainment option in Arlington Heights. The racecourse has a full card of racing five afternoons a week throughout the summer. Even if you are not a big gambler there is plenty to keep you busy. The track features numerous dining options ranging from the Million Room which serves upscale cuisine, to Mr. D’s Sports Bar that offers traditional pub food. Every year they have a large Fourth of July celebration with fireworks and live music, and theme days, offering discounts and giveaways.

These are just a few of the ways to stay buys in the summer in Arlington Heights. If you are thinking of relocating to Arlington Heights and want to talk to a qualified broker please feel free to contact me.

Enjoy!

Phil Lifshin, Broker

A guide to Summer Fun in Buffalo Grove

Written by Phil Lifshin on July 12, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Why Buffalo Grove is a great place to live in the summer

The sidewalks are bustling with joggers and bikers, street corners are scattered with kids selling lemonade, and the mercury on the thermometer is close to the 100 degree mark, it can mean only one thing… It’s summer time in the Buffalo Grove. While the dog days of summer, may conjure images of lazy afternoon’s best spent on a patio or in a hammock. There are plenty of ways for you to stay active in Buffalo Grove.

Here are some great options for residents to get the most out of the summer months in Buffalo Grove:

Looking to Stay Cool- Buffalo Grove offers a plethora of aquatic options, there is the community Willow Stream pool, which is open 7 days a week, along with a pool in the neighboring Vernon Township, and an indoor pool for the rainy days at the Aquadome inside Buffalo Grove High School every weekend.

If swimming isn’t your thing but you’d still like to find a way to get wet, there is the Buffalo Grove Sprinkler Park that features over 20 water toys, and multiple fountains and sprinklers. It’s a great alternative to the traditional pool experience.

If you want to Stay Active- There are two beautiful golf courses in Buffalo Grove. The Buffalo Grove Golf Club is an 18-hole course that includes a driving range and offers lessons. If you want to want to hit the links but don’t want to break the bank, the golf club offers great specials like a special twilight rate of $12 per resident for a round after 5:30 on weekends and holidays.

There is also the Arboretum Club an excellent course and a great place to host your next golf outing.

For those looking for something more extreme you can check out the Buffalo Grove Skate Park which is free and open daily.

Events in Buffalo Grove- Besides sports and aquatics, Buffalo Grove has plenty of events lined up to keep residents entertained. Throughout the summer, programs such as; “Movies Under the Stars”, “Free Fun Tuesdays”, and “Lawn Chair Lyrics” are great family friendly options.

The summer festivities in Buffalo Grove are capped off with the annual Buffalo Grove Days, a five day festival from September 1^st-5^th, that has music, food, and carnival rides.

This should give you an idea of some of the possibilities for entertainment in Buffalo Grove. If you are considering making a move to Buffalo Grove, and would like the help of a qualified realtor, who knows the area, please contact me.

I hope this has helped you Warm Up to a great town!

Phil Lifshin, Broker

Why now is a Good Time to Buy Investment Property

Written by Phil Lifshin on June 29, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Reasons to purchase investment property in this economy

Throughout the country people are tightening their purse strings and cutting costs wherever they can. For most, this is a time to save money, but could this actually be a great opportunity to spend money on an investment property? If you have thought about purchasing real estate as an investment in Buffalo Grove or anywhere else, but decided against it, this market may actually be the right time for you to begin investing in real estate.

Here are 4 reasons why, now is a good time to buy investment property:

1. Less Expensive Properties

In recent years, prices on properties have dwindled. A house in Arlington Heights that would have sold for $500,000 a few years ago, may only sell for $300,000 in today’s market. While prices on the housing will eventually stabilize and rise again, they are currently falling. It’s bad news for the sellers, but if you would like to make a long term investment, right now is a good time to look at potential properties.

2. Low interest rates

Interest rates are at the lowest they’ve been in decades. If you are looking to invest for the long term, this is your best opportunity to lock in a low rate fixed mortgage. As the economy turns around, and the real estate market rights itself, mortgage rates will eventually go up again. This makes the present moment a perfect time to guarantee low interest rates for your investment property for years to come.

3. More Renters

If you are looking to purchase an investment property with the idea of renting it in mind, there are some distinct advantages to renting in this market. Many people are unable to afford to purchase their own homes at this time, and are looking to rent while they save money. Also, the economy’s effect on jobs has led numerous workers to take temporary employment or move to find jobs. As people seek jobs and go wherever they can to find them, they’ll often choose to rent a home instead of buying one.

