New Year To Dos for Your Home   With the start of a new year, it's always a good idea to assess your home and its needs. Taking stock of appliances, home systems, and other items that make a house a home will help guide you to home improvements needed, appliances that may be near the end of their lives, and any other updates that can help to boost your home's worth. Listed below are major home systems to evaluate in the new year to help give you peace of mind.     HVAC In the winter and summer months a home's HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) systems are put to good use. January is the perfect month to replace disposable filters or wash permanent ones in your home's HVAC or humidifier systems. Filters should be regularly replaced or washed when use is high or during peak... 12/28/2014

Please allow me to multi-task for a minute.  I was just asked the following question by  Activerain Colleague, in which I have a very good answer to, in the Chicago-Southland:  http://sspads.org "How about the homeless?  There are still many Americans who are living on the streets and not sure where their next bed or meal will come from.  With winter approaching, these folks need blankets, coats, gloves and hats.  Of course, they also need a hot meal.  There are many local organizations who would love a food donation or some help at the stove preparing a hot meal for those less fortunate." This is the time of year when I get calls for volunteering on a specific Holiday.  Please know organizations like South Suburban Pads needs Volunteers every day of the year. Charitable organizations l... 12/02/2014

In a recent interview on "The Chew" show I heard Gladys Knight best define Gratitude.   When asked what were her preshow eating rituals, she explained them after sharing first, she never ever takes it for granted, after all these years of performing, when an audience shows up for her performance.  I have seen her concerts dozens of times, and even got the opportunity to spent a moment backstage with her when she performed with "The Mighty Dells," at the Taste of Chicago.  Gladys, faithfully leaves the stage with her audience wishing for her to not leave the stage.  She has created a very devoted Fan-base, because she gives them all of herself in every performance.This is the standard I give to every valued Client I serve.  I know, I was created to help valued Buyers and Sellers to succe... 11/01/2014

Red Flags for Homebuyers   Home buying season is upon us, and while some buyers get caught up in the emotions of finding their new home, an important part of buying a home is paying attention to red flags. Red flags are those items that could potentially cost you a lot in the future, or even in the beginning - essentially, warnings of a danger or a problem. According to HouseMaster, a major home inspection company with offices in the United States and Canada, 40 percent of previously owned homes have at least one serious defect (housemaster.com). Provided is a list of items and things to consider or avoid when looking for your next home.       1. You're also buying a neighborhood: Neighborhoods are a vital part of the home buying process - make sure you visit at different times of the d... 10/03/2014

IRS SCAM/FRAUD ALERT - I don't normally answer out of state calls when they show up in the caller-id.  If no name shows up, and only a phone number I usually wait for a message left, then I'll pick up if I recognize who is calling.  This is a good habit because I've answered fraud calls in the past.  Today, I saw a Washington, D.C. number in my caller-id land line phone.  I thought, since my daughter recently relocated to the D.C. area, I'd better answer.  I got a message from a 202-241-0211 directing me to call a Steve Madden 949-873-8412.  The message stated if I did not call him immediately, I would be flagged as avoiding a legal matter.  When I called this Steve, he spoke with a fairly strong Indian accent.  I introduce myself telling him about the message to call him.  He ask if he... 09/30/2014

Top 10 Home Styles in the U.S.   We've all had that moment -- driving down a street and we see a home we like specifically for the architecture and design elements. The United States is full of different home styles and architecture, and pinpointing a specific one can be difficult, especially when dominant home styles change from region to region. The homes below are examples of the most prevalent home styles found throughout the United States.     Victorian Victorian homes give off a certain air and possess a very stately feel. Victorians are more about beauty than functionality, with complex designs, ornate trim, and large wraparound porches. The Victorian exterior is seen as a medium for decoration. These homes generally have gables, bay windows, towers, overhangs and many are known ... 09/30/2014

10 Tips to Prepare for A Home Sale   We are in the middle of summer -- one of the busiest times for any real estate market -- with thousands of homes and properties going up for sale in every town and city throughout the United States. Getting the most for a home is always a seller's top priority; heeding these ten tips and tricks when considering putting your house on the market will help toward getting you top dollar.     1. Paint Color: When choosing an exterior paint color, stick with what's popular in the neighborhood, goes well with the surroundings of the area, or fits the style of the home. Picking a paint color that is not common or completely clashes with the rest of the neighborhood is a very risky decision, especially when thinking about listing a home. When it comes to pain... 07/31/2014

Celebrate America: Made in the U.S.A   July marks our nation's birthday, and as millions gather to celebrate Independence Day, feelings and ideas of what make the United States great will undoubtedly flood the minds of those attending local barbecues, neighborhood block parties, or fireworks displays. The United States is ripe with diversity, and there's no better way of celebrating this great nation than focusing on promoting American made manufacturers and craftsmen.   While a majority of products found in homes are now produced elsewhere, there are still American companies producing quality products for every facet of life. When celebrating the Fourth of July this year, wave a flag made by Annin & Co, the oldest and largest flag manufacturer in the United States, a company started in... 06/30/2014

Savvy Shopping-8 Things to Know When Buying a Home   Spring is here, and along with the buds and flowers comes a new crop of home buyers-Are you one of them? If so, you want to be well prepared to get that home you have always wanted.   Mortgage Matters "Pre-qualified" sure sounds good, but in fact, it doesn't ensure that homeowners or realtors will consider your offer. Getting "pre-approved" for a bank loan will signal to an informed seller that your offer is within your means and should be given serious consideration which can tip things in your favor in a tight housing market. Pre-approval is more difficult now than in the past, so, beginning the process early allows you to be prepared to make an offer that will be considered seriously when you find your dream property. When signing ... 04/28/2014

Solar: So What?   As any homeowner knows, heating and cooling bills can top the charts during the height of summer and winter in many parts of the country. Homes that are well insulated can aid in keeping bills in line by helping to keep temperatures at a constant - but there are additional ways to tackle energy bills, and increasingly popular solutions include solar energy.   Depending on your climate and surrounding buildings, trees and topography, solar energy can be a resource that could be harnessed to lower your bill from the local electric company. In fact, many people are able to generate enough electricity and heat from the sun to power their home without the need for power from a utility company at all, and a few even manage to generate excess energy that they can sell back to... 03/28/2014

While cold winter weather continues to assail much of the country, last week saw some sunnier economic headlines as real estate and jobs performed better, and new data pointed to growing economic strength. Existing Home Sales One look at last week’s real estate market shows the cold weather is continuing to have its impact on housing, but is the weather the whole story? Sales of existing single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, dropped 5.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in January from 4.87 million in December, the National Association of Realtors reported last week. This was the lowest level in a year and a half - 5.1 percent below January 2013’s 4.87 million-unit pace. While it would be easy to chalk up the drop entirely to the difficult ... 03/06/2014

10 Tips for a home that's Safe and Sound   There is little that is more important than feeling secure in your own home. While we can only control a small bit of the world around us, here's some basic information to keep a home safe.   The goal of securing your home is two-fold: protecting your possessions, but also protecting the people who live there. Security professionals advise "deter, detect and delay" tactics. These 10 tips cover a lot of ground, so keep them in mind and you will be well on the road to greater peace of mind.   Check your doors, windows and all locks: Deadbolts and secure, steel outer doors are important, as are secure windows that lock. A huge majority of burglaries are no-force entries, where culprits gain access to your home through an unlocked window or door, s... 03/06/2014

I have the good fortunate of having a Spouse who is a superb gourmet cook, who keeps me going the fitness center. For years she has faithfully used Pampered Chef products, taking advantage of gaining lots of their quality products for free via hosting Pampered Chef parties. Finally honoring years of loyalty, her consultant Michele over a year ago after hinting for years my Spouse should become her own consultant, stop by one evening for a heart to heart, you need to come into this business meeting. It took her about a month to decide.  She asked me what I thought about it with her having a very demanding career time wise?  I told her if she had peace about it, then she should do it.  I told her I would do my part to help her promote her business. Now, she is teaching many of her valued ... 02/03/2014

Romancing the Home: Love is in the Air   When searching for a home, it is easy to "fall in love" with a property. Before you put in that offer though, ask yourself can you BE in love in the house? How a home stacks up in the realm of romance might take top tier in some people's list of priorities, but even if it doesn't, issues like privacy, noise, temperature and certain amenities can definitely break up your love affair with a property.   Loving a home and being in love in a home can go together. Look at properties that are well designed and maintained, easy to live in, and that are in areas that foster a sense of sanctuary, enabling people to be at their best. Homeowners that are seeking to amp up the warm feelings of love in their environment can find ways to evaluate homes with the... 01/28/2014

