As a leader in real estate, I am repeatedly asked specific questions about today's market - especially in today's economy. In an effort to provide more information to my community, I am sending you this Top 5 Real Estate Social Networking Systemsm “e-Article,” in which I provide useful real estate information to my real estate networks. If you find the enclosed information beneficial to your family and friends, I encourage you to forward it to your “social network" as well.
Top 5 Things to Know Before Putting Your Home Back on the Market
If the listing or marketing agreement you had with your real estate agent and his or her company has, as the real estate industry says, “expired,” and you are looking to relist your property, make sure you educate yourself on the many vital factors that will influence the sale of your home.
Remember, there is only one reason why your home didn’t sell…and it isn’t price. While price is certainly one of these marketing factors, it is not the only reason why your home did not sell. As you re-evaluate the proper pricing strategy for your home, request an updated market analysis from your real estate agent, and make sure it details the current pricing trends for your overall marketplace, including:
1. Days on the market for properties in your specific price range
2. The list-to-sales price ratios for homes that have sold (the more recent the better)
3. Square footage cost (ask agents how and if cost per square foot may be relevant to price)
4. The number of price reductions or, where applicable, the number of price increases
5. The number of homes currently active in your price point

When re-evaluating price, keep in mind that in specific circumstances, a lower listing price can actually lead to a higher selling price. Because the laws of supply and demand essentially govern all pricing, a lower asking price can generate more offers on your home, ultimately resulting in a higher sales price. Discuss the current supply-and-demand metrics that may be influencing home values in our neighborhood with any agent you’re considering working with.

As a member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, I make it a point to keep clients, friends and their families informed regarding vital and relevant real estate information through our Real Estate Social Networking System. If you know anyone considering putting their home back on the market, please feel free to have them contact me for a copy of There’s Only One Reason Why Your Home Didn’t Sell…and It Isn’t Price or simply forward this email to them. This information is vital and I will provide it free of charge and with absolutely no obligation.

Note: Please disregard this information if your home is presently listed with a licensed real estate agent.

Sincerely,

Andee

Andee Hausman
RE/MAX Experts
Top 5 in Real Estate Member
AHaus@AndeeHausman.com
www.andeehausman.com

Local Realtor Earns Most Prestigious of all Industry Achievements

Norwalk, CT- Reaching the pinnacle of her profession nationally, Andee Hausman , of RE/MAX Experts, was accepted as a Member of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, the most prestigious of all industry achievements.

More than just a sales-driven recognition, the Top 5 in Real Estate Network® meets a need that heretofore has never been addressed – helping consumers identify the most professional real estate agents in North America.   To qualify, each member must first meet a stringent set of criteria, based upon performance, as well as educational and professional skills and service to the consumer.  

Members of the Network are carefully selected and managed by RISMedia, which has provided the real estate industry with objective, unbiased news for nearly 30 years. As a Member of the Top 5 Network, Hausman is among the first real estate agents to be accepted into this elite organization.  

Allan Dalton, the President and Co-Founder of RISMedia's Top 5 Network, congratulated Hausman for earning this top status within the industry. " Andee has reached the very highest level of North America's residential real estate industry. Not only are her professional accomplishments extraordinary, sh e has long been a true champion for home buyers and sellers in her area.   It is a pleasure to welcome Andee into this elite group of industry leaders."   

According to John Featherston, CEO & Publisher of RISMedia and Co-Founder of the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, the significance of Top 5 is that consumers deserve full transparency regarding all matters related to the real estate transaction, which often begins with the need to select a highly competent, experienced and results-oriented real estate professional. Top 5 in Real Estate has been established to both empower consumers with leading real estate content through Top 5 members, as well as to ensure that consumers are made fully aware that there is a material difference between average and exceptional real estate professionals.

An accomplished real estate professional since 1979, Andee Hausman, broker/owner of RE/MAX Experts in Buffalo Grove, IL, has been a consistent top producer in Lake & Cook Counties. Always thinking outside the box, her innovative Internet marketing and advertising, along with her impeccable reputation and negotiating skills, has helped obtain top dollar for her clients in her 30 years in the business. Her specialty of residential properties has now been expanded to include short sales and foreclosures, with her recent CDPE certification. To reach Andee, e-mail andee@andeehausman.com or call 847-353-7644.

For more information on RISMedia's Top 5 in Real Estate Network®, please visit www.top5inrealestate.com or contact Member Relations at 203-853-2167 ext. 139.

RISMedia's Top 5 in Real Estate Network ® is a membership network of leading real estate professionals providing leading real estate information to consumers. To qualify for membership in the Top 5 in Real Estate Network, agents must meet specific criteria in five key categories: experience; results; education; information technology; and commitment to community. RISMedia, the leader in real estate information systems, has been providing the industry with news, trends and business development strategies for nearly 30 years through its flagship publication, Real Estate magazine, its leading website, RISMedia.com, and its renowned networking and educational events.

TOTALLY REMODELED! FINE FEATURES OF THIS HOME INCLUDE PROFESSIONAL DECORATOR PAINTING, UPDATED KITCHEN WITH NEWER STOVE, REFRIGERATOR, DISHWASHER, BUILT-IN MICROWAVE/EXHAUST & DISPOSAL. UPGRADED LIGHT FIXTURES, PERGO FLOORING ON FIRST FLOOR, UPDATED BATHS AND FULL FINISHED BASEMENT WITH REC ROOM AND OFFICE. 3 YEAR NEW FURNACE (HIGH EFFICIENT STAGE 2), NEWER CENTRAL AIR, HUMIDIFIER, WATER SOFTENER, WASHER AND DRYER.

