Donna Lavin's (dlavin) Blog

RISMEDIA, December 30, 2010—In 2004, when the Sotheby’s International Realty brand launched a full franchise system, the real estate market couldn’t have been much hotter. In the years since then, the high-end market—like the rest of real estate—has seen quite a swing. Yet, the brand continues t...

The Federal government announced last week that it would use funds to help those with underwater mortgages stay in their homes through a program meant to lower the outstanding balances of the mortgage loans of those who qualify to the current market value.  The announcement also announced certain...

Some 77 percent of U.S. real estate professionals surveyed think home prices will either stay the same (48 percent) or decrease (29 percent) in the next six months, according to HomeGain’s First Quarter Home Prices Survey. In comparison, the first quarter 2009 survey results indicated that 89 pe...

Housing Market Overview On an annual basis, the strong sales growth recorded in Illinois and Chicago in December moderated a little in Illinois but remained close to 30% in Chicago. The months of December and January witnessed negative month-to-month sales in Illinois and Chicago but produced inc...

How's the top of the Market this week? The ILHM National Report looked at 34533 luxury homes on the market. The ILHM Luxury Composite Price this week is $1,138,080. These homes have been on the market for an average of 244 days. Luxury home prices across the ILHM National sample have stayed relat...

Those of us left in the industry need to continue doing what we know best -- our real estate.  We will survive this by working and helping each other.  There is enough business out there to share our ideas, practices etc. to help each other.  I never understood why some agents felt threaten that ...

Beautiful views, end unit featuring spacious floor plan, hardwood flooring, carpet, 4 bedroom, 4.1 baths, 3-car garage, finished lower level with wet bar, fireplace and sliders leading to paver patio. Visit www.dlrealestate.com for more details.

What are you doing to keep upbeat!  Homes are selling if they are priced right.  Sellers are still having a hard time facing they have to take a loss if they want to sell.  The market was too high for too long and now all those that purchased properties early on are suffering.  I try to encourage...

Ivanhoe Country Club - Villa for sale featuring 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, 2 fireplaces, two wet bars, vaulted ceilings,finished lower level with walkout, brick patio and more. Visit www.dlrealestate.com for more information. $625,000 Condo featuring 2 bedrooms, e baths, heated underground garage, cl...

Can someone answer if they know, why are points removed?  I read some of the blogs and they have points removed and not knowing why.