Illinois Home Sales and Median Prices on the Rise

According to the Illinois Association of Realtors, Illinois housing statistics showed an increase of 36.2% in March compared to February. IAR's latest report indicates the numbers were 20.3% below the all-time high for March 2006 when a total of 15,024 homes were sold. Regarding the median price of a home in Illinois, IAR reports this figure at $198,000, up 0.1 percent from $197,900 a year ago.

Pleas contact me at Heldt Realty for area-specific data.

Baby Boomers Like Larger Nests

Baby Boomers nests are growing and the ones with empty nests are selling their lawnmowers without blinking an eye. What does it mean? Well, boomers whose children have grown are beginning to move to large but maintenance-free homes all over the US.

This, according to Margaret Wylde, a housing market expert who writes that it's a myth that everyone over 50 is downsizing. Her research shows that most people in the boomer generation who live in homes between 1,600 and 1,800 square feet will likely move into even larger homes during their empty-nest years. Wylde continues on to say that by 2011, half of all homeowners in the US will be 55 years of age or older. The vast majority of them no longer want to take care of the lawn or shovel snow anymore either. They do however, have sizable equity in their homes and want nicer digs with more amenities and features than what they've had previously.

If you're a boomer in a similar situation, contact me and we'll discuss how you can trade home maintenance for a carefree life in an adult community.

Pictured: The Cascades at St. Lucie West, Port St. Lucie, Florida

Look Ma, No Hands!

No hands on faucets, that is. What was once a novelty found only in public restrooms, hands-free touchless faucets are now moving into home kitchens. The new hands-free faucets feature high-arc swiveling necks and pull-down spigots for all sorts of uses from filling pots to rinsing fresh produce.

The innovation addresses two concerns both from a consumer and environmental perspective. Touchless faucets switch on and off using a combination of motion and light sensors which help prevent the spread of germs. That in itself would makes it a wise investment. But more than that, a touchless faucet also conserves water by dispensing it only on demand. That's because for every minute a conventional faucet is left running, two gallons of water are lost down the drain.

Hands-free touchless faucets are available in price ranges from $750 to $1,000 and are sold by manufacturers such as Kohler, Danze and Brizo.

Helping Parents Downsize

When the time comes to help your elderly parents move to a smaller home, it's good to know there are some resources available to assist you in what can become quite a daunting task.

A network of organizing professionals has been formed and does in fact, provide a valuable service. The organization known as the National Association of Senior Move Managers help older adults with sorting, disposal of unwanted items, packing/unpacking and setting up their new home. Considering our busy lifestyles, this service can prove to be very useful in a time that can create a considerable amount of stress. I highly recommend them.

If you are involved with helping your mom and dad downsize yourself, it's often easier if many of their possessions are recycled to charities. Seniors are typically more willing to part with things if they know the items are bound for a good home.

Stay tuned for more news you can from your friends at Heldt Realty.