Naperville - Ann's Blog

Hurry, Hurry - Only two weeks left!

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:57:00 -0500

The $8,000 government issued tax credit is set to go away on November 30, 2009. What does that mean to you? Well if you're serious about taking advantage of it and you're contemplating using an FHA loan to do it, that means you better get cracking. To be realistic, you'd have to thave an offer placed on a traditional transaction (meaning NO short sales, foreclosures or REO's as they take considerably longer) by approximately September 13, 2009. That's two weeks from today! Procrastinating any later than that could be a risky proposition, as you have Thanksgiving falling into that time frame, and you're bound to see a surge of activity right at the deadline as folks move their closings to squeeze in under the wire. Attorneys and title companies most likely will be booked well in advance of the 11/30 deadline.

If you are looking for a traditional transaction that can close quickly in Naperville and it's move in ready - Consider this -

1116 Emerald - West Highlands, Naperville - Value Priced at $299,000!!!

This home is ideally located close to town, shopping and parks in highly sought after West Highlands of North Naperville. Located in award winning, nationally recognized School Dist. 203. In addition to great curb appeal, this lovely split offers a beautifully updated kitchen, boasting maple cabinets, SS appliances Corian countertops and a built in lighted china cabinet. Handsome hardwood floor grace most of this home and new frieze carpeting warms the Family Room along with a lovely fireplace. A concrete patio provides additional area for outdoor entertaining in the mature, private backyard that affords peaceful relaxation. Don't miss the opportunity to call this home AND take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit.

Can you feel it?

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 23:56:05 -0500

As this weekend draws to a close, I'm beginning to get the feeling that there's change in the air. Do you feel it? More activity. Double and triple offers. Yes, some on foreclosures, some on short sales, but yes, some on traditional transactions too!

In Chicago's western suburbs we're slowly depleting the existing inventory. Stagnant inventory is being overlooked. New inventory is slow coming to market as sellers are reluctant unless it's an absolute necessity that they move. It's not surprising then that homes priced correctly are selling quickly in double and triple offers. The multiple offers are a result of buyers being in the marketplace SO long, that they certainly realize a good value when they see one and jump all over it.

There is anxiety in the air. With less than 5 months left for 1st time homeowners to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit that our government is offering, that leaves a little less than four months to find a home and write a contract in order to close before the deadline. This in addition to relocation renters who are on the sidelines, trying to decide what to do and are prepared to jump in as soon as they feel the bottom has been reached has created the current climate.

If you're thinking of selling your home, but holding off, you may want to think again. This just could be one of the best times in a long while to put your home on the market. Just remember - Declutter, clean, stage & price and then clean some more!

Oh, and two words to those that are part of the stagnant inventory that is being overlooked. Evaluate your home and listen to feedback. Remove wallpaper! Clean up your landscape. Get rid of any odors! Any job that you've been putting off because it's too much work to do - a buyer will look at and think it's too much work multiplied by 5. If you're not willing to do the work, then think - price reduction.

Only 178 Days Left

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:24:15 -0500

Time is running out to take advantage of the 1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit. There are only 178 days left in which to purchase and close on a home in order to be eligible. Your opportunity to take advantage of the credit expires on December 1, 2009.

In order to be eligible you or your spouse must not have owned a principal (the home you actually live in) residence in the past three years prior to the date you close on a new home. So, what exactly does that mean you ask? Well, if you own a home, but have not been living in it, but renting it out and living elsewhere, you're still eligible. Check with your tax accountant or attorney to verify all information.

You must live in this new home a minimum of three years or you will have to pay back the credit when you sell the home.

You must file an income tax return in order to receive the credit. However, you can fill out an amended tax return to this year's taxes, and receive your credit this year.

The credit is a maximum of $8,000 or 10% of your purchase price. In and around Will, DuPage & Kane counties, it's pretty much $8,000 as it is extremely difficult to purchase something around here for less than $80,000.

Lenders are partnering with non-profits to offer monetized credits. Basically the lenders are providing bridge loans through private parties enabling borrowers to access the funds for down payment. When they receive the credit from the government they in turn pay back the loan.

