Rob Gow - Real Estate and Shoreline Lifestyle

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Streamline the Chicago Home Buying Process with These 10 Tips!

If you’re been considering buying a home along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, this fall is a great time to do so! As the Shoreline Property Advisors team, we enjoy helping people all along the Lake Michigan Shoreline make those crucial decisions when it comes to real estate. Whether you’re in Evanston, Chicago, the Indiana Shoreline, or Habor Country Michigan; we can help you through each step along the way.

Let’s say you’ve been thinking about buying a home in Chicago. You know that it’s currently a buyers market with low interest rates, home prices and a wide range on homes on the Chicago Real Estate market. However, you may be worried that you missed your opportunity and it’s now too late in the season to begin the process.

We have great news! There is actually still time to find your ideal home in Chicago and go through the home buying process so that you can be settled into your new place just in time for the holidays. Sound impossible? We’ve gathered ten tips that can help streamline buying a home in Chicago; take a look!

1. Start Your Search Online- Instead of spending your time perusing neighborhoods for open houses or for sale signs, get online to streamline your search. There are many great homes available in Chicago which you can view online.

2. Get Pre-Approved- Finding the home of your dreams and then shopping for a loan is a risky move, as most home sellers won't even look at an offer that's not accompanied by a pre-approval letter. Getting pre-approved ensures you know your exact budget and can save you from a bidding war if many are vying for the same home.

3. Look for Motivated Sellers- Again, this shouldn’t be hard to find motivated sellers in the fall since they’re more than likely wanting to sell before the holidays. Don’t settle for sellers who aren’t willing to budge on a home at the top of your price range; there are too many other great Chicago home out there that will have motivated sellers.

4. Prioritize Your Housing Needs- Finding a home fast means being flexible. The longer the list of requirements, the harder it will be to find a home. Keep your list short and to the point. Focus on the key elements you’re looking for and let the extras fall as they may.

5. Find a Great Agent- This may seem easy, but finding an agent that truly knows the Chicago Real Estate market and can show your properties that are right in your price range and meet your style and needs can be challenging. Of course, we’d love to help you in your home search and know that our experience and proven success will make the home buying process an easy one. Bottom line? Do your homework and really research local agents.

6. Steer Clear of Short Sales- While short sales seem to be flooding the market across the country; if you’re looking for a quick buy, short sales are not the way to go. There is a long process involved with these homes and complications are almost always in the cards.

7. Try a Real Estate Auction- While not common, auctions make the purchasing process quick and streamlined. In many cases, you tour the property beforehand, make your bid, and close in 30 days if you're the highest bidder.

8. Negotiate Repairs- If an inspection reveals that the home you want to buy requires repairs, taking the responsibility off the seller can help you close the deal quicker. After obtaining estimates, ask the seller for a credit rather than asking them to complete the repairs themselves.

9. Have Cash Ready for Closing- You don't want to be scrambling for funds at the last minute, so be prepared for this important date. A day or two before closing on your Chicago home, you'll get the final settlement statement, detailing the terms of your loan and all the closing costs. Be sure to get a certified or cashier's check made out for the total amount you owe at closing, including the down payment since you can’t use a personal check.

10. Have a Plan B- Because not every transaction goes smoothly, be sure you have a property or two as a backup; you don’t want to have to start from scratch!

Ready to get started? Our team of experienced Prudential Rubloff real estate agents will be able to show you some of the beautiful homes currently on the Chicago Real Estate market. If you have questions about buying a Chicago home or still aren’t quite sure where to start, please feel free to contact us!

We’re here to help and look forward to helping your find your new Chicago home!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

5 Tips for Moving with a Pet and a Great Lake Michigan Shoreline Resource!

For many of us, our pets have become a part of our families and an important part of our lives. Whether you’re a cat person, love dogs, or enjoy the morning songs of your bird, we all try to provide the best environment and home life for our animals.

Yet, oftentimes, when it comes to moving into a new home or relocating to a new area or state, we get so caught up in the buying, selling and moving that we can forget some of the needs our pets will have during this time.

Animals have a very keen sense when there are changes that are taking place, and an ever growing mound of boxes or trips to your new location can put stress on your animal. Even though you may be excited about moving to your new Lake Michigan Shoreline home and everything seems to be moving along seamlessly; it’s imperative to give a little extra attention and tlc to your pet during this time. Below are some key ways that you can help your pet have a smooth transition and to ensure they’re enjoying their new Lake Michigan Shoreline home in no time!

