Top 4 REAL Reasons We Buy a Home !

We often talk about the financial reasons why buying a home makes sense. But, more often than not, the emotional reasons are the more powerful or compelling reasons. No matter what shape or size your living space is, the concept and feeling of home can mean different things to different people. Whether it’s a certain scent or a favorite chair, the emotional reasons why we choose to buy our own homes are typically more important to us than the financial ones. home buying process

1. Owning your home offers stability to start and raise a family

From the best neighborhoods to the best school districts, even those without children at the time of purchase may have this in the back of their minds as a major reason for choosing the location of the home that they purchase.

2. There’s no place like home

Owning your own home offers you not only safety and security, but also a comfortable place that allows you to relax after a long day! home buying process

3. You have more space for you and your family

Whether your family is expanding, an older family member is moving in, or you need to have a large backyard for your pets, you can take this all into consideration when buying your dream home!

4. You have control over renovations, updates, and style

Looking to actually try one of those complicated wall treatments that you saw on Pinterest? Tired of paying an additional pet deposit for your apartment building? Or maybe you want to finally adopt that puppy or kitten you’ve seen online 100 times? Who’s to say that you can’t in your own home?

Bottom Line

Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or a move-up buyer who wants to start a new chapter in your life, now is a great time to reflect on the intangible factors that make a house a home. source: Top 4 REAL Reasons We Buy a Home

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GUIDE TO BUYING A HOME

Buying a home usually represents your single biggest investment .

The home buying process is one of the most exciting, and frequently stressful, experiences you’ll ever go through. This holds true whether you’ve bought many homes or you’re looking to buy your first, whether you’re in the market for a new primary residence, an investment property or that perfect 
vacation getaway. home buying process

Today’s real estate market can offer more opportunities, yet
 can be filled with more risks than ever before. There are a multitude of factors to consider and decisions to make when home buying process .

When buying, it’s crucial to have all the available resources necessary to make a well-informed decision, together with the time required to make use of them. It’s important to enlist the help of a trusted real estate professional ” Keith Kreis “who’ll be able to provide expert guidance at each step of the buying process. Finding and home buying process includes the following steps, which we’ll examine in more detail throughout this booklet: home buying process

https://keithkreis.com/page_id37/

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3 Tips for Making Your Dream Home a Reality

Some Highlights:

• Realtor.com shared their “5 Habits to Start Now If You Hope to Buy a Home.”
• Setting up an automatic savings plan that saves a small amount of every check is one of the best ways to save without thinking a lot about it.
• Living within a budget will not only help you save money for down payments but will help you pay down other debts that might be holding you back.

https://keithkreis.com/real-estate-blog/3-tips-for-making-your-dream-home-a-reality/

2300 Pebblestone Way BOLINGBROOK, IL 60490

Property Site: http://tours.charlesrutenbergre.com/home/ALQAT2/2300-Pebblestone-Way-BOLINGBROOK-IL-09796350

OMG This is What you have been waiting for. A Home less than 3 years old with everything done! Hardwood floors on the entire 1st floor. Granite counter tops, Stainless steel appliances. Freshly painted. FINISHED BASEMENT WITH FULL BATHROOM! 4 Bedrooms with loft. 9ft Ceilings Open floor plan Everything has been done. Home is so new it is still under builders warranty. All of the upgrades you would want.This truly is a DREAM HOME! THIS HOME WILL SELL FAST. DO NOT WAIT! Clients hate to sell relocating.Quick closing possible

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4

Square feet: 2,638

Price: $359,000

For more information about this property, please contact Keith Kreis at (630) 929-1100 or Keith.Kreis@gmail.com. You can also text 4705289 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.keithkreisrealestate.com/

MLS ID: 09796350

136 Bertram Drive C YORKVILLE, IL 60560

Property Site: http://tours.charlesrutenbergre.com/home/UGQD9L/136-Bertram-Drive-C-YORKVILLE-IL-09767030

