West Suburban Real Estate Blog

It’s American Idol season…

Want to evaluate those American Idol judges homes?

Ellen’s compound is amazing and I’m not surprised that Simon Cowell’s home is decorated in black and white

For all around celebrity homes try:

Celeb homes on AOL

Bob Goldsborough writes for the Chicago Tribune, he offers a lot of information about local celebs, he also has a great blog called Big Time Listings that is loaded with so much info that you’ll see stars

Interested in what’s hot in celebrity housing and style? Try Shelter Pop … They cover some of the why’s and what for’s.

Celebrities need a home too…

Time to invest!

The time to buy real estate is now.

Low prices, tax incentives, great rates.

It’s the sweet spot in the real estate market. The perfect storm.

If you are in a position to buy now, there has never been a better time. Rates won’t stay so low, incentives will disappear and eventually the low prices will also fade away. When do you make your move?

First time or move up buyers and investors too (yes, you CAN get a positive cash flow)

Call me at 630-717-7386, or email to find out where you fit. It’s opportunity time!

Naperville  recently acted as a host to one of the Healing Fields honoring  our nations veterans and their families.

Tickets and flags were sold and with proceeds going directly to the Fisher House at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood Park IL.

The flags and the feelings were very moving. In today’s world… a non-tech way that grabbed your attention and imagination… a time to reflect on the sacrifices of our veterans and their familes, a time for gratitude.

Our first time buyer son and his first time buyer future wife (that’s just fun to say) have closed on their home! A three bedroom home in district 204 with a full finished basement, backing to a park for under $200,000… and … it was in great shape!

I knew that he had some really good friends but for almost a week Colin, Colleen and Matt have been painting, fixing and moving stuff for them. What a nice group! My wife Lisa is the gardener and I am the occasional grunt guy. Lisa has been working pretty hard.

It made us think about all of our friends when we bought our first house in Chicago: Adam, Janet, Danny, Laurie, Susan O (helped with the next house too!) and Pete (Stretch). It was nice to think back and realize (again!) what terrific friends we had too.

Thanks again to all of you that made this a smooth transaction and thanks to all of our friends that were there for us.

It’s a big year for change!

My son proposed to Katherine (Kitty) last winter and it’s been a whirlwind of wedding plans for 2010. Exciting.. yes! And to add to the excitement they’ve decided to purchase a home.

They don’t want to miss out on that free money that the government is giving away to first time buyers. They feel that they can take that $8,000 and use it to their advantage next year. I heartily agree. My wife Lisa and I had a great time showing them homes and talking to them about real estate…  it wasn’t that long ago that Angus would roll his eyes when Mom and Dad drove by houses, now we share in the fun. They found a terrific house that fits all of their needs and will be closing next week.

As a dad in the business, they’ve followed all of my advice happily. (yikes!) It’s a bit nerve wracking because I want this to be a great experience for them… well, I want it to be a great experience for all of my clients..but.. he IS my son! It’s a fine balance between being helpful and being overbearing.

My team has really pulled through for me. Craig Howard the Home Auditor took his time and explained things well, Maureen Lein at Max Mortgage took the time to prepare them properly and Naperville Attorney Tom Alore has stayed on top of the details and made them feel great. I have to say that I really appreciate all of their efforts.

I’m really proud of Angus and Kitty, they set their minds to do something and took all of the steps necessary to make it happen.

Even better… the government is going to pay them $8,000 for it.