Uncategorized October 18, 2023

The Arlington Heights Bears: Will it become reality?

Please welcome, your 2030 Arlington heights Bears

The sports world is abuzz with speculation about the potential relocation of the Chicago Bears to Arlington Heights. The idea of the “Arlington Heights Bears” has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike. In this article, we delve into the possibilities, considerations, and implications of such a move while exploring the potential impact on the franchise, the local community, and the NFL landscape. Is this move a touchdown or a fumble? Let’s explore.

The Buzz around Arlington Heights Bears

As talks of a possible relocation gain momentum, the notion of the “Arlington Heights Bears” has sparked curiosity and intrigue among football enthusiasts. The prospect of the Bears leaving their longstanding home at Soldier Field for a new venue in Arlington Heights has ignited debates and discussions.

Why Relocation Makes Sense

  1. Facility Upgrades: One of the primary drivers behind the potential move is the desire for a modern and state-of-the-art stadium. Soldier Field, the Bears’ current home, has seen numerous renovations, but a new stadium in Arlington Heights could offer enhanced fan experiences, better amenities, and increased revenue opportunities.
  2. Location: Let’s be honest, Soldier field has TERRIBLE location. For starters, there are no restaurants or bars within the nearby vicinity. The Metra isn’t nearby. None of the CTA trains stop nearby, so you’d have to take a bus or rideshare. But wait, you have to walk a good distance away just to get picked up from a ride share service, unlike other stadiums that have designated areas conveniently nearby. Want to drive? Good luck. Get ready to sit in traffic for what seems like eternity. You had better leave hours before you planned to otherwise you may only catch the 2nd half. The location is so poor that patrons’ best option is to sit in a bike trolly as they bike you to a better location. Very impractical. For the Arlington Heights location, there is already a Metra stop at Arlington Park. The land is huge as well, so there should be no problems with parking or arranging car share services. In fact, the land is so vast that there would be tons of availability to build restaurants and bars on the property.
  3. Ownership: The Bears currently lease Soldier Field, they do not own it. It makes a ton of sense for a professional sports team that generates billions of dollars each year to own the stadium they play at.
  4. Economic Implications: The relocation could have significant economic implications for both the team and the local community. A new stadium could attract more events, such as the Super Bowl, NCAA games, the Olympics, and much more. It could also boost tourism, as we’d see stadium tours and planned vacations around the stadium’s events.

Challenges and Considerations

  1. Historical Significance: Soldier Field holds historical significance, and moving away from its iconic location could face opposition from certain fans who value tradition and nostalgia.
  2. Bureaucracy: The cook county tax assessor is playing hardball with the Bears. They are currently in a dispute over what the tax bill for the property should be. Should this not come to a resolution, the Bears very likely may not move the team.
  3. Community Impact: While a new stadium could benefit the local economy, it’s essential to ensure that the community is on board with the potential changes and their long-term effects.

Impact on the NFL Landscape

If the Chicago Bears were to become the Arlington Heights Bears, it would undoubtedly impact the NFL landscape. The team’s move could pave the way for changes in division dynamics, game schedules, and rivalries. Additionally, the NFL’s image and its ability to adapt to new market trends could be put to the test.

How would the move affect real estate prices in and around Arlington Heights?

  1. Increase in Demand: The presence of a professional sports team like the Arlington Heights Bears could increase the area’s visibility and desirability. In fact, when a new stadium gets built the speculation also tends to drive the price up further. This heightened attention might attract more people to consider moving to the area, potentially leading to an increase in demand for housing. As demand rises, real estate prices could experience upward pressure.
  2. Economic Boost: A major sports team relocation could result in an economic boost for the local community. Increased economic activity, job opportunities, and the potential for additional businesses could lead to population growth, thereby increasing demand for housing and possibly raising property values.
  3. Infrastructure Development: The construction of a new stadium or related facilities could spur infrastructure development in Arlington Heights. Improved transportation networks, entertainment venues, and amenities could make the area more appealing to homebuyers, potentially contributing to higher property values.
  4. Local Business Growth: The presence of an NFL team could attract various commercial ventures such as restaurants, bars, hotels, and entertainment venues. This growth in local businesses could enhance the overall quality of life in the area, making it more attractive for prospective homebuyers and potentially influencing real estate prices.
  5. Neighborhood Transformations: As neighborhoods around the proposed stadium site experience changes and developments to accommodate the team’s presence, it could lead to neighborhood transformations. Some areas might become more upscale or trendy due to increased interest, while others could experience changes in the local ambiance.
  6. Supply and Demand Balance: If the supply of homes in Arlington Heights remains relatively constant while demand increases due to the team’s relocation, it could lead to a seller’s market. In a seller’s market, property prices tend to rise due to high demand and limited supply.

