Sherry Spengel - Wheaton Illinois

Buyers Ask Some Common Credit Questions

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 10:32:45 -0600

In today’s real estate market, the mortgage rules seem to be in constant flux. Here are some common credit questions that will help you make sure you are positioned well to get that home loan (or any other loan for that matter).

Will ordering my credit report negatively affect my credit score?
No, it will not have a negative impact on your score. The most important factor to your credit score is your credit history. Do you pay your bills on time? Are you maxed out on all your credit cards? Do you have a long credit history?

I just found an error on my report, can that be changed?
Yes, it can. You can try to write the company yourself with proof of the error. You can request your mortgage broker to write a letter on your behalf. The Department of Housing and Urban Development also has credit counselors available to answer your questions. www.hud.gov/counseling.

Where can I see my credit report?
Every year you can get a free credit report from the three major credit bureaus. They are Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. According to the FTC website, www.annualcreditreport.com is the only authorized online source for a free credit report under federal law.

I have a blemish on my credit report; can I get it removed fast?
Unfortunately, no. Time is the only thing that will remove bad credit from your report. The FTC requires the bureaus to keep your credit information current for the last 7 years. After 7 years the bad credit blemish will “fall off” your report (10 years for a bankruptcy).

How to I get a better credit score?
Well, it’s easier said than done these days. You can reduce your debt and pay your bills on time. When a lender looks at your debt to income ratio, they like to see it below 36%.

I Was Quoted in the Local Newspaper!

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:53:33 -0600

I know it’s a self centered headline, but that doesn’t happen very often, so what the heck.

After I published a blog post on Glen Ellyn and Wheaton 2008 sales, market times and total number of homes sold, Brian Hudson, reporter for the Glen Ellyn News and Wheaton Leader called me about my statistics. We had a wonderful talk and he asked if I would mind being quoted in his article. Well, no; please go ahead and quote me!

He later called me back and asked if I would be willing to find a buyer and do a photo shoot for the article. I called Kathy Quaid, another fabulous agent in my office. I told her I have a house if she could bring the buyer. We met the photographer at 120 Tennyson, Wheaton. Kathy did an amazing job showing her client all the features of this wonderful home.

Not only does the article cover home sales in Wheaton and Glen Ellyn, but talks about the decrease of tax revenues and an interview with Kathy Doremus of the DuPage Homeownership Center, a nonprofit affordable housing agency.

Don’t get too down about the headline. I just ran numbers for Wheaton townhouses and the prices actually went up in 2008. There is hope!

7 Ways to Increase Your Sale Price

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:44:47 -0600

There are some quick, easy and inexpensive ways to make your home more attractive to potential buyers. Most of these ideas take more time than money.

Clean goes a long, long way, even in an outdated home. Buyers like to know that a home has been loved and well maintained. I once had a seller who keep her files in the dishwasher. According to her, the dishwasher just didn’t get the dishes clean enough. I’m not saying you need to go that far, but scrub every corner of your home, it will pay off.

Furniture placement – rearranging furniture can give your rooms the energy and space they need. Remove any extra furniture, tables, knick-knacks and books. Make sure there is enough space to walk around the whole room.

Paint – this has to be one of the most inexpensive ways to freshen up a room. Feel free to do the work yourself, but if you need help picking paint colors, definitely pay a professional for their advice. The wrong paint color and a lot of wallpaper can turn off buyers.

Clutter – admit it, we all have it. You can organize it and put it in pretty containers, or better yet, pack it up and move it to a storage unit or neatly stack it in the garage. Your goal is to move, get a head start and pack it away now.

Green it up – add some green household plants for warmth and texture. Set some fresh cut flowers on the dinning room table or in the bathroom. Just make sure to keep them watered and looking good. And never use artificial plants.

Update – updating doesn’t mean spending a ton of money. You can replace switch plates, cabinet handles, light bulbs, sinks, door knobs, bath towels, welcome mats and toilet seats. None of those things will break the bank, and they will go a long way to freshen up your home.

Lighting – make sure you have enough lights in the home. Even during the day, turn on lights for a showing.