Hurry, this won't last long - there may never be another opportunity like this one. Only 3.5% downpayment is required for FHA financing. As interest rates are poised to rise, this could be the absolute best and last time that housing is this affordable.

Call me for more information and assistance navigating the real estate marketplace.

10 Days in Australia NOT ENOUGH!

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:19:30 -0500

Back from Oz. We wonder why real estate is so expensive on the opposite side of the word? Well the view for one reason is absolutely spectacular from almost anywhere in Sydney. It's certainly hard not to fall in love. But you sure need to want to go there - 19 hours from Chicago. Brutal!

Sydney Harbor and Darling Harbor in Sydney, seperated by a penninsula called the "Rocks" are breathtaking. The Opera House was built using the sections of an orange as inspiration. The architect Jorn Utzon never actually saw the finished product due to being driven out of the country because of drastic cost over runs. Rather unfortunate, as it is a spectacular structure. In the foreground you see the Sydney Harbor Bridge, that many endeavor to climb on a regular basis, which takes approximately 3.5 hours to go from one side to the other (using tethers). Back behind the Opera house lies the GORGEOUS and lush botanical gardens, and across the harbor is the Zoo. Spectacular views from everywhere - tend to escalate the price of real estate.

Free Money - Really

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 21:53:08 -0500

For all the naysayers out there, take a listen to this utube video for all the details on the 1st time Home Buyers tax credit. Find out how you can benefit. YES, it IS FREE MONEY!

First Time Home Buyer's Tax Credit - Interview - Learn how you can get your $8,000.

If you still have questions, please feel free to give me a call and I'd be happy to explain any unanswered questions in further detail.

There truly is NO BETTER TIME TO BUY A HOME than NOW! With the lowest interest rates in history!!! Don't get caught sitting on the fence. It's time to jump in.

Geography Lesson

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:37:48 -0600

**The Geography Of A Woman

     ·         Between 18 and 22, a woman is like Africa
, half discovered, half wild, fertile and naturally
beautiful!

     ·         Between 23 and 30, a woman is like Europe
, well developed and open to trade, especially for someone
with cash.

     ·         Between 31 and 35, a woman is like Spain ,
very hot, relaxed and convinced of her own beauty.

     ·         Between 36 and 40, a woman is like Greece
, gently aging but still a warm and desirable place to
visit.

     ·         Between 41 and 50, a woman is like Great
Britain , with a glorious and all co nquering past.

     ·         Between 51 and 60, a woman is like Israel
, has been through war and doesn't make the same
mistakes twice, takes care of business.

     ·         Between 61 and 70, a woman is like Canada
, self-preserving but open to meeting new people.

     ·         After 70, she becomes Tibet , wildly
beautiful, with a mysterious past and the wisdom of the ages
... only those with an adventurous spirit and a thirst for
spiritual knowledge visit there.

     **The Geography Of A Man

     ·         Between 1 and 90, a man is like Iran ,
ruled by nuts....

Naperville Flooding

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 22:30:39 -0600

2008 goes down in the record books as the "Wettest Year" in the Chicago area since records have been kept.

Flood waters made some roads impassable during the most recent storm and thaw. All the more reason to work with a Realtor that knows the area and can assist you when making one of the most important decisions of your life.

New Windows

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:01:15 -0600

Last year I replaced all the windows in my house with that expensive double-pane energy efficient kind, and today, I got a call from the contractor who installed them. He was complaining that the work had been completed a whole year ago and I still hadn't paid for them.

Helllooooo? Just because I'm blonde doesn't mean that I am automatically stupid. So, I told him just what his fast talking sales guy had told me last year, that in ONE YEAR these windows would pay for themselves!

Helllooooo? It's been a year, I told him.

There was only silence at the other end of the line, so I finally just hung-up. He never called back. Guess I won that stupid argument.
I bet he felt like an idiot.

Someone e-mailed me this this morning, and I just couldn't resist, I had to share...hope you enjoyed it.

New Windows

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:51:20 -0600

Someone e-mailed me this this morning, and I just couldn't resist, I had to share...hope you enjoyed it.

