Friday, May 29, 2015

YOUR HOME'S FRONT DOOR SHOULD BE INVITING


Clean and simple color palette. Windows, posts and urns are symmetrically linked together by a rich, deep blue on the front door.

The famous red door is a bold statement for a front door, invites visitors into the home.

Don't be afraid to try a color outside of the basic black and brown front door. Lime Green is the new color trend. It enhances your landscaping with it's striking green.
Mediterranean style front door adds character with it's sea blue color. My favorite thing about this door: it has windows, allowing additional light into the home.

Mediterranean style front door adds character with it's sea blue color. My favorite thing about this door: it has windows, allowing additional light into the home.
Dazzling red rose vine absorbs the sun and cradles the radiant red front door to the home. A six panel door adds depth along with the mail slot in the middle.

The classic farm screen door combined with a Prairie style main door painted with a dazzling lime green creates a charming porch entrance to the home.

Thought you needed a solid a color on the exterior of your home before you painted the front door? No you don't. This brick exterior absorbs the lime green color, while enhanced with black trim, porch railings and mailbox. Elegant!

Azure blue stable doors with transom windows nestled amidst weathered stone exterior offers a enticing entrance.

Always test several paints/stains on the exterior of your home before you paint it. It can be the difference between stunning and OMG! Forest green compliments the cocoa green wood door. Small pergola offers coverage during rainy days.

5 STEPS FOR A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ~ STEP 1


CONGRATULATIONS! You've decided to go for it and want to purchase a home. Buying a home can be thrilling and nerve-wracking at the same time, especially for a first-time home buyer. It's difficult to know exactly what to expect. The learning curve can be steep, but most of the issues can be resolved by doing a little financial homework at the outset. With mortgage interest rates at an all time low, purchasing a home today, can be much less than a monthly rental payment.
FOLLOW THESE 5 STEPS TO HELP MAKE THE PROCESS GO SMOOTHLY
CHECK YOUR CREDIT:
The home buyer's credit score is among the most important factors when it comes to qualifying for a loan these days. The standards are higher in terms of what credit score you need and how it affects the cost of the loan. To get a sense of where your credit stands, go to AnnualCreditReport.com to get your free credit report from each of the three credit bureaus. Scour the reports for mistakes, unpaid accounts or collection accounts. Just because you pay everything on time every month doesn't mean your credit is stellar. The amount of credit you're using relative to your available credit limit, or your credit utilization ratio, can sink a credit score.
The lower the utilization rate, the higher your score will be. Ideally, first-time home buyers would have a lot of credit available, with less than a third of it used. Repairing damaged credit takes time -- and money, if you owe more than lenders would prefer to see relative to your income. Begin the process at least six months before shopping for a home.
~PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR/BROKER
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

5 STEPS FOR A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ~ STEP 2


EVALUATE YOUR ASSETS & LIABILITIES:
So you don't owe too much money and your payments are up to date. But how do you spend your money? Do you have piles of money left over every month, or are you on a shoestring budget? A first-time homebuyer should have a good idea of what is owed and what is coming in. You should understand a little bit about monthly cash flow. "If I were a first-time homebuyer and I wanted to do everything right, I would probably try to track my spending for a couple of months to see where my money was going."
Additionally, buyers should have an idea of how lenders will view their income, and that requires becoming familiar with the basics of mortgage lending. For instance, some professionals, such as the self-employed or straight-commission salesperson, may have a more difficult time getting a loan these days than others. Gone are the days of the no-doc loan, thanks to the abuses of the glory days. A stated income loan was available to non-W-2 wage earners in previous years, but today's standards are much more stringent. The self-employed or independent contractor will need a solid two years' earnings history to show.
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR/BROKER
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

5 STEPS FOR A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ~ STEP 3


ORGANIZE DOCUMENTS:
When applying for mortgages, Home Buyers must document their income and taxes. Typically, mortgage lenders will request two recent pay stubs, the previous two years' W-2s, tax returns and the past two months of bank statements, every page, even the blank ones. "Why does it have to be every single last page, I don't know. I think they look for nonsufficient funds or odd money in or out. Buying a home can take a long time, but knowing what you need and where to find it can save time when you're ready. Each Mortgage Lender has their own requirements for documents.
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR/BROKER
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

5 STEPS FOR A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ~ STEP 4


QUALIFY YOURSELF WITH A LENDER:
First-time homebuyers should know how much they can afford to spend before viewing homes. A mortgage lender can qualify a Buyer by calculating their debt-to-income ratio and factoring in a down payment. Buyers should have a good idea of what they can afford, both upfront and monthly, when it comes to their home. Though there's not a fixed debt-to-income ratio that lenders require, the old standard dictates that no more than 28 percent of your gross monthly income be devoted to housing costs. This percentage is called the front-end ratio. The back-end ratio shows what portion of income covers all monthly debt obligations. Lenders prefer the back-end ratio to be 36 percent or less, but some borrowers get approved with back-end ratios of 45 percent or higher.
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR/BROKER
COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE

5 STEPS FOR A FIRST TIME HOME BUYER ~ STEP 5


FIGURE OUT YOUR DOWN PAYMENT:
It takes effort to scrape together the down payment. There are programs that can assist buyers with qualifying incomes and situations. Speak with a Mortgage Lenders when starting the process. There are loans available for as little as 5% and 10% down. For these loans, there will be an additional monthly charge for Private Mortgage Insurance. The State of Illinois has programs available to incent 1st time Home Buyers to purchase a home, as much as a $5,000 rebate.

