Heather Lawson Real Estate http://heatherlawson.posterous.com Sycamore, Dekalb, Rochelle, Rockford Illinois and beyond posterous.com Thu, 17 May 2012 07:39:07 -0700 Belvidere Illinois Housing Report and it's looking good. http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/belvidere-illinois-housing-report-and-its-loo http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/belvidere-illinois-housing-report-and-its-loo This information was provided courtesy of the Belvidere Board of Realtors and 10K

Belvidere

Sometimes the best answers aren't right under your nose. For example, the most popular market indicator is home prices. But prices are what we call a lagging indicator, because they reflect closed sales. Leading indicators are forward-looking. Watch activity related to list price received at sale, days on market and months supply of inventory to see how sellers might be regaining their pricing power. Favorable supply-demand trends may be ticking away from the buyer for the first time in years. Moral of the story: Price is but a single picture in the gallery.

 

New Listings in the Belvidere region decreased 21.9 percent to 57. Listings Under Contract were up 100.0 percent to 50. Inventory levels shrank 32.6 percent to 244 units.

 

Prices remained under pressure. The Median Sales Price decreased 3.5 percent to $79,000. Market Times were down 18.6 percent to 142 days. The supply-demand balance stabilized as Months Supply of Inventory was down 61.3 percent to 7.8 months.

 

When monitoring residential real estate activity, it is always important to keep tabs on the overall economy and job growth. Preliminary Q1-2012 GDP growth came in at 2.2 percent, which, while disappointing to some observers and slower than Q4-2011, still signals economic expansion and not contraction. Expedited bank processing and easing lending standards are also encouraging developments.



If you have any questions about the housing market, please contact me. Thank you.

Heather Lawson,
Real Estate Managing Broker
815-627-0477
http://about.me/heatherlawson

LogoVerySmall.jpg 
 

office address: 5912 Harrison Ave. Rockford, IL 61108

MRED_BBOR_FSS_2012-04.pdf Download this file

MRED_BBOR_MMI_2012-04.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Tue, 15 May 2012 12:06:00 -0700 Closed Sales in Ogle County Illinois showing improvement http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/closed-sales-in-ogle-county-illinois-showing http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/closed-sales-in-ogle-county-illinois-showing
This information was prepared by:
Heather LawsonReal Estate Managing Broker - The Kalla Group
Office: 815-627-0477
Fax: (815) 231-8687
heatherlawsonrealestate@gmail.com
Share this chart to the web:
Ogle
Closed Sales
Rolling 12 Months
Attached & Detached Single-Family Properties

Based on data available as of May 15, 2012
All data from MRED. Powered by 10K Research and Marketing.

via mred.stats.10kresearch.com

The number of closed sales in Ogle County has risen from 180 last year to 208 this year, a 15% improvement. This is very good news. To see home listings and sales in your neighborhood, visit http://heatherlawson.listingbook.com

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Mon, 14 May 2012 11:09:00 -0700 Less stuff more happiness http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/less-stuff-more-happiness http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/less-stuff-more-happiness

I often work with clients who find themselves outgrowing their home. Sometimes these are couples who have welcomed their first child into the world, and other times it's the simple accumulation of "stuff" over time which has crowded their house.

While I'm always glad to help homeowners make the "upgrade" to a bigger home (and now is a pretty good time to buy a lot of house for comparatively little money), I'm also interested in helping them make the most of the home they have today. Given the amount of time we spend in our homes, it makes sense to work towards a clutter-free, organized, peaceful environment.

Sometimes I work with clients who find the things they own have ended up "owning them." What we own and what we actually use are often very different, and what we don't use can take up a lot of space. Have you ever calculated the usable square footage an abandoned treadmill or stationary bike takes up in a spare room or garage? 

Recently, I came across a very interesting guide to help clients and friends "unclutter" their lives. Written by Dinah Sanders, Discardia: More Life, Less Stuff is a handy way to approach the problem of a packed house (and the stresses associated it). From a review of the Discardia:

"With three key principles and numerous practical tips, Discardia helps you solve specific issues, carve away the nonsense of physical objects, habits, or emotional baggage, and uncover what brings you joy."

Whether you're looking to downsize, feel cramped in your current home, or get a sense that you could have more happiness if you had "less stuff," I recommend you check out this actionable, inspiring, (but not sappy) book. Dinah also runs a blog (http://www.discardia.com/) where you can learn more about her approach and read articles on the topic of enjoying more with less.

If you're looking to upgrade or downgrade your home, I'd be happy to help. Get in touch with me here: http://heatherlawson.listingbook.com/?&page=contact

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Mon, 07 May 2012 13:43:00 -0700 Real Estate Listing Photo disasters http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/real-estate-listing-photo-disasters http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/real-estate-listing-photo-disasters

When you're thinking about hiring a real estate agent to help you market and sell your home, it's probably a good idea to look up listing photos of homes they've represented in the past. A true real estate professional will go the extra mile to make sure there are plenty of high-quality, detailed photos to help market your home online.

At the minimum, the photos should be well-lit, the homes should be tastefully presented, and the photographs should appear professional. Less than that, and you might want to consider looking for a new agent.

There are, of course, major red flags you'll want to look for in sample listing photos. Consider some of the following:

- No owners sunbathing in the pool in Speedos.

- No attic rooms cluttered with personal massagers and ashes/dust.

- No master bedrooms with lingerie models lounging in a red velvet four-poster bed.

- No bathroom shots in which the photographer appears in her bra in the mirror.

- No pics featuring the owners engaged in questionable activities in the background.

- No creepy dolls by the fire place.

- Seriously, no creepy dolls anywhere, not even in the living room!

- No stains of murdered bodies on the bare floors.

(one of my biggest pet peeves is when you can see the side mirror of the agents car in the photo. They can't even get out of the car to take the photo?)

Now, it may sound like I'm joking, but I'm being 100% honest when I say these are flaws seen in actual listing photos represented by real agents. What's more, I can show you. 

 

See every single one of the above listing photo disasters in this slide show:

http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2012/03/05/what-not-to-do-when-selling-terr... 

 

 

Incredible, isn't it?

 

Please, whatever you do, be sure to hire an agent who takes their listing photos seriously. After all, your home is your largest investment! I'd be glad to treat it with the respect it deserves. Let me help you market your home the right way.

Heather Lawson

815-627-0477

 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Fri, 04 May 2012 11:04:00 -0700 Have you heard this story about a 14 year old girl purchasing real estate? http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/have-you-heard-this-story-about-a-14-year-old http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/have-you-heard-this-story-about-a-14-year-old

Just wanted to share something I thought was pretty incredible (and inspiring). I’m going to go out on a limb here and guess that when you were fourteen, you weren’t thinking about buying your first home. Well, believe it or not, there’s a young girl in Florida who has taken advantage of this incredible buyer’s market.

14-Year Old Becomes Homeowner and Landlord

(http://blog.sfgate.com/ontheblock/2012/03/13/florida-14-year-old-becomes-a-homeowner-and-a-landlord/)

“Instead of using her $6,000 savings to buy an iPad, Willow Tufano bought herself a distressed property. And now she’s renting it out. Willow got help from her mother, who doubled her investment. Together, the two spent $12,000 to buy a 3-bedroom Florida short sale that, in better times, was valued at $100K. Now they are partners, since Florida requires a homeowner to be at least 18 years of age, but Willow plans to buy her mother out as soon as she can so she can own the home outright when she reaches the legal age.”

Admittedly, it’s a pretty incredible story, and certainly not the norm. But right now I’m seeing a lot of market activity which suggests we’re going to see an uptick in sales and pricing. I think fear has been holding back a lot of people from seeing clear investment opportunities, and well, sometimes it takes the wisdom of a child to help us see the way!

My best, and I hope you’re well. If you are at all curious about potential properties in the area, do get in touch!

Heather Lawson

815-627-0477

http://heatherlawson.listingbook.com

 

 

 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:44:48 -0700 March 2012 Stats Reports from 10K http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/march-2012-stats-reports-from-10k http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/march-2012-stats-reports-from-10k

These stats are via the Belvidere Board of Realtors.  The market is definitely improving.

Belvidere

Let's talk about data. Navigating through a complex and fast-moving marketplace is tough work. Agents are being called upon to provide fact-based guidance in a timely fashion – and rightly so. MLS data is detailed, accurate and very much "now." It makes the magic of data-driven decision-making possible. So go ahead, channel the collective energy of your hard-earned status changes and let's see what the facts tell us about March 2012. Happy data-ing.

