As a real estate broker in Bloomington Normal IL, it is my job to be your professional consultant and help you nail each of the three key elements all sellers are looking to achieve!
To sell their property quickly
For the highest price
With little to no hassle!
Remember that price is determined by the market. Condition is determined by the seller. The marketing of your property (my specialty), offers, and negotiations are determined by yours truly, your real estate agent. Let me give you a free fair market value of your home today. If you are looking for a home for sale in Bloomington give me a call at 309-531-8309.
Open House at 306 Granada Bloomington, IL Saturday 9/15/12 1:00-3:30pm
Bryan Dillow, Broker/Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, will be hosting an open house at 306 Granada Bloomington, IL 61701 Saturday 09/15/12 1:00-3:30pm. Conveniently located in a quiet and private neighborhood in east Bloomington near State Farm Corporate Headquarters. Wonderfully updated East Bloomington all brick ranch. Great ranch home in Eastgate area. Hardwood floors through living room, dinning room and family room. Living room & large family room share dual sided see-through fireplace. Large fenced backyard. Cedar three seasons room off of the family room. Slate pool table in the basement stays with the home. Sellers to provide Home Warranty.
Are you a baby boomer considering your options for your next home? Looking to downsize, buy a second home or relocate to a warmer climate altogether? I would be interested in learning more about what options you are considering. If you are considering listing your home, give me a call to find out what your home is currently worth in the Bloomington housing market today. If you are looking to downsize and would like to see some of the houses for sale in Bloomington, I’d be more than happy to set up a private consultation appointment with you. The article listed below gives some insight into the options that are being place on baby boomers as they are preparing for or entering retirement. Also let me know in the comments if you are facing any of the roadblocks talked about in the article below.
Happy Reading!
Bryan
Baby boomers consider next housing move
Some face roadblocks that could delay move even longer
By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch
Reuters
Some retirees want to make their dream retirement move to be near kids or warmer weather, others just want to stay put.
CHICAGO (MarketWatch)—Many older baby boomers have been putting off moving for years now, due to weak housing markets, price declines and losses in their retirement accounts.
But as markets are beginning to recover, some may be unearthing their buried plans to downsize, move closer to their children or relocate to a warmer climate. Whether they ultimately make a move has a lot to do with their finances and where they live.
“I think people are sick of waiting,” said Jennifer Darby Metzger with ERA Justin Realty, in New Jersey. Even if conditions aren’t perfect yet, there will be some boomers who don’t want to wait forever and take the encouraging market signs as a cue to get moving.
“The recession is letting up and the housing inventory is going down,” said Rolf Pendall, director of the Metropolitan Housing & Communities Policy Center at The Urban Institute. Boomers are “selling into a market that doesn’t look so terrible compared with a year ago.”
But there are at least a couple of potential roadblocks to push boomers’ daydreams of moving even farther into the future.
Financial and confidence crisis
The financial crisis not only was a financial setback for some baby boomers, it also did a number on their confidence.
“Clearly, I think there are some baby boomers who are in the upper age range…who somehow have come through the financial crisis unscathed,” said Kelly Sweeney, chief executive of Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel in Detroit. “People in those cases are taking advantage of the market and are right-sizing, making a move from the family home to a condo” or smaller single-family home, he said.
Fewer people in the area, however, are living the lifestyle that the affluent there have been following for decades: Selling the house in Detroit for one home in a Northern Michigan community such as Traverse City or Charlevoix and another home in Florida for the winter, he said.
“Lots of baby boomers are not in the position they thought they would be in 10 years ago,” he said. For some, 401(k) savings have eroded, while others have lost jobs and have been unable to find employment to replace their incomes at the same level. They might be upside down on their mortgages, or have lost so much equity they’re afraid to buy again.
“Their confidence is lost. Their accounts had been so much more robust,” Metzger said. Some of those concerned their savings won’t last them as long as they live are moving into larger homes with their kids, she added. “They’re realizing: I don’t know if I can carry a house by myself.”
Future of local housing markets
Even if baby boomers do have the confidence to sell their home and buy another, the health of the market they’re in will partially determine whether they can pull it off. And the share of young people in the area, as well as strength of the local economy, will set the stage both now and in the years ahead, Pendall said.
Generally, where manufacturing has traditionally been a big part of the economy, including parts of Michigan and Ohio, more young people have been leaving the areas than moving in, he said. Fewer young people forming households in those places means reduced demand for housing. And boomers need someone to buy their homes for them to move.
Elsewhere in the country, in areas where the economy is more diverse, the demographic shifts may begin to help those in the market to sell.
