Wednesday, October 31, 2012

4 Tips for Correctly Pricing Your New Buffalo Home


As we find our way into November and near the holiday season you may be wishing you could simply sit back and settle in to the warmth of your New Buffalo home.  But, whether due to extenuating circumstances or not, you know that you need to sell your home.  

Here at Shoreline Property Advisors, our team of New Buffalo Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents understand that selling your home during the holidays can be a stressful time.  While there are buyers who will be looking for a home this time of year in New Buffalo; it’s important to hone in on one of the key components of selling your home: listing price.

Now, we know it can be hard when you’ve put a lot of time, energy and funds into making your home exactly how you want it; so selling can become really personal.  Yet, it’s important to keep in mind the current New Buffalo Real Estate market and be willing to talk through realistic numbers with your New Buffalo Real Estate agent.  Here are four factors that will play into pricing your home correctly. 

1. Location- You can't get away from this one. If your New Buffalo home is lakefront or has stunning lake views, you will be able to get a higher price than you can for the same house that’s inland.  

2. Condition- A New Buffalo home that is well maintained and shows better will always sell for more than one that has had deferred maintenance and needs work.

3. Desirable Amenities- If a house has amenities that are popular in New Buffalo homes such as outdoor living space, open floor plan or porches with sweeping views, it will sell more quickly. 

4. Calculate the price per square foot- The average price per square foot for homes in New Buffalo shouldn't be the sole determinant of the asking price for your home, but it can be a useful starting point. 

Having these four criteria in mind can give you a better understanding of how your New Buffalo Real Estate agent is guiding the price.  Of course they want to ensure you get a fair price for your home that you feel comfortable with, but they’ll also make sure your home is competitively priced to sell in a timely manner on the current New Buffalo Real Estate market.

As always, we are here to help you in any way we can!  Our team of experienced advisors and Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents will guide you through the entire process to help things run smoothly and efficiently.

Please feel free to contact us today to get started!


Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Enjoy Halloween in Harbor Country This Weekend!


As we near the end of October, many of you are taking the opportunity to soak in the beautiful fall season in Harbor Country.  The lake side towns that make up Harbor Country have the unique appeal of small town life mixed with a stunning backdrop and a wide variety of things to do year round.

Here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we love highlighting community events as it lends to the lifestyle that you can expect when living or vacationing along the Lake Michigan shoreline.  We know that, while the size, price point and amenities in a home are important; the community in which you live is what makes up the lifestyle you desire. 

If you are looking for a fun way to enjoy the last days of fall and enjoy a few events for Halloween this weekend; here are just a few things you can do in Harbor Country!

Spooky Trails
New Buffalo Twp Memorial Park
17425 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo
Friday, October 26 - Saturday, October 27 from 5-7pm
- Join the Halloween fun at the first annual New Buffalo Township Park Spooky Trail Event with five different spooky trails plus games inside the Pavilion!  All events sponsored by New Buffalo High School students who are volunteering community service time for their up-coming school trip to Spain.  Early evening times between 5 and 7 pm are geared toward younger children, and later evening times between 8 and 10 pm are geared toward teens and adults.  View details on the New Buffalo Township website. www.newbuffalotownship.org
Spooktacular!
New Buffalo Twp Memorial Park
17425 Red Arrow Hwy, New Buffalo
Saturday, October 27 from 7-9pm
- New Buffalo Township Library and Park brings you creepy stories to wrap up the spooky trails with smores and coco around the fire.  This is a great event for the whole family, so don’t miss out!  For more details, call 269-469-2933.
Halloween Costume Party @ Fitzgerald's
Fitzgerald's on 5875 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer
Saturday, October 27 beginning at 9pm
- For the adult crowd who still enjoys Halloween, don’t miss the fun at Fitzgerald’s this Saturday in downtown Sawyer.  Great music by dj Milroy, dancing and a costume contest with prizes makes this a fun way to get in the Halloween spirit.  View more information on Fitzgerald’s website. www.fitzsawyer.com
New Buffalo Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat
North Thompson, New Buffalo
Sunday, October 28 from 1-4:30pm