 

New Listings in the Belvidere region decreased 9.5 percent to 67. Listings Under Contract were up 126.1 percent to 52. Inventory levels shrank 25.3 percent to 260 units.

 

Home prices are slowly starting to turn a corner. The Median Sales Price increased 44.9 percent to $95,500. Market Times were up 51.4 percent to 179 days. Absorption rates improved as Months Supply of Inventory was down 52.6 percent to 8.6 months.

 

For better or worse – usually better – housing is closely tied to the broader economy. As much as we're in the valley of a residential real estate rebalancing act, it's important to keep tabs on economic changes. Recent improvements suggest that there may be a stirring of optimism in the center of this market. But not all submarkets will move together. "You can observe a lot just by watching." – Yogi Berra

MRED_BBOR_MMI_2012-03.pdf Download this file

MRED_BBOR_FSS_2012-03.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Thu, 12 Apr 2012 08:28:41 -0700 Real estate market report for home sold in Fairdale http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/real-estate-market-report-for-home-sold-in-fa http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/real-estate-market-report-for-home-sold-in-fa
fairdale report.pdf Download this file

I recently sold a property in Fairdale/Kirkland Illinois. Here is a market report for the area showing properties currently on the market and properties recently sold. If you ever want to know what a property sold for, just give me a call and I would be happy to look it up for you.

Heather Lawson, 

Real Estate Managing Broker
The Kalla Group
About Me

office address: 5062 Rockrose Ct. #37 Roscoe, IL 61073

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:20:00 -0700 National and local housing information updated http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/national-and-local-housing-information-update http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/national-and-local-housing-information-update

MARCH-2012 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter

Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general.

The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more.

Please click here to view the MARCH-2012 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter.

If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Tue, 20 Mar 2012 10:22:27 -0700 Boone Co. February 2012 Stats - Reports from 10K http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/boone-co-february-2012-stats-reports-from-10k http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/boone-co-february-2012-stats-reports-from-10k

Belvidere

For once, the headlines are getting it right: "Supply-side correction continues," "Home buyer demand strengthening," "Market heads toward balance." There is a very real sense that the landscape is shifting. We don't want to overstate the case this month, as this coming spring will be the bellwether. It's been plus or minus five long years since the peak of the housing bubble and the ensuing aftermath. As we delve into a new year, let's see if the first month of the sixth year brought any encouraging signs.

 

New Listings in the Belvidere region decreased 38.3 percent to 37. Listings Under Contract were up 117.6 percent to 37. Inventory levels shrank 12.2 percent to 273 units.

 

Prices softened somewhat. The Median Sales Price decreased 37.5 percent to $75,000. Market Times were up 14.3 percent to 228 days. Absorption rates improved as Months Supply of Inventory was down 33.1 percent to 10.2 months.

 

No one likes feeling stuck. The fate of housing and the economy remain tied together in a single garment of destiny. As long as housing remains weak, many Americans are unable to relocate when an employment opportunity arises. Instead, they're anchored to a house that's underwater. Several key efforts aimed at easing refinancing, converting vacant properties to rentals and getting some private equity in the game are all reasons to stay alert and informed.


Information via

 

Rachel Vinciguerra
Association Executive
Belvidere Board of REALTORS
215 N. State St.
Belvidere, IL  61008

MRED_BBOR_MMI_2012-02.pdf Download this file

MRED_BBOR_FSS_2012-02.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:18:40 -0700 KRSW Preferred Vendor Program - Two Men and A Truck - March Issue http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/krsw-preferred-vendor-program-two-men-and-a-t http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/krsw-preferred-vendor-program-two-men-and-a-t
From our friends at Two Men and a Truck:

This month I would like to share with you an article that focuses on helping to ease children into the moving process. Along with the ‘Day of the Move’ boxes we offer, we do also have a special children’s box- ‘Truckie’s Treasure Chest’.

 

Image006

TRUCKIE'S TREASURE CHEST

 

Here is an example of the children's box we offer to families at the Rockford, IL TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® location. Children love to decorate them and fill them with their favorite stuffed animal or blanket or other items that are sentimental to them.

