Highland Illinois Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Coldwell Banker Brown Realtorshttp://www.thehardasteam.comThu, 11 Mar 2010 21:26:25 GMTKorte Rec. Center    We just joined Korte Rec. Center tonight.  I can't believe the price of a family membership!  We joined for 3 months with 6 family members for $155.00 total!!  Try and beat that price anywhere for what the Korte Rec. Center offers.  Mackenzie got to swim and play in the lazy river and their indoor water slide while I got in my workout up stairs using their well equipped weight room and indoor walking path and what a great feeling...okay, well, it hurt...so I guess that's good.  It's a great feeling when you are able to work-out and take some "me time" while the rest of the family is off playing and having a good time. 

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Korte-Rec-Centerhttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Korte-Rec-CenterWed, 04 Nov 2009 02:00:00 GMTHeat Safety TipsThe Hardas Team hopes that everyone is enjoying their summer. With July only a few days away, we would like to remind everyone to be extremely cautious the next few months. July is bringing very high temperatures that will effect us all. Here are some Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness.

The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:

·                      Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

·                      Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

·                      Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.

·                      Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

·                      Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

·                      NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

·                      Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

o                                  Infants and young children

o                                  People aged 65 or older

o                                  People who have a mental illness

o                                  Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

·                      Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat:

·                      Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

·                      Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.

·                      Try to rest often in shady areas.

·                      Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

 

Source: Centers for Disease Control & Prevention

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Heat-Safety-Tipshttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Heat-Safety-TipsMon, 29 Jun 2009 15:20:00 GMTLadies SoftballPhil and the Hardas Team decided to sponsor a ladies softball team. They are part of the Pierron Softball League. They play on Tuesday and Thursday nights at P.I.C. Park. With 11 women on the team, each night they play, it is a night full of fun and laughs. They are a great bunch of ladies who plays for the fun of it and every game, tries their hardest. With friends and family cheering them on, they keep the game interesting by making a double play or hitting a line drive. Come and watch sometime, you can't miss them, they are the team in the bright pink shirts!

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Ladies-Softballhttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Ladies-SoftballFri, 19 Jun 2009 13:25:00 GMTSupport Our TroopsCelebrate the 4th of July(early) by sending our troops a care package! The Hardas Team and Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors want to assure Sgt. Kelly Keeven and the members of the 33rd Battalion stationed in Afghanistan that we care. Take pride in knowing your donations made by June 18th will arrive by July 4th in time for them to also celebrate! Please use the following Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors locations to drop off your items: Highland, 2621 Plaza Drive or Troy, 530 Edwardsville Road.

Here are some items that our Troops like to receive: Socks, Toilet Paper, Potassium Tablets, Books, Hard Candy, Personal Hygiene Products, Energy Drinks, Canned Goods such as Spaghetti O's or Ravioli, Hand Sanitizer, NyQuil, Magazines.

Visit www.HardasRealtor.com for more info and photos.

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Support-Our-Troopshttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Support-Our-TroopsWed, 10 Jun 2009 02:30:00 GMTGreat January or The Hardas Team     January has been crazy for The Hardas Team and Associates and it just keeps coming.  In the month of January we have closed or placed under contract numerous properties.  Our unique team set-up is really impressing people showing them the advantages of working with our team.  The way that we focus ourselves on market trends and market history is one of the main stays to our marketing system.   We approach every property on an individual basis starting with a brain storm session with not one or two agents but with five different Realtors to help market the property.  This leads into the buyer's agents getting to work and finding the clients fit the home perfectly.   If you have any questions on how we do our marketing or if you would like us to take a look at your home don't hesitate ask below or to contact us directly at CustomerCare@TheHardasTeam.com.

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Great-January-or-The-Hardas-Teamhttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Great-January-or-The-Hardas-TeamThu, 05 Feb 2009 10:59:00 GMTWelcome Cheryl Cawi         The Hardas Team always looking to improve in every possible aspect has always brought the best possible agents for our clients.  With that in mind The Hardas Team would like to welcome our newest buyer's agent Cheryl Cawi.  Cheryl caught the eye of The Hardas Team by demonstrated her motivated and dedicated personality while working as the office assistant for the Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors' Highland Office.  These attributes have already paid off for Cheryl in her new career. Not wasting any time after earning her real estate license she stepped up and completed Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors' "Fast-Start" program.  Cheryl is continuously pulls information from the established team members, not only to understand the market, but to become an expert in it as is the standard for The Hardas Team and Associates.  She is quickly gathering all the necessary skills to become a top level buyer's agent. We want to wish Cheryl all the best on what looks to be excellent start to a long and exceptional Real Estate career!

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Welcome-Cheryl-Cawihttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Welcome-Cheryl-CawiThu, 05 Feb 2009 10:51:00 GMT13043 Winu Drive, Highland IL…$134,900Just outside the city limits of Highland, Illinois a Horse Lover’s Paradise! Enjoy a beautiful private setting with a 1375 sqft, 3 bedroom/2 baths, Ranch Home on 1.46 Acres. The property features a 2006 Cleary Horse Barn, Electric Horse Fence, Detached 24 x 35 Garage, 12 x 24 Lean-To, Home New Roof 2006, some New Thermal Windows, newer siding, Master Bath Whirlpool Tub, Mature Trees, Seller providing One Year HMS Home Warranty.

Visit the Virtual Tour of the property at: www.HardasRealtor.com or for additional information or to schedule a showing contact Phil Hardas at (618) 789-5863 or Email: Phil@TheHardasTeam.com

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/13043-Winu-Drive-Highland-IL134900http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/13043-Winu-Drive-Highland-IL134900Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:29:00 GMT125 N. Nebraska St, Marine IL…$63,900Excellent Investment Property or Starter Home! $600+ per month rental potential. Cozy 2 bedroom & 1 bath 800 sqft Home. This property is located in a quiet neighborhood in Marine, Illinois which is in the excellent Triad School District. Includes a 8 x 10 Shed, carport, and central air-conditioning. Seller is Offering One Year HMS Home Warranty. This property is within 30 minutes from Downtown St. Louis or Scott AFB. For more information on this property visit: www.HardasRealtor.com or contact Phil Hardas at: (618) 789-5863 or Email: Phil@TheHardasTeam.com

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/125-N-Nebraska-St-Marine-IL63900http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/125-N-Nebraska-St-Marine-IL63900Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:18:00 GMTBuckeye Crossing Sub-Division…2+ Acre Lots Starting at $39,900Enjoy Rural Country Subdivision with beautiful 2 and 3 Acre home sites. A number of lots are wood lined and some sites may be suitable for walkout basements. Buckeye Crossing is located in the Highland’s “Blue Ribbon” School District. The subdivision’s utilities are Tri-County Public Water, Highland Electric/Underground Service, and Septic Systems. Buckeye Crossing Subdivision is located 2.9 miles South of Highland, Illinois off of State Route 160.For more information you can visit: www.HardasRealtor.com or contact Phil Hardas for Subdivision’s Plat and Covenants/Restrictions at: (618) 789-5863 or Email: Phil@TheHardasTeam.com
 
