January 28, 2010
My blog post today – SAVING SOME MONEY: By Christine Moscinski
It's tough enough handling a busy lifestyle with work, shopping, family, kids, soccer and karate practice - who has time to remember taxes! Just leave it up to the tax preparer you say?
Double check to make sure you get EVERY PENNY back you deserve!
Top Overlooked Deductions:
College Tuition: Student Loan Interest is often overlooked - TAX DEDUCTION !
Home Improvement: Energy Star appliances and energy efficient windows, doors, furnaces - TAX DEDUCTION !
Read more to get the full list here: ChicagoTribune.com
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in local market reviews and money saving reports.
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOnline.com
January 25, 2010
My blog of the day – By Christine Moscinski
I am reading and listening to what is going on around me, locally and nationally. Listening to the politicians who don’t know what they are doing and the banks who want it all.
As Americans lose their jobs, it is only a matter of time before they lose their homes. I have talked with many homeowners that have a spouse or family member that has lost their job and find themselves struggling and at the mercy of the banks. I hear of someone in this situation EVERY DAY asking me what to do as they are trying to get loan modification or someone that has and was put on "trial modification" and ultimately lost their homes anyway. To whose benefit are these loan modifications, not the homeowner?
It's just another way to "control" the pool of foreclosures, with a trickle effect. If they did not, the country and we would all be drowning.
It seems to me like we are traveling back in time to the 1930's when the banks were taking everyone's homes back. They too lost their homes. Albeit, not as severe as the GREAT DEPRESSION, but very very many are affected - and it is spreading, not going away.
The loan modifications being offered are NOT HELPING home buyers; it is delaying the homeowner's ultimate loss of their home and you will read in the coming months of more news to this effect.
The loan modifications are a failure and only benefit the banks. I advise people not to file bankruptcy (7 years bad credit) but just to give the house back to the bank (deed in lieu of foreclosure) to save them money, court costs and judgments on their credit (bank will tack all this on to your credit if you do go into foreclosure) and will ruin your creditworthiness.
Be prepared folks because more foreclosures are coming; this ride is not over yet!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in local market reviews and reports.
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOnline.com
JANUARY 4, 2010
by: Christine Moscinski, Broker Associate and "House Hunter" at GOBBER GMAC Real Estate
Wow, it feels so weird to write "2010" I was ok with 2009, but now 2010...
Anyway, I have been asked and asked again "when is the best time to list my home for sale"?
Years ago it may have been after Super Bowl or February - March when things just begin to thaw.
But the trend in today's market is "if you wait, you lose". I tell my clients to list their home in middle of winter. Why? Because all the old school thought of listing will be in spring! So to get a leg up on the competition, you have to list your home now when competition is at the lowest.
The influx of REO and foreclosed homes are still going to be a part of this market for a while and as they come online to the MLS, your are sure to bet - they will be the first to go.
The April 30, 2010 deadline is fast approaching and serious buyers know this. They are hunched over their computers diligently watching the market and are very educated about how much homes are going for and want to get the beast deals.
They are out there and hunting at this very moment. I know because I am working with 3 right now!
Don't wait to list your home, do it today.
Come spring, there will be fierce competition.
MARKET TREND BROOKFIELD ILLINOIS: 2/BR 1/BA Home Average Time on Market 165 days - Average Sale Price $234,900
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in market reviews of popular Chicago neighborhoods, Chicago's South Loop and Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Berwyn, Downers Grove, Darien, Elmhurst and more!
Call her today - you'll be glad you did (708)369-8094
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOnline.com
December 7, 2009
BY: Christine Moscinski, Broker Associate at Gobber GMAC Real Estate
The truth of the matter is, today no one wants to pay full price - I agree!
Why would anyone pay full price if they did not have to?
Well, bottom line answer is "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR"...these homes are in REALLY bad shape. But if you have the time, energy and investment - you could have a great home for years to come!
In answering the questions posed to me OVER AND OVER (and I may have posted this somewhere already)
How long does it take to close on a Short Sale, REO Or Foreclosure?
The answer is anywhere from 40 days to 6 months. The reason being is that the courts are backed up, banks are backed up, sherrifs are backed up, too many dilapidated homes, not enough manpower to move them along as quickly.
Unless the short sale is approved and a negotiator assigned to that property, you may as well sit on your hands - nothing will be done.
Same with bank owned homes and foreclosure home (corporate owned homes).
So if you really want to get the deal done you need the Three "G's" a great Realtor, a great Broker and a great Attorney - plus reliable licensed and bonded Contractor.