Conclusion

The prospect of the Chicago Bears becoming the Arlington Heights Bears is generating excitement, discussions, and debates throughout the sports world. While the decision ultimately rests on a multitude of factors, including economics, logistics, and fan sentiments, it’s clear that a potential relocation could usher in a new era for the franchise. As fans eagerly await news about the team’s future, the question remains: Will the Chicago Bears make the move to Arlington Heights?

 

Uncategorized October 2, 2023

Attention Investors: Revive this Buffalo Grove fixer-upper today!

623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Investors, flippers, and rehabbers, are you ready for your next project? This split level, Buffalo Grove fixer-upper features 3 bedrooms and 1.5 bathrooms. It has rarely switched hands but is finally ready for a new owner.

Key Features of the Property

  • Newer Windows: Approximately 2 years old, the newer windows in this home offer improved energy efficiency and add to the property’s curb appeal.
  • Solid Oak Floors: The bedrooms and entryway feature solid oak floors hiding under the carpet, adding a touch of timeless elegance if you’re ready to revitalize them.
  • Spacious Bedrooms: You’ll be impressed with the large bedroom sizes and they also feature plenty of natural light.
  • Expansive Backyard: The huge fenced backyard is perfect for entertaining, gardening, or even considering an addition (subject to village permitting).
  • Bright Lower Level: The lower level of this home is spacious and bright, thanks to above-ground windows that allow plenty of natural light to flood in.
  • Deep 1-Car Garage: The property also features a deep 1-car garage, offering storage space and convenience.

A Prime Location

One of the standout features of this Buffalo Grove property is its prime location. It’s conveniently walkable to all schools, including Buffalo Grove High School, Joyce Kilmer Elementary, and Cooper Middle School. Close drive to shopping, dining, and the Metra.

What are you waiting for?

Don’t miss this chance to bring your creative ideas to life and unlock the potential of this charming Buffalo Grove fixer-upper. Contact us today to schedule a viewing and explore the endless possibilities this property has to offer.

If you’re searching for similar investment opportunities in Buffalo Grove or have any questions about real estate in the area, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is here to help you find the perfect investment property that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Contact Steven at (847) 525-6121

 

living room at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

living room at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

 

kitchen at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

kitchen at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

 

bedroom at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

bedroom at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

 

back yard at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

back yard at 623 Macarthur Dr , Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

Uncategorized September 20, 2023

Dunton Tower, Arlington Heights renters: Are you tired of throwing money away on rent?

Arlington Heights renters, are you sick of throwing your money away by renting? Thought about buying a home, condo, or town house? Rent has risen over 10% in the last year and is currently the highest it has ever been and is still rising. With buying, you get to lock in a fixed monthly mortgage payment which would not change for the duration of your loan. It’s true that many renters enjoy the flexibility of not being tied down to a specific location or property. But besides that, advantages are scarce. Plus, renting removes your ability to have control over the situation. You can’t control whether your landlord raises rent or decides to kick you out when your lease ends. You can’t make many changes to the property, and even if you could you’d still have to get permission. With buying, you are the Alpha and whatever you say goes. You call the shots on your living situation.

Get started with your home search today

Get your home buying questions answered today by a local expert. Hi, my name is Steven Johnson and I am a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker. I service Arlington Heights and the surrounding suburbs. If you are looking to get started with your home search please reach out. I’d love to connect and discuss your real estate goals. Feel free to call or text me at (847) 525-6121 or visit my website at StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

Steven Johnson, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty

Uncategorized September 8, 2023

Are real estate prices dropping?

If you’ve bought or sold a home in the last few years, you’d likely understand what I mean when I say the real estate market been a whirlwind. Bidding wars, homes selling for well above their list prices, buyers waiving home inspections and appraisals, etc. However, we’ve recently started seeing mortgage interest rates skyrocket, causing buyers’ monthly payments to more than double in most cases. This has caused the housing market to become unaffordable for some buyers. Consequently, you may assume and wonder are real estate prices dropping? Not necessarily.

Wait, home values are still increasing?

Being a Chicagoland and Southern Wisconsin Realtor, I have not seen prices drop in my area yet. In fact, home values are still going up. Sure, cyclically prices drop in the fall and early winter, however by January we have been right back where we started with bidding wars and quickly escalating home values. Year over year, home prices are still increasing, not declining.

Why aren’t home prices falling?

Imagine you own a home and you were able to either refinance to capture the shockingly low interest rates of 2021 and 2022 or you bought a home during this timeframe. Your home value has increased dramatically so if you sold you would walk away with a huge profit. However, you’d be trading your low interest rate for a substantially higher one. Plus, although your home has increased in value, so have all the other homes you’d like to purchase. Combine the higher interest rates with the higher prices (and also property taxes) and you get a homeowner who is reluctant to move, especially those wanting to “trade up” into a bigger home. This reluctancy has led to a shortage in the number of homes for sale. Consequently, basic supply and demand will tell you that when the supply for something is low, and the demand exceeds the supply, prices will increase. To no surprise, this has played out accurately in the Chicagoland market.

When will real estate prices fall?

Unfortunately I left my crystal ball at home so I cannot promise that I can predict the future right now. However, if we follow the basic rules of supply and demand, once more people are willing to give up their low interest rates and sell, and the number of buyers hasn’t drastically increased as well, we should see prices plateau if not come down. It’s also important to note that if mortgage rates continue to climb, eventually we should hit a point where demand falls due to people not being able to qualify/afford the monthly payments. With that said, who knows when that time could be, or how much prices could come down (likely not much).

Have questions? Realtor Steven Johnson has answers.

If you are looking for a top rated real estate agent with the proper knowledge and drive to navigate the current housing market, call/text Steven at (847) 525-6121 or visit his website at StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

Are real estate prices dropping in your area or are they still going up? CLICK HERE to receive a free estimate of your home’s value.

Looking to start your home search? CLICK HERE to set up new listing alerts and to browse homes online.

Uncategorized September 6, 2023

Chicago Realtor Steven Johnson helps Betsy buy a Lakeview condo

Chicago Realtor Steven Johnson is at it again! Initially, I met Betsy about 7 years ago. She found me online when she  inquired about a listing I had. While it wasn’t the right home for her, she stayed in contact as she searched on and off for several years. Having been a Chicago native for decades and a local Lakeview resident for years, Betsy did not rush her decision. A few months back she messaged me about a vintage condo with a huge living room, a beautiful entryway with timeless finishes, and beautiful views of lake Michigan. Undoubtedly, we quickly set up an appointment to view it and quickly put in an offer. Shortly after, we heard back from the sellers and the negotiations began. It only took about a day or so of back-and-forth until Betsy liked the price. Once under contract to purchase the home, we professionally navigated through the inspection period and soon after she closed on her new place. Thank you for keeping in touch with me over the years Betsy! I appreciated working with you and am glad to have helped you find the perfect spot to call “home.”

Are you looking to buy or sell a Chicago condo? Looking for a Chicago Realtor?

Hi there, I am Chicago Realtor Steven Johnson and I would love the opportunity to earn your business. I stand out from other real estate agents through my straightforwardness, quick response times, and exceptional marketing skills. As a result, I always go the extra mile for clients and use my 8 years of experience and knowledge to get your real estate goals accomplished. Feel free to call, text, or email me at any time as I’d love to discuss your real estate ambitions today! (847) 525-6121 or Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

Are you looking for an estimate of how much your home would sell for? Get started by clicking HERE

Looking to start your home search online, including alerts when new homes hit the market? Click HERE

To learn more about Chicago Realtor Steven Johnson, visit his website at StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

Uncategorized August 24, 2023

Sell my Arlington heights home

Should I sell my Arlington Heights home?

Are you thinking to yourself, “I should sell my Arlington Heights home, but is it a good time to sell?” The real estate market over the past three years has been kind to home sellers, especially those in Arlington Heights, IL. This is mostly due to high inflation, low inventory (not enough sellers!), and a higher demand for suburban homes. However, many believe it’s partly due to speculation that the Chicago Bears will become the Arlington Heights Bears. Regardless of the reason, it’s undeniably a great time to sell your home.

How much could I sell my home for?

Year to date, single family homes in Arlington heights have appreciated on average more than 7% and are currently at an all time high. If you’re considering selling, it is time to capitalize on these high prices. For a quick automated estimate of your Arlington Heights home’s value, you can CLICK HERE. However, to get the most accurate numbers, the best way is to speak to a local Realtor. Steven Johnson is an Arlington Heights real estate agent who has years of experience. He can provide you with a free estimate of your home’s value as well as discuss how his unique marketing plan will get your home sold quickly and for the most amount of money. Call, text, or email Steven today at (847) 525-6121 or Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

Arlington Heights homes are up more than 7% YTD

Arlington Heights homes are up more than 7% YTD

Why work with Steven Johnson?

Steven Johnson is a local Coldwell Banker real estate agent with over 8 years of experience and has sold countless homes in Arlington Heights. Steven gets homes sold quickly and for far more money than the average agent. He focuses his marketing on high end photography, preparing the home for sale in the most efficient and practical way, and using targeted AI and social media advertising to get the right buyers looking at your home. Learn more about Steven’s reputable marketing plan at StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com or contact him directly at (847) 525-6121 or Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

Uncategorized August 8, 2023

A big home, a huge yard, and 2 happy new homeowners

Eric and Ashley are some of my closest friends. They came to me in late spring looking for a home that would work for both of their work commutes. Eric took a job in Wisconsin and Ashley’s is in Illinois’ northwest suburbs. As a result, their home search expanded into both Illinois and Wisconsin. Being licensed in both states, it was important that I was an Illinois and Wisconsin Realtor. That way, I was able to keep them updated on new listings using mls networks in both Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as arrange showings in both states too.

