Fall is the time for home improvements
Homeowners
Whether you’re a new home owner, current home owner or possibly considering selling your home, now is as good a time as any to start on some spring cleaning!
Here are some generally overlooked items that can prevent costly maintenance.
The State of Illinois has recently stopped distributing the mold disclosure form. The mold disclosure which was recently available for years through Illinois REALTORS® stopped providing these forms, after a legal review.
Spring is generally a hot season for home selling and buying. But just as there is more demand, there is also an increase in inventory and competition from others looking to sell their home as well.
Nicor Gas residential customers could see their annual bills rise by an average of 8.3 percent, or $4.79 a month, in 2018 under a proposed rate hike the company is seeking to recoup higher costs.
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s $7.8 billion fiscal 2016 budget and a historic property tax increase to pay for public safety worker pensions easily cleared the city council on Wednesday. However, the plan for the fiscal year that begins on Jan. 1 still faces uncertainties in the Illinois Legislature and supreme […]
Homeownership carries many tax benefits, so be sure you’re taking advantage of these strategies at tax time: Mortgage Interest Deduction Interest you pay on a mortgage of up to $1 million — or $500,000 if you’re married filing separately — is deductible on Schedule A when you use the loan […]
The newest Cost versus Value report has just been released. Leading in the midrange projects in Chicago are steel entry doors, garage door replacements, deck additions and stone veneer accents. Leading upscale projects were wood window replacements, garage door replacements and siding replacement. Unlike what television may have us believe, […]
#200478943-001 / gettyimages.com With many homeowners’ spending power getting squeezed from the economy, or from sapped equity from the market downtown in previous years, many are becoming more creative in finding ways to make their home more affordable and produce cash flow in unique ways. Many of these ideas could […]
Though it may not fully feel like it, spring is upon us! April showers, is the time many homeowners start to prep their lawns and gardens for the coming summer. But there are a few things some homeowners can do to not only make their lawns green, but themselves. Typically, […]
After a roller coaster of a year, I have been getting a lot of requests and questions about what to expect for this upcoming year. Is housing still worth it? The rules are continually changing, as we have all seen in the past few years. What was once a buyer’s […]
The American Council For An Energy-Efficient Economy released its score card that ranks cities. Chicago has come in at the top ten, ranking 9th overall as one of the greenest cities in the country. Boston topped the list primarily because of its community-wide efforts and programs, scoring 76.75 out of […]
From Crain’s Chicago Business: Gov. Pat Quinn yesterday vetoed legislation to provide Commonwealth Edison Co. with about $70 million in additional yearly rate hikes over the next several years. The bill, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly by veto-proof margins, is expected to become law anyway. Both the […]
Last week’s flood left many homes with damage. Even minor flooding can cause damage to not only personal property, but dry wall, framing, floors and tile. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, flooding causes $2.9 billion in losses between 2002 and 2011. Not only are residents faced damaged property, […]
There is currently a rise in thefts of homes and buildings. The thieves, however, aren’t looking at your new flat screen or jewelry box. In some cases, they don’t even have to break into your home at all… At the beginning of the year, two new laws have been created, […]
With the housing market still struggling in parts of the country, many policy makers and economists are struggling with ways to help homeowners and the housing market. Sen. Jeff Merkley, suggests that policy makers shouldn’t give up and has offered a new proposal to be released today. He aims to […]
Homeowners’ insurance policies are sometimes not only advisable but required. This past year many homeowners were faced with increased rates and policies that could not be renewed. In this era of unpredictable weather patterns, insurance companies are raising rates, cutting coverage, shying away at some payouts and generally shifting more […]
FHA is lowering its mortgage insurance premiums to help borrowers refinance into lower interest rates. Additional help to military who have been wrongly foreclosed on or denied the opportunity to refinance as well, as announced by President Obama earlier this week FHA is reducing its up-front premium to .01 percent, […]
The recent settlement covers borrowers who have loans that are serviced by one of the five big banks. Who qualifies, the different options for homeowners (both previously foreclosed and current owners underwater). Subscribers will be able to view the full article with links and phone numbers to contact their lenders. […]
Who does the settlement cover? The settlement covers borrowers who have loans that are serviced by one of the five big banks: Ally Financial Inc./GMAC Mortgage, Bank of America Corp., Citigroup Inc., J.P. Morgan Chase & Co. and Wells Fargo & Co. These banks handle payments on 55% of U.S. […]
UPDATE: U.S., Banks Agree on Foreclosure Pact For months now a nationwide plan to help homeowners hit by the mortgage meltdown and improper foreclosure practices may be announced today under a multi-state settlement by states’ attorneys generals and the nation’s five major lenders (Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells […]
As we enter a new year, I am finding myself guiding clients in this market, formulating strategies and guiding expectations. It’s no surprise that the real estate market has been difficult for the past few years and many economists are expecting more of the same for this year. But even […]
The Obama administration announced plans to expand the Home Affordable Refinance Program to make it easier for homeowners who are struggling but still making mortgage payments to refinance their homes. Changes to the program include refinancing despite how much a home’s value has fallen, reducing some fees, and eliminating the […]
The Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, announced it was adjusting the current Home Affordable Refinance Program. The program was developed to help borrowers who have been making timely payments on heir mortgage, but unable to qualify for a refinance as the housing market changed […]
It is no surprise that rates are a historic low. Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.12% for the week ending Sept. 8, down from 4.22% last week and 4.35% a year ago. The mortgage’s previous low was set the week ended Aug. 18, when the rate averaged 4.15%. With […]
Recently, there is a rise of a new scam aimed at hijacking just one or two mortgage payments from unsuspecting homeowners. With many mortgages being transferred to new service providers through the life of a loan, many homeowners are unaware of what the actual process is for notification, or what […]
The National Building Museum Lecture Series sponsored by the U.S Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy The National Building Museum is a registered provider of continuing education credit for the AIA, ASLA, AICP, and U.S. Green Building Council. National Building Museum (directions below) Wednesday, June 29, 2011 12:30 […]
With the rise of rental properties on the market along with situational landlords and foreign investors, many are finding themselves unprepared for management of real estate properties when problems arise. Even simple maintenance and preventative issues can be overlooked when no one is at the property to inspect and maintain. […]
Air sealing is a new program and People’s Gas wants to test it out through a small pilot program. The timeline is fast approaching so take action soon if interested. From CNT, a division of Center for Neighborhood Technology. CNT Energy is partnering with the Chicagoland Natural Gas Savings Program […]
It is National Consumer Protection Week. It’s a good time to take stock on issues that could affect you such as identity theft, understanding your credit, filing bankruptcies and buying a home or car. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net.
The third worst snowstorm in Chicago’s history has reinforced the importance of heating / heat-loss, building envelope and preventative measures.
Beginning home repairs and rehab projects can become overwhelming and costly if you don’t plan the project in full carefully. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
What is the difference between a traditional resale, short sale and foreclosure? There are only a few minor differences between them, but these differences could drastically alter the scenario, whether you’re a home buyer or seller. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
With many facing economic constraints, many owners are pondering how to keep energy costs low and affordable before putting on multiple layers and a coat indoors. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
Sometimes it is difficult in determine a home’s history, which may not be apparent during a viewing or inspection. Especially when purchasing a property with no disclosures, a C.L.U.E. report can help give insight. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
Are most owners are satisfied with their homes? Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
So are we in a “W” double dip, or slowdown in the recovery? Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.
It’s not just homeowners themselves who are feeling the strain of the current economy, but HOAs as well. Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net
Is selling your home different from Google’s Super Bowl ad campaign? Originally published at https://realtyevolved.net by Sherwin Sucaldito.