4. Stability

There is a certain level of consistency in purchasing an investment property. For example; if you choose to buy a house in a college town with the intention of renting it, you can almost guarantee that you will always have potential renters to fill your home each fall. There is always going to be a market for rental properties, not everyone can afford to buy homes, and there is a convenience in renting. If you are able to purchase real estate as an investment, you can help secure your own future with a smart investment.

If you feel like you’d like to invest in property in Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Glenview, or any of the surrounding suburban areas, and would like to talk to qualified realtor, please contact me.

I’d love to help you invest in a happy future!
Phil Lifshin, Broker

How to add resale value to your Arlington Heights Area Home

Written by Phil Lifshin on June 24, 2011 · Leave a Comment

When you’re talking about adding resale value your home in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove or anywhere else, one of best ways is by remodeling and updating parts of your home. While there are many different ways you can go about remodeling your home, we are going to focus on the five that I believe are most important.

1. Update the Kitchen
The kitchen is the best place to start when you are updating your home. The least expensive method is to put a quality paint on your cabinet doors and drawers and change the knobs or handles. A quality minor kitchen remodeling will include adding new cabinet doors and drawers to the existing cabinet boxes. It’s also a good idea to replace the existing appliances with newer and more energy efficient models. Stainless steel appliances are a plus on a buyer’s shopping list. Some of the simpler tasks you can do to update your kitchen include; repainting the trim and adding wall tile. An average minor kitchen upgrade will add over $18,000 to your home’s resale value!

2. Update Bathrooms
After the kitchen, the next place in your home you should look to remodel is the bathroom. If you are looking to sell your house, it’s a necessity. You can start by installing new taller vanities and new sinks and faucets. Next, replace the toilet with a quality name brand such as Kohler or Toto. If your tub needs replacing, think of putting in a whirlpool tub. The vanity top should be solid surface or granite. The cost is pricy but if want to sell your house in Buffalo Grove or Long Grove, updating your bathrooms is worth looking into.

3. Paint your House’s Interior
When you first purchased your home there is a good chance one of the first tasks you completed was repainting the interior. Adding a fresh coat of paint to the interior of your house before you put it on the market, rejuvenates an old house’s look and will also entice potential buyers. Take down all the wallpaper and use a neutral color, but not white. Don’t forget to paint the trim and windows a nice bright white color. If the trim is stained, rub a fresh coat of stain over the existing color.

4. New Exterior Look
Curb appeal is so important in the sale of your home. The first thing a buyer sees when they look at your house is the exterior of the home and the landscaping. Buyer’s want to see that the everything caulked and that there is no peeling paint. If you are placing your Chicagoland home on the market in the spring or summer, be sure to trim the shrubs and lay in a fresh layer of mulch. Adding flowers in full bloom, along with the sharp looking shrubbery could be the aesthetic edge you need to sell your home this season.

5. Finish the Basement
This is not the cheapest option, but in a buyers’ market anything you can do to add value to your home is something to look into. In a midrange-priced house a finished basement adds an average value of $48,000 to your home. Most finished basements have insulated exterior walls, with painted drywall walls and ceilings, and between mechanical areas and the rest of the basement.

Future of the Arlington Heights Area Real Estate Market

Written by Phil Lifshin on June 8, 2011 · Leave a Comment

There was a recent article that appeared on Chicago Agent Magazine, discussing economist David Stiff’s opinion that the Chicagoland real estate market will soon stabilize. It was an interesting piece on the future state of the market place, and was thought provoking to say the least.

You can read the full article here: http://chicagoagentmagazine.com/economist-predicts-stability-within-two-years/?utm_source=bluehornet&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=agentupdate

Stiff predicts that we are currently in the “darkest period of the market”, and that there will be a 3.4 percent increase in prices by the end of 2012. After that, prices will not move much for the next three to four years. If Stiff’s optimistic prediction were to hold true, stabilization would lead to a balanced market for buyers and sellers in Arlington Heights and throughout the suburban area. This would be very good news for many involved in real estate, especially those looking to sell their homes. As positive as Mr. Stiff’s prediction sounds, I currently have a different take on the market’s outlook.

I wrote a response in the comments section (the full response can be read below the article):

My assessment of the situation may be a little more realistic, and is based on the principle of supply and demand. First, there is a possibility of up to 70,000 more foreclosures this year, which will drive prices down even more. Second, many people who do not have to sell their home, still have their homes on the market. This saturates the market with too much inventory, which also drives down prices. Finally, I believe that we may be only looking at a flattening out of prices by 2014, and it could be a few more years before we actually see a rise in the price of homes on the market.

You are probably asking yourself, what does this mean to you?