First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 13:31:43 -0600

Our government is making an effort to entice first time homebuyers to purchase houses. On July 20, 2008, then President Bush signed into law, as part of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, a $7,500 tax credit for first time homebuyers. This tax credit is available from April 9, 2008 to July 1, 2009.

Here are some details you need to know:

The tax credit if for 10% of the cost of the home, not to exceed $7,500.
The tax credit must be paid back over a 15 year period. It is however, an interest-free loan.
The property purchased must be used as a primary residence.
A single borrower must have an adjusted gross income of $75,000 or less. That goes up to $150,000 if you file a joint return.
You must be a first time homebuyer.

If you choose to sell your home before the 15 years are up, you owe the IRS. Say you still owe $3000 and you make a $20,000 profit from your home when you sell. You would pay the IRS that $3000 at closing and walk away with $17,000.

Stay tuned, you never know when our government will change the rules and hopefully make this a gift, instead of a interest-free loan!

Glimmer of Hope – Home Sales Up Nationally

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:22:37 -0600

Both the Wall Street Journal and Bloomberg.com are reporting today that homes sales in December had their biggest monthly increase in nearly seven years. Homes sales were up 6.5% nationally in December 2008.

Most likely this is due to buyers taking advantage of home price cuts and homes in foreclosure.

Average Price Increase in Wheaton Townhomes!

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:59:51 -0600

Some great news for Wheaton real estate. 2008 condo and townhome average prices have gone up 11% since 2007! That is wonderful news considering the current real estate market and financial credit situation.

The market times have gone up considerably and the number of homes sold have been more than cut in half from the height of the market in 2005. However, these numbers are more consistent with single family homes in Wheaton.

How to be on the Market for Months and Months

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 16:56:57 -0600

There are some basic rules to selling your home: The first, and most important, is price it right the first time. This is followed closely by allow people inside to see the property. I know, the second seems a little obvious, but it is just as important as rule number one.

I just received this email from a selling agent.

“Did your client’s ever end up buying? My listing is still available, they are having a showing tomorrow at 11:00, I try to condense or combine showings because the seller has two babies, let me know if there is still any interest.”

Well, I tried to preview that property for my client back in early December. They were not allowing previews to agents because it disrupts the family. My clients did not have a lot of time to see properties, so I was previewing everything before bringing them inside. We ended up seeing 12 properties that weekend, one of which we bid on (closing this week – horary!). The house that wouldn’t let me inside and wouldn’t work around my client’s viewing schedule lost out on a very qualified buyer.

In any market, and especially in this one, it is imperative to allow people inside your home to see it. You can not sell a property with 25 photos or a virtual tour – no matter how good they are. Buyers want to walk around, look in closets, and see the view from the kitchen window. Once buyers have moved on, they rarely look back.

I am very understanding of schedules, dinners, nap times and Sunday morning family time. However, the buyer must be allowed to see the merchandise. And, they must be allowed to see it when THEY want to see it (within reason of course). No seller should turn away showings, EVER.

2008 Year End Numbers - Wheaton, Illinois

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:24:52 -0600

I thought it would be more beneficial to look at 2008 Wheaton Real Estate numbers in context with those same numbers from past years. I have gone back to 2005. This should give us a good idea of where we have been.

This first graph is of average sale price. The average sale price of Wheaton homes went up in 2006, had a plateau in 2007 and then dropped to just below 2005 sales prices. Now these are just averages. There are neighborhoods around town where the numbers are even lower, more in line with 2003 prices. It just depends on where you live.

The next two graphs are pretty self explanatory. The days on the market have gone up considerably from 2005 and the next graph shows the number of homes actually sold have gone down each year.

2008 Year End Numbers – Glen Ellyn, Illinois

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 14:19:53 -0600

I thought it would be more beneficial to look at 2008 Glen Ellyn Real Estate numbers in context with those same numbers from past years. I have gone back to 2005. This should give us a good idea of where we have been.

This first graph is of average sale price. The average sale price of Glen Ellyn homes had a plateau in 2005 and 2006. It went up considerably in 2007 and then dropped to below 2005 sales prices. Now these are just averages. These are just Glen Ellyn real estate averages; let me know if you need a more detailed breakdown for your neighborhood.

The next two graphs are Days on the Market and Number of Homes Sold. The days on the market have gone up considerably from 2005 and the next graph shows the number of homes actually sold have gone down each year.

I Didn’t Get the Job

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 17:14:09 -0600

I went on a listing presentation this week and I didn’t get the job. I am a competitive person and I don’t really like to loose out to another agent. However, character and integrity are all I really have. I will not lie to people. I will not tell them what they want to hear just so they like me and I get their business. It is a tough market out there and we all need to be realistic on pricing.

Going in, I knew that they paid more for the home than it is currently worth. I presented 3 comparable properties; all were of similar size, age, construction and location. They all closed within the last 6 months. The comparable homes sold for $480,000, $495,000 and $545,000. The one that sold for $480,000 was the closest in terms of condition and updates. The home that sold for $495,000 had an updated kitchen and updated appliances. The larger home for $545,000 had a top of the line gourmet kitchen and updated baths. I told the sellers that they needed to price their home closer to the first two, maybe starting out at $499,900 or $509,000. If they want to sell in a reasonable amount of time, they need to get the pricing right the first time, or they will linger on the market. There is about 14 months of inventory on the market in their price range.

The next day I received and email from the seller asking: “Do you have any other comps that you considered in addition to the 3 presented?”

This was my reply: “I could pull other listings and make the numbers say anything you would like, numbers are easily manipulated. However, a higher listing price will limit the number of showings and prolong the listing time. Even if we do get a buyer to write a contract, the banks will use these three sales to determine the assessed value. If that number is less than what the buyer said they will pay, there is a good chance the buyer won't get the mortgage anyway.”

Well, the other agent they called in pulled three “comparable” properties and somehow came up with a list price of $650,000. Wow, that means one of us is off by more $150,000. That is a lot of money. Needless to say, they went with the agent who told them their house was worth way more than it actually is.

Am I upset I didn’t get the listing? No. I can’t sell a house that in my opinion is listed so far above what other homes in the neighborhood have sold for. I wish these sellers and their agent all the best. Who knows, maybe I will get to be their second agent.

Glencoe Crossing Neighborhood Map

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 14:09:40 -0500

Gotta love a map that shows how close a neighborhood really is to town. Glencoe Crossing is a neighborhood in the middle of two towns. It has a Wheaton, Illinois address, taxes, library and water. It is also only 1.4 miles to the Glen Ellyn Train station. The children attend Glen Ellyn District 41 and 87 schools and are members of the Glen Ellyn Park District. It is the best of both worlds.

Click on the map for a large image.

0N116 Windermere, Winfield - Highlake Subdivision

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:50:43 -0500

Highlake 1st Floor Ranch Condo

Location: Highlake

This ranch condo has a laundry in the unit, attached garage & ample storage. This is a great opportunity to own a 1st floor unit instead of renting. The kitchen features a breakfast bar and large pantry. The double doors in the dining room lead to a private patio with beautiful perennial gardens. The master bedroom features a walk in closet with organizers.

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Sherry & Kevin Spengel

630.408.1313

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Pricing

Asking Price: $175,000

Flexibility: Negotiable

Property Location

0N116 Windermere
Winfield, IL 60190
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Features

Bedrooms: 2

Bathrooms: 1

Parking: 1

Year Built: 1984

Subdivision: Highlake

Located on Floor #: 1

Floors in Bldg: 2

School District: District 34

Square Footage: 1000

Agent Name: Sherry Spengel

Broker: Prudential Spengel

MLS #: 07003833

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Washer/Dryer

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

Interior Amenities

Fireplace

Kitchen Island

Building Amenities

Patio

Guest Parking

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1866394

Complete Gut Rehab | 3S281 Osage Drive, Glen Ellyn

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 10:49:13 -0500

Amazing Gut Rehab!