Feeling Selfish

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:49:32 -0600

Here's a picture of one of the most beautiful trees displaying fall foilage, the glorious Ash Tree:) For that very reason I would like to urge everyone to be cognizant about the hazards of transporting firewood! The Emeral Ash Borer is easily transported in Ash logs. To prevent movement of these nasty green guys

PLEASE buy your firewood locally from a recognized vendor (not from someone going door to door selling off the back of a truck) Make sure to USE all the wood you have delivered so that no hidden adults or larvae survive through the spring. Burn baby burn and SAVE OUR TREES.

In Naperville there has already been one confirmed case of EAB in Southwest Naperville, in Ashwood Creek, Will County. If you suspect Emerald Ash Borer damage - call 630 420-6095

Inquiring minds want to know...

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 01:49:37 -0600

In these hard economic times some people suffer a little more than others. Below you'll find the market activity for the past three months for homes over 1M in Naperville School Dist 203. Yes, they are taking some time to move, there's no doubt about that, and some are much better bargains than others, but ultimately the economy doesn't seem to be affecting everyone.

All of the homes below that do not denote a subdivision, barring the home on Hobson Rd are in the vicinity of "town". I've also denoted the elementary and junior high schools. All homes below attend either Naperville North or Naperville Central, both offering outstanding educations! through the public school system.

Street	Subdivision	Grade Schl	Jr High	# Rms	BDs	BAs	Type	Orig List Price	List Price	Sold Price	MT
Parkside		PRAIRIE	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	12	4	4.1	2 Stories	$1,180,000	$1,180,000	$1,000,000	20
Sleight		ELLSWORTH	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	11	4	4.1	2 Stories	$1,275,000	$1,275,000	$1,150,000	461
Wellner	EAST HIGHLANDS	HIGHLANDS	KENNEDY JR HIGH	12	4	4.1	2 Stories	$1,300,000	$1,300,000	$1,230,000	134
Eagle		NAPER	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	12	4	4.1	2 Stories	$1,369,000	$1,369,000	$1,275,000	231
Fremont		NAPER	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	13	4	5	2 Stories	$1,535,000	$1,475,000	$1,375,000	392
Ewing		NAPER	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	10	4	4.1	2 Stories	$1,600,000	$1,500,000	$1,420,000	221
Millet	SAYBROOK	BEEBE	JEFFERSON JR HIGH SCHL	11	4	3.1	3 Stories	$1,445,000	$1,495,000	$1,450,000	140
Jefferson		NAPER	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	14	5	6	3 Stories	$1,650,000	$1,650,000	$1,500,000	411
Porter		PRAIRIE	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	13	5	5.1	3 Stories	$1,625,000	$1,625,000	$1,600,000	125
Hillside		PRAIRIE	WASHINGTON JR HIGH	14	4	5.1	2 Stories	$1,799,999	$1,799,999	$1,620,000	729
Thornwood	EAST HIGHLANDS	HIGHLANDS	KENNEDY JR HIGH	14	5	6.1	2 Stories	$1,850,000	$1,850,000	$1,850,000	1
Santa Maria	EAST HIGHLANDS	HIGHLANDS	KENNEDY JR HIGH	14	6	7.1	3 Stories	$2,295,000	$2,250,000	$2,000,000	116
Wright		BEEBE	JEFFERSON JR HIGH	11	4	3.2	3 Stories	$1,687,000	$1,890,000	$2,184,648	296
Hobson		RANCH VIEW	KENNEDY JR HIGH	21	5	5.4	2 Stories	$4,950,000	$4,950,000	$4,950,000	95

DuPage County RX Relief

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 18:22:30 -0500

A little help for my friends.

Many of you out there are experiencing hard times. Some of you may or may not be aware that DuPage County has a wonderful program in effect that offers residents some relief from the high cost of prescription drugs in the form of a discount, and a substantial one at that.

The program is called DuPage Rx. It helps residents save money on their prescription medications any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance. The free cards are distributed by the County and may be used at any participating retail pharmacy. It’s important to note that the discount card is not insurance.

