Ever begin to have problems with a client from the moment the ink dries on the listing agreement?  Ever have strange questions that make you wonder if your client is paranoid?  Ever wonder what you did to deserve this!Problem clients can be a handful and even though we try and educate them to the home sale process and guide them along, some are just not going to want to be helped and I always wonder why! I have a client like this right now.  She has to sell her home and yet fights every showing that something is not going to be done correctly or ask questions like what are they going to do in the house? All 950 square feet of your house?  Not much.Lyn, do you know who this person actually is?  I know with certainty that the person going to your house will be a Realtor© that we've verifi... 04/21/2010

Hoffman Estates Housing Market - December '09, January and February 2010 What's up with the Illinois and Chicago Market real estate you ask?   The impact on foreclosures in our market is substantial and their impact on prices since a buyer would obviously prefer to buy a foreclosure that had the same features as one being offered through a regular seller.  It is also having an impact in opposite directions - again, foreclosure sales up and prices go down!  As a consequence we have 'Two Levels of Pricing':  Many markets have two levels of pricing – distressed sales and traditional sales. Foreclosures and short-sales tend to carry prices as much as of 20 percent below traditional homes in the same area.  There are still many distressed sales pulling down market prices.  Good for buyers, b... 03/27/2010

The RE/MAX Hot Air Balloon and its crew will visit two northwest suburban schools in early April to present an interactive educational program developed and sponsored by the RE/MAX metro Chicago real estate network.The program will be presented at John Jay Elementary School, 1835 Pheasant Trail in Mt. Prospect, IL, on April 7th, 2010.and St. Hubert Elementary School, 255 Flagstaff Ave., in Hoffman Estates, IL, on April 9th, 2010.The students at both schools will learn about various aspects of ballooning, including its history and the scientific principles involved, and they will see a demonstration on how the balloon functions. The program will begin at 10:15 a.m. at Jay School, which has 200 students, while it will be offered twice, at 8 and 9 a.m. at St. Hubert, which has 530 students... 03/22/2010

Hoffman Estates IL All Zip Codes Attached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010 What's Been Happening in the Hoffman Estates Real Estate Market--See Below *LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price) **MT=Market Time (Total Market time) Active Attached Housing:   Total Properties: 215   List Price Approx SF Beds Baths LMT MT Minimum $39,900 0 0 1 2 2 Maximum $339,900 2250 4 3.1 870 1052 Average $160,733 1066 2 2 137 185     Under Contract Attached Housing:   Total Properties: 45   List Price Approx SF Beds Baths LMT MT Minimum $44,500 0 1 1 21 29 Maximum $299,900 2400 4 3.1 534 711 Average $126,205 785 2 2 136 212           Last 3 months of Sold and Closed Attached Housing:   Total Properties: 25   List Price Sold Pr Approx SF... 03/22/2010

Hoffman Estates IL All Zip Codes Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010 Hoffman Estates IL All Zip Codes Detached Housing Real Estate Statistics as of March 22 2010 What's Been Happening in the Hoffman Estates Real Estate Market--See Below *LMT=Listing Market Time (How long the property has been on the market at its current price) **MT=Market Time (Total Market time) Active Detached Housing:   Total Properties: 204   List Price Approx SF Beds Baths LMT MT Minimum $124,900 1032 2 1 3 3 Maximum $1,125,000 4348 6 5.1 630 840 Average $335,785 2273 4 2 113 186     Under Contract Detached Housing:   Total Properties: 71   List Price Approx SF Beds Baths LMT MT Minimum $129,900 1073 2 1 1 1 Maximum $799,900 3887 6 4 494 876 Average $310,131 2575 4 2 104 172             Las... 03/22/2010

RE/MAX is almost three times as effective as the next competing real estate company in Hoffman Estates for 2009! That's alot of real estate! Looking to get your home sold in this tougher market?  I'd love the get the job done!Looking to buy a home and want someone experienced to help you avert the potential potholes?Give me a call or email me so we can get started today!Hoffman Estates IL Real Estate Market Share 2009 03/04/2010

