lake zurich...and beyond

I recently joined Facebook and I'm having so much fun connecting with far-flung family and friends...and even those friends who live just down the street (busy lives, you know how that goes). I'm not using Facebook for ANY business purposes...it's PURELY for fun & friendship.

I guess that is one reason I resisted joining for so long; when I left the day to day real estate business behind I also left the social media aspect of real estate behind as well. Some of you have noticed my absence here on AR and have emailed me (thank you so much for caring about me, you are all so sweet), but to be honest, I haven't felt like writing about anything real estate related, reading about anything real estate related or even talking about anything real estate related. I guess that proves how totally burned out I was with the real estate business!!

But I do miss the social aspect of Active Rain and so many of my Active Rain friends...so if you would like to touch base please feel free to contact me...via Facebook!! :)

I wish you all the very happiest of holidays and a year full of peace and joy.

"Joy is the feeling of grinning inside" ~ Melba Colgrove

When I first started writing my blog several years ago, it was because I was an active real estate agent and I was interested in using it as a way to increase my web presence, communicate with clients and the public, commiserate and learn from other agents, and get my message across about how I do business.  It was a daily event for me to log on to Active Rain, read other blogs and post my own articles about pretty much everything under the sun. And fun, too!

Although I no longer log on or post regularly (I'm busy and enjoying my new  job, hanging out with my family, and traveling) I do wish to maintain an active web presence for my referral business. (My former clients and friends trust my recommendations and look to me for advise and referrals ~ I can't tell you how many times I've been contacted in the last 6 months!) I still feel the desire to write, though not nearly as often as I once did. Sometimes, that is because I want to share what's going on in my life currently, sometimes it is to rant about something that is bothering me, and sometimes it is simply to work out thoughts I have and get the opinion of others that I have come to know and respect.

Recently, I posted about a referral gone wrong. Perhaps it wasn't the nicest thing to do (I have since removed the post) but sometimes I feel so strongly about something that I simply have to voice my opinion. On the flip side of this, however, I have also been equally strong in voicing my appreciation and praise for companies and people that offer exceptional service and/or products. Although my recent blog was quite harsh in it's criticism of a particular company, there have been past posts in which I have strongly advocated and applauded this very same company. Does it balance out? I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that it is important to remain true to yourself and to fight for what you believe in ~ whether it will result in change or not.

On another note, today, as I was taking Zoey the Wonder Puppy for a stroll around the block, I noticed several houses that were starting to look a little run down. The blogger ~ and former real estate agent ~ in me immediately started thinking of how I could incorporate my observations into a blog post. It's funny, isn't it, how you can find it difficult to think of anything to write about for weeks, and then suddenly a topic or two presents itself out of the clear blue?

As we walked, I was pondering whether it was the recession that has resulted in homes that were formerly well-manicured going to ruin, or whether these properties had new owners that didn't care as much as the former owners. It doesn't cost much to mow your yard, trim your bushes or pull a few weeds. Perhaps it's simply a symptom of people who have given up and just don't care anymore? While those few shabby homes bum me out, happily, many others in the neighborhood are actively sprucing up their homes with new siding and roofs, paint jobs, new driveways and front walks, and gorgeous landscaping. A sure sign that maybe things are improving out there and hope has returned, because these homeowners are spending a considerable amount of money on their homes ~ and who would do that if they didn't have faith in the real estate market?

So what are your thoughts? Are you seeing more sales and increased morale in your market, or are you seeing homes falling into disrepair? And why do you continue to blog after all this time? I'm just curious!

Happy Sunday and Happy Father's Day! :-)

If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

I admit it, I've lost my blogging mojo.

I've been called on the carpet about it by several people.

I apologize. Really I do.

I didn't think it would happen to me!

I just can't think of anything clever and real estate related to write about these days.

Scratch that.

I just can't think of anything to write about, period.

At least for now.

But oh, what I have found! Of course, those details are in a previous post, so I won't bore you again with my happy, sappy, self.

