Elmhurst & DuPage County Illinois Real Estate Blog

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses for Sunday, Feburary 26, 2012

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address:826 S Fairfield Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$310,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:788 S Fairfield

City: Elmhurst

Price:$775,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 2 S Atrium Way Unit 307

City: Elmhurst

Price:$179,900

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:2 Atrium Way Unit 509

City: Elmhurst

Price:$204,900

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:682 S Spring Rd

City: Elmhurst

Price:$229,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:496 N Howard Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$274,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:419 Hawthorne Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$322,500

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:155 Berteau Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$324,900

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:630 S Cedar Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$349,500

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:212 Berkley

City: Elmhurst

Price:$399,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 12:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Address:425 E May St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$449,900

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Address:136 N Pine St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$474,900

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:468 W Montrose Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$474,900

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:261 N Glade Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$539,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:285 S York St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $574,500

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:408 Hill

City: Elmhurst

Price:$599,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 508 S Hampshire Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$659,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:521 E Park Manor Ct

City: Elmhurst

Price:$789,500

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:345 W Alexander Blvd

City: Elmhurst

Price:$850,000

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:318 N Elm Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$949,900

Scheduled for: 02/26/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Easier Downsizing of Your Elmhurst Home

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

There comes a time when every Elmhurst homeowner needs to consider downsizing to a smaller place, and it can be difficult in many ways. First, selling a home in today’s market can be challenging; there’s the cleaning and de-cluttering needed to make it appealing to buyers, and of course, there’s the idea of leaving a place that holds so many memories.

The good news is that there are ways to update your older home and also make the downsizing a little less traumatic.

After 20 or 30 years, your home might be showing its age. The kitchen is probably out of date, closets are cluttered, and walls need repainting. Check into everything that might keep the home from selling and fix or update as needed. This could be as easy as new neutral paint on the walls or something more extensive such as adding a new roof or modern appliances.

Allow yourself lots of time to make updates—and to begin to let go of your emotional attachments to the home. Some Elmhurst home sellers have found that cleaning out and updating makes the home look so different that it’s easier to picture it belonging to someone else. While it helps you, de-cluttering and removing personal effects also allows potential buyers to see themselves living in the home, and this often helps make the sale.

If you feel you’re just not up to all the work, consider using a professional stager. These folks know the demographics of current buyers and can recommend updates or fix-ups in line with what today’s buyers look for in a home. With all the competition out there, you want your home to look and feel fresh, even if it’s an older home. Then you can play up both the charm and the modern conveniences of your well-aged Elmhurst property.

While it’s exciting to enter a new phase of life, it can sometimes be difficult to sell the place you’ve called home for most of your life. We can offer all the experience and support you need to downsize and move on. If you’re looking to buy or sell Elmhurst real estate, contact the Gracik Makinney Group, or call (630) 567-5902.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses for Sunday, Feburary 19, 2012

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address:257 E South St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$700,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:234 N Addison Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$615,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:422 E Berteau Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$580,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:762 S Fairfield Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$269,900

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:132 S Fairview Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$299,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:413 S Scott St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$335,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:251 S Fair Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$379,900

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:777 S Parkside Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$389,900

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 375 S Berkley Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$390,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:822 S Euclid Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$469,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:136 N Pine St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$474,900

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address:322 Oak St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$480,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:320 N Larch Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$489,900

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:161 W Jackson St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$490,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Address:275 N Ridgeland Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$584,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:24 Windsor Dr

City: Elmhurst

Price:$595,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:632 W Armitage Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$599,900

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:185 S York St

City: Elmhurst

Price:$750,000

Scheduled for: 02/19/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Reduce the Mortgage on Your Elmhurst Home

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Of all the regular expenses for your Elmhurst, IL home, your mortgage is probably the biggest. But did you know there are ways to reduce your mortgage payment other than refinancing? From the MSN Money website, here are some alternative options for paying less each month.

Make One Extra Payment Yearly – This is one of the easiest ways to save, as the extra payment is applied totally to principal, not interest. You’ll lower your balance and reduce your total interest payments.

Bi-Weekly Payments – Every other week, put half of the mortgage payment on your Elmhurst property in an account and each month pay your mortgage from that account. At the end of the year, you’ll have made 26 half payments which equals 13 full payments. That’s one extra payment to put on your principal. You can actually hire a company to help you manage this, but watch out for fees.