All DuPage County residents, regardless of age, income or existing health coverage are eligible. There is no enrollment form, no membership fee and no restrictions or limits on frequency of use. Cardholders and their family members may use the card any time their prescriptions are not covered by insurance.

In these difficult times, when you may find yourself without insurance or your plan won’t cover a specific medication, you will at least receive a discount by using this card provided by the county. Participants of DuPage Rx will see an average savings of 20 percent on their prescription medicines, depending on the drug and quantity purchased. Cardholders are eligible for higher discounts on a three-month supply of some medications through mail service. Cardholders can also save on pet prescriptions at participating retail pharmacies.

DuPage Rx has no enrollment cost or membership fee. The cardholder pays the negotiated discount price or the pharmacy’s retail price, whichever is lower. The average savings is around 20 percent.

Where can I get a DuPage Rx card?

Aurora
• Aurora Public Library – Eola Road Branch

Glen Ellyn
• Glen Ellyn Public Library
• Teen Parent Connection

Lisle
• Lisle Library
• Lisle Township
• Village of Lisle

Naperville
• City of Naperville
• Community Career Center
• Edward Hospital
• Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry
• Naperville Public Libraries (5)
• Naperville Township
• Xilin Asian Community Center

West Chicago
• Access West Chicago Family Health Center
• City of West Chicago
• West Chicago Mental Health Center
• West Chicago Public Library
• Wayne Township
• Winfield Township

Wheaton
• City of Wheaton
• DuPage Community Clinic
• DuPage County Animal Control
• DuPage County Community Services/Human Services
• DuPage County Convalescent Center
• DuPage County Family Center
• DuPage County Health Department
• DuPage County Housing Authority
• DuPage P.A.D.S., Inc.
• Health Department Transitional Services Center
• Jack T. Knuepfer Building (multiple)
• Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital and Clinics
• Metropolitan Family Services
• Milton Township
• Peoples’ Resource Center
• Sheriffs Department/Jail
• Veteran’s Assistance Commission
• West Public Health Center
• Wheaton Youth Outreach
• World Relief

Winfield
• Village of Winfield
• Winfield Public Library
• Winfield Township

Woodridge
• Village of Woodridge
• Woodridge Community Pantry
• Woodridge Public Library

Where can I use DuPage Rx card?

Aurora
• CVS Pharmacy (3)
• Dominick’s Pharmacy
• Kingsway Pharmacy
• Meijer Pharmacy
• Osco Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s Pharmacy (2)

Lisle
• Osco Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s Pharmacy (2)

Glen Ellyn
• Dominick’s Pharmacy
• Glen Ellyn Pharmacy
• Osco Pharmacy
• Schmid Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s Pharmacy (2)

Naperville
• Cub Pharmacy
• CVS Pharmacy
• Dominick’s Pharmacy (2)
• Healy’s Edward Campus Pharmacy
• K-Mart Pharmacy
• Medshop Pharmacy LLC
• Naperville Pharmacy
• Osco Drug (3)
• Oswald’s Pharmacy
• Sam’s Club Pharmacy
• Target Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s (7)

Warrenville
• Family Drug, Inc.
• Target Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s Pharmacy

Wheaton
• Cub Pharmacy
• CVS Pharmacy (2)
• Denson’s Pharmaceutical Center
• Dominick’s Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s Pharmacy
• G & G Pharmacy
• Osco Pharmacy (2)
• Target Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s Pharmacy

Winfield
• CVS Pharmacy
• Walgreen’s Pharmacy (2)

Woodridge
• Dominick’s Pharmacy
• CVS Pharmacy
• Neighborcare Hickory Hills Pharmacy
• Osco Pharmacy
• Sam’s Club Pharmacy
• Target Pharmacy
• Woodridge Pharmacy, Inc.

I have provided this information as a service for the area I serve and is deemed correct, however DuPage County is a very larger area. For information on other towns or more information about the program please go to the DuPage County website

Hope this helps…Please remember to tell anyone you know who may benefit from this program.

