tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28167062286476844712024-03-13T10:02:32.735-05:00Jennifer DaringThe Daring Team - Real Estate ProfessionalsJennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-54993938701137152842023-10-30T20:20:00.000-05:002023-10-30T20:20:13.206-05:004 WAYS TENANTS LOSE MONEYAh, the joys of renting! No property taxes, no maintenance worries, and the freedom to pack up and move when you feel like it. But let’s be real—renting isn’t always a walk in the park. Despite the perks, many tenants find themselves losing money in ways that could be totally avoided. Yep, we’re talking about those “gotcha!” moments that have you screaming, “I wish I knew this sooner!” So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s dive into the three main ways tenants lose money.
1. Skipping the Fine Print on the Lease
Imagine this—you’ve just found your dream apartment, and you’re so excited that you barely skim through the lease before signing it. Big mistake. Leases are legally binding documents, and they contain clauses that could cost you big time. For instance, your lease might have an “automatic renewal” clause that keeps you locked in for another term unless you give notice within a specific period. Fail to read this, and you might end up paying for months you didn’t intend to stay.
Then, there are those pesky “additional charges.” Some leases require tenants to pay for things like garbage collection, pest control, or even common area maintenance. These costs add up, and before you know it, you’re spending way more than you budgeted for.
2. Ignoring Apartment Flaws and Failing to Document Them
So you’ve moved in, and you’re just itching to unpack and decorate. But hang on a minute. Before you settle in, make sure you do a thorough walkthrough of the apartment and document any pre-existing damage. I’m talking about chipped paint, leaky faucets, cracked tiles—you name it. Take photos and make a list, then share it with your landlord.
Why is this so crucial? Because at the end of your lease, your landlord will do another walkthrough. If they find damages you didn’t report when moving in, guess who’s paying for them? Yep, that’s right—you. Even if you didn’t cause those damages, you could lose your entire security deposit, and maybe even incur additional charges.
3. Underestimating the Cost of Moving Out
I get it—moving is exhausting. And when the time comes to leave your rented space, you might be tempted to rush through the process just to get it over with. But moving out can be a minefield of hidden costs. Some leases charge a “cleaning fee” if you don’t leave the apartment in a specific condition. You may also face penalties for not giving sufficient notice before vacating.
And don’t forget about the cost of moving itself. Whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck, the costs can spiral if you’re not careful. And let’s not even talk about the potential costs of breaking a lease early. Trust me, it’s not a route you want to go down if you can help it.
4. Breaking a Lease Early
Sometimes life throws curveballs at you. Maybe you got a new job in a different city, or perhaps you just can’t stand your noisy neighbors anymore. Whatever the reason, you’re considering breaking your lease early. But before you make that decision, you should be fully aware of the financial implications.
First, take another good look at that lease agreement—remember the one you carefully read before signing? Many leases contain clauses that specify the penalties for breaking it early. These penalties can range from losing your security deposit to being required to pay rent for the remaining months on your lease. Yikes!
Even if your lease has a more “lenient” early termination clause, there’s often still a cost involved. You might have to pay a fee equivalent to one or two months’ rent, or cover the cost of advertising the property until a new tenant is found. And let’s not forget, some landlords require a 30 or 60-day notice, during which you’re responsible for the rent even if you’ve already moved out.
Breaking a lease can also have long-term financial consequences. A broken lease can show up on your rental history, making it more difficult—and potentially more expensive—to rent a new place. Some landlords check rental history as stringently as they do credit scores, so a blemish like this can cost you in the long run.
So there you have it—four pitfalls that can have you unnecessarily losing money as a tenant. But knowledge is power, my friends. By understanding these traps, you can take steps to avoid them and save yourself some hard-earned cash. Read that lease carefully, document any issues upfront, and be smart about your move-out strategy. Your wallet will thank you!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCds0hnnHGmcjqYHMiPkk8MHjYDD25ErH8xe9cUWHK_-x5DgxBueDWcFTpIEJUNinzAYIUzvcNockW5OtVzqASKg65xQkL0RzX7liO4zZhA0mp6kTKEdj5DZh3NcFEGBiYeK_ycXrYR9wgV-t609TtNnGTq2SKCApzvo64ZB_J5D7eOvb9kXCmq_iEMQ/s800/BLOG%20%231%20IMAGE.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMCds0hnnHGmcjqYHMiPkk8MHjYDD25ErH8xe9cUWHK_-x5DgxBueDWcFTpIEJUNinzAYIUzvcNockW5OtVzqASKg65xQkL0RzX7liO4zZhA0mp6kTKEdj5DZh3NcFEGBiYeK_ycXrYR9wgV-t609TtNnGTq2SKCApzvo64ZB_J5D7eOvb9kXCmq_iEMQ/s320/BLOG%20%231%20IMAGE.png"/></a></div>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-75846714245816745212021-09-12T19:34:00.001-05:002021-09-12T19:34:29.694-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRNCM1I2g9aGE0hbMI5nWKmfll8YQQHwPEitg6So7uNefyIY2UcetqOd70FdZ_9W_ahdq95a_ZjHUC3e9_-Wm6yFCH0PHSabNqv1lo54jrZROKcajIOFIoWAowIT3lEX_rGv5qb7ErpU/s800/How-Fast-are-Homes-Flying-off-the-Market-in-2021.png" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="400" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguRNCM1I2g9aGE0hbMI5nWKmfll8YQQHwPEitg6So7uNefyIY2UcetqOd70FdZ_9W_ahdq95a_ZjHUC3e9_-Wm6yFCH0PHSabNqv1lo54jrZROKcajIOFIoWAowIT3lEX_rGv5qb7ErpU/s400/How-Fast-are-Homes-Flying-off-the-Market-in-2021.png"/></a></div>
How Fast are Homes Flying off the Market in 2021?
