There are countless examples of markets where housing prices have NOT kept up with inflation and other examples where prices have exceeded inflation and these trends below or above inflation have been sustained for DECADES ... it all comes down to long term supply and demand fundamentals.

The labor only takes a few minutes as long as your door frame is in good shape.  

Given that rates are trending upwards, this is important as it'll let you keep your purchase interest rate that you locked in, even if future-normal rates are back to a historically average/normal 7%.A sexy commercial that you can use to make fun of all your friends who took out FHA loans.

Could you please advise on the North Jersey market and what you have been noticing out there lately (trends or areas to look into)?

I'd just like to know more about what the investing trends are there right now?

I do plan to find a professional broker, real estate agent or other professional who can help steer me in the right direction and enlighten me about trends and activities in the surrounding areas.

Back porch is in good shape and garage is in good shape. structurally the building seems in great shape.Time is of the essence obviously due to the hole in the roof/Chicago rainy weather.

We should get together sometime and see if we can help each other in some way shape or form. 

You always need to look at the trends of the market to ensure you are reading the market properly.Good Luck. 

then you're in even better shape.