The Thomas Team Blog

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

8 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an Evanston Home!

Buying an Evanston home is a large decision as well as an exciting one! There are many beautiful homes on the Evanston Real Estate market from turn of the century homes full of character to updated downtown Evanston condos, so you’re sure to find a home that fits your needs and lifestyle.

Whether you’re relocating to the area or are deciding to go from renting to making a home purchase, the home buying process can seem a little overwhelming; especially to those buying a home for the first time.

Working as Evanston Real Estate agents for a number of years, we understand the anticipation that can come with making such a large purchase. You’ve probably heard stories of the things that can go wrong and how stressful buying a home can be, yet it doesn’t have to be that way! We’ve gathered eight of the biggest mistakes people make when buying an Evanston home in order to help you avoid them. Armed with this knowledge, as well as having a trusted Evanston Real Estate agent by your side, you’ll find that buying a home in Evanston can be a great experience!

Mistake #1: Waiting for the market to improve or not buying at all- No one can predict precisely where the market is going, so trying to time your Evanston home purchase with the bottom of the market is risky. All the time you spend procrastinating on purchasing a home, you could be building equity, getting tax deductions and enjoying the many other benefits of homeownership!

Mistake #2: Falling for love at first sight- If you don't shop around the Evanston Real Estate market and see what else is out there, you could miss out on a good deal or potentially regret your purchase. While you don't need to visit every home in the neighborhood, you should compare at least three homes before you make a decision to ensure that you're getting the right house at the right price.

Mistake #3: Buying a house you can't afford- It seems that our nation is learning its lesson in spending more than you can afford, and it’s no different in your Evanston home purchase. Just because you get approved for an larger loan than you expected; doesn’t mean you should buy a home at that price. Be wise in thinking through what you can actually afford and factor in any repairs or updates you plan on making in the home.

Mistake #4: Making an offer without contingencies- Having a back-out plan is a must for smart home buying. If the home has an irresolvable flaw, it doesn't appraise for the purchase price, or your lender refuses to fund your loan, having contingencies on your contract gives you the right to cancel the transaction.

Mistake #5: Not reading the fine print- It’s smart to have your Evanston Real Estate agent review all your paperwork and discuss it with you so you don’t get caught off guard at closing. There are a few documents and items that are truly critical, and you can request a copy of these in advance. This gives you time to review them and ask questions before closing.

Mistake #6: Forgoing a home inspection- Even if a home appears to be in perfect condition, it's a mistake to assume that it's actually problem-free. Even brand new homes can have defects, so getting a professional inspection before making the commitment to buy is crucial. Be sure to attend the inspection so the inspector can explain any issues.

Mistake #7: Thinking short-term- The Evanston home you purchase should be a place that feels like home to you and your family, but it's important to remember that it's also a huge investment. When shopping for a home, it pays to think about resale down the road. Search for homes in sought-after neighborhoods, and look for features that future buyers will want, such as a great kitchen and lots of storage space.

Mistake #8: Not getting pre-approved before house hunting- Before you start house hunting, narrow down your price range by getting pre-approved. Shop for an Evanston lender or mortgage broker you can trust. The mortgage pro will review your credit, income, assets and debts, and recommend a mortgage with monthly payments that fit your budget. Not only does this let you know how much house you can afford, it also lets sellers know that you're serious about buying.

We hope that by highlighting these mistakes, you’ll be more aware of how to avoid them. Buying an Evanston home can be an efficient and stress free process and our goal is to make sure you have the home buying experience you deserve.

If you have any questions about buying a home in Evanston or are ready to get started, please contact us!

We look forward to helping find a home and settle into this great city!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties

Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Experience the Evanston Indoor Farmer & Artisan Food Market this Weekend!

Evanston IL is a great community driven city that appeals to young professionals, families, retirees and everyone in between! Whether you’re drawn to quite, tree lined streets with established homes or enjoy the hustle and bustle of living in the center of it all; you’ll find that each lifestyle greatly contributes to Evanston’s unique vibe.

One of the reasons we, as The Thomas Team, have loved living and working in Evanston for a number of years is because of the great community environment and the city’s commitment to the residents and to creating an ever-improving metropolis. Evanston does this through a wide variety of ways, one of which is the popular farmers markets.

Now you may have visited the farmers markets in the area this past summer, but have you gone yet this winter? The Friends of Evanston Farmers Market, who seek to educate the public about the benefits of eating fresh, locally-grown foods, and advocate greater access to healthy food for all community members, regardless of means has rallied to bring about the first ever indoor Farmer & Artisan Food Market in Evanston!

This weekly market, taking place on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm at The Ecology Center in the Ladd Arboretum is free and open to the public and is a great way to interact within the community. One of the goals of the indoor market is to allow farmers to continue on with selling their goods directly to residents throughout the winter months. Things like sauces, pickling products, soups and salsas give the farmers a chance to expand on their produce! Local food artisans are also given the opportunity to sell their delicious products.

