This week I am taking a major step forward in home search technology. It’s my pleasure to announce the release of an online map-based search feature on my Illinois real estate website. As many of you who have used my online property search know, the search I had available was a numerical search - basically, put in your requirements, and the system would show you a list of properties that met your search criteria. The downside was that many of you are looking for homes in a particular area. A simple list of properties gives you no idea of where the home is in relation to other properties you’ve seen or the areas you want. I have been searching for a solution that would allow my buyers to go online at any time of the day or night, search for homes in all areas of Northern Illinois and not only see details about each home, but also see where they all are in relation to each other.

Now I’m happy to bring you this solution. After lots of research into different technologies, I feel I’ve come up with the most advanced property search in the industry to offer to you. My new online search tool will allow you to search by two different methods. It will still allow you to search by criteria - number of bedrooms/bathrooms, search price and area. However, it will now allow you to search by map area. By zooming in the main map area, your display will be constantly refreshed on-the-fly with new properties as you scroll the map around. It will also allow you to narrow down your search criteria with a series of tools on the left toolbar. This means that you can limit the properties displayed to those that exactly meet what you’re looking for, and then compare those properties visually. Since this technology is also based on the Google Maps API, you can change your view to a satellite map or hybrid map and actually see what the homes look like.

Once you find a property you like, you can view detailed information about the property - a description, virtual tour, multiple photos and similar vital information. Just like you remember from my previous property search, you can save a search that will automatically send you property updates by e-mail as soon as a property comes on the market. I’ve also added a feature that allows you to “Favorite” your top properties, so you can log in and view your top choices at any time. You can print the property listing, convert it to a PDF and save it to your computer, bookmark it, email it to a friend and request information about it from me or even set up a showing - all online. The property photos appear as a slideshow as soon as you select the listing, but you can also view the photos in full-size by selecting the appropriate option below the photo slider.

While it was very important for me to develop a new visual search tool for you, I also wanted a search tool that had a lot under the hood - not just a bunch of pretty photos on a map. My new search feature offers plenty of home search tools besides the map search that will make selecting the right homes for you an easy, fun and interactive process. An integrated mortgage calculator can help you figure out an estimated monthly payment and the school and community information will allow you lean more about the area. There is even information about how close the home is to a grocery store or gas station. Finally, one of the newest tools available is an integrated Zillow Zestimate that will give you a rough idea of the value of the property. While many of these features have been available before on different websites, my new search tool integrates them into a single full-featured suite that will help you narrow down homes.

Another one of the newest features my search tool offers is an integrated Google Streetview for selected properties. On the property detail screen, select the “Maps” tab. A satellite map will open that shows you an overhead view of the neighborhood with the home you selected highlighted. When available, below this map is an integrated Google Streetview display that will allow you to see the outside of the home - even move up and down the street and see exactly where your selected home is in relation to the other homes in the subdivision. For homes without exterior photos or virtual tours, this will even allow you to see what the home looks like and what the other homes in the area look like.

If you haven’t already checked out my new property search, I would like to invite you to play around with it. Using it is completely free - you will eventually have to register to keep viewing properties but I think you’ll agree that it’s one of the most comprehensive property searches available. Check it out by clicking this link.

It’s no secret that I’ve always been a fan of Greek food. Growing up near Detroit, we would regularly go into the city to have dinner at Greektown and Trapper’s Alley. Very early I was introduced to flaming cheese and other Greek dishes at The New Parthenon and Pegasus as well as the sticky goodness of Baklava.

The Flavors of Greece Festival was a great time. We started by browsing a room filled with Greek and Greek-themed goods for sale. But the big draw was the main room that featured the food and dancing. We got to see some authentic Greek dancing put on by the Apollo Dance Troupe. The dancers wore traditional costumes from some of the many regions in the country and were accompanied by traditional Greek music and singing. The day was capped off by sampling some of the great foods available including Souvlaki, Moussaka, Gyros and Ouzo. Over-all it was a great activity to spend an afternoon at and highly recommended if you have a love for Greek food and culture.

At about 165 homes, The Lakes of Bliss Woods isn’t one of the largest Sugar Grove subdivisions, yet it has a great community of active and responsible residents. This picturesque community features manicured lawns, 3 parks and several ponds. Most of the homes in this subdivision are custom-built by several builders. They often feature some of the latest design styles and range from the low $400,000 to above $500,000. For those who think of Sugar Grove as the sleepy farm town out past Aurora, take a drive through The Lakes of Bliss Woods. What you’ll find is elegance, style and comfort - perfect for home buyers looking for these things in a smaller community setting.

Those men and women who are serving our country today are truely some of the bravest individuals. Today is for them and I hope if any are reading this post you will understand the true gratitude I have for what you are doing. Please keep up the good work and know that we here at home are thankful of your service.

Initial construction began in 2003 at Tanner Trails and it instanly became a popular place for buyers seeking large new homes at a reasonable price. Escalating home costs in 2004 and 2005 pushed home values in the subdivision from the low to the high $300,000’s yet interest in the homes remained brisk, even through the beginning of the market downturn in 2006. Currently, Tanner Trails represents a great place to look for resale values. Due to the size of the community, competition from the number of homes on the market continues to drive home prices downwards. If you’re looking for North Aurora homes for sale, make sure you keep Tanner Trails at the top of your list.

The problem begins with the buyers trying to see every home available in a certain market range. While this sounds like a pretty good strategy if you’re buying a home, consider that depending on the area and price range, a search of all homes available could yield hundreds of homes in the initial search with between 5 and 10 new homes appearing for sale every day. At first, buyers feel like kids in the candy store, but soon realize that going through hundreds of homes takes a lot of time and energy. Unfortunately this has caused many buyers to just give up on hunting altogether in frustration.

Back when we were at the crest of the housing wave and homes were selling rapidly, seeing every home out there made sense - there was less selection and buyers needed to often make quick choices. This made a “larger to smaller” approach to home searching make sense - there was a much smaller pool. In today’s market where there is an extreme housing glut, a “smaller to larger” approach makes more sense.

Buyers have to shift gears and be more selective in the initial searches. There are many great homes to choose from so chances are, you’ll be able to find exactly the home you’re looking for - it pays to be really picky in the beginning. If you don’t find what you’re looking for at first, then widen the search. Just remember a couple ground rules: the good homes still go fast even in today’s market. If you spend a week going through all your choices, by the end of that week, some of the best ones on your list will be gone. It’s better to start with a smaller list and add to it if you don’t find what you’re looking for. Also, don’t be afraid to go ahead and make an offer if a home you see fits your picture. I’ve worked with buyers that found the perfect home but wanted to continue to look and see “what else is out there” only to find that 3 days later, another buyer bought their perfect home while they were out looking at dogs. DONT LET THIS BE YOU!

Finally, it’s very important that you work closely with your REALTOR and be specific about your search requirements. If you’d only buy a home with a basement, it doesn’t make sense to see homes without one. If you’re thinking of looking for a home to buy this year, I’d love to talk to you about how I can make the search process easier. Just give me a call and I’d be happy to meet with you: 630-346-1041.

R.A. Faganel Builders is currently offering a 4BR/2.5BA full-brick-front custom spec home packed with upgrades for around $435,000 and they’re also offering their builder model for sale featuring 4BR/3.5BA and over 3300 square feet with a natural stone front - also packed with upgrades for around $520,000. Another builder currently offering a spec home is Wyndham Deerpoint Builders who are offering a fully-built Richmond floorplan spec home featuring a gourmet kitchen with granite tops, 2-story fireplace and 4BR/4BA for right around $450,000. These prices and availablility is highly subject to change, so if you’re in the market to buy, jump on one of these deals before they’re gone.

Although Cinco de Mayo is traditionally seen as a Mexican-American holiday, it really should be celebrated by all of us. The bravery of the some-4,000 Mexican troops who defeated a French force nearly 3-times its size that day in 1862 helped keep the French under Napoleon III from supplying the Confederate army. This, in turn, helped the north attain victory and end the Civil War two years later. Besides which, Cinco de Mayo is definately another reason for us to all celebrate something and that’s perfectly fine with me.

