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        <title>Chicago Suburb Real Estate &amp; Area Guide</title>
        <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn/</link>
        <description>New real estate listings, entertainment, recreation, news and things to do in Chicago and surrounding suburbs.</description>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/reviewing-2010.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/reviewing-2010.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Reviewing 2010</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It's been an interesting year and I'm looking forward to year-end sales statistics this year more than any other.  We keep losing agents that can no longer earn a living selling real estate.  However, 2010 has been one of my best years.  It hasn't been easy and I've had to make some changes, but I've done well in a challenging market.


I Moved to a New Home


I moved to the Orland Park/Homer Glen area and sold my Oak Lawn home.  I'm glad I had my own home for sale as it helps me explain the market to my other sellers.  I sold my Oak Lawn home for less than what we paid for it in 2003.  Add the new windows, two new bathrooms, remodeled family room, new carpet, hardwood floors, interior &amp; exterior paint, etc., and we lost a lot of money.  


However, we had happy times in that home for seven years and we enjoyed the changes we made.  And we made up for it since we purchased a foreclosed Homer Glen home (with an Orland Park address) and we are making it our own.  So in our minds, our loss made up for the great deal we got.


Getting Used to Today's Decreasing Prices


It took me a while during the Seller's Market to get used to those ever increasing prices.  It was sometimes difficult setting a price because they kept increasing and we didn't want to short change our sellers.  As long as a home wasn't listed way too high over market value, the property usually sold, and quite quickly.


Now I'm amazed at how low prices are going.  It's a great market for buyers since interest rates are still quite low and prices keep going down.  When will we hit bottom?  Click the link for predictions I've read.


The problem I'm running into is having a listing that seems priced correctly "on paper" based on a Comparative Market Analysis, but there are no offers being made.  Buyers have so much to choose from, they can pick the cream of the crop.  It could be the difference of one property having granite countertops compared to another that doesn't, and if the buyer wants granite, then the property without gets bypassed.  Even if that property is a few thousand less, buyers want the house that has it done already.  This goes with any upgrade/update that is most important to that particular buyer.  


It's simple supply and demand.  Mortgage changes make it ever more difficult to qualify, leaving few buyers and too much available inventory.  There aren't enough buyers to go around.


Therefore, the homes that are selling are the best in their price range.  They're the cleanest, have the most updates and amenities and show the best in their price range.  Sellers are left with having to make updates or reducing price so their property is the best in their price range.  Simple to write down, not so easy for a seller to do or even understand.


The Tax Credit Ended in 2010


At this point in time, there is nothing similar to that tax credit.  No special financing that I am aware of.  Just ever tightening mortgage qualifications with interest rates inching up.


I am Working with More Buyers Than Ever Before


I've always considered myself as a "listing agent."  That's where I focus on listings and I don't work with many buyers.  I have been working with more buyers than marketing for listings because it's been so difficult getting listings sold.  It's not fun having to keep telling my sellers to reduce price, over and over.  


I have sold most of my listings and the ones still on the market are where the sellers aren't understanding the current market, although I keep working on them as nicely as I can.  When I do go on listing appointments, I am much more adamant about pricing the property correctly.  If a seller doesn't agree then I won't take an overpriced listing, at least not unless I get some kind of automatic price reduction paperwork signed.


If a seller doesn't price their property at market value they are simply adding more market time to their listing.  The longer the property sits on the market, the more stale that listing gets.  Many times, the sellers end up getting less than what they could have received if they had listed at the recommended price in the beginning.  I see it all the time.


Short Sales, Foreclosures and Auctions - Oh My!


A regular seller is more likely to be in competition with a distressed sale.  These kinds of sales are normally priced at a discount because the seller/bank wants a quick sale.  Sometimes, it is priced even lower to overcome damage.  As I mentioned above, we got a great deal on our new Homer Glen home, which required mostly cosmetic updates.  We were also up against 8 other buyers and we offered higher than list price to give us the best chance.  It was still a good deal.


In some areas, specific subdivisions have so many distressed sales that they are bringing the value down in the area.  If there is one regular sale and a handful or so of distressed sales priced much lower, it's difficult to get that regular property sold.  Depending on recent past sales, the regular sale might not appraise because of recent distressed sales that have recently sold and closed.  





