The Naperville Real Estate Voice - Local Real Estate News and More...: February 2009

Living in Naperville and working in Chicago is made easy with a transportation system that is an available option for Naperville residents. Naperville is a far west suburb located approximately 30 miles from Chicago, which can make driving in daily traffic not only stressful, but time consuming. There is a better way...

The available options within the system are Park-n-Ride locations, Pace bus service and Metra train, they all work togther to provide a safe and efficient way to move people to and from work or school.

The 3 Park-n-Ride locations within the City are:

95th Street Park-n-Ride(Route 672) is located at 91st Street and Wolfs Crossing Road.

Wheatland Salem Church Park-n-Ride(Route 675) lot is located at 95th Street and Book Road.

Community Christian Church Park and Ride(Route 673) lot is located at 1635 Emerson Lane.

Parking at the Park-n-Ride lots is free and provide express bus service to the Route 59 train station.

 
The backbone of Chicago's suburbs transportation is Pace bus service, Naperville is currently served by 23 pace bus routes. The routes are located throughout the City, which allows many residents to walk to the bus stops, making it convenient and affordable at only $1.75 per trip.

The Metra train provides Naperville with train service to downtown Chicago, and express service is available during the morning and evening commutes. Express trains can travel from the Route 59 station to Union Station in less than 45 minutes and from the Downtown Naperville station in less than 35 minutes.

Using this transportation system not only saves you money, saves you time, but most of all makes for a stress free ride.

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Thanks for reading my Naperville Illinois Real Estate Blog!

Maria Mastrolonardo, Realtor(R)

RE/MAX of Naperville

Cell: (630) 248-6077

Web: Naperville Area Home Search

eMail: mmastrolonardo@remax.net

I can help you purchase a home or sell your home in the towns of: Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Warrenville, Wheaton, Woodridge or other surrounding areas.

Who qualifies for the 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit?

First-Time Homebuyer Definition:

Defined as an individual who has NOT owned a primary residence at any time during the three years prior to the date of purchase. (If married, both must meet the requirement)

Details of the 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit:

• The Tax Credit is available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return).  Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).

• Purchase any single-family residence, (including condos and townhomes) that will be used as a primary residence between January 1, 2009 - December 1, 2009

• Maximum credit amount $8,000

• It is a true credit and does not need to be repaid as long as you occupy the home for 3 years. (If the home is sold prior to three years of ownership, the tax credit must be repaid.)

• It is a REFUNDABLE Tax Credit, meaning that if your total tax liability in the given year is less than $8,000, the IRS will send a refund for the balance.

• It can be claimed on your 2008 Tax Return (to be filed by April 15, 2009), an amended 2008 Tax Return, or your 2009 Tax Return.

I hope that you will take advantage the Tax Credit and of this great home buying market. Interest rates are at an all time low and many home prices in Naperville are currently lower than they have been in years!

Affordable homes in Naperville under $300,000 with 3+ bedrooms

If you would like more information regarding the 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit, please contact me by phone/text at (630) 248-6077or eMail at mmastrolonardo@remax.net

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Thanks for reading my Naperville Illinois Real Estate Blog!

Maria Mastrolonardo, Realtor(R)

RE/MAX of Naperville

Cell: (630) 248-6077

Web: Naperville Area Home Search

eMail: mmastrolonardo@remax.net

I can help you purchase a home or sell your home in the towns of: Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Warrenville, Wheaton, Woodridge or other surrounding areas.

I had the opportunity to listen to Twitter Tuesday, a blog talk radio show hosted by Jason Crouch and Ken Cook. Yesterday's special guest was Mike Mueller (tech geek), Mike shared interesting tips and advice on using LinkedIn.

Later I took Mike's tips and headed over to LinkedIn, well one click lead to another and I found LinkedIn Mobile. To me that was the coolest thing, I now can access the MLS, update Twitter, Facebook and view updates on LinkedIn all on my Blackberry. Nice!

Here is how to leverage the LinkedIn Network when you are not at your computer. With your Blackberry or iPhone navigate to m.linkedin.com, type in your email and password. That takes you to your LinkedIn homepage, which displays a list of categories to choose from. 

