Three LW Reedy Realtors Receive Prestigious Five Star Professional Award

 

Terri Vertovec

LW Reedy is proud to announce that 3 of our Realtors were awarded the Five-Star Award for outstanding service and client satisfaction. Congratulations to Sue Hoerster, Betsy Stavropoulos, and Terri Vertovec. We are proud of your success and your commitment to quality service to our clients.

Five Star Professional joins Chicago Magazine in rating professionals from various fields, including real estate agents. Homebuyers who purchased homes at more than $150,000 between March 2012 and March 2013 were asked to nominate real estate agents. Thousands

Sue Hoerster

of homebuyers evaluated agents based on 10 criteria, including overall satisfaction and whether or not the homebuyer would recommend the agent to a friend.

Sue, Betsy, and Terri join only 3% of the real estate agents in our area who have received this award for this time period.

Stop by LW Reedy to see the entire Five Star Real Estate listing in the October 2013 issue of Chicago magazine.

To learn more about Sue, Betsy, and Terri and all of star agents, check out their bios on our website.

Betsy Stavropoulos

Congratulations Sue, Betsy, and Terri, on being recognized with this prestigious award.

Rates Thursday

Guaranteed Rate is offering a thirty year mortgage rate of 4.625% and a fifteen year mortgage rate of 3.625%. This is a steady rate and compared to BMO Harris thirty year rate of 4.875% is a safe bet for your future dream home.

 

MLS, CMA, CLSD? Real Estate Terms Defined!

Conversations with doctors, lawyers, people in the military involve so many acronyms and special terms that it often feels like they’re speaking another language. If you’re not familiar with the real estate world, talking real estate can feel unfamiliar and confusing, too. Here are some definitions for common terms used when discussing buying and selling homes. LW Reedy Realtors are always available to explain any unfamiliar terms and talk you through any questions you have. 

CMA

When you are ready to sell, your Realtor will tell you that they’re going to do a CMA. A Comparative Market Analysis is an in-depth analysis of a home’s worth in today’s market. The CMA helps you evaluate how your home will do against other homes on the market. Your Realtor will look at homes that have recently sold and homes that are currently listed. Using the CMA, you and your Realtor can determine the most competitive listing price for your house, as well as a likely sales price.

Listing Market Time

The Listing Market Time is the number of days that a property listing has an active status on MLS. You may see “market time” shortened to LMT or just MT on a listing sheet 

MLS

All homes for sale that are represented by a licensed real estate broker are included on this Multiple Listing Service database. The MLS provides the most up-to-date and accurate information about homes for sale, including photographs, features, price and taxes. Creating an MLS listing is an art: licensed Realtors know how to use MLS tools to get the most out of your MLS listing. 

Looking through the MLS makes you feel like you need a translator. Here are some common abbreviations you might come across when searching the MLS:

ACTV – An active listing. This property is for sale and is not under contract.

CLSD – Sold! You can now find out the selling price for this listing. 

CTG – Under contract with contingencies. This means there is a contract for the property, but there are certain issues that must be dealt with. For example, the contingency could be that the property passes inspection or that the sale is subject to the buyer securing a mortgage or PCHG – The price for the property has recently been reduced or increased. 

RACT – A contract fell through, and the listing is active again.

TEMP – Temporarily off-market. This means that the property will be back on the market but is, for a short time, unavailable. 

BOMK – Back on the market. This listing had expired, was cancelled or put temporarily off the market but was reactivated with the same Realtor.

Don’t let the unfamiliar terminology of the real estate world throw you. LW Reedy Realtors are available to explain any abbreviations and terms so that you can feel educated and knowledgeable as you make life-changing decisions about your home and your real estate investments.

The View from 101 York

LW Reedy has been serving the Elmhurst community and surrounding areas since 1951. As the largest locally-owned real estate agency in Elmhurst, we have a passion for local news and events. Here’s our view of the community for this month, from our perch at 101 York in the heart of downtown Elmhurst.

Just for Kids

Elmhurst Art Museum Kids’ Classes
Credit Elmhurst Art Museum

Classes for all ages start at the Elmhurst Art Museumthis week. Includes an after-school art studio for kids 8 to 12, a teen art studio, and a book and paper-making class for adults.

Kids from 4th to 6th grade dance, play games, and use the open gym at Elmhurst Park District’s Rockin’ Lockin Saturday, Sept 14 from 7 to 10pm. Register in advance.

The Elmhurst Angel Voice’s Children’s Choir is looking for new members, ages 6 to 12. The fall session for this boys and girls choir begins Sept 10 and features music from Cats. Contact John Tanis, Director of Music, at 312.388.7790 or jdktta@yahoo.com for more information.

Construction News

IDOT plans to close the Lake Street exit ramp on I-290 nightly for repair work starting Sept 9, 2013.

The City of Elmhurst provides a construction map so you can plan around all construction traffic and avoid delays.

Family Fun

Experience nature and art together at 1pm every Saturday and Sunday in September with “A Walk with Mark Twain,” a walking performance at Morton Arboretum.

Take the entire family for a Twilight Adventure at Morton Arboretum on Saturday, Sept 14 from 6 to 8pm or Friday, September 20 from 7 to 9pm. The September theme is Curious Coyotes and the Fascinating Fox. Hike, do activities, and roast marshmallows before a silent tram ride through the woods after dark. Tickets online or in person.

Have you seen the remodeled Washington Park? The grand re-opening is on September 11 at 6pm. The park now features spinners, a shade sail, and a double-sweater saw. The tot area includes a boulder climber and shaded areas.

Keep an eye on the Brookfield Zoo’s website for information about Sarini and Sabu’s  snow leopard cub, born June 13, 2013. He will be making his public debut some time in mid-September.

Snow Leopard Cub at Brookfield Zoo
credit Brookfield Zoo

Run for Fun

Run through the zoo with the Zoo Run Run, a 5K Chip-Timed Race or Fun Run/Walk benefiting the conservation fund at Brookfield Zoo. September 22, 2013. Register in advance.

Have you always wanted to run the Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot but have never considered yourself a runner? To go from couch potato to turkey trotter, join Fleet Feet’s No Boundaries program, a program created especially for those who don’t know how to get started. LW Reedy is proud to sponsor this year’s Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot.

Honoring Veterans

Wilder Park Veterans Memorial
Credit Waymarking.com

Join those who have courageously served our country as we reflect on the events of September 11, 2001.  7pm on September 11, 2013 at the Frick Center at Elmhurst College.

Honor the veterans in your family by taking them to the Elmhurst Historical Museum on September 25, 2013 from 1 to 3pm for a free guided tour entitled “Our Lives, Our Stories.” Complimentary entry and refreshments for veterans and their families. Reserve tour times in advance.

Elmhurst College: Educating about Education

The Trouble With Boys by Peg Tyre
Credit pegtyre.com

Elmhurst College presented Diane Ravitch, a woman who changes perspective about what the data really tells us about testing, choice, charter schools and other reforms on September 10. If you missed her presentation, be sure to reserve your spot to see Paul Vallas, a man who applies corporate leadership style when teaching the leaders of some of the largest school systems in the nation.

Richard Florida, a professor from the University of Toronto, will discuss the importance of the emerging university educated “creative class.” September 19  7pm at the Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel. $20; free for students.

Peg Tyre, author of “The Trouble with Boys,” presents years of research explaining why boys are the new academic underdogs. 7pm on October 8, 2013, Frick Center at Elmhurst College. Buy tickets in advance.

Share Your News!

Have some events you’d like listed in next month’s View from 101 York? Contact debcasey@mac.com with details.

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