I've written several blog posts about short sales and foreclosures.  I'm still hearing about shadow inventory and I also wrote a post about short sales and sellers.


I am seeing more and more listings going to auction.  This will be a new learning curve and from what I've studied, there are different auction services with different operating methods.  Some auctions need to be attended in person and some are online only.


It's Still a Good Market for Buyers - Not so Good for Sellers


 If you're qualified to purchase a property, you might not want to wait for that elusive bottom.  We never know we hit bottom until prices go up, so only a few lucky ones hit the timing.  We do expect interest rates to go up, possibly to 6%.  A higher interest rate can make a bigger difference than a lower price, so those rate hikes can make a difference in your affordability.


If you're a seller that needs to sell whether it is to upgrade or downgrade, you have a couple of choices.  Make your home as appealing as possible (within reason, and I give my opinion on what will give the most bank for the buck) and price it right.  Keep abreast of the changing market and be prepared to make price reductions. 


Your choice is to get your house sold (and not just up for sale) or hold onto it and rent it out.  Some sellers are making strategic walk-aways, letting their homes go into foreclosure with the plan to start over again whenever they can (when their credit recovers).  However, in states like IL, the lien holder can come after you later on, so you have to be very careful of doing a short sale, deed in lieu or foreclosure.  There could be future consequences and you might not have the chance to clean up your credit.


If you're ready to buy or sell in the southwest suburbs, give Judy Orr a call at 708-536-8200 or use the Contact Form.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:51:44 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/have-we-hit-bottom-yet.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/have-we-hit-bottom-yet.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Have We Hit Bottom Yet?</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Have we hit the bottom of low home price values?  The optimists keep saying we should see an improvement at the end of 2011 and into 2012.  They might be somewhat correct, let's face it, they're talking a year down the road.


Today's low interest rates are tempting


Others are saying that the current low interest rates are another government ploy to keep buyers in the market.  And they might be correct, depending on how low prices drop in the future.  At today's current rates, you'd be better off with 4.5% interest rates vs. a 10% reduction at 6% based on an average home price of around $300,000.  You can try out my financing calculator to play around with rates on different price ranges. 


How low will prices go?


No one can say for sure, but some are predicting closer to 20% vs. 10%.  There are several reasons stated:




interest rates will rise, keeping many buyers out of the market unless sellers reduce


home prices are still too high, even with current price corrections - home prices are still outpacing income


there will be many more distressed sales such as foreclosures and short sales coming down the pipeline


unemployment is still too high




Will interest rates really go up in this economy?


I would love to think they will remain this low, but I do not see that happening.  I've heard statements that they will rise to around 6%.  I still think that is low; when I purchased my first home in the 1970's my interest rate was 10.5%, and we didn't blink an eye.  The price of that home was just under $20,000!  We sold it around 3 years later for the upper $40,000's.  Interest rates were still around the same.  In the early 80's (after a recession), interest rates fell to 8.5%, causing a seller's market!


Aren't foreclosures winding down a bit?


They might be down right now a slight percentage, but there are still future adjustable rate loans that are scheduled to reset.  Some mortgage holders will not refinance into a fixed rate because their rates might actually go lower and some can't refinance since their home isn't worth what they paid for it.  If interest rates go up next year then those buyers might not be able to afford the next reset.  That will keep short sales and foreclosures coming.


Should we wait to purchase?


I just purchased a home at the beginning of the year.  I am taking a loss on my resale Oak Lawn home.  I purchased a foreclosure and although we are remodeling it, I feel we got a great deal.  Even if the true value of my remodeled home falls 20%, we plan on living here for a minimum of 10 years, possibly more.


Although we feel we made a good investment, the reason we bought is because we outgrew our other home.  We needed more space.  Lucky for us, we found a home that is perfect for us and was a foreclosure that only needed cosmetic fix-ups/remodeling.  


We felt the need to move and went for it.  We are so happy in our Orland Park home.  It's tough losing money on our resale home (and that's not even taking into consideration all of the money and work we put into it) that we lived in for 7 years, but it worked out for us in the end. 


If you are currently renting and want to own a property, then with these low interest rates you should really consider purchasing now, before interest rates spike.  Keep in mind, different towns will depreciate at different rates.  There are many areas in Cook county that have already fallen by double digits.  An average drop of 20% does not mean that figure will occur in every single town.