- Get dressed in your best costume and join in the fun at the New Buffalo Halloween Parade & Trick or Treat!  Judging for the best costumes starts at 1pm, with the parade taking place afterwards beginning at North Thompson Street.  After the parade, enjoy getting your sugar fill with Trick or Treating scheduled from 2:30-4:30pm.  For more information, please visit the New Buffalo website.  http://www.newbuffalo.com/events-calendar.shtml
We hope you’re able to join in the fun of the Halloween season this weekend in Harbor Country.  These events are a great way to get out in the community, meet neighbors and do something fun with friends and family.
If you have questions about what it’s like to live in Harbor Country or about the Harbor Country Real Estate market; please let us know!  Our team of advisors and Prudential Rubloff Harbor Country Real Estate agents would be happy to talk with you and show you some of the homes that are currently available in Harbor Country.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

5 Benefits of Buying an Evanston Home During the Holidays


It’s hard to believe that we’re already in the middle of October and that the holiday season will be here before we know it!  As we’re enjoying this beautiful time of year in Evanston with the changing leaves and cooling temperatures; we’re also working hard here at Shoreline Property Advisors to ensure you’re fully prepared to navigate the Evanston Real Estate market before the end of the year.

If you’re considering buying a home in Evanston, you may be leery of beginning your search now.  You may feel that buying a home during the holiday season is less than ideal; so we wanted to take some time today to show you the benefits of finding and buying your ideal home in Evanston this time of year!

1. Lower Prices- With the lack of people searching during the holidays for a home in Evanston; prices soften a bit. You can view our website to see a list of our current homes on the Evanston Real Estate market!  You’ll notice these homes are priced to sell and are a great deal for buyers.

2. Less Competition- Many buyers don’t think to take advantage of house hunting during the holidays, so you’re sure to avoid any bidding wars that would occur at a peak point on the Evanston Real Estate market. This will mean a less stressful home buying experience for you!

3. Motivated Sellers- Sellers dread not being able to sell their homes before the holidays get under way. They’re very aware that most are not in the market to buy a home until Spring rolls around, which means; they’re motivated. They know showings of their home will greatly decrease, so any activity on their home is good news. Oftentimes they’re willing to come down on the price or be flexible with closing dates, and other extras.

4. Favorable Mortgage Terms- Mortgage lenders may be willing to lower interest rates or let go of some of their fees in order to gain your business. With fewer people shopping for homes; they will be experiencing a slower time in their business as well. Be sure to shop around to get the best possible deal.  Your Evanston Real Estate agent will help point you in the right direction.

5. Tax Deduction- Closing before the end of the year can mean you are eligible to deduct the interest component of your first monthly mortgage payment from your taxable income for this year. You may also be able to deduct any money you pay for points to reduce your interest rate. Of course you’ll want to consult with an Evanston tax advisor to talk over the full details.

We hope these reasons to buy a home during the holidays boosts your confidence in taking the next step!  As always, if you have any questions about living in Evanston, or the home buying process; please contact us today!  

We look forward to working with you to ensure you’re in your new Evanston home soon!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

3 Benefits of Relocating to New Buffalo


Relocating to a new area can be overwhelming and a little nerve-wracking to think of starting over.  Finding your way around town, building new friendships and discovering your new local favorites takes time and energy.  

Here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we want to help you through the relocation process.  Our New Buffalo Real Estate agents are here to walk with you through searching for the ideal home in New Buffalo and ensuring everything runs smoothly from that first look until closing! 

Whether you’re relocating for a job or retiring to New Buffalo, we want to make sure the process is a positive one.  In fact, we happen to think that relocating to a new area can be one of the best experiences.  Here are three reasons why!

1. A Fresh Start- Having the opportunity to set up a new life for yourself can be very exciting!  You’ll learn about your new environment, make new friends, find new local spots to call your “favorite” and have the chance to feel like you’re getting a fresh start in life.  It’s a great way to bring a sense of adventure and liveliness to your life, and sometimes that’s just what many of us are looking for!