For example, “the California, Arizona, Nevada and Florida housing markets are coming back because they have so many young people in those states,” Pendall said. “Investors are buying there because they know that [people] will need houses.”
No desire to move
Of course, while some boomers have designs on downsizing or moving to a warmer climate, many stay in the homes they’re in—by choice.
“Most people want to stay in their current home, and that’s what they do,” said Nancy Thompson, spokesperson for AARP. “That has been the pattern for decades, and it looks like for the most part, boomers will do the same thing.”
Before committing to staying in any home for your golden years, it’s a good idea to ask yourself a few questions first to determine whether it’s the best choice, Thompson said.
“Is your house going to work for you, or is your house going to disable you if you have some kind of chronic condition, and are you going to be able to get where you need to go if you don’t drive?” she said. “People outlive their driving years. We know that when you hang up your keys you are at risk of isolation.”
Those thinking about downsizing may consider transit-oriented developments, where public transportation is in proximity to homes, she said. If you’re staying put, know how you’re going to get around to the grocery store or doctor, whether it involves public transportation or assistance from family and friends.
Take on in advance any renovations that need to be made so that the home is comfortable for you as you age, including the addition of nonslip floors, lever handles, adequate lighting and an accessible bathroom on the main floor, should you need it, she said.
Just Listed 2 Bed 2 Full Bath Bloomington Home for Sale
Bryan Dillow, Broker/Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, has just listed a Bloomington IL home for sale at 306 Granada Bloomington, IL 61701. This wonderfully updated East Bloomington all brick ranch is located in the Eastgate area of Bloomington near State Farm Corporate Headquarters. The home has hardwood floors through living room, dinning room and family room. Living room & large family room share dual sided see-through fireplace. Large fenced backyard. Cedar three seasons room off of the family room. Slate pool table in the basement stays with the home. Sellers to provide Home Warranty. Please click the link below for a complete feature sheet and more photos of the property.
Whole House Fan, Gas Dryer Hookup, Eat-in Kitchen, Foyer
Dishwasher, Refrigerator, Oven, Washer, Drye
Listing School Information:
Bloomington Jr. High
Oakland
Bloomington High
Comments:
Wonderfully updated East Bloomington all brick ranch. Great ranch home in Eastgate area near State Farm Corporate Headquarters. Hardwood floors through living room, dinning room and family room. Living room & large family room share dual sided see-through fireplace. Large fenced backyard. Cedar three seasons room off of the family room. Slate pool table in the basement stays with the home. Sellers to provide Home Warranty.
Keller Williams Realty Ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Home Buyer and Seller Segments” by J.D. Power and Associates
AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 16, 2012) — According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Home Buyer/Seller Satisfaction StudySM released yesterday, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. ranks highest in customer satisfaction in both the homebuyer and home seller segments. Keller Williams Realty, Inc. achieved the highest scores in all measured factors across both segments, receiving the highest JDPower.com Power Circle RatingSM among its competitors overall.
“We are so proud to have our associates be recognized once again for leading the industry with the influence and reputations they have in their local communities. They continually demonstrate not only their level of talent, but their commitment to serving our communities with the utmost integrity and highest level of service,” Mark Willis, CEO of Keller Williams Realty, Inc., stated. “Congratulations to all Keller Williams Realty associates. They have certainly earned this prestigious distinction.”
The fifth annual J.D. Power and Associates study measures customer satisfaction with the largest national real estate companies within the home buyer and seller segments. Scores are determined by examining three factors of the home-buying experience: agent/salesperson; office; and variety of additional services. For the home-selling segment, agent/salesperson; marketing; office; and variety of additional services are examined.
J.D. Power and Associates stated, “[The uncertain economic times] present a challenge for the real estate companies to really work closely with the customers and really hold their hand through the entire process to make them feel more comfortable in the decisions. Keller Williams has set itself apart by performing high in all the areas that are most important to customers specifically with the agent, the offices, and the services that they provide.”
“Our agents go above and beyond to help their clients at one of the most personal times in their lives – when they are buying or selling a home. We are incredibly honored and humbled that our associates have been recognized yet again for their incredible levels of service,” says Mary Tennant, President of Keller Williams Realty, Inc.
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Disclaimer: Keller Williams received the highest numerical score among full service real estate firms for home buyers and home sellers in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Home Buyer/Seller StudySM. Study based on 2,994 total evaluations measuring five firms and measures opinions of individuals who bought or sold a home between March 2011 and April 2012. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed March-May 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com
About Keller Williams Realty, Inc.:
Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty, Inc. is the second-largest real estate franchise operation in the United States, with 675 offices and almost 77,000 associates across the globe. The company, which began franchising in 1990, has an agent-centric culture that emphasizes access to leading-edge education and promotes an economic model that rewards associates as stakeholders and partners. The company also provides specialized agents in luxury homes and commercial real estate properties. For more information, or to search for homes for sale, visit Keller Williams Realty online at (www.kw.com). Information about Keller Williams Realty’s international expansion can be found at (www.kwworldwide.com)
The global conscience regarding the environment has rapidly shifted in recent years, and an interest in saving energy (and money!) is shared by many people in all demographics. Homebuyers in particular are making more energy efficient choices in the search for their next home. As a result, energy inspections for home sales are increasingly an important step in the home selling process.
Energy Audit Checklists
Whether your house is on the market now or selling is only something you’re considering, you’ll be ahead of the game if your home has undergone an energy audit. A good place to start is our earlier article, “Strategies to Help Save Energy In Your Home.” When the weather cools, it’s time to look into programmable thermostats, a few touch-ups on your weather stripping, better insulation and new air filters.
In addition to the low-cost tactics noted in our previous article, here are some elements commonly found on energy audit checklists:
Age of the heating and cooling system
Potential for leaks in ductwork
Energy efficiency of water heater, windows and lights
Heating and Cooling System
If your heating and cooling system is more than 15 years old, it’s a given that it isn’t energy efficient by today’s standards. Even if it has been regularly maintained and is functioning properly, it can’t compete with the efficiency of newer models.
Replacing your system can be costly, though not having a newer system doesn’t necessarily mean it will cost you the sale of your home. But it is something to be aware of when it comes time to negotiate the sale price.
If you’re on the fence about selling your home in the near future and are willing to spend a little money, the savings in fuel costs within a few years could exceed the cost of replacing your equipment now. In addition, you would be in compliance with current efficiency ratings when you decide to put out the “for sale” sign. Be sure the replacement has earned the ENERGY STAR designation, conferred through a joint program of the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that protects the environment.
Potential for Leaks in Ductwork
If you choose to stick with your current heating/cooling system, you can add to its energy efficiency by ensuring your ductwork is properly insulated. If you haven’t looked at your ductwork recently (if ever!), now’s the time.
Don’t be surprised by what you find, especially if yours is an older home. Recently we heard of a situation in which a homeowner looked in the crawlspace and discovered that much of the insulation around the ductwork running the length of the house had been picked through by rodents. Imagine how much it cost to heat that home!
Some minor leaks you can fix DIY with mastic or foil tape. Others, like the situation described above, involve installation of all-new insulation – still doable DIY, but a bigger job to take on. Extensive problem areas will require a professional. Go to ENERGY STAR for tips on selecting a qualified contractor.
Once all the leaks have been sealed and properly insulated, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the savings you’ll notice on your energy bill.
Other Features Buyers Consider
Energy inspections for home sales wouldn’t be complete without a review of the efficiency of a home’s water heater, windows and lights. Of these, gradually replacing your lights with more energy efficient lamps and bulbs is the most cost-conscious. It will also serve to give your home an updated, more attractive look and set the mood as potential buyers do a walk-through. The U.S Department of Energy has great tips when choosing new lighting.
Do we really need to talk more about the importance of sealing leaks and proper insulation? Simply wrapping your water heater tank in high R-value insulation and applying weather stripping and caulking around your windows will increase your home’s energy efficiency.
If you are currently thinking about buying a new home in Bloomington/Normal IL check out this video. Here are a few current market stats from the Bloomington Normal Association of Realtors:
Homes on the market: 1228
Average days on market: 149
If you would like to see the homes for sale in the area check out the links listed below the video.
Keeping Everyone Happy During Home Improvement Projects
Home improvements can be fun and exciting – at least the end result can be. The process itself can be stressful, expensive and noisy for many homeowners, their families, neighbors and pets.
Since areas of your home may be out of commission for a few days or even up to several months, it’s critical for your safety, sanity and sense of well-being to maintain a sense of normalcy for your family during this time.
Maintaining the Status Quo With Kids
While extensive work may be going on in your home, maintaining daily routines is important. This will dissipate the stress that younger children, elderly parents, and even pets feel as a result of the construction. When younger children are involved, maintaining the same meal times and family rituals, such as bedtime stories or nightly homework sessions, is necessary. Keeping up these day-to-day activities will help to reduce stress for younger children.
Another way to alleviate the stress of a home improvement project is to prepare the house for all inconveniences. For example, if the remodeling is taking place in the kitchen, set up a temporary kitchen in an unaffected room with a microwave and refrigerator so that the appliances are still usable and accessible. This same principle applies to the family room as well. If the family room is being renovated, set up a temporary family room in a bedroom where the family can continue to gather together during construction. This will help the whole family continue to feel at home despite the mess.
