Diann Carey Naperville Real Estate

You are cordially invited to an Open House on Sunday Aug 22, 2010 from 1 to 4 PM at 1999 Canyon Creek Dr, Aurora, IL.    Drawing for all visitors - prizes while they last!  Hope to see you there!

LARGEST MODEL - LOWEST PRICE IN THE SUBDIVISION - priced to SELL at $249,900. Amenities include 3 large bedrooms (all with walk-in closets, ceiling fans),  Open Luxury Living Space - Great Room with Gas Fireplace (includes gas logs), Fabulous Kitchen with Cherry Brakur Cabinets, Stainless Steel Appliances, Quality hardwood Floors,  2 1/2 baths, Large first floor laundry with washer & dryer included, Full basement with high ceilings & rough in for future bath (ready for you to finish) 2 car garage.  Home Gym will remain for the new owner to enjoy as a bonus. This is a Screaming Deal!!  Oswego Schools, Great Location - close to Wolfs Crossing Park-n-ride, and Rush Copley Hospital.  Beautiful home and a fantastic price. You wont find anything else like it.  Please stop in and take a tour.

for additional photos & information visit:   www.foxvalleyhomesonlline.com OR

                                                                        www.1999canyoncreekdrive.com

Please accept an invitation to attend an open house in the East Highlands Subd of Naperville on Sunday May 16th, from 1 to 4 PM.  834 Santa Maria, Naperville (follow signs from corner of Hillside/Washington).  Unbelieveable home for an equally unbelieveable price.   This home is BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION with all the upgrades you could possibly dream of. Huge size at over 7000 sq feet on the lst and 2nd floors alone. Fabulous potential in the unfinished English Basement for add'l living space (if needed). 5 bedrooms, 6 1/2 baths, 4 car tandem garage (room for 8 cars). granite everywhere, brazillian cherry floors, cul-de-sac location, Naperville 203 school district, award winning schools - Highlands Elementary, Kennedy Middle & Your choice of either Naperville Central or Naperville North High School.  You really have to see the value and quality to believe it.  Builder says SELL!!  It has been reduced from $1,750,000 to $1,274,999 today. reduced by $475,000.  WOW.  I hope to see you there. I will have a contract available and expect multiple offers. Dont miss this one. They dont get much better than this!  The best of everything!

Negotiating a real estate purchase in this challenging market can be a difficult process for all parties but with the correct strategy, it can make all the difference and save the "deal". Homeowners are likely to be losing money. They may have purchased at the height of the buyer's market and now are in a position where they are at risk of losing their life savings which is all invested in their home.  Emotions are high. A combative approach is the worst possible approach at this delicate time. Buyer's agents can come into the negotiation with an attitude that the buyer has all the power in todays market and bring an offer that is ridiculously low. Seller is immediately angry and the war begins. Conversely, the seller's agent can also be adversarial and run off an earnest & sincere buyer, who simply doesnt want to overpay in the uncertain real estate market today.  A sale can be won or lost with the wrong agent - wrong strategy.  I often run across agents who have a very combative, adversarial approach in the negotiations and find it to be a seriously flawed strategy. Everyone needs to remember the goal. An AGREEMENT, where everyone is satisfied. Seller gets a sale. Buyer gets a home. A fair and honest negotiation should be achievable. No need to be adversarial or combative. Here is a great article where the process is described in depth.

© Copyright 2006, IRED.com, Inc.

What do you want to achieve in the negotiation?

Letting the seller know what you need, in a clear and reasoned way, is the first step toward getting it. For most people the primary focus is the price they will pay for the property, and this is certainly an important consideration. But, there are other needs that you should think through. Distinguish between the must-haves and would-likes. A market analysis will help you establish an appropriate offering price range. Knowing your range allows you to balance the price with other underlying interests. Your interests might include:

• Buying at the lowest price possible.
• Leaving your current home at the right time.
• Setting the closing to meet your travel, school or work time frame.
• Resolving repair issues fairly.
• Having your concerns addressed.
• Locking in your mortgage loan rate.
• Having no title or survey issues.
• Completing your relocation process.
• Getting settled into a home and neighborhood.
• Forging a good working relationship with the seller.
• Having no future problems after closing.

Is an adversarial or cooperative approach more effective?

