2011: FHA DROPPING HOME PRICE LIMITS THIS FALL?

The housing market has been in a slump for several years now.  But to add to the challenges many home buyers and sellers are facing, new guidelines could cause more problems.  This fall The Federal  Housing Administration is expected to drop the size of loans the government agency will insure, from $410,000 to $365,000.  

FHA expects the cut in loan amounts to take effect October 1, 2011.  While many home prices are already at record low levels, this sill would affect over 2 million owner-occupied homes, according to the National Association of Home Builders.  If the new limits are put in place as expected, many home buyers may consider purchasing less expensive homes if they are in need of FHA financing, putting sellers in a unfortanate situation.  Do they cut pricing more to accept an FHA buyer, or wait it out?

Although in past years a high number of buyers obtained conventional loans, in this market many have chosen to go with FHA financing, due to their more flexible guidelines.  While FHA loans initially were intended for first-time or lower-income buyers, there was an increase in market share, after Congress raised the loan limits as part of the Economic Stimulus Act back in 2008. 

DataQuick Information Systems reported that  approximately 35% of Chicago-area home loans were FHA-insured in February, which is an increase of 2.4% from just a year ago.  The past few years have seen even higher increases in FHA loans, causing many building developers, to become FHA approved to handle the demand.

With the new loan limits being considered and the increase from 3% – 3.5% down for FHA financing, this just adds to the already depressed market.   However, many may want to still consider purchasing a home, because rents are continuing to increase and many experts report they will see a 10% rise, by the end of the year.  In many cases, it will be cheaper to own than rent.

RENT, BUY OR SELL IN CHICAGO…Start viewing incredible homes or register here for assistance.

BARRY DONALSON LAUNCHES MMG; MOMENTUM MARKETING GROUP CONFERENCE VENUE

BARRY DONALSON, International Speaker, Trainer, Coach and Best Selling Author of Conversations On Success, has launched a new venue in a Chicago suburb; Rolling Meadows, Illinois.

Momentum Marketing Group (MMG) is a dynamic concept, offering an incredible full-service venue for training & presentations, it even has a recording studio with CD distribution services.  The 10,000 square foot space, offers two conference rooms which can be reserved in whole or part.  They offer wireless internet access and large screens for Powerpoint/video presentations.

What makes this space unique is the outstanding package offered, when reserving the venue.  It brands your company the moment your guests arrive, from the reception area to the on-site cafe, plasma TV’s include your logo and will even run your companies video.  There is a built-in media area to showcase your marketing materials and other items needed to promote your business.  Marketing services also can be included as a part of his Ala Carte menu.

During breaks at the venue, the MMG Cafe offers a space for guests to enjoy a delicious meal, provided by his local catering company.  They have aligned with MMG to offer convenient and fabulous cuisine to allow your guests to stay on-site.  An adjoining Hotel offers discount rates when using his venue, for overnight guests.

Barry Donalson can be found on Twitter and has a Facebook Fan Page, which distributes a newsletter and weekly tips for registrants.  Please contact Momentum Marketing Group at 708.914.1400 for more information or to reserve your space.

Barry Donalson

CHICAGO: CHARMING OLD IRVING PARK CONDO, 2BR ON MARKET FOR ONLY $79,900

4124 Kedvale #201

Chicago’s charming Old Irving Park neighborhood has an incredible residence for sale.  This stunning home is situated in a beautifully landscaped courtyard building on a tree-lined street.

This sunny two bedroom residence includes; hardwood flooring, upgraded stainless steel appliances, granite kitchen countertops and a formal dining room.  This affordable home is priced at only $79,900, and is in great condition.  Since it is a short sale, bank approval is required and pre-approval must accompany all offers.  A short sale negotiator is being used to streamline the transaction, which should increase the approval time.

If you are a buyer interested in viewing this home, please contact Britta Rivera Venture or call 312.475.4548.  Real Estate Agents may schedule an appointment, using MLS  07830362, easy access.  WATCH THIS VIDEO TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A SHORT SALE.

 

Upgraded Kitchen!

CHICAGO’S TOP LANDSCAPING SERVICES: https://brittariveraventure.wordpress.com/2011/06/04/multiple-award-winner-rose-landscape-design-chicagos-finest-2/

Peninsula Pups Doggie Daycare Opens In Erie, PA – Excellent Service For Your Dog

Earlier this year Peninsula Pups Doggie Daycare opened in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Area residents were excited to hear about the new service being offered, to pamper their beloved dogs.  It  is a great addition to Erie, since no other daycare for dogs had existed until now.

The “doggie daycare” has over 6,000 square feet of play space for dogs to get plenty of exercise and socialize with their canine friends.  Dogs are separated into three areas by size and temperament.  They even have a puppy area for your new addition!

Many dog experts have suggested that when your pets are in this social environment they thrive.  Most dog owners have found they have much happier pets, when they use daycare services.

Dogs seem to love the special rubberized flooring made of recycled rubber tires, because it reduces the amount of stress on their joints, back and muscles.  It also  provides the safest cushioning and traction for dogs while they are playing. 

Owners are pleased to know their pets are supervised by Handlers 100% of the time while at the daycare.  Peninsula Pups even has a Certified Dog Trainer on staff so your dog will receive ongoing training during their visit.  Obedience classes are also available after hours for dogs and their parents.  What also makes this daycare special is that the Management staff is trained and certified in canine first aid and CPR.

If you want to offer your dog a great place to socialize, while you are at work or play, it is an incredible service.  They are open Monday through Friday from 7:30am to 6:30pm, and are closed between 12:00pm and 1:30pm for doggie nap time.  Contact Peninsula Pups Doggie Daycare if you have any questions or would like to tour the daycare.

2011: ANTI-FORECLOSURE SUMMIT HELD IN WASHINGTON D.C.

Washington D.C. is hosting an Anti-Foreclosure summit today, uniting homeowners with lenders, in an effort to reduce the amount of new foreclosures.  This weeks reports suggest housing prices dropped an additional 5% from last year, and many attribute it to the huge amount of distressed properties on the market.

The summit being held in the nation’s capital, has lenders meeting face-to-face with homeowners in an attempt to get their home loans modified.  Lenders have been empowered to offer solutions to individuals, on a case-by-case basis.  It is to their benefit to assist homeowners in need of help, as they cannot afford, nor do they want to take on additional foreclosures.

While foreclosures and short sales have made up for a high number of sales in recent months, it also continues to be the cause of a huge drop home values for most homeowners.  This summit is desperately needed to stabilize the amount of inventory coming on-line, and will also be held in Atlanta next month.

Let’s hope this helps the millions of people in need of assistance, it is in the banks best interest to find a solution. Otherwise they may find themselves with many more distressed properties on their books, in the near future.

Searching for the perfect home in Chicago? Start viewing incredible homes  or register
here for your FREE list of available residences.  Britta Rivera Venture would love to help!

MULTIPLE AWARD WINNER ROSE LANDSCAPE DESIGN; CHICAGO’S FINEST!

ROSE LANDSCAPE DESIGN is a multi-year design award winner, known for providing personal service and unique designs. Services include expert landscape design and installation, as well as seasonal maintenance services.

In addition to their incredible landscape designs, their water features are breathtaking and well-crafted.  Rose Landscape Design is also praised for their specialty services including, artfully designed vegetable and herb gardens, “going green” permeable paver services, sustainable landscapes and rain water recapture, and a spectacular variety of custom waterfalls, ponds and outdoor entertainment areas.

Visit Rose Landscape Design website for more photo’s of their incredible designs and a full list of services or call (630) 910-7270 for assistance.

Searching for the perfect home in Chicago? Start viewing incredible homes here or register for your FREE list of available homes.

SOS – SMALL BUSINESS OFFICE SERVICES INC., CHICAGO’S FINEST ACCOUNTING

SOS –Small Business Office Services, Inc. is excellent for small business owners in need of help, as well as individuals, including independent contractors.  Their website  allows you to utilize tools to help with your business needs and provides detailed information on the company.

Their mission is to help clients maintain financial viability in the present, while taking a proactive approach to achieve  future  goals. Small Business Office Services, Inc. is dedicated to meeting these goals with high standards of excellence and professionalism. This is something small business owners need to succeed in today’s market.

SOS owner, Janice Papais, is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and received a BS in accounting from Indiana University.  She began her business career working for a large bank in Indiana and held a variety of positions over a 12 year period; ranging from information technology, branch management, assistant comptroller, to assistant vice president.  Her past experience allows her to advise her clients, with sound decisions.  Janice also worked for a McDonald’s supplier where she started and ran a division dedicated to the financing and administration of the Happy Meal program.  Janice is a QuickBooks Certified Pro-Advisor and assists small businesses with their accounting and training needs.

Visit the SOS website for a full list of services.  You can also contact Janice Papais at (630) 673-3320.

CHICAGO 2011: NEW TRADER JOE COMING TO LINCOLN PARK

Arcadia Realty Trust, a New York retail real estate investment firm, has just paid $28.4 million for a retail property in Lincoln Park.  Chicago’s premium north side site, in the 600 block of Diversey Parkway, will welcome a new Trader Joe grocery store.  Residents are certain to be excited about the addition of this popular grocery chain, which offers an incredible variety of food products.

The 44,000-square-foot complex will also house an Urban Outfitters and Express store.  It was redeveloped by a venture of Fred Latsko of Structure Management Midwest LLC and M Development LLC’s Mark Hunt, and is in a heavily traveled location.

Searching for the perfect home in Lincoln Park?  Start viewing incredible homes here
or register here for your FREE list of available homes throughout the city.