My New Blog

Reduce. Reuse.  Recycle.  It's everywhere.  I don't remember putting so much thought into where I put my garbage when I was younger.  Or checking the house thermometer and thinking, "I could lower (winter) or higher (summer) the temp just a degree or two and save energy".  "Turn off the closet light!", I scream to my kids before they leave for school.  No doubt about it:  the world is going "GREEN".  And April 22 is EARTH DAY:  a day dedicated to taking reducing, reusing and recycling to the next level.

There's plenty of room to join the movement in real estate as well.  One of the very best sources of research in this topic is HGTV's online e-zine, FrontDoor Unlocked.  From new developments nationwide of "tiny homes", to the top 10 ways to remodel in an eco-friendly manner, this newsletter has it all.  You can check frontdoor.com.  I LOVE it!  Very insightful....

Recently, my 9 year old daughter was asked what our family does to adapt to the enrironmentally friendly way of life.  Her answer:  I buy paper straws rather than the plastic ones so that they break down in the garbage instead of taking up space in a landfill.  Cute.  That's just one of the things we do, but the main thing is that she is beginning to understand how important this practice is not only to our budget, but also to our planet.

So....what do you and your family do to keep "green"?  I'd love to hear about it!  Oh, and HAPPY EARTH DAY!!!!!

Last week I listed a home for sale on Monday.  I had a contract on Sunday.  We are set to close in April. 

I sold another home just before the holidays in only 8 weeks. 

In this market????  Call or email me and I'll let you know how.

gina.garbis@orchardrealestatecompany.com

847-366-1654

RESULTS....what you're looking for.

So...in my previous blog, I asked you to determine your home style.  Assuming you have done that and want to begin searching for that perfect purchase, the next step would be to hire a "buyers' agent".  Some buyers feel this isn't necessary so I found this Q & A that can calm any jitters you might have regarding taking that step.  Check it out.  As always, if you can't click on it, please copy and paste to your browser....

http://www.bankrate.com/brm/news/realestateadviser/20080713-buyer's-agent-a1.asp

If you're thinking with this new year there should be a new home, where do you start?  First things first:  you need to get prequalified to find out what you can afford.  There are plenty of tabs on this website to help get that started.  But once you put the finances in order and start dreaming of your new pad, what does it look like? 

HGTV's online newsletter, "Frontdoor Unlocked" has a series of videos to help you determine your style.  Each video features a "type" of home and is about 2-2 1/2 minutes in length.  If you don't know your "tudor" from your "Greek revival" this segment is for you.  Click the link below (or copy and paste to your browser) and enjoy:

http://www.frontdoor.com/Buy/Home-Styles--What-kind-of-house-are-YOU/1088/?nl=FD_v056_4

Then....call me to show you your style of home in person.  Home prices are at an historic low, but you don't need me to tell you that.