Great Location in Bristol Bay. Cozy Ranch unit Features open floor plan, Kitchen with Breakfast bar and Newer stainless steel appliances,New washer and dryer, New Flooring, plenty of cabinet and counter space, In unit Laundry, spacious dining and living room. Unit includes a Storage closet and a 1 car detached garage. Subdivision amenities include Clubhouse, outdoor pool and fitness room.WHY RENT WHEN THIS IS EVEN BETTER and Cheaper QUICK CLOSE POSSIBLE

Bedrooms: 1

Bathrooms: 1

Square feet: 892

Price: $79,000

For more information about this property, please contact Keith Kreis at (630) 929-1100 or Keith.Kreis@gmail.com. You can also text 4635093 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.keithkreisrealestate.com/

MLS ID: 09767030

112 Green Meadows Drive GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL 60139

Property Site: http://tours.charlesrutenbergre.com/home/MA4JJC/112-Green-Meadows-Drive-GLENDALE-HEIGHTS-IL-09761152

Magnificent 3 bedroom U-Shaped ranch, beautifully updated ranch home with nothing but the best. New architectural shingles roof, new siding, new front door, new hot water heater, freshly painted newer windows. Open floor plan that is designed to entertain. With a large kitchen and eating area with corian countertops .Pictures cannot describe how nice this house truly is. Spacious u-shaped ranch located within District 16/87 schools features a large foyer, living room & dining room . Large bedrooms with lots of closet space. This house has been maintained a s it we're your very own. Nothing but the best. When you walk in this home ,it feels like home. Quick Closing Possible

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 2

Square feet: 1,710

Price: $229,000

For more information about this property, please contact Keith Kreis at (630) 929-1100 or Keith.Kreis@gmail.com. You can also text 4622645 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.keithkreisrealestate.com/

MLS ID: 09761152

How to Get the Most Money from the Sale of Your Home

Every homeowner wants to make sure they maximize their financial reward when selling their home. But how do you guarantee that you receive maximum value for your house? Here are two keys to ensure that you get the highest price possible.

READ FULL DETAILS:
How to Get the Most Money from the Sale of Your Home

More Americans Say Now is a Good Time to Sell!

Recently released data from Fannie Mae’s National Housing Survey revealed that rising home prices were the catalyst behind an eight-point jump in the net percentage of respondents who say now is a good time to sell. The index is now 21 points higher than it was this time last year.

Read Full Content @ More Americans Say Now is a Good Time to Sell! | Real Estate with Keith Kreis

5 Reasons to Sell This Fall

Here are five reasons listing your home for sale this fall makes sense.

1. Demand Is Strong

2. There Is Less Competition Now

3. The Process Will Be Quicker

4. There Will Never Be a Better Time to Move Up

5. It’s Time to Move on With Your Life

Only you know the answers to the questions above. You have the power to take control of the situation by putting your home on the market. Perhaps the time has come for you and your family to move on and start living the life you desire.

Read Full Story: 5 Reasons to Sell This Fall

Looking for Your Dream Home? Know What You Want vs. What You Need

In this day and age of being able to shop for anything anywhere, it is really important to know what you’re looking for when you start your home search.

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home of your own for some time now, you’ve probably come up with a list of things that you’d LOVE to have in your new home. Many new homebuyers fantasize about the amenities that they see on television or Pinterest, and start looking at the countless homes listed for sale through rose-colored glasses.

Do you really need that farmhouse sink in the kitchen to be happy with your home choice? Would a two-car garage be a convenience or a necessity? Could the ‘man cave’ of your dreams be a future renovation project instead of a make-or-break right now?

The first step in your home buying process should be getting pre-approved for your mortgage. This allows you to know your budget before you fall in love with a home that is way outside of it.

The next step is to list all the features of a home that you would like, and to qualify them as follows:

CONTINUE READING - Looking for Your Dream Home? Know What You Want vs. What You Need 

12805 Muir Drive HUNTLEY, IL 60142

Property Site: http://tours.charlesrutenbergre.com/home/JKNJUR/12805-Muir-Drive-HUNTLEY-IL-09750396

BEAUTIFUL UPDATED ASHCROFT MODEL WITH RARE 3 CAR GARAGE. NEW HARDWOOD FLOORING,NEW HIGH END CARPETING IN THE BEDROOMS AND DEN, OVER 30 GALLONS OF FRESH PAIN BOTH INSIDE AND OUT. ENORMOUS HIGH END KITHEN CABINETS WITH NEW STAINLESS STELL APPLIANCES. CORIAN COUNTER TOPS. EVERYTHING IN THIS HOUSE HAS BEEN UPGRADED WITH NOTHING BUT THE BEST. OVER 2854 SQ FT OF LUXURY. LOTS OF STORAGE. VERY PRIVATE BACK YARD .LOCATED IN 55 & OVER RESORT LIKE COMMUNITY WITH SO MANY AMENITIES! GOLFING, TENNIS, SWIMMING, BIKING,WALKING TRAILS,CLUBHOUSE,WOOD SHOP BRIDGE CLUB,SOFTBALL, ECT. INCREDIBLY FRIENDLY QEIT AND SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD. A PLACE YOU WILL WANT TO CALL HOME

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 3

Square feet: 2,854

Price: $389,900

For more information about this property, please contact Keith Kreis at (630) 929-1100 or Keith.Kreis@gmail.com. You can also text 4589058 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.keithkreisrealestate.com/

MLS ID: 09750396

4 Reasons to Buy a Home This Fall!

 Here are four great reasons to consider buying a home today, instead of waiting.

1. Prices Will Continue to Rise

CoreLogic’s latest Home Price Index reports that home prices have appreciated by 6.7% over the last 12 months. The same report predicts that prices will continue to increase at a rate of 5.0% over the next year.
The bottom in home prices has come and gone. Home values will continue to appreciate for years. Waiting no longer makes sense.

2. Mortgage Interest Rates Are Projected to Increase

CONTINUE READING : 4 Reasons to Buyhome This Fall!

America Needs Your House!!

The biggest challenge in today’s real estate market is a lack of housing inventory. How big of a challenge is the housing shortage? Here are what four industry economists are saying on the issue (emphases added):

READ MORE: America Needs Your House!! | Sell You Homes with Keith Kreis

Top 5 A+ Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Pro

Some Highlights:

• Hiring a real estate professional to buy your dream home, or sell your current house, is one of the most ‘educated’ decisions you can make!
• A real estate professional has the experience needed to help you through the entire process.
• Make sure that you hire someone who knows current market conditions & can simply and effectively explain them to you and your family!

Learn more: Top 5 A+ Reasons to Hire a Real Estate Pro [INFOGRAPHIC]

Number of Buyers Putting Down Less Than 10% Hits 7-Year High

According to Black Knight Financial Service’s Mortgage Monitor Report, 1.5 million Americans have purchased a home with down payments under than 10% over the last 12 months. This is great news for buyers as this marks a 7-year high.
Many mortgage programs offered by agencies like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae allow buyers to put down as low as 3% to purchase their dream homes. The strength of the housing market has aided buyers who used low-down-payment programs to buy. As a recent CNBC article points out,

“Defaults on recent low down payment loans, so far, are slow, but that is as much a factor of the good credit quality as it is the strength of the housing market. Home prices are rising incredibly fast, meaning those borrowers are gaining equity in their homes quickly.”

Low down payments aren’t just great for first-time homebuyers. Continue Reading keithkreis.com/number-of-buyers-putting-down-less-than-10-hits-7-year-high 

Study: FSBOs Don’t Save Real Estate Commission

One of the main reasons why For Sale By Owners (FSBOs) don’t use a real estate agent is because they believe they will save the commission an agent charges for getting their house on the market and selling it. A new study by Collateral Analytics, however, reveals that FSBOs don’t actually save anything, and in some cases may be costing themselves more, by not listing with an agent.
In the study, they analyzed home sales in a variety of markets in 2016 and the first half of 2017. The data showed that:

“FSBOs tend to sell for lower prices than comparable home sales, and in many cases below the average differential represented by the prevailing commission rate.” (emphasis added)

Why would FSBOs net less money than if they used an agent?

