2010-09-08T20:25:18-04:00 http://www.gianosteam.com/ http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=191 2010-09-02T12:43:47-04:00

Source: Chicago Tribune]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=190 2010-08-31T10:07:52-04:00

1.) Add the perfect touch with paint. A fresh coat of paint on the interior walls can work wonders.

2.) Focus on the flooring. Good, well-maintained flooring can set a positive tone for the entire interior of your home.

3.) Update the windows. Upgrade old single-pane windows with Energy Star quality windows and you'll save on energy bills plus you may qualify for a federal tax credit.

4.) Weed out bad landscaping. Remove dying plants and prune overgrown shrubs. Planting beds should be weeded, edged and mulched for a clean, crisp look. Finally, weed and fertilize the lawn.

5.) A few final exterior touches. Add color with paint to outdoor features such as window frames, decorative beams and porches. Clean external brickwork or concrete slabs.

Source: Investopedia]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=188 2010-08-30T11:23:56-04:00

There is no denying that these reports reflect a softness in the home building market. But some experts see the data as part of a temporary housing market hangover following the expiration of the tax credits.

]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=187 2010-08-27T11:21:08-04:00

If you purchased a new home in Lincoln Park or Lakeview or any where in the Chicagoland area, you will save big bucks, not only on the price but on your monthly payment...see below...

Purchase Price Downpayment Interest Rate Monthly Payment (P&I)

$300,000 10% 4.42% $1,355

$300,000 10% 6.27% $1,665

Your monthly payment is reduced by $310 due to the low, low interest rate.....give us a call to arrange a showing of your dream home. ]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=184 2010-08-26T13:18:58-04:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=179 2010-08-20T11:35:28-04:00

The national median existing single-family price was up 1.5 percent from the same period last year. Distressed homes accounted for 32 percent, down from 36 percent a year ago.

Total state existing-home sales, including condos, rose 9.1 percent for the quarter, and were 17.3 percent above the pace in the second quarter of 2009.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=178 2010-08-18T12:30:43-04:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=175 2010-08-12T10:55:20-04:00

Black Crowes.....August 21st @Chicago Theatre

Rogers Park Pooch Party.....August 14th @Glenwood Avenue Arts Festival

It's Thursday, Let's Dance...August 19th, 6 pm @Boocoo Culteral Center,Evanston

The Vintage Bazaar....August 22nd, 12pm @Congress Theater]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=173 2010-08-05T12:04:05-04:00

VS PRICE
SALES PRICE

Lincoln Pk - SFH - 45 - 176 - 86% - $1,426,035
Condo - 133 - 162 - 93% - $ 396,238

Gold Coast/
River North/
Old Town SFH - 3 - 235 - 90% - $1,310,167
Condo - 336 - 154 - 94% - $ 440,208

Lakeview SFH - 37 - 132 - 88% - $ 875,419
Condo - 229 - 153 - 94% - $ 361,185

Wicker Prk/
Bucktown/ SFH - 59 - 190 - 88% - $ 762,663
Ukrainian V/ Condo - 191 - 145 - 94% - $ 353,115
East Village

Uptown SFH - 10 - 77 - 89% - $ 703,705
Condo - 101 - 166 - 93% - $ 265,909

Lincoln Sq. SFH - 25 - 106 - 92% - $ 523,340
Condo - 43 - 116 - 94% - $ 306,570

North Ctr/ SFH - 51 - 123 - 91% - $ 623,805
St. Ben's/ Condo - 56 - 139 - 95% - $ 357,098
Roscoe V

Edgewater/ SFH - 21 - 136 - 91% - $ 501,975
Andersonville Condo - 103 - 167 - 93% - $ 242,000

South Loop SFH - 4 - 111 - 89% - $ 861,500
Condo - 138 - 365 - 101% - $ 412,218

West Loop SFH - 0 - 0 - 0% - $ -0-
Condo - 118 - 139 - 96% - $ 353,624

Rogers Park SFH - 12 - 169 - 88% - $ 357,466
Condo - 61 - 226 - 90% - $ 181,364

* all SFH based on 3-4 bedrooms
**all condos are based on 2 bedrooms/2 baths
Source: MLSNI custom reports]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=168 2010-07-27T11:32:01-04:00

But some might not be as trapped as they think.

Record-low mortgage rates and a new slump in home prices are presenting unusual opportunities in the housing market these days—even for so-called underwater borrowers.

Larry and Mary Schuck paid about $29,000 to refinance into a 15-year mortgage at a rate of just 4.5%. That's like an investment return of about 10% a year over five years. They also reduced their total interest payment by more than $95,000.
Some intrepid homeowners are intentionally taking a loss on their current house—and writing a big check to retire their old mortgage—in order to buy twice the home for not much more money. Others, eschewing conventional personal-finance advice, are even opting for "cash-in" refinancings, paying thousands of dollars out of pocket to settle old loans—and then taking out new mortgages with lower payments, shorter durations or both.

The attractive terms are spurring people like Scott Ayler, 35 years old, into action. He and his wife, Jaclyn, 33, recently decided to trade up to a larger home in their native Denver, despite taking a loss on their current house. In 2004, they paid $234,000 for a three-bedroom, 2½-bath house built that same year in Green Valley Ranch, a subdivision that has among the highest foreclosure rates in the city and lacks upscale amenities. They are in contract to sell the home for about $204,000.

