Well although it seems like we just put away the Christmas decorations, here we are in March and Easter is just around the corner and believe it or not the market is “picking up”. Actually I had 3 offers in January but none of them went together because of pricing. February however has been more productive with 3 accepted offers in Geneva National and 2 more on the table right now. So although we keep hearing nothing but bad news each day, I believe that the real estate market here in the Geneva Lakes area is starting to see a change. All of our offices have seen more showings and, more importantly, more offers and accepted offers. There are obviously buyers out there that think that’s time to take advantage of the interest rates and seller’s negotiable pricing.

Another thing for you to think about is updating or remodeling your home. If you don’t think that buying is in “the cards” for you this year then make your home so desirable and give your home an edge over everybody else’s so that when it is time to sell you are ready. Buyers do NOT want to take either the time or money (which is usually out of pocket money) to do upgrades to a home that they are buying. They love to walk in and get that “wow factor”. Now your home has made an impression on them and stands out from the others. There are few items that make a statement more than others, kitchens and baths. It’s amazing what you can do just by updating the color on the walls and changing the counter tops and, always remember, less is more!! Don’t have too much “stuff” on counter tops in either kitchens or bathrooms. Doing these few items will attract a lot more attention to your home when it’s time for you to sell.

As a realtor for 30 years, I’d have to say that in most cases, women do buy homes. That’s not a slam to men, it’s just that the woman of the house usually is the one to decorate and organize the home and knows what floor plan will work best for her family overall. Having said that, men finally have found a place that they appreciate even more than before, and that is a garage that has been redone with everything from slat walls to cabinets and of course, the favorite, a resurfaced garage floor. These floors repel oil and gas spills and sand and salt. Wash them down and they look like new!! All of our preferred builders in Geneva National have put the garage floors into their new models.

I have to admit, I have a vested interest in the garage update. My husband started a business last year called AMAZING GARAGE SOLUTIONS and in a economy that’s not very good, things have really taken off. He has done garage floors for builders, Lanco Development, Scott Lowell, Greg Choyce ,Scott Stonebreaker and Hummel Builders and after doing the clients homes locally, some of those clients have asked him to do their primary home in Ilinois. Recently his commercial business has taken off also contracting with Cousins Restaurant, Aurora Health Care and now with McDonalds Restaurants. For more information just send me an email or call 262-745-2661.

All in all, people are still spending money but they’re being more selective about what they’re spending it on. We have all learned a big lesson. It’s about needs and wants, right???

PEACE!! Deb