Location: Valley View

This completely rehabbed ranch is located in the tree-lined Valley View neighborhood. The remodeled home boasts a new kitchen with Napoleon Giallo Granite, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, custom maple cabinets, new lighting and inset refrigerator.

No detail was over looked by the owner. Marble tiles adorn the remodeled bath floor, you will be surrounded by fabulous marble tiles in the shower and a fine furniture grade vanity. All kitchen appliances and mechanicals are brand new: the roof, furnace, AC, hot water heater, electrical, plumbing, garage door, windows, & doors. There is nothing to do but move in and enjoy your home in this established subdivision.

Owner says bring us an offer!

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Contact Information

Sherry & Kevin Spengel

630.408.1313

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Pricing

Asking Price: $299,900.00

Property Location

3S481 Osage Drive
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
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Features

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 1

Parking: 2.5 car attached

Year Built: 1961

Subdivision: Valley View

Lot Size: 80x150

Garage Size: 2.5 car car

School District: Glen Ellyn District 89

Agent Name: Sherry Spengel

Broker: Prudential Spengel Realty

MLS #: 06983755

Attributes

Appliances

Range/Oven

Full Refrigerator

Dishwasher

Sink Disposal

Microwave

All new Stainless Steel Appliances

Interior Amenities

Hardwood Floors

New Furnace, AC, Electrical, Plumbing

Exterior Amenities

Patio

Grass Lawn

New Roof (2007) doors and Windows

Photo Gallery

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

VFLYER ID: 1797353

How far will you go…

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sun, 03 Aug 2008 22:22:01 -0500

in order to sell your home? I emphasize to my sellers that ALL showings are important, especially in this market where there is so much to look at. Sellers need to understand last minute showings are the norm and agents might be a little late for their 1 hour showing time slot. People are people; when a buyer wants to see a property, we, as agents, tend to jump. We hope the sellers would also. We also don’t want to rush a client who is looking intently at one house, so we can get to the next one on time. We like to give each house a thoughtful look. Some buyers are faster at this than others.

However, I do draw the line at some requests. I had an agent call me at 7:30pm on a Saturday night asking to preview a property at 8:30pm that same night for a client coming to town late next week. I called the homeowners who ended up not being home. I made the call not to let the agent in the house. One, because I didn’t have permission and second, I didn’t give my sellers time to prepare for this preview showing. As I said above, preparation is key in this market.

Now, let me tell you a scenario I would have hunted my sellers down for: An agent calls me from Starbucks at 7:30pm after taking some transferee clients out all day. They didn’t see anything they liked, so they stopped for coffee and free wifi to see what else there is on the market. They decided to see our property and would like to get in before they head back home in the morning.

Now you bet with that information I would have called every cell number I had and personally gone over to straighten up had they been too far away. Scenario one lends itself to rescheduling with the agent when the sellers can prepare; scenario two is a now or never proposition.

DuPage Homeownership Center – Helping People Buy Homes

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 14:16:53 -0500

Here is another example of how you can live in a place for years and not know everything about it. I am even more ashamed because this relates directly to my business. I was driving down Main Street, Wheaton today and a small sign caught my eye – DuPage Homeownership Center. So, I turned my car around and went inside to see what I was missing.

A nice man welcomed me inside and give me all sorts of information about their first time homebuyer’s program and educational classes. The mission of this nonprofit, charitable organization is “to increase accessibility to and preserve homeownership, with an emphasis on serving first-time homebuyers and low- and moderate- income persons.”

They offer two first time homeowner classes each month. The next one is on July 26, 2008 from 9am – 1pm at St. Raphael Catholic Church in Naperville. Reservations are required, so call 630-260-2500 to reserve your spot.

The DuPage Homeownership Center created the Homestead Program in 1992. This financial program allows buyers to pay less in interest charges so they can afford more house for their money. There are restrictions to enter this program, such as the home can not cost more than $275,000, you must be able to put 3% down and be up to date on all local, state and federal taxes.

