Halloween is my favorite holiday and not too much real estate gets done on that day. In fact, today I have to run and get more candy. I forgot that my granddaughter needs to bring candy to school. I can never figure out how much to get, either there’s too much or not enough. Mostly it’s always too much.

I always wonder if home sellers want to decorate their houses for sale or decide not to. A home near mine has a nice, tasteful autumn decor which really highlights the quaint house and I think adds to its character. But I’m not sure a home seller should go all out with too many decorations. Save that for the next place.

As much as I love Halloween I have never been to Bengston’s Pumpkin Farm. I just buy my pumpkins and gourds at the local grocery stores. I was driving down Central Ave. last week and noticed a church having a big pumpkin sale. They had already set out a large amount of pumpkins but I could see they were still setting up. I would have stopped there but I was driving to appointments.

Speaking of appointments, although there seems to have been a tiny spike in home showings, it still remains a very slow market. I’m getting more seller calls than buyer inquiries.

I hope we get some nice weather tomorrow, the last couple of Halloweens were pretty chilly! And I hope that parents taking their kids door to door might get that spark to move. Yes, prices are definitely down but if you’re moving up you’ll actually be in a good position.

If you’d like to take advantage of the fall season’s declining prices give me a call at 708-536-8200 or contact me.

Normally, I try to stay local on this blog but every once in a while something comes up that I feel is important enough to write about of a non-local nature. This post is about the Sarasota MLS, or SAR, that has fought one of its dues paying members to force him to get rid of a long-held domain name for his #1 Sarasota real estate website, originally named thesarasotamls.com.

Although SAR MLS isn’t the only area that has tried strong-arm tactics on the term “MLS” (multiple listing service), I haven’t heard of such a case as this one.

The Sarasota MLS has actually merged with another MLS to form a larger, more comprehensive multiple listing service. Recently, our own Northern IL MLS merged with the Chicago MLS and both original MLS names are no longer in use. So I’m still not sure why the SAR MLS is so worried about the website domain name in question.

Marc Rasmussen, a very successful Sarasota real estate agent, puchased the domain name back in 2003. In fact, our National Association of REALTORS actually published an article by a popular NAR spokesman called Mr. Internet. Mr. Internet told agents to use MLS in domain names. Since then, NAR has changed their rules. I know rules can be changed, but I feel there should also be a grandfather rule in place, especially for this situation.

Why the fuss over MLS in a domain name?

The excuse given by SAR and different MLS’s and real estate association boards is that using the term in your domain name, or even on your website, misleads the public into thinking that you are actually THE MLS. In other words, that a prospect would think they’re searching the exact same MLS that agents have access to.

But they’ll quickly learn that they cannot search for closed listings, for example. Nor can they search for expired, canceled, withdrawn, etc. So they quickly realize that what they are being provided are active listings that are cultivated from the local MLS.

I don’t think prospects care how an individual agent provides them MLS listing access but they do enjoy the ability to do their own searches. Some buyers aren’t ready to buy yet but like to see what the market currently offers. Other buyers are definitely ready to buy and even if their own agent is providing them with e-mail updates for homes, they still like to do their own searches.

So what’s up with the SAR MLS case against Marc Rasmussen?

First, they tried getting Marc on an ethics violation! That is a bad complaint to have against a real estate agent and Marc won that fight.

But SAR MLS wasn’t happy with losing so they went directly to ICANN, who oversees domain names throughout the Internet. Marc lost this battle and is appealing.

Marc has stopped using the “offending” domain

But he is currently using it as a redirect to his new website domain name. Doing this, he is still getting some advantages from all of the work and effort that went into the original domain name. But if the Sarasota MLS gets this domain in their possession, Marc will have lost thousands of dollars and hours of work put into this domain.

He will lose his number 1 position in the search engines which will hurt his business dramatically. Marc has a family to support and has worked hard to be able to do so. Now some local MLS, who technically doesn’t even exist any longer, is taking away Marc’s largest real estate marketing tool. Marc pays his dues to the same MLS that is now hurting him. All he asks is to be able to keep the domain as a redirect. But SAR MLS wants his domain!

Does SAR really have a right to the domain?

The supposed CEO of SAR responded to several active posts about the fact that they have been trying to get the term Sarasota MLS trademarked. But from what I’ve read in response to the claim, you cannot trademark an area and the term “MLS” is actually trademarked by Major League Soccer. So I don’t believe SAR MLS truly has an enforceable trademark.

The CEO, who did not sign her name to her comments, also tried to tell us that NAR didn’t actually write the artcicle by Mr. Internet, and that NAR has disclaimers on their publications, blah, blah, blah. She was trying to diffuse the article that NAR published for its own REALTOR membership. The SAR MLS CEO really must think we’re all stupid. She made herself look stupid with her lame response to the situation.

Our MLS has come down on us for using the term, too

On my Cook County Real Estate site I received a cease & desist letter with copies of my website and the “offending” links circled. I was given 72 hours to change those links. If I didn’t, I would start getting fined.

