Buy Owner Blog

Well-acquainted with the real estate market and a long-time fan of home-decorating shows, Shanna T’Koy manages Buy Owner's writing department. She and her staff have customized thousands of home advertisements to the customers’ specifications and desired length, continually working to improve their skills. Shanna currently oversees all articles at the Buy Owner Blog and stays up-to-date with hundreds of real estate resources on the Web. She is located in Chicago.
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Renovations Sell Houses?
By Shanna
Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas on 18 September 2009
Stats: 325 views and No Comments

According to a recent NYT article, today’s sellers aren’t waiting for buyers to settle for their homes; they’re renovating to make them better. [...]

Green Your Kitchen
By Shanna
Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas on 17 September 2009
Stats: 284 views and No Comments

When you’re looking to make your home more eco-friendly, the kitchen is the best place to start, as it accounts for 41.5 percent of a home’s energy consumption! [...]

Fall Events 2009: Chicago
By Shanna
Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas on 15 September 2009
Stats: 359 views and No Comments

It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again, with kids back in school, Labor Day over and the prospect of cooler weather and changing leaves on the horizon, but here we are halfway through September.

And whether you’re a long-time Chicago resident, a suburban home owner or someone looking to make a move before December, you’ll want to check out this list of events, activities and ideas for making the most of the autumn in Chicago!

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Article Tip: New Normal for Home Sales
By Shanna
Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas on 10 September 2009
Stats: 288 views and No Comments

Today’s real estate market has created a new normal, at least according to a recent AP article. [...]

Risks & Rewards of Home Ownership
By Shanna
Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas on 2 September 2009
Stats: 223 views and No Comments

Any commitment carries with it risks, and that may never be more true than in the case of home ownership, which demands a hefty chunk of money, usually years of time and responsibilities that are unique and demanding. What are the risks involved?

Possible depreciation: After you purchase a home, its value could go down, based on factors out of your control such as the economy or the neighborhood or a surplus of properties for sale.

Going Green with Sinks
By Shanna
Posted in Green Living, Tips and Ideas on 28 August 2009
Stats: 153 views and No Comments

Not only are sinks a necessary part of a functional cooking space, but they also can be a great way to go green! [...]

A Harder Kind of Home Sale
By Shanna
Posted in Selling Tips, Tips and Ideas on 24 August 2009
Stats: 199 views and No Comments

Before my grandma died, she began getting rid of things: the guns my grandpa made before he’d died—sold in a garage sale; the box of silverware he’d given her as a present—mine to take; the knick-knacks, the books, the furniture—all gone—sold, trashed or passed on to someone. Before she moved into my family’s house, where she’d live for a while, we had to sell hers, and that meant getting rid of things.

In a way, this was very hard, a beginning of the end, so to speak, when she said goodbye to the home she’d known for decades. But in another way, this was good, selling her house before she died and not after. We didn’t have to wonder how she’d want us to do things or sort through a lifetime of possessions.

This is a process familiar to many, whether selling a home for a loved one who is ill or for a loved one who’s passed away, and it’s never easy. The important thing to remember is to take things one step at a time and to have help whenever possible.

To help navigate you through the experience, here are a few tips from Buy Owner:

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What the Market Means for Sellers Now
By Shanna
Posted in Market News, Tips and Ideas on 19 August 2009
Stats: 482 views and No Comments

The best way to succeed as a seller in today’s market is simple, and it all goes back to pricing. [...]

Make Your Move Efficient
By Shanna
Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas on 18 August 2009
Stats: 177 views and No Comments

Even if you’ve never moved before, you probably know it’s a lot of work. And with that work comes stress, which is about the last thing you need when your life is already in the midst of change and relocation. So, if you are planning a move, do yourself a favor and plan ahead to make the process as efficient and simple as possible!

1. Change your address – Notify the post office, the IRS and any applicable government agencies about your new location. Contact anyone who would need to send you bills, such as credit card companies, insurance providers and medical centers. Also, get in touch with utility and phone/cable/Internet providers to discontinue service at your old location and schedule it for your new one.

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Frugal Facelift for Your Kitchen
By Shanna
Posted in Buying Tips, Tips and Ideas on 17 August 2009
Stats: 300 views and No Comments

Sellers, are you wishing you could replace your appliances but can’t afford the cost? There’s another answer. With a few simple materials, a little time and a lot of elbow grease, you can turn your old appliances into like-new showpieces, designed to make your kitchen instantly more impressive to potential buyers. Want to know how?

Step One: Cleaning
This step may seem unnecessary, in which case you’ll be tempted to skip it—but don’t. Thoroughly scrubbing and sanitizing your appliances lays the groundwork for any improvement.

Step Two: Choose Replacement Materials
There are several options to choose from when it comes to updating your appliances. While these options may not last the next 20 years, they do extend the life of your outdated appliances temporarily, which is especially valuable when your home is for sale!
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