1. Appoint a Person- As part of your moving plan, appoint one person in the family that will be in charge of your pet. This will eliminate any confusion as to who has responsibility and will help ensure your pet gets the extra attention they need.
2. Schedule an Appointment- Be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian a few weeks before your move for a check up. Be sure to get your pet’s veterinary records so they can be given to your new veterinarian. Make sure you obtain any permits or registrations as well.

3. Prep Your Home- Prep your new Lake Michigan Shoreline home for your pet. They may be frightened or confused in their new surroundings. Choose a room that you can set up for them with all their familiar items such as toys, food, bedding, etc... Pack these items in a handy spot so they can be unpacked right away.

4. Moving by Car- If you’re moving your pets by car, be sure to plan for several stops along the way. Some pets may find car travel extremely distressing and stopping for fresh air and breaks can help. Don’t forget any medications your pet might need as well as a leash.

5. Allow for Discovery- Dogs especially will need time to discover their new area. Be sure to locate the nearest park or outdoor area to your new Lake Michigan Shoreline home where your dog can run. Give them time to discover their new area and even allow them to make new friends.

We hope these tips are helpful to you as you consider moving to your ideal home along Lake Michigan’s Shoreline!
Of course, one of the best resources or places for pet rescue if you’re looking to help an animal in needs is PAWS Chicago! This fantastic establishment, founded in 1997, is Chicago’s largest no kill, humane and adoption organization. A bunch of our Shoreline Property Advisors friends have pets that they’ve adopted from PAWS Chicago and we’re proud to be a part of helping out their great cause!

We’ve recently donated money to PAWS Chicago through the help of our loyal Facebook fans! In efforts to bring awareness and support the loving option of adopting these animals, we’ve donated $5 for every new “like” we’ve received on our Shoreline Advice Lifestyle and Real Estate Facebook page and with your help, we've reached our $500 goal!

So, whether you’re considering buying or selling a home along the Lake Michigan Shoreline or just have a soft spot in your heart for animals; we’d love to get to know you! Feel free to let us know how we can help with your Lake Michigan Shoreline Real Estate needs or share with us pictures of your pet or what they mean to you!
We hope to hear from you soon!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Your September Checklist for Your Lake Michigan Shoreline Home

Whether you live in Evanston, along Chicago’s North Shore, the Indiana Shoreline or one of the charming Harbor Country communities; you’re probably enjoying the cool fall weather, vivid blue skies and the changing leaves. It’s a beautiful time of year along the Lake Michigan Shoreline and it’s easy to see why so many flock to live and vacation along its shores.

If you currently own a Lake Michigan Shoreline home, there are a few things you’ll want to do to ensure your home stays in great shape throughout the coming colder months before autumn rains and snowfall take their toll on your home. Below are seven ways to get your home ready for fall!

1. Add weatherstripping to doors and windows- Weatherstripping can be plastic, foam, felt or metal; its job is to seal small gaps, keeping moisture and cold air outside where they belong. Newer, energy-efficient windows generally don't require added weatherstripping, but if your windows are older, weatherstripping can keep drafts at bay and energy costs down.

2. Check storm windows- If you have storm windows that are cracked or dirty, repair and clean them now; prior to autumn installation.

3. Insulation speculation- This is a good time to check the condition of insulation and see if you need more, especially if you live in an older Lake Michigan Shoreline home. You can purchase un-backed or loose-fill insulation if you are just beefing up what is already there. If your walls lack insulation, consider having a professional install blown-in insulation foam. The energy savings will probably offset the cost of the procedure in a couple of years.

4. Check gutters- Do a quick visual check to make sure gutters are clear — they'll be performing double duty soon with rainstorms and falling leaves.

5. Keep mice out- September inspires nesting in mice as well as humans. Mice are looking for a winter home now, and that newly insulated attic would be just the spot. Mice can squeeze through 1/4-inch openings. Make sure all exterior vents are screened, and that there are no gaps underneath garage doors.

6. Caulk exterior- Think of caulk as weatherstripping in a tube. Any gap on the outside of your home can be a candidate for caulking. Look at transition spots: corners, windows, doors, areas where masonry joins siding, or places where vents and other objects protrude from walls. Carefully read manufacturer's directions to make sure the caulk you buy will work where you plan to use it, and don't forget to purchase a caulking gun. Early fall is a good time for this task because caulk becomes difficult to apply when the temperature falls.

7. Inspect your roof and chimney- If your roof isn't too steep, and isn't covered with slate or tile, you may be able to carefully walk on it on a dry day. Look for broken or missing shingles, missing or damaged flashing and seals around vent pipes and chimneys, and damage to boards along the eaves. Also peer down your chimney with a flashlight to make sure no animals have set up house in it. If you can't get on your roof, perform this inspection with a ladder around the perimeter. Some patches and roofing cement now can prevent thousands of dollars of water damage later in the winter.

