HomesPlus

What will $1.4 million buy you in ...

2008-07-18T16:01:56Z

This weekend on HomesPlus we're taking you to Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood to see what $1.4 million dollars will buy you. Check out the video and you'll be amazed at the luxury kitchen, theatre room and of course a great deck off the beautiful master suite. $1.4 million Lincoln Park Home

Riding the wave of the market...

2008-07-16T19:51:16Z

With all of the ups and downs of the real estate market in the last 5 or 6 years, it's easy to see how today's buyer or seller can feel overwhelmed. According to Today's financial editor, Jean Chatzky, there are some basic rules to follow if you're making a move in today's market. If you're buying: -A down payment is a must! Somewhere between 10-20% is desirable. -To get a good rate, work on your credit score. A score of 720 or higher will get you the best rate. -Shop around! Last week, the low quote on a 30-year conforming loan from HSH.com was 5.875 percent, while the high was 9.5 percent. Do your homework and it will save you money. If you're selling: -Adjust your expectations. You're not going to get what you could have a few years ago. -Get a buyer in line before you buy. Bridge loans are hard to come by these days. To read the whole article, click here.

What will $1.7 million buy you in ...

2008-07-11T15:11:22Z

This weekend on HomesPlus we're taking you to South Barrington to see what $1.7 million dollars will buy you. And let's just say you'll get a beautiful home with lots of land. Check out the home after the jump. If you are interested in this home, you can contact the realtor, Jackie Sharp, with Baird and Warner. 847.459.5600

It's HomesPlus...with a twist!

2008-07-08T19:12:03Z

Every week we bring you the latest and greatest in new homes across Chicagoland - but if you check out HomesPlus this weekend you're going to find a little something extra! In addition to the new communities we know you love to see, this weekend's show will be the first in a series of new episodes that highlight home design and decorating, tips from real estate pros on what's going on with the current market and how to make your home stand out from the rest! Not to mention, we'll be taking you through some incredible million-plus dollar homes on the market right now and show you what you get for the money in different neighborhoods across the city and suburbs! But to get the info, you've got to tune in first! So check us out this weekend at 9am Saturday and Sunday and Saturday again at 1pm. And if you have comments or questions for our designers or real estate experts, or just want to let us know what you think about the show, just scroll down and drop us a line! You never know, we just may answer your question on air! Happy Viewing! Rochelle Vayo

The grass is GREENer...

2008-07-07T18:46:46Z

In the world of home-ownership, curb appeal is king. And even if you're not selling, let's face it - you'd love your lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood, wouldn't you? Here's a few tips on how to keep your lawn looking luscious while you stay green - sans the harsh chemicals you may have used in the past. - Spread compost or organic fertilizer over your lawn every fall. - Seed with a mix of hardy grasses. - Mow high, leaving grass blades at 3 to 4 inches tall. Your grass will need less water. - Leave grass clippings on lawn as fertilizer. - Don’t overwater. Lawns typically only need an inch of water a week in the summer. - Don’t waste water. Use soaker hoses instead of sprinklers to conserve up to 50% more water. And water in the morning, when it’s less likely to evaporate. - Use a push reel or electric mower To read more about keeping you and your grass greener, click here. Rochelle Vayo

How much is your home worth?

2008-06-30T13:58:16Z

It seems like just about every week we hear a new report out that shows how home prices are falling across the nation. But as the old saying goes, real estate is local. So, how are home prices doing in your neighborhood? You might be surpised, but some areas of Chicagoland are still doing okay. And that means if you're looking to move into that dream home we've shown you on HomesPlus, you might just be able to do so today. The information is after the jump. So check out the Chicago Tribune's new interactive map to see how prices are faring in your area.

