Pending Home Sales Reach Highest Mark In 9 Years! 

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) recently released their Pending Home Sales Index Report and revealed that it is at its highest level since April 2006.
The Pending Home Sales Index is “a forward-looking indicator based on contract signings”. The higher the Pending Home Sales Index number, the more contracts have been signed by buyers that will soon translate to sales.
Every region of the country has experienced year-over-year gains in pending sales as seen below:

NAR’s Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun cites job creation as a major reason that the housing market has boomed this spring, going on to say,

"It's very encouraging to now see a broad based recovery with all four major regions showing solid gains from a year ago and new home sales also coming alive."

Yun went on to caution that,

"Housing affordability remains a pressing issue with home-price growth increasing around four times the pace of wages. Without meaningful gains in new and existing supply, there's no question the goalpost will move further away for many renters wanting to become homeowners."

So What Does This Mean To Buyers?

There is a lot of competition out there right now for your dream home. Prices are going to continue to climb, act now before you are priced out of your future home.

What Does This Mean to Sellers?

If you are on the fence about listing your home for sale right now and debating whether now is the time to move on with your plans of relocating… now is the time!
There are more buyers that are ready, willing and able to buy their first, second, third, vacation, or investment property now than there has been in years! The supply of homes for sale is not keeping up with the demand of these buyers.
Listing your home for sale now will give you the most exposure to buyers and the best sales price.

Bottom Line

Whether you are planning on buying or selling a house this year, waiting to act no longer makes sense.
--

  
Ron Goldstein,MBA
Certified Luxury Broker@Berkshire Hathaway Chicago & St. Petersburg

chicagoluxuryrealty.com  stpeteluxuryrealty.com 
(o)312-264-5846 (c)312-771-7190 (f)312-264-5746
Offices in Chicago and St. Petersburg


2014 BHHS President's Circle - Top 4% in Nation

Top 10 Zillow Reviews! Carpe Diem.My motto in Business & Life!

Top 10 Zillow Reviews!  Carpe Diem.My motto in Business & Life!
#chicagoluxuryrealty.com #stpeteluxuryrealty.com #sarasotafloridaluxuryrealty.com

Ron Goldstein

  ***** Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge: *****
• Process expertise: *****
• Responsiveness: *****
• Negotiation skills: *****

We first met Ron when walking back to our apartment after brunch with friends. He was sitting outside this gorgeous condo building a block down the street from our apartment. He greeted us as we were walking toward the building. My partner saw the real estate sign in the front yard of the building, and she suggested we just take a look even though we were planning on investing in a property the next year. It was love at first site. The condo felt like home as soon as we walked in. Ron was so warm, welcoming, and genuine. This was my first home purchase, and he held our hands through the entire process with such care. In the future when I am looking for another property to invest in I'm calling on Mr. Ron Goldstein! Also, he conducts business in Florida, which will come in handy when my brother-in-law and his partner are looking to purchase a new home down south. Also, my mother/father in-law will be looking to sell in a year or so, and we will be calling on Ron then as well. I highly recommend Ron as your real estate professional.

  ***** Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge: *****
• Process expertise: *****
• Responsiveness: *****
• Negotiation skills: *****

Ron is a great agent which I've used many times before in the past. He's incredibly easy to work with and has deep knowledge and connections within the real estate community in Chicago. I highly recommend you use Ron to sell or buy your new home, you'll be in good hands!

*****   Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge: *****
• Process expertise: *****
• Responsiveness: *****
• Negotiation skills: *****

My wife and I (Chicago residents) were searching for a dual-purpose residence on Siesta Key, Fl. It is a getaway second home and rental property. There were hundreds of choices. Ron was exceptional in determining our needs and forwarding only those choices meeting our criteria. Since we are a distance from Siesta Key, we had to do much research prior to flying down to visit and inspect the choices. Ron was very patient and thorough in matching properties to our needs so when we arrived in Florida, he was prepared with scheduled visits that maximized our time and ability to view homes and condos. Ron was (is) friendly, professional, personable and has the talent and ability to identify not only a client's needs, but also present alternatives one may not have considered. Ron also pre-inspected some properties and eliminated them from our consideration because he believed they did not meet our criteria. He listened to us and respected our wants and needs in a home. Ron also provided direct, and honest opinions and that helped guide our final decision and in closing the deal. We valued his opinion because he earned our trust through our long shopping/purchasing process. We found the perfect property thanks to Ron and we will choose him in the future when we purchase a second property in Florida. He is an excellent sales professional and he made the home shopping/buying process a superior experience.

*****   Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge:  *****
• Process expertise:  *****
• Responsiveness:  *****
• Negotiation skills:  *****

I have used Ron's services on multiple real estate transactions and always have great results. My most recent sale of a multi-family was managed exceptionally well, and Ron was able to get full list price for the property! I highly recommend Ron Goldstein for purchase or sale of your next home or investment property. Thanks again Ron!