Suffice it to say, I love my new job! It's been keeping me busy, as has life in general.

Fulfillment beyond a paycheck?

You bet.

Need I say more? 

If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

Today I had the pleasure of running into some of my favorite past clients. None of them knew (yet) that I had left the business and gotten a new job so they were all surprised to say the least!

The first couple (Jeff & Lee) I met back in 2005. I helped them relocate from Florida to Illinois and along the way we developed a friendship. I also helped them buy a new house in 2007 and we tried (in vain) to sell a condo they own last year. We've been trading phone calls and emails for several months but I hadn't told them that I had left the business because I felt our friendship deserved that I deliver the news in person. As we caught up and I filled them in on my new life, they were so wonderfully supportive and complimentary. I told them that when the time came to put the condo back on the market that I would gladly refer them to another terrific agent. They said, "Kel, no one could possibly do everything you did for us." Awwww.

While running errands, I also ran into another of my favorite past clients. I completely admire this young woman who, as a single woman with a terrific job, bought a house of her own (and renovated it!) a few years ago. As we chatted and caught up, it occurred to me how many of my past clients I thoroughly enjoyed working with. Karen is definitely one of them.

I then stopped by Ann Taylor Loft (losing 12 pounds means new pants, yay!) and ran into yet another terrific past client. As I filled her in on my new dream job she said the most amazing thing, "I wish I could find a job like that!" No one ever coveted my real estate job (except the ones that thought it was all about looking at pretty houses, lol). In fact, when I was an agent most people went out of their way to mention that there was no way they could ever be a real estate agent (the crazy hours, the nights and weekends, the instability). But, having had a cutie-pie of a new baby recently, Katie saw my new work hours, schedule and vacation as a huge benefit. So do I!

It's always gratifying and fun to run into past clients. I love hearing all the renovation and decorating updates, learning of marriages and babies, and catching up. When you work with someone for several weeks or months and share in such an important milestone in someones life, you develop a relationship that (in many cases) transcends the transaction. In my opinion, it says a lot about the type of agent you are (or were) if you can count your clients among your friends!

It's been a terrific week for me. I started my new job on Monday, had the pleasure of having my son (who is in college) home for the weekend, and then ran into some wonderful past clients (er, I mean friends). Oh yeah, I also got paid on Friday. Hallelujah!

If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

Real estate agents tend to be a little, well, obsessed with real estate. If you don't believe me take a quick peek around ActiveRain. Day or night, while at home or on vacation, during holidays and weekends, you will find agents here blogging away about every topic imaginable. 

I completely understand the obsession. When I was an agent, I was obsessed as well. Looking back upon it, I now realize how much time I spent thinking about real estate, writing about real estate, working in real estate. It is, quite simply, an all-consuming profession. 

When you first become an agent, you aren't immediately thrown into the craziness. As your business grows you constantly strive for better, more productive and more innovative ways to work. All that extra effort leads to more work, more buyers and more sellers.

Since building a successful business doesn't happen overnight, that all-consuming aspect of the business just creeps up on you like a shadow. You never even know what hit you! For some, that craziness is welcome and they thrive upon it. For others, like me, it is hard if not impossible to achieve a good work/life balance amid the chaos and 24/7 days.

When I decided to leave the real estate business I honestly expected that it would be a difficult transition from agent to non-agent because you pretty much have to do it cold turkey. The first few days and weeks I considered "detox" time. No more access to the MLS, no more phone calls at all odd hours of the day and night, no more late night blogging, working leads, worrying about how my sellers would come up with their next mortgage payment, or wondering whether the home inspection would reveal some scary deal-breaker defect. On the flip side, no more excitement of finding the "right" house and closing deals either. 

What I found is that as I progressed through the days and then weeks of life outside of real estate, I started rediscovering who I am as a person instead of as an agent. I also started eating better, cooking more often, taking an exercise class, sleeping soundly, and smiling more. I can now go hours, if not whole days without checking my email. I even lost 9 pounds! Quite simply, I got my life back.

