Mill Creek Geneva Open House Sunday Oct 2 - 09/30/11 10:15 AM
Open House Sunday, October 2, 1:00  3:00 39W111 Platt  Place in Geneva IL is a beautifully updated 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home in the popular Mill Creek subdivision. The home has a two level deck with a screened gazebo, patio and back yard lawn area. The fully finished walkout basement has a bedroom, full bathroom, office and recreation area.
Mill Creek in Geneva IL is one of the most popular communities in the western suburbs of Chicago. Mill Creek encompasses over 650 acres and offers over 45% of open space, including over 125 acres of preserved wetlands and 195 acres … (3 comments)

St. Charles Scarecrow Fest October 7-9, 2011 - 09/24/11 11:07 AM
The 27th Annual St. Charles Scarecrow Fest will be October 7-9, 2011. For over 25 years, tens of thousands of people have visited St Charles IL to attend the Scarecrow Fest. Last year 66,000 visitors enjoyed over 100 hand-crafted scarecrows, from charmingly simple figures created by Scout troops to elaborate mechanical displays built by local businesses. In addition to the Scarecrow Contest Display, there are many other events to enjoy. Visit Scarecrow Fest and see why St Charles, IL was named the 2011 Best Town for Families by Family Circle Magazine.
Performances There are two stages for live performances. The stage … (1 comments)

Geneva IL Foreclosure Properties for Sale - 09/24/11 11:05 AM
Geneva IL Foreclosure Properties for Sale If you are thinking of buying a home in Geneva IL you may have thought about buying a foreclosure property. Foreclosures (also called REOs) are usually bank-owned properties, although some are owned by government institutions like Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or HUD. Each foreclosure seller will have their own very specific procedures, contracts and forms for the sale of the home. 
A Geneva IL foreclosure can be a great deal if the buyer can realistically evaluate the condition of the home.  Deferred maintenance and poor condition can end up costing more than most people realize. … (0 comments)

St Charles IL Foreclosure Properties For Sale - 09/24/11 01:21 AM
St Charles IL Foreclosure Properties For Sale Many home buyers in St. Charles IL are interested in buying a foreclosure property. A foreclosed home might be a good deal but buying one is different from buying a home in a traditional sale.
You need to understand that while some St Charles IL foreclosure properties might be in good condition, many have problems from being poorly maintained. You need to be prepared to move quickly on the great deals, and then be patient while the sale is approved. You must have your financing pre-arranged so that there are no snags in … (2 comments)

Fox Mill Market Update and Homes for Sale - 09/23/11 01:09 AM
Fox Mill is a traditionally-styled subdivision of about 800 homes in the Village of Campton Hills, a residential community located in the  St. Charles school district.  The highly ranked Bell-Graham Elementary School is located in the Fox Mill subdivision. Fox Mill residents enjoy a community club house with a pool, quiet streets, 40% open space and miles of walking and bike trails.
As of September 22, 2011, there have been 22 houses sold in Fox Mill. The review of Fox Mill home prices shows that the lowest price was $351,000 and the highest price was $550,000, while the average sold … (3 comments)

The Feedback Fiesta - 09/20/11 12:20 AM
Do you enjoy a feedback fiesta after you've been out showing? Do you insist on throwing one after your listings are shown? My friend Bryan Robertson gives detailed feedback about giving feedback in his featured post.
I list and sell, so I work with buyers and sellers. To be polite, I almost always give feedback if the listing agent makes it easy...an email response system is best. Recently, however, the feedback fiesta after a busy weekend of showing can get ridiculous: an online request, then an email from the agent and then a phone call from the agent! And when the … (7 comments)

Thinking of Selling Your Geneva IL Home? Maintenance is Important - 09/19/11 09:39 PM
Do You Keep Up on Maintenance Projects in Your Geneva IL Home?
I know, money is tight and if you are selling your home, you are probably very sensitive to the bottom line. But if your home needs more repair work than the other homes that buyers will see, you will either get low offers, or worse, no offers at all.
Too Many Homes on the Market: Every day I visit Geneva IL homes for sale. Sometimes a listing is in tip-top condition and priced well, which certainly is the best combination for a successful sale in this tough market. Other … (1 comments)

St Charles IL Market Report|Single Family Homes|September 15, 2011 - 09/16/11 03:41 PM
St Charles IL Market Report|Single Family Homes|September 15, 2011
The real estate market is healthier in St Charles, IL than many other areas in the western suburbs of Chicago. Single family homes in St Charles, IL are selling ahead of last year’s pace and at a higher average price:
391 closed sales in 2011 versus 326 in the same period in 2010 The average sold price is $388,285 in 2011 versus $382,927 in 2010. Of the 391 closed sales, 40% closed between $200,000 and $400,000. There have been 11 closed sales of homes over $1,000,000.
Of the 391 closed sales this … (2 comments)