One of my readers had this to add

There is another card available from a Wheaton-based company, Elations Health, that offers deeper discounts at more pharmacies throughout DuPage County. Their free card is available over the web at www.EasyDrugCard.com. Users can download a free personalized card instantly and use it immediately.

Like the County Card - everyone is eligible, there are no sign up or enrollment fees, no claim forms, and no limits. The card is accepted at all major pharmacy chains including Walgreens, CVS, Dominicks, Osco, Rite-Aid and more. The card is NOT insurance but offers deep discounts on brand and generic medication at retail pharmacies throughout the Chicagoland area.

The company's website (EasyDrugCard.com) offers a pharmacy locator & drug pricing tool so you can check the price before you shop. Pre-printed cards are also available to groups.

Thank you Christopher Peterson.

Naperville Metra Station - parking

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:20:29 -0500

Here's your heads up...

On October 25th & 26th, weather permitting, the City of Naperville will conduct routine maintenance at both the downtown Naperville Metra Station and the Route 59 Metra Station parking lots.

They are requesting that you park either in the Kroehler lot on 5th Ave or in the Parkview Lot on the south side of the tracks. Look for the posted signs.

Naperville Public Library #1 Again

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 23:26:25 -0500

Naperville Public Library for the 9th time in 8 years gets ranked #1 in the nation in the population category of 100,000-250,000 - for efficiency and busyness by the American Library Association.

"Naturally, we are very proud of this honor. But we're also pleased that the people of Naperville utilized our services so extensively. This is a major reason for our ranking -- people come in, check out materials and use our services on the Internet!" said Susan Greenwood, Public Relations for the Naperville Library.

The Naperville Library is comprised of three buildings to service the people of Naperville. The Nichols Library which was originally dedicated in 1898 and located in the heart of downtown Naperville on Washington St, is now located a few blocks west at 200 W Jefferson. Naper Blvd Library was the second location erected as a satellite to service the ever growing population is located at 2035 S Naper Blvd. Finally, the most recent addition the 95th St Library was added what seems like yesterday, in 2003. This building is located at 3015 Cedar Glade Drive and services the SW quadrant of Naperville. In addition to the three buildings the library conducts business through it's website naperville-lib.org which had over 1.3 million clicks over a year.

Just one more reason to LOVE Naperville

West Highlands - Market Activity

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:23:54 -0500

West Highlands - Market Activity from 10/07/07 - 10/07/08

Active Listings

Detached Single

Bedrooms	# Active	Avg. LP	Avg. MT
All	33	$752,261	251

3	8	$331,388	161

4	17	$852,947	242

5 or More	8	$959,175	361

Land

Bedrooms	# Active	Avg. LP	Avg. MT
3	2	$409,450	108

Off-Market Listings

Detached Single

Bedrooms	# Sold	% Sold	Avg LP (Sold)	Avg SP	SP:LP Ratio	Avg MT (Sold)	Avg LP (Unsold)	% Expd
All	14	41%	$420,078	$396,143	94%	75	$661,610	59%

3	11	52%	$318,836	$302,182	95%	72	$323,880	48%

4	3	33%	$791,300	$740,667	94%	86	$879,917	67%

5 or More	0	0%					$1,178,475	100%

Land

Bedrooms	# Sold	% Sold	Avg LP (Sold)	Avg SP	SP:LP Ratio	Avg MT (Sold)	Avg LP (Unsold)	% Expd
3	0	0%					$290,000	100%

Huntington Estates - Market Activity

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:16:59 -0500

Huntington Estates - Market Activity from 10/07/07 - 10/08/08

Active Listings

Detached Single

Bedrooms	# Active	Avg. LP	Avg. MT
All	7	$482,071	128

3	1	$499,900	161

4	6	$479,100	123

Attached Single

Bedrooms	# Active	Avg. LP	Avg. MT
2 or Less	1	$153,900	48

Off-Market Listings

Detached Single

Bedrooms	# Sold	% Sold	Avg LP (Sold)	Avg SP	SP:LP Ratio	Avg MT (Sold)	Avg LP (Unsold)	% Expd
All	7	54%	$516,129	$484,554	94%	57	$487,633	46%

3	0	0%					$572,000	100%

4	7	58%	$516,129	$484,554	94%	57	$470,760	42%

Curious about Market Stats for your neighborhood?