2. A Focus on Family- Starting over in a new location means that, since you don’t know anyone else, it’s an ideal time to focus in on family.  Whether it’s your spouse that you’re moving with or the family and friends that will love to come visit your new home in New Buffalo; relocating can put you out of your comfort zone in a way that helps you appreciate your family so much more.

3. A Mortgage Free Lifestyle- Many of the clients we work with are excited about moving to New Buffalo because they’re able to look forward to living mortgage free!  Oftentimes, they’re downsizing from a much larger house and choosing to move into one of our cozy, yet comfortable, New Buffalo homes. The money made from selling means an all cash offer on their New Buffalo home is possible.  This financial freedom allows them to enjoy a stress free and comfortable lifestyle in New Buffalo. 

No matter what your reason for choosing to relocate to the lake side town of New Buffalo, we’re confident you’ll enjoy all that this community has to offer.  From beautiful views, and stunning lake front homes to year round events and great neighbors; you’ll fall in love with New Buffalo and find yourself settling in quickly.

If you have further questions about the New Buffalo Real Estate market or are ready to begin looking at the homes currently available in New Buffalo; feel free to contact us today!

We look forward to walking you through the relocation process and helping you find your new home in New Buffalo!


Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Celebrate the Season this Weekend in Harbor Country!


It’s hard to believe that we’ve entered into October and that the fall season is well underway!  It’s a beautiful time of year along Lake Michigan’s shoreline and is an ideal for getting out and enjoying the changing scenery.

One of the ways you can welcome in fall would be to check out a few of the harvest inspired events taking place this weekend in Harbor Country!  Here at Shoreline Property Advisors, we always encourage potential buyers to experience the town they’re interested in relocating to in order to ensure it’s fits the lifestyle for which they’re searching.  

We can’t help but think that you’ll fall in love with Harbor Country from the moment you visit.  It’s a family friendly area consisting of eight towns that offer stunning lake views, a charming coastal vibe and endless events and activities to take part in throughout the year.

If you’re searching for a home in Harbor Country, or already live there and are looking for something to do this weekend; don’t miss these great fall events!

Harvest Days 2012
Sawyer, Three Oaks, New Buffalo, Grand Beach, Michiana, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert

Friday-Monday, October 5th-8th

- Each year Harbor Country celebrates the bountiful fall season!  Enjoy the long Columbus Day weekend when many of our shops, galleries, restaurants and lodging facilities host Open Houses, gallery and artist receptions, culinary demonstrations and tastings, special sales and family fun activities.  Take advantage of the changing season by walking, biking or driving through Harbor Country.  Harvest Days is a great way to savor the season!

New Buffalo Harvest & Wine Fest
Lions Park, New Buffalo
Saturday, October 6 from 12pm-10pm

- New Buffalo Business Association hosts the premier wine event of the autumn season. Enjoy wine tasting from several local vineyards all under one roof! Live music all day, free kids art activities, horse drawn hayrides through town, a pumpkin patch, bounce house and more! Great food and very unique handmade crafts along with a farmers market make this one day fest the best around. For event details, please visit the New Buffalo website
Skip’s 6th Annual Harvest Days Chili Cookoff
Skip's Restaurant
Red Arrow Hwy. and Lakeshore Rd, New Buffalo
Sunday, October 7 from 1pm-5pm
- The best chefs in Harbor Country compete against individuals for the coveted "Judges Award"  and "People's Choice Award" in this fun chili cookoff! Live entertainment, and all the chili one could imagine makes this a fun and tastey way to compete.  If chili is a favorite of yours; you don’t want to miss this event!  Learn more at Skip’s Restaurant website
These are just a few of the highlights of events taking place this weekend throughout Harbor Country.  We hope you’re able to enjoy this opportunity to celebrate the fall season!
As always, we’re here to make your transition to living in Harbor Country and buying a Harbor Country home as easy as possible.  If you have questions about the Harbor Country Real Estate market or lifestyle; please don’t hesitate to contact us!
We look forward to hearing from you!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff