Long Grove Real Estate
Selling in Long Grove: Don’t Dump It, Donate It, Go Green!
February 25, 2010 by Sharron · Leave a Comment
Give your old stuff new life by contributing it to worthy organizations.
Everyone knows that when you are selling your home, you end up with endless boxes of things that you haven’t used in a long time but you just don’t want to throw away, or you end up throwing things away even though it may be useful to other people.
We have a list of websites (nonprofit organizations) that can be extremely useful for anyone in both situations. Our Team recommends that you jump on the band wagon and GO GREEN!
Reuse, Reduce and Recycle!
That is what The Sharron Kelley Team Suggests to all of our clients in Long Grove and all of the Lake County Illinois!
Confession time: How much of the stuff that’s crammed into your closets, attic, and basement do you actually need or use? We’re talking about the bridesmaid dress the bride swore you’d wear again, the books your kid never read, and the inline skates you bought on a whim.
But before you haul your random clutter to the dump, find out if there’s a greener way to get rid of it. These organizations will take all that junk off your hands and recycle it or give it to those in need.
HOME GOODS
Animal shelters are often desperate for donations of soft blankets, thick towels, and linens to use in the animal cages. To find a shelter near you, visit www.Pets911.com.
Contribute your used furniture, such as beds, couches, and dining room tables, to your local chapter of the National Furniture Bank Association visit NationalFurnitureBank.org. The organization provides furniture to victims of hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. It also helps families living below the poverty level and women and children who are starting over after fleeing violent homes.
ELECTRONICS
The World Computer Exchange is a nonprofit that aims to keep computers out of landfills by giving them to disadvantaged kids in more than 65 countries. Visit WorldComputerExchange.org to learn how to donate your unwanted laptops and desktops.
To find local organizations that accept used computers, televisions, cell phones, and empty ink cartridges (which can be refilled or recycled), visit Earth911.com/electronics.
Donate your old computers, printers, and software to the National Cristina Foundation (Cristina.org), which supplies electronics to charities across the country that support at-risk children, people with disabilities, and the underprivileged.
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (www.ncadv.org) accepts used cell phones and gives them to women who might need one in an emergency.
Handheld electronic gaming systems are one of the items most requested by troops stationed abroad. If you have one to donate, visit Games for Heroes (GamesForHeroes.com); the group will send it to U.S. soldiers stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The Get-Well Gamers Foundation (GetWellGamers.org) collects video-game systems and games and distributes them to a network of more than 40 children’s hospitals and treatment facilities across the country.
CLOTHING
Donate old suits, dresses, work-appropriate clothes, and accessories to Dress for Success (DressForSuccess.org), a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged women find and maintain employment. Clients receive one suit when they get an interview and are eligible for another after they land a job.
Career Gear (CareerGear.org) is a similar program that collects used men’s clothes.
Visit DonateMyDress.org to find locations in your area where you can donate prom dresses and formal wear for underprivileged young women.
Brides Against Breast Cancer (BridesAgainstBreastCancer.org) accepts wedding gowns, slips, and veils and sells them at events across the country. All proceeds go to MakingMemories.org, a foundation that grants final wishes to women who have terminal breast cancer.
You can donate worn-out fleece clothing to Patagonia’s Common Threads Garment Recycling program (Patagonia.com). Drop them off at a local Patagonia store and they’ll be recycled into new clothes.
The charity Soles4Souls (Soles4Souls.org) was formed after the tsunami hit Southeast Asia in 2004 in order to provide shoes to people who had lost everything in the storm. Today the nonprofit accepts gently used footwear and sends it to people in need here and around the world.
SPORTS EQUIPMENT
At ILoveSchools.com, teachers post wish lists for items they need that are beyond their school’s budget; many request sporting goods such as jump ropes, hula hoops, and basketballs.
Nike’s Reuse-A-Shoe campaign collects all brands of used athletic shoes, which are recycled and turned into everything from basketball courts and running tracks to new athletic shoes and gear. To find drop-off locations, visit NikeReuseaShoe.com.
One World Running (OneWorldRunning.blogspot.com) accepts gently used running sneakers and sends them to people in need. You can also visit RecycledRunners.com to find other organizations in your area that will benefit from your used sneakers.
BOOKS AND MEDIA
The Global Literacy Project collects used books for its worldwide literacy programs; read up on donation guidelines at Glpinc.org. Or bring your old books to your local Salvation Army or Goodwill thrift store.
Donate gently used kids’ books to ProjectNightNight.org. The reading material will be added to the organization’s “Night Night” tote bags — along with a security blanket and stuffed animal — which are given to homeless children.
Before you recycle that stack of magazines, pass them along to someone else. Local hospitals, women’s shelters, and retirement homes may be happy to take them off your hands. If you have DVDs your kids no longer watch, contribute them to children’s hospitals and pediatric wards via Kidflicks.org.
MISCELLANEOUS
If you have a big-ticket item to give, such as a car or truck, consider donating it to Big Brothers Big Sisters’ Cars for Kids’ Sake (bbbs.org). The group will pick it up (even if it doesn’t work!) and resell it; the proceeds will benefit the Big Brothers Big Sisters programs in your community.
Other charities that accept vehicle donations include Habitat for Humanity (Habitat.org) and the American Diabetes Association (Diabetes.org).
Uniteforsight.org accepts nonprescription sunglasses and sends them to people in Africa who don’t have access to eye care.
The Sharron Kelley Team knows the Long Grove area and we know how to get homes sold. If you are looking to buy or sell in the Lake County Illinois Area contact us at 847-465-3638 or email us sharron@northernillinoishomes.com
You can visit our website at www.NorthernIllinoisHomes.com or www.SharronKelley.com for more information on our current listings and see how we get homes SOLD!
Long Grove Real Estate
Long Grove Real Estate: Use a realtor who knows the news!
February 17, 2010 by Sharron · Leave a Comment
When is winter going to end in Long Grove? I’m sure everyone in Lake County Illinois is waiting for all of this snow to melt and flowers to start blooming. As the weather begins to turn, we will see all of the events such as the Fine Arts Festival and Strawberry Festival which Long Grove is known for.
Downtown Long Grove is an historical area with businesses and houses that date back to the 1800’s. This thriving town of cobblestone walks that wind include the shops like Bella Donna Boutique, Casa Brasil, Country House of Long Grove and more. The restaurants include Long Grove Café & Restaurant, Victoria’s Mexican Grill, The Village Tavern and there is so much more including art galleries, salons and jewelry shops. These are just some of the places that make up this historical area with unique charm the place it is today.
For a map and list of local businesses (PDF)
Commonly known as the crossroads, Long Grove was first settled by German immigrants who kept their farms in the great plains of Illinois and would come to town to buy supplies. As the years passed the crossroads of the Indian trails, one leading Northwest from Chicago through Buffalo Grove and Long Grove and one Southwest from the Lake Michigan shores crossing in Long Grove, came to mark this lush and beautifully wooded town that we all know and love today.
By 1880 the first settlers of this area, George Ruth and family claimed a remarkable 160 acres of this great prairie land, of course not even recognizing what the value of Long Grove Real Estate would be today. At that time the town consisted of general stores, blacksmiths, wagon and carriage shops, a tavern, a hotel, churches and a school.
If only the crossroads could talk, I’m sure there would be great stories to tell which have made Long Grove the town it is today.
To carry on its traditions, this town celebrates events throughout the year. If you are ever looking for something to do, you have found a small haven in the crossroads.
Coming soon, March 27 & 28, 2010 is the Long Grove Ice Meltin’ Blues Fest.
Although the date has not been announced in April you can look forward to the Flaming Flapjacks Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy an all-you-can-eat pancakes, sausages, coffee and fruit – hosted by the Long Grove Firefighters Association and the South Lake County Regional Community Emergency Response Team.
My favorite event that takes place April 30-May 2, 2010 is the Chocolate Fest. It is a celebration of everything Chocolate. It is fun for the whole family and the warm weather gives you a chance to enjoy what this charming village has to offer.
I could go on and on about this amazing town, but I think you should see it for yourself.
I you are looking for more information about Long Grove and the Northwest Suburbs of Lake County Illinois give The Sharron Kelley Team a call at 847-980-0426 or email me at sharron@northernillinoishomes.com
For a List of All of the Events and Information (PDF)
You can visit our website at www.NorthernIllinoisHomes.com or www.SharronKelley.com for more information on our current listings and see how we get homes sold.
Long Grove Real Estate
Buffalo Grove Realtor: I’m Giving Away FREE Massages!
February 11, 2010 by Sharron · Leave a Comment
For many years now my past clients have known me to give away gifts throughout the year to show my customer appreciation. I love this months gift because everyone needs a massage every once in a while and Massage Envy is a great place to go.
You might be the winner of the Valentines Day give away if you log onto my website www.NorthernIllinoisHomes.com and register to win.
Again I want to thank all of my past clients, friends and family for your support over the years. If it wasn’t for all of you, I would not have topped off as the #1 Agent and Team at Coldwell Banker in Buffalo Grove and #3 in the Northwest Region in 2009. So please sign up and have a Very Happy Valentines Day!