It might be a gamble to wait


No one can predict the future, but if you're ready to buy a property, you might regret waiting.  Feel free to fill out my Automated Home Finder Form to see what's out there right now, while interest rates are so low.


  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 19 Sep 2010 13:56:38 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-real-estate-sales-statistics-2008-2009.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-real-estate-sales-statistics-2008-2009.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Oak Lawn Real Estate Sales Statistics 2008-2009</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
It's statistics time to see how different southwest suburbs have fared over these tumultuous years.  The first chart is for Oak Lawn homes for sale and the second chart is for all attached Oak Lawn properties.


Detached Oak Lawn Homes Sales Statistics 2008-2009








Number of Homes Sold






Average Sale Price












 2009


 2008


% Change            


 2009


2008           


% Change            




 313


 268


 16.8%


 $196,518


 $237,064




 -17.1%








As you can see, the number of Oak Lawn homes sold has increased and has the highest amount of homes sold comparing the 3 top southwest suburbs reflecting most homes sold (Oak Lawn, Orland Park and Tinley Park).  That's the good news, but as you can see, prices have dropped 17.1%.  Ouch!  Average prices of Oak Lawn homes is back in the $100,000 range, high $100's, but no longer in the $200's as has been experienced for many years.  These are simply the facts and many sellers will be discouraged by this, although buyers will rejoice.


 Oak Lawn Condos and Townhomes Sales Statistics 2008-2009


The MLS compiles data combining any attached property such as Oak Lawn condos, townhomes or duplexes.








Number of Attached Properties Sold






Average Sale Price












 2009


 2008


% Change            


 2009


2008           


% Change            




 143


 175


 -18.3%


 $113,013


 $142,005




 -20.4%








As expected, we are seeing drops in units sold and prices for all Oak Lawn condos and townhomes.  And they are double digit decreases.  There have been price decreases since 2007.  When will it stop?  Have we hit bottom?  I cannot tell you that since I do not have a crystal ball.


With expectations of higher interest rates, prices might have to continue to drop in order to get properties sold.  It is my belief that the price boom we experienced was not able to sustain itself.  Prices were increasing disproportionately to earnings.  The market continues to correct itself.


If you're in the market to buy or sell an Oak Lawn property or any other southwest suburb, please fill out the Automated Home Finder Form and/or Internet Market Value Form.  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:10:34 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/there-are-great-deals-in-this-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/there-are-great-deals-in-this-market.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>There Are Great Deals In This Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
I am seeing such great deals lately that I'm actually considering selling my home.  When we purchased our home we thought it was big enough.  But after living in it we discovered we could have used a little more space.  


We should not lose money on our home, although when figuring in the work we've done on it (remodeling bathrooms, putting in hardwood floors and some new windows), we'll be lucky to break even.  But we don't care.


The math is in our favor.  Even if we don't see good appreciation on our home (that we purchased in 2003 - just before prices started to skyrocket) we will more than make up for it with our next purchase.  In fact, I've seen foreclosed properties that are larger than our home going for less money, just because it's a foreclosure.


Aren't short sale and foreclosure properties in bad condition?


Some distressed properties have been wiped out by their owners (who have sold everything down to the copper pipes).  I'm seeing more of that in the city of Chicago, not so much in the suburbs.  


Some of these properties are filthy with the remnants of the people that were forced to leave.  In some cases, just the process of foreclosure has caused problems with a home such as pipes bursting and not being fixed, causing mold.  But all of this can be cleaned and fixed, and in many cases it is well worth the effort.


I showed a foreclosed Oak Lawn condo for sale that was in great shape.  It needed some new carpeting and a little updating which is purely cosmetic.  But it was a steal and if my buyer wasn't interested, I would have put a bid on it. 


You do have to be realistic about your offer


In every foreclosure offer I've been involved with, it has been a multiple offer situation and the listing brokerage came back to each bidder and asked for their best and final offer.  I tell my clients what the property would be worth if it wasn't a short sale (and considering they would fix it up).  We go over what similar properties have sold for and my client makes the decision on whether to increase their bid or stay put.  Most increase their bid.