The Center also offers help to people facing foreclosure. In the last five years, The DuPage Homeownership Center has help 75% of their clients avoid foreclosure. It’s good to know that there are organizations out there helping people achieve the American Dream of homeownership. And in our current economic climate, groups like this are needed now, more than ever.

So, how's the real estate market?"

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 11:34:03 -0500

I’m around people in social situations all the time – I have been to my fair share of baseball games, football equipment pickup, coffee houses and graduation parties lately. Inevitably, the subject of work crops up and the first thing people ask after I tell them I’m in real estate is, “How’s the market doing?”

Here are my general answers this month.

I have seen a great increase in buyers looking at my 10 listings. Some homes have had as many as 5 showings in one day!

When I call for agent feedback the answer is either the home I represent is in their top three favorites or they have picked another home to bid on. Either way, I like that answer much better than the one I heard 2 months ago (we’re still looking). This means people are making decisions and buying something. I wish it was one of my listings (and so do my sellers) but at least people are buying. That is a very good sign. We need to burn through the current inventory.

Speaking of current inventory, there is a lot of it out there right now. There are 490 single family homes on the market in Wheaton and 403 in Glen Ellyn. Glen Ellyn has more active condos/townhomes at 191 and Wheaton has 166 available. That is an amazing amount for buyers to look at. There can be as many as 50 homes in a single $50,000 price range!

Buyers these days know they are in high demand. They know which sellers have been on the market a long time, which home is headed toward foreclosure and how the other homes compare to it.

This leads me to my next point and it’s not a pretty one for sellers. I have been seeing agents and buyers come in with really low offers (some as low as 89% of asking price). They put out the offer and see how low they can get the house for. If they don’t feel the number is low enough, they move on to the next home hoping the seller is read to give them a bargain.

So, the good news is people are buying homes; the bad news is that they want a deal – now more than ever.

Glen Ellyn by the Numbers

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:41:59 -0500

The Village is vibrant these days. Spring is really here – warm, then rainy, then humid, then bright and sunny. Sunset pool is teaming with kids who just got out of school and there are more and more people starting to look for new homes.

There is definitely a lot to look at these days – in any community. Here’s the breakdown for Glen Ellyn Real Estate today.

Wheaton by the Numbers

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 19:39:51 -0500

People keep asking me how the market is doing. Has it picking up yet? Is it as bad as the media says it is? This is generally my answer: there is a lot of inventory in Wheaton right now.

There are currently 419 homes on the market waiting for a contract. Another 78 have contracts, but have not yet closed. Since January 1, 2008 only 123 homes have sold.

The condo market has 27 homes under contract and 136 still seeking buyers. So far this year, only 49 condos have closed.

I also decided to look at certain neighborhoods to see what is actively on the market and what has sold this year.

It is much harder to get a read on the neighborhoods in-town Wheaton. I tried to go by school area, but the homes vary so much, it was hard to make any sense of the data. I think that information needs a post all its own.

Memorial Day Remembered

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Mon, 26 May 2008 20:59:17 -0500

As we remember our fallen soldiers today, I would like to take some time out from the parades, the parties and the yard work to share with you a quote from one of my friends stationed in Iraq.

We have been emailing back and forth for a few months now. He has often spoken of the brave young Marines he leads. They face challenges and situations we can never even dream of. Reading his emails humbles me and has made me even more proud of our men and women serving around the world.

"When you must fight, do so ferociously, and your goal should not be to win the war, but to win the peace."

Please take a moment to think about the families of the 4080 men and women who have died in our latest war and for the countless others who have given their lives serving the American people.

Summertime Fun in Wheaton, Illinois

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sun, 18 May 2008 16:00:17 -0500

There are many wonderful perks about Wheaton, Illinois: amazing parks and recreation areas, great schools, Wheaton College, great shopping, fabulous restaurants, proximity to Chicago, and beautiful housing (you know I just had to throw that in)!

There are also many, many events that take place in spring and summer that bring us together as a community for fun and entertainment. If I missed any, please let me know and I will add them to the list.