If you’ve looked at homes recently or know someone who has, you’ve likely heard how fast homes are selling. In some areas, it’s not unusual for a home to sell within hours of being listed. But is that the case everywhere and will it continue?
Why are Homes Selling so Fast?
First, everyone wants to know – why are houses selling so fast, and are we headed for a housing crash again?
Experts believe we are NOT headed for a crash. Instead, the main reason houses are selling so fast is there’s a much higher demand than there is inventory. The pandemic changed the way most people think. Previously, people stayed where they were out of obligation to their job or family.
The pandemic showed most people that life is too short and most things can be done remotely, which means you could live anywhere you want. Once the official lockdown lifted, it was “game on” with millions of people moving to new areas.
With fewer homes for sale than buyers needed, the competition heated up and homes sold faster than anyone ever thought possible.
Will Houses Keep Selling this Fast?
Eventually, the ‘bubble’ has to slow down, but most believe it won’t go away completely. Here’s why:
There are still plenty of people who want to move but who haven’t found the right place or refuse to pay higher prices right now. With higher demand comes higher prices, but as the market settles, prices may fall slightly, but nothing major. The people who previously couldn’t find a home will try again, bringing the demand back up.
Another factor to consider is mortgage rates. Today they are the lowest we’ve seen in decades. That can’t continue forever, but experts say it will be at least for another year or two.
When rates go back up, it will push more buyers out of the market, which will bring home prices down again with the lower demand. The demand won’t go away, but it may lessen slightly.
How to Buy a Home in a Seller’s Market
If you’re in the market for a home but find it impossible with the high demand, there are a few things you should do:
Know your budget. Get pre-approved by a lender and know what you can afford. Having this number in mind makes bidding on homes a lot less scary because you know when to stop.
Work with a quality real estate agent. You need someone with an ear to the ground who can alert you of new listings fast.
Know what you want. Have a list of ‘must haves’ and ‘wants’ when you look at homes. You’ll need to make decisions faster today than before, so knowing what you need/want will help you move faster.
Final Thoughts
It may seem harder to buy a home today, but with the right help, it can happen! If you’re thinking about moving, contact me today and let me show you how I can help you find the best home at the right price.Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-33250697542208453122016-03-04T13:59:00.001-06:002016-03-04T13:59:14.186-06:00New Listing - 2-Unit in Dekalb<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TfGnXDnueRo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-71804072386748651392012-08-22T14:40:00.001-05:002012-08-22T14:40:53.628-05:00216 Pardridge Place, Dekalb, IL<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2q4LucwAbhA?fs=1" width="459"></iframe>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-51303005245844364802011-04-18T14:19:00.001-05:002011-04-18T14:19:56.146-05:00Fannie Mae brings back REO buyer incentivesFannie Mae is once again offering closing-cost assistance for buyers who close on a home in the mortgage giant's real-estate owned (REO) inventory.<br />
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Buyers who put in initial offers on or after April 11, and close on the sale of a Fannie Mae HomePath property by June 30, will be eligible to receive up to 3.5 percent in closing-cost assistance.<br />
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The offer is only good for buyers who intend to occupy the home they are purchasing as their primary residence -- second homes and investor properties are not eligible.<br />
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Offers submitted before May 15 have the best chance of qualifying, <a href="http://www.homepath.com/incentive/index.html" target="_blank">Fannie Mae said</a>, as offers submitted after that "are particularly questionable for closing" by the June 30 deadline. <br />
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In its most recent <a href="http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/310522/000095012311017972/w81665e10vk.htm" target="_blank">annual report to investors</a>, Fannie Mae said it acquired 262,078 homes in 2010, up 80 percent from 2009. REO sales picked up 51 percent, to 185,744, leaving Fannie Mae with REO inventory of 162,489 homes valued at $14.9 billion at the end of the year. The company also said $212.8 billion in mortgages guaranteed by the company were delinquent by 60 days or more.<br />
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"Given the large number of seriously delinquent loans in our single-family guaranty book of business and the large current and anticipated supply of single-family homes in the market, we expect it will take years before our REO inventory approaches pre-2008 levels," Fannie Mae warned.<br />
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<span class="submitted">By <span>Inman News</span>, Tuesday, April 12, 2011.</span>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-70109036083247228432011-03-09T16:58:00.002-06:002011-03-09T17:01:14.744-06:00Sycamore Named A Top in Affordability for RetirementYou may find it hard to believe, but S<a href="http://www.cityofsycamore.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ycamore, Illinois</a> was named one of the top ten places to retire according to <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2011/02/22/10-bargain-retirement-spots_print.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. News & World Report.</a> Anyone who lives here or just passes through can appreciate the charm and personality of this small town complete with a historic and thriving downtown district. And now they have been recognized nationwide. Mayor Ken Mundy doesn’t seem to be one bit surprised. “We’ve got a growing number of retirees here”, Mundy said. “I know people who have left and come back”.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.cityofsycamore.