Short Sales Quiz

A lot of home buyers might be interested in purchasing a Short Sale, Foreclosure or Bank Owned Property in pursuit of a good deal. More and more opportunities have become available but there are a few things to be aware of...things that I have noticed.

1. It is a good idea to come in with your highest price. There is a good chance that the bank will not counter your offer but move on to a better one.

2. Don't be suprised if the listing agent takes a very long time to get back to you about your offer. Either there is lots of work on the table or they are 'shopping' your offer with the hope of a higher one coming in soon.

3. Cash is king. The bank would much rather accept an offer that does not have a mortgage contingency. You can still get a loan to buy the property but don't make the contract contingent upon it.

4. These places are usually sold 'as is', with no disclosures, and the buyer may have to pay unpaid assessments and taxes.

Click on the title to see how much you know about Short Sales by taking a quiz

Chicago Information Website

I found a really great website to find alot of current information about Chicago. It's a great resourse for things happening around town if you want to attend or just avoid due to traffic or street closures.

It is americantowns.com . See below for some types of info available on this site:

Chicago Illinois Quick Facts: Population for Chicago: 2896016 County: Cook Latitude: 41.8865 Longitude: -87.6245 Chicago Illinois Site Map: Chicago Illinois IL Chicago Upcoming Events and Things to Do Chicago Illinois IL News Chicago Organizations Businesses Chicago Illinois IL Video Chicago

Ask me if you ever want some good shortcuts for driving around Chicago or of course if you want to know about Chicago Real Estate

Tell me about it!!

So here is my latest idea. It's a site or in this case a blog where you can complain, vent, or even say nice things or kudos about someone, something, etc. If you just want to go on and on about something...fine. Or maybe you would like advice about something specific....fine, ask for it. Or maybe you want information on a subject. I will try to obtain that info for you or call out to someone who can help. Oh, and also since this is supposed to be a real estate blog, let's keep it about real estate for now. Okay? I'll start!

So the other day, I was on 'live chat'. Live Chat is a feature on rubloff.com where a person can get info by chatting with an agent online. I was on - a chatter came on asking for the 3 Rubloff agents with the highest sales volume in River North because he may have a property to sell soon. I told him that I would be happy to help him sell his place. I work in River North and that is my job, right? This guy says "Oh that's what all agents tell me" "Well, would you like me to search for that information for you?" I say. "Yes" he said. So I did and gave him that information.

Now how is a real estate agent like me supposed to make a living in this business if people request the only top selling agents to represent them? Hey, I am a great agent. I try hard and I care. I can sell this guys house just as well or even better that those other agents....just gimme the chance!!!!

Let me know what you think or tell me some of your issues.