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THE ANDERSON GROUP NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2017

We're Moving - What Do We Tell the Kids?!

The new school semester is around the corner and you’re preparing to move your kids to a new home, new neighborhood and new school. How can you keep the drama to a minimum?

The younger the child, the less able he or she is to "see into the future." Children tend to focus on losing what’s familiar, and they worry about missing friends and family. Before you sit down to tell your children about an upcoming move, prepare a comforting strategy:

Let your children know, step by step, what is happening and what is likely to happen next.
List all the advantages in the move. For example, will the family be closer to a favorite person, place, or activity? Will your children be able to see old friends and family?
Share as much as you can about the new home, such as where their rooms and baths are and special features like a new playroom or swimming pool.
Introduce your children to their new home online and in person, if possible. Show them where schools and parks are, and other points of interest to help them orient themselves in their new surroundings.
Be ready for "What about me?" questions. Contact organizations for information about ways to continue your child’s special interests. Knowing they won't have to give up favorite hobbies or sports goes a long way toward helping children adjust to a new environment.

Your preparedness will go a long way in reassuring your children that their needs are being considered, even while big changes are happening around them as your family prepares to move into a new home.

Winter Showing Tips

You may think that wintertime isn’t the best time to show your home, but you’d be surprised. Yes, winter days offer fewer hours of daylight for buyers to see your home. Sleet and snow make it harder for buyers to house-hunt. Even warm regions have challenges – the weather may be gray or rainy.

But winter has a unique appeal - gathering with friends and loved ones by a crackling fire, winter sports played in the backyard, walks on the beach without all the summertime tourists. So play up what’s great about your home.

Make sure the drive-up appeal is strong. Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow and slush. Put a nice, new welcome mat out for buyers and their agents to wipe their feet.

Leave all the lights on for showings and open the drapes to let in more light. Closed homes tend to hold odors, so open the windows for an occasional airing, and run the fans after cooking meals. Bake some cookies or bread. Boil some cinnamon and spices for a natural, wintry fragrance.

If you have a fireplace, turn it on, but low. Stage the scene with a comfy, holiday-themed throw blanket. Put some big fluffy pillows on the floor.

Should You Add-on To a Smaller Home?

You can’t go wrong buying the smallest house in a great neighborhood and making improvements to expand the property. By adding the square footage you need, you can bring your home up to the standards of other nearby homes, often at far less cost than if you’d purchased one of the larger homes.

The problem with adding on is that the home sits on an existing foundation. To add on, you’ll have to use an architectural plan and get the services of licensed professionals in order to create a seamless addition.

The changes have to make sense for your household, for the property and for the neighborhood. In other words, if adding on means you no longer have a back yard, and back yards are standard on your block, it might not be a great idea.

Before you begin, talk to your lender and ask about purchase and renovate loans such as the FHA 203K. Your lender will explain how you can qualify and what the requirements will be, such as how much work needs to completed before funds are released to you. Your home plus the improvements should appraise at about the same amount as other homes in the area.

You or your contractor should apply to the city for a building permit on any changes that alter the footprint of the home. If you’re planning to do the work yourself, and you aren’t licensed, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover your work. Keep in mind that home improvement is about proportion and aesthetics as well as functionality.

good to know

Top Design Trends in 2017

As we usher in another new year, Zillow Digs has presented their list of the top four anticipated design trends in 2017. Velvet, Jewel Colors, Marble Surfaces and Built-in bars will be very popular according to the article, while they predict that industrial furniture, cool gray colors and quote art will begin to lose traction. To read more about these trends, please click here.