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sycamore, Illinois</a> was the only city from the Midwest to be represented on the list. <a href="http://www.cityofsycamore.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sycamore</a> is in the company of many cities that are in warmer climates such as Arizona, California, Hawaii and Florida just to name a few. <a href="http://www.cityofsycamore.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sycamore, Illinois</a> is a desirable location due to its <a href="http://www.vacdk.com/index.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">free busing transportation for senior citizens</a> and close proximity to major retail shopping, an <a href="http://www.sycgolfclub.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">18 – hole golf course</a>, a <a href="http://www.sycamorelibrary.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">public library</a>, <a href="http://www.about-bicycles.com/great-western-trail.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">bicycle friendly nature trail</a>, <a href="http://www.sycamoreparkdistrict.com/page.php?pid=3&parkID=20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">recreation</a> and the <a href="http://www.illinoistollway.com/portal/page?_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&_pageid=133,1401627" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">I-88 corridor</a>.<br />
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For more information, check out the full article: <a href="http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2011/02/22/10-bargain-retirement-spots_print.html">http://money.usnews.com/money/retirement/articles/2011/02/22/10-bargain-retirement-spots_print.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>For help with finding your new home in Sycamore. Contact me today! I would love to help you make your dream of a new home come true! <br />
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Jennifer Daring <br />
815-761-6592<br />
<a href="mailto:jennifer@jenniferdaring.com">jennifer@jenniferdaring.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.jenniferdaring.com/">http://www.jenniferdaring.com/</a> Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-46830582487724104292011-01-06T22:05:00.000-06:002011-01-06T22:05:22.310-06:00716 Magnolia Youtube HD<iframe height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4cdmK0zAL-Y?fs=1" frameborder="0" width="480"></iframe>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-13568578815516651082010-12-31T13:57:00.000-06:002010-12-31T13:57:11.619-06:00HAPPY NEW YEARHappy New Year to All!<br />
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I love looking back at 2010 to see all the great things that have happened. The year was filled with ups and downs. But with every down there must be an up to follow. I hope that your year was filled with great times spent with family and friends. <br />
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One of the most rewarding things about being a Realtor is being able to meet new people and help them with the buying or selling of a home. The satisfaction that I feel personally when the right home is found is indescribable. Every time I meet someone new I feel my life has been blessed by their presence.<br />
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I hope that 2011 will be just as full at 2010. I wish everyone the best of luck and may all your dreams and wishes come true!Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-960669959479696572010-11-15T13:30:00.000-06:002010-11-15T13:30:17.115-06:00328 Bureau Ladd, IL<object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/WYX1CAbv8lM/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/WYX1CAbv8lM?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/WYX1CAbv8lM?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-25928075797674822932010-11-05T09:38:00.000-05:002010-11-05T09:38:00.413-05:00574 Fox Hollow Dekalb, IL<object width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BW0-9F6_91s?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BW0-9F6_91s?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-66498896105241608362010-11-04T16:06:00.000-05:002010-11-04T16:06:32.596-05:001820 Joseph Sixbury, Sycamore, IL<object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/VPvodrLwCBU/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPvodrLwCBU?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VPvodrLwCBU?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-25902439906458058202010-10-27T15:16:00.002-05:002010-10-27T15:19:19.094-05:00Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell MovingThe end of October has finally arrived. And the Coldwell Banker Honig-Bell acquisition of the Sycamore ERA Elite office is in full swing now. Starting next week we will be at our new location at 1957 Dekalb Ave in Sycamore. I look forward to the new, larger location. <br />
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The market is starting to pick up again after a slow end of summer. Many new listings are coming on the market and many existing homes are getting contracts. If you are looking to sell now is as good as time as any. Contrary to popular belief there are buyer looking to buy even in the winter months.<br />
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I hope everyone enjoys their Halloween and gets an opportunity to head out to <a href="http://www.sycamorepumpkinfestival.com/">Sycamore Pumpkin Fest</a> this weekend.Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-91937598331504138292010-10-12T14:21:00.001-05:002010-10-12T14:21:58.235-05:00testingJennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2816706228647684471.post-39323322221472930582010-10-11T14:50:00.000-05:002010-10-11T14:50:18.279-05:00287 Quinlan Ave. Dekalb, IL 60115<object style="BACKGROUND-IMAGE: url(http://i4.ytimg.com/vi/GhmlP8tTjCQ/hqdefault.jpg)" width="480" height="295"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GhmlP8tTjCQ?fs=1&hl=en_US"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GhmlP8tTjCQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="480" height="295" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object>Jennifer Daringhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09676749371641071937noreply@blogger.com0