Wednesday, September 28, 2011

WSBA Fall Festival



Family fun with pumpkin decorating, scary stories, food! All right here at the Tower Green.

Music in the Moonlight-LaGrange Memorial Hospital



This is a beautiful venue for a fun evening!

Backyard-ology in Western Springs Oct. 2nd




Family Health and Wellness Fair on the Village Green 4-7 PM

Looking for something local to do? Don't forget the Theatre of Western Springs



Theatre of Western Springs

Winner of the $20.00 Gift card to Dominicks in Garden Market of Western Springs


Congratulations to Kathy on Lawn Avenue in Old Town of Western Springs.

Sold 5305 Fair Elms in Forest Hills of Western Springs


80 x 150 lot this is a beautiful ranch with hardwood floors throughout. Finished basement, new kitchen, built in 1960. Listed for $500,000 and lowered to $489,900. Sold in 82 days for $459,900

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Closed 4511 Wolf Road in Western Springs


On the market for 29 days this bi-level was updated with 2 new bathrooms, open floor plan, great landscaping and an attached 2 car garage. Listed for $435,000 lowered to $420,000 and sold for $387,000.

Call me to help you buy or sell!

Sold 4612 Johnson in Ridge Acres of Western Springs


1975 Bi-level on a 50 x 131 lot with 3 bedrooms and 2 baths was conveyed in "As Is" condition. Needed updating! Started at $374,900 to $359,900 to $349,900 to $339,900 and sold when $324,900. Sale price was $305,000 after 252 days on the market.

Linda Hanley, Charles Rutenberg Realty, Full-time broker for the past 30 years here in the Western Suburbs. Call me to buy or sell!!

Monday, September 26, 2011

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Fund-raising FIESTA Sunday, Oct. 16th St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross, 5005 Wolf Road in Western Springs will be hosting 16 "little ones" from Mexico Oct. 12-24. They represent 3700 children housed in nine orphanages in Latin America and the Caribbean.

A fund-raising FIESTA will be held at the church on Sunday, October 16th at noon. The celebration includes: Mexican food, a raffle, opportunities to sponsor children and entertainment provided by the visiting pequenos.

Learn more about the Organization

Closed in Field Park-3918 Johnson, Western Springs



2 story home in great location originally listed for $499,900 and lowered to $479,900. Closed Sept.2011 for $445,000. 4 bedrooms up, 2 full and 2 half baths on a 60 x 131 lot. Market time=112 days.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Months Supply of Inventory for 60558 - Western Springs

Months Supply of Inventory for 558 - Western Springs

Here are the charts for the past three years studying the supply of homes in each price range here in Western Springs. As you can see there are many months' supply in each category. Now, more than ever, pricing your home right from the beginning is what will make your home sell. Many of us have chased the market down in the last few years. I experienced it myself in Springdale when we rehabbed a home and turned down $525,000 to sell it in the $480,000's two years later. Call me if you want to discuss real estate.

Market Time for 60558 - Western Springs

Market Time for 558 - Western Springs

This chart shows the market time here in Western Springs. The short sale process is taking longer rather than shorter. I would have thought by now the banks would have streamlined the process but when I am involved in a short sale I know they haven't. Looking at this chart confirms it. The market times in this chart do not take in to consideration that many homes have been coming on and off the market for the past three years with short breaks inbetween.

Closed Sales for 558 - Western Springs

Closed Sales for 558 - Western Springs

This chart is for the past three years. Shows you the REO's and short sales. If you are planning a move let me come over and discuss real estate with you.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Grand Avenue Big Band Concert Wed. Sept. 21 at 7 PM

Come to the Grand Avenue Community Center for the concert.

This week number 35 will win $35 to celebrate my son's 35th Birthday


Happy Birthday David!!! It is David's birthday on the 21st and let's all celebrate with a chance to win $35.00. This prize is in recognition of David's contribution to the raffle and WesternSpringsInfo. He is the brains, I am the person who puts it in action. Together we are a great team....Happy, Happy birthday. Only one thing could be better and that is if you would move back to Western Springs.

Winners of the two tickets to Rocktober Fest

Beverly and Henry Grey won the tickets. They said they had a great time! Thanks to the nurses association for last week's prize.

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Wow what a deal-211 Dierks Drive in Springdale


This ranch home is a foreclosure and is priced in the 280's. I think it is a great buy and if you would like to see it call me. I am not the listing agent so I could represent you as the buyer's agent. Freddie Mac incentive makes it that owner occupied offers will be considered first until Oct. 1st. Now is a great time to buy!

Closed 1436 Sunset Terrace in Old Town of Western Springs


This home was originally listed in March of 2010 for $750,000 and lowered to $695,000 than $499,000. It was taken off the market in August of 2010. Home was also listed for rent during this time. Came back on in April of 2011 and sold in 38 days this time. It was listed for $479,000 and closed at $450,000 on Sept. 16. Listed as a teardown it had a 100 x 188 lot that could be subdivided into two lots of 50 x 188. Home had three bedrooms, basement and 2 car garage.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Party in the Street in Downtown Western Springs

See you Saturday night from 4 until 10 pm on Burlington Avenue in Western Springs. Mecenat has put together a party for all of us to enjoy. Wine, food, live music. Be there!

Thursday, September 15, 2011

Closed 502 W 47th Street in Western Springs



This home sold in 2004 for $348,000 Originally listed in May of 2008 for $459,000 this home had reductions to 454,900,452,900,444,900,439,900,429,900,419,900,399,000, 359,000 Cancelled in July 2010. Put up for sale May 2011 for $325,000 and sold in 40 days for $300,000. Large home on a 75 x 213 lot. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 fpl.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

La Tour de Burbs Rally - Race for Aces Springdale Park in Western Springs

September 18th from 3:30 pm to 9:00 pm

ACES=Adolescent Counseling, Education and Support

Open to everyone with a bike and a helmet! Early registration $15 for individuals, $25 for families and teams up to 4 people. Register online or by mail.

Don't want to ride-come watch "Breaking Away". Movie and popcorn provided by the La Grange Theater. Or purchase pizza from DiNico's.

Enjoy music, games and prizes. Get a safety check for your bike. Learn the right way to warm-up with Dr. Michael Pickney from Complete Rehabilitation.

Raffle tickets and you could win a new bike from the Wheel Thing.

More information: raceforaces.org

Monday, September 12, 2011

Closed 1317 Reid in Old Town of Western Springs



Home was on the market for 669 Days. Listed in Sept. 2009 for $399,500 lowered $349,500-329,000-319,000-310,000. Had a contract in May that fell through(I had the offer-was going to be to live in). Closed 9/12/2011 for $285,700. This home has applied for a teardown permit. Lot 50 x 150.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

This Week's Prize for the Western Springs Raffle



Celebrating 90 years of service to the community the Nurses Association is donating two tickets to Rocktoberfest on Sept. 17th to one lucky winner. The tickets will go to number 90. This is an evening of bands, brats, beers and bags to benefit a great organization.

Saturday, September 10, 2011

Closed 4310 Prospect in Old Town of Western Springs


This home was on the market for 494 days. Started at $869,900-$829,900-$799,900 and closed on Sept. 9, 2011 for $732,500. Nice big lot-71.6 x 199.8, 5 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths. Originally a brick ranch home that was second storied a few years ago.

Friday, September 9, 2011

Another week-end Reminder...Contagion opens...

Don't forget to look for Western Springs in the movie!

Police Officer Storytime at Thomas Ford Memorial Library

Wednesday, Sept. 21 1:30-2:30 PM for Ages 3-6 Meet Officer Danielle Stevens from the Western Springs Police Department. She will read a story and answer your questions. Program will end with a craft. Registration required:limit 25

Week-end reminders

McClure car and dog wash on Sept. 10th and the Fire Department Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, Sept. 11th

R.E.A.D. to the Dogs@the Library


Read aloud to one of the dogs from Hinsdale Humane Society's Pet Assisted Learning program and practice one-on-one reading in a pressure-free environment. Children must be beginning or independent readers. Sign up for a 15 minute time slot either in person or by calling the library 708-246-0520. Tuesdays, Sept. 13, Oct. 11, Nov. 8, Dec. 13 7-8 PM

New-Chess Club at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library



Chess Club will meet monthly and is open to adult or teen players. Some experience is required as there won't be any official instruction. Register in person or online or by calling 708-246-0520. Wednesday, Sept. 14 at 7 PM, Oct. 12 at 7 PM, November 9 at 7 PM and December 14 at 7 PM.

Closed 4620 Grand Avenue in Old Town South of Western Springs


This charming Victorian in the heart of Western Springs is only 2 blocks to Starbucks and the town and the train. Sold for $620,000 in 2002. Listed in 2007 for $819,000-lowered to $779,000-on the market for 183 days. Relisted in 2008 for $749,900 on the market for 248 days. Listed in June 2011 for $689,900 and closed on Sept. 9, 2011 for $637,500. 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath with a front porch.