In one case, we could see that the original owners purchased a property for $314,000.  It was on the market for $164,900!  My buyer had already lost out on a short sale property and put in a good bid over asking price.  They came back asking for our best and final offer.  She went even higher.  And she won the bid but still got a fantastic deal.  She wouldn't have been able to afford to live in this town otherwise.


Bidding wars


When looking at foreclosures and/or short sales, some buyers think they're going to get an even better deal than what is before them.  They think they can bid under the list price and still have a chance.  These prices are so deflated to begin with, unless the property is in such horrible shape that no one else will be interested, you can probably count on multiple offers coming in.


Many bid at asking price and still don't win because someone else realizes what a great deal it already is and bids over.  And then there are those people who simply want to win.  They get caught up in a bidding frenzy and want to make sure they get this property.  


Of course, when going into a foreclosure purchase for investment purposes, you shouldn't be tied emotionally to the property so you pay too much.  But a good agent will prevent that from happening.  


Most of the distressed properties currently on the market are priced well below market value.  Unfortunately, in some areas these properties are determining market value and are making it difficult for owners that are selling since values are plummeting because of these low priced, distressed sales.


Won't these foreclosures be gone soon?


The government is trying to make it easier for homeowners to modify their mortgages and try to prevent foreclosure, but for many it is too late.  If a seller has lost their job they cannot qualify for a loan modification.  


I've been told there will be another wave of foreclosures before things start to turn and that is why I'm thinking of going out there again and trying to find a home that fits us better.  I love my current home and have thought of building on but unfortunately it's cheaper to buy something else.


My husband and I are not afraid to remodel and fix a home up.  And if you can handle that then you could find a great deal for yourself.  You need to work with an agent that can guide you and you have to be prepared to offer more than list price.


If you'd like to work with someone who has experience in short sales and foreclosures call Judy Orr at 708-536-8200 or fill out the Home Finder Form.  You'll receive new listings straight to your e-mail without having to do any of your own searches.  That way you won't miss the great deals when they come on the market.   
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:08:12 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/sellers-read-this-if-youre-serious-about-selling-your-home.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/sellers-read-this-if-youre-serious-about-selling-your-home.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Sellers - Read This If You're Serious About Selling Your Home</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
I showed Oak Lawn homes for sale over the weekend and also showed properties in Chicago Ridge, Palos Heights and Palos Park.  The first home was vacant new construction and the agent was holding an open house.  She stayed out of our way and allowed me to show the home to my buyers, who know me and know I'm looking out for their best interests.  One of these places was a nice home on a busy street.


The 2nd home showing was a whole different story.  I was told the seller would be home but did not expect what occurred.  I warned my buyers the seller would be home before we entered the house.  They were not happy with the information and she commented, "I thought sellers were supposed to leave during home showings."  I told her they should leave but we can't force them to.


But this seller took it a step further.  He was our tour guide.


And buyers and their agent do not need a tour guide


This house was almost completely redone, and it was done nicely.  However, the seller talked and talked and talked some more.  To be polite, my buyers gave him more attention than they did the house.  He told them things my buyers could have cared less about, such as the wall that used to be out this far and was now only this far.  He kept telling us what was before and what he did to create the after.  My buyers did not care, at least not during the first viewing, what the house used to be like.  They only cared what it was like now.


I tried pulling them away from his lead but he just wouldn't have it.  I wanted to pull him aside and ask him to allow me to show the home instead of him showing it.  I didn't feel there was a correct time that wouldn't have made him feel mad or embarrassed, so we let him "sell" us.  I could tell my buyers were uncomfortable and one of them even rolled her eyes at one point.


Fortunately, my buyers are very nice and didn't completely hold things against this seller.  But they would have been so much more comfortable if he had left us alone.  


Buyers can tell pretty quickly if they're interested in a home or not


No amount of explanation or history or showing every little thing by the seller will help sell a home if the buyers aren't interested in it for whatever reason.  In fact, we went through another nice home that one of the buyers kept talking positive about but the other buyer said he just wasn't feeling it.  That was not a house they will consider putting an offer on.


It doesn't matter if an agent misses a small feature, the buyer most likely has already made their decision with or without knowing about certain amenities such as a brand new sump pump or some other item that might not have been mentioned.  A seller can do more damage trying to push every little thing than staying in the background.   


