Meet Melissa and Jane at The Home Show in Glen Ellyn THIS SATURDAY!!! Click Here for more info on the show.

A big congrats goes out to Jerry Holanday of Downers Grove who won the $250 Drapery Connection gift certificate this past weekend at The Home Show in Glen Ellyn.

Jane and Melissa thank all who stopped to say hello and pick up some HomesPlus goodies. It was great to meet all of you.

Check out the pictures and see how much fun we had at "The Home Show" in Glen Ellyn. Thanks again for all of you who stoppped by.

For most of us, the purchase of a new home is the biggest investment you'll ever make. Which is why it can be so stressful just thinking about how you'll finance it.

So, for you, what is your biggest worry when it comes to financing the home of your dreams? Is it the interest rate? Down Payment? Credit Score? Having the money to pay the mortgage each month?

So a few weeks back we asked a group of women attending the WLIT-FM "Purse Party" whether or not they shared closet space in their home. We received a number of humorous responses.

A number of builders are offering great incentives on new homes. Check out this list of current incentives being offered from some of our featured partners:

Worried about securing a loan for your new home? Worried about making that down payment? Worried about your credit score? Despite today's tightening credit market, there are still ways to get a home loan. One of those ways is through the Federal Housing Administration.

Is it a good time to buy a new home? It's a question many of us are asking ourselves. Some say it is, some say it's not. But there's one thing that can't be disputed ...

We keep hearing about the problems with subprime mortgages and how it's becoming more difficult to secure a home loan. The good folks over at Inman TV talked with Dan Green from "The Mortgage Report" about the state of the mortgage industry and what to look for in 2008. Do you agree with what he says?

The Bush administration and financial institutions agree to a 5 year freeze on "some" subprime mortgages. Click HERE to read more.

What are your thoughts on this newly announced plan?

Check out our "behind the scenes" pictures at our Homes Plus holiday ad shoot. Jane and Melissa had a blast wearing Santa hats.

Melissa Forman and Jane Monzures have a lot of fun putting HomesPlus together. Here's a look at some of their more memorable moments in 2007.

Here's a look at our new Holiday ad.

Jane and Melissa would like to wish you and your family a Happy Holidays. See video for more.

If you're trying to get a new home loan, there's possibly some good news about the Fed trying to better protect you against shady lending practices. But does it go far enough?

To read more about the new plan, click HERE.

What are people inside the real estate industry saying about the current market? Would they buy a home today? Is this a good market for first time homeowners?

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich has declared January "Radon Action Month" in the state and is urging residents to have their homes tested for Radon.

Decorating a home can be a stressful project. Here at HomesPlus we are trying to simplify the process by giving you the tips you need to know. But, do you even know what style best fits you and your home?

For months now, Chicagoland home builders have been offering discounts and incentives to entice you to buy a new home. But how long will these incentives last? According to some industry experts, the discounts and incentives could go away with the first sign of improvement in the spring housing market.

Click here to read the Chicago Tribune article on the subject.

The Federal Reserve today slashed a key interest rate by three-quarters of a percentage point. The federal funds rate - the interest banks charge one another for overnight loans -- now stands at 3.5%. You can read more about the Fed decision at the Chicago Tribune website.

As for what this might mean for mortgage rates, click here for more analysis from Bankrate.com.

Some good news if you're trying to buy a home, fixed-rate mortgages have fallen to their lowest levels in 4 years according to finance giant Freddie Mac.

Click here to read more.

HomesPlus reached a milestone this week. We turned 1-year-old. It's hard to believe that we've been bringing you the best in new homes and great design tips for 52 weeks.

The HomesPlus team thanks all of you for watching. We could not have had this much success without your help.

Okay, enough celebrating, it's time to shop. Spring will be here before you know it, and that means it's the perfect time to buy your dream home.

And one last thing, when you visit one of the sales centers, be sure to tell them - HomesPlus sent you.

We've shown you a ton of model homes on HomesPlus, but unfortunately we don't ever have enough time to talk in detail about some of the great new home features we see. And that's why we've created a great new video segment that's exclusive to our website.

Melissa and Jane will now take you inside some of these models and show you some of their favorite features. For example, Melissa will show you two great master suites and Jane will show you a cool wet bar that's part of the master suite.

You can see one of the clips after the jump or in the video player. Just search for "Inside the Models" or scroll over the "more" tab in the upper right corner of the video player and click on "Inside the Models" for a complete listing.

So where is your laundry room located in your home? According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, your preference may tell your age.

Younger home buyers prefer a laundry room near the bedrooms. Older home buyers, meanwhile, prefer their laundry room on the mail level of the home -- near the kitchen.

So where do you prefer your laundry room?

More info after the jump ...

HomesPlus is headed to The Home Show in Palatine ...

Thanks to everybody who came out and said hello at The Home Show in Palatine this past Sunday. We had a blast and hope you found what you were looking for.

And congrats to Rosemary Patterson of Schaumburg -- she won the $250 Hortons Home Lighting gift certificate.

See video of the event after the jump ...

Buying your first home? Need some tips on buying your new home? Just need a refresher on some real estate lingo?

We've got you covered. Check out video answers to some of the most asked real estate questions after the jump.

Experts say the time to buy a new home is now!

Here's why:
1. Interest rates are low
2. The selection couldn't be better
3. Prices have dropped

But does that mean that now is the right time for you? If you're anything like me, and committing to an expensive pair of shoes makes you worry, then it's understandable that you might be a bit aprehensive to jump into the housing market.

Spring is finally here! With our first 70-degree days under our belts, many of you are probably gearing up to get your yards back into shape for summer. But all of those fragrant flowers and newly-trimmed shrubs are good for more than your neighborhood garden walk. According to the American Nursery & Landscape Association, landscaping actually increases property values by 7 to 14 percent!

It's time to once again go behind the scenes at HomesPlus and check out some of the outtakes from the show.

Hope you enjoy. Video after the jump ...

If you're thinking of entering the world of homeownership, right now is a great time! Prices are low, mortgage rates are good and the selection of homes on the market is pretty incredible. But for first-time homebuyers, the task of figuring out how much your new home is going to cost you can be intimidating. After all, presumably, this will be the biggest purchase you've made until this point in your life - and the costs can be staggering if you're not ready for them! According to the Federal Housing Administration, your mortgage payments should be no more than 29% of your gross monthly income if you carry some debt, or up to 41% if you have no debt.

It's a great time to buy, mortgage rates are low, yadayadayada...you've heard it all before and I'll spare you the spiel. But did you know that when you buy a brand new home - as in, from the developer - your bargaining power can get you way more than just a few bucks off the asking price? The thing is, when you buy new it's really hard to negotiate a lower price like you might try to do with a private seller. But what you can do is negotiate in upgrades that would normally cost you an arm and a leg - like granite counter tops, upgraded flooring and gorgeous master baths - for FREE! The current new home market is ripe with fantastic deals like this!

In the market for a big, beautiful new home where you can really spread out? The more spacious model homes you look at, the smaller your current home probably feels! Especially if you're in the city, space can be tight. So, until you upgrade to that 3,000 square foot spread in the suburbs, make the most of your space! Adding some color, picking up a few new pieces and re-arranging your old ones can make a small room look a lot bigger! Not to mention, more appealing to a potential buyer.

The National Association of Realtors' chief economist says home sales and prices should pick up across most of the country in the second half of 2008. But a number of analysts aren't sold on the chief's predictions.

Remember, real estate is local. Just because it's bad in one neighborhood, doesn't mean it's bad everywhere else. So tell us, what is the real estate market like today in your neighborhood?

Whether you're buying or selling a home, I'm sure you've heard that neutral colors sell. For years, experts have pointed out that a house full of beiges and ecrus will allow the buyer to imagine their own furniture, styles and lives in the home - thus, speeding up a sale. But here we are, in the days of HGTV do-it-yourself design and buyers and sellers alike are breaking out of the safe world of black and white and painting a picture of their lives with COLOR!

For many new homeowners, moving into that new home also means moving into a new community. So, do you know everything there is to know about your new city or town?

It seems like just about every week we hear a new report out that shows how home prices are falling across the nation. But as the old saying goes, real estate is local.

So, how are home prices doing in your neighborhood? You might be surpised, but some areas of Chicagoland are still doing okay. And that means if you're looking to move into that dream home we've shown you on HomesPlus, you might just be able to do so today.

The information is after the jump.

Are you a first-time homebuyer? Are you stressed out about buying a home?

We asked local realtor Jackie Sharp to give you some tips to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Just moved into your new digs? Or perhaps you've just renovated your kitchen? Whatever changes you've made to your home, chances are you'd love an opportunity to show it off! The perfect way to do that? Throw a housewarming party! If you've moved into a new neighborhood, throwing a house-warming is a great way to get to know your new neighbors and let them get to know you. And if you've just updated your home, having an open house is the perfect way to celebrate the end of the project while showing off your hard work!

As many of us learned during the two-day monsoon that swept through Chicagoland last weekend, even the most high-quality construction is no match for mother nature. In my building we learned that our damage was due to the fact that our sump pump had simply been overwhelmed by the amount of work that was required to keep up with the rain and decided instead, to lay down and take an extended nap. Mr. Sump has since been fired.

But the thing is, you'd be hard-pressed to find someone who did not suffer water damage last weekend. So, if you've become all too friendly with your wet-vac recently, then read on!

Think you know all there is to know about buying a home? Take this quiz from Freddie Mac to find out if you have the information you need to make one of the biggest purchases of your life!

If you need some guidance in finding deals online, just ask Joanne Smith. She actually purchased a house on ebay last week for the low, low price of just a buck seventy-five. Yup, just $1.75 beat seven other bids and she is now the proud owner of an abandoned home in Saginaw, Michigan.

Check out this list of the top tips for first-time buyers, from Realtor.org . It might sound like common sense, but it always helps to get a reminder of the basics!

Check out the tips after the jump!

If you've noticed that the trees are going from gorgeous gold and fiery red to, well, a little naked - then you probably know it's that time of year. This weekend, we'll all turn back the clocks and say goodbye to daylight savings time, sort of an official welcoming of the new season. We get ourselves ready by putting away the flip-flops and breaking out the scarves and wool sweaters - so why not get your home prepared for the chilly months ahead as well?

If you're a buyer right now, then you know that you're in the drivers seat. You're in a position to negotiate a great price and possibly even some fancy-schmancy perks to go along with your new home purchase. But when you're out there looking for that dream house, don't forget to make sure that it's in a dream neighborhood. Because no matter how great a deal you're getting now, you'll want to be sure that when it comes time for you to move on, someone else will find it to be a great deal too. Choosing the right neighborhood is a big part of making sure you're making the most of your investment.

Tips on finding the right neighborhood after the jump...

We're all looking for ways to cut back a little and save a few bucks - and believe me, I'm always on the lookout for an opportunity to do something myself instead of hiring it out. But there are places you skimp a little (no one's going to know if that bag is designer or a knock off) and there are places you just don't. And one place it's never okay to cut corners is with your new home.

From everyone here at HomesPlus, we wish you a very happy turkey-day!
And if you're too full to leave the house, then take some time to check out our videos!

Nobody likes moving. Least of all, me. The last time I moved, it was from an 800 square foot apartment to a 1,400 square foot condo with only two major pieces of furniture and at the end of the day (a very rainy, cold day I might add), my husband and I swore that we would never, ever move ourselves again. You just have no idea how much STUFF you have until it's time to move it!

If you're dreading a move of your own right about now, then check out SAM. SAM stands for "Store and Move" and it's probably the easiest way to essentially move yourself without alienating friends by asking them to sacrifice a whole weekend to help you out.

Merry Christmas from the team at HomesPlus!

In a tough market it seems sellers are willing to try anything if it means getting out from under their unwanted mortgage. Case in point: check out craigslist.com these days and you might notice that the category for "house swap" now includes postings from sellers looking to trade homes...permanently.

Winter brings cold temperatures, ice and frozen pipes (remind me again why I haven't fled south yet?), but no matter how careful we are, accidents can happen. So, why not bone-up on your winter weather know-how to avoid any unfortunate winter incidents at home? The Tribune posted some cold-weather tips for playing it safe this season, here's a few:

Tips after the jump...

Attention all Facebook users! HomesPlus now has a Facebook page so that you can become a fan and get all the latest updates on what's going on with real estate in Chicagoland! You'll find fresh video, behind the scenes pictures and you'll be able to meet up with other fans to share ideas and experiences you've had buying and selling in Chicago.

If you feel your tax assessment is too high, you may not be totally stuck. Homeowners have until March 16 to appeal their tax assessments in Cook County. Here are some tips on what you need to do...

In 100 episodes of HomesPlus, I'm not proud to say that there were PLENTY of goof-ups, prop malfunctions and just plain bad behavior caught on camera. But since we only have so much time, we had to pick some of our favorites to show you. Take a look at what 100 episodes of HomesPlus does to a host...or three.

It may look like any other brick two-flat in Chicago's south side Park Manor neighborhood, but this modest brick home houses some history behind the front door. The Capone family bought it in 1923 for $5,500...considerably less than the $450,000 that it's listed at today.

Today is tax day -- Do you have a big tax bill? Are you still procrastinating writing the check and dropping it in the mail?

Maybe this will cheer you up for your 2009 taxes! Remember the federal government is giving you a tax credit of up to $8,000 for qualified first-time home buyers purchasing a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. Unlike the tax credit enacted in 2008, the new credit does not have to be repaid. Read more from National Association of Home Builders.

I imagined that would be the headline for my untimely death as I hung three stories above the ground while shooting a HomesPlus promo last month (and by "headline," I mean page 45 of the local weekly circular). I, of course, did not fall to my death. Mostly due to a couple of skilled window cleaners who were managing the ropes and talking me through my descent, but I like to think it's also because I kept my cool and handled that swinging seat with skill...unfortunately there's footage to prove that was definitely not the case. Take a look at this outtake video that our lovely promotions producer edited together to share my humiliation with the world...she got way too much enjoyment out of this project!

See the actual promo...

As spring cleaning gives way to summertime garages sales, you may be thinking of hosting one of your own. After all, it's a great way to clear out the "junk" you don't use anymore and make a buck or two to spend on some new home accessories! Plus in an era of green - it's just not socially acceptable to throw things in the trash anymore.

While watching the Today Show this morning, I caught some great ideas on how to make your garage sale stand out from the others on your block. And I've added a few of my own ideas after the video.

(Photo by Stacey Wescott/Tribune)

So, how do you know when it's a good idea to give old household items new life by reusing them and when is it time to toss the junk? Turns out, that line is different for everyone. A Lakemoor woman who has been cited for using toilets as planters in her front yard could be fined up to $500/day if she doesn't remove them by this time next month. She says the two toilets, filled with potting soil and flowers, are art and just meant to get a laugh out of passersby. Neighbors say it's an eyesore. What do you think? Art...or atrocious? Leave your comments!

If your home has a grand fireplace featuring three lions, a crown and the phrase "Semper Eadem," then someone is looking for you.

Chicago Tribune is reporting that Martin Kirby, a British newspaper columnist is looking for the 500-year old fireplace which is said to have warmed the room where Queen Elizabeth I slept in 1574. Records show that it was purchased by a Chicago collector in 1907 and after that it seems to have fallen off the map.

So, take a good look at your fireplace before remodeling...this valuable piece could be hiding in plain sight!

Unless I have at least a week of warning, I am usually completely unprepared for company. Every counter is cluttered with week-old mail and magazines, dishes sit unwashed in the sink and there's dog hair, well...everywhere. Yet, my friends and neighbors still somehow believe that we keep our home spotless. That's because when someone calls 5 minutes before they pull the pop-in, I've got my strategy ready. I've mastered the art of fake-cleaning. I know what rooms they'll see and what rooms they won't and more importantly, I know which spots send that "clean" or "unclean" signal to my guests (afterall, they're all the same things I notice in other people's homes). So, here's a quickie course on making your last-minute guests believe you have it all together.

1 - Make sure the first room/area they see is clear of clutter, maybe add a couple of accents if you've got 'em. My front door opens to the kitchen, so if my kitchen island is cluttered (which it usually is), I clear it and toss some fruit in a bowl as a centerpiece. The unopened mail and week's-worth of newspapers get tossed in the junk drawer (you know you have one) or in another room.

2- Figure out where they'll likely be hanging out - and do a once-over. For most people, it's the kitchen/family room area. Once again, clear the clutter, fold errant throw-blankets and fluff the pillows! If stinky dishes are filling the sink, load up the dishwasher to get them out of sight. A clear space reads as clean when your guests aren't looking too hard!

3 - Everyone needs to visit the loo at some point, so make sure yours is presentable. If you have a powder room or main bathroom that your guests use, do a quick wipe-down and put out clean towels.

4 - Scent is a powerful sense, use it. Keep a scented candle on hand and light it as soon as you get the "I'll be over in 5" call. If the first thing your guest smells when he/she walks in the door is your dog, then all of your fake-cleaning is for nought.