Warm Up With These Healthy Soups and Stews

On the coldest days of the year, one of the best things to do is to warm up with soup or comfort food. HGTV.com lists five of their favorite recipes for healthy soups and stews. Find out how to make a cauliflower chowder, tomato basil chicken stew, crock pot chicken tortilla soup, Thai curry lentil and sweet potato soup, and a beef stew with zucchini by clicking here.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group Collects More Than 1,600 toys for Toys for Tots!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff Realty Group’s offices served as drop off locations in their communities for Toys for Tots. The U.S. Marine Corp. Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation collects new, unwrapped toys each year, and delivers them to less fortunate children in the community. Donations poured into the offices, leading to a collection of over 1,600 toys that were given to children in the Chicagoland area.

ask the anderson group

Dear Anderson Group ,

My husband and I would like to find a bigger home for our growing family. Our wish list includes a better floor plan, finished basement, larger yard and we’d love to be able to walk to town. We need the equity out of our current home to be able to buy something new. However, we’re happy enough in our current home for now, so we don’t want to list our house until we find the perfect new house. A friend told me this will put us at a competitive disadvantage against other buyers. Is this true?

In our opinion, your friend is correct. If you need to sell your current home before you can buy a new one, (which is an extremely common position), any purchase offer you make will include a “home sale contingency”. Depending on market conditions and the seller’s motivation, they may or may not accept your offer with this contingency. Even if they do, you will be required to get your home on the market within days of acceptance and still run the risk of being displaced by a non-contingent buyer. A more strategic option would be to get your house on the market first. This shows sellers you are serious about selling your home and are more likely to be able to complete the purchase of their home if they accept your offer. Once you are under contract on your current home, any offer you have made would shift to a “home close contingency”, which is a stronger position. Your Realtor will then work to align closing dates to ensure the transition is as smooth as possible.

Dear Anderson Group,

My fiancée and I are first-time buyers and we’re very excited about seeing what’s available in our preferred areas. Do we really need to talk to a lender before we start looking at homes?

Yes! For starters, this will let you know how much you can afford to spend on your new home. Second, there are generally lending programs available only to first-time buyers that offer advantageous terms. Third, your lender will be able to walk you through the costs associated with obtaining a mortgage and buying a new home. But most importantly, your lender will provide you with a pre-approval letter, which is a crucial piece of a strong offer package when we find the house you want to purchase. A well-connected Realtor will be able to offer you several recommendations for excellent lenders that will be with you from the pre-approval process all the way to closing day.

Do you have a real estate question for The Anderson Group? Let us hear from you! E-mail us at the address listed below and your question may appear in a future issue of “The Anderson Group’s Guide” in FOCUS on Glen Ellyn magazine and our monthly newsletter.

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what our clients think of us

"We cannot begin to thank Sarah and JP enough for helping us find our dream home! Being first time home buyers, we were really uncertain as to the home-buying process. We had an idea as to what we were looking for and the area, but really we did not know much past that.

Immediately upon meeting Sarah and JP, we knew we were in good hands! During our first meeting, we spent well over an hour just getting to know each other. And as they began to ask us questions, to get a better understanding of what we were looking for, we could tell they were really listening to us. From the beginning, Sarah and JP only brought us homes that were truly options that might work for us. They never wasted our time - and with both of us in careers that take up a lot of our time, we really appreciated that!

From our first meeting, Sarah and JP also learned that we did not have a mortgage broker, home inspector or home attorney - and immediately we were given incredible referrals! Each person we worked with, referred by Sarah and JP, were professional, understanding, patient with us being first time home buyers, attentive and quick to respond! Having that guidance was invaluable to us!

As we began to visit homes we were interested in, it was incredible to see how knowledgeable they both were when it came to the home buying market. They were quick to discuss the pros (and sometimes cons) of each home and they never said what we wanted to hear - they said that we needed to hear. They were understanding of all our questions - and they never made us feel like any of our questions were dumb.

When the perfect home for us was listed on the market Sarah and JP got us in for a showing the very next day. By that evening we had an offer submitted and negotiations started. They were partners with us through the entire negotiation process and always had our best interests in mind. Because of their hard work and follow through we are able to write this referral from our brand new home and couldn't be happier! Thank you Sarah and JP!" -- Sarah & Jake