   ******Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge:  *****
• Process expertise:  *****
• Responsiveness:  *****
• Negotiation skills:  *****

We have used Ron to purchase two of our homes and sell one. He is knowledgeable about the process, and makes home buying and selling easy for the novice. Would highly recommend his services!

   *****Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge: *****
• Process expertise: *****
• Responsiveness: *****
• Negotiation skills: *****

Ron helped me sell my existing condo and purchase the one I currently live in. I got the highest price in the building and he made the process seamless! He listened carefully and found my next condo in accordance with all the things I wanted. I have referred him many times over to friends!!

   *****Highly likely to recommend

Ron has been of service to me in two capacities: as a buyers agent and as leasing agent. As a buyers agent Ron was very helpful throughout the entire process and very generous with his time and expertise; and at times he was also a calming influence on the entire process. As a leasing agent he found me the best tenants I've ever had. Ron Goldstein is a consummate professional with a great command of social and interpersonal communication. There are lots of real estate brokers, there is only one Ron Goldstein.

***** Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge: *****
• Process expertise: *****
• Responsiveness: *****
• Negotiation skills: *****

We have used Ron to purchase and sell (gulp) three homes! Ron always made me feel like we were the most important clients and I am sure he makes everyone feel that way! It was never a problem meeting in the suburbs to look at homes. He kept the searching process light and enjoyable when it got stressful and I always looked forward to my time with him because he is easy to talk to and fun to be with. It is important to note that while he is fun and approachable, he is also very professional and handled every situation in a responsible and effective way. Can't say enough good things about our experiences with Ron.

  ***** Highly likely to recommend

Sold a Single Family home in 2014 for approximately $1.275M in Near North, Chicago, IL.

• Local knowledge: *****
• Process expertise: *****
• Responsiveness: *****
• Negotiation skills: *****

Probably the best I have seen in marketing a property and keeping it in front of the public. Uses every avenue especially digital media right down to holding open houses. A pro in presenting the facts, even when you don't agree. However he is usually accurate in his market knowledge. He is one of the few realtors that I feel is on my side.

*****  Highly likely to recommend

• Local knowledge: *****
• Process expertise: *****
• Responsiveness: *****
• Negotiation skills: *****

Ron Goldstein is a lucky charm. He sold our home in a matter of hours, because he is an expert salesman -- beautiful listing writeup, fantastic photos, and gives a heck of a tour! He's charming and knowledgeable and makes clients on both ends of the process feel at ease. We love Ron and will use him in a heartbeat if (when) we need to move again.

--

  
Ron Goldstein,MBA
Certified Luxury Broker@Berkshire Hathaway Chicago & St. Petersburg

chicagoluxuryrealty.com  stpeteluxuryrealty.com 
(o)312-264-5846 (c)312-771-7190 (f)312-264-5746
Offices in Chicago and St. Petersburg


2014 BHHS President's Circle - Top 4% in Nation

5 Demands You Should Make on Your Listing Agent

Are you thinking of selling your house? Are you dreading having to deal with strangers walking through the house? Are you concerned about getting the paperwork correct? Hiring a professional real estate agent can take away most of the challenges of selling. A great agent is always worth more than the commission they charge; just like a great doctor or great accountant. You want to deal with one of the best agents in your marketplace. To do this, you must be able to distinguish the average agent from the great one. Here are the top 5 demands to make of your Real Estate Agent when selling your house:

1. Tell the truth about the price

Too many agents just take the listing at any price and then try to the ‘work the seller’ for a price correction later. Demand that the agent prove to you that they have a belief in the price they are suggesting. Make them show you their plan to sell the house at that price – TWICE! Every house in today’s market must be sold two times – first to a buyer and then to the bank. The second sale may be more difficult than the first. The residential appraisal process has gotten tougher. A survey showed that there was a challenge with the appraisal on 24% of all residential real estate transactions. It has become more difficult to get the banks to agree on the contract price. A red flag should be raised if your agent is not discussing this with you at the time of the listing.

2. Understand the timetable with which your family is dealing

You will be moving your family to a new home. Whether the move revolves around the start of a new school year or the start of a new job, you will be trying to put the move to a plan. This can be very emotionally draining. Demand from your agent an appreciation for the timetables you are setting. Your agent cannot pick the exact date of your move, but they should exert any influence they can, to make it work.

3. Remove as many of the challenges as possible

It is imperative that your agent knows how to handle the challenges that will arise. An agent’s ability to negotiate is critical in this market.

Remember: If you have an agent who was weak negotiating with you on the parts of the listing contract that were most important to them and their family (commission, length, etc.), don’t expect them to turn into a super hero when they are negotiating for you and your family with the buyer.

