The first step in purchasing a home is to select the right agent for you. Besides a great realtor, you will also need some other qualified professionals on your “buying team” to help you in the process of purchasing your dream home. Here is a list and description of a buying team you need when you’re looking to buy a home.

Home inspector- A home inspector will “inspect” your potential home and give you a visual snapshot on the condition the home is in. During a home inspection you can expect  “a non-invasive physical examination of a home’s systems, structures and components intended to identify material defects that exist at the time of the inspection. The heating and cooling equipment is activated along with operating plumbing fixtures, testing accessible electrical outlets and fixtures, and operating a representative sampling of doors and windows. A visual inspection of the roof, crawl spaces, walls and drainage adjacent to the home are included.”

Lender-For most buyers, you’re going to require a loan in order to make your purchase. It will help if you can interview and apply for a loan “pre-approval” with a lender. If you are approved by a lender, you may have an opportunity to negotiate a better interest rate, and use your financial strength as a bargaining tool. Here is some more information.

Lawyer- While a good real estate agent should be a great negotiator it is highly unlikely that they are a practicing lawyer as well. That is why it is helpful to have a trained real estate attorney review your purchasing contract and make sure your legal needs are being satisfied in the final contracts and documents.

Insurer- An insurance agent will provide you with an insurance binder before closing, and help in selecting a “home warranty”. A  home warranty will cover certain appliances and home systems and is recommended if you are purchasing a home that has not been recently built (since this is often covered under a builder’s limited warranty).

For recommendations for your home buying team in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove or to talk to a qualified agent, please feel free to contact me at PHIL.LIFSHIN@cbexchange.com

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home of just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

1. Update hardware on cabinets and drawers
2. Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)
3. Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms
4. Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits
5. Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)
6. Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color
7. Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space
8. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room
9. Try a fresh new color on your front door for character
10. Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

It’s time to put on your costumes, and take the kids out to get some candy! There are plenty of options this Halloween for kids and families to trick or treat in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove. Here are the hours and events in the area.

Arlington Heights Trick-or-Treating Hours

Friday October 28th- Arlington Heights public works offers a unique opportunity for families and children at their “Trunk-or-Treat” event held inside the Arlington Heights public works garage (222 N. Ridge Ave) from 6:30 to 8:30pm this Friday. Children can trick or treat between numerous decorated vehicles and participate in games, arts and crafts projects, inflatable jumping activities, and a “mad science” demonstration.

Monday, October 31st (Downtown Arlington Heights)- Many businesses in Downtown Arlington Heights are participating in a trick-or-treat event from 3 to 6pm, where families can go from business to business in their costumes to get treats from local stores.

Monday, October 31st- The city of Arlington Heights does not set any specific hours for trick or treating, but suggests that children and families begin trick-or-treating in the late afternoon.

Buffalo Grove Trick-or-Treating Hours

Monday, October 31st- The hours for trick-or-treating in Buffalo Grove are from 2pm until 7pm on Monday the 31st. According to an article from the Chicago Sun-Times local section, Buffalo Grove Village President Jeff Braiman asks families to ensure “that young children be accompanied by parents or other responsible adults; and that householders indicate their willingness to welcome children by keeping their porch or exterior lights on and that youngsters call only on lighted homes.“

The forecast calls for temperatures to be in the 40’s and 50’s with partly cloudy skies on Monday. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and the great Halloween atmosphere in Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights!

Early fall is a great time of year to live in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove. The weather becomes mild and offers residents a break from the summer thunderstorms and the winter snow fall.  If you would like your home to look as great as the autumn weather feels, here are a few simple tips for fall home maintenance:

House Exterior: Fall is a good time to check the roof of your home and inspect the shingles or other roofing material to prevent damages or leaks. While you are inspecting your roof, don’t forget to clean out the gutters and downspouts, and remove all debris from your home’s foundation. Remember to drain water from outdoor faucets and to remove the hoses, this helps to prevent damages from pipes freezing in the winter.