“Derrick and I could not be happier with our experience with the Anderson Group, more specifically, JP and Sarah. Being a first-time homebuyer, we initially found the process daunting and overwhelming. Not knowing where to begin, Derrick received JP and Sarah’s information from colleagues who also purchased homes with their help. From our first meeting, we were immediately put at-ease. JP and Sarah walked us through the process, let us know what to expect, referred us to excellent mortgage representatives, and re-assured us that our anxieties are not uncommon and they would be with us every step of the way. Searching for a house with first-time buyers, I’m sure is exhausting as we were really unsure of exactly what we wanted, but Sarah and JP’s patience paid off when they helped us find the perfect little starter home. The negation process was not easy and involved a lot of back-and-forth with the home’s sellers. Getting to the closing seemed impossible more than once. Regardless of the challenges and frustrations, JP and Sarah stuck by us every step of the way. Now, just a few weeks into homeownership, we are enjoying the renovation process and we cannot wait to truly enjoy our new home. We cannot thank Sarah and JP enough for making this process seamless and incredibly enjoyable. We will not hesitate to reach out to Sarah and JP in the future and we will certainly be referring them to friends and family in the Chicago area!” –Ellen & Derrick

"We had a great experience working with the Anderson Group to sell and buy our home. With busy lives where time is a premium, it was great to work with a team that was hyper responsive and experienced to navigate us through the process. Their unique and comprehensive knowledge of the area and market was an invaluable resource for us. They made us feel like we were more than just “clients”. For anyone looking to make a move, we highly recommend the Anderson Group!" -- Andrew & Juli

“We sold our house –YEAH! ! ! Selling the house you have lived in for the last 25 years is a psychological journey and there are so many items for consideration. This is where JP and Sarah Anderson successfully guided and directed our journey. They injected the necessary energy, knowledge and experience to present the house for sale and did the work to get the job done. Open houses were held almost weekly and as JP said the ‘more potential buyers we get through the door, the more likely we will make a sale.’ And then there is the emotional vs. practical consideration on the price and they held our best interest in check during the process while getting the sale done. I would highly recommend their talent to anyone in need of real estate services." -- Carol & Larry

“JP and Sarah Anderson did a great job representing us for both selling our home and buying a new one. Great communication, hard work and very knowledgeable on the local market. Would highly recommend both of them!" -- Jason & Katie

“My husband’s job moves us about every two years. This time we were coming from Texas. I was lucky enough to meet Sarah at an open house. She was so pleasant and knowledgeable that I immediately called our relocation people and had them reach out to her. She contacted me and the house hunting began. Sarah was so attentive and observant of our needs and wants; any requests we had, she came through for us. Once we started narrowing down a few houses, JP became involved. His experience, honesty and expertise was a bonus. Through out the entire process, both of them, went out of their way to provide guidance and feedback to help us make the most informed decision. I particularly liked the fact that they stayed involved all the way through closing. I called and texted Sarah almost daily with one question or another. And if I didn’t contact her, she was checking in with me to make sure all was on track. Out of our many moves, this by far was the best experience we’ve had.
Thanks, again, Sarah and JP. You guys are the best.” -- Jill and Michael

“J.P. and Sarah Anderson handled both the sale of our Aurora family house and the purchase of our downtown Wheaton home. Our experience with them was nothing but pleasant. Their extraordinary expertise, experience and professionalism is unmatched in the Chicagoland area. They are easy to deal with, calm under pressure, dependable, and all around great to work with. If you are buying or selling a home in the western suburbs you could never ask for more than what you will get from Sarah and J.P. We are clients of the Anderson's, but I also consider them our newest friends." -- Salina & Joshua

“Sarah and JP really helped my husband Kevin and I out in a pinch. When our tenant moved out of our rental condo suddenly, they worked nonstop and were total professionals finding us new renters. Their suggestions and advice were spot on. We will not hesitate to recommend Sarah and JP to all of our friends." -- Shannon & Kevin

“As a first time buyer, I had my doubts. Sarah and JP answered every single question I had since day one. I had a very tight time line to find a house and close and sure enough they were up for the challenge. I'm very pleased I met Sarah and JP as they made the process of buying a house very smooth. Doesn't matter what day or time it was, they were always there. Sarah learnt exactly what I was looking for, and personally went through every listing. I could not be happier with the experience and my new home. Thank you Sarah and JP." -- Faras

