Chicago Area Median Home Prices Notch Up vs. State

According to the Illinois Association of Realtors, the Chicago area median home sale price in November was $247,000, up 0.8 percent from $245,000 in November 2006. Statewide, the median sale price was $193,000 for the month, down 3 percent from a year ago.

In Illinois overall the association report states that there were 9,021 total home sales of single-family homes and condos in November, down 20.4 percent from November 2006. Year-to-date, sales were down 16.3 percent to 131,497 homes sold January through November, compared to the same period a year ago. In the Chicago area, home sales totaled 5,772 in November 2007, down 23.9 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date, sales were down 19.6 percent to 87,624.

For more useful infornmation visit http://www.heldtrealty.com/consulting.htm

National Associational of Realtors Releases Latest Buyers/Sellers Survey

The National Association of Realtors recent survey of home buyers and sellers indicates more consumers than ever are using professional agents to assist in their transactions. According to the trade association's Profile of Homes Buyers and Sellers, 79% of consumers use a real estate professional, up from 77% over the past three years, and 9 out of 10 are "very satisfied" with their agent's knowledge of the process. More than 9 of 10 sellers and 9 of 10 buyers said they would "definitely" or "probably" use the same agent again or recommend him or her to others. Also, 41% of sellers found their agent as a result of a referral -- 23% used the same agent they had in a previous purchase -- 43% of buyers relied on referrals to find an agent, and finally, 17% of repeat buyers used an agent from a previous transaction.

This certainly makes a case for professional representation when it comes to buying or selling your home. As a member of the Nat'l Association of Realtors, I stand ready to assist you. Please visit Heldt Realty at www.heldtrealty.com.

Other Affiliations:

• Member REALTOR® Lawyer Committee, REALTOR® Association of Northwest Chicagoland www.ranwc.com
• Member Affiliate Committee, REALTOR® Association of Northwest Chicagoland http://www.ranwc.com/affiliates.htm
• President Northwest Suburban ABATE www.abate-il-nws.com
• Board Representative Northwest Suburban ABATE www.abate-il-nws.com
• Member www.rescueriders.org