Maybe it's the "kid-friendliness" of the community, but local Realtors in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois, are saying that sales haven't dipped for winter's chill, and home sales are on the increase.

"Naperville is a 'kid-friendly' community," says Realtor Carolyn Duffy, "It has great schools, riverwalk, commuter train -- it's the place to be!"

Duffy explains, "The Naperville market has been strong through the holiday season. We anticipate a very active real estate year in 2004. Buyers are very well informed, through Internet investigating, and continue to purchase properly priced homes. The average market times for homes is currently 63 days.

She advises, "The US economy is expecting a healthy growth of three-to-four percent. Housing remains a pillar of strength and consumers are feeling better about the future. Homebuying is tied to individuals feelings about their own job security and the economy in general, rather than the actual mortgage rates. There is no time like the present to sell your existing home or purchase your future home."

Says Realtor Angus Woodbury, "Naperville has small town charm, a great downtown on the riverwalk with loads of great restaurants and shops, top quality schools, fantastic parks and library, lovely neighborhoods and abundant activities."

He suggests, "The National Association of Realtors predicts another strong year for real estate and the local market is doing nothing to dispel those thoughts. Buoyed by continued low interest rates, buyers are continuing to flock to the safe haven of all investments ... the personal residence. Naperville is a destination market, blessed with loads of national recognition this market hums along most of the time while occasionally succumbing to the fevered pitch of buyer demand."

"The New Year is off and running," says Realtor Dan Jungclas, "The market has been quite active and continues to grow. Properly priced properties and well maintained homes are selling quickly! Interest rates continue to remain quite favorable and this continues to motivate buyers! Buyers are well informed and quite savvy thanks to the Internet. The year 2004 is expected to be strong and thus a very good market for real estate! Consumers are definitely feeling better about the future. Home sales will be tied to individual feelings about job security and the general economy not just mortgage interest rates. The Market is just waiting for you."

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Published: January 26, 2004

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