“I don't often go out of my way to write reviews - but after working with JP, I don't think my words can do him justice. JP, is by far the best Realtor we have worked with. Glad we ran into him at one of his open houses. From the beginning, after meeting JP, we knew we wanted to work with him. Sure enough JP came through. Everything was punctual, professional and warm. We turned to JP for advice on all fronts and he delivered time and again. JP, wishing you and Sarah the best. You have us hooked and we won't hesitate to recommend you to all our friends! "

-- Hisham & Maleeha

“JP was amazing! We are first time homeowners who had gone through two different real estate agents before meeting JP at an open house. First impressions, he seemed like a “go getter” with extensive knowledge of the market and houses in our targeted areas and after a few house tours he was our broker. We set clear expectations on what we wanted and JP took the time combing through the MLS picking out each house that fit our needs instead of sending 100 listings that didn’t match our requirements. He even scheduled a tour sick as a dog just to show us a house we were really excited to see. After a few months of hunting we found the perfect home that matches all of our wants/ needs and couldn’t be happier with our experience. If you are looking for someone who is patient, has attention to detail and is a strong negotiator, you found him.”--Joel & Ashley

“We weren't sure what to expect when contacting J.P. Anderson about being our broker to assist us in the purchase of our first home. We knew we had a lot of work ahead of us and had no idea where to really begin.

This all changed upon meeting with J.P. He was friendly and professional from our very first interaction, providing more than we had hoped for in terms of information, answers, and guidance on the entire process. We knew right away we wanted him on our side until the day we had the key to our new home in hand.

He was diligent in finding for us newly available houses to visit and review as we learned more and more about what we wanted out of our new home. Here again, we had answers to all of our questions, and he was ever faithful in his charge to assist us, making sure we understood every step along the way.

From the beginning all the way to closing, and beyond, J.P. Anderson exceeded our expectations for the responsibilities and services of a broker, performing every task with integrity and patience. We would recommend him without hesitation to those we know, and, in fact, we already have."--Jeff & Kathleen

“Sarah was incalculably helpful during our house-hunting process. She contacted elusive property managers, warned us of potential dangers, and made sure our applications were considered before others whenever possible. She also did her best to keep our spirits up when we were competing for properties in popular locations! I will be sure to reach out to Sarah again when I am looking to rent or buy in the future."- Jonathan, Jaime & Bradley

“We have been homeowners in Glen Ellyn since 1962, we know many people and many realtors in Glen Ellyn, Wheaton and Lombard. When we recently decided to downsize and purchase our 5th home in the area, knowing so many realtors made our decision of which realtor to use somewhat difficult. We were looking for a person with integrity, personality, approachability, enthusiasm, energy and motivation. Not only did you fill these requirements, you never disappointed us.

Our house was sold and a new one selected within a month. When the house we wanted turned out to have unforeseen problems on closing day, you worked many hours all week-end to find us just the right place in our time frame. We were so impressed with your diligence on our behalf.

We just wanted you to know how much we appreciate your efforts on our behalf and wish you the very best as you continue with this career. We will be recommending your services to anyone we know.”--Dianne & Jim

“We truly appreciated all your work and effort in selling our Glen Ellyn home. We had total confidence in you throughout the whole process. You gave us guidance on preparing our home for sale, were always available for questions and concerns, and went over and above to make sure our home was always presented in a positive manner through advertising, open houses and scheduled showings. Even during the negotiations and inspections, alwsys the most nerve wracking part of the process, you kept the process moving along and calmed our nerves. We would not hesitate to recommend you to anyone interested in buying or selling their home.”--Gary & Lisa

“We wanted to thank you for the dedication, guidance and professionalism you provided us while looking for our new home. You were always available and ready to assist at a moments notice.

We had some very specific requirements that were nonnegotiable and you didn’t try to persuade us otherwise. You were respectful of our needs and motivated to fulfill them.

You went above and beyond to ensure we found the right fit for our family. Your recommendations were honest and in our best interest. We truly appreciate all your efforts and wish you only great success moving forward.”
--Paul & Tina

The Anderson Group - JP & Sarah Anderson

Real Estate Brokers
agentteam@example.com
630-746-5730
www.theandersongrouprealty.com

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