You can search, view your updates, view your contacts and here is something that I think is very useful. Let's say your at a networking event or conference, you make a connection and exchange business cards. Now rather then having to remember to add them to your database you simply ask; are you on LinkedIn, can we connect? Go to LinkedIn Mobile, click on the invite button, add their email address, a little personal note and Viola! They are now part of your LinkedIn network.

I hope you enjoy this LinkedIn tip!

I am always so amazed at what I learn from being a part of the ActiveRain network, it's like CE education on steroids :)

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Thanks for reading my Naperville Illinois Real Estate Blog!

Maria Mastrolonardo, Realtor(R)

RE/MAX of Naperville

Cell: (630) 248-6077

Web: Naperville Area Home Search

eMail: mmastrolonardo@remax.net

I can help you purchase a home or sell your home in the towns of: Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Warrenville, Wheaton, Woodridge or other surrounding areas.

I have Short Sale listing in Chicago that I have been receiving many calls about. Calls from either buyers or buyer's agents unsure of the whole short sale process. Many ask, is it a foreclosure? I explain that a Short Sale is when the lien holder(s) accepts a payoff that is less than what is owed.

With the increase of short sales in our market, it is important that both Buyers and Buyer's Agents are educated on the short sale process.  Knowing up front what to expect takes away the fear of the unknown.

First and foremost know going in that a short sale is going to take time. I'm not saying that to scare anyone off but preparation makes all the difference....example, if you are working with a buyer or are a buyer who's lease is up in the next 3-4 months, start your search now and you will not feel rushed when the lease expiration gets closer. This makes for a less stressful time.

Know how much experience the listing agent has in doing short sales. This to me makes all the difference, from my personal experience I have found that when working with a listing agent that is experienced in the Short Sale process the transaction goes a lot smoother.

Communication is key, being in constant communication with all parties is very important. All parties need to be informed at every step, this eliminates all the wonder and worry. When all parties work together it creates a "win-win" for everyone.  

Lastly buyers, I do not recommend making a short sale purchase without representation, by a qualified, knowledgeable licensed agent.

If you would like more information regarding Short Sales in the Naperville or surrounding areas, please contact me by phone/text at (630) 248-6077or eMail at mmastrolonardo@remax.net

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Thanks for reading my Naperville Illinois Real Estate Blog!

Maria Mastrolonardo, Realtor(R)

RE/MAX of Naperville

Cell: (630) 248-6077

Web: Naperville Area Home Search

eMail: mmastrolonardo@remax.net

I can help you purchase a home or sell your home in the towns of: Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Warrenville, Wheaton, Woodridge or other surrounding areas.

Yesterday I was at my networking meeting when a fellow member came in that seemed to be a little frazzled. She later shared with me her concern of not knowing if she and her husband were going to be able to make their mortgage payment. She also shared that she spoke with her mortgage company, and they told her that they wouldn't be able to help her unless she was in default.

I gave her I list of resources to try that might help her with her situtation. I am sharing the list here, to let you know that there is hope if you are facing foreclosure. Don't wait to get help because it is available and it is free to you, you just need to know where to go.

The following is a list of resources available to the Naperville community and surrounding areas:

Financial Referrals

Dupage County - Under the Services heading click Human Services.

Naperville Township - (630) 355-2786

Lisle Township - (630) 968-2087

Naperville Cares - They work with difference sources to provide assistance.

Counseling

Dupage Homeownership Center - Provides free counseling to help homeowners prevent foreclosure.

Energy Assistance

LIHEAP Program - Can apply at Naperville Township or Dupage County

Health Insurance

All Kids - Health Insurance for Illinois Children

If you would like more information regarding assistance in the Naperville or surrounding areas, please contact me by phone/text at (630) 248-6077or eMail at mmastrolonardo@remax.net

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Thanks for reading my Naperville Illinois Real Estate Blog!