Lose the PMI – This is Private Mortgage Insurance, and it’s required if the down payment was 20% or less on your Elmhurst real estate. But once your mortgage balance falls below 80% of the appraised value of your home, you can petition your lender to drop this fee. There will likely be a charge to reappraise your home, but that’s nothing compared to what you’ll save each month.

Check Your Home’s Assessed Value – If the value of your Elmhurst home has dropped but this was not reflected in your tax assessment, you can petition to change your current assessment. The lower taxes could possibly save you hundreds of dollars annually.

Recast Your Mortgage – If you come into big money and can apply a large payment totally to your mortgage principal, some lenders will then recast, or reset, your monthly payment. This recalculates your monthly principal and interest so your payment will be smaller over the remaining life of the loan.

Loan Modification – If you’re going through a financial hardship, you might be able to modify your loan so it’s more affordable. Various programs now help borrowers to stay in their homes with reduced monthly payments. Not everyone qualifies, so check with your lender or go to the Making Home Affordable site.

Refinance – Although his is the most common way to save, it’s also usually the most expensive due to the refinancing fees. Be sure you’ll save enough on your monthly payments to cover the fees.

The options for lowering mortgage payments are as individual as the people who use them. Crunch the numbers and decide which alternative will save you the most money.

These tips are also great to think about when buying as well as refinancing, and we have the experience to help you make the right choice. If you’re looking to buy or sell Elmhurst real estate, contact the Gracik Makinney Group, or call (630) 567-5902.

Elmhurst,IL January 2012 Real Estate Market Trends

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Elmhurst,IL January 2012 Real Estate Market Trends

Year-To-Date January, 2012 vs. Year-To-Date January, 2011, the average price in the Elmhurst Area is down 39.4%. The YTD average price is down from $468,153 to $283,687. The YTD median price decreased 3.42%, from $226,500 to $219,000. As of February 13, 2012 there are 286 active listings in the MLS, representing a 11.44 month supply of inventory (MSI). Remember, 5.5 months is considered a "balanced" market by most. Year-To-Date average Days on Market (DOM) is down from 208 in January, 2011 to 155 in January 2012.

The statistics presented in Market Tracker are compiled monthly based on figures and data generated by MRED for detached single family and attached single family properties. Due to possible reporting inconsistencies, Days on Market (DOM), average prices, and rates of change should be used to analyze trends only. Property and statistical data sourced from MLS is solely for your personal, non-commercial use in buying or selling a property and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be verified. All representations and warranties regarding the information are disclaimed. Reproduction or any other use is prohibited.

Mortgage servicers settle $26B foreclosure suit

The banks have settled the 16-month probe. The agreement includes $5 billion for states, $17 billion to help borrowers and $3 billion to refinance homeowners and foreclosure victims.

(Bloomberg) - Five banks will pay $26 billion to end a nationwide investigation of abusive foreclosure practices stemming from the collapse of the housing bubble, a senior administration official said.

This level of achievement is no small accomplishment in these economic times.

The U.S. Justice Department and Department of Housing and Urban Development will announce the resolution of the 16-month probe Thursday morning. Citigroup Inc., Bank of America Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co. are among the banks—the nation's five largest servicers—participating so far.

The $26 billion agreement includes $5 billion in cash for states, $17 billion to help borrowers in the form of mortgage debt forgiveness, forbearance and short sales, and $3 billion in refinancings to lower homeowners' interest rates, the official said in a phone call with reporters.

The total figure could grow to $40 billion if the next nine largest mortgage servicers sign on to the agreement, the official said. In a best-case scenario, if banks participate fully, the deal could be worth $45 billion to homeowners and victims of foreclosure.

Terms of the settlement were to be announced at a press conference in Washington by Attorney General Eric Holder and Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan.

Record Low Mortgage Rates

According to a January report by mortgage giant Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate conventional mortgage fell to 3.96 percent in December, down from the 4.71 percent rate reported at the end of 2010. These rates are the lowest on record, dating back to 1971 when record keeping began. This is an ideal time to refinance your existing home, or to get pre-approved for a new loan.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses for Sunday, Feburary 12, 2012

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address: 964 S Kent Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$383,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 788 S Fairfield

City: Elmhurst

Price: $775,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 645 S Washington St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $845,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 963 S Hillcrest Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $225.000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 682 S Spring Rd

City: Elmhurst

Price: $229,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 454 Ida Ln

City: Elmhurst

Price: $264,900

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 496 N Howard Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$279,900

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 380 N Highview Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $295,900

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 146 N Caroline Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $324,900

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 771 S Mitchell Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $345,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 405 E Church St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $399,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address:161 W Jackson St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $490,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 714 Benton Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $515,900

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 215 E St. Charles Rd

City: Elmhurst

Price: $599,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 508 S Hampshire Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price:$659,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 02:00 AM to 04:00 PM

Address: 465 S Kenilworth Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $659,000

Scheduled for: 02/12/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

The Right Renovations to Help Sell Your Elmhurst Home

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Home renovations can be costly and stressful, but we go through them because they generally provide some return on investment or they simply give us the feeling of freshness in our home.

The key is to know what will and what won’t pay back all that work when you sell your DuPage County home. From CNNMoney.com, here are four common renovation mistakes to avoid.

1. Being Trendy – Things that are hot today will likely be passé in five or ten years. This includes fads like glass tiles and the vessel sinks that sit on top of the counter. Better choices are things that match the original style of your Elmhurst, Illinois home. For example, you might not want contemporary styling in a vintage 1920’s house.

2. No Specific Design Plans – For more involved projects like additions or moving walls, think about hiring an architect to draw up some plans. You might spend anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, but it could help avoid disasters mid-way through the renovation. Showroom salespeople and some contractors just don’t have the special training that comes with an architect.

3. Over-the-Top Kitchens – In reality, a kitchen only represents from 5 percent to 15 percent of your home’s value, so that’s about what your renovation budget should be. And know that you probably won’t recoup the costs for those extra-special appliances or countertops. Most experts feel that a full kitchen renovation isn’t necessary unless the room is truly a disaster.

4. Overconfidence in Green – Making your Elmhurst property more energy-efficient is a good thing, but it shouldn’t be the sole reason for a project as you likely won’t get a huge return from it. The salesperson at the window company will claim that new windows will save you 50 percent on your energy bill, but experts know that windows really only account for about 15 percent of heat loss. Typically that’s a savings of just $50 to $175 annually. If you want new windows, your selling advantage will be the added value to the house—not the green factor.

In today’s market, buyers are looking at more than new or updated kitchens and bathrooms. They want the total package, and they know they can get it. Remodeling done with thought and attention can absolutely add value to any real estate in DuPage County, IL, make it more marketable, and pay you back accordingly in the sale.

Our commitment to customers means we’ll be there for all of your real estate needs. If you’re looking to buy or sell Elmhurst real estate, contact the Gracik Makinney Group, or call (630) 567-5902.

Gracik Makinney Group says, "Go Giants!"

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

We do not schedule open houses on Super Bowl Sunday, because they would be poorly attended. Everyone takes a break from house hunting to watch the biggest game of the year. At Gracik Makinney, we’ll be in there rooting for the Giants.

After the Super Bowl, if you want service that goes beyond finding or selling your property, or you’re looking for property in the Elmhurst and DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Community Involvement: The Next Level of Elmhurst Homeownership

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Whether you own Elmhurst real estate or property in DuPage, owning a home comes with many responsibilities. Some we all know, like repairs and maintenance. But there’s another level of homeownership that’s just as important: getting involved with your local community. Often it’s neighborhood residents that get things done, help out others, and make a real difference in the quality of their city or town.

From the RealtyTimes web site, here are a few ways to be an Elmhurst, DuPage County Illinois homeowner who’s engaged with your community.

Volunteer or donate to your local American Red Cross.
Donate items to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
Become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child who needs a positive role model. If you can’t volunteer, you can donate at www.bbbs.org.
Participate in your local Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Attend activities or sports events run by the local school system. Buy that candy bar or magazine from the student standing outside the store, or just make a donation.
Take a role in city or town government. Run for city council or school committee and you’ll have the opportunity to influence bigger things. Or just attend city meetings and be sure you vote.
Be a good Elmhurst neighbor. Join a neighborhood watch if you have one, or just join with your neighbors to watch out for each other’s families and homes.

This is just a small list of possible activities. You have only to look to discover many more things you and your neighbors can do. But know that by getting involved at any level, you make your city or town a place that everyone will be happy to call their home.

Come live in an area with great neighborhoods full of involved, caring people. If you’re looking for Elmhurst real estate, contact the Gracik Makinney Group, or call (630) 567-5902.

Elmhurst, IL - 2011 Statistical Recap - A Great Year for the Gracik Makinney Group!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

2011 – A Very Good Year at Gracik Makinney Group!

I would like to once again wish everyone in the Elmhurst area a very happy and healthy New Year. The Gracik Makinney Group, as well as Koenig & Strey Elmhurst Office, are celebrating great success in 2011 and planning for the same in 2012.