Currently, the status of the real estate world is still a buyer’s market, and until we see positive changes in factors like gas prices and employment rates, we will be in a buyer’s market for a while. This is not all bad news, there are certain pockets where prices have stabilized or even risen slightly. On the North Shore and the City of Chicago, upper bracket homes are selling. Homes that once would cost $3 million dollars are now selling for $2 million. Many homes in Arlington Heights are selling at full price, or are receiving multiple offers.
Times may be tough, but opportunities are still out there.

If you would like help buying or selling your home in Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Long Grove, or the surrounding areas, please feel free to visit my site, www.philyourdreams.com or give me a call at (847) 788-5525.

I look forward to making your home buying experience a positive one!

Phil Lifshin
Phil.Lifshin@cbexchange.com

3 Quick Tips to keep your Arlington Heights Home Systems & Appliances Healthy

Written by Phil Lifshin on June 3, 2011 · Leave a Comment

A little routine maintenance can help extend the life of your appliances and heating/air-conditioning systems. The maintenance might even reduce energy costs. These simple tips will help keep your Arlington Heights-Buffalo Grove area home systems and appliances in proper working order for the season ahead.
1. Air Conditioning Systems – Have a qualified HVAC contractor do an annual check-up to ensure the efficient operation of the system. They will check the pressure of the compressor and determine if you have the correct amount of Freon or if there are any leaks. You should check the air filter every month and clean or replace as needed.

2. Electrical Systems – Safety first is the rule with your electric system. Remember all outlets within 3 feet of water, such as in the kitchen or bathrooms, should be ground fault interrupter outlets (GFCI). If they are not, they are easily purchased at a hardware store for a nominal cost. If you are not familiar with working with electricity, have a licensed electrician install them.

(There are many licensed electricians throughout the Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights area- don’t hesitate to ask me for a recommendation) Then, use the self-test button regularly, on the ground fault circuit interrupters, to ensure proper working order.

3. Washer/Dryer – Routinely checks of all hoses, valves and venting to your washer and dryer can save your life or money. Once a month turn the handles on the hot and cold water inlets to the washer so they do now freeze up due to a deposit build-up. Also inspect for leaks, cracks, holes and clogs in the hoses as needed. Last, clean the dryer vent so a build-up of lint does not happen which could become a fire hazard.

5 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Time to Sell your Arlington Heights Area Home

Written by Phil Lifshin on May 24, 2011 · Leave a Comment

Across Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove and Long Grove, the snow of a long winter has finally melted. Spring means it’s time to begin thinking about things besides just ways to stay warm. If you spent the cold months with thoughts of selling your home in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove or the surrounding area, this spring may be the perfect time to put it on the market.

Here are five reasons why spring is the best time to sell your house in Arlington Heights or Buffalo Grove:

1) Traditionally Spring has the most amounts of buyers.
Spring is when buyers snap out of the winter funk, and start looking to move. Warm weather gets people out of hibernation and on to the path of finding a new home in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove or the surrounding area.

2) School’s out
Summer break has probably lost some of its luster for you since your last graduation ceremony, but if you are looking to sell your home late spring and early summer are a perfect time. First, many parents want to relocate to Arlington Heights or Buffalo Grove after the school year, allowing their children to become enrolled in their new school for the fall. Second, with the kids on break, many parents have more flexibility in their schedules to look at houses. And, the more opportunities there are for your house to be seen, the sooner it will sell!

3) More Daylight
Houses look the best in the daylight. It’s pretty simple; the natural light coming through the windows makes everything look better and a little more inviting. Also, more hours of daylight, means more time to show your house to potential buyers.

4) Landscaping
Curb appeal is always important, and spring is your best opportunity to showcase the beauty of your yard. Flowers are in bloom, and often trees and bushes that help separate your home from the neighbors are in full effect. If you want your home in Buffalo Grove or the surrounding towns to stand out, spring is the perfect season.

5) Rates are at their Lowest!
Traditionally, the surge in buyers during the spring months means mortgage rates are at their highest of the year. Fortunately, this year is different. With the current state of the economy, mortgage rates are at their lowest point in years, and it’s the perfect time to put your home in Arlington Heights on the market. A season of unprecedented low rates, plus the time of year when the most buyers start looking for homes, equals a great opportunity to sell!

If this spring seems like the best time for you to sell your home in Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove or the surrounding area, and you would like to talk to a qualified realtor please check my website: www.PhilYourDreams.com or contact me at: Phil.Lifshin@cbexchange.com and (847) 788-5525.
I look forward to “springing” into action for you!
Phil Lifshin