Mortgage Rates continue to rise

2008-06-19T16:19:07Z

For the fourth straight week, the average mortgage rate has increased. According to Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage is averaging 6.42%. That's the highest level since last September. Read more after the jump about how inflation concerns is driving up the mortgage rates. From the Associated Press: WASHINGTON (AP) - Rates on 30-year mortgages kept surging this week, rising to the highest level in nearly nine months, reflecting more concerns about what the Federal Reserve will do to combat a growing inflation threat. Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, reported Thursday that 30-year fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.42 percent this week. That was up sharply from 6.32 percent last week. It was the highest level for 30-year mortgages since they averaged 6.42 percent for the week of Sept. 27 and marked the fourth straight week that they have been above 6 percent. Frank Nothaft, chief economist at Freddie Mac, said the increased concerns about inflation were fueled by reports in the past week showing that both consumer prices and wholesale prices rose by significant amounts in May. This spurred further increases in the futures market where investors place bets on future Fed actions. That market is pointing to a Fed rate increase in September. In a speech earlier this month, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke signaled deepening worries about inflation and said the Fed would "strongly resist" any tendency for Americans' expectations about price increases to become unsettled. From last September through April, the central bank aggressively cut rates to try to keep the economy from falling into a recession, but now the Fed's focus has shifted to worries about inflation. Other types of mortgages showed increases this week, according to the Freddie Mac survey. Rates on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages rose to 6.02 percent, up from 5.93 percent last week. The five-year adjustable-rate mortgage rose to 5.89 percent, up from 5.70 percent last week. The rate on a one-year adjustable-rate mortgage rose to 5.19 percent, compared to 5.09 percent last week. The housing market is facing numerous headwinds - from slumping prices to rising mortgage defaults that are dumping more homes on an already glutted market. The mortgage rates do not include add-on fees known as points. The nationwide fee for 30-year and 15-year mortgages averaged 0.7 point. The fee on five-year and one-year mortgages averaged 0.6 point. A year ago, rates on 30-year mortgages stood at 6.42 percent, 15-year mortgage rates averaged 6.08 percent, five-year adjustable-rate mortgages were at 5.90 percent and one-year adjustable-rate mortgages averaged 5.66 percent.

Staging isn't JUST for the Theatre...

2008-06-18T21:02:49Z

If you're part of the population that currently has its home on the market and you're starting to lose faith, it's time to take stock. Stop seeing your house as your own and start viewing it as a buyer would. Do you see clutter? Lots of personal effects? Evidence that you own three great danes? Then perhaps it's time for some home staging! These days, your home is competing against a dozen others just like it, and even if you think it's perfect, chances are it could benefit from a mini-makeover to make it stand out from the crowd. Home staging is actually easier than you might think - but the key is to make your home look it's absolute best for every potential new owner. Click here to find out more! Rochelle Vayo

Save $70,000 on a William Ryan Ranch Home

2008-06-16T16:36:38Z

William Ryan Homes has another great deal on a home ready for immediate delivery. You could be in your new home before grilling season is over!!! Want the details ... check it out after the jump. William Ryan Homes is offering more than $70,000 off an immediate delivery home at Sandy Creek Estates in Elgin. The Portland Model, which is a RANCH plan, offers 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 3-car garage as well as a full basement with a rough-in for an extra bathroom. It WAS priced at $399,430, but can be YOURS for just $329,345!!!!! ***Conditions and restrictions may apply. Call DeAnna for more information at 800-338-2922!! Here's a few more of the exciting features: *Elevation 2 with Brick *Breakfast Bay Window *Designer Master Bathroom *Tray Ceiling-Master Bedroom *This Gourmet Kitchen Includes: Stainless Steel Double Oven, Dishwasher, Gas Cook top, Garbage Disposal & Microwave *Upgraded Cabinets with Crown Moulding *Ceramic Floors in Foyer, Extended Foyer, Laundry Room, Kitchen and Breakfast area *Kitchen Recessed Lighting Package *Kitchen Island *Brushed Nickel Light Fixture Package *Satin Nickel Lever Handles *Wood Burning Fireplace *Low E Glass Windows *Home Theatre Pre-Wire Only *Upgraded Shelving Package Want to see pictures of this actual home? Click here. And check out our video of the entire Sandy Creek Estates Community:

Mortgage Rates at highest levels since October

2008-06-13T13:27:08Z

As the Federal Reserve continues to fight a struggling economy and inflation, mortgage rates continue to creep higher. According to the mortgage company, Freddic Mac, the 30-year fixed rate mortgages averaged 6.32% last week. That is up sharply from 6.09% the previously week. Read more. More on Illinois rates after the jump ... Locally, in Illinois, bankrate.com reports the 30-year fixed rate mortgages average 6.33%. The average rate is even higher in Chicago. According to bankrate.com, it stands at 6.35%. Click here to read more.

Selling in a Tough Market...

2008-06-10T17:02:57Z

Have you found that beautiful new home of your dreams, but need to get out from under your current mortgage to move on? If so, then you've probably discovered first-hand that it's going to take a little more than it used to in order to find the right buyer for your home. Which is why it's important to remember Consumer Reports' five basic tips to selling in the current market... 1- Pick the right broker...look for agents who are listing, marketing and selling in your community. 2- Understand the real marketplace...be aware of up-to-the-minute sale prices, not just what your neighbor's home sold for last year. 3- Sweeten the deal...many sellers these days are offering appealing incentives to buyers. 4- Be flexible on the deposit...of course you'd like the biggest deposit you can get from a buyer, but realize that a large number may not be reasonable in the current market. 5- Monitor and update your listing...an obviously out-of-date picture (there's snow on the ground, but it's June...) tells the potential buyer than your home has been on the market for a while. Keep the photos up to date and of the highest possible quality. Read More... Hang in there, and you'll be moving into that gorgeous new home before you know it! Rochelle Vayo

The Cost of Buying a Home?

2008-06-04T16:17:03Z

You've heard it all before - it's a great time to buy a new home! This is especially true for first time home-buyers! If you're financially solid, there are some great deals to be had right now. But how much does it really cost just to get the ball rolling? Don't be scared off by that 20% down payment! While the days of no-money down are for the most part behind us, you can get your foot in the door for much less than 20%. To get the basics on how much it will take to make that home yours, click here. See? Buying a home isn't so scary after all! Happy Home-Hunting! Rochelle Vayo

Grand Plaza offering to pay your taxes and ...

2008-06-02T16:52:44Z

Yes, you heard us correct ... The Penthouse Collection at Grand Plaza has yet another amazing deal for you. If you buy one of their remaining new condos, then they'll pay your taxes, parking and assessments for up to 2 years. That's more money in your pocket!!! This view could soon be yours if you check out Grand Plaza today. And if you act now ... you can receive taxes, parking and assessments completely free for up to two years. Most units will also qualify for additional personalization money to use in anyway the buyer sees fit. For more details call the sales center at 312.644.9200.

About your new neighborhood ...

2008-06-02T16:44:28Z

For many new homeowners, moving into that new home also means moving into a new community. So, do you know everything there is to know about your new city or town? Well, we have you covered with the Tribune's online resource. It has profiles and important information you need to know about your new community. You can locate schools, transportation, stores, health care, recreation and statistics about your new city or town. Check it out today and be better informed about where you live! Chicagoland Communities

What's Your Style?

2008-05-28T15:07:06Z

Chicago has a very definitive sense of that mid-western down-to-earthness mixed in with the perfect amount of cutting-edge. The city is steeped in history and for the most part, there's an interesting back-story to go along with any neighborhood you happen to find yourself in. The architecture is impressive, the lakefront is a gem and the skyline is in a class of its own. It's like a cleaner, friendlier New York (no offense, Manhattan, I happen to love you too, but it's true). But does Chicago have a true distictive style? HGTV host and designer, Frank Fontana, recently moved to our windy city. Take a look at what he had to say about our city's vibe. Rochelle Vayo