If you know anyone who is looking to Buy or Sell a home in Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Vernon Hills or any Lake County Illinois area have them give me a call at 847-465-3657 or email me sharron@northernillinoishomes.com
Long Grove Real Estate
Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Palatine & Vernon Hills Real Estate: What You Need to Know About Short Sales!
February 10, 2010 by Sharron · Leave a Comment
There are many questions today regarding the length of time it takes to get a short sale approved. Many of our clients in Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Palatine and Vernon Hills are not aware as to how this will affect them even if they are not upside down in their homes. Please watch this video. It is a real eye opener for all of us.
Here are some great questions to ask:
What Does is Take to get a Loan Modification?
How Do Short Sales Affect the Current Housing Market?
This Information Below was provided to us by a fellow Cyber Star Member (Zac Pasmanick)
Do you wonder sometimes why it can be so difficult for home owners to refinance and why so many end up in up with approved short sales instead? Apparently, one bank has turned their short sales into a cash cow, and with so much money to be made in short sales, why refinance any loans?
Watch this video for more on this government loophole!
Long Grove Real Estate
Long Grove Real Estate Market Housing and Action Report
February 4, 2010 by Sharron · Leave a Comment
I have some great information for you on the Long Grove Housing Market. It is very important for sellers to grasp the effect the economy is having on listings nowadays. It is also important for buyers to realize there are many great deals out there because of the economy.
I am going to give my Jekyll and Hyde synopsis on the ins and outs of the market now; it’s good for buyers and not so great for sellers, but sellers have to realize what they are dealing with when putting their house on the market.
Buying or Selling in Long Grove!
When representing sellers in Long Grove, as the 2009 number one agent and team of Coldwell Banker in Buffalo Grove, we market your home to the hilt. Any and every angle including print advertising, virtual tours, online newspapers, feeder websites, Google, Yahoo and so much more. This is important for the exposure of your property so we can find a buyer that is interested in your home. Ninety percent of buyers start looking on the internet first before they contact an agent.
When representing buyers in Long Grove, we pride ourselves in having the knowledge to find what people are looking for. With buyers purchasing in a market that has a high inventory and with homes not selling for asking price unless priced right, we know the ins and outs of negotiating a deal so everyone is happy in end.
Long Grove Market Action Report
I am attaching some useful information about Long Grove; it goes over the Market Time, Selling Price per Square Foot, Selling Price vs. Original Listing Price, New Listings, Market Trends, Property Sales, Median Prices and Total Inventory in Long Grove.
I hope you find this information useful. If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Long Grove or any Lake County Illinois area please contact The Sharron Kelley Team. Remember knowledge is power, so chose an agent who can get the job done.
View Full Long Grove Housing Market Report (PDF)
View Full Buffalo Grove Housing Market Report (PDF)
View Full Vernon Hills Housing Market Report (PDF)
View Full Hawthorn Woods Housing Market Report (PDF)
Long Grove Real Estate
Buffalo Grove, Long Grove and Vernon Hills Real Estate Short Sale Information
January 31, 2010 by Sharron · Leave a Comment
Buffalo Grove, Long Grove and Vernon Hills Real Estate Distressed Properties
This past year I received the CDPE*Certified Distress Property Expert* Designation. I am now a member of this group and am learning everyday about the new governing laws for Short Sales.
There are some really good things coming down the pike, we are continuously completing short sale transactions and are helping clients without them going bankrupt.
Basically the turn around time for a short sale is 3 years and then our clients in Buffalo Grove, Long Grove, Vernon Hills and all the Lake County Illinois area can purchase again. In some cases not that long.
There are so many new things to learn. Below is a great article written by the president and CEO of CDPE Alex Charfen. He gives a great overview on Short Sales, Foreclosures and how Certified Distress Property Agents are what is going to make the difference in Lake County Illinois.
Myths Regarding Short Sales
A short sale can be an excellent solution for homeowners who must sell and owe more on their homes than they are worth. Unfortunately, a number of myths about short sales have developed, and it is important to understand the reality of this process should you find it meets your current needs.
Myth #1 – The Bank Would Rather Foreclose than Bother with a Short Sale
This is one of the most common misconceptions. The reality is that banks do not want to foreclose on your property because the foreclosure process is incredibly costly. Banks, investors, and even the federal government have all publicly stated that if a person is qualified for a short sale, the deal needs to be considered. Overwhelmingly, banks receive more on their investment through a short sale than a foreclosure.
The qualifications for a short sale include:
1. Financial Hardship – There is a situation causing you to have trouble affording your mortgage.
2. Monthly Income Shortfall – “You have more month than money.” A lender will want to see that you cannot afford, or soon will not be able to afford your mortgage.
3. Insolvency – The lender will want to see that you do not have significant liquid assets that would allow you to pay down your mortgage.
Read more
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