French Market 8am | 2pm Saturdays from April 26^th to November 1^st

Memorial Day Parade | 10am May 26^th

Vintage Rides | 6:30 – 8:30pm on Fridays from June 6^th to August 29^th

Cream of Wheaton | June 6^th and 7^th in Memorial Park

Summer Concert Series | June 5^th to August 7^th in Memorial Park | Wheaton Municipal Band

Farmers Market | 8am - 1pm on Thursdays from June 12 to October 30 in the Wheaton Public Library Parking Lot

Entertainment in the Park | 7:30 – 8:30pm Mondays June 30 to August 11 in Memorial Park

4^th of the July Parade | 10am in Downtown Wheaton

Wheaton Fine Art Fair | July 19th and 20^th at West Liberty Drive

Sidewalk Sale | July 24^th to 27^th in Downtown Wheaton

Autumn Fest | September 11^th to 14^th in Memorial Park

I look at all these events and I can’t believe how lucky I am to live in such a great town.

The Wait is Finally Over

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sun, 18 May 2008 15:04:03 -0500

The Seven Gables playground is finished; just in time for the warm weather! The new playground was unveiled this weekend.

The 66 acre park was purchased by referendum in 1976. The original parcel of land had been part of Seven Gables Farm which was owned by the founding family of First National Bank of Chicago, the Westmore family.

Seven Gables Park boasts nine soccer fields, three tennis courts, a picnic shelter, public washrooms, baseball fields, a basketball court, and the brand new playground. You can also relax on the 20 acres of open land or sit by the pond.

I hope to see you there. My kids will be the ones running around like they own the pace with their cousins who live in the neighborhood.

Pictures courtesy of Julie Cooper.

New Zip Code for South Wheaton

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:47:09 -0500

It looks like the City of Wheaton and the Wheaton Post Master have decided to divide Wheaton up into two zip code regions for more effective and faster delivery of the mail.

Homes and businesses south of Roosevelt Road will be given the new zip code of 60189. The north part of town and both sides of Roosevelt Road will continue to use the 60187 zip code. I’m sure all the businesses on Roosevelt Road are breathing a sigh of relief. There is a year grace period allowed, so homeowners and business south of Roosevelt can change over their print materials slowly.

2008 Taste of Glen Ellyn

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Thu, 15 May 2008 23:10:33 -0500

It’s finally here, the 2008 Taste of Glen Ellyn! The summer festival season has begun. The Taste begins Friday, May 16 at 5pm and ends on Sunday night at 7pm. Come on down to enjoy a carnival, craft fair, business expo, wonderful food and musical entertainment.

And this year, Prudential Spengel Realty will have a booth at the buiness expo. We will be located at the main entrance next to Giesche Shoes and the beer tent. We will have kid’s games with prizes and an AmEx gift certificate raffle for adults.

I hope to see you there.

DuPage County Property Taxes – A Rollercoaster Ride

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Sun, 04 May 2008 14:15:41 -0500

I’ve been working a lot of open houses lately. I love talking with people about my listings and getting their opinions first hand. It is always an eye opening experience. Lately, I have heard a lot about high property taxes. I always expect a conversation like that from transferees. They always seem surprised when I give them tax information. However, lately I have been hearing it from local DuPage County residents.

I wasn’t apprehensive about opening my tax bill, because I received the tax notice back in November. However, I was very surprised to compare my 2006 and 2007 taxes. It appears my taxes when down $115 dollars; every department or organization that uses my tax dollars tool more this in 2006 than they did in 2007. Amazing! The DuPage tax rollercoaster is going down.

The DuPage County Treasurer, Gwen Henry, breaks down your tax bill in the following way:

Public Service Announcement – Mortgage Fraud Allegations

Sherry Spengel | Wheaton IL (Prudential Spengel Realty) — Fri, 02 May 2008 11:21:42 -0500

If you worked with PLM Title Company and had any issues with your mortgage transaction, you may want to call the Wheaton Police Department at 630.260.2060.

The Wheaton Police and the DuPage County State’s Attorney’s Office are investigating alleged misappropriation of funds. PLM Title Company is located at 1275 E. Butterfield Road in Wheaton.