]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Buckeye-Crossing-SubDivision2-Acre-Lots-Starting-at-39900http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Buckeye-Crossing-SubDivision2-Acre-Lots-Starting-at-39900Fri, 08 Aug 2008 09:17:00 GMT4845 Cedar Springs Drive, Highland ILEnjoy the best of small town living! New Construction Ranch Home in a small Rural Subdivision located on the west edge of Grantfork. This 3 bedroom/2 bath 1,600 sqft home features a custom brick exterior front, full basement with a 9ft basement pour and a safety egress window, rough plumbed for a lower bath, potential lower 4th bedroom possible, High Efficiency Furnace, Sub-pump, Gas Fireplace, Vaulted Ceiling, and a 12’ x 12’ patio. You will love the huge attached 24’ x 30’ garage. The home is located on the end of a quiet Cul-de-sac, in the Village of Grantfork, but has a Highland mailing address. If you like country, you’ll love this home. All for only $169,900…Visit www.HardasRealtor.com  for more property information or contact Phil Hardas at: (618) 789-5863 or Email: Phil@TheHardasTeam.com]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/4845-Cedar-Springs-Drive-Highland-ILhttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/4845-Cedar-Springs-Drive-Highland-ILFri, 08 Aug 2008 09:15:00 GMTBuy vs. Wait and SeeThe answer to this question is simple to me: ARE YOU KIDDING BUY OF CORSE! You may think sure he is going to say that he is a Realtor and doesn’t get paid unless I buy. And your right I don’t get paid unless you buy but my career as a Realtor does not depend on your one purchase it depends on the many purchases that you and your friends and family make that I would like to be part of as well. With that in mind my advice has to be sound and put you in the best possible position to buy with the best terms so that I receive those referrals. 
When you are looking at any investment the trick is buy low sell high and a homes is just one of the biggest investment that most people do in their life. Right now there is a flood of homes on the market and people willing to work with qualified buyers. There are not only a flood of new construction homes but of resale homes this means that there are deals for everyone out there no matter what price range. But with saying that everyone that is a qualified buyer is looking for the best deal right now.  So timing and speed of your decision is key to getting these deals. If you sleep on it you may never sleep in it.     
The second factor that I use to explain my position to customers is the loan market. Financing is extremely important when you are purchasing a house and the terms in which you receive from the bank can drastically effect your payment and future. Right now interest rates are low and banks are putting together special loan packages for credit worthy buyers. The government is also getting involved raising caps on FHA and Rural Housing loans. These factors say buy now because as any loan officer will tell you that you never know what the market may do next and a simple raise of 1% on your loan can take the home of your dreams out of the picture.
So with these major factors working in a buyer’s favor right now it is the perfect time to buy. The real estate market isn’t always going to be this way eventually it will correct its self and then at that point the deals and buys that you can get now may be gone. If you need any more information please don’t hesitate to contact me at Jason@TheHardasTeam.com or check out or site at www.HardasRealtor.com .
]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Buy-vs-Wait-and-Seehttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Buy-vs-Wait-and-SeeWed, 06 Aug 2008 13:59:00 GMTWhy A Buyer's AgentWhy Do I Need A Buyer’s Agent?
This is a question commonly asked to me as I sit down for my first consultation with a client. It is also one of the easiest to answer once they know what I do for a client. To start out a buyer’s agent should be well versed in loans and mortgage programs so that they can point you to the right people to get you the best possible loan product there is for your needs. Another pre-contract task that a buyer’s agent helps in is figuring out your comfort zone and bringing houses to you within that comfort zone. By comfort zone I am not only talking about price but all aspects of the home things such as location, amenities, and school districts. A good buyer’s agent will factor in everything and then let you make the final decision on which homes to see. 
After locating previewing and determining that you have found your home this is when one of the buyer’s agents most important job starts. They should at that time help you determine a fair price and setup for your situation (factoring in loan, down payment, and market issues) and then they should place it on the contract for you and start the meeting of the minds (negotiating) between the two parties. After all is settled on the buyer’s agent will take you through the inspection phase helping you with coordinating inspectors and preparing  the responses for the inspections to make sure the home is a solid investment for you to make. After this it is a quick ride into closing with the Specialized Realtor making sure everything comes together so that you can collect the keys to your new home. AND DID I MENTION THAT THE BUYER’S AGENT SERVICES ARE FREE TO THE BUYER DUE TO THE SELLER TYPICALLY PAYS THE BUYER’S AGNET AT CLOSING.
]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Why-A-Buyers-Agenthttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Why-A-Buyers-AgentSat, 19 Jul 2008 10:53:00 GMTGetting Started With A PurchaseI was speaking with a young couple just a couple of days ago and the question that they asked is the same question that most buyers ask me “What should I do first to get ready to buy?”  Well this is a question that has a couple of sides to consider and do to truly be ready to buy.  First make sure that you sit down  with a qualified buyer’s agent that can not only help you find the loan officer but help with answering any questions you may have in determining your comfort zones and possible needs. Second is to sit down with a quality loan officer (which The Hardas Team knows of many quality lenders) and get what is called a Pre-Approval letter.  This letter is only given after the loan officer has taken things such as bank statements, paycheck stubs, and W2s to check your full financial qualifications.  If a bank or loan officer gives you a paper prior to looking at all those forms then all they have given you is a Pre-Qualification letter and this letter is almost worthless in negotiating for Real Estate. After talking to the loan officer it is time to sit down and come up with a comfortable payment range this will help you to start looking in homes that you can afford comfortably instead of homes that can possibly put you out of your comfort zone.  Last and not least is to sit back down again with your buyer’s agent and discuss the steps from there.   For more info feel free to email me at Jason@TheHardasTeam.com or visit our website www.HardasRealtor.com.