 

 Nicole Christensen

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®

7214 N Alpine Rd

Loves Park, IL 61111

815.633.3600

nicole.christensen@twomen.com

 

 

helping kids ease into the moving process.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:33:18 -0800 Down Payment Plus Program is back! Could you use $8000? http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/down-payment-plus-program-is-back-could-you-u http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/down-payment-plus-program-is-back-could-you-u
DPP Flyer Hoefle Team.pdf Download this file

Thanks to Steve and Michele Hoefle from Midwest Community Bank for sharing this with us!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please find attached an updated flyer for the Down Payment Plus Program.   The Down Payment Plus programs offers $8,000 in down payment assistance to our buyers.    See attached flyer for specific details.

 

FYI - The program does NOT require you to be a first time home buyer. 

 

Also, many of you have asked about the repayment of the $8,000.  The $8,000 is forgiveable after 5 years.   If the home is sold within the first 5 years for a net gain, the borrower must repay from the gain a pro-rata share of the grant.

 

The income limits for Winnebago and Boone Counties are:

 

1 person        $36,050

2 person        $41,200

3 person        $46,350

4 person        $51,450

5 person        $55,600

6 person        $59,700

7 person        $63,800

8 person        $67,950

 

We recommend 30 days for loan commitment dates and 45 days for closing.   Of course, we will do our best to accomodate shorter time frames but as a rule PLEASE try to set your dates as noted above.

 

Lastly, as a reminder the funds are not currently available at this time but should be rolled out Mid March.   We will be sure to update you as soon as they are available.   In the interim if you should have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

The Hoefle Team

Steve 815-238-8830

Michele 815-990-0506

 

 

 

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Fri, 02 Mar 2012 14:44:35 -0800 Coupon for you from Advanced Chimney Systems http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/coupon-for-you-from-advanced-chimney-systems http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/coupon-for-you-from-advanced-chimney-systems

-351589397

Do you have a chimney that needs to be swept or needs inspection? Please use this coupon for your service from Advanced Chimney Systems In Rockford Illinois and save $20.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Tue, 28 Feb 2012 11:29:09 -0800 10 tips for home selling http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/10-tips-for-home-selling http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/10-tips-for-home-selling
HANDOUT-Trulia-Corbett-Top_Sins_of_Sellers.pdf Download this file

This handout from Trulia has some excellent advice for selling your home and getting your home ready to sell. I hope you find it to be of value. The margin between a home sitting on the market and a home selling is very small in this market. There is some tough competition out there. Be sure you are prepared.

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Thu, 23 Feb 2012 10:46:15 -0800 Two Men and A Truck - Fun moving information and packing tips http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/two-men-and-a-truck-fun-moving-information-an http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/two-men-and-a-truck-fun-moving-information-an I would like to share a little information regarding the packing services TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®.  We offer packing services at an hourly rate of $62/hour for two trained and insured packers; boxes and supplies are separate. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK® offers a wide selection of competitively priced moving boxes and packing supplies, including packing tape, packing paper, paper moving pads, bubble wrap and stretch wrap, and more all available at our office for purchase. We'll not only deliver your boxes and supplies FREE of charge in the greater Rockford area, we'll also give you a full refund for any boxes you don't use.

 

If you have any questions about our company or our services, please call us at 815-633-3600.  

 

Nicole Christensen
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®
7214 N Alpine Rd
Loves Park, IL 61111
 


Ten Excuses to Get Out of Packing.pdf Download this file

Packing Tips.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Mon, 20 Feb 2012 08:36:43 -0800 Boone County and Belvidere January 2012 Stats Reports from 10K http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/boone-county-and-belvidere-january-2012-stats http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/boone-county-and-belvidere-january-2012-stats This information comes from 
Rachel Vinciguerra
Association Executive
Belvidere Board of REALTORS
215 N. State St.
Belvidere, IL  61008
815-544-2719  fax 815-531-1076
bbor1@frontier.com

Here are the Stats for January '12 for Belvidere

 

Belvidere

For once, the headlines are getting it right: "Supply-side correction continues," "Home buyer demand strengthening," "Market heads toward balance." There is a very real sense that the landscape is shifting. We don't want to overstate the case this month, as this coming spring will be the bellwether. It's been plus or minus five long years since the peak of the housing bubble and the ensuing aftermath. As we delve into a new year, let's see if the first month of the sixth year brought any encouraging signs.