The Spring Season for selling and buying homes is upon us. For home owners who are considering selling your home, please call me for a complimentary market analysis. If you are a Home Buyer and are considering purchasing a home, I can be your guide to help you navigate the market effortlessly.
~PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR/BROKER
COLDWELL BANKER

Friday, May 22, 2015

JUST LISTED: 2927 SUMMIT AVE, HIGHLAND PARK, IL ~ OPEN SUNDAY: MAY 24TH, 1-3 PM


Classic mid-century modern home offers open, spacious floor plan with tons of storage. Poised on extra deep lot in prime location, you will be amazed by the sun filled Family Room addition with floor to ceiling windows, partial, finished basement, hardwood floors thru out the home. Lovingly maintained: new furnace & AC (2015), new windows, insulation, garage doors, stainless steel fridge & dishwasher (2012). So much home for the $!

Stop by on Sunday, May 24th, 1-3PM to tour this spacious home! Private appointments available.

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS.*


THE NORTH SHORE OF ILLINOIS
........................................Units...DAYS on MARKET...Median Sold $.........TOTAL SOLD
Condo’s/Town Homes.....146.…............82....…................$187,000.................$34,633,356
Single Family……….......268…...........113........................$478,250….............$158,147,090
TOTAL…………………414….…......102…………........$360,000……..…...$192,780,436
RENTALS
…………....................Units..... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $....TOTAL VOLUME
.........................................131.................51...……….…… $2,100…………….$325,954

APRIL 1 – 30, 2014
TOTALS………………399……….......81………..……..$345,000………….$188,169,444
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

This Data Includes the Following Areas: Deerfield, Bannockburn, Riverwoods, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Glencoe, Glenview/Golf, Mundelein/Ivanhoe, Vernon Hills/Indian Creek, Winnetka and Buffalo Grove, Illinois.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois

PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR WINNETKA, Illinois.


WINNETKA, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes...........4...................198.……...................$452,500..............$1,745,500
Single Family…...............14...................105............................$1,332,500...........$21,992,000

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
............................................4....................16.........…...….........$3,625…….…….$14,025
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, Il.


VERNON HILLS/INDIAN CREEK, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes.........23.....................53.……...................$140,000..............$4,373,536
Single Family…...............18.....................80............................$379,875..............$6,804,550

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
..........................................17....................27.........…...….........$1,850…….…….$31,735
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR NORTHBROOK, Illinois.


NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes.........20.....................87.……...................$325,750..............$6,880,072
Single Family…...............34...................117............................$528,500..............$20,809,850

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
..........................................12....................68.........…...….........$2,425…….…….$32,695
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, Il


MUNDELEIN/IVANHOE, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes.........19...................102.……...................$137,000..............$2,775,430
Single Family…...............33.....................93............................$247,000..............$8,800,750

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
............................................9....................47.........…...….........$1,500…….…….$14,919
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LINCOLNSHIRE, Illinois.


LINCOLNSHIRE, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes...........2...................199.……...................$302,250..............$604,500
Single Family…...............10...................180............................$512,000..............$5,673,000

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
............................................0......................0.........…...….........$0…….……….....$0
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com

APRIL 1 – APRIL 30, 2015: SOLD & RENTAL DATA FOR LAKE FOREST, Illinois.


LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS
....................................Units…...DAYS on MARKET…….Median Sold $..........TOTAL SOLD
Condos/Townhomes...........6.....................56.……...................$446,250..............$2,310,500
Single Family…...............19...................139............................$707,500..............$16,161,704

RENTALS:…............Units....... DAYS on MARKET…….Median Rental $........ VOLUME
............................................7....................84.........…...….........$3,000.……….....$23,350
Data provided by 2015 MRED, LLC, not Guaranteed. Fair Housing Compliant.

The Real Estate Market is once again shifting and homes are selling quickly…very quickly. Many people have been waiting for just the right moment to make a move, your time maybe now. Home demand is high. Inventory remains low. Home values are increasing. Mortgage rates are still low.
Considering buying or selling a home? “Experience the Difference”, and call me today for your private consultation.
Providing exemplary service to Lake & Cook Counties, Illinois
PAM DEVENDORF, REALTOR at Coldwell Banker. Direct: (847) 681-4143, pam.devendorf@cbexchange.com