Sellers should not be home during a showing if they want their property to be sold


Buyers feel very uneasy when a seller is around.  They don't want to seem too interested so they view the home more quickly.  They don't take the time to stop and picture themselves and their furniture in the home when the seller is around.  They won't speak candidly about their likes or dislikes.  They won't ask me questions while we're in the home and an emotional investment is less likely to occur unless the home is absolutely amazing.


In the case of the home with the seller as tour guide, the home was nice but it wasn't amazing.  Add to that the discomfort the buyers felt, and this seller made his chances of selling worse.  I can barely remember the interior of the home as I was so angry that he wouldn't leave us alone.


Let's shed some light on the problem


Even on the first showing, an open house being held by the listing agent, I had to walk through the home and turn the lights on.  In fact, I had to ask "tour guide seller" to turn on the lights (so we could see what he was talking about).  I don't expect a vacant home to have the lights on, but we saw one house (which is at the top of my buyer's list) where the seller was not home but had all the lights turned on.  We weren't sure if the home was professionally staged or this seller had impeccable taste and neatness.  We didn't think anyone lived there until we saw clothes in the closets.  It wasn't my favorite house of the day, but my buyers loved it.  And I believe part of it was the presentation.  It really is important!


Sellers, turn on all of the lights before you leave for showings.  Don't make the agents have to look around for them.  Open the curtains or blinds and let the light in.  It really makes a difference. 


And yet another problem that did not help to sell another home


We had 7 homes to view that day.  We were running towards the end of the scheduled showing hour.  I got a call that our 2nd to last showing could not be done as the agent had to leave to show a different property.  She left 5 minutes (so she said, I didn't check the time of the call) before the end of our showing window.  And that was the problem, this agent had to be present for the showing.


I'm not sure why she had to be present, maybe there was a dog that knew her and she could handle, although that was never mentioned.  Some sellers insist their agent be present during all showings.  This is ridiculous and I would never take a listing with that as a requirement.  


I am a busy, full-time agent and wouldn't always be available for every showing on a listing.  What that would mean is that I would have to turn down showings.  And turning buyers away does not help to sell a property.  They might never come back.


In fact, we drove by the home to view it from the outside.  Seeing the exterior, my buyers weren't too anxious to reschedule a showing on this property.  It might have been very nice inside, but the outside wasn't up to par with other homes I had shown them.  So by not allowing us inside, these sellers lost a showing.  Would seeing the inside have changed my buyer's minds?  I don't know and the sellers will never know.


Sellers should never expect their agents to have to be present for a showing.  Unless there's a darn good reason, such as a dog that is not crated, sellers should use a lockbox if they can't be home.  There are some areas where it is expected that every seller uses a lockbox and that's just how it is.  Sellers in those areas don't even question it.  They know that's how it works in their area and if they want their house shown and sold they do what is expected.


It's a tough market, people


I keep doing CMA's for properties in areas/subdivisions that haven't had a single sale in more than 6 months.  There aren't any comparable listings since appraisers only look back 3-6 months in today's market.  They will go out of an area or subdivision to find a similar home as a comp than go back more than 6 months.


In some areas/subdivisions the only properties that have sold are short sales and foreclosures, bringing the value of the area down.  Owner-owned homes not in short sale status can't compete with the prices of the distressed properties around them.  Not only do they have to price their home right (low), but they better allow it to be shown at all times and not hinder the showings by following buyers around and saying too much. 


Mortgages are more difficult to come by today.  Yes, there is the $8,000 tax credit for first-time buyers but those buyers still have to qualify.


This might sound like an angry post.  I am just shocked.  I'm not sure if these sellers' agents just haven't explained things to them or these sellers just don't listen.  I'm trying to help all sellers in this depressed market.  Make it as easy and comfortable for buyers to view your property.  Leave the home or stay out of the way, don't volunteer information unless you're asked and make sure all lights are on and window coverings are open.  Of course, if you're not priced correctly none of this will matter, but that's a different story mentioned before here and here.


If you're a seller that wants an experienced agent to help get your home sold and not just up for sale, give Judy Orr a call at 708-536-8200.  You can also fill out the Internet Market Analysis form to get your market value sent to you via e-mail.                 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:59:40 -0500</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-homes-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-homes-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Oak Lawn Homes For Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Thanks to the new MLS search on www.cook-county-real-estate.net, you can now find how many properties are for sale in select towns.  As of today, there are 324 Oak Lawn homes for sale, which is quite a selection!