If you have not yet visited the indoor market, which is open through April 28, you’ll want to do so! Gather friends and family and stroll through the market to pick from fresh produce, meats, locally produced cheeses, coffee, pastries and much more! A roaring fire adds to the ambience of the market, which is sure to be a favorite winter destination for Evanston residents. This is also a great way to give back to the local farmers and artisans within the community.

As Evanston Real Estate agents, we enjoy not only giving you great information and tips for the Evanston Real Estate market, but providing you with local lifestyle information as well. We know that living in a city is much more than the location, but encompasses all of the experiences you’ll have.

If you have any questions about living in Evanston or are interested to learn more about buying a home in Evanston; please let us know. We’re here to help in any way we can and would enjoy the opportunity to help you make Evanston your new home!

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties

Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Top 10 Reasons to Work with an Evanston Real Estate Agent in 2012

If you’re like most people, chances are you’ve taken a few moments recently to think through some of your goals for this new year. And, while having those goals are great, you have to create a plan in order to succeed! With our finger on the pulse of the Evanston housing market as Evanston Real Estate agents, we know that many are hoping to jump into the Evanston Real Estate market in 2012, which is encouraging news. However, having concrete steps to do so is imperative for those looking to buy and sell in today’s market.

If you’re a first time homebuyer or have been out of the housing market for some time, you may not be quite sure where to start. And for those of you who have had a recent experience in the Evanston Real Estate market, chances are you’re already aware of the foundational key to being successful in your real estate endeavors. No matter your level of expertise in real estate, the most important aspect is hiring a trusted and experienced Evanston Real Estate agent.

Now, we know there are those who feel that buying or selling a home can be done without a real estate agent, but we’ve gathered ten reasons why we feel embarking on buying or selling an Evanston home should not be done alone. Take a look!

1. Education and Experience- Their years of training and experience in the Evanston Real Estate market will be a great asset to you! You don’t have to put pressure on yourself to learn about the market or how to negotiate a deal since a real estate agent will be fully trained and know the ins and outs of the Evanston Real Estate market.

2. Agents are Buffers- You won’t have to deal with multiple phone calls from buyers or other agents. Buying or selling a home can get personal and your Evanston Real Estate agent can act as your personal shield against pushy buyers or bad deals.

3. Area Knowledge- If you’re buying an Evanston IL home and are relocating to the area, your Evanston Real Estate agent will know the best places to search to fit your needs and lifestyle!

4. Price Guidance- Your Evanston Real Estate agent can guide you in what you want to offer on a home and help you come up with a price that works within your budget. They can also give you advice on pricing your home correctly from the beginning.

5. Market Condition Information- You’ll get an inside look into the Evanston Real Estate market such as what homes are currently selling for on the market or when a home is a good deal.

6. Professional Networking- Your Evanston Real Estate agent may already have a connection to an interested buyer for your Evanston home! They will also have contact with other Evanston Real Estate agents and brokers and can get the word out about your home being on the market.

7. Negotiation Skills- Negotiating a contract can be tricky and your Evanston Real Estate agent will be able to navigate through this process to ensure you are happy with the deal.

8. Handling Volumes of Paperwork- There’s a lot of paperwork that goes into buying or selling a home. Your real estate agent will be able to take care of this for you and make sure every “i” is dotted and every “t” is crossed!

9. Answer Questions after Closing- Sometimes there can be issues that arise during the closing or taxing authorities can get behind in their paperwork and call you months after closing. A good real estate agent will stick by you even after you close a deal to take care of any after effects.

10. Develop Relationships for Future Business- Finding a trusted Evanston Real Estate agent can be tough, but once you find one; you’ll want to develop a great relationship with them! Whether you are looking to buy or sell again in the future, you know that they’ll be your first choice so building that relationship is key!

As you can see, having an Evanston Real Estate agent on your side helping you navigate through the buying or selling process is imperative to your success in the housing market. If you are considering selling your Evanston home or are hoping to buy an Evanston home in 2012, please let us know! Our team of experienced Evanston real estate agents would enjoy the opportunity to help you reach your goals!

We look forward to hearing from you!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties

Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Credit Report 101 for Evanston Home Buyers!

Have you looked at your credit report lately? If the answer is no, then start the New Year right by doing a little homework on yourself. If you’re interested in buying an Evanston home, or you have other major purchases in mind, knowing your credit picture up front can help you meet your goals. Improving your credit can help you save money on interest rates!

At The Thomas Team, we have some resources we’d like to pass along to you! Here’s an easy course on knowing your credit:

Pull a copy of your credit history from annualcreditreport.com. This is the official website of the credit industry; beware of substitutes! This is a free report available to all consumers once each year.

You can also pull the credit score itself by visiting MyFico.com. There are tips on this website about what goes into your credit score, which could help you improve it.