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:01:43 -0500

I know it's a crazy market out there. The media hype has homeowners running scared. We are rather fortunate here in Chicagoland's Western Suburbs, as we have not taken nearly the hit that our neighbors to the north (read Michigan) south (read Florida) and southwest (read California) have. Relatively speaking, we've fared quite well. On average we used to see homes sell for 2-3% off list, where as now, we're seeing somewhere between 4-6% unless it's a real shiny penny. However REAL ESTATE IS LOCAL and every neighborhood is different. If you're curious to know what's been happening in your neighborhood, simply e-mail me with your neighborhood name and I'll be happy to post a report on your neighborhood too.

Kings Terrace - Market Stats for past 12 mos

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:45:01 -0500

Kings Terrace from 10/6/07 to 10/6/08

Active Listings

Detached Single

Bedrooms	# Active	Avg. LP	Avg. MT
4	2	$374,900	263

Off-Market Listings

Detached Single

Bedrooms	# Sold	% Sold	Avg LP (Sold)	Avg SP	SP:LP Ratio	Avg MT (Sold)	Avg LP (Unsold)	% Expd
All	7	88%	$391,571	$376,786	96%	152	$299,900	12%

3	1	50%	$299,900	$290,000	97%	544	$299,900	50%

4	6	100%	$406,850	$391,250	96%	87		0%

Rock Ridge market stats for last 12 months

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 21:23:50 -0500

ROCK RIDGE - 10/5/07 thru 10/5/08

Sold Properties

Sold Price Range	# Listings	Avg. Days on Mkt
$450,000 - $499,999	1	299

$600,000 - $699,999	1	25

$700,000 - $799,999	3	42

Sold Properties Summary

# Units	Avg. MT	Median Sold Price	Avg. Sold Price	Max. Sold Price	Min. Sold Price	Total Volume
5	90	$700,000	$672,500	$750,000	$490,000	$3,362,500

Naperville's 3rd Park-n-Ride

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:22:44 -0500

It's finally here! Beginning October 6th, 2008, the long awaited and forever fabled 95th Street Park-n-Ride will become REALITY. It is actaully located at 91st St & Wolfs Crossing Road, the Park-n-Ride will provide commuters in Naperville, Aurora, Oswego & Plainfield with a great option for getting to and from the Route 59 Metra Station. The station actually resides in Will County.

In addition to more than 200 parking spaces, there will also be a loading/drop off area for Kiss-n-Ride commuters, bicycle parking & a bus shelter. Yeah!

The long awaited Park-n-Ride makes it three for Naperville. Hopefully it's debut will help to ease traffic congestion on Rte 59 during the morning and evening rush. This lot will be serviced by Pace Route 672 which plans to add additional morning and evening trips.

5th Avenue Study - What We Know & What We Don't

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 11:23:27 -0500

Quite a large crowd turned up curious to learn what the future held for the 5th Avenue "Neighborhood". Many were disappointed with the lack of information provided at this meeting. However, city planner Rory Fancler made it very clear that this was an information gathering meeting. The purpose and intent of the evening's meeting was to receive input from the public in order to be able to craft a plan.

Topics of discussion were Transposrtation/Parking which unfortunatley due to a previous engagement I missed. Land Use and the Washington Streetscape. Initially the study is for land use, and zoning will follow at a later date. They addressed the Washington streetscape as it is now the more of a gateway to our town, particularly with the Naperville Blvd exit off I-88 being re-routed to Warrenville Rd, it's an easy left to access Washington and head south to town. Although there is not much to work with in terms of space they plan to weigh different options to beautify and make safe this section of Washington.

Currently we do know that the Department of Public Works (DPW) will be vacating their present location at 5th Ave & Loomis this fall and relocating to Fort Hill Drive and Jefferson Ave (NE corner). The disposition of that land is still to be determined.