As highlighted in Chicago Agent Magazine, two members of Koenig & Strey were ranked in the top five of DuPage County’s Top 20 Agents by total dollar volume closed. I’m proud to say that Gracik Makinney Group ranked fifth, and we would like to congratulate the other agents.

In addition to maintaining the lead in the Elmhurst Luxury Real Estate market, the Gracik Makinney Group and the Elmhurst office of Koenig & Strey also ranked #1 in the Elmhurst Market Share.

This level of achievement is no small accomplishment in these economic times.

Gracik Makinney Group’s success comes from the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our agents who give their all to help our great clients buy, sell and invest with confidence. And it also comes from the support of family and friends.

We give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make 2011 a remarkable year for Gracik Makinney Group. We look forward to the challenges and rewards of serving you in the year to come.

Come experience the confidence of working with a great company! If you’re looking for property in the Elmhurst and DuPage County area, call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Elmhurst,IL December 2011 Real Estate Market Trends

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Elmhurst,IL December 2011 Real Estate Market Trends

Year-To-Date December, 2011 vs. Year-To-Date December, 2010, the average price in the Elmhurst Area is down 1.7%. The YTD average price is down from $388,665 to $382,054. As for December, 2011 vs. December, 2010, the average price in the Elmhurst area is up 33.21%, from $316,244 to $421,265 according to MRED. The YTD median price increased 2.6%, from $311,750 to $320,000. As of January 19, 2012, there are 344 active listings in the MLS, representing a 11.73 month supply of inventory (MSI). Remember, 5.5 months is considered a "balanced" market by most. Year-To-Date average Days on Market (DOM) is up from 139 in December, 2010 to 141 in December, 2011.

2011 - A Very Good Year for The Gracik Makinney Group!

In addition to maintaining the lead in the Elmhurst Luxury Real Estate market, the Gracik Makinney Group and the Elmhurst office of Koenig & Strey also ranked #1 in the Elmhurst Market Share.

This level of achievement is no small accomplishment in these economic times.

Gracik Makinney Group’s success comes from the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our agents who give their all to help our great clients buy, sell and invest with confidence. And it also comes from the support of family and friends.

We give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make 2011 a remarkable year for Gracik Makinney Group. We look forward to the challenges and rewards of serving you in the year to come.

Chicago-area existing home sales eke out 1.3% gain

(Tribune) Sales of existing homes in the Chicago area managed to rise 1.3 percent in 2011, with December home purchases increasing a robust 17 percent due to mild weather and record-low mortgage interest rates, the Illinois Association of Realtors reported Friday.

The city of Chicago did not enjoy an annual sales increase, however, as the 17,715 homes sold within the city was a 7.2 percent decline from 2010. In December, city home sales rose 6.4 percent on a year-over-year basis.

While sales volume showed improvement in December across the board, with many areas recording double-digit gains, median sales prices continued to slide from their year-ago comparisons, reinforcing a market that overwhelmingly benefits home purchasers. "Buyers are finding deals that are simply too good to pass up," said Loretta Alonzo, a real estate agent at Century 21 Alonzo & Associates in La Grange Park. "People are gravitating toward foreclosures and short sales right now and that's causing the median prices to drop."

In the nine-county Chicago area, the median price of the 6,090 homes sold in in December was $145,000, a 13.6 percent decline from a year ago. The pricing decline within the city was not as severe; the median price of $156,000 was a 6.2 percent drop from December 2010.

Some parts of the Chicago area showed dramatic improvements in demand for housing in December from a year ago. Sales volume rose 12.3 percent in Cook County, 15 percent in DuPage, 21 percent in Kane, 26 percent in Kendall, 20 percent in Lake, and 33 percent in Will. However, in all those cases, median sales priced declined.

"A trend nowadays is so hard to define," said Tom Krettler, a real estate agent at Re/Max United Northwest in Palatine. "You can have a one-month trend. I think there is some momentum. There's stuff going on right now. There's people who are interested in buying."

Within the city of Chicago, sales of condos and single-family homes both gained momentum last month from their December 2010 comparisons. Sales of condos posted a 5.3 percent gain, albeit with a 18.7 percent decline in the median price that brought it down to $183,000. For single-family homes within the city, sales rose 7.8 percent during the month, while the median price fell 1.7 percent from December 2010, to $135,000.

For the year as a whole, median prices declined 11.9 percent and 13.8 percent for the Chicago area and the city, respectively.