Parking was great - we followed the signs and parked in the ATA lot behind Walter Payton’s Roundhouse. From there it was just an easy walk through the tunnel to the lot on Spring and Lincoln where the festival was. The stage was set up close to Spring Street and drew a big crowd. There were also several booths serving authentic Mexican food but the real highlight for many kids was the carnival featuring several rides and games. It wasn’t a huge festival but enough to kick off the spring and summer festival season here in Aurora. If you’re looking for a great way to get everyone out for some fun, check out the Cinco de Mayo festival next year in downtown Aurora.

Admission was $10 for a souvenier glass and 5 tasting tickets. Additional tastes could be purchased for $1 per ticket. There were perhaps 15 wineries from all over Illinois on location pouring a host of different wines. There was also a central music tent where we particularly enjoyed the music of The Flat Cats - extra kudos to the musicians who braved the cold weather to entertain the guests. There were also a couple places to buy food - I felt there could have been a few more choices and more participation by local eateries.

A couple comments: I would charge a larger admission fee - perhaps $15 per person - and do away with the tickets. I heard from several other participants who had strips of tickets blow away as they were trying to balance a glass of wine, tasting sheets and a carrying case of purchased wine. Also, having to pay-per-taste meant I only got to taste perhaps one wine from each winery - if I didn’t like it, that winery didn’t get any of my business even though they might have had another that I would have enjoyed and purchased.

For those that feel the tickets cuts down on alcohol consumption, consider this: as a wine tasting veteran, at a normal tasting, if I didn’t like a wine, I would take a sip and dump it. Here, since I paid a dollar for a taste, I felt almost obligated to drink it - I actually consumed more alcohol than I would have without the tickets. Many of the folk who come to this festival come for the atmosphere and the fun of tasting different wines - not to get drunk. I also laughed at the wineries that charged two tickets for a taste of port. One of the pourers even said it was “because the wine is fortified - there’s extra alcohol” - I guess they thought the extra alcohol was worth an extra dollar. Suffice to say, I didn’t purchase anything from those wineries - I buy wines that taste interesting - If I want alcohol, I’ll drink vodka - it’s cheaper and quicker.

All in all, it was a wonderful festival and a great turnout. The parking was well-done with at least three seperate lots. I found a parking spot right next to the park and the police were there to direct you. What a great way to kick off the spring with a glass of good Illinois wine and the company of fellow Fox Valley residents. If you missed it, definately put this one on your “to-do” list for 2009.

There hasn’t been a lot of market activity over the past couple years. Buyers have been waiting for a good deal. Foreclosures are moving briskly but there’s an ever-plentiful supply. This has made it difficult to impossible for existing home owners to move. This pressure has created pent-up demand in the market.

Mortgage rates are extremely low right now. Close to the levels they were back in 2005 before Greenspan messed them all up. Lenders have tightened restrictions but those that can buy will be getting a good deal on loan rates.

There is increasing national attention being put on the housing crisis and the extreme number of foreclosures. The government may be stepping in at some point this year to stem the tide of foreclosures. Once the foreclosures slow, values will begin to rise.

Rentals are now getting harder to find and rent prices are rising. Rent prices are now getting higher than the cost of owning a condo or single-family home. This increases the number of buyers in the market as renters decide it’s better to buy than pay more in rent.

We’re now entering the spring market - a naturally busy time. This should reduce inventory as buyers begin to take up the slack. If the number of foreclosures begins to slow, we’re going to see a further reduction in inventory for the fall. This points to the possibility of an uptick in the market beginning this fall. I predict conditions will remain flat during the spring and summer as the existing inventory begins to be eaten up by buyer demand but this fall we should see a slightly better market.

What does this mean for home buyers? If you haven’t yet entered the housing market, now is the time. You want to buy when the market is at or close to bottom - not after it has started to recover. If you’re looking for the point at where there’s the biggest inventory at the lowest prices, put yourself in the position to purchase this spring and summer.