This has happened to enough agents throughout the nation that we have found ways around this. What we still don’t understand is the issue of using MLS to begin with. All of the active Northern IL MLS listings on my websites come from the MLS! But I can’t say that for some reason.

We REALTORS feel that the term has become so common that real estate website prospects now know what MLS means and to them it simply means a search of current active homes from the local MLS. It doesn’t mean that my website actually is or belongs to the MLS. But the local MLS’s and boards are trying to say that the public just doesn’t know any better and they need this protection. I say phooey! The public isn’t stupid like our boards and MLS’s think they are.

In fact, if I could, I would end my membership with NAR and my local board. I believe they’re living in the dark ages and most of the rule makers do not have an Internet presence and simply don’t understand. The Internet has dramatically changed how real estate works today. If we can’t keep up with it and stay competitive because we’re being held down by the same boards and associations that we pay hefty dues to, then what good are they?

Unfortunately, in order to get access to the Northern IL MLS, I have to be a paying member of NAR, our local board and our local MLS. In fact, the only way I’d be able to use the term MLS without getting in trouble is if I am not a dues paying member. How fair is that? How is that protecting the public?

There are many blogs out there talking about this subject. It was even covered in Inman News. There is a silly song made up about it written by REALTOR Cal Carter called the SAR Pokie that is pretty funny. And a brand new blog has been created specifically about the debacle called The Sarasota MLS sucks. Funny thing about that is the creator of the blog isn’t even a real estate agent but he is incensed by what is happening to Marc.

If you’re in the market to buy or sell real estate in the southwest and west suburbs of Chicago, feel free to search all active Northern IL MLS listings and give Judy Orr a call at 708-536-8200 or contact her.

Reduced to $300,000

6948 Olde Gatehouse Rd., Tinley Park IL  60477
Click link for virtual tour

Huge price drop on this great oversized 3-step ranch situated on a third of an acre lot on an eyebrow cul-de-sac.  It offers 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths plus a 2 1/2 car attached garage with a side drive.

Enter the large ceramic tiled foyer and you’ll see the living/dining room “L” to the left.  Walk straight through and you’ll enter the unique kitchen which is set-up different than most 3-step ranches, making it larger and more open.  Look up and you’ll see the double skylight with a ceiling fan. 

The main floor family room with a fireplace is larger than most and opens up from the kitchen.  Another thing you don’t usually see in the 3-step is the nice sized main floor laundry/mud room for convenient laundry time.  A half bath is also located on the main level.

Up a few stairs you’ll find 3 large bedrooms including the master suite.  One of the bedrooms is currently used as an office.  There is also the hall bathroom with a skylight.

The basement area also features a large crawlspace for storage.  It is unfinished so you can finish it to your specifications.

The park-like backyard features a sprinkler system and beautiful landscaping.  Relax on the large patio while viewing the beautiful trees, shrubs, flowers and foliage.

For still photos and room sizes go to Tinley Park home for sale.  Call Judy Orr at 708-536-8200 to see this great property.

I received a subscription to Woman’s World magazine as a Christmas present. I like it for the diets featured in each issue. There is usually a home decorating section that features using a color combination or holiday decor or something similar.

I was surprised to see an article about selling a home faster so I couldn’t wait to read it. Here are my opinions:

This is in response to the list about Secrets to boosting curb appeal:

1. “Painting your walkway” - I can’t recall seeing a painted walkway. Maybe it’s not a good idea for Chicago Suburbs real estate and might be more popular in other areas. But I definitely do not suggest that anyone here paint their sidewalks. If they’re in really bad shape you’ll need to patch or fix them, especially if they’re located in the front of your home.

2. “Hiding this so buyers feel at home” - the magazine states getting the car out of the driveway which I would agree with. They also added items such as toys, gardening tools and any personal items should be removed. Again, I do agree with this one. You might think your dressed up goose is gorgeous but it just adds clutter to your porch or deck and for showing purposes should be removed. That goes for any personal plaques, wreaths, etc. Some decor could add to the curb appeal but you might need the unbiased opinion of a real estate agent, family member and/or friend.

3. “Following the rule of three” - it suggests to paint your home using 3 coordinating colors - one for the main structure, one for the shutters and the third color for the door. Many homes are brick in natural colors so there should be no painting used there (I’ve seen some brick homes that were painted at some time and if that’s the case then make sure the paint is in good condition). I don’t know why the magazine mentions shutters because not all homes have shutters. I would have mentioned windows and trim. A lot of home owners have wood doors. All in all, you want a color combination that looks good and neutral is great for a home’s exterior. Most importantly, if there is any paint on the exterior of the home and garage, make sure it is not peeling and is in good condition.

Another suggestion in lieu of shutters was to use color coordinated planters on the front steps filled with pretty mums or seasonal greens. If you feel like it and have the space that would be a nice touch. Will it really sell your home quicker than if you didn’t do this? Nope!

