Builder Model Homes for Sale at Devonshire in Shorewood
Three award-winning builder model homes are now for sale at Devonshire at Kipling Estates in southwest suburban Shorewood. These are the last three homes for sale at the already sold out community.
Soldout Devonshire at Kipling Estates featured 110 maintenance-free single-family homes. The active-adult community offers buyers maintenance-free ranch living.
Homes feature the latest architectural design features as well as the most innovative interior design accents. Exterior features include steep roof pitches, inviting covered porches, brick fronts, shake architectural shingles, window grills and stately entryways.
The three award winning models include:
Located at 1623 Augusta Street, the Jefferson is the largest ranch plan available at Devonshire. This Silver Key award-winner has 2 bedrooms located at the opposite ends of the home for maximum privacy, 2 full baths and 1,800 square feet of living space.
This home is situated in a private location overlooking a protected preserve area. It features a master suite with whirlpool tub and walk-in closet, a full lookout basement with 20-by-8-foot wood deck, fully landscaped yard, a four-season room with great prairie view and an attached 2-car garage. The Jefferson model is priced to sell at $229,900, which includes a $30,000 price reduction. It is ready for immediate occupancy.
Located at 1604 Devonshire Lane, the Washington is a 1,910-square-foot, 1.5-story home featuring lake views and a first-floor master suite with whirlpool bath and huge walk-in closet. The Washington is priced to sell at $239,900, which includes a $40,000 price reduction.
The 3-bedroom and 3-bath Washington was furnished and professionally-decorated by Chicago-based Studio H, an award winning interior design company. It features a dramatic 2-story and great room, a gourmet island kitchen with stainless-steel appliances, Corian (Continued…)
Positive News About the Real Estate Market
It has been over a year since we’ve heard anything positive about the real estate industry, and, with the recent turmoil of the stock market, it seemed like any positive news related to the economy was a long way off. Well, I am happy to report that yesterday, October 14th, USA Today published an article about the Denver housing market making a turn around and coming out of the dip that has been affecting so many markets throughout the nation. The number of inventory homes in Denver is decreasing, there are more buyers in the market and the interest rates are fairly low. Considering that Denver’s foreclosure rate was one of the highest in the nation at one point, it is very reassuring to see the city has recovered and is showing these positive signs that represent a strong and stable housing market.
While the Denver real estate industry isn’t entirely related to the Chicago real estate industry, I wanted to share this article with you so that you could see for yourself that not everything related to real estate is negative. While Denver was highlighted in USA Today, it is not the only housing market to experience these positive signs. (Continued…)
Fire Sprinkler Systems are now a Mandated Feature
At the final action hearing of the International Code Council in September, fire sprinkler systems became a mandated standard for residential building codes. The International Code Council final action hearings are very similar to how a bill gets passed through congress, only it doesn’t have near as many checks and balances. It is up to the ICC to propose, debate and adopt different Residential Building Codes. And, not only do they make the law for the adequate construction of new homes, but they also implement these standards in municipalities, counties and states that enforce building code regulations. The ICC Codes are rapidly becoming the “code of choice” for government units who choose to adopt and enforce building code standards. Thus, requiring fire sprinkler systems in all new homes is going to impact the home building industry in most cities and states, including Chicago home builders.
However, the fire sprinkle systems mandate will not take effect until 2011. (Continued…)
Tax Credit Info Available in Spanish
Thanks to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) information is now available in Spanish for those looking for information on the $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit.
To access the Spanish-language version of NAHB’s tax credit site, go to www.FederalHousingTaxCredit.com.
“The tax credit provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for first-time home buyers,” said NAHB’s 2008 Chairman of the Board Sandy Dunn, a home builder from Point Pleasant, W.Va. “However, the tax credit is temporary, and only homes purchased on or after April 9, 2008 and before July 1, 2009 are eligible. That makes it imperative that we get the word out to as many people as possible so they can take advantage of this outstanding (Continued…)
Home Builders Urge Congress to Pass Financial Rescue Package
Chicago home builders, developers and agents — Act now by emailing your Senator and Representative at capitolconnect or call their offices using the NAHB toll-free legislative hotline at 1-866-924-6242.Earlier this week the House of Representatives failed to pass the bipartisan, carefully-crafted “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008″ by a vote of 205-228 (View the Final Vote Results for Roll Call 674 and see how your Congressional Representative voted.) This legislation would have helped remedy the extreme turmoil and uncertainty currently facing the nation’s financial markets.
