Well, you don’t have much time left. So get busy! Whether you own or rent, there are real-estate-related tax savings for all to claim—if you file on time:
click here for the rest of the storyFinance - realtor.com
Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate
Thursday, April 16, 2015
Goodbye, Granite: The 6 Hottest Countertop Finishes - Reviewed.com Dishwashers
Goodbye, Granite: The 6 Hottest Countertop Finishes
\For years, granite has been the go-to material for high-end countertops. Despite its expense, weight, and ubiquity, it still remains the countertop of choice.But at EuroCucina 2014, there was a huge variety of granite alternatives on display. From stainless steel to tempered glass, from ceramic to wood... we’ve seen the future of your kitchen, and it’s not granite.
Tempered Glass
German design house Leicht showed off a lovely tempered glass countertop in a number of its model kitchens. The thick, translucent material is tough and has a pleasant tactility, while still remaining easy to clean. According to company reps, it’s also available in a huge variety of colors.
Ceramics
Leicht also made use of ceramic counters, which one representative described as the “closest thing you can get to indestructible.” The material is scratch-resistant, easy to clean, and cool but not cold to the touch. And the dark gray finish we saw paired beautifully with the wooden surround.
Nanotech Materials
The most unusual alternative countertop we saw at EuroCucina came from Italian designer Arrital, courtesy of Arpa Industriale. Referred to as a “nanotech matte material,” the Fenix NTM countertop is anti-reflective, anti-fingerprint, self-healing, and soft to the touch without being... well, soft. It felt great under our hands, and looked great in Arrital’s modern kitchens.
RELATED: This Glowing Quartz Is Right Out of Lex Luthor's Lair
Wood
We saw solid wood and wood-finished countertops everywhere at the show, often contrasting with or overlaid on a stone or synthetic material. Everything from mahogany and ebony to light pine and bamboo was used, and often paired with matching cabinetry to create a minimalist yet warm look. In some cases, wood was even paired with granite, though that was less common.
Stainless Steel
Look, stainless is nearly as played out as granite. In fact, we just ran a whole story about why it’s probably a terrible idea to overdose on gleaming silver in your kitchen. But plenty of designers at EuroCucina made a virtue out of this particular vice and made stainless countertops look fresh and new again.
click here for the rest of the storyfrom reviewed
Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Median Sales Price for 562 - Darien and more
Median Sales Price for 562 - Darien and more
Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate
Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate
Friday, April 10, 2015
Within the next five years, Baby Boomers are projected to have the largest household growth of any other generation during that same time period, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard. Let’s take a look at why…
In Merrill Lynch’s latest study, “Home in Retirement: More Freedom, New Choices” they surveyed nearly 6,000 adults ages 21 and older about housing.
Crossing the “Freedom Threshold”
Throughout our lives, there are often responsibilities that dictate where we live. Whether being in the best school district for our children, being close to our jobs, or some other factor is preventing a move, the study found that there is a substantial shift that takes place at age 61.
The study refers to this change as “Crossing the Freedom Threshold”. When where you live is no longer determined by responsibilities, but rather
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OFTHE STORYNeal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate
Monday, March 30, 2015
7 Things to Consider When Buying Rental Property
ust like buying a primary home, investing in a rental property requires a lot of consideration, research, and decision-making to guarantee a positive return of investment. Though these tasks may seem daunting to a first-time real estate investor, they are essential to making sure your property will generate the revenue you desire.Real estate investing requires an investor to remain unbiased when searching for a property and staying within means of their investment range. Here are seven of the top items you should consider when you are shopping for your first rental property.
Neighborhoods
The quality of the neighborhood in which you choose to buy will influence multiple factors of your investment's profitability, vacancy rates, and re-sale value. For example, if you purchase a property in a college or university town, you may need to account for the higher possibility of vacancy rates in the summer months and more tenant turnover.
Schools
Schools are a huge factor on homebuyers' and renters' want lists. 91 percent of homebuyers cited school boundaries as a deciding factor in their home search, according to a Realtor.com® survey. Even though your renters may or may not have school age children, school quality affects your home value and will affect your re-sale value when you decide to sell your rental property. Click here for ways to determine whether your potential property is located in a quality school district.