LEARN MORE: Study: FSBOs Don’t Save Real Estate Commission

140 Lakeshore Drive OSWEGO, IL 60543

Property Site: http://tours.charlesrutenbergre.com/home/TE5R27/140-Lakeshore-Drive-OSWEGO-IL-09723759

BETTER THAN NEW- 2+BR, 2.5 BATH, BEAUTIFUL TOWN-HOME OFFERS LUXURY MASTER SUITE; SPACIOUS KITCHEN W/BREAKFAST AREA LARGE LIVING RM, OPEN DINING RM. & GREAT TRAFFIC FLOW WITH FAMILY RM. MOVE IN & ENJOY 3rd BEDROOM/OFFICE IN LOWER LEVEL WATER VIEWS ! 2 CAR GARAGE AND DECK WITH GORGEOUS WATER VIEWS CLUBHOUSE/POOL; PARKS & PLAYGROUND WHAT MORE COULD YOU ASK FOR.MOVE IN READY! EVERYTHING YOU WANT NOW!

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3

Square feet: 1,662

Price: $189,000

For more information about this property, please contact Keith Kreis at (630) 929-1100 or Keith.Kreis@gmail.com. You can also text 4548643 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.keithkreisrealestate.com/

MLS ID: 09723759

Want to Keep up with the Joneses? Now’s the Time

Does your current house fit your needs? Does it seem like everyone else is moving up and moving on to more luxurious surroundings? Are you wondering what it would take to start living your dream life?
Market conditions around the country have presented an opportunity like no other for those who are looking to make the jump to a premium or luxury home.
The National Association of Realtors reports that national inventory levels are now at a 4.3-month supply. A normal market, where prices appreciate with inflation, has 6-7-months inventory. The national market has echoed the conditions felt in the starter and trade-up markets as inventory has declined year-over-year for 25 consecutive months.
The chart below shows the relationship between the inventory of homes for sale and prices.



source: Want to Keep up with the Joneses? Now’s the Time | Real Estate with Keith Kreis

Why Is It Important to Use a Professional to Sell Your Home?

When a homeowner decides to sell their house, they obviously want the best possible price for it with the least amount of hassles along the way. However, for the vast majority of sellers, the most important result is actually getting their homes sold.

If you are thinking of selling your home, don’t underestimate the role a real estate professional can play in the process.
Read more: Why Is It Important to Use a Professional to Sell Your Home? | Real Estate with Keith Kreis

Sellers: Your Home is an Oasis in an Inventory Desert

First-time homebuyers are flocking to the real estate market by the thousands to find their dream homes in order to make their dreams of homeownership a reality. Unfortunately for many, the inventory of starter and trade-up homes in the US has struggled to keep up with demand!

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the inventory of homes for sale dropped 7.1% year-over-year to a 4.3-month supply and is down for the 25^th consecutive month.

Some homeowners may be hesitant to list their homes for sale because they are worried that they will also have a problem finding a home to buy and move in to. This is a legitimate concern; no one wants to sell their home quickly and not have anywhere to live.
But there is good news!

Read more... Sellers: Your Home is an Oasis in an Inventory Desert | Home Selling System

Homeowner’s Net Worth Is Still Greater Than a Renter’s

Every three years, the Federal Reserve conducts their Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey, which includes data from 2010-2013, reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter($194,500 vs. $5,400). 
The latest survey data, covering 2014-2016 will be released later this year. In the meantime, Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Realtors’ Chief Economist estimates that the gap has widened even further, to 45 times greater ($225,000 vs. $5,000)! 

Put Your Housing Cost to Work for You

READ MORE: Homeowner’s Net Worth Is Still Greater Than a Renter’s | when to buy a house with Keith Kreis

Hey, Millennial Homeowners!! It May Be Time to Sell

Contrary to what many believe, Millennials are not the ‘renter’ generation. Millennials purchased a larger percentage (34%) of homes in the U.S. than any other age group in 2017 and the most recent Census Bureau report shows that the homeownership rate among Millennials is finally on the rise.
Many Millennials took advantage of post housing crash prices and the First-Time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit and jumped into homeownership in 2010. If you are one of these buyers, now may be the time to sell for many reasons. Here are a few:

1. Equity Build-Up

Home prices have been on the rise since the beginning of 2012 and your house may have appreciated by more than you think. ATTOM Data Solutions, in their Q2 2017 U.S. Home Sales Report revealed that:

“…homeowners who sold in the second quarter realized an average price gain of $51,000 since purchase — the highest average price gain for home sellers since Q2 2007, when it was $57,000.
The average home seller price gain of $51,000 in Q2 2017 represented an average return of 26 percent on the previous purchase price of the home, the highest average home seller return since Q3 2007, when it was 27 percent.”

2. Projected Home Price Increases

If you just got married or just found out you are about to become a parent, you may have plans to move up a bigger home or perhaps move to a different area. Waiting to buy a more expensive home in this market probably doesn’t make sense. The experts contacted for the Home Price Expectation Survey are projecting home prices to increase by nearly 5% over the next year. Yes, your house’s price will increase but not as much as a home currently valued higher than yours.

3. Projected Interest Rate Increases

The Mortgage Bankers’ Association, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and the National Association of Realtorsare each projecting mortgage rates to increase over the next year.

Higher PRICES + Higher INTEREST RATES = LARGER MORTGAGE PAYMENTS.

READ MORE: Hey, Millennial Homeowners!! It May Be Time to Sell | Sell Home 2017 with Keith Kreis

20 Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale

Some Highlights:

• When listing your house for sale your top goal will be to get the home sold for the best price possible!
• There are many small projects that you can do to ensure this happens!
• Your real estate agent will have a list of specific suggestions for getting your house ready for market and is a great resource for finding local contractors who can help!

READ MORE: 20 Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale

20 Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale

Some Highlights:

• When listing your house for sale your top goal will be to get the home sold for the best price possible!
• There are many small projects that you can do to ensure this happens!
• Your real estate agent will have a list of specific suggestions for getting your house ready for market and is a great resource for finding local contractors who can help!

READ MORE: 20 Tips for Preparing Your House for Sale

Do Your Future Plans Include a Move? What’s Stopping You from Listing Now?

Are you an empty-nester? Do you want to retire where you are, or does a vacation destination sound more your style? Are you close to retirement and not ready to move yet, but living in a home that is too big in size and maintenance needs?

How can you line up your current needs with your goals and dreams for the future? The answer for many might be the equity you have in your house.

Continue reading... Do Your Future Plans Include a Move? What’s Stopping You from Listing Now?

8608 Arizona Trail WILLOW SPRINGS, IL 60480

Property Site: http://tours.charlesrutenbergre.com/home/7LMCUB/8608-Arizona-Trail-WILLOW-SPRINGS-IL-09707568