Since I'm not independently wealthy, I've been looking for a new opportunity (outside of my referral business). While interviewing for my transition back into the working world, I found myself walking through offices of cheerful, productive people who receive steady paychecks every two weeks and picturing myself in their midst. I'd always considered the "flexibility" of real estate to be a misnomer because it seemed like I was always working and the flexibility was me being flexible and working around the schedules of others. But these people got nights and weekends off! These people took vacations and were still paid for those days off! These people got benefits! Promotions! Lunch breaks! They had a life outside of the office! 

Now, don't think for one minute that I don't fully understand what it's like to be in the regular business world. I've been there, done that. And I'm ready to do it again, with eyes wide open and a happy heart. 

In fact, I just got a great job offer. It offers tons of vacation, fantastic hours, a professional environment and a wonderful opportunity to use all my old skills and learn new ones too. I'm going to say yes...yes to this new job, my new life. I'm so excited. 

So what is the lesson in all of this? It's simple: If real estate is not making you happy, go out and find something that will. I promise you that there's more to life than real estate!

Life is a journey. Find your nirvana.

If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

What makes you different and more marketable than your peers? 

1. The Company You Keep 

The company you choose to align yourself with says a lot about who you are as a professional. Is your company a well-respected market leader with high standards and a reputation for excellence? 

2. Your Professional and Educational Experience 

My combined education and background in law, administration, marketing, sales, customer service and management combine to make me a well-rounded individual. When I was a real estate agent, one of the main things that set me apart from the crowd was the fact that I had previously been a real estate paralegal, closing on average 500 transactions a year. That extensive legal knowledge and real estate experience ensured a successful transaction for my clients. What about your background or experience sets you apart? 

3. Your Technical Expertise 

It is becoming increasingly important in today's business world to learn, use and fully understand a variety of programs. I'm proficient in Word, PowerPoint, Publisher, Excel, Outlook, QuickBooks, Paint Shop Pro and Adobe Acrobat, and also have a comprehensive understanding of blogging, website maintenance and search engine optimization. As a professional, you can no longer rely upon others to handle the technical stuff. If you aren't up to speed, take some time to learn new skills. 

4. Your Interpersonal and Communication Skills 

This is quite possibly the most important skill set to develop. Do you have strong organizational, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to handle complex situations with the highest degree of integrity and confidentiality? Are you detail-oriented, proactive and reliable? Do you have admirable business ethics? 

If you were asked, "What makes you different?" how would you answer that question? Do you highlight your most marketable skills in your resume (otherwise known in real estate as your listing presentation)?  Do you treat each and every client like a prospective employer? Do you take the time to learn new skills to improve your knowledge and expertise? 

It doesn't really matter whether you are in real estate or pursuing a position in the corporate world, the principles of success are the same. Take a few moments out of your busy day today to think about what sets you apart. Is it your competence, creativity, commitment to excellence, communication skills, critical thinking, ethics, leadership ability and/or the reputation of your company? Incorporate and showcase these skills into your resume, presentation or interview, and I guarantee you'll become a more marketable and sought-after professional!

If you are a consumer looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

I recently bought some toner online from a company called 007TONER. One of the toner cartridges turned out to be defective so I contacted the company and was told that they would replace it with a new one, but that I would need to speak to the manager, who was not there at the time. I was told that the manager would call me within 20-40 minutes. That was on December 23.

After about an hour with no phone call from the manager, I sent an email to the company. Their website promises a response to all emails within 30 minutes. Did I get a response? Nope. So I sent additional emails...December 30, January 5, January 8 and January 19. Obviously I will not be getting either a return phone call or email and my defective toner will most likely not be replaced by the company that promises this on their website:

"What if I receive a defective product?
If we sent you a defective product, we sincerely apologize. We will gladly send you a replacement or refund your purchase price in full. You have to have RMA# from us before sending anything back to us. Just follow the Easy Returns Process and follow the instructions. All defective products must be returned in the original packaging. Once the product is received it will be tested. If it is working properly 25% re-stocking fee will apply. Products returned without original packaging will be charge 25% restocking fees automatically even if the cartridge is defective."

