Some Things to Do Before Moving In

You know how the famous lyrics go: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘till it’s gone?” While these are very true sentiments, we’d like to recommend a slight alteration: “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you got ‘till you start to pack it all up?”

The more closets you go through and the more cabinets you attempt to organize, you might ask yourself, “Where did all this stuff come from? What am I supposed to do with all of this? Is this stuff I even really need?” These questions require even more urgent answers when you are packing and organizing for an exact purpose; specifically, when you are planning on moving.

And packing up your home is just one of many things that need to be crossed off your checklist when you are preparing for moving day. The process of switching residences can be overwhelming to say the least. But by planning ahead, you can be as prepared as possible for your upcoming move:

Here are a few things to keep in mind before moving into a new home:

Gather the Appropriate Supplies

Make sure you have plenty of boxes, bins, tape, labels, bubble wrap, and newspaper on hand in plenty of time before the big move so you can stay on top of packing. And don’t be afraid to give things away—if you are going through old drawers and closets and find things you don’t need, there is no need to bring them to the new house.

Transfer Your Utilities

Don’t assume that the gas, water, and electric will be set up for you on moving day. It’s important to take care of this with your utility company before moving day rather than afterward.

Change the Locks

Changing the locks is the simplest and quickest way to guarantee your safety in your new space.

Clean Up

Scrubbing every possible surface of your new house is much easier when they’re not covered with furniture! Thoroughly clean your home before moving day; it will save you significant time and trouble in the future.

Other things you may consider before moving in if possible include getting to know where the circuit breaker box is and the main water shut-off valve, make minor and major repairs, childproof your home if applicable, forward your mail and update your billing address.  It's also not a bad idea to consider getting a home warranty which would cover the cost of the repair or replacement of things like your furnace, air conditioner, water heater, appliances, plumbing and electric for at least a year. Experts say that basic coverage starts at about $300.  Proper planning can help minimize the challenges and stresses of transitioning to a new home making the move much more enjoyable.

For more information on what you can do to make your upcoming move easier, work with a member of Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®.  You can find them at www.trarealtors.net or call 815-744-4520.

REAL ESTATE MARKET SNAPSHOT: Housing Supply Continues to Drop; Prices are on the Rise

According to key indicators in a report provided by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC for Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®, it is predominantly a seller’s market in Will and Grundy Counties. Inventory levels fell 17.9 percent from 2,995 units to 2,459 units or a 3.1 month’s supply. Also on the downward slide is market time which is at 64 days compared to 70 days a year ago. The median sales price is now at $210,000 - up from $200,000 at this time a year ago. Multiple-offer situations over asking price are not uncommon in many communities. The report cites a favorable economy and the low unemployment rate as contributing factors toward these developments. Another reflection of the strong employment growth is the decreasing percentage of homes closed that are either foreclosures or short sales. Through July of this year, 9.5 percent or 87 out of 911 closed home sales fell into one of those categories. In 2016, it was 12.3 percent.

The effect of the shortage of new construction particularly in the median to upper median price range is being felt primarily among first-time buyers as the number of entry-level homes available is at a premium. Normally, new home development provides an important link in the chain that enables many home owners to move on, freeing up the supply of homes at every level. However, despite these circumstances, Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® leadership believes that it is still advantageous for buyers to pursue their dream of home ownership. Association President-elect Ken Pytlewski noted that lenders are also loosening up on mortgage qualification requirements as well as offering new loan Programs, giving buyers the ability to purchase with a minimal down payment.

The City of Joliet is having a Housing Expo on September 9th during which buyers can meet with

lenders and REALTORS® who can assist them in the home buying process. There will also be

information about money that is available to help you with your down payment.

You can get more information about the Expo by calling 815-722-0722, or visit the Three Rivers Association of Realtors website.

Quick, Easy and Inexpensive Renovations Before Selling a Home

Selling a home can be one of the most stressful times in a homeowner’s life. Your schedule becomes packed with appraisals, home inspections, radon testing and packing away unsightly clutter. While juggling these time-consuming tasks, the thought of adding home renovations to your lengthy to-do list seems out of the question. Fear not, there are renovations that won’t require long timelines, stinky dumpsters, or large price tags. Here are a few simple renovations that can be completed to ensure that your home not only sells, but that your home sells quickly.

Quick & Easy Renovations:

·   Remove family photos or outdated wall art. Spackle nail holes and give rooms a fresh, neutral coat of paint. Bold colors can sometimes be a turnoff for potential homebuyers.

·   Purchase new interior and exterior entryway light fixtures. This is the first area potential homebuyers will see upon entering the home.

·   A beautiful new door or fresh coat of paint will create a stunning entryway for guests.

·   Full bathroom renovations don’t often make a large impact. Save your money, and simply put in new light fixtures, new mirrors, and new vanities.

If you have an outdated home but no time for renovations, consider offering a renovation budget to potential homebuyers. The budget will be a small chunk of the list price and allows buyers to give their new home a personal touch.

In addition to renovations, there are many small changes that can be made to a home that will increase buyer appeal. Make sure that the home is as clean as possible. This may require putting some belongings in a storage unit until the home sells. Landscaping and curb appeal can attract buyers who are simply passing by the home. Consider keeping your lawn cut, watered, and edged. If you don’t have time for gardening, purchasing and hanging flower baskets can do the trick.

When searching for more information on ensuring a successful sale, turn to the professionals at Three Rivers Association of REALTORS®. Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® is a local non-profit real estate service that assists and educates REALTORS® with programs and services. On our website, homebuyers and sellers can find Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® related service affiliates like home appraisers, attorneys, inspectors, and more. For additional information, give us a call at 815-733-4520 or visit our website at www.trarealtors.net.

2016 Award Recipients

The Three Rivers Association of REALTORS® has chosen the 2016 recipients of four awards that are given out.  Three awards are given annually and the fourth “Lifetime Achievement” award is given occasionally, when a member is recognized by peers for a lifelong effort in Real Estate, community involvement and volunteering.

This year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award is Rosalie D’Andrea, a lifelong resident of Joliet.  Rosalie began her working career at the J.F. Messenger Company working for Neil Houbolt in 1961 at the age of 16.  This career led her to Service Cartage in Lemont and D’Andrea Construction Company in Joliet 1968-1978.  Rosalie received her Real Estate license in 1972, and broker’s license in 1974, first with Key Realty and later with  Bell Realty.  In 1991 she became manager at the Honig Realty office in Joliet.  To this date, Rosalie manages the Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell office in Joliet.

Rosalie’s community involvement spans 30 years.  Elected to the Joliet City Council in 1987, she served on the Will County Expedition Authority, which oversees the Rialto Theater, for 12 years.  She also served on the Will County Center of Economic Development Board’s City Center Committee 1991-2007, committed to volunteering at the Forest Park Community Center and the Warren Sharp Community Center, and served on the Three Rivers Association Board of Director’s.

Debbie Prodehl received the REALTOR® of the Year Award for 2016.  Debbie is a manager and Regional Vice-President for Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell.  She is currently the chair of Business Issues & License Laws, a committee of the Illinois REALTORS.  Debbie was the President of Three Rivers Association in 2015.  Prior to serving as President, she was a Board Member officer for four years and also served as Secretary/Treasurer and President-Elect.

Debbie graduated from Lockport High School in 1982 and began her career into the real estate business in 1991, receiving her managers broker’s license in 2005.  She resides in Homer Glen with her husband Leo, and has two children Stephanie and Jonathan.

Mike Montgomery received the 2016 Affiliate of the Year award.  Mike is currently a mortgage loan originator with Stearns Lending in Naperville.  Mike began his career in the mortgage industry in 1985 and held positions ranging from underwriting to packaging and selling loans, and administrator to loan officers.  Mike has been active at Three Rivers Association for the past four years, volunteering in many committees, and is currently the Chair of the Affiliates Committee.   Outside of real estate, he is involved in the Chamber of Commerce in Plainfield, Naperville and Romeoville.

Gibby Kirby received the 2016 Rising Star award.  Gibby grew up in Central Illinois and attended Illinois State University, moving to Joliet 5 years ago.  He began working at Realty Executives Success as the office accountant and administrator.  Gibby received his real estate license 2 years ago, and stepped right in to participate with the associations committees and activity.  He is currently Chair for the Communications Committee and Vice-Chair of YPN Committee.  Outside of his career in real estate, Gibby volunteers at multiple animal rescue groups, and is involved in community theater and dance.

Three Rivers Association is very proud to present these awards and is grateful for the participation of these individuals chosen.