Tools and Appliances: After the summer provides you with a good opportunity to do a little maintenance to your tools. Sharpen your lawn mower blades and add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank before storing your mower for the winter, and make sure to clean and oil all garden tools. This is also, a great time to check your snow blower and make sure it is ready for the upcoming winter storms.

Heating and Cooling: Have your heat checked and serviced, turn off your air conditioner at the circuit breaker panel, and replace the pad on your humidifier and clean the unit. For furnaces; you should clean or change the furnace filter. Some older furnaces may require you to turn on or ignite your pilot light. Before the winter make sure to replace the batteries in any electronic thermostats.

House Interior:   Check the weather stripping around all the doors and windows in your home and make sure they are all opening and closing properly. If you have a fireplace, it is recommended that you have it cleaned by a professional chimney sweep before your first usage of the season. For home safety; vacuum and clean around detectors and sensors and make sure any fire extinguishers are working properly.

Yard: Most lawns in the Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights area are cool-season grasses, such as ryegrasses or bluegrasses. These grass types should be watered through November to guarantee they have enough moisture for the winter. Leave your grass slightly longer (about two and a half to three inches) in the fall, this allows for the lawn to absorb more sun and water in the months with less sunlight. When you make your final mow of the season, cut the grass down to one and a half inches to prevent mold from growing in the winter and early spring.  Another great way to help your lawn look its’ best is to rake leaves on a regular basis to allow as much sunlight and rain to reach the grass as possible. A few other simple tasks like cleaning patio and lawn furniture and trimming bushes and trees will save you time and maintenance hours next spring.

Have a great autumn and enjoy the beautiful weather!

The old phrase about every cloud has a silver lining may sound like a tired cliché, but for Arlington Heights home owners looking for a way to find some positives in the recession, they should look at taking advantage of the lowest interest rates in 50 years. Here are three way Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights residents, can make the low interest rates work for them:

1. Refinance your mortgage- Using the low interest rates to refinance your mortgage isn’t exactly a big secret, but it is a simple solution that to save thousands in the long term. The first issue to take into consideration is if you have enough equity to refinance your home. A good rule is to make sure you have at least 20 percent equity in your home, after that you need to look into your credit score. The rates that will save homeowners the most money are available to those with a FICO score of at least 720. Remember, refinancing for lower rates is a long term change, expect for the savings to grow in the years to come.

2.  Use the interest rates to help with credit card debt-With all the great shopping in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove, it can be tempting to slide the plastic and worry about paying it back later. If you are in credit card debt, or just looking for ways to tighten your finances, the low rates offer you a few options. Some balance transfer offers give you interest free money for about two years, compared to 12 months a few years ago. Fees on transfers are down 2% which gives consumers the ability to pay off cards with high interest and pay back debt more rapidly than in years past.

3. Purchase a home- Low rates and falling real estate prices have combined to make this one of the best times ever to purchase a home in the Buffalo Grove area. The availability of homes at prices much lower than they were five years ago, along with the ability to lock in a 30 year fixed rate mortgage at the lowest rates in 50 years makes home buying extremely cost effective at this time. This is especially true for young families looking to own a home of their own, or older buyers who would like to find the dream home to spend their golden years.

You did your research; you looked at the great schools in Buffalo Grove, you saw the beautiful neighborhoods of Arlington Heights, you realized this is a perfect time to move to the area, but you still have concerns about the home buying process. This is a natural feeling when you are making a big decision like relocating to the Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights area. Purchasing a new home is not a process to take lightly, and there are many mistakes and pitfalls that can turn buying your dream home into a nightmare. Here are 5 common mistakes local homebuyers make and a few ways to avoid them:

Not setting a budget- This is the quickest way to make a big mistake. Have an understanding of what you want to spend, and what you can afford to spend on a home. Purchasing a home outside of your price range can hurt you and your family’s long term plans when it comes to important financial issues like paying for college or saving for retirement.