Maria Mastrolonardo, Realtor(R)

RE/MAX of Naperville

Cell: (630) 248-6077

Web: Naperville Area Home Search

eMail: mmastrolonardo@remax.net

I can help you purchase a home or sell your home in the towns of: Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Warrenville, Wheaton, Woodridge or other surrounding areas.

The Naperville Real Estate Market is continually changing and the data provided here is to keep you updated on the Market changes to benefit you as the buyer or seller.

In January 2009 there were 40 Detached Single Family Homes that sold, down 45% from December 2008. January's numbers are typically low because of the market slowing during the holidays.

Of the 40 that sold; the Average sale price was $382,379 and the Median sale price was $366,500.

In January 2009 there were 16 Attached single family homes that sold, down 30% from December 2008.

Of the 16 that sold; the Average sale price was $185,625 and the Median sale price was $182,000.

The following charts show the Naperville Market Trend of both Detached and Attached single family homes under contact from January 2007 - January 2009. January's numbers give an indication of homes that might close by end of February. The reason I say might is because there could be a delay in closing.

 This is an overview of the Naperville Real Estate Market based on data from the MLS of Northern Illinois which is believed to be accurate but not guaranteed.

If you would like more information regarding the Naperville Real Estate Market or any  of the surrounding areas, please contact me by phone/text at (630) 248-6077 or eMail at mmastrolonardo@remax.net

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Thanks for reading my Naperville Illinois Real Estate Blog!

Maria Mastrolonardo, Realtor(R)

RE/MAX of Naperville

Cell: (630) 248-6077

Web: Naperville Area Home Search

eMail: mmastrolonardo@remax.net

I can help you purchase a home or sell your home in the towns of: Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Warrenville, Wheaton, Woodridge or other surrounding areas.

Naperville Dental Specialists

I was looking for a new Dental practice for my family and I, I called my insurance company and they emailed other a list of practitioners in Naperville. I looked at the list and all I saw was a list of unfamiliar names, it didn't tell me anything about the practitioners, about how long they have been in business or what services they provide. So I turned to my friend... Google, I googled all the names to find a website, a site that would give me more information about the practices. The results were shocking to me, out of a list of 20... only one had a website and that was, Naperville Dental Specialists.

On the Naperville Dental Specialists website, I found all the information that I was looking for. What I liked most, was that they provided all the services that my family needs under one roof.  No longer do I have to go to a different practice for a root canal or a different practice for my children or a different practice for an orthodontist, they provide it all. I was definitely sold and called to schedule an appointment.

When my daughters and I arrived for our appointments, I was pleasantly surprised. Imagining that I was going to find the traditional waiting area, with a receptionist behind the glass. Instead what I found was the feeling of having just walked into someones living room. The atmosphere is welcoming, warm and relaxing, Zen/Spa feel, nothing at all of what I was expecting. They even offer fresh brewed coffee and bottled water while you wait.

I then had the pleasure of meeting the team of professionals; Dr. LaVacca and Dr. Blair, treat Adult patients. Dr. LaVacca, also specializes in dental implants and teaches a class on it as well. Dr. Albert and Dr. McCullough are board certified pediatric dentists, Susie is the Dental Hygienist and Mary the Treatment Coordinator.

I never thought the day would come, that I would be raving about going to the dentist's office, but my children and I have had a great experience with all the treatments and have had no discomfort whatsoever. They are a team of caring and professional individuals in a state-of-the-art facility, who's goal, I believe, is to provide superior, painless patient care.  

If you are looking for a great Dental practice, check them out at;

Main Street Promenade building
55 S. Main St. Suite 241
Naperville, IL 60540
630-848-2010  

http://www.NDScare.com
 

* Photos provided by: Naperville Dental Specialists. 

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Thanks for reading my Naperville Illinois Real Estate Blog!

Maria Mastrolonardo, Realtor(R)

RE/MAX of Naperville

Cell: (630) 248-6077

Web: Naperville Area Home Search

eMail: mmastrolonardo@remax.net

I can help you purchase a home or sell your home in the towns of: Naperville, Aurora, Lisle, Plainfield, Bolingbrook, Warrenville, Wheaton, Woodridge or other surrounding areas.