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Mortgage Resources
Don't wait until you've found your'e dream home to determine if you can afford it! Visit my mortgage resource center for helpful information on preparing for your next purchase or refinance.
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Evanston Architectural Styles
The diverse architectural styles have given the city of Evanston the nickname “city of homes,” and it offers some of the most valuable properties along Chicago’s North Shore. Learn More about Evanston Architecture and pick your favorite!
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Area Information
Learn about the beautiful communities of the greater Chicagoland Area and Chicago's North Shore!
Click Here!Whether you are a first time buyer or a seasoned investor, it is my mission to provide as much information as possible to ensure an educated decision and smooth transaction.
In addition to offering direct access to the latest properties for sale in the greater Chicagoland area and surrounding North Shore suburbs, (Click here for detailed community info) this section contains useful information for every level experience, from first time buyers to downsizers, including helpful tips on choosing the "right" property, make an offer, obtaining a mortgage, and elverything else involved in making an informed decision in today's real estate market!
Please browse through the resources below and feel free to visit often, as my infomation is in constant change. If you have any questions or suggestions to make your experience better, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Real Estate Headlines
Niles Named one of the Best Places to Raise a Family
Businessweek.com just released its fifth annual publication of “The Best Affordable Places to raise a family.” At the top of the list for Illinois was Niles.
Niles was chosen for its affordable and convenient family living. Not only can you find affordable housing, but the outdoor parks, library programs, and free public transportation all contribute to this award-winning town. Businessweek.com chooses their top picks based on cost of living, crime statistics, real estate data, school performance, and other factors.
Denise Massaro lives on the Chicago-Niles border in the house she grew up in and now shares with her husband, Tony, a Chicago firefighter, and her two kids, Nicholas, 6, and Mia, 4. When her mother put the house up for sale a few years ago, Massaro says the decision to stay was a no-brainer.
"All the stuff I loved growing up has just gotten better," she says. "There's so much to do, the shopping is terrific - really, everything you could want, all in one place."
The Massaros are big fans of the library’s lending of the latest Wii games as well as the amenities at Pioneer Park, which has miniature golf and batting cages. "It's just such a friendly town," Massaro says. "The people are just great.
" You’ll also find a Target, Jewel, Walmart, Best Buy, Babies ‘R Us, YMCA, several grocery stores, and free bus services in Niles. There’s also plenty of shopping and places to eat at Golf Mills Shopping Center. Massaro says this town has everything her family needs.
Many of the town's services are available to Chicago residents as well. For more information, visit the village's website.
-Source: ChicagoParent.com
Articles of Interest
- Overview - Home Buying Info
Click here to receive free information about buying a home in Evanston, Northern University, Skokie, Wilmette, Rogers Park, Andersonville or any other surrounding local Cook County real estate market.
- Selecting Your Next Home
There are many factors in deciding what your next home should be. Read on to find out more...
- How Much Home Can You Afford?
Getting an idea as to the price of the home you can afford is an important first step in the home buying process.
- Buyers' Expense Worksheet
Whether you are considering the purchase of your first home, an investment property, or that vacation property you've always dreamed of, it's important to be aware of the expenses involved - to allow for no surprises.
- Different Types of Real Estate Home Loans
Getting the right type of real estate home loan is an important part of the home buying process. In this section of my web site I have put together some basic information regarding the types of real estate home loans that are common in the market today.
- School Information
The Interactive Illinois Report Card Web site -the premier web site for test results and other school accountability information for Illinois.
- Real Estate and Mortgage Glossary
Understanding real estate terminology can be of great assistance in buying or selling a home, commercial property, or investment property. In order to help you understand words commonly used in a real estate transaction, I have prepared a list of real estate terms you should become familiar with.
- Real Estate Tax Information
When you are purchasing a new home, it is important to understand the tax ramifications associated with it. Be sure to contact me if you have additional questions and please make full use of the real estate tax resources below.
- Testimonials
Why align yourself with Barb Kramer as your preferred real estate professional? Due to an unparalleled commitment to providing outstanding customer service as a Realtor, many satisfied clients have submitted letters of thanks...read on!
- Area Information
Educating yourself about the ever-changing local real estate market trends is critical to a successful property purchase. Click here to learn all about the North Shore and Chicagoland Communities.
- Real Estate and Consumer Information
As a consumer, information is everything. It is imperative that you are properly educated prior to entering into any contract.
- Free Property Updates!
Sign-up now for a no-hassle, no-obligation opportunity to stay on top of the real estate market in any area of your choice.
- Dream Home Finder
Do you have an idea as to what your perfect home might be? Click here to describe it and I will get to work in finding it for you!
Tools and Worksheets
- Worksheet - Finding the Right Home
The more your Realtor knows about you, the easier it will be to accurately identify the properties that are a right fit. Feel free to complete this worksheet and present it to me when you are ready for your next home search!
- Worksheet - Evaluating the Homes You've Selected
Use this helpful worksheet when beginning your home search to keep track of the properties you liked best. Compare features and specifications, community and location, and rate your top choices!
- Buyer's Expense Worksheet
Whether you are considering the purchase of your first home, an investment property, or that vacation property you've always dreamed of, it's important to be aware of the expenses involved - to allow for no surprises.
- FREE Property Updates!
Sign-up now for a no-hassle, no-obligation opportunity to stay on top of the real estate market in any area of your choice.
- Dream Home Finder
Do you have an idea as to what your perfect home might be? Click here to describe it and I will get to work in finding it for you!
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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
1622 Orrington • Evanston, IL 60202
Phone: (847) 316-8047 •
