Archive for May, 2010

Homes For Sale in Lombard IL for $300,000

Lombard is a suburb that truly has something for everyone. Recently on a real estate tour, I concentrated on the $300-330,000 price range and was pleasantly surprised at what I found.

If you are just starting out or perhaps tired of the maintenance a house requires, a condominium or townhouse might be the answer for you. In Lombard today, you have a wide selection:
•   Built in 2005, this 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom town home has all the bells and whistles that you are craving. Stainless appliances, granite countertops, beautiful cabinetry, all located in the center of town.
•    Brand new condo located within walking distance to the train, this 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom condominiums that was gorgeous.
•    Located on the south side of Lombard, I found a 1900 square foot condo that has 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and a fireplace.

Now, if a condo or town home isn’t for you, there are many styles of single family residences to choose from.

•    A block away from Madison Meadows, you can find a four bedroom, 3 bathroom split level with an attached two car garage. The kitchen has been remodeled and the home is both sunny and spacious.
•    Built in 2000, this lovely ranch has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, a first floor family room with fireplace and a finished basement.
•    A brick two story Georgian with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and an updated kitchen with hardwood floors and granite countertops.

You might also be interested in a brick two flat that is available. Each of the two units in the building has 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. You could live in one and rent the other to a friend or family member.

Click on pictures to see larger images

As you can see, $300,000 in Lombard can give you much variety and bang for your buck. If you would like to see one of these homes, give me a call.

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

Growing Economy May Mean Higher Rates for Everyone

Many buyers are not aware that the interest rates that we have been seeing for many years are historically low. In 1985, when I purchased my first home the interest rate was at 12%. Today, you would be shocked if a lender offered you a mortgage rate that high. But as the economy grows, it may mean higher rates. Expect those low 4 and 5% interest rates to begin to rise soon.  Thirty year fixed rates may rise to 6% by December and 6.5% by the end of 2011.

Today, you have an unbelievable choice of housing to select from. Hundreds of good, solid homes are on the market at reasonable prices. Without a doubt, if you are a first time buyer and your credit and income are good, this is THE time to purchase.

Take a look at what is available on my website at: 123HomeSweetHome.com.

You can view homes for sale in Lombard as well as all other areas areas throughout Chicago and the Western Suburbs with no sign in required. Just browse and look at the opportunities out there.  And if you see something that you would like to see in person, just give me a call at 630.730.8027 and I would be happy to schedule an appointment for you.

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

House Hunting Tips for Buyers in Chicago’s Western Suburbs

House hunting is just like any other shopping expedition. If you identify exactly what you want and do some research, you’ll zoom in on the home you want at the best price. Here are a few tips for buyers.
1. Know thyself: Understand the type of home that suits your personality. Do you prefer a new or existing home? A ranch or a two story? If you want a fixer upper, do you have the $$ and the time? Start a Priority list of “Need”, “Want” and “Dreams”. Keep updating and deleting the list.

2. Get your finances in order: Generally, lenders say you can afford a home priced two to three times your gross income. Create a budget so you know how much you’re comfortable spending each month on housing. Don’t wait until you’ve found a home and made an offer to investigate financing.

Call Pat Cannone at Coldwell Banker Home Loans @630.962.6680 and tell him Caryn sent you. He will be able to tell you what you can afford and will offer you a FREE pre approval letter.

3. Research before you look: Begin your search by going to 123HomeSweetHome.com and use my FREE home search. You don’t have to even sign in. See what your price range has in the way of amenities. Can you actually get into the neighborhood you have always wanted? While you are there, check out my link for schools in the area.

4. Think long term: In today’s Real Estate environment, you need to be thinking in the long term. You should plan to be in your new home for at least six to seven years. Location is as important as it ever was, perhaps even more so today than ever before. Find an area you love and you can never go wrong. If you are not sure about what area would suit you, give me a call and I can help you narrow your search.

5.  Be realistic: It’s OK to be picky about the home and neighborhood you want, but don’t be close-minded, unrealistic, or blinded by minor imperfections. If you insist on living in a cul-de-sac, you may miss out on great homes on streets that are just as quiet and secluded. I once had a client who refused to see anything that had a blue house on the same block. True Story!