Their next section was Tricks to make your home look huge! - I knew this one would be interesting:

1. “Lightening up your furniture” - they’re telling you to stay neutral with your furnishings. A light beige or ivory sofa will make the room look larger than a dark sofa. Although I would agree with this it is very difficult to tell the owner of a bright floral patterned living room set to switch it out or rent something different while showing the home. This is common sense - lighter and neutral colors can make a room feel larger. Does that mean go all white? I’ve actually seen bright white rooms that looked small, cold and sterile. You also need depth to create size so I don’t suggest decorating in all white.

2. “Enlarging a cramped bedroom” - according to Woman’s World, all you need is a small lamp and a large mirror. Set them across from each other and voila! The light from the lamp will bounce back from the mirror making the room look larger. Most people already have a mirror on a chest of drawers. Why would anyone want to add another mirror to the bedroom? It sounds like they’re suggesting you put a large mirror on a wall. I think that would look goofy and I can’t imagine anyone considering this.

3. “Expanding shelf space” - Duh! Of course, any good agent will tell you to clear up some of your personal belongings, knick knacks, family photos, etc. One of my past seller clients cleaned out a cramped bookshelf at my suggestion and couldn’t believe how nice the room looked with that one simple clean-up. If you’re read anything about selling your home, you have read about de-cluttering. Nothing new here!

And finally, Extras that can seal the deal - one item I agree with is to think like a buyer:

1. “Throwing in these irresistible extras” - it is suggested that it would be a nice gesture to leave anything that was custom made for the home. In most cases this is done without thought. I would say a majority of sellers keep the appliances in the home and the window treatments. Usually, the current window treatments won’t fit in their new home and most buyers expect appliances to stay. It was mentioned to leave some furniture but I dislike having to deal with extra personal property (and many buyers are not interested). I do not consider most of these items as being irresistible and feel this is just filler for the article.

2. “Offering this must-have” - “Covered parking!” Again, in our area most sellers know how important a garage is and although we have a few carports they are not as acceptable as a 2 car garage. In fact, today’s buyers want at least a 3 car garage. Again, this is a no-brainer and since most homes have a garage it doesn’t necessarily make your home sell faster since it’s expected in our area. On the other hand, if you do not have a garage it might be worth having one built. The article suggests offering a credit to the buyer if they offer you full price to cover the cost of a garage but that is usually against mortgage and respa rules. You would have to check with your mortgage company if they would allow a credit for a garage. If not, then you have to price your home in line with not offering a garage and be prepared to have your home sit on the market longer.

3. “Putting together a 411 kit” - Oh yeah, this will be the thing that sells your house quickly - NOT! It is a nice gesture and you should leave all of your manuals and possibly repair receipts for the new buyers. It’s also nice to leave them with some restaurant brochures or a list plus a local phone book. I have seen some agents put together a nice area brochure for buyers. Again, it is a very nice thing to do but it will not be a factor in getting your home sold quicker.

In Summary

Reading an article of fluff like this makes me realize how much junk resides in most magazines (and newspapers, news on tv, etc.). Anyone trying to sell in today’s Seller’s Market might jump on an article like this and I’m sure they’d be let down over the simple ideas that most sellers already know. Following is a basic Home Selling 101 list:

• Curb appeal is important and is the first thing buyers see. Make sure your house looks appealing from the outside.
• Your home should be as clean as possible, free of clutter and personal items, inside and out. I’m sure you know that.
• A neutrally decorated home will appear cleaner, lighter and larger. That doesn’t necessarily mean it has to be vanilla, white and bland. Color is still popular in today’s decor. Just don’t overdo it, don’t clash and stay away from very bold or shocking colors and patterns. Wallpaper is out so it might be worth it to remove it yourself. I’ve seen buyers walk away from heavily wallpapered homes that were nice homes otherwise. They just didn’t want to have to remove someone else’s wallpaper. Remember, something that you think is no big deal could be to a buyer. There are so many homes up for sale right now they just go to the next one.
• The easiest way to make a room look larger is to get rid of a piece of furniture or two (you already got rid of your knick knacks & clutter, right?). Also clean out your closets, laundry room, workshop and garage. This will make packing easier in the end. I’d rather see nicely stacked boxes in the garage or basement than see the clutter in view in the home.
• If your competition is leaving their appliances and window treatments you should too or reduce your asking price proportionately. Remember, many buyers are using their last dollar to get this mortgage and don’t have anything left for costly appliances and window treatments. Taking $2,000 off the price might not help a couple who don’t have the cash on hand to purchase $2,000 worth of appliances. Sure, they’re basically putting that $2,000 in their mortgage but with today’s rates that’s not such a bad interest rate. Are they truly taking years to pay those appliances off? Yes, but they can offset some of that with the tax deduction and if it’s the only way they can afford it then this is the way they have to do it. If you don’t leave them the appliances they might have to go to the next house that will.
• Same with a garage and I think I wrote everything applying to that already.

The bottom line is, in today’s slow selling market your house has to be the best in the price range in order to get it sold. It has to be the cleanest and/or the largest and/or have the best floor plan and offer the most for the money. And that’s how you can sell your home faster.

If you need to sell your home please call Judy at 708-536-8200 or fill out the Contact Form. As a buyer or seller you probably would like to search all active MLS listings.