Picking the wrong mortgage- This is a mistake that has had an impact not only on Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove area homebuyers over the past decade, but homebuyers throughout the nation. It can be easy to get so excited about purchasing a home that you agree to a mortgage that is unrealistic to your actual means. Before you pick a mortgage, do some research, find out what you can realistically afford to pay now and in the long term. Mortgage rates are at their lowest in years, find the one that is right for you.

Going without an inspection- The Buffalo Grove and Arlington Heights area is great, the streets are safe, the schools are some of the best in the country, and the homes are beautiful, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have the house inspected before you buy. A home inspection is something you should have completed before you purchase any home, and it can save you a lot of money in the long run. To find a home inspector in your area, check this list http://www.ashi.org/find/default.aspx

Forgetting about resale value-Eventually, you will probably want to sell your home, put some thought into the long term, and figure out if this will be a home that will be easy for you to sell when you decide to make your next move.

Picking a bad real estate agent- There are many real estate agents in Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove but that doesn’t make them all equal. Finding a buyer’s agent who will work for you and your needs and financial range is extremely important. Also, experience with the area and the homes in your price range, is a benefit that can’t be overlooked.

Summer has started to wind down, the kids have returned to school, and the temperature is beginning to drop, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty to do in the Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove area. One of the reasons this area is so great is all the options of entertainment and activities in close proximity to each other. Also, many options for entertainment are free or relatively in expensive. If you need proof, check out some things happening in the area on Labor Day weekend….

Buffalo Grove Days

Labor Day weekend is host to Buffalo Grove’s largest annual celebration, Buffalo Grove Days. The celebration starts on September 1st, and continues until Monday the 5th.  This 53rd annual Buffalo Grove Days offers something for everyone. The event starts Thursday with food and beer tents, carnival rides and bingo. Throughout the weekend a wide variety of bands play, on Friday the Buffalo Grove Jazz Band performs, with alternative rock cover band Mike and Joe following them. Saturday includes a local barbeque contest where those in attendance can participate in judging the “people’s choice award” for a $5 charitable donation. Also on Saturday there will be a craft fair, ventriloquists, a showcase of regional musical acts during the day called, BG Palooza, and cover bands performing at night. Sunday, includes a 5k run and the annual parade at 1 pm, along with numerous musical acts in the evening.  On Monday the festival has events geared towards people with disabilities and their families from 10 am until 12 pm.  For more information visit the Chicago Tribune

Arlington Park

Arlington Park in Arlington Heights has a full race card from Thursday through Labor Day, with live music every day, free entry for kids 17 and under on Sunday and Monday, and a petting zoo offering free pony rides. More info

LEGOLAND Figure Swap

Neighboring town Schaumburg will have a “minifigure swap” at their LEGOLAND center located at the Streets of Woodfield. From 10 am to 8 pm children can bring in their Lego minifigures and trade them in for brand new ones. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite minifigure characters and participate in a costume contest where they could win four free LEGOLAND passes. More info

Labor Day Sunday Celebration

The Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, in Arlington Heights offers a celebration to the laborers of the area, with a lecture by guest preacher Reverend C.J. Hawking on social and labor movements in the United States at 9:30 am. More info

Football time in the Chicago suburbs has begun! Throughout Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove, high school football teams are becoming the talk of the towns on Friday nights. In Evanston and Champaign the Northwestern Wildcats and Illinois Fighting Illini play exciting Big Ten football each Saturday this fall, and on every Sunday the 2010 NFC North champion Chicago Bears will attempt to defend their crown.

If you are a football fan and would like to get out to a high school, college, or pro football game, here is some information you need to know about all your local teams in Buffalo Grove and the Chicago suburbs.

High schools near Buffalo Grove:

Buffalo Grove High School

The Bison’s home opener is on Friday, September 2nd at 7:30pm against Schaumburg High School

Schedule

Statistics, roster, and in-depth information from the Daily Herald about Buffalo Grove

Stevenson High School

Stevenson’s first home game will be against Glenbrook North at 7:30pm on Friday, September 2nd.

Schedule

Statistics, roster, and in-depth information from the Daily Herald about Stevenson

Lake Zurich High School

The Lake Zurich bears begin their home season on Friday the 2nd against Cary-Grove at 7:30pm.

Schedule

Statistics, roster, and in-depth information from the Daily Herald about Lake Zurich

Hersey High School

The Hersey Huskies will face off against Barrington at home on September 9th at 7:30pm

Schedule

Statistics, roster, and in-depth information from the Daily Herald about Hersey

Palatine High school

The first chance to see the 2011 Palatine Pirates at home will be Friday the 9th at 7:30pm

Schedule

Statistics, roster, and in-depth information from the Daily Herald about Palatine

College Football Teams:

Northwestern University Wildcats

If you would like to see live Division 1 college football near the Arlington Heights and Buffalo Grove area the Northwestern Wildcats, play at Ryan field in Evanston, about 40 minutes away. Tickets are relatively cheap for most games and can often be purchased at the box office on the day of the game.

Schedule

Northwestern’s official guide to going to a game at Ryan Field

University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana Fighting Illini

The Fighting Illini have a large following in the Chicagoland area. They are about a 3 hour drive from Arlington Heights and play in beautiful Memorial Stadium, which is worth the drive itself.

Schedule

Official University of Illinois fan guide for games at University of Illinois

Pro Teams:

Chicago Bears

The Bears dominate the Chicago sports landscape from September to January every year. And if you have never had a chance to see a game in person at Soldier Field, it is definitely something worth doing if you consider yourself a true Chicago sports fan.

Schedule

Going to Bears games can be tricky when it comes to transportation and parking check out their fan guide for information about going to games at Soldier Field

While right now is a great time to purchase your dream home in Arlington Heights or Buffalo Grove, there are plenty of people on the other end of the spectrum that are just looking to get a start. For most young people, before they can afford that beautiful house in Arlington Heights, they will probably have to spend some time renting a house or apartment. Renting a home for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, but before you go out and sign that lease, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Stay within your budget- When looking at potential properties to rent, it can be easy to overlook the price tag when you see the “perfect” home. This can be a costly mistake and you may end up living in a home that is beyond your means. For many first time renters it can be tough to stay realistic when talking about what you can really afford. Try to follow the “one-third rule” when figuring out your budget. The one-third rule means your lease should be no more than one-third your monthly gross income. (Example; if you make $3000 a month before taxes, your monthly rent should be $1000 or less.)

Carefully read the lease- This is extremely important. When you sign your lease, you have made a legally binding agreement agreeing to the terms of your landlord. Do not take this step lightly, some leases set terms on a wide array of issues like how many visitors can spend the night at your home, if you can play a musical instrument, if you can have pets, what the policy is on having parties and gatherings and other issues. Make sure that whatever is important to you is allowed before you sign anything, or you could be stuck in a bad lease for an entire year.

Have your credit in order- For some people running a credit check can be a scary thought. But when it comes to renting, it’s a necessary evil. Obviously, most landlords want to know that you have a history of paying on time and therefore will run your credit. If you have bad credit, figure out why, and look into ways to get your credit back on track. If you plan on renting for a while, it may be very difficult for you to find a home if you have a track record full of delinquent payments.

Talk to the neighbors- Just like your potential landlord will be running a credit check to see your history, you should be finding out information on them and the area you’ll be living in. Talk to the neighbors and find out what they think of the landlord, the neighborhood, and the property.

Purchase renter’s insurance- This is especially important if you plan on living with roommates. Accidents happen and things end up broken or damaged. Purchasing “replacement cost coverage” renter’s insurance is relatively cheap and could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars out of your own pocket if something in your home ends up damaged.

Bring your checkbook- When you finally find a place that you love, there is always a chance that another potential renter has seen the apartment or house and thought the same thing. Therefore, it’s a good idea to be ready to sign the lease and pay right away to guarantee you get your dream rental. Most landlords expect you to pay your security deposit, and first and last month’s rent up front. Figure out how much that is, and make sure you have the means to pay it, and then congratulations you have just rented your first property!