6. Find an agent you trust and Listen to their advice: It’s natural to seek reassurance when making a big financial decision. But you know that saying about too many cooks in the kitchen. If you need a second opinion, select one or two people. I recently had a client that missed out on his dream home because he didn’t believe there was a second offer and wanted to think about it. It was SOLD that night.

If you are just beginning your first home search or are in the market for your end house, I would love to work with you. Take a moment and see what my clients are saying about me on my website: 123HomeSweetHome.com.

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

What to do with all that “stuff”

Finally we have some good weather. This weekend we will go into our garage and begin to pull out the stuff we need to open up our pool. This is always a dreaded weekend, as I am sure I will find many extra things that really don’t belong in the garage. Sweatshirts my kids dropped as they left in the car, roller skates and sleds that we don’t use anymore, pictures, area rugs and lamps that I use for staging my listings.  What to do with all this extra stuff???

Answer: Garage Sale!

Just like Antique Road show, not all treasures are worth something. So, if you are planning a garage sale, start with three boxes. Mark them as 1. Good Stuff we don’t need any more. 2. Garbage and 3. Free Stuff (things nobody in their right mind would buy, but maybe take.) If it looks like you have enough for a garage sale, here are some tips.

The keys to a good garage sale are:

Advertising: Local newspapers are the best. Most have a special section reserved for garage sales. Letting people know in advance that you are having a garage sale will get those early birds out and at your sale first thing. Make sure you advertise by listing a few key, anchor items that will draw attention to potential garage sellers. Examples would be a dresser or tools. Unless you have baby clothes, don’t waste your time with adult sizes, take those to a co-signment shop.   Note: before you put up signage, check with your town or village as to their rules for garage sales. Many places need permits.

Pricing: If people wanted to pay retail or close to retail, they wouldn’t stop at a garage sale! The idea is to get rid of the stuff you don’t want, so you can go out and buy more! lol. Have early bird specials like take $1.00 off if you buy five items. Make your pricing realistic, if not cheap.

Ask a neighbor: If you don’t have enough stuff of your own, why not ask a neighbor or two to join you. This way you will attract more buyers and have someone to talk with while you work.

Call 1-800-775-Vets: You can have the American Veterans of America pick up everything you have left over on the following day. It’s even tax deductable.

Be Friendly: I know that sounds obvious but each person who comes to your garage sale should be considered a guest. I always have a huge jug of ice cold lemonade and offer it free to all who are shopping.

Don’t forget to give me a call at 630.730.8027 and I will be sure to stop by. : )

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027

Caryn’s Mothers Day Brunch Menu and Recipes

I would like to wish you all a very happy Mother’s Day. For many years, I would host a Mother’s Day Brunch and my siblings and family would join together to honor Mom. After everyone left, I would put on old jeans, get out my shovel and begin putting my annual flowers in and around my house. In the evening I would have a fabulous meal made by my husband and open the handmade gifts my children had made in school or scouts. It was always a beautiful day. I hope yours is too!

For those of you thinking of going the brunch route, I thought I would give you my menu:

The Menu

Quiche Lorraine
Fresh Cut up Fruit Kabobs
Muffins and Coffee Cake
Sausage and Bacon
Orange juice
Bloody Mary’s
Coffee

Quiche Lorraine

12 slices cooked bacon
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
1/3 cup chopped onion
1 ½ cup Half & Half
4 eggs
¾ tsp salt
¼ tsp sugar
1/8 tsp cayenne red pepper
1 deep dish pie crust

Heat oven to 425
Sauté onion until translucent. In medium bowl, mix eggs, half & half, salt, sugar and pepper. Add cooked bacon, onion and cheese. Place ingredients into pie crust and bake15minutes. Reduce heat to 300 for 30 – 40 minutes until brown. Let cool for ten minutes before serving.

It’s a tasty, easy brunch that can be made ahead of time. Note: If you don’t expect guests, please feel free to copy this and have the family bring it to you in bed. This is exactly what I think I will do this year!  Happy Mother’s Day.

To subscribe to this blog by email use to box near the top of the left hand column.

To talk to a Realtor® who knows Lombard and the surrounding areas like the back of her hand, Call Caryn Kuhlman 630-730-8027