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May 20th, 2009, Nationwide affordability humped 10% during the first quarter of 2009 to its highest level since the series began 18 years ago according to the National Association of Home Builders. The Index showed that 72.5% of all new and existing homes sold in the first quarter of 2009 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,000 during the previous quarter and up from 53% during the first quarter of 2008.

The underlying cause seems to be that there are lower home prices and record low interest rates. Combined with the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers.

This weekend, May 16-17 Chicago Green Festival™ will be downtown at Navy Pier. The Chicago Green Festival is a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America. It will showcase more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses. More than 150 renowned speakers appear for insightful panel discussions and presentations.

You’ll also enjoy great how-to workshops, green careers, a Fair Trade pavilion, Youth Unity Pavilion, kids’ activities, delicious organic beer, wine and cuisine, and live music. Find out how your local Midwest neighbors, community nonprofits and city departments are working together to make our city a healthier place to live.

Click here for the amazing speaker line up!

May 16-17, 2009
Saturday – 10am – 7pm
Sunday – 11am – 6pm
Navy Pier
600 E Grand Avenue, Chicago

This article is from www.realtor.org

Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, on Tuesday said that the Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® has been calling for the change.

“We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Donovan says. His remarks came in an address to several thousand REALTORS® gathered Tuesday morning at "The Real Estate Summit: Advancing the U.S. Economy," at the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo in Washington, D.C..

He says FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

Other Solutions for Today's Market

During his address at the summit, Donovan went on to say that the Obama administration plans to further stabilize the housing market. “I do think we have some early signs that the market overall is stabilizing,” Donovan says. “Since January we’ve seen both home sales moving up and down around a relatively stable number and we are seeing the first signs that the rapid decline in home prices is starting to abate.”

The morning session included a panel discussion that was moderated by CNBC’s Ron Insana. Panelists examined cutting-edge solutions necessary to promote and preserve homeownership and real estate development, stimulate the economy, and protect the nation’s taxpayers. They also shared their ideas on what the role and responsibility of the federal government is in the revitalization effort.

“Right now the Federal Reserve is the market,” said panelist Jay Brinkman, chief economist for the Mortgage Bankers Association. “What will be the effect when the Fed stops buying?” Brinkman explained that an exit strategy must be planned for the long-term; the federal government cannot continue to support the mortgage markets indefinitely.

“We are thrilled that so many high-caliber individuals were able to join us today at this important meeting to promote stability in the housing market and the U.S. economy,” said NAR President Charles McMillan. “We look forward to an ongoing dialogue and action toward this goal, during our midyear meetings this week and beyond.”

The real estate summit is part of the 2009 REALTORS® Midyear Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. During the week ending May 16, more than 8,500 REALTORS® will attend meetings, visit lawmakers and inspire action on Capitol Hill.

Source: NAR

The Secretary of the U.S. Department of housing and Urban Development told REALTORS gathered in Washington, D.C., that the federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the new $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

Hundreds of Illinois REALTORS talked to lawmakers in Washington D.C. this week, joining over 8,500 total on Capital Hill for the NAR Midyear Meetings. The Illinois Associiation 1Q09 housing report shows March sales with sizable gains over February. Even though there were 23% less sales than in 2008, the new first time home buyers will be taking advantage of their tax credit and low interest rates for the next six months until December 1.

This is great news for areas for Buffalo Grove Homes, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Deerfield. They are great cities for first time home buyers, with some of the best school districts in the state!

Try shopping at your local Buffalo Grove Dominick's and Jewel-Osco for these great ingredients!

AND...Don't forget your ecofriendly reusable shopping bag!
* If you dont have one, contact me for a free one!


Recipe: Portobello Burgers with Red Pepper Mayonnaise 

These burgers are easy on the wallet and your waistline. Try these easy, fast and spiced–up Portobello Burgers for dinner tonight. 

Serves 4 

Ingredients for Red Pepper Mayonnaise:
½ cup chopped drained roasted red peppers from jar
¼ cup low-fat mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste 

Ingredients for Burgers:
nonstick vegetable oil spray
4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed and cleaned
4 large slices red onion
4 cups baby spinach leaves
8 crusty country bread slices

Method

1. Blend first 4 ingredients in processor until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Spray grill with oil and prepare barbecue or grill pan to medium–high heat. Spray mushrooms and onion slices with oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
3. Grill mushrooms, onion and slices of bread until vegetables are tender and bread is golden, turning often, about 12 minutes for vegetables and 5 minutes for bread.
4. Layer sandwiches by placing warm toasted bread on plates, stacking with a grilled Portobello, onion slice, spinach, and scoop of red pepper mayonnaise followed by another slice of bread to top. Serve warm.

 LENTIL AND SWEET POTATO SALAD

This savory, satisfying salad offers an earthy balance to the other antipasti.

SERVES: at least 8
TIME: 1 hour

• 2 sweet potatoes (each about 2/3 pound), peeled and cut into 1/2" pieces
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 2 tablespoons
• 1 1/2 tablespoons real Vermont maple syrup
• 2 pinches red chili flakes
• 1 yellow onion, cut into 1/4" dice
• 2 large carrots, cut into 1/2" dice
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• leaves from 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 cups green lentils, rinsed and drained
• a healthy drizzle of your finest, best quality olive oil
• coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons torn parsley leaves

Preheat the oven to 400ºF.

Toss the sweet potatoes with 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil, the maple syrup and one pinch of chili. Roast, stirring, until caramelized and a paring knife slips easily through a piece, about 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the additional two tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the remaining pinch of chili, onion, carrot, garlic, oregano, pepper and thyme. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are a bit softened and just beginning to brown. Add the lentils and four cups of cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, turn down to low, cover, and simmer for about 40 minutes or until the lentils are soft.

Let the lentils cool to room temperature. Fold the lentils together with the sweet potatoes. Drizzle with your good olive oil, sprinkle with salt and parsley, and serve.