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Rockford, IL Real Estate News

By Michael Hobbs, SRA, LEED GA, RAA
(PahRoo Appraisal & Consultancy)
For the most part home prices are on the rise on a national perspective.  Just last week the National Association of Realtors, NAR, reported that the average home price rose 10% to $180,000. This reflects 4th quarter to 4th quarter in 2011 to 2012. NAR compared 152 markets in the US.  In the 4th quarter of 2011, only 29 of those markets started to show price gains.  By the 3rd quarter of 2012 that number jumped to 120 markets showing price gains.  According to the NAR, 133 of those 152 markets have seen increases in home prices, where only 19 showed prices continuing to fall. Chief Economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, says, “Home sales are on a sustained uptrend.  Home sales are being fueled by a pent-up demand and job creation, along with still favorable aff...
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By Maria Haun, ABR, CNE
(Keller Williams Realty Signature)
Took a client out last week to show houses and we found a great one for his low price range.  It was in great shape for being priced at $54,900.  He could move right in without having to do really anything to the property.  I told him if he is even the least bit interested he should jump on it because it was going to go quickly. Well, a couple days later we put the offer in and gave the lender 3 days to respond...sure enough that 2nd day another offer comes in!  UGH, my buyer is wondering how can that be..the market stinks right?!  Well, locally, some price ranges are doing just fine, especially if the house is in good condition.  So another lesson learned here...even in a "tough" market, multiple offers do happen.
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By Maria Haun, ABR, CNE
(Keller Williams Realty Signature)
According to 2010 census data released, Rockford is holding onto the spot as Illinois' third largest city. Unless a population boom is in our future, there are several cities poised to pass us.  Some are thinking Elgin will be the next to pass us, but it may take them 10 years to do so.  Their population is just over 108,000Rockford's population increased just 1.8 percent over the past 10 years to 152,871. Joliet grew by 38.8 percent to 147,433 and Naperville increased 10.5 percent to 141,853. Winnebago County's official population was 295,266, and it was passed by McHenry County for the sixth most populous county.Winnebgo county as a whole grew 7.6% to 299,702.  for more info visit www.census.gov  
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Typically we don't share testimonials on our blog.  Simply Staged is honored to receive them and usually just shares them on our website.  I have decided to highlight this particular testimonial because it gives a seller's perspective of working with a Professional Home Stager.  I thought Dan did an excellent job explaining the process from a working and emotional standpoint.  We are so happy you placed your trust in Simply Staged and pleased to play our part in the success. Dear Michele, Diana and I would like to thank you again for the work you did preparing our home for sale.  Our neighborhood had quite a few similar houses on the market, including foreclosures, which were really dragging prices down.  We had nearly given up on being able to sell our house in this market when we star...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Simply Staged Inc. had the pleasure of working on this occupied home located in Rockford, IL.  We utilized some of the home seller's existing furniture and added a few pieces of rental furniture.  Simply Staged rental accessories were also brought in to showcase the home.  Many thanks to the home sellers who so tirelessly painted, cleaned, packed and made a few updates.  Simply Staged provided the recommendations and they decided to do the prep work themselves, which had a positive impact on the budget.  Teaming up with Rockford Area Home Staging Expert ensures your home will be showcased to its fullest potential.        Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area.  We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model h...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Traditional to Contemporary. . .                     Condos to Custom Homes. . .                                First Time Home Sellers to Million Dollar Estates. . .   Simply Staged Inc. is your experienced, full service, professional home staging company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area.   Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area.  We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Oregon, Poplar Grove, Rockford, Roscoe, and Winnebago.  Contact us at (815)979-3027 or visit our website simplystagedinc.com  
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
It seems like I just blogged about this Rockford, IL home.  In fact, I did!  The reason I wanted to follow up with an update is because once again I heard the statement, "Staging is only for high end listings."  Simply Staged was called in to give upgrade recommendations and stage the home.  A team effort by the Seller, Realtor and Stager produced another success story.  The home had multiple offers in the first week and went under contract in 7 days! While it is certainly a charming home, it went to market with an asking price of $115,000.  Another example of why staging is not just for high end homes.   Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging and redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area.  We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvid...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
The sellers of this Rockford IL home were excited to be relocating.  They knew it was necessary to make some improvements before going to market, but were not positive where to focus their dollars.  Their Realtor suggested bringing in Simply Staged Inc. to provide recommendations for improvements and stage the home.  Simply Staged Inc. made recommendations that would have the most impact, while maintaining the budget.  It all came together with the help/work of the home sellers, painters and handymen.  The sellers were able to leave their furniture in the home while selling.  Michele Hess of Simply Staged, reworked the seller's furniture and brought in all of the art/accessories, etc.  (Coffee/End Tables were also brought in for staging.) Another team approach involving the seller, Real...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Simply Staged Inc. was honored when they were asked by Title Underwriters Agency to give a presentation to Rockford IL area realtors about social marketing/blogging and internet presence.  Title Underwriters provided this seminar Free of charge to Rockford Area Realtors as a way to say thank you for their business. The event was held at this $1.3 million dollar Belvidere estate recently staged by Simply Staged Inc.  Here is a link to the website if you are curious to see the inside of this stunning contemporary home.  With the exception of just a couple of existing pieces, Simply Staged provided all the furniture and accessories used to stage the home.  The home was just listed with Bonnie Pierce of Dickerson & Nieman this week.  Thank you to Title Underwrites Agency for sponsoring the ...