1462 Anderson Rd Elburn, IL Just Sold! - 09/16/11 12:26 AM
1462 Anderson Rd Elburn, IL Just Sold!
This lovely 4 bedroom and 2 1/2 bath home in Blackberry Creek sold quickly! The home was in great condition and needed just a little re-arranging and staging to show perfectly.
We listed the home on July 12, had the home under contract on August 9 and closed on September 15. The average market time in Elburn is over 220 days, so we have a happy seller. Even in this somewhat stressful market, well priced homes in good condition sell every day!
Listed by Elburn IL real estate agents Leslie Ebersole and Katie Hemming … (4 comments)

301 Sandholm St, Geneva, IL Open House Sunday, September 18 2:00 - 4:00 - 09/15/11 01:22 AM
301 Sandholm St, Geneva, ILOpen House Sunday, September 18 2:00 - 4:00
301 Sandholm Street, GENEVA, IL 60134 (MLS # 07891885) (all data current as of 9/14/2011)
 
This is a terrific house and a great value in this market! Almost everything is new: roof, windows, carpet, hot water heater, light fixtures, carpet, paint! Lower level office area has a gorgeous built in cherry bookcase. Laundry room is clean and fresh with new laundry tub and flooring. The yard has mature trees and plenty of space for fun. Home pre-inspected and all work done. Convenient east side location. Just a short … (3 comments)

Downtown Geneva IL "Walk to Train" Homes - 09/14/11 10:59 PM
Even people who don't commute into Chicago every day enjoy living in the Geneva IL area that locals call "walk to train". In addition to the Metra train station, downtown Geneva has over 200 charming shops and restaurants.
Everyone loves Graham's for homemade chocolates and ice cream. One of our favorite new places is The Latest Crave, a darling bakery shop that makes the most delicious gourmet cupcakes.
The historic Geneva downtown area offers tree-lined streets with vintage homes, ranging from quaint bungalows to ornate Victorians. Within a one mile walk of downtown Geneva are a variety of neighborhoods.
Traditional … (2 comments)

Is Your Listing Everywhere on the Internet? - 09/13/11 09:36 AM
Is Your Listing Everywhere on the Internet?
There are more than 1 million REALTORS® in the US who will list your home with a claim of top-notch internet marketing. But just like the old promise of I’ll advertise it, the promise of on the internet needs to be investigated and understood, because on the internet doesn’t necessarily mean everywhere on the internet.
Buyers today search for homes on a variety of websites. (Click to see my listings on different sites)
National real estate websites like Realtor.com®, Zillow.com®, and Trulia.com®. Regional broker websites like Bairdwarner.com®, LongandFoster.com®, and Ebby.com® National brand websites used … (69 comments)

Eagle Brook Geneva IL Market Update September 12, 2011 - 09/12/11 10:46 PM
Eagle Brook Geneva IL Market Update September 12, 2011
Eagle Brook in Geneva IL offers over 500 custom single family homes set around the Eagle Brook Golf Course.
What’s Selling in Eagle Brook?
Like most areas in the western suburbs, the homes that sell usually have updated kitchens and bathrooms. Most buyers prefer that the basement is finished. Buyers look for homes that have been well-maintained and have newer roofs, mechanicals and outdoor features like paver patios and decks.
In 2010 there were 23 closed sales, ranging in price from $351,000 to $550,000 with an average closed price of $45200. … (2 comments)

Mill Creek Geneva, IL Market Update September 10, 2011 - 09/11/11 11:54 PM
Mill Creek Geneva, IL Market Update Mill Creek in Geneva IL is one of the most popular communities in the western suburbs of Chicago. Mill Creek encompasses over 650 acres and offers over 45% of open space, including over 125 acres of preserved wetlands and 195 acres of Geneva parks.  There are two Geneva elementary schools  and two community churches located in Mill Creek. Mill Creek Video.
Home prices in Mill Creek range from about $250,000 for maintenance-free row homes to over $1,000,000 for luxury golf course estates. Homes for Sale in Mill Creek.
If you are thinking of buying or … (0 comments)

