10 Reasons to List Your Home During the Holidays

1. People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers!

2. Inventory drops during the holiday season, meaning less competition for your home.

3. Houses show better when decorated for the holidays!

4. Buyers are more emotional during the holidays and more likely to pay asking price.

5. Buyers have more time to house-hunt during the holidays!

6. Some people must buy before year-end for tax purposes.

7. Many people start new jobs in January... those new to the area will be house-hunting before they start.

8. You can be on the market and still have the option to restrict showings during the days you are celebrating at home.

9. You can sell now at a better price and provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.

10. By selling now, you have the opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring when there are more houses on the market for you to choose from!

Ideal for Investors!

For anyone who has ever considered living or investing in the South Loop, I have a great deal for you. The Hanover Companies has created a very innovative program for real estate investors who want to purchase property in an area for use or sale at a later date who don't want to worry about finding and managing a renter. Their solution works for all parties involved. Here's how it works:

The Hanover Companies finds condo developers who are in financial trouble - those who need to SELL their condo units QUICKLY or else sink into even muddier waters. Hanover then strikes a deal with the developer to buy a bulk number of their condo units at a hugely discounted price. Hanover then turns around and sells to investors like you or I at going market rates. The incentive to you, however is such:

-Hanover will guarantee to rent your unit for TWO YEARS at a rental amount which generally covers your mortgage.

-Hanover PAYS YOUR PROPERTY TAXES

-Hanover PAYS YOUR ASSESSMENTS

-Hanover PAYS YOUR UTILITY BILLS (gas, water, sewer, cable)

-Hanover PAYS YOUR LEASING & MANAGEMENT FEES

-Hanover PAYS YOUR CLOSING COSTS

-Hanover gives you a TWO YEAR home warranty. For instance, say the furnace dies - it's covered. The ice maker in the freezer goes bezerk - it's covered. Etc. No worries to you.

This program is available in MANY developments throughout the country - Florida, Arizona, Vegas, Minnesota, and now CHICAGO! The Chicago development is called Vision on State at 1255 S State Street (State and Roosevelt), the heart of the South Loop and just steps away from public transportation and right next to a grocery store. There are 1 & 2 bedroom units available between $290,000 - $410,000. Parking is also available separately. These units are brand new (just finished in June), with granite counter tops, hard wood floors, balconies, washer/dryer hookups, and GREAT VIEWS. The building features a fitness room, business center, dog run, high speed internet access, and 24 hour doorman. There is availability up to the 19th floor. If you have any interest in the Chicago units, or others nationwide, contact me. Don't forget what an investment this might be if Chicago gets the 2016 Olympics where many of the events will be hosted VERY close to this location! See a picture from one of the units below.

Contact me for more information or to schedule a viewing of the available units!

OK, so a few questions you may ask:

Q: Do I have to use one of Hanover's lenders to qualify for this program? A: NO! You can use the lender of your choice. However, Hanover does have lenders you can work with if you like - you can get financing up to 90% with them.

Q: How do I know if the rental amount will cover my mortgage? A: The rental amount paid to you monthly = 8% of your purchase price divided by 12. This is USUALLY enough to cover your mortgage. Check with your lender to be sure.

Q: What happens after the 2 year program is over? A: From the start, the condo you purchase is yours. Hanover is only the tenant and does not have any ownership rights. After the 2 years is over, you can work with the current renter to continue renting the unit, you can use the unit yourself, or you can sell the unit. It's YOURS... do whatever you like with it.

Q: Can I get out of the program at any point? A: YES, however you must give Hanover 3 months advance notice for lease cancellation; some minor stipulations apply.

Q: They really pay my property taxes and assessments? A: YES. Taxes are paid at 1.5% of purchase price and assesments are paid. Simple as that.

Q: Are prices on the condos negotiable? A: Given that these are competitive going-market rates, the prices set by Hanover are not negotiable if you want to be a part of this program. Contact me if you'd like to see comparable properties in the market.

Q: What if I want to buy one of the condos but I don't want to participate in the 2 year program? A: You can still purchase through Hanover for 12% cash back at closing, should you choose not to take part of the rental program. Or, you can submit an offer to the developer. Contact me for more information.

Pocket Puppies

So for the past 6 months or so I have had what some would call a large obsession with very small puppies. The ones that are like 1 pound. Especially yorkies. So, a couple of weeks ago I found what is now my new favorite store right in Lincoln Park. It is actually called Pocket Puppies Boutique and sells the fiesty little animals, along with all of the clothing you could possibly want to pamper your pooch like a real child. My favorite dog I saw there was a 10 week old yorkie that was 12 ounces!! It had already been sold, so much to my despair, I could not hold it. It was, however, sold for $2500, so I can see why its owner wouldn't want strangers tampering with its delicate little body. There were plenty of others available to hold, however. And hold I did.

The location of Pocket Puppies is at 2479 N Clark. For those unfamiliar with this Lincoln Park area, you should know that if you need to shop, this is a great place to go. I also noticed that there is a new coat outlet that just opened up on Clark, just south of Diversey. This place had coats galore and I will definitely be making another trip there now that I'm starting to remember how cold it gets in the winter here.

It's not just puppies and coats you can find on North Clark - you have plenty of boutiques, restaurants, shoe stores, purse stores, you name it.

And don't forget the best hangover brunch joint in town - Golden Nugget. The name of it alone is enough reason for you to eat there at least once in your life.

Of course my absolute favorite shopping area in Lincoln Park is on Armitage. Between Halsted and Clyborn on Armitage, you can find the best shopping in the area. Want the most delicious specialty chocolates you've ever tasted? Two different places will nurture your cravings. These are often popular for weddings and special events. Want to make your own purse? There's the Lisa Lill Studio, where you'll commonly find bachelorette parties. Want to smell fresh and clean? Lush will clean you up. Shoes? Plenty. Purses? Do you even have to ask?

So, if you've got a day to shop around here, give it a try. But prepare your significant other for the idea that you may come home looking like this: