1237 Ashbury Lane, Libertyville IL 60048

Tucked on a treed lot in the heart of Ashbury Woods, our timeless classic brick exterior sets the tone for the exceptional home within. A sophisticated, yet comfortable, floorplan is enhanced by quality craftsmanship throughout - crown moldings, trayed ceilings, custom millwork, oak flooring, new carpet & designer lighting throughout.  Gourmet kitchen boasts brand new stainless steel appliances and  cherry cabinetry capped by new granite counters.  Two fireplaces - family room and finished English basement, which also feature a dance/exercise studio, theater room & full bath.  Master bath enjoys whirlpool tub & separate shower.  Three bedrooms, plus jack n jill bath & princess suite.  Two staircases, two laundry areas.  One great home!  $934,900

For interior photos, click on the photo below .

Think overpricing your home won't hurt your chances to sell? Think again...

You have one chance to appeal to a buyer.  One.  And that chance is usually presented on-line.  That is why staging for photos is so important.  And why pricing the home correctly at the beginning can set the course for success, or for failure.  Keeping Current Matters explains it well below :


In today’s market, where demand is outpacing supply in many regions of the country, pricing a house is one of the biggest challenges real estate professionals face. Sellers often want to price their home higher than recommended, and many agents go along with the idea to keep their clients happy. However, the best agents realize that telling the homeowner the truth is more important than getting the seller to like them.
There is no “later.”
Sellers sometimes think, “If the home doesn’t sell for this price, I can always lower it later.” However, research proves that homes that experience a listing price reduction sit on the market longer, ultimately selling for less than similar homes.
John Knight, recipient of the University Distinguished Faculty Award from the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific, actually did research on the cost (in both time and money) to a seller who priced high at the beginning and then lowered the their price. In his article, Listing Price, Time on Market and Ultimate Selling Price published in Real Estate Economics revealed:

“Homes that underwent a price revision sold for less, and the greater the revision, the lower the selling price. Also, the longer the home remains on the market, the lower its ultimate selling price.”

Additionally, the “I’ll lower the price later” approach can paint a negative image in buyers’ minds. Each time a price reduction occurs, buyers can naturally think, “Something must be wrong with that house.” Then when a buyer does make an offer, they low-ball the price because they see the seller as “highly motivated.” Pricing it right from the start eliminates these challenges.
Don’t build “negotiation room” into the price.
Many sellers say that they want to price their home high in order to have “negotiation room.” But, what this actually does is lower the number of potential buyers that see the house. And we know that limiting demand like this will negatively impact the sales price of the house.
Not sure about this? Think of it this way: when a buyer is looking for a home online (as they are doing more and more often), they put in their desired price range. If your seller is looking to sell their house for $400,000, but lists it at $425,000 to build in “negotiation room,” any potential buyers that search in the $350k-$400k range won’t even know your listing is available, let alone come see it!
One great way to see this is with the chart below. The higher you price your home over its market value, the less potential buyers will actually see your home when searching.

A better strategy would be to price it properly from the beginning and bring in multiple offers. This forces these buyers to compete against each other for the “right” to purchase your house.
Look at it this way: if you only receive one offer, you are set up in an adversarial position against the prospective buyer. If, however, you have multiple offers, you have two or more buyers fighting to please you. Which will result in a better selling situation?
The Price is Right
Great pricing comes down to truly understanding the real estate dynamics in your neighborhood. Look for an agent that will take the time to simply and effectively explain what is happening in the housing market and how it applies to your home.
You need an agent that will tell you what you need to know rather than what you want to hear. This will put you in the best possible position.

263 Aspen Pointe, Vernon Hills IL 60061

Newer maintenance-free living in Vernon Hills!  Great location is close to water park, restaurants, entertainment, major roads, schools & parks.  Island kitchen features granite counters, stainless steel appliances.  Great room with wall of sliders.  Master suite has large walk-in Elfa organized closet & spa-like bath with separate tub & shower.  Two secondary bedrooms, hall bath, den & in unit laundry room.  Two car attached garage.  $318,000 263aspenpointedr.tkmomteam.com

Click on photo below for interior pictures

This doesn't apply in all areas, however it is still positive news!

The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, and the market demand. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their latest Existing Home Sales Report.

Inventory Levels & Demand

Sales of existing homes rose 3.2% from May, outpacing year-over-year figures for the ninth consecutive month. Total unsold housing inventory is at a 5.0-month supply.
This is down from May’s 5.1-month supply and remains below the 6 months that is needed for a historically normal market.
Consumer confidence is at the highest level in over a decade. Pair that with interest rates still around 4%, new programs available for down payments as low as 3%, and you have an attractive market for buyers.
Buyer demand for housing surged to it’s highest level since June 2013.

Prices Rising

June marked the 40th consecutive month of year-over-year price gains as the median price of existing homes sold rose to $236,400 (up 6.5% from 2014).

So What Does This Mean?

The chart below shows the impact that inventory levels have on home prices.

NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun gave some insight into the correlation:

"Limited inventory amidst strong demand continues to push home prices higher, leading to declining affordability for prospective buyers."

NAR’s President, Chris Polychron added:

"The demand for buying has really heated up this summer, leading to multiple bidders and homes selling at or above asking price."

Bottom Line

If you are debating putting your home on the market in 2015, now may be the time. The number of buyers ready and willing to make a purchase is at the highest level in years. Contact a local professional in your area to get the process started.

4909 Kings Way West, Gurnee IL 60031

New England influenced Providence Village home for sale. Brick & cedar exterior, huge cul-de-sac lot. Vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances, first floor den plus large unfinished basement. $337,000

To see interior photos, click on the home below

Hair isn't the only thing that has improved since the 80's!

Can you believe how low interest rates are today, versus over the past 40 years?

4850 Kings Way West, Gurnee IL 60031

Sometimes, the little details are what turns a house into a home.  Lovingly remodeled and upgraded Providence Village colonial boasts custom millwork, redesigned kitchen with top of the line cabinetry & stainless steel appliances.  Gleaming wood floors throughout most of the first floor, and the master bedroom.  First floor den, first floor laundry room.  Cozy family room with fireplace.  Full finished basement boasts wet bar, powder bath & additional office.  $390,000

To see interior photos, click picture below: