Greater Chicago Real Estate

8405 Chelsea Lane, Woodridge

Price: $314,900
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2 full & 1 half

Welcome to this beautiful 2-story four bedroom, 2 full & 1 half bath home in the Mending Wall neighborhood of Woodridge!  That’s a mouth full.  The home itself was recently painted inside and out.  You can’t see it now, but wonderful professional landscaping in the front and back yards.  Inside we have nice hardwood floors in the kitchen and family room.  The family room also has vaulted ceilings and large windows that let in extra light.  The home is unique in that this model is typically a 3 bedroom but with an addition put on by a previous owner it made this 2 story a true 4 bedroom.  The addition above the garage was very well done and is one of the best rooms in the house.

There is a partial basement with a good sized crawl to get things out of the way.  The neighborhood is lovely with mature trees and a beautiful park just down the street.  Community wise we are a hop, skip and a jump to I-355.  Also close by is the community pool and all of the shops and restaurants you could ever want.  The current homeowner has done a marvelous job of maintaining the home.  This is evident with the newer roof, gutters, 6-panel doors, furnace, A/C and trim.  House is in great shape!!

Floor plan and photos of 8405 Chelsea Lane can be found here

You can also find more details at www.8405ChelseaLane.com

1506 Foxhill Road, Naperville-Brookdale Subdivision

Price: $389,000
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2 full & 1 half

Welcome to this beautiful single family home in the heart of the Brookdale Subdivision in north Naperville, IL.  The owner has done a wonderful job keeping up this home and making it one of the nicer homes in the entire neighborhood.  Inside we have wonderful hardwood floors in the living room, dining room and family room.  Both the living room and family room have a wood burning fireplace.  Underneath the upstairs carpet is already hardwood floors if that is your preference.  The home sits on a very generous corner lot.  The windows are everywhere!!  You have North, South and Western exposures which equates to tons of natural light in every room.  This is especially true for the living room which gets sunlight from its many windows and all three of the exposures.  The kitchen has brand new stainless steel appliances, beautiful cabinets and granite counter tops.   The bedroom sizes are all very generous with a true master suite overlooking the front yard.  The bathrooms have been updated and one of the nicest features is the European height cabinets topped off with Corian counter tops.  At 6′4″ that is something I noticed right away as I was introduced to the home.  Few other maintenance items have been taken care of as well including a new A/C unit in 2009.  The basement is a full basement and currently features a workshop.  We also have an attached 2.5 car garage, laundry on first floor and fresh paint in the majority of the house.  Oh, I can’t forget the stamped brick back patio….tough to remember in the middle of February but the days to enjoy such outdoor space are fast approaching.  That brings up one more thing to look forward to and that is the professional landscaping for this particular house.

The Brookdale neighborhood is one of the nicest in all of Naperville.  It features a clubhouse, tennis courts and community pool as well as some huge parks throughout the neighborhood.  Easy access to the Metra train to commute downtown Chicago and very close to I-88 to head east or west.  Shopping, restaurants and other fun stuff in every direction.  This home needs nothing but for its next owner to move right in and enjoy!

If you know of anyone looking in this neighborhood and would like to schedule a private showing just let me know and I’ll arrange.  Let me know if you have any further questions.

PHOTOS AND FLOOR PLAN FOR 1506 FOXHILL ROAD

YOU CAN ALSO VISIT www.1506FoxhillRoad.com FOR MORE INFORMATION

2224 Christian Lane, Lisle – Modern Luxury at an Affordable Price

List Price: $193,000
Bedrooms:  3
Bathrooms:  2

Welcome to this beautiful 3BR/2BA fully updated second floor condo unit in The Oaks at Green Trails.  The current owner moved in just a few years back to what was described as a great floor plan in need of a lot of work.  Well, the work has been done.  We have new floors, new fixtures, new trim, new paint, new bathrooms and a new kitchen.  The unit itself is in a great location within the complex as it backs to a residential single family neighborhood and has a park like setting with all of the trees and green space.

Being part of the Green Trails subdivision, residents at The Oaks have full access to all of the trails, parks and tennis courts throughout Green Trails.  Located in Lisle, IL 60532 just a half mile from Benedictine University.  One of the most desirable aspects of this condominium complex is that it is in the desirable High School Distric 203 Naperville North.  If you commute you are about equal distance to I-355 and I-88 depending on where you need to go.

Back to inside the unit.  The kitchen was re-done with stainless appliances, stainless counter-tops, cherry cabinets and a beautiful slate back splash.  The owner also installed a custom high top table that fits perfectly into the kitchen.  Just think of it….for under $200,000 you get a garage parking space, in-unit washer/dryer, gas “river rock” fireplace, 3 bedroom, 2 full bathroom, a large balcony and location.  Very tough to find in these Western Suburbs of Chicago.  One thing I, as an agent, love about the work that was done is the attention to detail.  This is never more clear than in the master bathroom.  This is were you’ll find custom built in cabinets in spots you’d never expect.  Very cool.  The hallway bathroom is just as good looking with an over sized Kohler sink and gorgeous vanity.  Very nice tile work from the floor to the back splash in both bathrooms.

Talking about it does not do it justice.  If you or anyone you know is looking for this type of home contact me for a private showing.  Below you will find additional information including a floorplan of the unit.  Let me know if  have any questions.

PHOTOS AND FLOORPLAN OF 2224 CHRISTIAN LANE IN LISLE, IL 60532.

You can also visit www.2224ChristianLane.com for additional information.

1726 Prairie, Downers Grove, IL 60515

THIS PROPERTY IS CURRENTLY OFF MARKET.

List price: $550,000

Welcome to this beautiful 1964 built Cape Cod in a wonderful location close to downtown Downers Grove.  The detail in this home is going to be hard to beat and I personally love the quality of homes built in the ’60’s and ’70’s around these parts.  We have 4 total bedrooms, an office, a living room, dining room, family room and eat-in kitchen.  The master suite is located on the first floor but if you were interested in making a master suite upstairs with the three other bedrooms it is something you could accomplish.  Also upstairs is a full bath with a double sink and the office.

Back downstairs we have a kitchen that was updated with granite counters and an undermount sink.  The windows around the home are fantastic in their size and number that allow a ton of natural light into the home.  Hardwood floors will be found pretty much throughout the home.  A gas burning fireplace adds to a great family room which also leads to the large deck.  A homemade pergola adds shade and landscaping to the deck.  Speaking of landscaping, this home has a beautiful yard with lots of perennials.  The home itself is perched up on a small hill…just a great yard.

Finishing off the inside we have a partial basement that is also partially finished.  A workshop and large crawlspace are ideal for storage.  More storage can be found above the garage and the back of the house with a walk-in attic (potential master suite upstairs) and access to the garage storage and attic from a staircase in the garage.

Overall just a fantastic home that just screams downtown Downers Grove.  A must see…easy to show.  Just contact me with any questions and I’d be happy to let you know more.  Enjoy!!

Click here to access all photos for 1726 Prairie, Downers Grove

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Downers Grove Real Estate Information

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Tax Credit Extended and Expanded Beyond First Time Buyers with Higher Income Limitations!!

It is looking pretty good that the first time home buyer tax credit of $8,000 will be extended past the original December 1, 2009 deadline.  All we need now is the President’s signature (UPDATE: President has officially singed the bill) and we have an extension of the bill through mid-year 2010.  On top of that there are a few changes in the bill, namely increase in income limitations and a second credit for homeowners who have owned and lived in their home for 5 years or more.   Here are the details:

• First time home buyer credit of $8,000.  Must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and close by July 1, 2010.
• Income limitations:  $125,000 for individuals (up from $75,000) and $225,000 for couples (up from $150,000).  There is a $20,000 “phase-out” meaning if you make $135,000 you would qualify for a portion of the tax credit bu not all of it.  If you make more than $145,000 individually or $245,000 as a couple you DO NOT QUALIFY.
• A new $6,500 tax credit for homeowners who have lived in their home for 5 years or more.  Same limitations on income as above.  You must have lived in the home for 5 CONSECUTIVE YEARS OR THE PREVIOUS 8 YEARS.
• Existing home buyer credit follows same rules where you must be under contract by April 30, 2010 and close by July 1, 2010.  Think of it this way:  you can close by July 1, 2010 but if you went under contract on May 22, 2010 YOU DO NOT QUALIFY AS THE CREDIT HAS TECHNICALLY EXPIRED.
• To qualify as a first time home buyer you must have not owned a home in the past three years.  So if you close on April 3, 2010 to qualify you must have not owned a home on or after April 3, 2007.
• PURCHASE PRICE OF HOME MUST NOT EXCEED $800,000.  THEY WILL BE VERY FIRM ON THIS DOLLAR AMOUNT!
• A lot of fraud has come with the current first time home buyer credit…thus more documentation will have to be sent in with the tax credit form.  I believe we’re talking RESPA statement and executed contract.
• Once this is singed by President Obama it will be as if teh old tax credit never existed as far as moving forward.  That $6,500 tax credit for those in there home more than 5 years will apply even to those currently under contract.

A few resources with good information on the tax credit changes:

NAR Tax Credit Changes Worksheet

FAQ for Home Buyer Tax Credit Changes

That is great news.  I have been reading how effective the existing credit has been and am glad that both sides of the aisle have seen the importance of passing these new credits.  They have always said how important it has become to get the housing industry back on its feet and this is a step towards accomplishing that.  If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact me.  Excited about the tax credit and ready to start searching??  Take advantage of the PROPERTY SEARCH on this very blog.  No registration is required and it is a pretty sweet search tool.  Take advantage of it now!!

City of Naperville To Open Time Capsule From 1939; This Monday, October 26th

So this is what I know.  A plaque from the DuPage Centennial Marker in Central Park here in Naperville was being cleaned and restored.  During this process the team working on this project removed the plaque and found this time capsule.  1939 is a significant year in that it marked the centennial for the county.  Wheaton, IL is the current county seat but back then Naperville served as county seat.

Am I the only one that thinks this is pretty cool?  I remember doing stuff like this in grade school but not really remembering the end result.  I also remember writing letters the first week of senior year of high school and the teacher asked what we wanted to accomplish in our final year.  The last week of school, after we had all forgotten about the letters, the teacher handed them out.  It was pretty cool.  But this, this is 70 years later.

Just think about how much has happened and how much has changed??  From here in Naperville to across the country to all around the world.  Here is part of the official press release from the City of Naperville:

NAPERVILLE, Ill.-Mayor A. Gorge Pradel, Naperville City Council, DuPage County Board Chairman Robert Schillersrom and the Naperville Heritage Society are pleased to invite the public to attend the unsealing and opening of a 1939 time capsule at 4pm on Monday, October 26th in Council Chambers of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

I wonder what could be in it?  I don’t even know how to guess.  Any thoughts?  Lastly I wanted to highlight a few popular events that took place in 1939:

• Regular television broadcasts start up in the United States.
• Gone with the Wind and Wizard of Oz are released.
• Price of a home averaged at $3,800.
• You could rent a house for $28/month.
• New car was around $700.
• Yankees swept the Reds to win World Series.
• Packer beat the Giants to win the NFL Championship (no Super Bowl yet).
• Boston Bruins won the NHL Championship over Toronto Maple Leafs.
• Oregon beat Ohio State to win NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship. They won 46-33.
• Texas A&M was crowned NCAA Men’s Football Champs with an undefeated record.

Pretty cool stuff indeed.  I’m hoping to get over to the Municipal Center on Monday at 4pm.  If you make it over there I would love to hear about it.

Video: Easy explanation of the first time home buyer tax credit expiring December 1, 2009

The first time home buyer tax credit has been extended & expanded.  CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT THE DETAILS!

I found this on the Illinois Association of Realtors® you tube channel today.  It is a short video that helps explain just how easy it is to take advantage of the first time home buyer tax credit.

The tax credit expires on December 1, 2009 meaning you have to close on November 30, 2009.  I posted a link a few months back that goes over the specifics.  You can find that post HERE.

As always if you have any questions regarding the tax credit don’t hesitate to contact me.  I’ve already had several first time buyers take advantage of the program.  Some of the same people, along with others, have also taken advantage of other options out there like FHA financing.

The rules are changing every day so make sure you work with someone who is on top of things.  If there is ever a topic you would like discussed here on this blog just comment and let me know what you’re thinking.  Just know that me and a lot of other REALTORS® out there are making our voices heard here in September asking for an extension/expantion of the first time home buyer tax credit.    Enjoy!

Clarendon Hills, IL Real Estate Market Update – August 2009

Here is a quick look at how things are looking in Clarendon Hills, IL. I must say compared to most of the communities in this area it looks like Clarendon Hills is not doing as well as some. I was surprised at the numbers in pretty much every category. Market time is way up, months supply of inventory is very high and the median price of just about everything is down big. These statistics pulled for August 2009 are only for Single Family Homes. This does not include condos or townhouses. If you live in an area or a type of property not represented in any of these reports you can contact me and I’d be happy to put a custom report together for you. All you have to do is ask.

If you like the stats provided or any other part of the blog don’t forget to bookmark or subscribe. Lastly, don’t forget to check out my MLS property search. It’s top of the line and it does not require any registration. Here is a summary of the market statistics:

• Median Sold Price for August 2009 was $517,500.  Based on 8 total sales and down by 40% in Clarendon Hills compared to August 2007.
• Months supply of inventory for Clarendon Hills in August 2009 was 10 months.  Average MSI over the past two years is at 25.5 months.
• Average market time for under contract properties in Clarendon Hills for August 2009 was 194 days on the market.  Average for the past 2 years is closer to 121 days.

Western Suburbs of Chicago – Which is your favorite?

So I grew up in Lisle and currently live in Naperville.  I sell houses throughout the Western Suburbs and I always fall in love with the town I’m showing that day.  Last Tuesday I was in love with Westmont followed by a slight crush on Downers Grove for a few hours on Wednesday.  Now I’m asking you (2-3 readers of mikelongrealty.com).  If you could live in any suburb of Chicago which would you choose?  I put down some local spots but encourage you to add your own.  After you answer throw out a comment on why you chose the spot you did.  FYI, having grown up in Lisle it will always have a special place in my heart and is still my main squeeze as far as Western Suburbs of Chicago.  It’s the cute little Arboretum Village sandwiched between two beautiful cities in Downers Grove and Naperville (where I currently live…on the Lisle/Naperville border).

Lisle, IL Real Estate Market Update – August 2009

August 2009 was an interesting month for the Village of Lisle.  I saw some things that were positive and some things that were not so positive.  End of the day I’m optimistic as the positive signs are in things I think paint a true picture of the market.  For example:  market time is down, months supply of inventory is improving, and the pricing is staying pretty consistent.  The one surprise I guess is the # of sales.  While most communities like Downers Grove and Naperville are seeing sales go up and pricing go dramatically own, Lisle is kinda doing its own thing.  Visit the Lisle Community page within the blog to get more statistics on top of what you’ll find here.  Also, don’t hesitate to use our property search of the great Chicagoland area.  It’s free and there is no registration…unless you want to.  Lastly, keep in mind that all of these statistics are for single family homes.  If you have a townhouse or condo I can put together a custom report for you….just ask.  Here are some of the details for you:

• The # of single family homes that sold in Lisle, IL were 8 with a median price of $380,500.
• The # of properties that went under contract were 16 and their median price at that time was $399,880.
• The # of homes in Lisle for sale at the end of August was 148 and their median ask price was $398,000.
• Average market time for under contract properties through August 2009 in Lisle was 75.  The two year average for market time is 80.2 days.
• Percent of properties under contract in Lisle for August was 10.8%.
• Month’s supply of inventory for Lisle, IL single family homes at the end of August was 7.2 months.  Not bad.  The two year average MSI is at 17.2 months.  Heading in the right direction but we are heading into fall and winter markets where the MSI typically shoots up.

Click to enlarge graphs below: