Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Don't Miss These Events in Harbor Country This Weekend!

With the holiday season coming to a close and Valentine’s Day behind us, those of you living in Harbor Country you may be wondering how you’ll fill your time.  While we all patiently anticipate the beginning of Spring, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy life in Harbor Country!  In fact, the year round festivals and events, along with the excellent quality of life, are why many choose to settle down in this vibrant community.
As the Shoreline Property Advisors team, our goal is to be your resource for living in beautiful Harbor Country.  We not only seek to give expert guidance for those entering the Harbor Country Real Estate market, but want to provide information on how to best enjoy the Harbor Country lifestyle.  
Today, we thought we’d showcase some of the ways you can get out and enjoy Harbor Country and the surrounding area this weekend!  While you may thoroughly enjoy your Harbor Country home, you’ll want to take advantage of some of the upcoming opportunities to get out, meet neighbors and stay clear of those winter blues.  Take a look at what’s going on!
North Mississippi Allstars
Acorn Theater
107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks
www.acorntheater.com
Friday, February 17 from 8pm to 10pm
- Founded in 1996 by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, NMA Allstars brings Southern rock/blues jam band music direct from Hernando, MS.  This will be a fun evening filled with great music! 
Chocolate Classic
Harbor Country
Chocolate Classic brochure
February 1 - 29, 2012
- This sweet celebration takes place all month long at varying locations throughout Harbor Country!  There will be a variety of contests, classes and tastings that you won’t want to miss!  Here are a few of the Chocolate Classic events taking place this weekend. 
Chocolate Classic Delicacy Bake Competition & Raffle!
Sawyer Garden Center
5865 Sawyer Rd, Sawyer
www.SawyerGardenCenter.com
Saturday, February 18 from 2pm to 5pm
- Stop by the Sawyer Garden Center and sample from four area entrants for the baking competition. Vote for the best tasting and enter our raffle to win great prizes!  Throughout February, the Sawyer Garden Center will also be featuring fabulous chocolate and wine pairings!
Tasty Trifecta: Beer, Chocolate & Wine
Bentwood Tavern
600 West Water St, New Buffalo
www.bentwoodtavern.com

Saturday February 18 from 4pm to 5pm
- Enjoy premium chocolates paired with craft beer and wine while beverage experts talk you through the tasting notes. Part of the Saturday Seminar Series, it's a truly yummy way to spend an hour on a winter weekend. Admission is $6, please call 269.469.9900 for reservations.

Chocolate pairings with Art!
Craig Smith Gallery at Gordon Beach Inn
16220 Lakeshore Rd, Union Pier
www.CraigSmithGallery.com
Saturday, February 18 from 6pm to 11pm
- This evening highlights fine pairings....chocolate martinis and chocolate wine paired with cake pops, chocolate fondue! Enjoy while perusing a beautiful array of art!
Great Backyard Bird Count
Fernwood Botanical
13988 Range Line Road, Niles
www.fernwoodbotanical.org
Saturday, February 18 from 1pm to 4pm
- For those of you who love bird watching, you won’t want to miss this exciting opportunity!  Organized by the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual event to engage people from across America in citizen-science. By counting the birds you see and submitting the data, scientists can have a real-time picture of bird populations and habitats. Stop by the Nature Center to learn how to identify our common winter birds (1:00 pm) and how to feed them (3:00 pm). In between, help tally the birds at Fernwood’s feeders. 
As you can see, there are a number of ways to enjoy Harbor Country this coming weekend!  Whether you’re seeking out an evening of live music, a chance to soak in the beauty of nature or are craving chocolate; you’ll enjoy getting out and about in Harbor Country!
For those of you interested in learning more about living in Harbor Country or are interested in the current Harbor Country Real Estate market, we’re here to help!  We would love to answer any questions you have or help you navigate through the Harbor Country Real Estate market as your Harbor Country Real Estate agent.
Feel free to contact us anytime to get started! 

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

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Wednesday, February 8, 2012

12 Hidden Costs of Buying a Chicago Home!

Buying a home in Chicago can be a very exciting time, especially if you’ve been renting for a long time.  You’re ready to have a place to call your own and looking forward to all the benefits of home ownership.  Chances are, you’ve saved up for a hefty down payment and have carefully planned out your monthly budget... but are you completely prepared?
As the trusted team of advisors and Prudential Rubloff Real Estate agents at Shoreline Property Advisors, we are constantly helping people navigate their way through the Chicago Real Estate market and the financial aspect of buying a Chicago home.  We want to make sure that you’re truly prepared for all the costs that can arise that you may not have considered.  Take a few minutes to review these twelve hidden costs!
1. Home Inspection- It is a great idea to hire a professional to inspect a home before you purchase as they can bring your attention to any major or long term issues.  Let us know if you need a recommendation for a Chicago home inspector;  we’d be happy to help!

2. Pest Inspection- Buyers should consider having the wood of the home inspected for termites or other wood-destroying bugs. These inspections can run between $50-$200, but can save your home from further damage and larger costs.

3. Appraisal Fees- Before a purchase, your home must be inspected by a professional real estate appraiser as this helps lenders determine the amount of money to lend borrowers.

4. Closing Costs- At the final closing meeting in which you sign all documents, you should be prepared to pay closing costs which can be a few thousand dollars. These fees include processing fees, underwriting fees, recording, survey and title insurance fees. Many buyers roll these fees into their offer on the home and can be discussed with the seller and the participating agents. 