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By Maria Haun, ABR, CNE
(Keller Williams Realty Signature)
Is the market really down..or is it that there are just overpriced homes that need work out there?  I took my client out on showing a couple weeks ago and as i was getting ready to leave I thought I would take a quick look to see if there were any more listings that she may like...well there was a listing I pulled up..didn't know the secretary had "just put it in the MLS" until I called to set up the showing.  It was right in her price range and sounded great...newer, rehabbed property, no pictures yet, but I thought i would give it a try.  We went through 4 others before we came to this one.  Well we came to the new listing last and the second we walked in I just knew this would be the "one".  Newer home..open vaulted ceilings, stainless appliances.  Well what else does a younger first...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
The Home Builders Association of the Greater Rockford Area is holding the "Inaugural New Home Sale Event" May 2nd & 3rd and May 9th & 10th, 2009. Event Time is from Noon to 6:00p.m. The HBA website indicates the Homes participating in the event are offering upgrades, incentives and unbeatable prices on every new home.  All the new homes are available for immediate occupancy. Simply Staged Inc., A Professional Home Staging & Redesign Company serving Rockford and the Stateline Area is honored to have staged two of the homes included in this New Home Sale Event.  Both homes staged by Simply Staged Inc, were built by custom home builder Sean Adams Custom Carpentry located in Byron, IL.                406 Heartland Drive, Davis Junction, IL                 975 Austin Court, Oregon, IL Tour t...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Want to know what is new in the home and garden market in the Rockford area?  The Rockford Home Show will be showcasing new products, services, and ideas for your home and garden.  Get inspired or talk to the experts.  The home show will be hosting seminars and provide live family entertainment.   March 6, 2009 - March 8, 2009      Friday:  4 - 8pm      Saturday:  10am - 7pm      Sunday:  11am - 5pm   Cost:  $6/Adults, Children under 12 FREE Location: Indoor Sports Center 8800 E. Riverside Blvd. Loves Park, IL 61111       The event is sponsored by Showtime Productions   Simply Staged Inc. is a professional home staging & redesign company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area.  We specialize in staging existing, vacant and model homes in Belvidere, Byron, Caledonia, Cherry Valley, ...
