eHouseHuntOnline: Chicago Lifestyle Real Estate

By: Christine Moscinski, Broker Associate & Market Expert at GOBBER GMAC REAL ESTATE, The "House Hunters" Team

Chicago, IL: May 4, 2009

Update to market conditions. As you can see from the data shown below, I have extracted data that reflects activity of sales of single family homes with 3+ bedrooms. Although the market times have not decreased, an increase of 1-2% in final sale price is shown from the month of February to March 2009.

I have seen recent list prices increase 1-3% in some markets including; Westchester, Downers Grove, South Berwyn and La Grange.

The market has definitely leveled off and now it’s time to get down to business. Serious Buyer’s must have a good Realtor and negotiator on their side to examine the market that they plan to buy in so as to try and negotiate a good purchase price below market value.

Again, the prime benefit of ANY home in ANY neighborhood is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION and convenient access to public transportation; METRA, PACE, the EL and major highways I-88, I-290, I-294.

SOLD MARKET TREND FEBRUARY – MARCH 2009:

Data reflects increase in homes sold AND average price increases of homes sold.

More to come in my next market report!

The house deal's are out there, you just have to HUNT for them! Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and member of "The House Hunter's Team" at GOBBER-GMAC Real Estate in Westchester Illinois .and actively reports on local real estate markets, trends and new developments in the Chicago area and Western Suburbs.

More information can be found on her website at http://www.eHouseHuntOnline.com

Brookfield IL Affordable Homes and Great Community...20 Minutes from Chicago

2009-04-26T15:21:00.003-05:00

April 26, 2009

Keywords: Research Brookfield Illinois, Homes For Sale, Brookfield Real Estate, Popular Chicago Suburbs Lifestyle, Low Real Estate Taxes

Brookfield, Illinois is real estate rich and a unique lifestyle community that many are seeking without the high price tag and real estate tax burden. Being dubbed as the new “Oak Park”, Brookfield offers a community “evolving” with many recent residential developments and re-developments with single-family homes, townhomes, condos and row houses that offer gourmet kitchens, loft size rooms, high ceilings, granite counters, extended outdoor living space with wrap around decks and porches with a modern yet vintage charm. Some partial completed retail in early 2009 and development including improvement of the Ogden Avenue corridor and a balanced village improvement plan.

Brookfield is bordered by Riverside, Lagrange, Lagrange Park and Countryside. All are neighboring communities and each one has something special and great to offer. Beautiful home styles from vintage Victorian, Craftsman and Bungalows to the modern Bi-level and Ranch style homes are a classic design of these areas.The Brookfield area boasts many retailers including boutiques, eclectic restaurants, entertainment, wine bars/bistros and some of the top rated schools in Illinois and not to forget, home to world famous Brookfield Zoo.

Brookfield also offers great churches and recreation with family friendly parks and the Salt Creek Bicycle Trail, which starts in Bemis Woods South and continues east 6.6 miles to Brookfield Woods, directly across from the Brookfield Zoo. With a nearby future development at Ogden and Lagrange Road, plans include for a mixed-use development, which will include multi-story condominium buildings with mixed retail segments.

A successful retail sector means a booming housing market. Commute time via nearby Metra is a short 20-25 minutes to the Loop and the community is also located strategically near major highways I-294, I-55, and I-290.So, what is the first thing you should do when starting your search for your dream home? If you need to be close to the city yet seek a Chicago suburban lifestyle you need to find a great area Realtor®.

Homes are bountiful right now; it’s a Buyer’s market and the first time buyer incentive of $8,000 should be taken advantage of by everyone who can. But what if you do not know where to begin? Buying a home can be very overwhelming. Whether you are relocating from another state or another part of a Chicago neighborhood, you will need someone on your side to help you with market knowledge and an area expert. When buying a new home, you have to ask yourself what you are looking for in a community? Finding a great home is one thing, but you have to consider future resale value when you go to sell down the line. Does the community offer good schools? Village/community improvement goals? Good real estate tax use? Are these tax funds being utilized correctly with community development and improvements? Does the community offer a balanced residential/retail and commercial land-use make up?

For a community to thrive there are many elements involved and a leadership and community involvement that is important for future growth.Brookfield is one such community. With redevelopment goals being reached and improvements being made, this town is in the “baby stage” of boom that buyers should take advantage. If there is one place to start looking for a great home, it’s in Brookfield, Illinois. Nice parks and next to forest preserves, offering great schools, churches, shopping and recreation, it’s all here!

Come and visit and see for yourself. See why Brookfield is a great family & lifestyle community!

Christine Moscinski is a Broker Associate and local market expert at Gobber GMAC Real Estate specializing in the Chicago southwest suburbs of Brookfield, Lyons, Hinsdale, LaGrange, Westchester, Countryside and more! More information can be found on her website at http://www.eRealEstateChicago.com