We learned a proposal has been formally submitted to the City of Naperville for condominiums on Ellsworth. We "heard" that there has been "talk" with Omnia regarding the theatre, but presently nothing formal has been proposed. The break out sessions proved more interesting than the meeting. Some residents expressed concern about being approached by developers to purchase their block for a hotel even.

Obviously any land use would have to be voted on and approved by the Council and thus the people. My advice to you is if you have any stake at all in property in and around the vicinity of 5th Ave, you should be in attendance at these meeting to make your voice heard. The next meeting will be held October 29,2008 in City Council Chambers at 7pm.

Stay Tuned

Checked Snopes - THIS IS TRUE

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:41:11 -0500

If you get an e-mail with "Nude Photos of Sarah Palin" in the subject line, do not open it. It might contain a computer virus.

If you get an e-mail with "Nude Photos of Hillary Clinton", do not open it. It might contain nude photos of Hillary Clinton.

Gotta love it

Naperville Economy

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:31:17 -0500

Many of you are asking "How is Naperville faring during all this economic turmoil?" Apparently MSNBC was asking the same question. The market is down, there is no question about that, but a well priced home in good condition still sells quickly. People are tired of the old inventory. If you're considering placing your home on the market, don't be afraid. Prep your home first! Turn it into a shiny penny and you will be pleasantly surprised. Ask your Realtor to show you online homes that have sold in less than 30 days and then make your home LOOK like those. Then ask them to show you homes that have sat on the market for over a year, and make sure your home doesn't look like those. In addition to how it looks, it needs to be priced right...but they DO sell. Good Luck

Five tips for a woman.....

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 22:24:22 -0500

1. It is important that a man makes you laugh.

2. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.

3. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.

4. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to you.

5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.

The Greatest Grandma

Naperville Real Estate - Ann deVane - GRI, CNC, ePRO (john greene, Realtor) — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 22:19:46 -0500

Someone passed this along to me as a consolation for having lost my 102 yr old grandmother last week. When someone lives to be that old, you celebrate their life, not mourn their death. This made me laugh, and in her honor, I thought I'd share it with you all. I hope it makes you laugh also. She was a pistol!

She is eighty-eight years old and still drives her own car. She writes:

Dear Grand-daughter,

The other day I went up to our local Christian book store and saw a Honk
if you love Jesus bumper sticker.

I was feeling particularly sassy that day because I had just come from a
thrilling choir performance, followed by a thunderous prayer meeting.
So, I bought the sticker and put it on my bumper. Boy, am I glad I did,
what an uplifting experience that followed. I was stopped at a red light at
a busy intersection, just lost in thought about the Lord and how good he is,
and I didn't notice that the light had changed.

It is a good thing someone else loves Jesus because if he hadn't honked,
I'd never have noticed.

I found that lots of people love Jesus! While I was sitting there, the
guy behind started honking like crazy, and then he leaned out of his window
and screamed, ' For the love of God! ' ' Go! Go! Go! Jesus Christ, GO !'
What an exuberant cheerleader he was for Jesus!

Everyone started honking! I just leaned out my window and started waving
and smiling at all those loving people. I even honked my horn a few times to
share in the love!

There must have been a man from Florida back there because I heard him
yelling something about a sunny beach.

I saw another guy waving in a funny way with only his middle finger stuck
up in the air. I asked my young teenage grandson in the back seat what that
meant. He said it was probably a Hawaiian good luck sign or something.
Well, I have never met anyone from Hawaii , so I leaned out the window and
gave him the good luck sign right back. My grandson burst out laughing. Why
even he was enjoying this religious experience!!
A couple of the people were so caught up in the joy of the moment that
they got out of their cars and started walking towards me. I bet they
wanted to pray or ask what church I attended, but this is when I noticed the
light had changed.

So, I waved at all my brothers and sisters grinning, and drove on through
the intersection. I noticed that I was the only car that got through the
intersection before the light changed again and felt kind of sad that I had
to leave them after all the love we had shared. So I slowed the car down,
leaned out the window and gave them all the Hawaiian good luck sign one last
time as I drove away.

Praise the Lord for such wonderful folks!! Will write again soon,

Love,
Grandma