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By Maria Haun, ABR, CNE
(Keller Williams Realty Signature)
The ADDI Program provides six percent (6%) of the purchase price to be used as downpayment and/or closing cost assistance. The funding is provided as a five (5) year forgivable mortgage loan.  As long as the loan terms are met, no payments are required. • Applicant must be a first-time homebuyer i.e. an individual and his or her spouse who have not owned a home during the three-year period prior to the purchase of a home with ADDI assistance. Exceptions made for "displaced homemakers" as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The property must become the principal residence of the applicant. • The applicant's household income (income of everyone over the age of 18) projected over the next year, must be at least $14,250 and must not exceed eighty percent (80%) ...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Emotional Connection is crucial when selling both vacant and occupied homes.  The feeling you get when you walk through the house that says, "I'm home".  "I want this lifestyle."  It is a driving force in many home sales.  It is the draw that recently brought back buyers to a vacant home staged by Simply Staged Inc. FOUR times before purchasing.  Do you believe a vacant home, they felt was slightly out of their price range, would have had that same draw? Emotional connection has the power to change "must have" lists.  Let's face it, emotional connection can change all the things you thought you knew for sure when beginning your home search, such as location, style, color, amenities, condition, etc.  Emotional connection even has the power to extend what you thought you were willing to s...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Looking for something to do in the Rockford, IL area?  Rockford Area Convention and Visitor's Bureau has a great website that will keep you current with what is happening in the region.  It contains all the information you are looking for about area events, arts and entertainment, dining, transportation, accommodations and much more.  Our family found it useful when planning a "family day".  We were looking for some inspiration and new event ideas in our area and found the information helpful. Click on the link to discover GO Rockford and plan your next outing.      Simply Staged Inc. is a Professional Home Staging & Redesign Company serving Rockford, IL and the Stateline area. For more information call Michele Hess (815)979-3027 or visit our website at SimplyStagedInc.com
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Another "must see" presented by the Rockford Art Museum.  Come out and be inspired by some truly talented artists.  It is a wonderful way to spend time enjoying the arts, supporting our community and makes for a great family outing at a nominal fee.  All the details are listed below.  "Visages: Face Revised" explores the genre of portraiture. The exhibition presents the work of seven nationally recognized artists that approach the image from a variety of perspectives. The styles are as wide ranging as each artist's intent, working in a variety of mediums ranging from painting to photography to glass.Days/Times: Mon-Sat: 10am-5pm; Sun: 12pm-5pm Cost: $6/adults, $3/students & seniors, Free/members and children under 12 -- Contact museum for group fees Sponsor: Rockford Art Museum Event L...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
If you have never attended the annual snow sculpting competition, I encourage you to do so.  It is a free event sponsored by the Rockford Park District.  The event makes for a great family winter outing.  All the details are listed below.  Come out and vote for your favorites! Thirty teams compete in this international and state competition to create the "coolest" artwork you've ever seen using blocks of snow. See themes from whimsical and fanciful to political satire and the abstract. Vote for your favorite by 11 a.m. on Sat., Jan. 31. The sculptures will be available for public view 24 hours a day, with the evenings lit up for night viewing. Days/Times: Wed-Sat: all day and overnight Cost: Free; donations accepted Sponsor: Rockford Park District Event Location: Sinnissippi Park Addres...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
Simply Staged Inc. staged this home and in less than a week it received THREE offers and went under contract for $5,000 OVER asking price.  In our area, offers OVER asking price are not commonplace.  It was definitely a team effort by the home sellers, Realtor and staging. Upon meeting, this client greeted me with the statement, "We have seen staging on TV, so whatever you need to do, and we have already rented a storage unit."  What a great way to begin staging a home.  It was a fun project because the home owner had so many great pieces to choose from.  But as the home seller pointed out, there was too much furniture in the home for selling, so alot of it was placed in storage.  We proceeded to re-purpose furniture throughout the home, swapping family room furniture with living room f...
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By Michele Hess, Home Stager Rockford - Simply Staged Inc
(Simply Staged Inc.)
I always appreciate the Charm of an older home.  Five fireplaces, butler's pantry- the list goes on and on.  Here are some photos of a vacant dutch colonial recently staged located along the Rock River in IL with georgeous views!  There are alot of photos here, but the home is large.  Believe it or not there are many more rooms staged that I didn't include just because of the amount of pictures already in this post. Thanks for viewing!                                                                                                                                                                         Michele Hess, Simply Staged Inc. (815)979-3027, simplystagedinc.com
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By Patti A. Puckett
(Broker Associate/Realtor/ISA with Nouveau Riche)
     Illinois' Rockford Region Has Big-City StyleWithout the Hassle & High Prices!Illinois' Rockford Region is just a hop, skip and jump from Chicago's hustle and bustle - in the rolling, beautiful hills of Northern Illinois. When it comes to size, we're a Big City. When it comes to low-cost, no-hassle things to do, we're a Small Town. For even more information on why Rockford is the perfect place to live, work and play, visit littlecitybiglife.com       Historic Neighborhoods of Rockford: Day 1 Queen Anne. Greek Rival. Italianate. Dutch Colonial. Tudor. Just a few of the architectural styles of homes located within the eight historic neighborhoods in Rockford's urban core.  Day One, morningBegin in the southern-most section of the inner-city in a neighborhood called 3rd College Union. ...
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