Latest News RSS Feed http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com en-us Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/67-market-statistics/ According to the Bloomington-Normal Association of Realtors 2012 Year to Date statistics, residential home sales are up 21.5% in number of closed units, and 23.8% in volume closed. The average sale price is $154,174, up 1.9% over 2011. If you have been thinking about buying or selling, now is the time to contact the Franke Hopkins Realty Team! Keisha 309-275-423 or Ellyn 309-824-7724 ... Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/65-a-young-family-s-guide-to-buying-a-new-home-in-bloomington-normal-il-health-and-fitness/ As young families develop, they experience new things that make them grow more. Sooner or later, families will have to make one of the biggest decisions they will ever face: Choosing the right real estate in Bloomington-Normal IL. For those of you who are ready to buy a home in Bloomington-Normal IL, adopting a healthier lifestyle is good factor to consider when you make your choice of real estate. Your physical and mental wellness is what we think of when we show you beautiful houses in Normal ... Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/66-a-young-family-s-guide-to-buying-a-new-home-in-bloomington-normal-il-health-and-fitness/ As young families develop, they experience new things that make them grow more. Sooner or later, families will have to make one of the biggest decisions they will ever face: Choosing the right real estate in Bloomington-Normal IL. For those of you who are ready to buy a home in Bloomington-Normal IL, adopting a healthier lifestyle is good factor to consider when you make your choice of real estate. Your physical and mental wellness is what we think of when we show you beautiful houses in Normal ... Thu, 16 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/64-a-young-family-s-guide-to-buying-a-new-home-in-bloomington-normal-il-parks-and-recreation/ We often hear real estate experts say that good location is the foremost rule that should apply in your search for a new home. In finding good real estate anywhere, gathering pertinent information about the location of a home is as important as the house itself. Our series - A Young Family's Guide to Buying a New Home in Bloomington-Normal IL will provide you with many reasons why Bloomington-Normal IL is the perfect place to settle as a young family.We recently did one on schools, and we found ... Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/63-10-real-estate-markets-to-watch-in-2012/ Read the article published by "Inman News" 10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2012, where Bloomington-Normal, IL ranks #10! http://www.inman.com/reports/markets-watch2012/bloomington Contact the Franke Hopkins Realty Team today if you are looking to buy or sell in Bloomington-Normal! ... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/61-december-existing-home-sales-show-uptrend/ Washington, DC, January 20, 2012 Existing-home sales continued on an uptrend in December, rising for three consecutive months and remaining above a year ago, according to theNational Association of Realtors&reg;. The latest monthly data shows totalexisting-home sales1rose 5.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.39 million in November, and are 3.6 percent higher than the 4.45 million-unit level in December 2010. The estimates are ... Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/62-december-existing-home-sales-show-uptrend/ Washington, DC, January 20, 2012 Existing-home sales continued on an uptrend in December, rising for three consecutive months and remaining above a year ago, according to theNational Association of Realtors&reg;. The latest monthly data shows totalexisting-home sales1rose 5.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in December from a downwardly revised 4.39 million in November, and are 3.6 percent higher than the 4.45 million-unit level in December 2010. The estimates are ... Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/60-a-young-family-s-guide-to-buying-a-new-home-in-bloomington-normal-il-schools/ The Wall Street Journal reports that home buyers are willing to spend more upfront if it means spending less down-the-road on utility costs. Some of them will also pay more to live closer to public transportation. But this article in today&rsquo;s guide reminds us of yet another reason that home buyers will shell out extra cash: Good schools. Most realtors in Bloomington-Normal IL are often asked the same important question by home buyers: &ldquo;Where are the best schools in my area?&rdquo;. ... Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0600 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/59-october-2011-this-month-in-real-estate/ Check out last month's "This Month in Real Estate" for updates on the national real estate market. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hmkm_tN7Zq0 Contact the Franke Hopkins Realty Team today for more information today regarding our local real estate market! ... Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/57-this-month-in-real-estate/ September 2011 Market Update: The U.S. housing market has shown notable stability in 2011 compared to the previous two years when the tax credit made a clear impact. Although recent economic indicators have been less than expected, including a downward revision of GDP and consumer confidence that mirrors early 2009, owning a home is still valued by the majority of Americans. 72% of renters say owning is a top priority for their future, up from 68% a year earlier. However, most aspiring ... Mon, 12 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/58-this-month-in-real-estate/ September 2011 Market Update: The U.S. housing market has shown notable stability in 2011 compared to the previous two years when the tax credit made a clear impact. Although recent economic indicators have been less than expected, including a downward revision of GDP and consumer confidence that mirrors early 2009, owning a home is still valued by the majority of Americans. 72% of renters say owning is a top priority for their future, up from 68% a year earlier. However, most aspiring ... Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/56-great-time-to-buy/ As Realtors, we often are asked how's the market and is it a good time to buy. According to the National Association of Realtors, pending home sales are up 14.4% over 2010. Interest rates are at an all time low, making owning a home more affordable. If you are would like to discuss these commonly asked questions further,contact the Franke Hopkins Team today! We can't wait to help you start the search for your new home. ... Tue, 09 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/55-keller-williams-priority-partners/ Visit our recently updated "Recommended Vendors" page for contact information for our trusted list of priority partners! ... Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/53-bnopen-com/ BNOPEN.COMis the premier resource for open house information in Bloomington-Normal. Now, all open houses can be captured in one simple tool. Finding the home of your dreams has never been easier. Visit us this weekend at 3 great homes! Saturday, August 6 10:30-12: 3004 Shepard, NL - $189,900 2518 Fieldstone, NL - $289,000 Sunday, August 7 1-2:30: 1312 Wicklow, BL - $259,900 Call if you have questions or need directions! Keisha 309-275-0423 Ellyn 309-824-7724 ... Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/54-this-month-in-real-estate-june-2011/ Watch the current "This Month in Real Estate-June 2011" <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7-Op0YiurY">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7-Op0YiurY</a> ... Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/52-10-commandments-when-applying-for-a-real-estate-loan/ THE TEN COMMANDMENTS when applying for a real estate loan 1.Thou shalt not change jobs, become self-employed or quit your job. 2.Thou shalt not buy a car, truck or van (or you may be living in it)! 3.Thou shalt not use charge cards excessively or let your accounts fall behind. 4.Thou shalt not spend money you have set aside for closing. 5.Thou shalt not omit debts or liabilities from your loan application. 6.Thou shalt not buy furniture. 7.Thou shalt not originate ... Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/51-open-houses/ Join us thisSATURDAY from 10:00-11:30 at10 Edvardinsh, BL - $167,000 Move-in ready 3 bedroom zero-lot with open floorplan and walk-out lower level! First floor master suite with his and hers closet. Vaulted ceilings throughout main level. Large eat-in kitchen with Merrilat cabinets. Convenient main floor laundry with plenty of storage. Large deck, great for entertaining with patio below! Call 309-275-0423 for more details or directions! ... Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/50-this-month-in-real-estate-june-2011/ April 2011 Market Update Gradual and uneven progress in the housing market continues without government support. The market has shown remarkable improvement from the initial drop after the expiration of the home buyer tax credit this past July. Although higher-than-normal distressed sales skew the overall picture of home prices downward, inventory remains at pretax credit expiration levels. The rock-bottom interest rates of 2010 are likely to trend upward. As economists ... Thu, 16 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/49-open-houses/ Visit kellerwilliamsbn.com to view all of our open houses this weekend! The Franke Hopkins Realty Team will be at: 1713 Glenbridge, BL Saturday 10:30-12: Like new 3 bedroom, zero-lot in desireable Dunraven Subdivision! $174,900 5013 Longfield, BL Saturday 10:30-12: Beautiful new construction in the Grove with 4 spacious bedrooms and many upgrades. $274,500 ... Mon, 09 May 2011 00:00:00 -0500 http://www.frankehopkinsteam.com/tips-and-news/48-10-real-estate-markets-to-watch-in-2011/ Bloomington-Normal rated #8 in "10 Real Estate Markets to Watch in 2011" by Inman News. View the full article by visiting <a href="http://www.inman.com/news/2011/03/11/10-real-estate-markets-watch-in-2011">www.inman.com/news/2011/03/11/10-real-estate-markets-watch-in-2011</a> ...