I tend to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. In this case, I realized that my first contact was during the holidays when many people are on vacation or otherwise busy. That's why I continued to attempt to contact them to give them the opportunity to make good on their word. Unfortunately, this is a perfect example of a company that not only doesn't stand behind their product, but does not do what they say they will do.

In business and indeed in all of life, doing what you say you're going to do is paramount. That means returning phone calls or emails and standing behind your product or service. I don't have to tell you that I will never buy anything from 007TONER again, and I'll bet none of you will ever buy from them either. That is thousands of dollars of lost business, when replacing the one defective toner cartridge would have cost them just a few dollars. In this economy, who can afford to throw away thousands of dollars of business?

Do you do what you say you are going to do? If not, you're throwing away thousands of dollars of business. Is it worth it?

If you are looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

Most of you already know that I am no longer a REALTOR®. Since my real estate license is in a holding company (Professional Referrals, Inc.), I am legally unable to practice real estate, even if I wanted to. 

I must say, I am happier than I have been in a long, long time. I knew more than a year ago that I wanted to leave the real estate business but kept at it throughout 2008 anyway. Once the final decision was made and I was able to untangle myself from my client obligations and refer out all of my business, it was a like a weight that was lifted off my shoulders. I could breathe again. 

I had a light bulb moment this weekend. We were with a group of friends, one of which is a dentist. He was talking about how business is down because of the economy, and everyone was sharing their experiences with their dentist (none of which were very positive, I must say). Before long I could see that he was starting to get somewhat defensive about his profession, and frustrated with the fact that nobody likes having to go to the dentist and is so verbal about it. That's when the light bulb went off for me.

When I was a REALTOR®, I often felt like that. Although my own clients appreciated me and were very happy with my services, the general public seems to have an overall distain for real estate agents. There were many times when I felt defensive or frustrated as people either complained about their REALTOR® or the fees they were charged, or about how they felt a real estate agent is unnecessary to the transaction. Real estate agents are often made the butt of jokes or slammed on message boards. They are attacked for what they do, how much they make, called swindlers and listed as one of the least-trusted professions in polls. 

I always hated that. Worst than that, though, was the knowledge that there are many agents out there who are overpaid for what they do, that don't put their client's needs first, that are disciplined by the Board for unethical behavior and still making tons of money off their unsuspecting clients...agents who are completely deserving of being called a swindler and untrustworthy.

The experience of working in real estate allowed me to grow in many ways professionally and also allowed me to see both sides of an industry that is currently in flux. The real estate profession is changing daily and will continue to change as challenges are made to the commission structure and technological advances alter the nature of the job REALTORS® perform. There are many agents that I deeply respect and admire. For their sake, and for the sake of the public, I hope these changes result in higher industry standards and that unethical agents are given more than a slap on the wrist for their misdeeds. I hope that the outcome will be a deeper understanding and respect for the real estate profession. Most of all, I hope that in the future real estate agents are listed as one of the most-trusted professions in polls, and that real estate agents will no longer feel frustrated or defensive about their profession. 

As for myself, I am happy that I am no longer a REALTOR® for many reasons, but I'd really like to be able to someday cross off lack of respect for the profession as one of those reasons.

If you are looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

The idea behind the terminology "one click above" is that you make a conscious effort to go above and beyond what others are doing or what is expected of you. It may be the service you provide, your attitude, your work ethic or even how you dress.

Most people, quite honestly, will do what is required of them, but will not go above and beyond to do an exceptional job. Why do extra work if you can get away with doing so much less?

How do you know if you are "one click above?"