With the failure of the House to act, the financial crisis continues. Falling home prices, mounting foreclosures, and a frozen credit market have taken a severe toll on the nation’s economy. As the financial markets struggle, mortgage credit costs are increasing and home builders are finding it more and more difficult to obtain any business credit. By providing a (Continued…)
Custom Builders and Remodelers Build Buyer Trust through Learn-Build
In a booming real estate market, home builders built speculative homes with no significant fear of not recouping their investment in a reasonable amount of time. Times have changed, and building specs isn’t as easy or as profitable as it once was. The result? Builders focus on presales and, suddenly, everyone is a custom builder. But when buyers are investing the time and money to work with you on a home from the beginning, they’re judging you against a different yardstick. They can no longer see, touch or tour the home to evaluate its quality. They must visualize it, and they must trust you when you say you will build it well. With remodeling jobs, trust is even more important. In the case of a new build, buyers will have the opportunity for a final walk-through before closing, and they can list any contingencies in a legally binding contract. With a remodel, buyers literally have to live with challenges until settlements can be made, and they’ll look for a remodeler who will allow them to avoid the hassle.
How can builders and remodelers differentiate themselves and build trust with clients before the foundation is poured or the first wall is torn out? Through continuing education and certifications offered through the Illinois Regional Education Board and Learn-Build. Think about it. If you had the choice of having your car repaired by a “Master Mechanic” or the garage that just opened down the street, which would you more likely trust to do the job right the first time? Several certifications offered through Learn-Build will tell potential clients that you have been educated in proper construction methods and in responsible business management – a major factor in building trust. (Continued…)
Action Needed Now for U.S. Financial Crisis
During an Emergency Session of the NAHB Board of Directors at Fall Boards today in San Diego, the members present voted to support the administration on TARP (troubled assets relief plan). Congress is currently working on historic legislation to address the credit crisis. Help pass this vital aid for the financial markets now by contacting your representatives.
Although the builders present agreed that the plan has challenges specific to our industry that we will have to deal with over the next several years, all agreed the benefits of TARP substantially outweigh the risks of doing nothing. It is critical for home builders to call their Congressional delegation and urge them to act promptly on the financial markets rescue plan. The costs of doing nothing could be catastrophic.
Credit markets have been locked up for months and builders, as well as new home buyers, are suffering from a shortage of mortgage credit. Recently this situation has become more perilous. In fact, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson and Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke warn that conditions have deteriorated to the point of triggering a world-wide financial collapse.
The Treasury Department proposes TARP to stabilize the situation and negotiations are underway in Congress. The proposal will allow the Treasury to restore liquidity to the credit markets by purchasing up to $700 billion in troubled mortgage-related assets from financial institutions. The actual cost of this plan should be considerably less as the Treasury resells the assets and retains the proceeds.
Mortgage assets include residential or commercial mortgages and any securities based on such loans. It is hoped that this rescue plan will shore up housing finance markets and help stem the decline in housing demand and home values by providing an outlet and market for troubled (Continued…)
Social Media is not just for kids anymore, Study on Boomers use
Are Facebook and MySpace just for GenX and Y’ers? An article from the marketing publication BrandWeek.com covers results of a study of Baby Boomers’ social media habits. If you still think these sites are ONLY for young people, and that Chicago Real Estate buyers are not there, think again.
Some statistics from a new Entertainment Trends in America study by The NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y…
Social networking sites are being adopted by baby boomers (aged 44-61).
The study surveyed 11,600 consumers online.
41% of baby boomers have visited social networks, such as MySpace or Facebook, and 61% have been to sites with streaming or downloadable video.
over 57% of Web users overall have stopped at social networking sites in the past three months. Baby boomers stopped on average of eight times in that period.
Contact mRELEVANCE for a complete analysis of your Internet markeing strategy and to consult on how you can use Social Media more effectively.
Purchasing Green Built Homes in Chicago Saves You Money
We all know about the federal tax credit currently available for first-time homebuyers, but you may not be aware that there is also a tax credit for homebuyers that purchase a green built home or products to make your home a little more environmentally-friendly. By purchasing new Chicago homes that incorporate green standards, you are eligible for a federal homebuyer incentive whether or not you are a first-time homebuyer. Just be sure to do your purchasing and renovations before January 1, 2009 in order to be eligible for the tax credit. So what exactly are “green products” that will get you a little extra cash? Well, some examples you could follow to help increase your wallet and decrease the negative effects on the environment are systems that reduce heat loss/gain; exterior windows (including skylights), exterior doors, and metal roofs that meet the ENERGY star standards; programmable thermostats; rainwater conservation systems; ENERGY Star appliances; and more. For more details (Continued…)
Buying Green Chicago Homes
Green homes are becoming the next trend for Chicago home buyers. From low-flow toilets and bamboo floors to geo-thermal heating systems and rainwater collections cisterns, the Chicago housing market is shifting to adopt eco-friendly elements of design and construction. In addition to the green upgrades individual homeowners are making to their houses (including historic Chicago bungalows), builders are adjusting their blueprints to integrate green aspects into the floor plans and infrastructure. (Continued…)