Their new home, built this year, cost about $323,000, comes with four bedrooms and three baths, and sits on a corner lot overlooking a reservoir. The house, which was initially listed at $379,000, is in Denver's desirable Cherry Creek area, known for excellent schools, plentiful amenities and few foreclosures.

With $195,000 remaining on their original 6.625%, 30-year fixed-rate loan, the Aylers estimate their total paper loss will be around $45,000. They are putting down only $11,500 on the new house. But because the new FHA loan carries a 4.5% rate, their monthly payment will rise by only $290 a month.

They say they expect better price appreciation in their new home. And with a young daughter and plans for another child, they need more space anyway.

"We don't want to wait for the market to come back," says Mr. Ayler, general counsel for an energy company. "We wanted a better quality of life now."

]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=163 2010-07-07T13:15:18-04:00

The dollar volume was up 42% and the units closed were up 46%. Also, the average market time decreased to 148 days. Down 6%.

In my Lincoln Park office, which mainly serves Lincoln Park, Lakeview, River North, Streeterville and the Gold Coast, sales have also increased significantly.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=155 2010-06-24T05:52:20-04:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=146 2010-05-25T12:09:05-04:00

The April housing report released by the Illinois Association of Realtors this morning bought encouraging market news: statewide total home sales jumped 34.4 percent in April while the satewide median price increased 5 percent to $157,450.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=129 2010-04-07T08:01:50-04:00

Units closed were up 51% and unit volume increased to $650 million up 41%. The average market time also decreased. ]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=118 2010-02-05T07:27:53-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=117 2010-02-03T07:22:29-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=116 2010-02-02T09:24:04-05:00

A three bedroom/ three bath condo located at 270 N. Racine closed for $510,000.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=111 2010-01-21T07:18:27-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=108 2010-01-16T08:15:13-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=107 2010-01-15T15:49:16-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=106 2010-01-14T06:21:37-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=93 2009-11-14T06:17:49-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=85 2009-10-21T13:06:13-04:00

We didn't forget sellers awards either. For every seller you introduce us to that closes, you'll receive a $250.00 award.

]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=76 2009-09-10T08:09:02-04:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=71 2009-07-28T11:19:39-04:00

Mortgage rates have also come in a bit after rising as high as 6%. As of this morning, rates on a 30 year mortgage are 5 1/4%.

There are plenty of great deals still to be had. We just had a closing where our buyer bought a 3 bed, 2 bath duplex for $163,000. Give us a call to find the "10 Best Buys" in your area. Of course, your under no obligation to buy.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=68 2009-05-13T12:07:00-04:00

Another way to look at it is from a buying power standpoint. Lower mortgage rates afforded this buyer a more expensive home. If rates jump back to 6 3/4%, the same buyer with 20% down payment would only be looking at a purchase price of $450,000.

Every buyer is looking at "price" in this market. Not the cost of money. Real estate prices in some areas of the city have stabilized and even increased in the last three months. If you think prices are going to come down 20%, don't hold your breath. The cost of money just gave you a 20% discount on the market.

There are great properties out there at great prices. Be smart! Buy NOW!]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=56 2009-03-26T08:41:10-04:00

Mortgage rates are still at historic lows for buyers and pricing is still king for sellers.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=54 2009-02-12T14:16:53-05:00

Homebuyer Tax Credit- a $8,000 tax credit that will available for qualified purchase of a principal residence by a first time home buyer between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=52 2009-02-01T06:18:24-05:00

]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=51 2009-01-31T10:33:40-05:00

2 Bed/2.1 Bath $539,000

3037 N. Kenmore
3 Bed/2 Bath $590,000

1550 W. Cornelia
3 Bed/2.1 Bath $605,000

3312 N. Kenmore
2 Bed/2 Bath $610,000]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=50 2009-01-31T10:25:21-05:00

2 Bed/2 Bath $558,000

1872 N. Clybourn
2 Bed/2 Bath $570,000

1703 N. Sheffield
2 Bed/2 Bath $$575,000

329 W. Belden
3 Bed/3Bath $900,000]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=49 2009-01-28T07:14:31-05:00

Mortgage interest rates are at historical lows, sellers are flexible and there is plenty of inventory to choose from.

If your a first time home buyer, you may want to consider an FHA loan, with offers down payments of 3.5% on a safe 30 year fixed-rate mortgage.

If you have patience, there are a large number of short sale and foreclosures on the market. If you'd like a list of them in your area, contact us along with your price point. We will gladly send you a list weekly.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=48 2009-01-17T07:17:14-05:00

We wanted to let everyone know that we have moved to a different Coldwell Banker office. We're now located at the Lincoln Park- Halsted Office. The address is 1959 N. Halsted, Chicago, Illinois....Halsted and Armitage.

We still have all of the advantages of the Coldwell Banker name, just a busier location.

We also want to thank all of our clients for their business. We truly appreciate it!!!

If you know of anyone who you would feel comfortable introducing to us who could use our help, just give us a call.

Sincerely,

George and Karen]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=36 2009-01-05T07:52:30-05:00

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=35 2009-01-05T07:24:44-05:00

The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller 20-city housing index released Tuesday fell by a record 18 percent from October last year, the largest drop since its inception in 2000. The 10-city index tumbled 19.1 percent, its biggest decline in its 21 year history.

Chicago-area prices fell 10.8 percent in October compared with October 2007, according to S&P Case/Shiller numbers.]]>

http://www.gianosteam.com/blog/index.php?bid=14 2008-08-26T09:49:53-04:00

Take care]]>