In some professions, you might receive written testimonials from your clients. In other professions, you might hear words like this spoken by your clients, boss, friends or colleagues:

...it doesn't necessarily require an extended relationship to recognize a superior professional...

...working with you has been an absolute pleasure...

...it was truly a pleasure to work with you...you were always very professional, knowledgeable...

...without your "above and beyond the call of duty" help our transition would not have been nearly as smooth as it has been...

...thank you not only for a job well done but for making me feel well cared for...

...tireless effort and upbeat attitude...

...from the get-go we felt very confident that you were the right choice for us...

...from beginning to end she made us feel like we were her only client... 

...absolutely amazing

...it was a great pleasure to work with you...

...we feel so thankful to have found you and will recommend your services to anyone...

...we never had to worry if things were moving along or being taken care of...

...her professionalism, knowledge and attention to detail were very reassuring...

...I am confident that the process went so smoothly because of you...

...my highest recommendation...

Do you stand out in the crowd? Do you go all out in the effort you give to a project or task? Do you provide a product or service that is exceptional and different from what is expected? Do you have raving fans?

What do you do that makes you "one click above" the rest? Can you give examples of yourself or other businesses or service providers that are consistently "one click above" everyone else?

As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I help match clients with the perfect agent to help them buy or sell their home.

Many traditional real estate companies dictate the marketing plans for the homes they list at the corporate level, allowing for very little flexibility by the agent. This means that they market each and every property identically. 

As a consumer, you may think that this is a good thing. Why should a $500,000 home receive more marketing effort than your $200,000 home? Let me explain why I believe each house is completely and totally unique and should be marketed accordingly. 

Here are some examples of the different types of homes you might run across in the greater Chicagoland area: 

• A pricey urban loft 
• A suburban 4 bedroom, 2-1/2 bath home 
• A cabin in the woods with water rights 
• A condo located in an age restricted (55 & over) community 

As you can see, each of these properties would, generally speaking, appeal to a distinctly different buyer. If the purpose of marketing is to target the potential buyer for the property, how can marketing each and every property the exact same way accomplish this?

In my opinion, it can't.

That's why I recommend that when you are interviewing prospective real estate agents you ask them what their company policy is in terms of marketing properties. Do they market each property the same way? Or is each agent empowered to design a marketing plan as individual and unique as your home? If so, exactly what does that marketing plan entail, and why?

Go ahead; put your prospective agent on the spot! Any good agent should be able to answer this question with a specific plan designed for your home.

Maximum targeted exposure = maximum results. Make sure you choose the right agent to list your home for sale!

If you are looking for a good real estate agent, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

In today's economic climate, I think many homeowners would say that their homes own them. The inability to sell their home is like a noose around their neck. They feel trapped and unable to move on. They are anchored to a particular home and community which may no longer fit their needs or budget. 

Home ownership is said to be The American Dream. For many, it has become The American Nightmare. 

I remember back to those carefree early days of my marriage before we jumped into home ownership. How easy life was! No yard to mow, snow to shovel, no worries about the roof leaking or basement flooding. No windows to replace, no property taxes to pay, no bushes that need trimming. But of course, like many young couples, we dreamed of owning our own home and were so excited when we were finally able to do so.

After all, there are many benefits to owning your own home. As a young bride, I was focused mostly on being able to paint and decorate to my heart's desire. Beyond this pride of ownership (your home truly is your castle!); there are also considerable tax benefits and the ability to build your own equity instead of paying your landlord's mortgage for him. You also gain a sense of belonging to the community and the security of knowing that you can't be kicked out by a landlord at a moment's notice.

All of this comes at a price, especially in today's market.

Home ownership is, I believe, one of the keys to long term wealth. Generally speaking, it has always been seen as a way to increase your wealth as your home gains value and you build equity. Now is widely regarded as an excellent time to purchase because houses have become more affordable and interest rates are very favorable.