I love living in Oak Lawn and just last week I was able to walk to the Metra train station to get to a closing downtown.  Oak Lawn is the closest southwest suburb with only 2 Chicago stops before you reach Union Station.  It was very convenient and I got a Starbucks chai tea for the ride since it's steps away from the train station.





If you'd like to start your home search in Oak Lawn or any other southwest suburb, just call Judy Orr at 708-536-8200 or use the Contact Form.  Or set up an automated search to get new listings sent directly to your e-mail. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:25:52 -0600</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/judy-orr-an-editor-on-topix-for-oak-lawn.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/judy-orr-an-editor-on-topix-for-oak-lawn.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Judy Orr an Editor on Topix for Oak Lawn</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
In doing searches for different towns I've noticed that Topix always seems to come up in the search engines.  After reading another real estate agent's blog posting on the subject, I skipped over to the Topix website and joined as an editor for the village of Oak Lawn.  


You can read the latest Oak Lawn news, read some posts on Oak Lawn real estate and join in on forums for local or national news items.  I'm thinking of joining up as editor of a couple of other towns although they already have editors (there can be multiple editors for a town).


I really like it because for 5-10 minutes in a day I actually learn news about the village that I might not have read or heard about.  In fact, you can find out about one of my interesting news topics about an Oak Lawn woman that scammed 2 Mokena homeowners.


Go to Topix.com now and search for whatever town you'd like to get the local news on.  It's an easy way to get the daily news, both national and local, without paying for a subscription.  


[where: 60453]  
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2008 19:01:53 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-home-sold-in-one-day.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-home-sold-in-one-day.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Oak Lawn Home Sold in One Day!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Sorry folks, but the brick ranch in Oak Lawn Illinois got sold in one day with 10 offers to choose from!  Please check out currently available Oak Lawn homes for sale.  


For a full MLS search click here:  Oak Lawn MLS


So you don't miss a great listing like this (we had 2 offers within hours of it going on market), fill out my quick &amp; easy Home Finder Search form.


Sellers, the market will be getting busier as we get closer to our spring season.  Find out what your home is worth now by filling out my free Market Analysis which you will receive via e-mail.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2006 12:51:32 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-home-for-sale.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/oak-lawn-home-for-sale.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>Oak Lawn Home For Sale</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
UPDATE - This Oak Lawn home sold for $210,000!


This great brick 3 bedroom home sits on a dead end street in a great Oak Lawn area that is walking distance to 2 shopping malls (including Westfield Mall) and transportation.  It is on an oversized 77'x130' foot lot.


The inside is cozy with a separate eating area that features a large picture window for a view of the huge back yard.   The separate cooking area has lots of cabinets and is open to the dinette.


A One-Year Home Warranty is being provided.  This great home has gas forced air heat plus central air.  All appliances remain.


This home is sold but if you're interested in Oak Lawn homes click the link and you'll see all available listings without having to do a search.
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 29 Jan 2006 13:28:21 -0600</pubDate>
                    </item>
        <item>
            <guid>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/14-more-trains-on-metra-southwest-line.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.cook-county-real-estate.net/blog/14-more-trains-on-metra-southwest-line.html</link>
            <author>judyorr@gmail.com (Judy Orr)</author>
            <title>14 More Trains on Metra Southwest Line</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 



Unfortunately, the new schedule does not include any extra weekend service. Metra offered 16 trains a day and is now up to 30 during the week. Click the link for an online schedule (will open a new window with the Orland Park stop at 143rd as an example).  


The new lines will start January 30, 2006, and offer addtional service to Manhattan and New Lenox. Although many southwest Chicago suburbs were hoping for additional weekend service, a Metra spokesman said the budget for this expansion left nothing for the weekends.


It's too bad as I live about 2 blocks from a brand new Metra station.  Although I don't work downtown it would be nice to be able to jump on the train for a weekend event instead of having to drive and park.  I guess that is something to hopefully look forward to in the future. 
 ]]> </description>
            <pubDate>Sun, 08 Jan 2006 18:57:47 -0600</pubDate>
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