Why Do Buyers Give Up? - 10/30/11 01:28 AM
Why Do Buyers Give Up? A recent article published by the National Association of Realtors titled Abandoning the Home Sale shows that ability to get financing continues to be the primary  reason that buyers do not move forward with home purchases. Over 60% of the buyers represented by the agents surveyed  did not have sufficient funds for a down-payment and 40% did not qualify for a loan that did not come with a government guarantee, such as an FHA loan with a low down-payment.
In my experience selling homes in the western suburbs of Chicago, I speak with many buyers who would like … (53 comments)

Batavia IL Halloween Trick or Treat 2011 - 10/23/11 09:33 PM
Batavia IL, Halloween Trick or Treat 2011 will be from 4:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, October 31. Our little pirates, princesses and ghosts will be out trying to gather as many treats as they can, so drivers, please be extra careful. 


Adults, please make sure that little ones are supervised and carry a flashlight or glow stick. Have a Spooktacular time trick or treating in the Windmill City, Batavia, IL.
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St. Charles IL Halloween Trick or Treat 2011 - 10/23/11 08:55 PM
In St. Charles IL, Halloween Trick or Treat 2011 will be held on Monday October 31 from 3:00 to 7:00 pm. Our little ghosts, goblins, pirates and princesses will head out to collect as many treats as they possibly carry.
Please make sure that little ones are supervised and carry a flashlight or glow stick. If you are handing out treats, please make sure they are individually wrapped and appropriate for all ages. Have a Spooktacular time trick or treating in St. Charles, IL.
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Geneva IL Halloween Trick or Treat 2011 - 10/23/11 08:24 PM
Geneva, IL, Halloween Trick or Treat 2011 will be from 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Monday, October 31.
In downtown Geneva many of the historic homes are fabulously decorated with spooky displays of ghosts, goblins and witches.
The Geneva Police recommend that trick-or-treaters should have adult supervision and should be careful when crossing steets. 
For more Halloween fun, on Thursday, October 27 many of the downtown Geneva stores will give out treats from 2:00 to 5:00. Graham's 318 and Graham's Chocolates are also offering a free photo shoot when you make a purchase during this time. 

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Buying a Home in St Charles, IL? Plan and Prioritize, Then Shop - 10/16/11 11:46 PM

If you are thinking of buying a home in St Charles, IL, you can — and should — spend a lot of time looking at houses. But you need to be looking at the right things during showings so you don’t waste your time.  Here’s what I advise my St Charles home buyers to do and think about:
Do not rush: Your schedule must allow time to evaluate each home carefully. Each showing is a chance to learn a little more about how houses are built, how they compare on price, and how different properties might suit your lifestyle.
Pick houses that meet your criteria: A … (1 comments)

Wayne IL Homes for Sale: New Listings October 15, 2011 - 10/16/11 11:05 PM
Wayne IL Homes for Sale: New Listings October 15, 2011 Wayne, IL is a lovely community that straddles the DuPage-Kane border in the western suburbs of Chicago. Located just east of St. Charles, the Village ofWayne, IL has a population of about 4,000 residents. Locals will sometimes laughingly refer to Wayne as “Waaaaaayyynnnne” in nod to the equestrian heritage and the many property owners who “keep their horses at home”.
Wayne, IL offers a wide range of properties that appeal to buyers looking for a more relaxed lifestyle that is still just minutes from shopping, dining, and expressways. In the Village, homes are available from $200,000 to … (2 comments)

Geneva IL “Walk to Train” Homes for Sale - 10/16/11 10:58 PM
Even people who don’t commute into Chicago every day like 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 homes on larger properties surround the Geneva Golf … (3 comments)

4371 Canterbury Court, St. Charles, IL Under Contract - 10/16/11 10:51 PM
Under contract! 4371 Canterbury Court, ST. CHARLES, IL 60174 (MLS # 07913914) (all data current as of 10/15/2011)    Beautiful, sophisticated townhouse in prestigious Royal Fox. The home is neutralized, freshly painted and move-in ready. This largest end unit at the lowest possible price! You will love the open floor plan and like-new upgrades including hardwood floors, cherry cabinets, granite counter tops and gourmet stainless appliances. Light and bright, maintenance free living, close to everything!               … (1 comments)

Staging Your Home for Sale in St Charles, IL - 10/15/11 12:41 AM
Staging to Sell in St Charles, IL If you’re thinking of selling your home in St Charles, IL, you probably have thought about  – or at least heard about — staging your home.  In my listings in St Charles, IL, I work with the homeowner on curb appeal, de-personalizing, and de-cluttering the home.  I also bring in  a professional stager to make sure that the home will show it’s very best in the photos and for showings. Staging helps a buyer to see your home at it’s very best.
Here in St Charles, IL many home owners — and future home sellers — have more traditional taste … (1 comments)

Baird&Warner Will Make a Difference in St Charles in 2011 - 10/10/11 01:06 PM
National Make a Difference Day is October 22 this year, when millions of volunteers will donate their time to make a difference in their communities. As the economy continues to struggle, more families need help to feed and clothe their children. Baird & Warner will collect coats and warm winter clothing through out the month at their 22 offices and at Open Houses throughout the month. Here's our office locations if you would like to donate, or give me a call at (630)945-7935 and I'll arrange to have your donation picked up.
In 2006, Baird & Warner received the “National Make … (4 comments)

Geneva IL 2011 Leaf Collection - 10/10/11 01:05 PM
Geneva IL 2011 Leaf Collection On your mark, get set, RAKE! All our beautiful trees in Geneva IL are beginning to drop their leaves so when you’re done raking them,  Geneva, IL has a leaf collection system to get them off your property. In 2011 you can use curbside vacuum  in October and November or leaf bag collection in December.
Curbside Vacuum Program in October and November, 2011 : Rake leaves to the parkway (not into the street!) by 7:00 am prior to the scheduled pickup date. Each zone requires approximately three full days to complete.
ZONE A: EAST SIDE OF THE … (3 comments)

St Charles IL Leaf Pick Up Schedule Fall 2011 - 10/10/11 11:35 AM
After enjoying the beautiful fall days of bright blue skies and warm sunny weather, eventually you'll need to rake up the leaves that are piling up in the yard. The City of St. Charles picks up leaves starting in the last week of October and  through the end of November.
Don't pile leaves in the street, as this can create a hazard for traffic or block storm water drains. Leaves should be 1 foot back from the curb, and pushing leaves into the street can get you a $500 fine. Leaves must be on the parkway by 6:30 a.m. on your … (1 comments)