5 - Speaking of dogs...clean up as much evidence of your pet as time allows. My dog has claimed our couch as his home base, so it always has traces of dog hair (and sometimes, much more than just traces of it...) I keep a full lint roller and mini vac handy to clean it as best I can before someone stops by. If you have a feline friend, for goodness sake, put the litter box out of site!

These little tasks literally take me about 5 minutes to rush through before I get that knock on the door. And believe me, if I can do it...anyone can. Do you have your own tricks for making your home presentable at the last minute? Share them!

Speculation is running wild this week about whether or not Chicago will be the big winner Friday and be selected to host the 2016 Olympic games. Among the hopes that hang on our selection is a turnround in home sales throughout Chicago. More specifically, on the south side near where many of the proposed venues will be constructed. A look at some current listings in the area surrounding Washington Park will tell you that listing agents are banking on it; one we found even has a map which indicates that the Olympic Stadium and the Olympic Aquatics Center will be just steps away from the listed property. The announcement hasn't even been made yet and already people are hoping that the 2016 games will be a catalyst for a real estate rebound. Case in point: this weekend, Coldwell Banker's Hyde Park office will be holding an "Olympic Sized Open House" to promote more than 100 homes for sale in Hyde Park, Washington Park and the South Shore.

NBC Chicago recently compared the real estate circumstances surrounding the Atlanta games in 1996 and the Salt Lake City games in 2002. Both hosted the Olympics during different economic times, but in both cities, the housing effect was short term and didn't lead to any long-term benefits.

So, if Chicago is the name on the lips of the Olympic committee members on Friday morning, what will happen with local home sales here? It seems the only place they've got to go is up, at least in many south side neighborhoods and suburbs. When Chicago Magazine released it's annual sale prices chart in the October issue last week, it put into numbers just how hard those areas have been hit. In fact, home values in several areas have actually declined back to 1994 prices. Meaning that even if we do get the 2016 games, many homeowners will still need a lot more than an Olympic Village to see the kind of appreciation they need.

How inconvenient is it to be in a recession during the holidays? Okay, so we're all cutting back, but that's no excuse to slack on the holiday giving this year. It just means that we'll all have to be a little more creative and do some digging to find the perfect gift on a budget. And since everyone can benefit from a gift for the home, I've compiled a little list of my favorite easy-on-the-wallet ideas that are sure to flatter the recipient.

1. The gift of scent
Even the toughest cookie on your list can appreciate a softly scented candle. Here are two options from Pottery Barn:
For the more traditional, the Silver-Plated Julep Candlepot can be engraved with a monogram and looks like it cost a lot more than its $25.50 price tag (before shipping & tax).

If the recipient has a more modern style, try this pre-monogrammed one letter candlepot. It comes with an amber-vanilla scented candle that has become my new favorite scent. $20 in store or on the website.

2. Personalized Acrylic Trays
These snack trays come in a variety of colors and styles and can be personalized with the recipient's monogram (seeing a pattern here?). They're fun, cute and totally perfect for carrying those mugs of hot chocolate from the kitchen to the couch! These trays start at $38 and are available at With Grace in Roscoe Village. But if you want to avoid a rush fee, you'll need to get there today!

3. The Hancock Building
Seems a little too big to wrap, right? Don't worry, I'm talking about a mini-sized version - this 24" high Hancock replica is made from hand-tied bamboo, so it's earth-friendly and at just $19.95, it's wallet-friendly too. Perfect for any tree-hugging Chicago lover. Find it at CB2.

4. Snack Taxis & Wrap n' Mats
This one is perfect for someone whose new years resolution is to pack lunch more often! The snack taxi is a small, reusable pouch that is big enough to hold sandwiches or other snacks, comes in different styles and at only $6.99 a pop makes a fantastic stocking-stuffer. The Wrap n' Mat is also reusable and comes in different styles, but it's a little larger and fully unfolds to create a placemat for the recipient's lunch. Comes in two sizes, $6.50 and $8.99. All are available at Green Home Experts in Oak Park.

5. Charging Valet
For the electronics buff who has everything...here's a gift that will help them keep it all organized and charged. This charging station from Overstock.com charges up to six different handheld devices so those cell phones, pdas, ipods, etc can be cleared off the counter and housed in one handsome little charging station. $25.49 plus shipping.

It's official. HomesPlus has joined Twitter. We know, it's about time.

So start following us today and keep up with the show during the week.

@homesplustv

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