 

New Listings in the Belvidere region decreased 38.3 percent to 37. Listings Under Contract were up 117.6 percent to 37. Inventory levels shrank 12.2 percent to 273 units.

 

Prices softened somewhat. The Median Sales Price decreased 37.5 percent to $75,000. Market Times were up 14.3 percent to 228 days. Absorption rates improved as Months Supply of Inventory was down 33.1 percent to 10.2 months.

 

No one likes feeling stuck. The fate of housing and the economy remain tied together in a single garment of destiny. As long as housing remains weak, many Americans are unable to relocate when an employment opportunity arises. Instead, they're anchored to a house that's underwater. Several key efforts aimed at easing refinancing, converting vacant properties to rentals and getting some private equity in the game are all reasons to stay alert and informed.

 

 

 

 


MRED_BBOR_MMI_2012-01.pdf Download this file

MRED_BBOR_FSS_2012-01.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Sun, 19 Feb 2012 10:26:00 -0800 Price reduced to $29,900! http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/price-reduced-to-29900 http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/price-reduced-to-29900

House and 3 lots included

Property is located in the small town of Fairdale. Sits at the end of the street. Rural location. Home needs work, must see during daylight hours as electricity is turned off at this time. Property has three lots with a total of 1.16 acres. One parcel is zoned Agriculture and the other two parcels are zoned RC-2. Taxes reflect house and one parcel only. There is also a small outbuilding that could be used as a garage. Lots of room for a garden and RV or semi trailer. Text 136298 to(815) 569-4117 for more info sent to your mobile device.

Property Photos

Property photo

Property photo

Property photo

Property photo

Property photo

See large property pictures

Location

Map of 32303 West St., Fairdale, IL 60146, USA

32303 West St.

Fairdale, IL 60146

Detailed Maps
Driving Directions
Local Schools
Walkability

via listings.realbird.com

My friend really needs to sell this property. Please share this listing with anyone you know that can help. Thank you very much!

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:20:00 -0800 Back on the market, buyers got cold feet. Who would like to invest in some real estate? http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/back-on-the-market-buyers-got-cold-feet-who-w http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/back-on-the-market-buyers-got-cold-feet-who-w

Huge home, small price

Nice Home with Victorian styling. Sold as-is. Would make excellent investment property. Especially with Northern Illinois University in Dekalb. Why pay for a dorm room? Invest in real estate instead. Huge eat-in kitchen, separate dining room, fenced back yard, 3 stories with a bathroom on each level. One bath needs to be finished. 6 bedrooms! Lots of potential. Great for a large family, lots of room. Text M to 8155694117 to receive property info to your mobile device. (if you have a text signature, be sure to remove it before sending the text or it will not work)

Property Photos

Property photo

Property photo

Property photo

Property photo

Property photo

See all 17 large pictures in the photos gallery

Location

Map of 605 4TH ST, S, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA

via listings.realbird.com

Single property website address is http://dekalbhome.RealBird.com
Like the page to get Facebook updates and feel free to share the page with anyone you know who may be interested in this great property.

Have a wonderful day!
Heather Lawson, Broker
Keller Williams Realty Signature
815-627-0477

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:22:40 -0800 December 2011 Market Stats Reports http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/december-2011-market-stats-reports http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/december-2011-market-stats-reports
 Here are the stat reports from 10K for Boone County, Dec. 2011. supplied by the Belvidere board of Realtors

 

Belvidere

There's no way to be certain what 2012 will bring. However, a few things do seem clear enough to make some assessments. First, 2011 was not the recovery year it was expected to be. It was yet another "transition year" for most. Second, multi-decade low mortgage rates and suppressed home prices coalesced to form an attractive purchase environment. And buyers did just what their name implies. This has driven down inventory levels in many locales, which – thirdly – nudged the market balance toward equilibrium. Here's how the final month of 2011 concluded the year.

 

New Listings in the Belvidere region decreased 17.8 percent to 37. Listings Under Contract were up 64.3 percent to 23. Inventory levels shrank 10.4 percent to 302 units, extending the signature trend of 2011.

 

Home prices finished the year on an up note. The Median Sales Price increased 4.5 percent to $81,000. Market Times increased 32.5 percent to 187 days. Absorption rates improved as Months Supply of Inventory was down 27.5 percent to 12.0 months.

 

Ultimately, the upcoming spring market should be a major tell about the future direction of housing. Sellers are seeing multiple-offer situations; buyers are seeing sub-4.0 percent loans; supply-demand trends are more balanced. When it gets down to it, that's a stable foundation and a far cry from 2009. While the fundamentals are better, the foreclosure situation and political unknowns remain wildcards. For now, enjoy the fresh canvas.


MRED_BBOR_MMI_2011-12.pdf Download this file

MRED_BBOR_FSS_2011-12.pdf Download this file

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Thu, 19 Jan 2012 12:32:00 -0800 Approved short sales http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/approved-short-sales http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/approved-short-sales

Here is some insider information. This is a list of homes that are APPROVED short sales. This means they can be sold with no waiting. They can be closed as soon as your loan or funds are ready!

Listing # 61472: 6659 Louden, Loves Park JUST REDUCED to $109,900 - VERY nice property! Very well kept and very clean - nothing wrong with it at all! It has an exposed lower level which is partially completed (bedroom and a rec room with bar in lower level).

Listing #62615: 4795 Artina Ct., Rockford $74,900 - Nice tri-level on a corner lot with fenced back yard. Needs new carpet in the lower level which you will receive a credit for at closing.

Listing #67094: 2820 Bavarian Lane, Rockford $46,900 - Ranch home with 2.0 attached garage. This house needs some work but could be lived in the way it is or it would make a great rental. Lower level is partially finished. 

Listing #64890: 32303 West St. Fairdale/Kirkland $34,900 - The lot is a great size - very large. The house is a rehab. Lots of potential for this property.

Listing #65057: 2401 Woodfern Way, Rockford $89,900 - The house could use some TLC. The owners have not completed some of their 'do-it-yourself' projects but the house is priced to take it into consideration. It's a ranch on a corner lot with a fenced in backyard. Anyone who puts some work into this one will have great equity when it's completed because the homes in that area that have been redone are selling much higher. It's a nice house in a great area at a very nice price.

Contact me if you would like more information on any of these listings. Or pass on this information to a friend.

Sincerely,

Heather Lawson, Broker Associate

815-627-0477

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:15:00 -0800 Top Forgotten Items During a Move http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/top-forgotten-items-during-a-move http://heatherlawson.posterous.com/top-forgotten-items-during-a-move

The chaos of moving day is a prime time to forget or misplace essential items.  When 

youʼre preparing for the big move to your new home, the following items are some of 

the most overlooked (and the most sorely missed in a time of need!).

To prevent the hassle and heartbreak of forgotten possessions and lost information, 

make a check list containing the following items:

1. Jewelry, watches, and small valuables:  These small, expensive and often 

irreplaceable items are best kept in a safe deposit box or kept with trustworthy 

friends or relatives on moving day.

2. Garage door opener:  The old one wonʼt be of much use at your new house, will it? 

Be sure to leave it behind for the new owners.  Also, make sure the old owners of 

your new house give you theirs!

3. Spare keys:  Sets to your old house should remain with the new owners, but donʼt 

forget sets to the new house!  Thereʼs nothing more frustrating than arriving at your 

new place without a way to get in.

4. Old address books:  Yes, we all have fancy new smartphones, but it seems like 

families all have a well-worn phone book stashed in a spice drawer somewhere.  

These are practically family heirlooms of information, so donʼt leave them behind.

5. Unfinished errands:  Do you have any clothes at the dry cleaner?  Books due to the 

library?  What about other video game or DVD rentals?  It can be a real hassle to 

settle up on these items from 100 miles away, right?

6. Medical records:  While a lot of medical information is digital these days, you should 

make sure you donʼt misplace your copies, including dental information and 

prescriptions.  Itʼs easy to lose them at the bottom of a hastily thrown-away box.

 

I make sure my clientsʼ experience selling their old home and moving into their new 

dream home is a smooth transition. If youʼre interested in a hassle-free home selling 

experience, please get in touch today.

Sincerely,

Heather Lawson, Broker

Keller Williams Realty Signature

815-627-0477

heatherlawsonrealestate@gmail.com

Permalink | Leave a comment  »

]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1029789/Lawson_Heather_1247241469649.jpg http://posterous.com/users/he6XImD17awEq Heather Lawson Broker and Technology Coordinator Heather Lawson