Check your credit history for errors. Check your history carefully to make sure dates and balances match up. Be on the lookout for debts that do not sound familiar; identity theft can happen to anyone!

If you find an error, file a dispute directly with the credit bureau. You will need to back up your case, so be ready to supply proof of payment or facts that support your dispute. The credit bureau will flag the disputed item and investigate it. It can take weeks for a correction to be processed on your credit report, depending on the complexity of the matter. Be patient and keep record of your efforts.

If you are struggling with debt, ask for help! The National Foundation for Credit Counseling can refer you to an approved credit counselor in your area. Avoid quick-fix promises advertised on the internet; they are often credit scams in disguise.

With a little homework and market study, you could soon become a homeowner in Evanston or anywhere in the Chicago North Shore area! For best results, find a mentor with The Thomas Team and we’ll tell you more about the great selection of homes and condos available on the market today! Contact us for help with your real estate questions!

The Thomas Team
@ Properties
Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Evanston Welcomes 2012!

In Evanston and the Chicago North Shore area, there are plenty of ways to welcome in the New Year! So before you worry about making resolutions, take the opportunity to enjoy these special events!

Friday Dec 30, learn some new moves at the Boocoo Cultural Center! Bachata dance classes are only $8. From traditional, to tango or ballroom, this energetic dance style can be as flexible as you are.

Saturday, Dec 31, include the kids in cultural experiences with a trip to the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. There is a special craft hour for kids at 11:00 a.m, ages 4 and up. Saturday hours at the museum are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Adult admission is $5, and only $2.50 for kids, students and seniors.

Saturday, Dec 31, the whole family can enjoy a kid-friendly party in nearby Wilmette. For $30, a family of four gets dinner, art activities, sparkling beverages, noisemakers (you wanted those, didn’t you?) and a countdown with balloon drop. The party goes from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and is hosted by Growth Spurts.

Looking for live music, dancing, and cocktails on New Year’s Eve? The Firehouse Grill has an all-night appetizer buffet, live entertainment, and a champagne toast at midnight. Advance tickets online are $45, otherwise it's $55 at the door.

If you want to go formal, Pensiero Ristorante has two options. Early dining begins at 6:30 p.m. at $65 per person, which includes a four-course menu. If you are looking for a complete New Year’s Eve experience, the 9:00 p.m. seating includes a five-course menu, live music and dancing, midnight toast and party favors, for $95 per person. Beverages, sales tax and gratuity are not included in these prices. Reservations are strongly recommended.

At The Thomas Team, we know that Evanston is a great place to live, work and play! The Chicago North Shore offers the warmth of established communities while providing an eclectic mix of casual delights and upscale sophistication. If you’re not already a part of our area, why not join us? We have a great selection of homes and condos to show you. The Evanston real estate market is our specialty! If you are buying or selling a home during 2012, we can help.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year,

The Thomas Team
@ Properties

Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Upward Trend Expected for Evanston Real Estate

As we wind down 2011 and prepare for the New Year, a topic on the minds of Evanston home buyers and home sellers is, "What will home prices be like in 2012?"

No one knows for sure, but some real estate economists predict a gradual improvement in home values nationwide. For example, the chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, expects 2012 home values to improve by an average of 2%, with sales volumes expected to increase by 4%.

In Evanston and the Chicago North Shore area, we have additional reasons to be optimistic. Chicago is the most-searched real estate market online, out of 146 metropolitan areas. When you combine this fact with our rising rental costs, and improving employment trends, there's a case to be made for pent-up demand.

What's holding back the homebuyers? According to Lawrence Yun, restrictive mortgage underwriting policies are holding back many credit-worthy buyers. He estimates that potential home sales would be higher by 20%, if lenders would restore reasonable mortgage guidelines.

One bright spot in the mortgage lending picture is the resurgence of FHA mortgage financing. While FHA still requires decent credit, the down payment requirements are as low as 3.5%. The catch for our market is that FHA loan limits were not increased for Illinois. Some areas of the county allow FHA loan limits as high as $729,750. For much of Chicago and the surrounding area, FHA loan limits top out around $410,000 for a single-family home.

Fortunately, The Evanston real estate market includes a great selection of homes and condos priced within FHA lending limits. If you're looking to buy a home in Evanston, Wilmette, or other communities in the North Shore area, 2012 could be the year to make your move! Give yourself contract credibility by seeking pre-approval from a reputable mortgage lender. Contact us for market reports that will help you find the most attractive and affordable homes.

Evanston home sellers will need to remain flexible during 2012 while distressed properties are processed through the market. What should you expect when selling your home? For starters, you should expect it to sell! At The Thomas Team, we will expertly prepare a marketing strategy to sell your home, and provide you with the responsive, professional service that you deserve. Contact us and see the difference for yourself!

Wishing you all the best during the holidays and the New Year,

The Thomas Team
@ Properties

Chicago's #1 Real Estate Brokerage