Mill Creek in Geneva IL Homes for Sale - 09/11/11 11:54 PM
Mill Creek in Geneva IL, Homes for Sale Mill Creek in Geneva IL is one of the most popular communities in the western suburbs of Chicago. Mill Creek offers over 45% of open space including over 125 acres of preserved wetlands and 195 acres of Geneva parks. Home resale prices range from about $250,000 for maintenance-free row homes to over $1,000,000 for luxury golf course estates.
Mill Creek features two golf courses, a clubhouse, a community center with two pools, a small shopping center, and luxury rental apartments.
As of September 10, 2011 rhere have been 59 closed sales of single … (1 comments)

Tanglewood Hills Batavia, IL Market Update - 09/11/11 01:59 AM
Tanglewood Hills Batavia Market Update Tanglewood Hills is a subdivision of traditionally-styled custom homes set in the rolling hills on the southern edge of Batavia, IL. The subdivision covers over 300 acres of restored prairie with a pretty creek defining it’s eastern border. features over 40% open space with walking trails, two parks and a play lot. The highly regarded Grace McWayne Elementary School is located in the subdivision.
Tanglewood Swim and Tennis Club is a private facility that offers community members a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis and raquet ball courts.
Tanglewood Hills is  located just a few minutes from I-88 and … (1 comments)

301 Sandholm St, Geneva IL Open House Sunday 2-4 - 09/10/11 10:18 PM
301 Sandholm St, Geneva IL Open House Sunday 2-4 The seller of 301 Sandholm, Geneva IL has made this home perfect and move-in ready. The home has so many improvements and updates including a newer roof, windows, light fixtures and mechanicals. The home has brand new carpeting throughout and has been freshly painted. The home was professionally pre-inspected and the seller took care of everything!
Listed just two weeks ago, the price has just been dropped to $185,000. Quick close OK, not a short sale or foreclosure.
Located on the east side of Geneva. Travel time to Naperville, Downer’s Grove and … (2 comments)

Another Tanglewood Hills, Batavia Home Sold - 09/10/11 09:42 PM
Another Tanglewood Hills, Batavia Home Sold by Leslie Ebersole, Baird & Warner Real Estate.
Last week my client closed on this beautiful home at 2353 Kane Lane in Batavia, IL in the Tanglewood Hills subdivision. The 3900 sf home  has 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a 3 car garage. The buyer was very happy to close for $500,000, the lowest (non-distress) closed price in years!
Tanglewood Hills is a subdivision of  custom homes set in the rolling hills of Batavia, IL. The area features over 40% open space with walking trails, parks and play lots. Grace McWayne Elementary School, one of … (2 comments)

Kane County IL Property Tax Appeal - 09/10/11 10:44 AM
Do you wonder if your property in Kane County, IL is being taxed fairly compared to your neighbors’? Have you thought about appealing your property tax bill?
Here in Illinois we pay taxes "in arrears", which means that your tax bill is based on the assessed value set in the previous year. Your assessment  is based on the three previous years worth of values of comparable properties, so if you want to file an appeal in 2011 you will use comparable values from 2008, 2009, and 2010. 
The Assessor will consider an appeal if your situation is one of the following:
… (4 comments)

My Blog, My Business, Overgrown Asters and Stunted Fuschias - 09/05/11 02:05 PM
The blog police have been out recently, writing long and even argumentative posts about what other people should or shouldn't be writing or publishing in their posts. Last week there was a dust-up over whether market reports were suitably entertaining for AR readers.
Some bloggers feel duty-bound to make sure they are the one-and-only voice on certain subjects (SEO, inspections, staging). Today Barbara Tordaro has a post Are Your Listings Spam.... in which she refutes a post called OMG Stop Spamming Active Rain.
Each of us tends his or her own little plot of virtual land here on Active Rain. Within … (92 comments)

680 Avon Ct Elburn, IL Just Sold! - 09/02/11 12:31 PM
680 Avon Ct Elburn, IL Just Sold! Listed May 2, under contract May 9, closed September 1 for $270,000, this was a short sale that we successfully negotiated with Bank of America.
Listed by Elburn real estate agents Leslie Ebersole and Katie Hemming of Baird & Warner Real Estate.
… (6 comments)

B'Liz B'Rocks the B'Rain - 09/01/11 01:58 PM
I'll admit, I'm pretty hard to impress. No matter where you look in life, there are wildly successful people who have achievements that make me shake my head in wonder. Some of those people swim the English channel, others work three jobs and successfully raise great kids, and some climb the corporate ladder to achieve fame and fortune.
Amongst all these achievements, one type that I most admire is that when someone starts something new, takes some risks and sees success.
Today Bill and Liz Spear, fondly known as B'Liz, were awarded their 100th Featured Post on ActiveRain! That's a lot … (27 comments)