As the Shoreline Property Advisors team, we’re committed to providing the best advice possible for those who are buying and selling on the Lake Michigan Shoreline, as well as those who already reside in one of the beautiful Lake Michigan Shoreline homes. We hope these tips help you as you prepare your home for fall!

If you have questions about living along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, would like more information about the Lake Michigan Shoreline Real Estate market, or are ready to buy a vacation home or permanent residence along this stunning shoreline; let us know! We’re here to help you in any way possible and look forward to working with you!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

10 Tips for Selling Your Lake Michigan Shoreline Home this Fall!

Last week we talked about how to deal with offers on your Lake Michigan Shoreline home that are less than favorable, and we hope this information was helpful for those of you who are in the midst of selling your home in the Chicago North Shore, Evanston, the Indiana shoreline or Harbor Country!

But what if you’ve only been considering selling your home and haven’t taken the leap into the Lake Michigan Shoreline Real Estate market? As the Shoreline Property Advisors team, we want to be sure that you’re fully prepared to enter the market to ensure a successful home sale.

Selling in today’s buyers market can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible! We’ve gathered ten key tips that will help you navigate through the Lake Michigan Shoreline Real Estate market and get your home sold!

1. Focus on curb appeal- Selling your Lake Michigan Shoreline home during the fall certainly comes with one advantage: the season's beautiful foliage which can automatically make your home more attractive for showings. However, you still need to do your part to keep your home looking its best. Start by sprucing up your lawn, keep falling leaves at bay with frequent raking and patch up any brown spots in the grass.

2. Appeal to the senses- As the weather cools down along the Lake Michigan Shoreline, make your home a warm, welcoming space where buyers will want to stick around. If you encourage them to stay awhile during showings, you give them more time to admire your home's best features.

3. Flaunt your fireplace- A warm, inviting fireplace is a great selling point as the weather gets cooler. Highlight this fall-friendly feature by arranging your furniture to make your fireplace a focal point. Place a mirror, artwork, vases or other tasteful decor on top of the mantel to make it even more prominent.

4. Update your listing photos- If your Lake Michigan Shoreline home was listed last winter or spring and then taken off the market, talk with your Lake Michigan Shoreline Real Estate agent about updating your home’s marketing with brand new fall shots. Pictures from the previous season make your listing seem dated.

5. Think like a buyer- Fall house hunters are looking for great deals on homes along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, so be prepared for lowball offers and possible non-serious buyers. Manage your expectations and negotiate accordingly, depending on your motivation.

6. Hire a reliable real estate professional- As if selling your home isn't stressful enough, you're probably thinking ahead for the holidays or helping the kids ease into a new school year. During this hectic season, you definitely want a great Lake Michigan Shoreline Real Estate agent to take some of the pressure of selling your home off your shoulders. If you are still searching for an agent; we’d love to help you sell your Lake Michigan Shoreline home!

7. Price it right- If you want to grab the attention of Lake Michigan Shoreline buyers in this competitive market, you need to price your home correctly from the start - possibly slightly lower than comparable homes in your neighborhood. Setting your listing price just right could lead to a bidding war, resulting in a higher sales price for you. Work with your Lake Michigan Shoreline Real Estate agent to price your home correctly.

8. Watch your timing- Put your Lake Michigan Shoreline home on the market well in advance of looking for a new home. And don't place an offer on your next home until you have solid offers on the one you have to sell now. The last thing you want to do is juggle two mortgage payments.

9. Beware of TMI (too much information)- Buyers think most sellers these days are in dire straits, so don't do anything to add to that perceived advantage and lower your potential selling price. For instance, if you are moving from the area due to a job transfer, it's best not to offer up that information or at the very least, downplay the urgency. While you are obligated to disclose everything about the property's condition, you aren't obligated to disclose your personal situation.

10. Be flexible- We are currently in a buyers market, so be willing to work with buyers to help your chances of making a quick sale. Offer to pay for closing costs or repairs, and be adaptable when it comes to showing your home and holding open houses. If you really need to sell your Lake Michigan Shoreline home, you need to accommodate buyers' busy schedules as well. This might mean opening your home on weeknights and weekends. Be flexible!

These ten key tips will give you a good foundation and insight into getting your Lake Michigan Shoreline home sold. As always, we’re here to help! Our knowledgeable Shoreline Property Advisors team and our Prudential Rubloff Real Esate agents have the experience and tools to sell your home in today’s market.

We’d love to answer any questions you have or begin walking with you through the home selling process! Feel free to contact us today! We look forward to working with you!

Shoreline Property Advisors

@ Prudential Rubloff