Time is ticking, April 30th is the deadline for the $8000 credit (restrictions apply) but if you are first time buyer - you may qualify!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and member of Chicago' & West Suburban House Hunters MARKET EXPERT SERVING CHICAGO AND WESTERN SUBURBS
Contact her today to find YOUR next deal! (708)369-8094
DID YOU KNOW IT TAKES ON AVERAGE OF (3) MONTHS TO FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS? Well, time is flying and TRUST ME, there will be delays.
In addition to that time, there are additional steps to take to close on the home: Loan origination (takes 4-6 weeks), loan processing (takes additional 10 days), inspections (take additional 5-10 days), title commitments (takes additional 5-10 days), scheduling closings - will your attorney be available?
With everything that needs to be completed, average closing time will be increased from 35-45 days to 60-90 days or maybe longer! All binding contracts must be submitted by April 30, 2010 and must close by June 30, 2010.
If you are seriously considering buying, my suggestion is be pro-active.
Don't delay like the others who are waiting on the sidelines, or you may lose out.
THE DEALS ARE OUT THERE!!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in finding great deals fro her clients in Chicago's South Loop & Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside, Downers Grove and more!
Call her today to find your next home - you'll be glad you did! (708)369-8094
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOniline.com
METRO CHICAGO - BROOKFIELD - WESTERN SUBURBS:
December 4, 2009
All new clients and referral clients, whether Buyers or Sellers, will get *$1,000 CASH BACK AT CLOSING! In these times, home Buyers and Sellers are looking for the best deals - as is everyone. Christine Moscinski is Team Leader of The "House Hunters" Team at GOBBER GMAC Real Estate in Westchester, Illinois and her goal is saving clients money.
Christine: "TIMES ARE ECONOMICALLY "TOUGH" I am offering all referral and new clients a $1,000 cash back offer at closing to help". That extra CASH will get them a new sofa, energy efficient kitchen appliances or eco-friendly washer and dryer".
"My goal is to increase the local real estate traffic and sales while giving back by offering serious Buyers additional savings".
For more details, visit her website to print the coupons she has to offer www.eHousehuntOnline.net or print at:
http://www.merchantcircle.com/coupon/Christine.Moscinski.Broker.Associate.708-369-8094/display/330394
*Restrictions apply - Valid on closed transactions of minimum $200K+ includes Homes, Condos, Townhomes & 55+ Communities and New Construction
NEW BUYERS - LIFESTYLE REALTOR - SENIOR FRIENDLY - 55+ COMMUNITIES HOMES AND CONDOS
Call Christine from "The House Hunter" Team at Gobber GMAC for more details: 708/369-8094
3529 Kemman Avenue - Brookfield, IL
Brookfield, an eclectic, unique, affordable community with bistros, wine bars, entertainment, bars, antique shops and specialty boutiques - I have toured the Brookfield market for MONTHS now and and love the area. I try to find my clients affordable homes while integrating thier lifestyle needs. This weeks listing is my own, but I tried to find something that was in the area to top it for the price - and seriously could not; Not anything close to the upgrades and space that this home offers.
THIS IS HANDS DOWN THE BEST AFFORDABLE HOME IN BROOKFIELD!
SEE INSIDE THIS GORGEOUS BRAND NEW KITCHEN W/STAINLESS APPLIANCES inside, 2BR/2BA Ranch + LOW LOW TAXES! Close to both heart of bustling La Grange & near METRA! This spacious solid brick 2BR/2BA home boasts open floor plan w/airy footprint, NEW kitchen overlooking dining room, under counter seating (great for entertaining), lovely three season room off kitchen, hardwood flooring throughout, larger than average bedrooms, LL 12x13 BONUS room for use as den/office/computer room, larger separate formal dining room, solid wood kitchen cabinets (no veneers!), stunning new main bath w/NuTone heat lamp, huge LL Rec room w/quality Berber carpet, large sep.laundry area w/nice ceramic flooring!GO GREEN! Already installed newer ECO tankless hot water system, ECO installed water efficient toilets, energy efficient kitchen appliances, newer roof (4 years old) new fenced backyard!
So much to offer in affordable, growing community and prime location – NOTHING TO DO BUT MOVE IN - truly the best and most affordable home in BROOKFIELD for the money.
See inside:
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and member of Chicago's West REALTOR / LIFESTYLE AGENT AND MARKET EXPERT SERVING CHICAGO AND WESTERN SUBURBS
contact her today to find YOUR next home! (708)369-8094
MY TOP PICK THIS WEEK! IS IN NEAR RAVENSWOOD MANOR & LINCOLN SQUARE! 3217 W LELAND Unit 1E is steps from Northeastern Illinois University and (20) minutes to Northwestern University with easy access to highways 90 and 94 (Edens and Kennedy) and Lake Shore Drive! This stunning flat is completely updated and move in ready! Unit boasts (3) large bedrooms (2) gorgeous baths, sunny and open floor plan, w/true wood flooring, /fireplace/ updated kitchen/ granite countertops.
Redfin appraised value $258K - For sale in MLS for $327,400
And get this, MONTHLY ASSESSMENTS "INCLUDE" HEAT! This is a self managed - well maintained building - Newer Roof (2006).
Affordability & great area close to all major Chicago events, short drive to Michigan Avenue, DePaul, Loop, Mellennium Park, Soldiers Field - What more can you ask for!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in market reviews of Popular Chicago Neighbrohoods, Chicago South Loop & Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside, Downers Grove and more!
Call her today to find your next home - you'll be glad you did! (708)369-8094
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOnline.com
Click here to see inside 3217 Leland Unit 1E !
September 15, 2009
WHY ISN'T MY HOME SELLING??
First make sure the price is correct for your market.
If it is priced correctly or at market, your home is lacking something.
Go through the home, make ALL necessary REPAIRS. Make sure vents are not rusty, windows are cleaned, replace anything that is broken or fix it. No one wants to buy something they have to make repairs on. Buyers want MOVE IN READY.
Clean it up and stage the home so the buyer sees the VALUE in the home and available square footage. Also, remove all the clutter. Homebuyers want to see a home they can imagine themselves living in. Can they see themselves living comfortably in your home?
Try this experiment. Go to an open house this weekend to a comparable home in your neighborhood. Go in with a HOMEBUYER mentality not a "Seller" mentality and imagine you are the homebuyer. What do you look for? Comfort, space, room sizes, cleanliness? What catches your eye?
Write down your notes about the home and some of your thoughts on the home you visit and you more than likely will answer your own question.
My top pick for an accredited professional stager is Barb Gros, Owner of Refreshing Space. She will come in and evaulate your home and "stage it to sell". She has a keen eye and natural talent and I highly recommend her for your next staging project in Chicago and Western Suburbs. She may be reached at 630/515-8757.
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in the Chicago Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside Downers Grove and more!
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOnline.com
September 14, 2009
Rebuttal by Christine Moscinski, Broker Associate and HouseHunter at Gobber GMAC Real Estate
YES The sales have jumped but I bet they don't include "regular home sales". Most of the sales reported are generated on a "general" or "overall" basis of "overall sales". These sales more than likely mark the “pre-foreclosure” and bank owned “REO's” that are flying like hotcakes lately due to the First Time Buyer Credit expiring at the end of November 2009 and the 203K loan option for fixing a home up.
These are the ONLY homes that are moving quickly.
Regular home sales have seen a marked reduction in days on market, but still have a long way to go to sell. Average market days are still in the high 160's down from 184 on average and even higher in some areas. With the abundance of REO and foreclosure homes, regular homes just sit on the market because better deals are out there.
This is a positive article from RWSSC.COM, which is true overall but the trend has to be clarified outlining the “actual” percentage of sales that identifies “foreclosure sales”, “REO Sales” and “Regular Home Sales”.
From RWSSC.COM : August Marks Third Straight Month of Year-to-Year Increases
DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. - Sales of single-family detached homes went up 8.6 percent in August compared with the same period a year ago, according to statistics released today by the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS® (MORe), indicating the third consecutive monthly increase.
MORe measured activity on homes in about 120 southern and western suburban communities through information from Midwest Real Estate Data LLC.
"We're definitely seeing many first-time homebuyers take advantage of the various economic incentives available to them," said Mike Drews, President of MORe, and the Designated REALTOR® of Charles Doss, REALTORS®, in the Aurora and Oswego areas. "There was a 9.4 percent increase in homes sold in the summer months of June, July and August in 2009 compared to the same period in 2008."
There were notable home sales gains across the 120-community area, where the numbers of homes sold leaped by double- and triple-digit percentages.
Standouts in the south suburbs for number of homes sold were Chicago Heights (92 percent increase from a year ago); Country Club Hills (64 percent); Evergreen Park (73 percent); Lemont (100 percent); and Oak Forest (64 percent).
In DuPage County, home sale activity was highest in Addison (225 percent increase from a year ago); Downers Grove (36 percent); Glendale Heights (170 percent); Lombard (100 percent); and Villa Park (57 percent).
Exceptional home sale activity was posted in the western Cook communities of Brookfield (183 percent increase from a year ago); Burbank (100 percent); Westchester (171 percent); and Western Springs (90 percent).
In addition, the number of homes under contract (but not yet closed) in the same West and South Suburban Chicago area was 52 percent higher than a year ago, the ninth consecutive month of year-to-year growth in pending sales.
There were standout increases in homes under contract in several suburban communities, particularly in Addison (350 percent increase from a year ago); Bensenville (1,400 percent); Glen Ellyn (65 percent); Maywood (210 percent); Melrose Park (400 percent); and Naperville (39 percent).
source: www.rwssc.com
THE DEALS ARE OUT THERE!!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in Chicago's South Loop & Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside, Downers Grove and more!
Buyers, Investors! Call her today to find your next home - you'll be glad you did! (708)369-8094
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOnline.com
September 5, 2009
THIS WEEK MY TOP PICK IS A LA GRANGE HOME GORGEOUS near METRA train 5BR/2.5BA traditional with all true wood flooring simply stunning!!!
Near Lyons Township High School.
See inside now!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in Chicago South Loop & Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside, Downers Grove and more!
Buyers, Investors! Call her today to find your next home - you'll be glad you did! (708)369-8094
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOniline.com
REMINDER: TICK TOCK - TICK TOCK - Time is running out to get the $8,000 & $6,500 Home Buyer Credit!! Must HAVE CONTRACTS IN BY APRIL 30TH, 2010 to QUALIFY!!
November 30, 2009
UPDATE! My top picks for the best and family friendly communites in the western suburbs...
3BR+ home prices under $275,000: Brookfield, La Grange Park, Westchester, Downers Grove, La Grange:
AVERAGE HOME PRICES:
La Grange Park $240K
La Grange $500K
Brookfield $230K
Darien $250K
Westchester $242K
Downers Grove $300K
Hinsdale $600K
THE DEALS ARE OUT THERE!!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert and member of the "House Hunters Team" at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in Chicago South Loop & Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside, Downers Grove and more!
Buyers, Investors! Call her today to find your next home - you'll be glad you did! (708)369-8094
More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOniline.com
MY TOP PICKS FOR THE BEST AREAS - NICE COMMUNITIES WITH GREAT POTENTIAL~! Get a great home at 30%-50% of value, pennies on the dollar. Bank owned homes, pre-forclosure, foreclosures:
BERWYN
SW - ROMEOVILLE
SW - BOLINGBROOK
SOUTH WOODRIDGE
MANY BANK OWNED HOMES AND PRE-FORECLOSURES - NICE HOMES.
THE DEALS ARE OUT THERE!!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in Chicago South Loop & Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside, Downers Grove and more!
Buyers, Investors! More information can be found on her website at http://www.eRealEstateChicago.com
By: Christine Moscinski, Lifestyle Realtor and House Hunter at Gobber GMAC Real Estate
Update: August 26, 2009
This week's top 55+ Condo pick for best in affordability 5540 Walnut - Unit 29C in Downers Grove: My rating is A+ for a 1/BR 1BA ACTIVE ADULT COMMUNITY 55+ / SENIOR LIVING CONDO under $76,000 with GORGEOUS VIEW OFF BALCONY Extras include: Secured entry, elevators, parking, workout room, library, minutes to I-355 and METRA! Very nice building, nice people and well maintained.
Many Baby Boomers are looking for housing options and there is a lot of information to take in. Where do you start looking, how about the area, is there nearby shopping, what are the monthly assessments, etc. If you are looking to downsize from a large home or townhome to something with less maintenance and reduced square footage, now is a great time to get some great deals. There are several options available for you located in some great western suburbs of Chicago that are close to shopping and restaurants, yet offer privacy and serene nature settings.
CLOSER TO CITY:
If your needs require you to be near the city of Chicago, not so quiet and closer to your neighbors, then my picks would be a step ranch or slab (no basement) in some popular suburbs with affordable taxes like my select choices based on affordability: Westchester, Berwyn, La Grange Park and Downers Grove/Woodridge area.
Some single family homes are more affordable than a 55+ community right now. With the very popular Salt Creek bike trails, YMCA, no assessments, near the BNSF METRA, affordable taxes and within walking distance or short drive to shopping and great restaurants - these suburbs are bustling with events and things to do and are all a short drive to bustiling La Grange.
La Grange offers lots of community events and bustling sidewalk cafes, restaurants, bistros, theater, mixed cultures and diverse age groups, and you are close to all the summer/outdoor events and within walking distance to METRA.
QUIET SUBURBAN:
For a more quiet and exclusive closed community development; my choices are Romeoville, Oswego or further north, Del Webb or Toll Brothers communities that cater to your every need with swimming pools, club house and trails that are built right into the community and are gated for privacy.
These developments do come with a higher price tag and taxes at these communities are usually a bit higher if newer (newer developments usually have higher taxes) and there are assessments/fees you must pay to live there.
There are some great affordable homes in these suburbs in gated or closed communities such as Grandhaven in Romeoville and Del Webb Sun City in Huntley with 2BR/2BA and 2 car garage (no basement) that start from the $170K and go up to the upper $600K in exclusive areas such as South Barrington, Toll Brothers Development; further away from Chicago, yet a short drive to the METRA for a 40 minute ride into the city.
It really all depends on the lifestyle you wish to lead and that is where I come in. My goal is to evaluate your needs and assess how you live now and what you are looking for.
I then review choice communities and homes based on your criteria of wants, location and affordability.
Instead of going in circles looking for your best options, contact me today for your free lifestyle evaluation today at (708)369-8094 - you'll be glad you did!
Market expert Christine Moscinski serves the western suburbs so call today for free consultation today to discuss your plans for tomorrow!
This valuable information provided by Christine Moscinski, Broker Associate at GOBBER GMAC Real Estate and market expert in Chicago’s Western Suburbs.
Brookfield, Illinois is real estate rich and a unique lifestyle community that many are seeking without the high price tag and real estate tax burden.
Being dubbed as the new “Oak Park”, Brookfield offers a community “evolving” with many recent residential developments and re-developments with single-family homes, townhomes, condos and row houses and many rehabbed homes that offer the same quality as new construction with gourmet kitchens, loft size rooms, high ceilings, granite counters, expanded outdoor living space with wrap around decks and porches with a modern yet vintage charm. Future development in Brookfield includes retail and city planning to improve the Ogden Avenue corridor and a balanced village improvement plan.
Brookfield is bordered by Riverside, La Grange, La Grange Park and Countryside. All are neighboring communities and each one has something special and great to offer. Brookfield boasts beautiful home architectural styles from vintage Victorian, Craftsman and Bungalows to the modern Bi-level and Ranch style homes which are a classic design of these areas.
The Brookfield area hosts many retailers including boutiques, eclectic restaurants, entertainment, wine bars/bistros and some of the top rated schools in Illinois (see Riverside Brookfield High School and Lyons Township High School ratings in Illinois Report Card) and not to forget, home to world famous Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield also offers great churches and recreation with family friendly parks and the Salt Creek Bicycle Trail, which starts in Bemis Woods South and continues east 6.6 miles to Brookfield Woods, directly across from the Brookfield Zoo.
With a nearby future development at Ogden and La Grange Road the plans include for a mixed-use development, which will include multi-story condominium buildings with mixed retail segments. A successful retail sector means a successful community and housing market offering concessions to retailers and lower per person/real estate tax burden . A "green' commute via nearby Metra is a short 20-25 minutes to the Loop and the community is also located strategically near major highways I-294, I-55, and I-290.
So, what is the first thing you should do when starting your search for your dream home? If you need to be close to the city, yet seek a Chicago suburban lifestyle with affordability and low real etate taxes, you need to find a great area Realtor®. Homes are bountiful right now; it’s a Buyer’s market and the first time homebuyer incentive of $8,000 ends December 1, 2009.
If you do not know where to begin? Buying a home can be very overwhelming. Whether you are relocating from another state or another part of a Chicago neighborhood, you will need someone on your side to help you with market knowledge and area expertise.
The most common questions when buying a home is what is the community about? How are the grade schools? Is the community growing? Finding a great home is one thing, but you have to consider future resale value when you go to sell down the line. Does the community offer good high schools? Village/community improvement goals? Good real estate tax use? Are these tax funds being utilized correctly with community development and improvements? Does the community offer a balanced residential/retail and commercial land-use make up?
For a community to thrive there are many elements needed and a leadership and community involvement that is important for future growth.
Brookfield is one such community. With redevelopment goals being reached and improvements being made, this town is in the “baby stage” of boom that buyers should take advantage.
If there is one place to start looking for a great home, it’s in Brookfield, Illinois. Nice parks and next to forest preserves, offering great schools, churches, shopping and recreation, it’s all here!
Come and visit and see for yourself! See why Brookfield is a great family & lifestyle community!
Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in the Chicago Western Suburbs including: Brookfield, La Grange, La Grange Park, Westchester, Countryside Downers Grove and more!
Contact her today to find your lifestyle and home today!
Buyers, more information can be found on her website at http://www.eRealEstateChicago.com