"Until these foreclosed properties and additions expected in 2012 clear the market, sustained upward movement in prices will be unlikely," said Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, an economist at the University of Illinois, in a statement.

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage in the Chicago area was 3.94 percent in December, compared with 4.8 percent in December 2010, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses For Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address: 234 N Addison Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $625,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 454 Ida Ln

City: Elmhurst

Price: $264,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 282 E Crescent Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $338,250

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 191 Mayo Ct

City: Elmhurst

Price: $350,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 449 E Park Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $369,500

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 468 W Montrose Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $499,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 154 S Linden Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $499,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 473 W 2nd St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $539,500

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 239 W Winthrop Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $550,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 408 Hill MLS

City: Elmhurst

Price: $599,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 465 S Kenilworth Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $659,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 508 S Hampshire Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $665,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 473 S Kenilworth Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $689,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 294 Berteau Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $799,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Not Just Buying and Selling

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

The decision to purchase a property in the Elmhurst area is just the first step. From the initial viewing of the property, to the closing, to the preparation and the final move, your decisions will have an effect on your level of satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the results. It can all be a bit overwhelming.

Your real estate agent (Ahem! That’s me!) is in a position to know where to go for the answers to all your needs. It is in the best interest of your real estate agent to refer you to the people and companies that will make your transition as smooth as possible. After all, if you are happy with your property, and the way the preparations to take possession went, you are a walking testimonial to the reliability of your agent.

Does your new property require updating or renovation? We know the best (and worst!) contractors in the business. Whether the job is waterproofing, or moving a wall, or just a cosmetic spruce-up, tell us what you need and we will put you in contact with the people who can do it beautifully, and for a reasonable price. Perhaps the property needs landscaping, or even just a good cleaning on the inside. Please, just ask us, and we’ll give you our best contacts.

By the same token, if you have a property to sell, and it needs preparation, we can help you find the right people for the right job. We want your property to sell, and we want you to be happy with our handling of that property, so, again, we will send you to the best companies for your needs. It’s a mutually beneficial service.

If you want service that goes beyond finding or selling your property, and you’re looking for property in the Elmhurst and DuPage County area, call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses For Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address: 963 S Hillcrest Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price :$225,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Address: 449 E Park Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $369,500

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 777 S Parkside Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $389,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 131 W Adelaide St Unit 101

City: Elmhurst

Price: $400,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 161 W Jackson St

City: Elmhurst

Price :$490,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 215 E St. Charles Rd

City: Elmhurst

Price: $599,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 465 S Kenilworth Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $659,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 593 W Comstock Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $839,500

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 360 Prospect Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $889,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 687 Fairview Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price :$949,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 AM to 03:00 PM

Joe Newton – Elmhurst’s Very Own Legend

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

The YouTube video featured below begins with a voice over, and then a cameo shot of York High School’s legendary cross country and track coach, Joe Newton. Newton began coaching at the Elmhurst school in 1960. At 82 years young, he’s still going strong.

Newton is one of those “ordinary” people who become bigger than life. He has won 27 Illinois state cross country titles and one track state title. He is famous for his motivational talks, and has written four books in that vein. He was the subject of a feature-length documentary movie, THE LONG GREEN LINE. His list of accomplishments probably could fill yet another such movie.

Joe Newton was the first high school coach to be on the coaching staff of the U.S. Olympics team. In the 1988 games in Seoul, South Korea, he was the assistant manager in charge of the marathon runners. He is also enrolled in 12 halls of fame, including the National High School Hall of Fame.

One of the reasons for his success is that he truly believes that he is not just training athletes to win races. He is training future successful adults. Here’s the way he puts it: “A person can have some talent and some character and have the chance to succeed. But, if he has tons of talent and no character, he will fail.” He also says, “It’s nice to be great, but far greater to be nice.” He won’t tolerate a “super star” that forgets he is part of a team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PhqbizZXf4&sns=em

If you want to run on Joe Newton’s team, you’d better have perfect attendance and punctuality. He won’t accept excuses. Neither will he listen to alibis for under-performing. He says, “Your mind can make you train, your body can create power, but only your heart can make you a champion.” The simplest one is, “However fast you are running, run faster.” How can you argue with logic like that?