Job Growth
Job growth is often a good indicator of the need for rental property. Employment opportunity typically means a greater need for local housing and rental opportunities. To find out how a particular area rates in employment and job growth, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Future Housing Development
The amount of new builds, both residential and commercial, is also a good indication of economic health in the area. Visit the local municipal planning department for information on new developments that have been zoned in the area. Keep in mind that while these new developments are great for economic growth, certain builds like new condos or apartments could provide competition for your renters.
Vacancy Rates
Just like residential real estate, rental prices work on a supply and demand model. Higher vacancy rates typically force landlords to lower rent to fill up their properties, while low vacancy rates create higher demand, allowing for increased rental prices.
Amenities
Proximity to local amenities is an important factor to the success of rental property, regardless of your target market. Check into the distance of malls, parks, gyms, pharmacies, grocery stores, etc. from your prospective property. The convenience of location will be a great selling factor to renters.
Rent
This factor is a no-brainer. You will need to determine whether the amount you are able to ask in rent will be enough to cover costs of the property, including the mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc. Do some research of other rental properties in the area to see what the going rate is for similar properties.
If you're interested in buying an investment home, download our free Investment Guide for more information on buying a successful investment property.CLICK HERE FOR THE RESTOF THE STORY
Neal Paskvan is a full time Realtor specializing in Downers grove, Darien,Woodridge, Westmont and Du page county Real Estate
What Buyers Should Know About Home Inspections
For many first-time buyers, buying a home can be a scary experience. They know they'll be maintaining or improving a home with little to no maintenance experience, so the solution is to buy a home in perfect condition. So they hire a home inspector to point out all the flaws.
The problem is -- no perfect home exists. Air conditioners break, plumbing pipes leak, and roof tiles blow off in the wind.
If you're buying a home, start with a reasonable expectation of what home inspectors can do. Their job is to inform you about the integrity and condition of what you're buying, good and bad.A home inspection should take several hours, long enough to cover all built-in appliances, all mechanical, electrical, gas and plumbing systems, the roof, foundation, gutters, exterior skins, windows and doors.
An inspector doesn't test for pests or sample the septic tank. For those, you need industry-specific inspectors.
Here's what else you need to do.
1. Make sure the inspector you hire is licensed. The responsibilities of home inspectors vary according to state law and their areas of expertise.2. Ask what the inspection covers. Some inspection companies have extensive divisions that can p can provide environmental for radon and lead paint. Be prepared to hire and schedule several inspectors according to your lender's requirements and to pay several hundred dollars for each type of inspection.
CLICK HERE FOR THE REST OF THE STORY FROM Blanche Evans
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Does Living on a Main Road Affect Your Property Value? | Home Guides | SF Gate
CLICK HER FOR THE REST OF THE STORY FROM THE SFGATE
LOCATION LOCATION does Living on a Main Road Affect Your Property Value?
ng and selling homes can be tricky business. As if it isn’t difficult enough finding an affordable house that fits your needs, it needs to be on the right piece of property. That property needs to be located in a safe, well-maintained neighborhood that’s a reasonable distance from employment centers, and the house needs to be attractive to other buyers so it can be easily resold in the future.
Buyers who pass on homes located on well-traveled roadways generally have one of two concerns: the safety of their children or the constant noise generated by passing vehicles. Additionally, it could affect the view. Obviously, not every home buyer has children young enough to haphazardly wander into the paths of oncoming vehicles, and the traffic flow on even the busiest streets usually thins out to just an occasional car or two during overnight hours. Nevertheless, this can still be a factor. Like any other product, when the public’s interest wanes, the price drops.
LOCATION LOCATION does Living on a Main Road Affect Your Property Value?
ng and selling homes can be tricky business. As if it isn’t difficult enough finding an affordable house that fits your needs, it needs to be on the right piece of property. That property needs to be located in a safe, well-maintained neighborhood that’s a reasonable distance from employment centers, and the house needs to be attractive to other buyers so it can be easily resold in the future.Buyers who pass on homes located on well-traveled roadways generally have one of two concerns: the safety of their children or the constant noise generated by passing vehicles. Additionally, it could affect the view. Obviously, not every home buyer has children young enough to haphazardly wander into the paths of oncoming vehicles, and the traffic flow on even the busiest streets usually thins out to just an occasional car or two during overnight hours. Nevertheless, this can still be a factor. Like any other product, when the public’s interest wanes, the price drops.
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