Baby boomers, the generation born between 1946 and 1964, and who count more than 76 million, are getting near to retirement but are most definitely not ready for a retirement home! Whether they are selling their homes and heading to Florida or remodeling to accommodate their retired lifestyle, boomers are making an impact on new housing trends. Some features that Orlando builders and remodelers are seeing as they begin to cater to the boomer generation include the following:Home Offices- As life spans continue to increase, many are choosing to work past the age of 65. However, they want home offices for flexibility. This can also eliminate the hassle of commuting while keeping them active and adding supplemental income.Tech/Media Centers- The tech-savy boomer generation wants amenities ... 03/01/2008

What is a Short Sale? A short sale is a negotiated settlement. This is when the lender agrees to accept less than the amount owed as a payoff on a loan.Why would my Lender want to allow a Short Sale to help me? The reason is simple; a short sale often has a better return on investment to the lender than a foreclosure. The average savings a lender sees from a short sale property compared with a foreclosure property is $14,000. Not only does the lender receive this savings, they are also paid on the loan 6 months earlier than in the foreclosure process. This allows them to collect and cash-out earlier than they would in a foreclosure. Plus, lenders spend a great deal of money with attorneys to complete the foreclosure process. Lenders created the short sale process as a foreclosure altern... 03/01/2008

Plainfield, Naperville, Illinois - Bankruptcy & Your Credit Score About the author: Cheryl Bowers is a Naperville, Plainfield Area Residential Real Estate Expert, who can assist you with the purchase and/or sale of real estate in Naperville IL., Plainfield IL., or any place in the country. Chery has created a team of professionals throughout the Plainfield, Naperville IL. area and the country to ensure that you enjoy a smooth transition to your new area. Please visit www.CherylBowers.com for your real estate needs. Please give me a call if you have questions about the Naperville, Plainfield IL. Area real estate market. Cheryl Bowers, REALTOR® 630-712-1921 (Copyright © 2008 By Cheryl Bowers, All Rights Reserved.) 03/01/2008

Has a sufficient amount of air been expelled from the deflating housing bubble to suggest that a bottom is in sight? No. But there may be a few nascent signs of recovery amid the housing rubble. Let's start with a remarkable chart that compares the Nasdaq bubble to the housing bubble (see "A Tale of Two Bubbles"). From peak to trough during the 2000-2002 bear market, the Nasdaq lost 78% of its value. From peak to trough during the recent housing bubble, homebuilding stocks lost ... yes, you guessed it ... 78%!Assets down, liabilities upThough housing's woes are at the root of most of today's economic evils, the stimuli underway-fiscal and monetary-can only go so far in healing the carnage the bursting housing bubble is inflicting on millions of homeowners. Housing's black hole is the ep... 03/01/2008

Home prices are forecast to fall more than 30% in some communities in 'the most severe housing recession' since 1945.Housing markets from Orlando, Fla., to Stockton, Calif., will crash, and some will suffer price drops of more than 30% before the housing crisis is over, a report from Moody's Economy.com said today. I find this funny because once again the media is slow to find out. I've been telling people now for a year that we won't see the bottom until fall of 2009.We are now in the spring here in Orlando and I've sold 4 homes this week and listed another. Does that mean we're turning the market? My opinion is NO. It's simply the seasonal shift that we always have. Buyers always come out around the end of February and buying subsides in August.On a national level, the housing market... 03/01/2008

WASHINGTON -- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke Wednesday delivered an economic forecast fraught with risks from housing, labor and credit markets, suggesting policymakers remain on track to lower interest rates further next month. Meanwhile, Mr. Bernanke indicated that inflation risks are more two-sided, though skewed slightly to the high side -- a nod to the stagflationary mix of weak growth and rising price data of late.But Mr. Bernanke made it clear where the Fed's main worries lie. "It is important to recognize that downside risks to growth remain," Mr. Bernanke told members of the House Financial Services Committee.http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120412412525296845.html?mod=hpp_us_whats_news 03/01/2008

Do you  remember I showed a previous mini-reduction email about two months ago?Well, this morning's email brought me another amazing mini-reduction.Eileen, You showed my listing at xxxx Lane, Plainfield on 8/9/2006.I have recently reduced the price on this listing from $549,000 to $548,500 and thought you may want to bring your buyers back for another look.If I remember correctly one of the earlier reductions was from $550,000 to $549,900. A mini-mini reduction!So, let's analyze this missive.#1, I showed the property almost 18 months ago! Those buyers have been in their "new" home for 15 months.#2, the property was overpriced then, and it's still over priced! Now, it's probably greatly overpriced, maybe by $50,000, as the market has fallen a lot faster than $500 in the past two months.#... 02/23/2008

Have a heart in Feb. - Give Blood!Both St. Valentine's Day and American Heart Month give many people a chance to reflect on matters of the heart during February. In an effort to help increase awareness about heart disease and prevention, February is declared American Heart Month. Unfortunately, there are still thousands of Americans that undergo heart surgeries every day and community members can help contribute to the success of their surgeries by donating blood. To maintain an adequate blood supply, Heartland Blood Centers, an independent medical organization serving 33 hospitals in a 12-county region in Illinois and Indiana, urges all area residents to donate the gift of life this February at local blood drives."Donating blood is a great way to celebrate American Heart Month and Vale... 01/30/2008

In celebration of the C.W. Avery Family YMCA's 2nd anniversary and the Plainfield Rotary Club's 25th anniversary, the two organizations are planning a Giving Gala Celebration.The gala will be a formal black-tie dinner and auction event Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Bolingbrook Golf Club, 2001 Rodeo Drive in Bolingbrook. The ticket price is $125 per person and tickets are limited. There will be live entertainment and a silent auction along with an interactive explosive auction. Items range from gift certificates to jewelry and will highlight an elegant cabin cruiser excursion down the Illinois River.Proceeds will be used to award college scholarships to Plainfield high school seniors in the top 10% of their class.For more information contact Pam Lee at 815-267-8600. 01/20/2008

Lockport Street in downtown Plainfield is sponsoring a Customer Appreciation Day this Saturday. Visit these stores for specials, giveaways, raffles, tastings and fun...follow the snow shovels!Cathy's Sweet Creations, Cherry Creek Home & Gift Accents, Forget Me Not, Gourmet Junction, Homewares by CWS, Lockport Street Gallery, Magnolia Restaurant, Me and My Sis in Primitive Bliss, One Lovely Thing/Tyler Lynne, O'Sullivans Irish Restaurant, Pixie Pizazzi Gift Basket Boutique, Plainfield Art Factory, Plainfield Supper Club, Sleepy Pony, Sweet Pea Childrens' Boutique/Have to Havve, The Perfect Invitation, Wine & Cheese by TCC and The Tawny Tortoise.Visit www.plainfieldstreetscape.org for Frequent Flyer/Shopper Rebate Program! 01/17/2008

If you are looking to sell or buy in Plainfield, I hope to hear from you! Please visit my website at www.lanitacates.com and read about me.  Having been a Plainfield resident for 12 years, I'm very familiar with the north, south and central areas.  Whether you are a first time homebuyer or a seasoned homebuyer, I would love to help you. Call me at 630-341-1545. 01/13/2008

If you are looking to buy or sell in the Plainfield, Naperville or surrounding area, please give me a call at 630-341-1545 or visit my website at www.lanitacates.com. Take a minute and read my testimonials so you know the type of agent I am. I work extremely hard for my clients and will make your real estate experience smooth and an enjoyable experience. 01/08/2008

If you are looking to buy in Plainfield or the surrounding areas, please call me at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, I'd love to work with you. You don't pay me to help you buy a home so whether you buy next month or next year, I'd love to hear from you! 01/04/2008

History The area was called Walkers' Grove until it was platted as Plainfield in 1834. It was originally settled by a large community of Potawatomi, and the land was later ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of St. Louis of 1816. Indian Boundary Road aligns with the western border of the tract of land originally ceded.The earliest Europeans in the area were French fur traders. The first European settler in the area was James Walker, who traveled with his father-in-law, Methodist Reverend Jessie Walker as early as 1826. Reverend Walker evangelized the Potawatomi during his trips.In 1828, James Walker, in the company of several men, erected a sawmill around which the settlement of Walkers' Grove developed.Walkers' Grove flourished because of the DuPage River and established r... 09/02/2007

  Great value in North Plainfield? Wiseman Hughes built home with 2 story foyer w/ceramic tile-separate living & dining areas-Large Kitchen w/Oak Cabinets, pantry & eating area-Bright sunroom w/SGD that leads to custom brick paver patio-Family Room has Fireplace w/gas starter-Master Bedroom w/vaulted ceiling, W/I closet & private bath w/ separate soaker tub & shower-generous size guest bdrms-2nd flr laundry-All appls stay ! Offered at $315,000               08/08/2007

As the heat and humidity outside soar, let's take a quick look at the Plainfield, IL real estate market from the comfort of my air-conditioned office. There are currently 1021 active listings for single family detached homes, the average list price is $354,589 with an average market time of 158 days.  So, with all those homes on the market, what exactly were sales like in July?  During the month 96 homes closed at an average sale price of $304,545 with an average market time of 136 days.  Translation -- Plainfield currently has 10.6 months of inventory on the market. So, if you are selling a home in Plainfield, IL, you are not alone.  If you take a quick drive through your neighborhood, you will probably find that some of your neighbors are also trying to sell.  In order to be competiti... 08/07/2007

If you've missed out on Movie in the Park this summer, there's still a couple more opportunities to bring the family out before school resumes!Friday August 10th @ 8pm   Raiders of the Lost Ark (rated PG, run time 115 minutes)Friday August 24th @ 8pm   Little Giants                    (rated PG, run time 106 minutes)I recommend you bring a couple lawn chairs or possibly blankets to lay out on.  As far as I know, coolers with non-alcoholic beverages are allowed.  So make time for a family night or treat your loved one to a date night!  Best of all... it's FREE!The movies will be shown in the Richard A Rock Amphitheater at Settlers' Park which is located southeast of the intersection of Lockport St (Rt-30) and Van Dyke directly behind the new Village Hall.  Parking is available in the Vil... 08/06/2007

If your curious about what your house might be worth these days, your not alone. In fact, many homeowners have lost touch with their homes current value over the last 12 months. The market has turned into what's known as a buyers market, and it's left a lot of people wondering...What's my house really worth? If your considering a move, or thinking about refinancing your current home, call me. I know what it's like to be curious about the market in your neighborhood... that's why I visit the MLS for every night to see what is happening all over the area. I'm addicted to real estate and quite frankly, I think that it's becoming a sickness. If you want to know what your house is worth, JUST ASK! I perform property valuations for banks, which is the next best thing to an appraisal.Julie Fer... 06/12/2007

If you've ever driven into Plainfield heading south on Rt. 59, just outside of downtown Plainfield, one of the very first things to connect with your line of vision is a strange tall old white building on the left side of Rt. 126. I have no idea what this building had been previously used for, so your guess is as good as mine! For years now, it has often become the setting for scary stories told among my kids and nephews. They call it "the prison" in their tales, although I have never taken notice to any resemblance to the structure. Judging from the large chute on the side of the building, it makes me wonder if it could have once been a mill of some sort... The Plainfield Historical Society is located a stone's throw from the building, so I guess I need to do a little research. Maybe t... 06/12/2007

I spent a little "free time" watching the movie Sweet Home Alabama this weekend.  It's pretty sad when you equate "free time" with sitting on a gurney in the emergency room wearing one of the beautiful hospital gowns; but honestly I think it's the first time in about 2 years that I've actually watched a movie all the way through! I'm not sure if you've ever seen this movie or not, but there's a line in the movie that refers to an idea that's crossed my mind several times...Is it possible to have both "Roots" and "Wings"? Home is where you hang your heart, right?  Or is it where your roots are planted deep into the ground?  Maybe it's both.I have friends that are way more "Wings" than "Roots", who seem to soar from location to location without ever looking back.  State to state, home to ... 05/20/2007