Archive for the ‘The Art of Real Estate’ Category

Hinsdale, Illinois

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009

With its topnotch schools, wealth of parks and recreation venues, and a raft of other excellent facilities and services, it’s no wonder that Hinsdale, IL homes doesn’t fail to attract buyers. Hinsdale, IL homes generally appeal to a wide demographic, but are particularly popular with families and those who have the means to lead an executive lifestyle.

The schools in Hinsdale’s District 181 and District 86 are one of the reasons why the village is the relocation magnet that it is. District 181 is made up of nine elementary and middle schools serving not just Hinsdale, but also Clarendon Hills and portions of Oak Brook, Burr Ridge and Willowbrook. All of the district’s schools feature regularly in yearly rankings of the state’s top 25 and top 50 schools. Average scores in state and nationwide achievement tests for District 181 are in the 90th percentile and above.

At District 86, which is comprised of Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South high schools, an impressive 97 percent of graduates go on to pursue higher education. Standard & Poor’s has recognized the district to be one of 69 academic outperformers in the state and both high schools have been included in Newsweek magazine’s ranking of the top 1,000 high schools in the country.

Clearly, providing their children with the best education possible is one of the top priorities of most owners of Hinsdale, IL  homes. Should you need more information about schools in the area, as well as Village of Hinsdale real estate, please don’t hesitate to contact your Hinsdale Realtor, Carla Steuck. A seasoned Realtor and longtime resident of the area, Carla is actively involved in the community and is a parent herself. She can provide you with in-depth information on the public school system, private schools, daycares and pre-schools based on research and personal experience.

Apart from the easy commute to and from Chicago and the excellence of the community’s schools, the Village of Hinsdale offers something that is a result of a harmonious blend of these and other varying elements – a quality of life that’s simply beyond compare. Take a look at Hinsdale, IL homes and let your Hinsdale Realtor, Carla Steuck, introduce you to everything that this exceptional community has to offer.

Enjoying yourself and spending quality time with your family is easy to do in Hinsdale, just ask your Hinsdale Realtor. The village has many strategically located parks as well as a choice selection of country clubs, health clubs, private clubs and fitness centers located in and near the community. The Ruth Lake Country Club features a par-71, 18-hole regulation length golf course, as does the Hinsdale Golf Club (which is technically in Clarendon Hills).  

The parks are equipped with facilities for ice skating, tennis, soccer, swimming, baseball and a host of other sports and activities. The 52-acre Katherine Legge Memorial Park and Lodge not only provides scenic views, it’s also where you’ll find the Hinsdale Center for the Arts, a designated “Established Regional Arts Institution” and host of a variety of cultural programs throughout the year.

Hinsdale also has its own hospital, Hinsdale Hospital, which was founded in 1904 and was DuPage County’s first medical center. A state-of-the-art 462-bed facility staffed by more than 500 physicians, the hospital is one of the most highly regarded in the region today.

Come to Hinsdale and see why this community has become one of the most sought-after in Chicagoland. Consult with Hinsdale Realtor Carla Steuck and let her help you make the move. Carla can be contact on her cell at 630-842-8812 anytime for more information.

The Art of Relationships in Real Estate Sales

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

The art of the relationship is the power of communication with constant updates.  When we work together you can expect smooth sailing, peace of mind and a feeling of security throughout your real estate sales transaction. Being a REALTOR means more to me than selling homes.  It’s about people, families and their hopes and dreams.  For a relationship based on trust, knowledge and expertise when buying or selling your next home, give me a call on my cell at 630-842-8812 or email me at Carla@CarlaSteuck.com. I look forward to hearing from you!

2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach

As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed legislation that grants a tax credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers.

Here is more information about how the 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit can help prospective home buyers become part of the American dream.

Who Qualifies?

First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.

To qualify as a “first-time home buyer” the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?

The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?

The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer’s tax credit is determined by two factors:

The price of the home—the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.

