Joanne Metz

LICENSE: 475.102563


(708) 502-2127
(847) 495-5000 (Office)

My Blog

What My Website Offers You

Posted On: June 15th, 2017 6:34PM

In real estate, it’s important to have a website that has a great home search and more. I am proud of my site. Here are many ways my website makes your home sale or purchase journey a little bit smoother!

Easy, Robust and Mobile Friendly Home Search

Start by entering a CITY or ZIPCODE ON ANY PAGE, then narrow your requirements for an interactive map of homes meeting your needs. Ask me for more info and save your searches.

Timely Listing Alerts for New Properties

Sign up for listing alerts by registering on my site and you’ll get an email as soon as new homes matching your needs come on the market.

Detailed Property Info with lots of Photos

Well-presented with lots of good-sized photos and home details, a map with directions, virtual tour and an easy way to request a showing or more info, my property pages also share community info like nearby restaurants, shopping and entertainment.

Community Info on the Areas I Serve

Not only can you see just the homes for sale in a particular area, I offer links to Village and other local resources.

Easy Way to Reach Me

I want to be at your fingertips when you have a question. I respond to inquiries and email ASAP!

A Great Home Search App for your Phone

A quick download, and you have a great app called HomeSnap. It’s great for the after drive when home shopping. Read more here.

Buyer and Seller Resources and Information

I have links and articles that inform and educate.

Free Neighborhood Sales Report

Easy and fast! Simply enter your address and email and get a REPORT in minutes.

Sign Up Form to Stay in Touch

Only when I have something valuable to share will you hear from me via email. Let’s connect!

Reviews and Testimonials

Hear what past clients have to say about working with me.

Blog Posts that Inform

Once a month I post on my BLOG.

Mortgage Calculator

See what your monthly payment will be and get an amortization breakdown.

Cook County Tax Appeal Resource

Check it out if you are unhappy with your assessment.

I also have Videos and Links to my Social Media Sites!

My website is a great tool, but nothing replaces a face-to-face talk! Contact me anytime for professional real estate guidance.

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Remodeling Before You Sell: Think about it

Posted On: May 10th, 2017 7:59PM

So you are ready to hire a REALTOR® and put a for sale sign in the yard, but you are wondering if a rehab project is needed to get top dollar for your home? This decision requires a little reflection and research. I am always happy to counsel my sellers on this decision. Let me share with you a few pointers.

Number one, what’s the cost? With any project, keep in mind that you must not over invest your time or money.

Guaranteed Return. Unique features should not be added just before selling. This includes hot tubs, wine cellars, movie theatres etc. This sort of remodeling is best done when you initially buy a home in order for you and your family to enjoy.  A prospective buyer might not consider them necessary.

Keep it manageable. Major kitchen and bathroom renovations are also far too expensive and complicated to undertake.  Consider smaller upgrades, like changing an old shower door, a new vanity with sink and faucet or the cabinets or counter tops in the kitchen. Adding an extra room or enlarging an existing room is costly. These projects usually entail getting a permit and take months to complete without actually increasing the selling price by enough to recoup the investment.

Little projects that make a big impact. Repairing or replacing a leaking roof is inexpensive and improves the overall appearance of a new home. Prospective homebuyers are especially wary of problems with leaking roofs and will make lower offers. Freshening up interior walls, flooring or lighting.

Drive up appeal! Most importantly, your home’s appearance from the street is what makes the first impression to a potential buyer. It would be well worth renovating the landscaping of the garden, painting the exterior or adding a deck.

I have access to annual reports covering the cost of, and return on projects like this and more. Let’s have a talk and weigh your options. Making the most money for your home, with the best terms and least amount of hassle is my priority as your trusted advisor.

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HomeSnap App - Gotta Get It!

Posted On: April 18th, 2017 5:48PM

DOWNLOAD NOW!

 

 

 

 

Most likely you have heard of, and may even use, REALTOR.com, Zillow, or another home search mobile app when you are out and about. These commonly-known tools have their purpose when you are searching for info on a home.

There’s a ‘new app in town’! It is similar, but different in many exciting ways to what you may be using. It’s called HomeSnap, and unlike Zillow and REALTOR.com, you can ‘snap’ a picture of a home you are in front of with your phone and receive real-time data about it.