There is nothing more destructive to the negotiation process than the combative style. Professional negotiators try to preserve the relationship between the parties. The goal is not to reach an impasse in which neither buyer's nor seller's needs are met. The contract negotiation process usually begins with some degree of distrust between buyer and seller. The goal is to move in the direction of trust as quickly as possible.

Buyers sometimes submit a letter to the seller describing why their house is not worth what they are asking, pointing out deficiencies, etc. This will backfire and start the negotiation with a defensive seller. Folks who have enjoyed their homes, made the curtains, laid the tile and painted the walls will have a negative reaction to a critical buyer. It is best to anchor your price to the marketplace, while remaining very complimentary of their home.

How do you work with a adversarial strategy by a seller or agent?

Sometimes you have no choice but to work with a combative seller or agent. Their strategy includes: emotional statements, snide remarks, defensive arguments, threats to terminate, ego involvement, and stated positioning. Creative solutions are not likely to be found in this environment. Working with a combative style negotiator requires good control of your own emotions. Here are some pointers:

• Do not respond emotionally. An angry or defensive response will escalate the negotiation into a no-win battle.
• Do not argue. Arguing usually positions them more strongly and drags the negotiation process off course.
• Do not ignore their arguments or statements. Listen carefully, but do not accept or reject.
• Acknowledge the fact that certain emotions are present, without responding in kind. Strong emotions arouse emotions in others, including fear and anger. Their anger may have a source outside the contract, or it may be a negotiation tactic.
• The agent may have an us-against-them strategy. Try writing cover memos with your responses to the seller in order to break down the barrier.
• Firmly anchor pricing, repair requests and other points to outside data. Show that the proposals have not been made unreasonably.
• Do not allow hazy proposals to stand. Put everything in writing. An emotional negotiator will usually produce an unclear agreement.
• Offer some wins on some of the terms. Face saving is important. Make your offer as attractive to the seller as possible. Look for ways to meet their underlying interests.
• Remember that they may have a beautiful home that satisfies your goals.

Is every point in the contact negotiable?

Yes. However, one of the most effective means of coming to an agreement is to rely on consistent standards when possible. For example, it is common practice in our area for the seller to buy the title policy and buyer to pay survey cost. Using accepted standards prevents buyer and seller from haggling over every point. On the other hand, all the points in an offer can be used to help structure the deal. They offer trade-offs for both parties to get what they want.

How do you move in the direction of trust?

Most people are fair minded and reasonable. They respond well to respectful treatment and to having their concerns heard. If the seller feels that the buyer and agent are acting with integrity, their attitude will be much more cooperative. Contract negotiation is a sensitive area, and anxiety can be high. Both buyer and seller are under pressure, with future plans at stake. Acting with integrity does not mean that all cards have to be put on the table. It is not proper to discuss your price range, financial details or urgency to move. It is valuable to develop trust because trust raises the level of cooperation between the parties and forwards the negotiation. Here are ways:

• Listen and understand what the seller has to say.
• Express appreciation for the seller's home, gardens, decorating.
• Respond within a reasonable time to counter offers.
• Reassure the seller of your ability to close.
• Reveal some personal information about yourselves.

Finding common ground with the seller can be a very powerful tool in the event of multiple offers. Often sellers select their contract for personal reasons: The family reminded them of themselves when they moved in with young children. Or, they were of the same religion. Or, the new owners would care for their gardens or feed the birds.

How much leverage do you have?

Knowing the type of real estate market is crucial to your strategy for negotiating your offer. You must know the underlying market condition. If you are in a seller's market you will need to act quickly and be willing to offer at the top of the range. This is especially true if the home is in a hot area and has great appeal. If they have multiple offers, you must make your very best offer up front.

In a buyer's market you may be offering on a house that has been for sale for many months. Or the house may have a small buyer pool due to poor condition or updating needs. Here you have a lot more leverage than you would with a new listing. Knowing the seller's needs will help you improve your leverage. They may want to move immediately, or prefer a long close time. If you can meet their secondary needs you have some leverage for a better price.

