Mark Nash in the News
CBS The Early Show:
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/04/earlyshow/living/money/main2330484.shtml
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/03/04/earlyshow/leisure/books/main678059.shtml

RealtyTimes.com
http://realtytimes.com/rtnews/websearchview5?searchview&searchorder=4&query=mark+nash

Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
http://www.loc.gov/today/cyberlc/feature_wdesc.php?rec=4036

Business Week
http://www.businessweek.com/the_thread/hotproperty/archives/2006/12/wheres_your_man.html

MSNBC.com
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15116116/

Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/09/AR2007020900084.html

Business Philosophy
Having served buyers and sellers since 1997, my motto has been "let me make the market work for you." When I first began in residential real estate in 1997, the Internet was just beginning to become a force. I was the first in my office at the time, to design and place a real esate agent web site, online. In the years 2001-2005, when the real estate market was on it's way up, up, up, I counseled buyers not to strip contingencies from contracts, and keep a level head. Not waiving your legal rights in a real estate contract and utilizing a real estate attorney in the purchase or sale of your largest asset, is the cornerstone of my real estate business.

Now, with the transitioning market, my conservative approach to real estate has paid large dividends for my buyers. None of whom are sub-prime mortgage holders or potential foerclosure prospects. If a prospective buyer has some credit issues, or a small down payment, I send them to a mortgage banker for advice, and if the advice they receive is they shouldn't buy, then that's oaky with me. Being a homeowner is not always the best option for some people.

Home sellers have also benefited from my experience under different market conditions. In the "go-go" years, market timing and appropriate pricing brought good rewards to my sellers. Likewise, today, I am realistic when home sellers who purchased (not necessarily with me) in the last two years, believe they they can demand that the market make them whole financially, when pricing their home. Real estate appraisers are under intense pressure from mortgage underwriters to determine "todays" value. Which can be quite different from values six, ten or twelve months ago.

Despite all the pessimism about real estate in the last year, the National Association of Realtors (R) recently released statistics for 2007. They reported that in terms of units sold, 2007 was the fifth highest year on record, comparable to 2002.

Areas of Expertise

Relocation: If you are considering a move to the Chicago area, I am relocation certified through Cendant Mobility. I have assisted many buyers and sellers moving into or out of the areas I service. With all the housing options, I am flexible and patient with the relocation process and familiar with the benefits, proceedures, and policies administrating the tranference of a corporate employee.

Illinois Real Estate License Law: As an ex-licensed real estate education provider in the State of Illinois, I am familiar with the laws governing real estate licensees. While, this may not appear important, it could be when you're out in the trenches viewing potential properties, and come across some questionable practices by those licensed to sell real esate. I will be the first to bring them to your attention and remind other licensees of their duties and obligations under their license.

Real Estate Broker: The majority of those licensed to sell real estate in the State of Illinois are salespersons, I have taken additional hours of education to become a real esate broker. I feel that I am a real estate resource to my clients, not a salesperson. I complete continuing education every two years and complete ethics training required by The National Association of Realtors(R).

Near North Suburbs: I have served clients for many years in the near north suburbs of Chicago. They all have unique characteristics and attributes, which I can help assimilate into your home search parameters.

City Districts: I also have a comprehensive knowledge of the different districts in the City of Chicago. I cover from the Chicago river north to Rogers Park and west to the Kennedy and Edens Expressways.

Are you and your pet prepared for a disaster?
By Mark Nash

Devoted pet owners in Katrina placed themselves in harms way when they realized they had no plan for their cat or dog in a life-threatening storm. Pro-active pet lovers escaped with their beloved pet and in some situations, thinking saved not just their life, but also Fido or Mickey.

Create a pet emergency kit. It should contain:

-A minimum three-day supply of food and water. The food should be what you typically feed the pet. No surprises food-wise when your pet could be stressed from evacuation.

-Feeding and watering bowls. A manual can opener, extra collars, leashes, favorite portable toys, and waste clean up bags.

-Vaccination records if your pet needs to be placed in a shelter.

-Crates, in case you need to have a third party transport your pet.

-Identification tags on your pet with their name and contact information (including email) for you. To be extra safe include family members contact information too, in case you get separated from your pet and your cell phone battery looses its charge. Microchips implanted under their skin are the first place shelters look for information on new arrivals.

-A pet first-aid kit, available in pet stores.

If you can’t take your pet with you in a disaster, Katrina survivors whose pets also came through the powerful storm had a pre-arranged out-of-harms-way kennel to place their pet in. Create a list beforehand of area motels that accept pets. Don’t risk you or your pet’s life become prepared and proactive.

One-third of condos purchased by single women.
By Mark Nash

Who knew that single women are gaining important strength in home purchase decisions? One is The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and the other is a Fannie Mae study from 2003. Fannie Mae projects that by 2010 thirty-one million households in the United States will be headed by women. That’s an impressive number, one not lost on businesses like home improvement, furniture and other nesting-oriented corporations.

Plus, single women home buyers purchased 1 in 5 homes in 2003, far outpacing single men who bought 1 in 10 homes in the same year. NAR also reported that single women are more than nine percent more likely to own their own homes than men. On top of these impressive primary residence numbers, single women also purchased thirteen percent of all second, resort or vacations homes in 2003.

What single women home buyers are looking for:

-Properties that show a history of being well maintained and managed.

-Close access to mass transportation for commuting to work.

-Walking neighborhoods. On evenings and week ends, they prefer to walk to coffee shops, restaurants, services and grocery stores.

-Off-street parking. Well lit and secure outdoor or indoor parking.

-Pet friendly buildings. Many enjoy the company of cats and dogs.

-Newer construction or gut-rehabs. Without the time and patience for major renovation, they choose move-in condition over large projects.

-Out door space. A place for the barbeque, bistro set and flower boxes on a convenient balcony or patio.

-Fireplaces, kitchen islands for entertaining and walk-in closets.

-Home office alcove or second bedroom.

Total monthly costs overview for new homebuyers.
By Mark Nash

It’s easy for new homebuyers to get caught in the basic costs and perceived affordability of purchasing their first home. Beyond the mortgage payment, to avoid budget shocks later, it’s best to discover all the costs of home ownership. Costs will vary depending on the type of home (condo or single-family), location (urban, suburban or rural) and the type of mortgage loan you receive.

Mortgage interest: At early 2007 rates figure on $8.00 per $1,000 borrowed. If you have less than stellar credit this cost might increase.

Homeowners insurance: Plan on $3.00 for each $1,000 in structural value. Insure your home for a minimum of the contract price. Personal property is an added cost. Condo owners will be required by lenders to insure from the walls out, but not personal property. Many a condo owner who declined personal property coverage had misgivings after the washing machine or dishwasher in the unit above flooded their unit.

Property Taxes: To be on the safe side, figure more. Property tax rates vary widely across the nation, 1.5-2% annually of the contract price will safeguard your budget, later.

Flood insurance: Rates for policies vary from $200 to $700 dollars a year, based on your flood risk level.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI): When a buyer puts less than twenty-percent down on a home purchase, mortgage lenders typically require them to purchase PMI. The rate varies widely depending on a variety of factors, credit rating, savings, price of home, and the amount of your down payment. Plan on $150-$300 a month for PMI if required.

Condo association dues: don’t overlook this fixed non-deductible monthly housing expense. Dues cover the management and maintenance of the condo building and grounds. Depending on the level of service’s offered, size of the unit, and whether any or some of your unit utilities are included, project in the $200-$400 range.

Personal Background
Mark Nash is a Chicago based residential real estate author, broker and columnist. His advice, analysis and tips have been featured on: AOL Real Estate, Bloomberg TV, CBS News, CNN, Fox News Channel, NBC News, Universal Press Syndicate, The Washington Post, Business Week, and Smart Money Magazines, The Library of Congress, Washington, D. C., HGTV.com, and RealtyTimes.com. Nash's annual survey "What's In, What's Out with Homebuyers" is utilized by more than 500 news organizations in the U.S. and Canada.

Mark has been a full-time real estate broker since 1997, serving buyers and sellers on the North Shore and in the city of Chicago. Areas covered: Chicago; Gold Coast, River North, Lincoln Park, Bucktown, Lakeview, Andersonville / Edgewater, Lincoln Square, Sauganash and Rogers Park. Near North suburbs covered; Evanston, Park Ridge, Wilmette, Winnetka, Morton Grove and Skokie.


1001 Tips Buying and Selling a Home By Mark Nash. 1001 Tips for Buying & Selling a Home is an invaluable reference for anyone looking for the ins and outs of buying or selling a home. From selecting the right real estate agent to make the process less stressful, to learning the process of buying and selling a home from the first showing to closing, Nash teaches you what to look for in your mortgage, home inspector, and other transaction participants. Nash offers recipes for smooth selling of your home, negotiating tactics, and reality-based advice to guide you to a successful closing. Also included is a handy, helpful glossary with definitions of real estate terms and a Resource Appendix that points you to additional information via websites, organizations, and government bodies. ISBN: 0324232896 Thomson Publishing 2005

Communities I Serve
North Suburbs: Deerfirld, Evanston , Morton Grove, Northfield, Park Ridge, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka.

Chicago Districts: Andersonville, Bucktown, Gold Coast,  Edgewater, Lakeview/Wrigleyville, Lincoln Park, Lincoln Square, River North, Rogers Park, and Sauganash, and Uptown.

Additional books by Mark Nash
Fundamentals of Marketing for Real Estate Professionals By Mark Nash & Doris Barrell is a new professional development title which explores the world of real estate marketing, covering the basics with a bite! Written by two leading real estate professionals, this text not only helps readers develop a marketing plan through four central phases: research, developing the plan, working the plan, and evaluating the plan, but it also delves into tools and techniques that help readers understand the psychology of the consumer. A handy reference for every professional. ISBN: 0-7931-8779-6

Reaching Out: The Financial Power of Niche Marketing By Mark Nash & Doris Barrell. No real estate professional is immune. Anyone can learn from this title, and that goes for any business trying to corner a niche market. The only limit to the niches a salesperson or broker can explore is the time they are willing to spend developing that niche. A sense of power is achieved once you feel that you have more control over your own financial destiny. Having a large client base that is loyal to you and respects your abilities will assure you of continuing referrals. This constant source of new business will provide you with the financial power of niche marketing. ISBN: 0-7931-6114-2

Starting & Succeeding in Real Estate is your resource book for pre- and post-license real estate sales agent information. Starting and Succeeding in Real Estate is a step-by-step guide is for new agents or anyone considering a career in residential real estate sales, and will answer your basic questions, provide definitions, and help you plan your real estate sales business. A time-saver providing you with all the information that you would have otherwise learned by asking a stream of never-ending questions in your first real estate sales office. Keep this book in your briefcase for your first year in real estate sales. It is the reference tool that will keep you on track. ISBN: 0-324-22404-4