Closed 4100 Gilbert Avenue in Western Springs


On the market for 19 days. Listed for $539,000 and closed for $513,000 on September 9, 2011. 60 x 131 lot, 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath and a beautifully landscaped lot.

Closed 5716 Crestview in Ridgewood of Western Springs


On the market for 51 days this home closed on Sept. 9, 2011. Listed at $545,000, lowered to $519,000, lowered to $489,000 and closed for $462,000. Home had 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and a 75 x 148 x 84 x 193 lot. All 4 bedrooms on second floor.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Rocktoberfest Saturday, Sept. 17th- 5:00-10:30pm



Help the Community Nurse Association and have a great time!

Lyric Opera Lectures at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library

It is the 28th season of opera lectures sponsored by the Lyric! One hour programs tell the stories of each of the operas plus they profile the composers. Programs begin at 7 pm and conclude with a question/answer period.

Monday-September 19 "The Tales of Hoffmann"
Monday-October 3 "Lucia di Lammermoor"
Monday-November 7 "Ariadne auf Naxos"
Monday-November 28 "The Magic Flute"

September 9th is Friday at the Ford 7:30 PM

Fridays at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library are Free Concerts, thanks to the support of the Western Springs Library Friends.

Contemporary folksingers Dana and Susan Robinson from North Carolina return with their mix of traditional and original songs celebrating American life. Some of the songs are "Delta Queen", "My Peach Pie" and "Avenue of the Saints". Foot stomping!

No registration needed!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Monday, September 5, 2011

This week's prize for the WesternSpringsRaffle



When picking up a past prize at Dominicks in the Garden Market I found this fun gift card in their gift card mall. This week's prize is the $15 iTunes card. The other gift card is the $20 Dominicks one that I have to drop off by Kathy.

If you have any Western Springs gift certificates I just want you to know that they are accepted by ALL merchants in town. Disregard the list on the back of the old gift certificates. The WSBA will pay the merchants for certificates accepted.

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Summer's End Wine and Music Party - Mecenat Bistro and Gathering Place



Save the date! Sept. 17th from 4 pm until 10 pm Street party on Burlington Avenue in Downtown Western Springs. More information to follow. Sounds like a fun evening right here in town.

Western Springs Fire Department Pancake Breakfast

YUMMMM...7 am until 1 pm on Sunday, September 11th at the Fire Department at 4353 Wolf Road.


McClure Jr. High Spirit Club Annual Car Wash/Dog Wash




September 11th Laura Doherty will perform at the 1st Congregational Church in Western Springs

The First Congregational Church of Western Springs Invites the community to Celebrate Back to School! It will be a Rockin' Good Time on Sunday, Sept. 11th at 4 pm, 1106 Chestnut Street in Old Town of Western Springs. Laura Doherty is a show for the whole family! Breezy folk-pop artist delivers a highly interactive show with a mix of traditional children's favorites along with songs about living in the city, as seen through a child's eyes. Laura is a long-time early childhood music teacher at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music.

Western Springs Business Association Meeting Today

Here is what I learned today. Starting Sept.12th they will be resurfacing Hillgrove Avenue from Wolf Road west past the Theatre of Western Springs. It will be driveable most of the time but there will be days when parking is limited.

Western Springs Gift Certificates that are outstanding can be used at ALL merchants. Disregard what it says on the back of the old ones. All merchants will be reimbursed by the Business Association if they accept them.

Wednesdays are Senior Day at Casey's Market. Anyone over 60 will receive 10% off their order.

John Montalto Hair & Spa at 821 Burlington Ave, Suite A will also be introducing a senior day discount.

The Western Springs Police department reported that a few bicycles have been stolen from the train station. There have also been break-ins into cars along the tracks. Some were with the windows being smashed and others were unlocked. Don't leave purses or other valuables on your seats and lock your doors. Most of these incidents happened between 6 and 7:30 am.
The Western Springs Police have won some national safety awards. Recently they did a safety morning on Odgen Avenue and issued 17 speeding tickets in a matter of hours. It is never fun when we get stopped but they are working to keep our town safe.

Upcoming events in town include the Fall Festival on Oct. 7th and a street party on Burlington Avenue on Sept. 17th. More to follow.