Make your offer as simple and as straightforward as possible. Contingencies will reduce your leverage for a better price in a buyer's market, or for any consideration in a seller's market. Be proactive about reassuring the seller of your desire and ability to close. Here are some possible contingencies:

• Contingent on sale of your home: The seller will not usually accept this contingency unless you have a contract on your home. Attach a copy of the contract and status report.
• Contingent on inspections: In our area this is covered by an option period. Keep the option time within accepted norms.
• Contingent on financing: Always be credit approved by a mortgage lender and include their letter with your offer. This improves your leverage, and is crucial in multiple offers. If you are making a cash offer, have a letter from your banker stating that the resources are available.

   

How much under list price should you offer?

Buyers usually offer less than list price, unless it is a strong seller's market. The best way to establish the price is by a market analysis. It is usually counter-productive to offer so low that the seller will reject the offer. This will set a negative tone and will not move you in the direction of establishing trust. In a recent deal the seller responded to a low offer with an over-list-price counter.

How are multiple offers handled?

Sometimes the seller receives more than one offer. The listing agent and seller will decide how they will handle multiple offers. They may choose to disclosure to all parties, or disclosure to none, that multiple offers have been received. By disclosing that there are multiple offers, the seller is not shopping your contract. Shopping occurs when the seller discloses the terms of an offer to induce a buyer to submit a better offer. This can result in serious distrust of the process by the parties, and possible loss of the buyers. Usually the procedure is to notify each party that there are multiple offers, and give each a chance to raise his offer by a certain time. After that, the seller will review all offers and choose one to work with.

Great opportunities abound in Washington Woods Luxury Home Community of Naperville. There are currently 3 Bank Owned Foreclosures available along with 1 Short Sale.  2 of the Bank Owned homes are in a state of partial state of construction. Finish the interior and you'll have a huge, luxury home for an unbelievable price.  Great opportunities for instant equity here!  If you are waiting to take advantage of this remarkable "buyers market", wait no longer. They dont get much better than this!  Dont miss your opportunity of a lifetime.  Call me for a showing!  I'll get you inside today!

Diann Carey,   815-761-7918 (cell), diann.carey@bairdwarner.com

Spring is definitely here! New Construction is beginning in the Naperville area! Prices are more affordable than ever before. Build your dream home! I can find you a beautiful, afffordable building lot.....are you looking for water, woods, downtown, ...whatever you need, I will find it and to top it off, I'll find a quality builder to refer you to.  I am currently working with several custom home builders, all of which will provide you with a home plan that perfectly meets your needs. Let me help! Call for builders and lots for your new Naperville home.

 Diann Carey  Baird & Warner    815-761-7918         diann.carey@bairdwarner.com  

You are cordially invited to an open house on Sunday March 14, 2010 from 1 to 4 PM at 1999 Canyon Creek Drive, Aurora which is located in Deerbrook Place, just west of Hafenrichter/Eola (follow the signs). Absolutely beautiful, better than new, 3 bedroom luxury townhome. Over 2337 sq feet (per bldr). Great Room w/Fireplace, Deep-Pour basement, Hardwood Floors, Stainless Steel Appliances, Brakur Cabinets through-out.  Quality construction. This home is bright, spacious and in absolutely "like-new" condition.Feels more like a single family home than a townhome. Premium location.  Priced at $269,900.  Hope to see you there!

You are cordially invited to an Open House on Sunday February 21, 2010 from 1 to 4 PM at 834 Santa Maria, Naperville. Close proximity to Downtown Naperville & Edwards Hospital. Located on a quiet cul-de-sac in  East Highlands Subdivision, which is assigned to some of the highest scoring schools in all of Naperville. Highlands Elementary, Kennedy Middle School and your choice of Naperville Central or Naperville North High. This NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME is Luxury Living at its finest!  Approx 7000 sq ft on 1st & 2nd floors, full, unfinished ENGLISH BASEMENT, if finished would expand living space to unbelievable proportions. Other features include: 5 bedrooms (all with private baths), brazillian cherry floors, professional grade appliances, granite in Kitchen, all baths, Laundry, 8 car tandem garage (YES, I Said 8 car garage!). Paver stone driveway & patio, custom ceilings in living room, dining room & all bedrooms, elegant lighting AND best of all....a $150,000 price reduction.  The builder is motivated to SELL!  Now priced at $1,599,000. BRING AN OFFER! You really have to see this to believe the value.

Directions: Follow the B&W signs, From Hillside/Washington (south of Downtown), East on Hillside, turn right on Willow, turn right on Santa Maria. Cant miss it.