On the other hand, if you aren't careful, you could end up in the same boat as millions of Americans: anchored to your home, unable to sell, owning an asset that is worth less than what you paid for it. In short, you could end up being owned by your home instead of the other way around.

So should you buy your own home or continue to rent?

It all depends on your circumstances. First, you must have a very stable job. You must have a decent down payment. You must purchase in the best location you can afford. You must be willing to stay in the home you purchase for several years...long enough to ride out any additional price declines.

Historically, home values increase over the long term. Indeed, the value of our own house has increased about 20% since 2001...which is much more than we would have earned in the stock market. If the market hadn't declined, it would be worth even more. However, if we had purchased our house in 2007 and tried to sell it in 2008, we would be sitting here with a house worth less than when we purchased it. Timing is everything, isn't it?

Does home ownership still embody The American Dream? I think so. It's not a get-rich-quick strategy (as it perhaps was during the boom years) but it is still a terrific way to build long term financial security and stability. If you are considering purchasing a home in today's market, you must carefully weigh the pros and cons and consider your own personal financial situation. You should enlist the help of a trusted financial advisor, mortgage professional and real estate agent to help you decide if the right time to buy is now. 

Dream big, but be smart. 

If you are looking for a real estate agent and don't know who to trust, give me a call. As a referral agent (I'm no longer involved in the day to day real estate business), I can help match you with the perfect agent to help you buy or sell your home.

I recently read The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch. In the book Randy discusses various setbacks, or as he likes to call them, brick walls. He never felt that the brick walls were there to stop you in your pursuits, but rather to give you a chance to prove how much you really want something.

When running up against the brick wall of the economy and housing market this year, I used the opportunity to figure out how much (or whether) I really wanted a career in real estate. Others may look at this brick wall as one of the worst things to happen to them and their real estate career, but I looked at this brick wall as a genuine gift. You see, this brick wall enabled me to look at myself objectively and make the decision to begin a new chapter in my life (see A New Chapter Begins...).

Brick walls will happen from time to time. They are there for a reason. Don't let them stop you. Instead, climb over or around them (or smash through them!) in order to get what you want out of life, whatever that may be for you. If you follow your heart, it will tell you which path to take, just as it did for me.

So, looking back over the past year, I'm actually grateful for the brick wall of 2008. It was a difficult year, no doubt about it, but a year of change, growth and emerging opportunity. I intend to make 2009 one of the best years ever. How about you? Any lessons learned?

Live your best life!

You know the saying,

"Opinions are like belly buttons...everybody has one." 

When it comes to blog posts, have you noticed that more often than not, the comment stream supports the poster? Sometimes, however, an opposing viewpoint is posted in the comment stream...which then, interestingly enough, seems to give others with an opposing viewpoint the courage to post their own opinion. I find this "real" exchange of opinions to be the most interesting posts to read, and tend seek out posts that both support my personal opinion on a subject and those that do not.

Take, for instance, posts that are all about the power of positive thinking. I am a very positive person but also tend to be realistic. Call me an optimistic realist. I don't personally believe that positive thinking alone will pay the bills, but do believe that it is a very important ingredient for overall success. I love to read optimistic, motivating articles. But on the other hand I don't believe you should focus solely on positive thinking as a business plan. Stress, anxiety and doubt are part of life. How you deal with it makes all the difference. Some will ignore the negative aspects of life, which is equivalent to burying your head in the sand. Others will embrace both the negative and positive aspects of life and will learn and grow in the process. 

How about you? Do you seek out posts that both support and contradict your own personal opinion? How do you decide just what to read...and comment on?

Since 2003, the Lake Zurich High School Student Council has enthusiastically organized a school-wide charity event called Charity Bash. In past years, they have raised money for The Ryan York Foundation, The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, The American Lung Association, The American Brain Tumor Association and One Step at a Time Camps...raising the amazing amount of $144,484.00 for these organizations over the past five years! 