INCREDIBLE HOUSE AT AN INCREDIBLE PRICE! BEAUTIFUL HOME 6+ BEDROOMS AND 4 FULL BATHS. FRESHLY PAINTED, NEW CARPET. HARDWOOD FLOORS ON ENTIRE 1ST FLOOR . BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED KITCHEN WITH STAINLESS APPLIANCES. OPENS TO A BEAUTIFUL FAMILY ROOM, LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM WITH 9 FOOT CEILING. OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH LOTS OF LIGHT. 1ST FLOOR HAS AN OFFICE/BEDROOM WITH A FULL BATH GIVING YOU INLAW ARRANGEMENT. BEAUTIFULLY FINISHED BASEMENT WITH A WETBAR AS WELL AS A FULL BATH ALONG WITH ANOTHER BEDROOM. 2 TIERED CEMENT PATIO OVERLOOKING BEAUTIFUL FORESTED AREA . ALL BRICK HOUSE WITH A 3 CAR GARAGE. NO EXPENSE WAS SPARED WHEN BUILDING THIS HOME. FRIENDLY NEIGHBORHOOD & HIGHLY RATED SCHOOLS. EZ COMMUTE TO BOTH AIRPORTS, CHICAGO. THIS ISTHE HOME YOU HAVE WAITED FOR! QUICK CLOSE POSSIBLE.

Bedrooms: 5

Bathrooms: 4

Square feet: 3,487

Price: $599,900

For more information about this property, please contact Keith Kreis at (630) 929-1100 or Keith.Kreis@gmail.com. You can also text 4501489 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.keithkreisrealestate.com/

MLS ID: 09707568

Buyer Demand Continues Outpacing the Supply of Homes for Sale

The price of any item is determined by the supply of that item, as well as the market demand. The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) surveys “over 50,000 real estate practitioners about their expectations for home sales, prices and market conditions” for their monthly REALTORS Confidence Index.
Their latest edition sheds some light on the relationship between Seller Traffic (supply) and Buyer Traffic (demand).

Buyer Demand

The map below was created after asking the question: “How would you rate buyer traffic in your area?”

The darker the blue, the stronger the demand for homes in that area. Only three states had a ‘stable’ demand level.

Seller Supply

The index also asked: “How would you rate seller traffic in your area?” Process of Buying a House
As you can see from the map below, 21 states report a ‘weak’ sellers traffic, 25 states report a ‘stable’ sellers traffic, only 4 states and DC report a ‘strong’ sellers traffic. Meaning there are far fewer homes on the market than what is needed to satisfy the buyers who are out looking for their dream homes. Process of Buying a House

Read more: Buyer Demand Continues Outpacing the Supply of Homes for Sale | Real Estate with Keith Kreis

U.S. Housing Inventory Hits a New Low… List Your House TODAY!

Every summer, families across the country decide if this will be the year they sell their current house and move into their dream home. Mortgage rates have hovered around 4% for all of 2017, forcing buyers off the fence and into the market, resulting in incredibly strong demand RIGHT NOW!! At the same time, inventory levels of homes for sale have dropped dramatically as compared to this time last year. Trulia reported that “U.S. home inventory has tumbled 8.9% over the past year and has now fallen for nine consecutive quarters.” There is now 20% less inventory than there was five years ago. Here is a chart showing the decrease in inventory levels by category:

Bottom Line

Demand for your home is very strong right now while your competition (other homes for sale) is at a historically low level. If you are thinking of selling in 2017, now may be the perfect time. source: U.S. Housing Inventory Hits a New Low… List Your House TODAY! | Real Estate with Keith Kreis

1537 SCARLET Drive BOLINGBROOK, IL 60490

Property Site: http://tours.charlesrutenbergre.com/home/GQKTKY/1537-SCARLET-Drive-BOLINGBROOK-IL-09703563

WOW ,Dreams Do Come True. Beautiful redone home in Highly Acclaimed Plainfield School District (202). Brand New Stainless Steel Appliances, Granite Counter tops. New Hardwood Floors Through out the entire house!.New Faucets. Freshly painted "Whole House" .Freshly Painted 2 Tier Deck. Great for BBQ Fenced Yard,across from park.Close to both expressways.Move in READY! Qualifies for 1st time home buyer program " $7500" This is the home you have been waiting for

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3

Square feet: 2,180

Price: $289,000

For more information about this property, please contact Keith Kreis at (630) 929-1100 or Keith.Kreis@gmail.com. You can also text 4492755 to 67299.

See more listings at: http://www.keithkreisrealestate.com/

MLS ID: 09703563