]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Getting-Started-With-A-Purchasehttp://www.thehardasteam.com/Blog/Getting-Started-With-A-PurchaseWed, 16 Jul 2008 22:03:00 GMTBuckeye Crossing Beautiful home site with wood line to rear of property; Buckeye Crossing is located approximately 2.9 miles South of Highland off HWY 160; Tri- County public water, Highland Electric/ underground service, septic system.]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-7-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-7-Highland-Illinoishttp://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-7-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-7-Highland-IllinoisSun, 06 Apr 2008 06:05:09 GMTBuckeye Crossing Beautiful home site with wood line to rear of property; Buckeye Crossing is located approximately 2.9 miles South of Highland off HWY 160; Tri- County public water, Highland Electric/ underground service, septic system.]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-9-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-9-Highland-Illinoishttp://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-9-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-9-Highland-IllinoisSun, 06 Apr 2008 06:01:15 GMTBuckeye Crossing Beautiful home site with wood line to rear of property; Buckeye Crossing is located approximately 2.9 miles South of Highland off HWY 160; Tri- County public water, Highland Electric/ underground service, septic system.]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-5-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-5-Highland-Illinoishttp://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-5-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-5-Highland-IllinoisSun, 30 Mar 2008 20:42:06 GMTBuckeye Crossing  Beautiful home site with wood line to rear of property; Buckeye Crossing is located approximately 2.9 miles South of Highland off HWY 160; Tri- County public water, Highland Electric/ underground service, septic system.]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-3-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-3-Highland-Illinoishttp://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-3-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-3-Highland-IllinoisSun, 30 Mar 2008 20:30:46 GMTBuckeye Crossing Beautiful home site with wood line to rear of property; Buckeye Crossing is located approximately 2.9 miles South of Highland off HWY 160; Tri- County public water, Highland Electric/ underground service, septic system.]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-10-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-10-Highland-Illinoishttp://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-10-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-10-Highland-IllinoisSun, 30 Mar 2008 20:26:41 GMTBuckeye CrossingBeautiful home site with wood line to rear of property; Buckeye Crossing is located approximately 2.9 miles South of Highland off HWY 160; Tri- County public water, Highland Electric/ underground service, septic system.]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-11-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-11-Highland-Illinoishttp://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-11-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-11-Highland-IllinoisSun, 30 Mar 2008 20:23:22 GMTBuckeye CrossingBeautiful home site with wood line to rear of property; Buckeye Crossing is located approximately 2.9 miles South of Highland off HWY 160; Tri- County public water, Highland Electric/ underground service, septic system.]]>http://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-12-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-12-Highland-Illinoishttp://www.thehardasteam.com/property/Lot-12-Buckeye-Crossing-Lot-12-Highland-IllinoisSun, 30 Mar 2008 20:19:29 GMT