This year, they've chosen The Muscular Dystrophy Association as their charity of choice, in memory of Kathleen Surdynski, a Lake Zurich High School German language teacher who passed away earlier this year from respiratory issues associated with the disease. 

Charity Bash kicked off with an assembly on December 3rd to get the students motivated and to educate them about MDA. Throughout this week, they've held various activities to raise money: everything from dodge ball, badminton and basketball tournaments to bake sales, talent shows, board games, auctions and concerts. None of this would be possible without the generous assistance of the Lake Zurich community and local businesses, for which we are all grateful.

Especially during the holiday season, encouraging students and the community to get involved in raising money for a charity is truly the best gift of all. 

I'll be back to update with this year's Charity Bash fundraising total as soon as those figures are made available.

**UPDATE** This year's charity bash set a new fund raising record! $43,866 was raised! Way to go LZHS!

Happy Holidays, Lake Zurich!

Each year, Remodeling magazine produces a Cost vs. Value Report in cooperation with REALTOR® magazine. This report indicates what homeowners can expect to recoup for 30 different home improvements, with the national average being 67.3% return on investment. Many homeowners are surprised to discover that their remodeling project may not provide a dollar for dollar return on investment; however, a minor kitchen remodel in some areas, such as Seattle, may return more than 100%.  

Unfortunately, the Chicagoland area was named as one of the toughest areas to get your money back, so it's very important to plan your home improvement projects carefully to get the most bang for your buck. Replacement projects that enhance your curb appeal, such as decks, siding and windows apparently offer the greatest return on investment. On the interior of your home, you'll find that remodeling your kitchen will offer you the best chance of recouping your money, offering you an average of 73.9% return on your investment, while remodeling your basement will only return an average of 61.9%. Free city reports and national averages for 2008 are available at www.costvsvalue.com so make sure you check them out.

Investing in improving and maintaining your largest asset is, in my opinion, a good idea in any market. Not only will you make your home more enjoyable for yourself and your family, but you will increase its value and make your home more appealing to potential future buyers as well.

If you are considering remodeling your home, I highly suggest that your first call be to a real estate professional who is thoroughly familiar with your neighborhood. You don't want to over-improve or under-improve your home and must consider the current market value and updates of similar homes in your neighborhood. It is actually possible that your remodel could lower the value of your home or turn off potential buyers, and you certainly don't want to do that!

I recently received an email from someone in my neighborhood asking if I knew of any appraisers who were familiar with the area and who do tax appeals. Many area residents are upset because our taxes have gone up...when we all know our property values have gone down.

But it's not really that simple.

If you are concerned that your taxes may be out of line or that your assessed value is too high, the best thing to do is to contact a licensed appraiser for advice. I recommend:

Meridian Valuation

Owner: Diane M. Kita, Certified Illinois Appraiser (License No. 156.0004178)

Office/Fax: (847) 726-6033

Cellular: (847) 650-4378

email: diane@MeridianValuation.com

Diane lives in Lake Zurich and is very experienced. She saved one Hawthorn Woods client of mine a lot of money on appeal...they were grossly over-assessed. Give her a call and see if she can help you, too. Good luck!

The holiday season is officially here in Lake Zurich. The bell ringers are out in front of Jewel and Wal-Mart, lights and holiday decorations adorn Deer Park Town Center, Starbucks is pushing its pumpkin spice latte and 93.9 FM (WLIT) has already started playing all Christmas music all the time. 

Wait a minute...I said Thanksgiving, not Christmas. What happened to Thanksgiving? What happened to turkey and stuffing and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving? Is it just me or does it seem to you like Christmas is coming earlier this year?

I suppose it could be because my kids no longer bring home construction paper turkeys in the shape of their little hands to signal the Thanksgiving holiday. However, I think the real answer lies in the current state of the economy. Retail stores are predicting dismal sales this year, so artificially lengthening the holiday shopping season is most likely an attempt to boost earnings. If so, I sure hope it works. This economy can use all the boosting it can get!

