Cathy Michaels, a Naperville real estate agent, stated that the Chicago area has seen an increase in home sales over that of last year. This increase in sales is happening as interest rates have reached historic lows.

NAPERVILLE, IL — Naperville realtor Cathy Michaels announces a steady increase in the sale of real estate property in the Chicago area. According to a report from the Illinois Association of Realtors, the sale of Chicago area real estate has increased of 33.6% between May 2010 and May 2009.

In May 2010, the Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA) had 7,580 homes that were sold as compared to just 5,673 the year before. The PMSA statistics include the sale of real estate in Naperville.

“The market is offering many great reasons to buy right now, and many are taking the opportunity to invest in properties. Prices on homes are extremely attractive for buyers and interest rates are at a historic low. As a result, making the important decision on whether to invest in a home or not has become transparent,” said Cathy Michaels (http://www.cathymichaels.com).

The Naperville real estate agent is referencing the interest rates that have reached 4.875%. Looking across the state of Illinois, the IAR report showed that the majority of counties in Illinois have seen increases in home sales over the prior year. At the same time, nearly half of the counties have also seen median price increases. Michaels also reports that the median price has yet to increase in the Naperville area.

According to the report, the indications that are being seen across the state are positive for the Illinois real estate market. Michaels added, “If there has been a great time to buy within the past year that time is now. The market, especially in the Naperville area, is primed for buyers to get excellent deals on homes.”

To find out more about buying or selling a home in the Naperville area contact Cathy Michaels through the website www.cathymichaels.com or by phone at 630-904-6400.

About Cathy Michaels – Naperville Real Estate:

Cathy Michaels has been licensed in real estate since graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1970. She was president of a real estate agency for 25 years before becoming a broker associate with ReMax Professionals Select. Her experience with Naperville real estate provides buyers and sellers with a distinct advantage over the competition ensuring the best deal possible for her clients.

Media Contact:
Cathy Michaels
Cathy Michaels – Naperville Real Estate
2272 95th Street, Suite 200
Naperville, IL 60564
630-615-2824
www.cathymichaels.com

Cathy Michaels, a Naperville Realtor, earns her NAR Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification to benefit both buyers and sellers who are interested in pursuing a foreclosure or short sale transaction, but confused about the process.

NAPERVILLE, IL – As the demand for professional expertise with distressed sales continues to grow, Cathy Michaels, a Naperville realtor, has earned this nationally recognized certification in order to help buyers and sellers navigate foreclosure and short sale transactions in Naperville Real Estate.

According to a recent NAR survey, nearly one-third of all existing homes sold recently were either short sales or foreclosures, therefore the National Associations of REALTORS^® (NAR) wanted to offer this SFR certification to real estate agents. This certification helps sellers navigate the complexities of short sales as well as help buyers pursue short sale and foreclosure opportunities.

“Although there is a growing number of homes that have gone into foreclosure or short sale, real estate in Naperville is still thriving. I wanted to receive my Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification so that I could help both the buyers and sellers with this complex process and try to make it as effortless as possible for everyone involved,” says Cathy Michaels, Broker/Associate of RE/MAX (http://www.cathymichaels.com).

Although foreclosures and short sales are not considered to be conducive to a family’s happy living, these days there are situations in which people simply cannot afford to keep their home, and a foreclosure or short sale is the best option. On a positive note, these foreclosures and short sales can offer excellent opportunities for home buyers while simultaneously benefiting the community as a whole. Enlisting the help of an SFR-certified real estate professional is very important to ensure these complex transactions are properly executed to the benefit of both buyer and seller.

The certification program trains realtors on how to assist sellers in short sales, negotiate with lenders, protect buyers as well as limit the buying risks. This program also gives real estate agents knowledge about staying current on national and state-specific information as the market for these distressed properties evolves. Realtors are required to take one core course and three Webinars in order to earn the Short Sales and Foreclosure Certification. For more information, visit www.REALTORSFR.org.

About Cathy Michaels: Cathy Michaels was first licensed as a real estate broker in 1970 and joined RE/MAX in 2001. She currently holds the title of Broker/Associate and her primary specialty is residential with her secondary specialty in new construction. RE/MAX of Northern Illinois is one of the largest RE/MAX regions and Chicagoland’s leader in real estate. The RE/MAX Northern Illinois network encompasses the top fourth of the state and consists of 160 offices with 3,600 agents.

Media Contact:
Cathy Michaels
Cathy Michaels – Naperville Real Estate
2272 95th Street, Suite 200
Naperville, IL 60564
(630)  904-6400
www.cathymichaels.com