5. Moving Expenses- Unless you are moving down the street, you will have to be prepared for moving expenses such as renting movers, a moving truck, and any possible shipping costs depending on how far you are moving.

6. Furniture- You may come to realize that in buying a bigger home, you’ll have space to fill.  Buying additional furniture is an expense that can oftentimes be overlooked, but can be necessary in moving to your new Chicago home.  

7. Property taxes and homeowners insurance- First time home buyers should be aware that your monthly bill will not only include the loan amount plus interest, but also the property taxes and premiums for homeowners insurance, which all mortgage borrowers are required to obtain.

8. Supplemental insurance- Buyers who are purchasing a home in a flood zone may have to buy supplemental insurance. There are tools online to help determine if your home is in a flood zone or we can discuss this as you view the homes in the Chicago area that interest you. 

9. Homeowners association fees- There are many great condos in Chicago, some of which will have a monthly HOA fee. While you may not be keen on paying this additional cost, oftentimes it covers items such as trash removal, landscaping or even some utilities. 

10. Utilities- These costs vary from city to city so it’s always good to expect to see a difference in monthly bills. We can help answer questions on the average costs of utilities in the Chicago neighborhood you choose!

11. Ongoing maintenance- You may love the thought of a large backyard, but keeping in mind the cost of maintaining your yard or garden. If you are buying your first home you may not have all of the tools such as a hedge trimmer or lawn mower to keep your Chicago yard looking fresh. Also keep in mind any type of exterior or interior maintenance you noticed about your new home and factor in the additional costs.

12. Repairs- Covering all repairs tends to be one of the larger transitional points for those first time home owners. It’s wise to set aside a small amount each month to ensure that if additional repairs are required, the funds are already in place to cover the extra expense.
Are there any of these costs that were a surprise to you?  We hope that you’re now even more fully prepared to buy a home in Chicago!  It’s a large decision to buy, but we know that once you find that home that fits your needs and lifestyle; you’ll be glad you did.
If you have additional questions about buying a Chicago home or haven’t found a Chicago Real Estate agent to help you in your search; let us know!  We’d love to help you in your search and be with you throughout each step of the home buying process. 

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

6 Tips to Get Your Finances in Order Before Buying Your First Home in Evanston!

Buying a home in Evanston is an exciting endeavor, especially if you’re buying a home for the first time.  You’ve come to realize what makes Evanston such a great town and you’re ready to settle in for a while.  As you’re probably aware, the current buyers market and low interest rates are creating an ideal situation for those looking to buy an Evanston home.  
However, it can be tempting to begin looking at homes and dreaming of what your first place will have to offer before you're fully ready.  As Prudential Rubloff Evanston Real Estate agents and the trusted team of Shoreline Property Advisors, we’ve seen those who approach the Evanston Real Estate market unprepared. 
Buying an Evanston home takes preparation on the front end before you even enter the real estate market.  We thought it was important to highlight six things you can do to be sure you’re ready to begin the home buying process.  You’ll want to have your personal finances in order!
1. Check your credit report and fix any errors- Did you know that by law, you have the right to a free annual credit report?  This is something you’ll want to take advantage of as it allows you to review your report and correct any errors or outdated information.  If you do happen to find a mistake, you’ll be able to contact the corresponding credit bureau to discuss the discrepancies. 
2. Review your budget- Reviewing your monthly budget is imperative before buying an Evanston home.  You’ll want to know exactly how much money you have to work with each month and can cut any unnecessary expenses if needed.  Buying a home is a large financial decision so allowing yourself to cut down frivolous expenses in order to save more is wise.
3. Review your monthly withholdings- You may find that, by reviewing your monthly withholdings, you’re able to save more money or have more cash on hand.  Before you make any changes to your withholdings however, you will want to talk with your trusted tax advisor so you’re not stuck with owing extra money to the IRS at the end of the year. 
4.  Review your financial emergency plan- Having an emergency financial plan is almost essential before buying a home.  Most financial advisors would recommend having at least six months worth of expenses saved in case of emergencies.  Not only will this give you peace of mind, but it can provide a solid financial base that you can continue to build upon.   
5. Sign up for paperless statements- Because Evanston happens to be such an eco-conscious community, you’ll want to be sure to do your part!  While seemingly insignificant, signing up for paperless statements and paying your bills online will add up over time and can save countless trees.  
6.   Consolidate accounts- While it can be useful to have various accounts open with your bank for savings, an emergency fund, or other financial goal, it can also get tricky to keep track of which part of your paycheck is going where.  If you are finding it difficult to keep juggle these separate accounts; it’s time to consolidate. Of course you’ll want to check with your financial institution prior to ensure there aren’t any fees for canceling an account, but taking this step can keep your finances better organized. 
Our team here at Shoreline Property Advisors want to provide you with all the information you need to be successful in the Evanston Real Estate market, and we hope these tips help you get your first home buying experience off on the right foot!  
If you have additional questions about buying an Evanston home or have not yet found an Evanston Real Estate agent to help you navigate the home buying process; let us know!  We’d love to help you find your first home in Evanston!
We look forward to hearing from you!

Shoreline Property Advisors
@ Prudential Rubloff

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