Author Archives: Russ

About Russ

Whether you are buying or selling your home, my goal is to get you the best price, in the shortest amount of time, and with the least inconvenience for you. * Superior customer service is having your phone calls returned promptly, keeping you informed on what is happening with your home, and being on time for appointments. My clients say it so much better than I: “Your referral of the home inspector was appreciated as well. Most of all you had time for us. You returned phone calls promptly and kept your appointments with us as well.” Jeff and Rafia R., Naperville * I am recognized as a “Certified Real Estate Negotiator” in addition to my years as a CPA ensuring you get the best price possible. For buyers, I am very knowledgeable about all types of financing and mortgages; from the conventional to the exotic making loan qualification easier for you. And I offer buyers Exclusive Preview, giving you a heads up on homes before they get posted on the MLS. Working knowledge of foreclosures and short sales as well. For sellers, my Award Winning 14 point Marketing Plan BLOWS away my competition! I offer proven marketing strategies to get you the results you are looking for in today’s challenging market. Plus, the absolute best Internet presence you will find anywhere. In addition, you will benefit greatly from my exclusive Salability Checklist which focuses our attention like a laser on what we need to do to get your home sold. My professional staging and inventory knowledge assist both my buyer and seller clients by saving them time and money. Investors appreciate having a professional Realtor that understands financing, taxes and how to get your deal closed. Lastly, as a past member of the Illinois CPA Society, I know the value of ethics. I am a full time professional Realtor serving real estate buyers ,sellers and investors in the Fox Valley and western suburbs including Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Lisle, Woodridge, Oswego, St. Charles, Geneva and others.

BY THE NUMBERS . . .

The Reserves and The Woodlands At The Reserves Home Market Activity (RESERVES) The one stat that just jumps off the page when I look at the data is the months supply of inventory (MSI) here in the RESERVES.  My next … Continue reading

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The “New Normal” Housing Market

. . . and Its Impact on Buyers and Sellers. I am hearing the term “new normal” when describing the current real estate market.  The market during the past three years from the height (June 2006) to the bottom (May … Continue reading

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My CPA Skepticism and the Foreclosure Market, part 2 of the series

Read the tea leaves of foreclosure Continue reading

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My CPA Skepticism and the Foreclosure Market

In the article,  “Mass Foreclosures This Year Expected to Eclipse ’09 Levels”  http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/07/15/homes-lost-foreclosure-track-eclipse-levels-banks-work-backlog/ it states nearly 528,000 homes have been taken over by banks for the first six months of this year.  At this rate we will eclipse the 900,000 … Continue reading

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Interest Rates are LOW, but how LOOOW can they go?

50-YEAR LOWS FOR MORTGAGE RATES = GREATER AFFORDABILITY AND SAVINGS FOR TODAY’S HOMEBUYER Fixed-rate mortgages continue to hover at 50-year lows, thereby supporting home buyer affordability.  Compared to the recent peak in 30-year fixed interest rates 13 months ago (week … Continue reading

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Flipping Homes in this Market

Prior to purchasing Carol, I had my home inspector take a look at the home.  I did not have him prepare a written report because with most distressed property sales, it is sold “as is”.  The bank was not going … Continue reading

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I Am Now A NAR Green Designated Realtor

I successfully completed 18 hours of course work designed  for Realtors and earned the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Green Designation. This is the only green real estate professional designation recognized by NAR. I am trained in understanding what makes … Continue reading

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Renovation and Being “Green”

As Carol progresses, there things I have learned that I will pass on so you can “learn from others” and not make the same mistakes. Construction waste debris is the area that I could handle better on my next project.  … Continue reading

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Foreclosed and Short Sales, The How To Blog

Every home has a story to tell and this home had a very sad story indeed.  So my goal is to take this home and create a happy, positive story. The first time I walked into the home, I saw the potential this home had.  … Continue reading

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A “FLIP” In Action – How To Profit From Foreclosures and Short Sales

The “FLIP” started months ago, in fact a few years ago when I became a licensed Realtor.  I had a desire to take a house that was in terrible condition and see if I could transform it into a home … Continue reading

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