It’s great for buyers and sellers.

As a buyer:

  • Get square footage, sales price if listed, and more
  • Find out what’s active, pending and sold in the neighborhood
  • Take a pic of a home NOT on the market and ask me for more info

As a seller:

  • Monitor the market BEFORE you sell
  • Get a feel for what neighboring homes are actively listed for
  • See what’s selling and consider the overall marketability of your home in comparison

You and I can connect so easily via the app. It offers chat, messaging, and sharing of property info in (well),  a ‘snap’! If you find a home that’s not on the market but you are curious about it, simply take a pic and send it to me via the app.

Once we are connected, I provide weekly reports for certain areas that interest you. They include all active, pending and sold homes in an easy to digest format, all right on your phone!

It’s a breeze to get the app for you iPhone or android. Visit my HomeSnap Profile and simply download the app to get started. 

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Home Warranties in Real Estate

Posted On: March 15th, 2017 6:10PM

As a REALTOR®, I am often asked about home warranties by both buyers and sellers.

The home warranty is optional, and who pays for it and how much they contribute is negotiable. I take time to explain the options to my clients and always have reputable home warranty companies to refer. 

It may seem like an unnecessary cost added to an already expensive process, but a home warranty will cover those expenses which tend to appear when least expected.

Here’s a bit more about home warranties you should find helpful.

A home warranty is a one year service agreement that covers the repair or replacement of systems or appliances in a home that have normal wear and tear over the years, causing them to breakdown. Under the warranty, if anything should break, this equipment will be repaired or replaced during time the warranty specifies. , in most cases, you as the new homeowner will only be liable to pay for the technician’s first visit to diagnose the problem. If it’s a minor problem this service fee might also cover the repair.  If the equipment needs replacing or a major repair then your home warranty could save you bundles.

If you are buying a new home directly from a builder then things like the roof and foundation will be covered by the builder’s warranty. In an older home these will be covered by your homeowners insurance. A separate home warranty comes in handy to cover the following systems which might not be covered by a home policy:

  • HVAC
  • Appliances
  • Water Heater
  • Plumbing
  • Electrical

Home warranties are easy to get. If you are buying a home the seller might include it into the selling price. Some real estate agents give it as a gift on the closing of the sale. Any homeowner can buy a home warranty at any time. Remember that the cost of a home warranty is relatively low and it’s often better than extended warranties that some companies offer on certain appliances.

Call on me for excellent home warranty company referrals. I am here to answer all your questions about buying or selling, so reach out when you are thinking of a move.

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Make the Most of Your Chicago Home Search

Posted On: February 17th, 2017 1:10AM

Closing on the perfect fit in a home is a great experience. Before that happens though, you are likely to have at least a few weeks, and maybe even a couple months, searching for it. Let’s cover some important guidelines that will help you have the most productive and rewarding home search experience.

Decide on Your Needs and Wants

Take time to contemplate features you will be looking for in a home, which neighborhood you prefer and how much you are willing to spend. Ask yourself questions like “How long do I plan on living in this home?” and “How do my needs differ from my wants?”.

Determine Your Timetable

Keep in mind that you will have to leave your current property so try and coordinate your future move accordingly. Do you have a home to sell before you can move? When does your lease expire if leasing. Once you have a feel for your timetable, you can plot out a calendar of milestones that help you stay on track.

Have Your Finances Figured Out

Before beginning your house search it is important to first ensure that you have enough money for your down payment and closing costs and that you have been prequalified for a mortgage. This way, you will know which price range you should be looking in. Talking to a lender before you see your first home is a great idea.

Trust Yourself

Don’t confuse yourself with too many outside opinions. If you get a second opinion, make sure it is from someone who is knowledgeable, but remember that the final decision should be yours alone.

Work with Buyer’s Agent and REALTOR® (LIKE ME)

A Realtor® who specializes in buyer representation is the best person to assist you with your search. Unlike listing agents our duty is to you and not to the seller. We are commonly paid out of the selling-side commission payment, so you are not directly responsible for paying our commission. I help my buyers with all of the planning above, and then some! Let’s talk soon.

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