Now, will you please pass the potatoes? And have a very happy Thanksgiving!

When I was actively listing homes for sale (that was only a few days ago since I just recently made a switch) I offered my clients what is commonly known as an "Easy Exit Listing Agreement." Basically, although each of my listings was taken for a full year, I would allow my sellers to cancel at any time with a 15 day notice - and with no cancellation fee. 

I rarely had sellers cancel a listing, so I always felt confident in offering them an easy way out. I believe that in many cases I was the chosen agent in part because the sellers didn't have to worry about being locked into a long contract. I understand that there can be a bit of fear on the part of the seller who is entrusting an agent to handle one of their largest financial transactions; what if that agent turned out to be less-than-competent? It is my opinion that as an agent, when you are confident about the level of service you provide, offering an Easy Exit Listing Agreement is no big deal. 

As the market started to decline, there was quite a bit of talk around town among agents about the length of listing agreements. Agents were being asked by sellers to take 90 day or 180 day listing agreements and hated feeling under the gun as market times crept up. Many companies started adding cancellation fees (some as high as $1500) to their listing agreements to recoup some of the marketing costs already spent on the listing in the event of cancellation. I don't agree or disagree with the idea of a cancellation fee, except when agents have adopted the strategy that real estate is a numbers game. 

I never thought of real estate as a numbers game. I told my potential sellers what they needed to hear instead of what they wanted to hear, and I encouraged them to properly prepare and price their homes for sale. If they were unwilling to work with me as a team, then I wouldn't take the listing. I'd rather have 10 listings I could sell, than 20 listings with only 10 of having the potential to sell. But some agents feel differently. They take on those 20 listings, knowing full well that 10 of them will eventually cancel or expire. They do not offer an Easy Exit Listing Agreement, and they charge a cancellation fee as well. One agent actually boasted about how he "earned" nearly $7000 over the year in cancellation fees alone! Yikes. 

There isn't an agent out there that hasn't been burned at one time or another. I've worked my tail off and spent a lot of money promoting listings that later turned into a rental instead. I've had sellers decide not to move at all. I've spend many advertising dollars that I never recouped. It doesn't happen very often, but it does happen in this business. It is part of the risk/reward of earning a commission based income. But it seems to me that some agents out there are using the cancellation fee as simply another way to make money in this business. Do desperate times = desperate agents? 

It makes me cringe. What about you? Are you seeing more cancellation fees in your marketplace? How do you feel about them?

Have you ever asked yourself "Is this all there is?" and upon reflection realized that the work you are currently doing may not be what you want to do long term? 

For nearly a year I've wrestled with that question and pondered the alternatives. I have come to the ultimate conclusion that I need to make a fundamental change in my life. No longer willing to work 24/7 in this business, I've decided to take a sabbatical from assisting buyers and sellers while I pursue new and different challenges and opportunities. I will not be giving up the benefits of my real estate license, but will operate on a referral basis through Professional Referrals, Inc. - referring to top agents locally and across the country. 

I truly believe that sometimes you have to take some time to immerse yourself in another environment in order to see your life from a different perspective. To listen to what your heart and soul are telling you and to be inspired to embrace the next stage of your personal journey. 

So it is with excitement and optimism that I make this announcement. I've never been someone who does things half way. I immersed myself fully into my career as a real estate agent and was (happily) very successful. I gave it every ounce of my time, energy, resources and effort. I have no regrets. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the best of the best, my colleagues at RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest, and all of my wonderful real estate friends and clients over the years. That being said, I feel that it is only right to give 100% to my future endeavors as well. 

Working in this business has been both a pleasure and privilege for me and I hope to continue to share insights based on my professional experience and/or to put you in touch with other resources to help guide you in your journey. I'll still be here blogging away - writing, training, consulting and sharing my take on the local real estate market as well as tidbits about my favorite people, places and things to do in Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities - simply from a slightly different perspective. I hope you'll stay tuned.