Yankee Ridge, Homes for Sale in Frankfort, IL Yankee Ridge Real Estate Statistics Average Home Size: 3618 Average Property Taxes: 14311 Homes Listed: 8 Homes Sold: 5 Average Number of Days To Sell: 115 The above Frankfort real estate statistics were compiled by Team Bowers Realtors based on homes listed for sale in Yankee Ridge, Frankfort, Illinois between December 19th, 2012 and December 19th, 2013. Homes for sale in Yankee Ridge Address Beds Total Baths Total Sqft Year Built List Price 10596 Lexington Lane 4 4 3414 1993 $439,900 Sold Real Estate in Yankee Ridge - (October 11th, 2013 - January 9th, 2014) Address Beds Total Baths Total Sold Price 10701 Williamsburg Trail 4 3 $419,000 The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity pro... 01/08/2014

Georgetown, Homes for Sale in Frankfort, IL Georgetown Real Estate Statistics Average Home Size: 3398 Average Property Taxes: 9080 Homes Listed: 10 Homes Sold: 5 Average Number of Days To Sell: 125 The above Frankfort real estate statistics were compiled by Team Bowers Realtors based on homes listed for sale in Georgetown, Frankfort, Illinois between December 19th, 2012 and December 19th, 2013. Homes for sale in Georgetown Address Beds Total Baths Total Sqft Year Built List Price 7270 Virginia Court 4 3.1 3000 1994 $265,000 21214 Old North Church Road 3 2.1 3439 1994 $252,999 Sold Real Estate in Georgetown - (October 10th, 2013 - January 8th, 2014) Address Beds Total Baths Total Sold Price 7255 Georgetown Commons 4 2.1 $277,000 The data relating to real estate for sale on this website ... 01/08/2014

Pets in the Mix: From Petrifying to Purrfect   A beautiful cat or friendly dog might be just the thing for you and your family. As members of the household, pets have a place in your home and your heart. But what about pets and all that go with them when you are buying or selling a home? In the case of a large investment such as buying or selling a property, addressing the topic of pets during this transaction is worthy of some sniffing out.   True animal lovers often have homes that are especially welcoming to animals and people alike. Homes that are set back from roads or traffic, or are close to dog parks or walking trails might have special appeal. Horse-properties are often fenced, have pasture land or barns, and storage for feed. Whether or not you have pets, if you are selling a ... 01/03/2014

Heritage Knolls, Search Homes for Sale in Frankfort, IL Heritage Knolls Real Estate Statistics Average Home Size: 2722 Average Property Taxes: 8253 Homes Listed: 9 Homes Sold: 4 Average Number of Days To Sell: 130 The above Frankfort real estate statistics were compiled by Team Bowers Realtors based on homes listed for sale in Heritage Knolls, Frankfort, Illinois between December 19th, 2012 and December 19th, 2013. Homes for sale in Heritage Knolls Address Beds Total Baths Total Sqft Year Built List Price 22134 Somerset Court 4 3.1 0 2000 $349,900 21950 Princeton Circle 4 3.1 3000 2005 $389,900 22049 Oakton Avenue 4 3 2004 1990 $275,000 Sold Real Estate in Heritage Knolls - (September 20th, 2013 - December 19th, 2013) Address Beds Total Baths Total Sold Price 21980 Oakton Avenue 4 2.1 ... 12/19/2013

White Oak Estates, Homes for Sale in Frankfort, Illinois White Oak Estates Real Estate Statistics Average Home Size: 2720 Average Property Taxes: 7812 Homes Listed: 7 Homes Sold: 4 Average Number of Days To Sell: 101 The above Frankfort real estate statistics were compiled by Team Bowers Realtors based on homes listed for sale in White Oak Estates, Frankfort, Illinois between December 12th, 2012 and December 12th, 2013. Homes for sale in White Oak Estates Address Beds Total Baths Total Sqft Year Built List Price 20760 Newberry Avenue 4 2.1 2700 2013 $398,500 The data relating to real estate for sale on this website comes in part from the Broker Reciprocity program of Midwest Real Estate Data LLC. Real Estate listings held by brokerage firms other than Bowers Realty Group LLC are marked... 12/12/2013

I get the opportunity daily to work in a very affordable marketplace where Cash Buyers can find some amazing deals.  People are still amazed when I tell them they can purchase an almost move in condition foreclosure home on the South Side of Chicago for under $40,000.00.  A little over a month a ago I got another very familiar call I get often, this one from a Young-Man who informed me he had saved his money, and wanted to purchase a home for cash.  He had selected a home I was marketing in the Morgan Park neighborhood.  This neighborhood was made famous by initially the Play, and later the Movie, "A Raisin In The Sun."  After inquiring if he was willing to produce evidence he had proof of funds, and if he understood the real estate term Dual-Agency, I agree to meet him for a tour of th... 11/26/2013