If you are interested in living in a community that has such a wonderful high school coach, Elmhurst may be the place for you. If you’re looking for property in the DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses For Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address: 682 Spring Rd

City: Elmhurst

Price: $229,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 954 S Swain Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $279,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 496 N Howard Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $279,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 801 S Fairfield Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $314,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 144 S Berkley Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $339,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 425 E May St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $459,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 161 W Jackson St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $490,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 508 S Hampshire Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $665,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 757 S Berkley Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $744,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 294 Berteau Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $799,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 687 Fairview Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $949,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

“Click It” In Elmhurst, Even In the Back Seat!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

A new law went into effect in Illinois on January 1, 2012 that requires adults riding in the back seat of a car to wear a seatbelt.

Passed in June, but becoming effective on January 1, House Bill 219 requires all passengers in a vehicle to buckle up or risk a $25 fine. Though most people killed in accidents are front seat passengers, 64% of back seat passengers do not wear belts, which make them subject to head, chest, and abdominal trauma in an accident. According to Naperville Police Chief David Dial, “Anything that’s not tied down in a car, including people, has to come to an abrupt stop when there’s a crash ... There is no doubt that when there are people in a car and the car comes to a stop, they go forward. I personally would not even think of riding in a car, in any seat, without having a seat belt on.”

The law is considered a “primary offense” which means that officers can pull over a car where the adults are not wearing their belts. Because of the way the seat belts are designed, police can see if the shoulder strap of the belt is not fastened. Whether police will seek out seat belt violators or enforce the law in a passive manner (only ticketing those discovered not wearing a belt when stopped for other violations such as speeding) remains to be seen.

There are just a couple of exceptions to the law. Authorized Emergency Vehicles are exempt, as are vehicles with “medical exemptions.” Taxis are exempt, unless you are 18 or under, and riding in one for school purposes.

In Elmhurst, as in other parts of the state, reaction to the new law is mixed. Is the law requiring adult backseat passengers to buckle their seatbelts justified as it will save lives, or is it an encroachment on their freedom?

Some people think it’s unreasonable to require passengers to buckle up while not requiring helmets for motorcyclists. Still others think it is a further development of what they term “the nanny state” and that it will only lead to more restrictive legislation. Finally, there are those who think that the resources of the state and municipalities would be better spent hunting and prosecuting criminals rather than peeking into cars to see that everyone is “snug as a bug.” Whatever your opinion, it’s now the law – “click it or ticket”.

If you like a lively debate on the issues, Elmhurst may be the place for you. If you’re looking for property in the DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

What's Ahead in 2012 in Elmhurst?

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Who knows what lies ahead?

Getting married? Having a baby? Relocating? Upsizing? Downsizing?

No matter what 2012 brings, we stand ready to assist you with your real estate needs.

The Gracik Makinney Group wishes you a very Happy New Year.

Tom, Maria, Gina, Mary, & our Staff

Old Christmas Lights Don’t Die; They Just Help the Environment (AND the Economy!)

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Are you wondering where to go with that burned-out string of lights? This year, you don’t just have to chuck them into the garbage. Elmhurst has joined other communities in DuPage County in a great recycling program. The whole community will be involved in this project which is both ecologically and economically beneficial to the city.

Throughout the city, there are bins placed as drop-off points for the lights. Certain schools will accept them from their students, so you don’t even have to make a special trip. Once the lights are out of your hands, SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Composting and Recycling Education) will be sure that they go to Elgin Recycling. And get this – the city will be paid for the dead lights!

Elgin will pay for the copper content in each strand of lights. They will have the copper separated by another company with a piece of machinery called a chopper. The copper will not make the city rich by any means, but it will be worth the effort to save it—especially to keep it from just being dumped in a landfill. This is a very easy way to help your community and to preserve the environment.

Besides helping the community, there is an advantage to replacing your Christmas lights. The newer light strands are made with LED lights, which use about 10% of the electricity that older lights use. Also, they don’t burn as hot, which is a safety feature. Those are good incentives to head to the decorating store and drop off your old lights on the way.

The park district and the schools are both cooperating with (and benefiting from!) this effort. Elmhurst is a large community, so our joining the recycling program will significantly increase its effectiveness. With the addition of the Elmhurst area it’s estimated that over 25,000 pounds of lights will be collected this year.

The city of Elmhurst is a place where you can join with neighbors to the benefit of all. If you’re looking for property in the DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Have a very Happy and Safe New Year, everyone!

Holiday Greetings from Elmhurst, IL

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas from the Gracik Makinney Group.

May you and your family have a wonderful holiday

as you enjoy the time together

and the beauty of the season.

Thank you for your business in 2011.

Tom, Maria, Gina, Mary , & our Staff