As we began touring homes, they quickly began to learn the market and determine what was a “need” versus what was a “want” for them. Their ability to get on the same page helped them shortly after settle on a beautiful home in one of Gurnee’s most beautiful neighborhoods. Given that the home was on the private network, and that we felt the home was appropriately priced, we submitted a competitive offer and shortly after had the home under contract.

After about a month and a half, the happy couple have since closed on their first house and have already started projects to make it feel like “home.” Congrats Eric and Ashley! Enjoy your new home and THANK YOU for choosing to work with me!

Could you benefit from an agent who is licensed as both an Illinois and Wisconsin Realtor? Are you looking in both states or around the Gurnee area? My name is Steven Johnson and I am a real estate agent who services Gurnee and the nearby towns. If you have a Gurnee home to buy or sell, I would love the opportunity to earn your business by showing you how I stand out from other Realtors. Give me a call, text, or email today to get started on a FREE consultation. (847) 525-6121 Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com. Visit StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com to learn more.

Uncategorized August 2, 2023

Curious how much your home could sell for in today’s market?

Are you curious how much your home is worth? Get your free home estimate HERE.

The real estate market has been a whirlwind since January of 2021. It has effectively been a seller’s market and as of the time I am writing this post, this has not changed around the Chicagoland area and Southern Wisconsin. A seller’s market is created when the number of buyers strongly outweighs the number of homes for sale. Consequently, this leads to bidding wars, meaning homes are selling faster and for more money.

If you are thinking about selling, it may not hurt to at least get an idea of what your home could sell for, regardless of when you actually are ready to make the move. If you are curious how much your home is worth and want to get started with your free home valuation, click HERE or reach out to me, Steven Johnson; Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty, at (847) 525-6121 or Steven.donald.Johnson@gmail.com

Are you thinking about selling or purchasing a home but want to learn more about me before reaching out? I encourage you to explore my website at StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com. Here you will learn more about my past sales and listings, what areas I service, why I got into the industry, and how I am different from other real estate agents.

Uncategorized July 29, 2023

An Antioch lake house and two happy home buyers

 

I connected with Dean and Geralyn when they found my website online. They had recently sold a lake house they owned out of state and were looking to purchase another one on The Chain of Lakes, which is much closer to their primary residence. Given that I have expertise in lake homes, and being an Antioch real estate agent servicing the town and those around it, we were the perfect fit. They indicated that having access to waterfront with a pier was important to them as they love boating and the tranquility that comes with water views. We began touring homes and came across an updated ranch home in Antioch with an open floor plan, a beautiful fireplace, and of course great views of the lake as well as sunsets. Soon after we submitted an offer and after a bit of negotiating we got the sellers down to a fair price. We also had to negotiate some inspection issues, which is common during most transactions. Last week Dean and Geralyn closed on their  new home in Antioch just in time to enjoy the last half of summer. Thank you for reaching out Dean and Geralyn! I had a pleasure working with you and I appreciate you putting your trust in me to guide you professionally.

Are you looking to purchase or sell a lake home in Antioch or the nearby area (or even southern Wisconsin!)? My name is Steven Johnson and I am a local real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty and I have years of experience selling homes in Antioch as well as the nearby towns, in and around Lake County, IL. I would love the opportunity to earn your business. If you are even thinking of moving please reach out to me to discuss your real estate goals. I am happy to provide you with a free consultation and to see if I am the right fit to represent you.

 

Steven Johnson

Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty

(847) 525-6121

Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

StevenJohnsonRealEstate.com

Uncategorized July 15, 2023

Year-To-Date market statistics for Lake, Cook, Mchenry, Walworth, & Kenosha Counties

The Year-to-date housing market statistics don’t lie. Limited housing supply has kept prices higher, homes selling quicker when priced accordingly, and homes selling for closer to list price. If you’re looking to buy or sell a home hire an agent who knows how to navigate the low inventory environment we are in: Steven Johnson, Realtor with Coldwell Banker (847) 525-6121 or Steven.Donald.Johnson@gmail.com

YTD housing market statistics for Walworth county

YTD housing market statistics for Walworth county, WI

YTD housing market statistics for Kenosha county

YTD housing market statistics for Kenosha county, WI

YTD housing market statistics for Lake county, IL

YTD housing market statistics for Lake county, IL

YTD housing market statistics for Mchenry county, IL