4. Help with the relocation

If you haven’t yet picked your new home, make sure the agent is capable and willing to help you. The coordination of the move is crucial. You don’t want to be without a roof over your head the night of the closing. Likewise, you don’t want to end up paying two housing expenses (whether it is rent or mortgage). You should, in most cases, be able to close on your current home and immediately move into your new residence.

5. Get the house SOLD!

There is a reason you are putting yourself and your family through the process of moving. You are moving on with your life in some way. The reason is important or you wouldn’t be dealing with the headaches and challenges that come along with selling. Do not allow your agent to forget these motivations. Constantly remind them that selling the house is why you hired them. Make sure that they don’t worry about your feelings more than they worry about your family. If they discover something needs to be done to attain your goal (i.e. price correction, repair, removing clutter), insist they have the courage to inform you.

Good agents know how to deliver good news. Great agents know how to deliver tough news. In today’s market, YOU NEED A GREAT AGENT!

KCM Blog

--

  
Ron Goldstein,MBA
Certified Luxury Broker@Berkshire Hathaway Chicago & St. Petersburg

chicagoluxuryrealty.com  stpeteluxuryrealty.com 
(o)312-264-5846 (c)312-771-7190 (f)312-264-5746
Offices in Chicago and St. Petersburg


2014 BHHS President's Circle - Top 4% in Nation

 

Another Great Zillow review! Carpe Diem..Why not be next

Another great Zillow review! I was fortunate to represent both parties on this transaction and it helps when you have Fantastic clients!
How likely are you to recommend Ron Goldstein?
 *****highly likely

Local knowledge:***** Process expertise:***** Responsiveness:*****

Negotiation skills:*****

Summary of their experience:
We first met Ron when walking back to our apartment after brunch with friends. He was sitting outside this gorgeous condo building a block down the street from our apartment. He greeted us as we were walking toward the building. My partner saw the real estate sign in the front yard of the building, and she suggested we just take a look even though we were planning on investing in a property the next year. It was love at first site. The condo felt like home as soon as we walked in. Ron was so warm, welcoming, and genuine. This was my first home purchase, and he held our hands through the entire process with such care. In the future when I am looking for another property to invest in I'm calling on Mr. Ron Goldstein! Also, he conducts business in Florida, which will come in handy when my brother-in-law and his partner are looking to purchase a new home down south. Also, my mother/father in-law will be looking to sell in a year or so, and we will be calling on Ron then as well. I highly recommend Ron as your real estate professional.

-    Ron Goldstein,MBA Certified Luxury Broker@Berkshire Hathaway Chicago & St. Petersburg chicagoluxuryrealty.com  stpeteluxuryrealty.com  (o)312-264-5846 (c)312-771-7190 (f)312-264-5746 Offices in Chicago and St. Petersburg 2014 BHHS President's Circle - Top 4% in Nation

Great new Zillow review!

thx for the amazing new zillow review rob!
How likely are you to recommend Ron Goldstein?
*****highly likely
Local knowledge:
*****Process expertise:
*****Responsiveness:
*****Negotiation skills:
Summary of their experience
Ron is a great agent which I've used many times before in the past. He's incredibly easy to work with and has deep knowledge and connections within the real estate community in Chicago. I highly recommend you use Ron to sell or buy your new home, you'll be in good hands!

SOLD! 1920 Clark.. One magnificent lifestyle!

SOLD! 1920 Clark..
One magnificent lifestyle! Envision the sunrise over the lake as you dine al fresco on your 24 ft private deck. Stunning east, lake/park view from floor to ceiling windows of this 3br/2ba, 1600 sf nirvana across from Green City Market/Lincoln Park and ZOOLIGHTS! Hardwood floors, chef's kitchen, tons of storage/closets, 2 car pkg. Carpe diem- Priced to enjoy living!

  
Ron Goldstein,MBA
Certified Luxury Broker@Berkshire Hathaway Chicago & St. Petersburg

chicagoluxuryrealty.com  stpeteluxuryrealty.com 
(o)312-264-5846 (c)312-771-7190 (f)312-264-5746
Offices in Chicago and St. Petersburg


2014 BHHS President's Circle - Top 4% in Nation

Leased@full ask! Unique single family home in the heart of Logan Square.

Leased@full ask!
Unique single family home in the heart of Logan Square. Great for multiple tenants! Check out the open feel/brightness of this completely rehabbed space. Double lot yard, over sized two car garage Close to Blue Line California stop, Logan Blvd and all the wonderful restaurants,shops,craft bars that Logan Sq. has to offer. Master Suite includes a lofted sitting/office area w/a walk-out balcony
Carpe 2015!

  
Ron Goldstein,MBA
Certified Luxury Broker@Berkshire Hathaway Chicago & St. Petersburg

chicagoluxuryrealty.com  stpeteluxuryrealty.com 
(o)312-264-5846 (c)312-771-7190 (f)312-264-5746
Offices in Chicago and St. Petersburg


2014 BHHS President's Circle - Top 4% in Nation