The buyer’s income—single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000—may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)’ Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?

Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.

The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income—over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?

No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

The Art in Buying Real Estate: Think about its Location.

Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009

In real estate the term “Location Location Location” is very common. A home in a high demand location will always represent a greater market value than a comparable home in a less desirable location. Buyers who choose to pay top dollar for a select property ususally choose homes priced in the top ten percent of the market in the finest locations.  Locations that offer outstanding recreational opportunities in natural surroundings, close proximity to boutiques and shopping malls, nice restaurants, spas and cultural venues, or some kind of view are strong preferences among homebuyers in high end markets. The best locations offer the best real estate inventment potential. Keep that in mind the next time you’re selecting your next home or investment property.  For real estate advice based on experience and trust give me a call at 630-842-8812.

Why Choose a Tech-Savvy Agent?

Saturday, May 16th, 2009

When you choose a real estate agent, you’re selecting someone to represent you in one of the largest financial transactions you may ever undertake.As the Internet continues to simplify the way people research buying and selling homes, there are many good reasons to choose an agent who can harness the power of technology to provide you with exceptional service, including:
· Sending up-to-date information by email for you to review at your convenience.
· Providing you with an online home evaluation to stay on top of current market value.
· Emailing new home listings to you as soon as desirable properties hit the market.
· Delivering e-newsletters to keep you informed about market trends and other important matters.
· Showcasing your home on the Web to help you sell it for top dollar.
Whether you’re thinking about buying or selling or simply want to stay informed about the real estate market, using new technology helps me consistently provide you with timely information and outstanding service.

Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if I can help you.

Sincerely,

Carla A. Steuck, Broker Associate, CRS, GRI, e-pro
Crawford Group Sothebys, Hinsdale, IL
(630) 842-8812 cell
Carla@CarlaSteuck.com

http://www.HinsdaleLiving.com

The Art of Pricing – Pricing is the KEY

Sunday, November 2nd, 2008

According to a recent report, nearly two-thirds of potential buyers use the Internet to refine their home search.  Broker Web sites let buyers browse by house size, style, area, and price.  Because many buyers look only at those homes within their price range, it’s important to accurately price your home for the market. The higher a home’s price above market, the fewer the number of interested buyers, and the longer it will take to sell. The key to selling your home quickly at the greatest return is to price it at market value right from the start. A fairly priced home will capitalize on the flurry of buyer interest a home enjoys during its first few weeks on the market. Please don’t hesitate to call or email me if you would like a free market analysis of your property. I would be happy to come by and take a look at your home. If I can provide you with additional information, please don’t hesitate to call.

Carla A. Steuck, Broker Associate, CRS, GRI, e-pro
Crawford Group Sothebys, Hinsdale, IL
(630) 842-8812 cell
Carla@CarlaSteuck.com

http://www.HinsdaleLiving.com

The Art of Staging

Tuesday, October 21st, 2008

I have found from experience that the activity during the first two weeks a home is on the market tends to predict how long it will take to sell. Potential buyers eagerly jump on new homes on the market.Here are some “staging” tips you might find helpful:
* Keep your home in “show shape.” Make sure that beds are made, dishes are in the dishwasher or put away, everything is picked up, and the kitchen and bathrooms sparkle.
* Decorate with fresh flowers. Many home sellers use potted flowering plants that last much longer than cut flowers. Place them inside and out. They really add cheer!
* Turn on lights; replace all burned-out bulbs. Open blinds and draperies. Let the natural light in.
* Confine pets and keep them out of sight when possible. They can be distracting, and some people have allergies.
* Create a relaxed atmosphere with soft background music.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or email me.
Sincerely,

Carla A. Steuck, Broker Associate, CRS, GRI, e-pro
Crawford Group Sothebys, Hinsdale, IL
(630) 842-8812 cell
Carla@CarlaSteuck.com

http://www.HinsdaleLiving.com