HGTV Episodes about our area! Was pleasantly surprised to see our area of Hoffman Estates featured in one of the HGTV segments on 'My First Place' recently.  I had recorded (TIVO'd?) two episodes to watch about staging and the one was about a popular area stager Julea Josephin which she transforms a room with one day's notice.  Julea did a fabulous job.  The other was about a first time home buyer that started out in Libertyville (20 miles north) and by the end of the program ended up in a ranch in Hoffman Estates!  Hey, that's my area and what are you doing with an unknown out of the area agent buyin' a house!  She was very lucky for the publicity but I don't know who she even is!  Even after the TV spot, I don't know anything about her!  Talk about a lost opportunity for some PR!So a... 02/23/2010

Hoffman Estates Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Hoffman Estates real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of February 19, 2010.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Hoffman Estates, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p... 02/19/2010

Photo GalleryLivingroomFamilyroomKitchenMaple Cabs/GraniteMaster BR2BR3BRDescription3BR Ranch that's totally remodeled with best kitchen you've seen! Newer carpet, freshly painted, ceramic floors, Pella windows, roof. Maple cabinets & granite in that great kitchen. Familyroom with fireplace, huge walk-in pantry for storage. Great backyard, patio & neighborhood for the kids.Oversized garage has work area for hobbies or the boy toys! District 54 & 211 Schaumburg Schools or St. Hubert's Grade School.FeaturesBedrooms: 3Bathrooms: 1.5Year Built: 1958Subdivision: PARCEL CLot Size: 80x130Garage Size: 2.5 DETACHEDSchool District: 54 & 211Agent Name: Lyn SimsBroker: RE/MAX SuburbanMLS #: 07426192Location585 Morton St Hoffman Estates IL 60194Powered by vFlyer.comvFlyer Id: 3055402 02/05/2010

I really have to laugh at this platform - Trulia Questions.  Not familiar? Now it seems that 'anyone' can answer real estate questions for points!  Just like an Active Rain wanna be?  Trulia now has different 'levels' and different point systems in essence playing a real estate Mario Bros. game!  What I'm laughing at is that buyers are answering other buyers questions and they don't know what they are talking about all in the name of points!   This reminds me of Rich Jacobson and his recent post 'Do customers get qualified answers on Trulia and Zillow?  Rich was recently 'spanked' on Trulia because he had said that you should only answer questions based on your particular area & field of expertise.  Somehow it became a mini State Farm commercial about 'being a good neighbor'!       But ... 02/03/2010

  598 Claridge Circle., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169 3 Bedrooms/ 2.1 Bathrooms MLS# 07431516 NOT a short sale or foreclosure Just priced like one!! LARGE & GORGEOUS 3 BDM AND 2 1/2 BATH, 2 CAR TOWNHOUSE. MANY NEW UP GRADES! $40,000 + IN LAST FEW YEARS! FIREPLACE SURROUNDED BY BEAUTIFUL STONE, 2 NEW SLIDING DOORS IN FAMILY/LIVING RM. VAULTED CLGS. NEW: 6 PANEL DOORS, SIDING & ROOF, FURN. & A/C TOTAL,GRANITE KIT, OAK FLRS 1ST LVL, CARPET UP GAR. DOOR, TOO MANY ITEMS TO LIST! TAKE ADVANTAGE THIS DEAL!!!!! Click on the link below for more details and pictures: http://www.realestate4uonline.com/s=active   RE/MAX Territory 847-956-2800 02/02/2010

Foreclosure Basics - Fannie Mae Specials on the Home Steps Program   Well I guess they want to join the spring market with new incentives for buyers (dangle that carrot?) with closing costs help and new appliances!  Most foreclosures obviously have 'iffy or icky' appliances so this would at least give buyers some incentives/breaks on those new appliances.  This was just released and is valid until May 1, 2010.  You must close by that date.  The press release shown is not very clear but I rechecked and the date starts for contracts on January 27th, 2010.My other post on Fannie Mae Foreclosures.Think a foreclosure might be for you?  I can help with all those questions. 01/29/2010

Hoffman Estates Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Hoffman Estates real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of January 22, 2010.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Hoffman Estates, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=... 01/22/2010

Well every January it seems a new group of laws goes into effect so why should Illinois be any different!  Keeping you updated with real estate matters is what I do so here's another law that just went into effect regarding closings. So some people might be under the misunderstanding that 'bags of money' are brought to closings - well that's not true any longer.  Illinois sure knows how to take the 'fun' out of a real estate transaction! If funds required for a transaction are $50,000 or more, you must now provide these funds in the form of a wire transaction.  Please note that the title company will continue to accept checks from another title company escrow transaction.  For example, if you sold a home and are buying a home, the title company proceeds (in the form of a check) from the... 01/18/2010

Hoffman Estates Real EstateDennis Toomey continuously monitors local real estate statistics to keep his clients informed and ahead of the real estate trends.  Below, at the end of the page you will find Hoffman Estates real estate statistics for the last 12 months as of January 15, 2010.To find the value of your home with a free, over-the-net home evaluation, please visit: www.KnowYourHomeValue.com/active or use this link http://www.knowyourhomevalue.com/remaxil/modules/global/forms/marketevaluation.asp?&acc=32722&s=active If you would like a free list of homes for sale in this area/neighborhood or would like more information about Hoffman Estates, please visit: www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/active or use this link http://www.GetYourRealEstateHere.com/remaxil/modules/agent/agent.asp?p=f... 01/15/2010

Price: $259,900 FIZBER.com ID 13771083 Single Family with 4 bed, 2.0 bath, in 730 Grand Canyon Hoffman estates, IL, 60169 http://www.fizber.com/13771083/ 730 Grand Canyon - For Sale By Owner Property Details: Type: Single Family Address: 730 Grand Canyon, Hoffman estates, IL, 60169 Sq footage: 1730.0 Floors: n/a Bathrooms: 2.0 Bedrooms: 4 Year built: 1956 View full property details and seller's contacts. View more Illinois homes for sale. Homes for Sale by Owner. Description: Awesome 4 bedroom + Den, 2 Bath, 2 car garage home in Hoffman Estates! Completely remodeled and updated! Brand new kitchen with new appliances, new flooring. Completely redone bathrooms. New roof, furnace, and windows. Large backyard. Amazing location. Close to schools, shopping, religious places. Minutes to Woodf... 01/14/2010

This is the 'Months Supply of Inventory' for Hoffman Estates IL Single Family Homes for 2009. This number is also called the 'Conversion Rate' or the 'Absorption Rate' which is how long and how much inventory is on the market in that particular town. Obviously, the higher the rate, the longer the market time for homes in that community. Does your agent know the 'Absorption Rate' and will they share that information with you? It shouldn't be kept a secret because it plays a pivotal role in how your home should be marketed. So we obviously have different levels of 'Absorption' in the market and I've tried a new visual demonstration for you. Q tip Rate - nothing much getting sold. Toilet Paper Rate - I think a few Buyers are out there but they are just sitting there and spinning their roll... 01/08/2010

Seller fesses up about ugly kitchen wallpaper ....... Yes, it's true so I wanted to document it here for all to see!  A seller of one of my listings actually said something that Realtors® don't hear every day!  Yes, the house looks soooo much better without the country blue 90's wallpaper.  I should have done it long ago, it looks soooo great!  You were right Lyn, it freshens up the whole kitchen.  Everything looks better!This is where my mouth dropped open as I was stunned!  Could it be that a seller actually took my advice and is happy with the staging results?  Why YES!So here is a compilation of posts that I have found helpful to give pointers, helpful suggestions and just plain old smart-alec comments on staging and getting your home ready to sell.  I hope you enjoy the selection -... 12/30/2009

Early Payment Discount? Many landlords don't like to give the tenant a discount for paying the rent on time or early. The sentiment is: "Why should I reward the tenant for doing something they agreed to do anyway?"  I agree with the sentiment, BUT I have to disagree with the reality of it.  Why not reward your tenant with good money managment?Wouldn't you rather have the bulk of your rents come in a week to 5 days before the first of the month?  How about this solution:  build a $5 or $10 early payment discount into every lease. Good responsible tenants want that discount and have a reason to pay early. It sure beats sending late notices and chasing the rent each month. More importantly it saves valuable time and would give you peace of mind too.If you don't have this clause already in ... 12/16/2009

Is Cancellation of Debt always taxable? The good news is NO.  Here's why - it's called the Mortgage Forgiveness & Debt Relief Act enacted on 12/20/2007.  Why haven't we known about this?  I've just heard of it and I'm thrilled for some of my seller clients that are currently selling or thinking of selling on a short sale.  As if their situations weren't bad enough, the short sale differences we were told would be a tax liability.  Now I find out that in most instances that is not the case!The most common situations when cancellation of debt income is not taxable involve: Qualified principal residence indebtedness: This is the exception created by the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 and applies to most homeowners. Bankruptcy: Debts discharged through bankruptcy are not considered taxabl... 12/09/2009