It’s also important to remember that the constant noise and disruption of construction can induce stress in the whole family and can adversely affect their quality of life. Construction noise has also been known to degrade a person’s health over time, so consider a plan of escape during construction hours.
If the project is extensive, staying in a motel or even a rented trailer or RV may be best. Even for a small project, taking the family on a mini vacation or going away for the weekend is a good idea.
Protecting Your Pets
Construction might be harder for your pets than it is for any other members of your household. If you’re worried about how they’ll react to the noise or strange people coming and going, consider boarding pets or keeping them at a friend’s house while construction is underway. If keeping them elsewhere isn’t possible, here are some tips to help your pets cope during construction:
To prevent your pet from panicking due to the noise, keep her in an enclosed area in a quieter part of the house. Surround her with objects familiar to her, such as a favorite toy or blanket.
Dogs can be kept in an indoor crate, outside in a fenced yard or tied up while workers are there.
Keep curious pets away from the construction zone even after workers are gone. There may be toxic paints and chemicals or exposed wiring that could cause an accident.
Maintain a familiar routine with your pets. Stick with the daily schedule of feeding, walking, and play time that took place before the home improvement project began.
Don’t Forget Your Neighbors
Be courteous: Alert your neighbors before construction begins. Consider adding a clause to the contract with your contractor that specifies that the majority of the mess will be picked up from the yard and the house cleaned up as much as possible each day. This will keep your neighbors happier during the construction process and alleviate much of the stress of living in a constant mess.
Another courtesy is to limit early morning as well as weekend construction noises so that your neighbors do not lose patience with your project. Check on city noise ordinances to find out if construction work is prohibited during certain hours.
Home inventory is at a three year low in certain price ranges here in Bloomington & Normal IL! We are currently looking at a surplus of higher priced homes ($250,000+). If you are looking to move up, please give me a call. I would love to help get you into a new home and get your house on the market ASAP.
Check out this article on home inventories from the Wall Street Journal. Very interesting article. I found the fact that “Median list prices fell on a monthly basis in just 17 markets” across the country. Looks like better news for the economy.
Median asking prices hit their highest level in 2½ years in May, the latest sign that sellers are feeling brighter about their prospects amid slimmer pickings of homes listed for sale.
Median asking prices rose to $194,400, up 1.9% from April and 3.2% from one year ago, according to data released Wednesday by Realtor.com. Meanwhile, home listings increased by 2% from April, a slower-than-normal seasonal jump, and they stood 20% below their levels of year ago.
Reduced competition for sellers is making it easy for them to push the envelope on price. Compare May’s report with that of one year ago, when median asking prices in May 2011 fell by 1.6% from April 2011.
Meanwhile, the median amount of time that homes listed for sale had been on the market fell to 83 days, down by 9.8% from one year ago.
Here’s a closer look at the report:
Inventory: The number of homes for sale fell in all but two of the 146 markets tracked by Realtor.com on an annual basis, with inventory rising by 5% in Philadelphia and by 19% in Shreveport, La.
Nearly half of all markets saw a 20% year-over-year drop in the number of homes listed for sale, led by Oakland, Calif. (down 56.6%); Fresno, Calif. (48.8%); Bakersfield, Calif. (48.6%); Phoenix (44.7%) and Seattle (42.7%).
On a monthly basis, around three quarters of markets say inventories rise in May.
Prices: On an annual basis, asking prices fell in 24 markets, led by Reading, Pa. (down 5.4%); Allentown, Pa. (5.3%); and Milwaukee, Wis. (5.2%). The largest year-over-year jumps in median asking prices were reported in Phoenix (up 32.6%), Santa Barbara, Calif. (30.1%), and Chattanooga, Tenn. (up 24.1%). Median prices can overstate big swings because they may instead reflect a change in the mix of sales.
Median list prices fell on a monthly basis in just 17 markets, led by Daytona Beach, Fla., and Asheville, N.C. (down 1.4%), and were unchanged in another 35. They rose from April’s levels by 19% in Santa Barbara, Calif., and by 10% in Oakland.
The Realtor.com figures include sale listings from more than 900 multiple-listing services across the country. They don’t cover all homes for sale, including those that are “for sale by owner” and newly constructed homes that aren’t always listed by the services.
Is anyone looking to sell an all brick ranch in Bloomington/Normal? Give me a call and let me know if you have one to put on the market or if you are looking for one in east Bloomington. Don’t forget to sign up for market insider alerts on www.Bloomington-Homes.com.
As a real estate broker in Bloomington Normal IL, it is my job to be your professional consultant and help you nail each of the three key elements all sellers are looking to achieve!
