Monday, January 30, 2012

4150 Lawn in Western Springs Old Town-Closed


4150 Lawn in Old Town of Western Springs has 4 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and is updated. On the market for 132 days starting at $675,000 down to 649,000 and than 619,900. Closed in January 2012 for $580,000.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Preforeclosures and REO's in Western Springs

As of today there are 12 homes in Western Springs that are in preforeclosure and two that are REO's(bank ownded). This information is obtained from Realist through the MLS of Northern Illinois.

Western Springs Raffle Prize-- Week of January 30th



I will be stopping in at Stems and Twigs in Western Springs and I will have them make you a beautiful floral arrangement. If you are not a subscriber to my Western Springs Raffle please sign up now. Join the Western Springs Raffle!

2 more teardowns in Western Springs



Reid
These two homes are currently under construction. The one on Forest(right) sold for $330,000 and is a 50 x 183.5 lot that is across from a park and a block to Laidlaw Grade School. This home had sold in 1999 for $329,000. The other home is on Reid and has a 50 x 150 lot. Home on Reid sold for $285,700. Pictures are of homes torn down.

Looking to build-call me-looking to sell-call me. Linda at 708-334-5356

New listing in the MLS on Central in Old Town

Sharp home with front porch, 200 foot deep lot and a second floor screen porch. Listed 2 days ago by another agent this is a great location and a charming 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home in walk to train location. $639,500

If you are looking to purchase a home this year I would love to be your buyer's broker. Call me to see some of the homes available now. It helps to start your search so you have perspective when you do find your next home.

Linda Hanley Kelly, Charles Rutenberg Realty, 708-334-5356

Friday, January 27, 2012

Closed in Forest Hills of Western Springs


5432 Wolf was on the market for $269,900 and was lowered to it's last list price of $224,900. Home closed on January 27th, 2012 for $199,400. 3 bedroom 2 bath with a screen porch on an 82 by 187 lot. Looks like a nice buy to me!

Teddy Bear Sleepover at Thomas Ford Memorial Library in Western Springs

On February 3rd there is a Teddy Bear Sleepover at the library for 4 and older. Hot cocoa and cookies and a few stories will be read before you say your good-byes. Make sure you bring a blanket for your friend. When the Library closes the stuffed animals will have all sorts of adventures. You will find out what they did when you pick them up in the morning! Registration is required. 708-246-0520.

Book Discussion Group at the Ford Library in Western Springs

March 7th at 7:30 pm they will be reviewing the book Little Bee by Chris Cleave. Stop in the library approx. a month before the discussion. They will have extra copies of this book. Check out the review!

Another teardown in Western Springs


Here is a cool older home that sits on a great lot. 90 x 180 this home was recently torn down and a new home is being built there. Sold for $700,000 in 2011. Located on Grove in Old Town of Western Springs this is an excellent location.

If you would like me to come over and give you my opinion of the value of your home please call me, Linda, at 708-334-5356.

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Film Discussion Group at The Thomas Ford Library on February 3rd




Skin is based on a true story of a black girl who was born to two white Afrikaner parents in South Africa during the apartheid era. Doors open at 6:45 and the movie is at 7 followed by a lively discussion. Feb. 3rd-close to home. Maybe have dinner in town before the movie.

John Measner Magic Show at Western Springs Senior's 32nd anniversary celebration



Lunch and entertainment on February 13th at noon. At the rec center on Walker in Western Springs.

Are you thinking of buying in the Western Springs area this Year?

I will be happy to set you up on an automatic program that will send you the listings that are coming on the market. You will receive two updates per day. We can customize the list to meet your criteria. Simply email me at linhankel@aol.com or call me at 708-334-5356

I look forward to meeting with you and personally showing you homes that fit your needs. Linda

What is a short sale?

A short sale is a sale of real estate in which the proceeds from selling the property will fall short of the balance of debts secured by liens against the property and the property owner cannot afford to repay the liens' full amounts, whereby the lien holders agree to release their lien on the real estate and accept less than the amount owed on the debt. Any unpaid balance owed to the creditors is known as a deficiency.[1] Short sale agreements do not necessarily release borrowers from their obligations to repay any deficiencies of the loans, unless specifically agreed to between the parties.

A short sale is often used as an alternative to foreclosure because it mitigates additional fees and costs to both the creditor and borrower; however both will often result in a negative credit report against the property owner.
This is a good definition. Taken from Wikipedia

When considering a short sale talk to your own accountant to find out exactly how it is going to affect you. And also call your bank.

For an opinion of the current value of your home please call me-Linda at 708-334-5356

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Here is what is being listed this week in Western Springs

We have a home coming on the MLS in Old Town of Western Springs. They tried the market in 2009 at $625,000 down to $609,000 and than again in 2010 at 599 to 579. This year they have come on the market at $539,000(sold in 2005 $516,500).

Ridgewood of Western Springs has a home that was sold in 2003 for $482,500 and is now listed for the first time since then for $559,000. Updated since purchase this is a cool contemporary home.

Ridge Acres has a 2 story brick home updated and asking $559,900. Hasn't been on the market for a long time. Last sold in the 90's. 4 br, 3 bath on a 45 x 214 lot.

Having been through the sale process in 2009 on a home we had rehabbed in Springdale I fully understand the higher prices that were originally asked on many homes. We had bought and rehabbed in 2007. Asked in the upper 500's or perhaps even the low 600's. Turned down 525...moved into the home...rented out our home....sold in 2009 for $482,000. So never think I am critical of people having asked higher prices in the past years. Lived it and get it! The market this year will be good as long as the sellers continue to price their homes to compensate for all the changes that have taken place in real estate. Buyers coming from city condos are taking less than they expected, jobs are still an issue, lenders have changed their requirements, appraisars have to be very careful....All of this equals if you want to sell your home price it competetively---if you need to sell your home fast---price it compellingly! And most important-call me.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Let's look at 2 of last year's teardowns in Western Springs



Johnson in Field Park lot 50 x 131 sold for $335,000 Bottom picture
Grove in Old Town sold for $520,000 lot size 75 x 151 x 85 x 151 Top Picture

New listing in Old Town of Western Springs

Home built in 1998, 5 bedrooms, 3 story only a couple of blocks to train. Newly, relisted in the MLS. Previously offered for $999,000 and now being listed for $865,000. If you are looking to buy in 2012 please give me a call. I love helping people find the right home for them. I have lived in Western Springs for the past 37 years but I have sold homes from Elmhurst to Park Ridge to Downers Grove to Chicago. Before you buy let's meet and see if we are a fit!

Thursday, January 19, 2012

New for 2012 - Listings in Western Springs

Today there were two new listings. One of them had been on the market in 2007 for 469,000 and then rented out. It is now on the market for $340,000 as a short sale with an approved price by the bank. The Lis Pendens was filed in 2007. The other listing is a new listing-not listed previously. Nice ranch in Springdale for $399,000. Call me to start looking at houses this year.

Pink Flamingos fundraiser-LT National Honor Society


Happy Birthday - Congratulations - Surprise! These are the three signs that you can choose from to accompany your order of Flamingos. Orders will start up again from March until May 2012. The cost of a flocking is $25.00 and must be ordered at least two weeks in advance and located within the LT district.

Parent University at Lyons Township High School Feb. 4th from 8 am until 1:30 PM

15th annual LTHS Parent University will be at the South Campus. Cost is $20 with advance registration and $25.00 at the door. Continental breakfast will be served.

Keynote speaker Diane Leamy, PhD,LCSW will address "Taming the Worry Monster:Anxiety to Calm". There will also be breakout workshops. Find out more...

Closed 600 50th Place in Springdale of Western Springs


This 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath split level was first put on the market in 2010 for $649,900 and taken off after 63 days. Back on in 2011 for $599,000 and lowered to $590,000. Taken aff after 90 days and relisted for $569,900 for 14 days. Closed for $535,000. 70 x 125 lot, 2 tier deck, sunroom, 2 fireplaces and updated!

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

"Ask an Architect" Western Springs Rec Center

Licensed Architect, General Contractor and Western Springs resident, Brian Fryzel, is offering no cost, "Ask an Architect", sessions through the Western Springs Recreation Center. The individual consultation is for new construction homes, home additions, kitchen remodeling or other renovation projects. The sessions take place at the rec center on January 26th and April 19th. Call the rec center to schedule your time-708-246-9070.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Closed 5312 Howard in Springdale of Western Springs


This home was sold in 2005 for $400,000 and then beautifully rehabbed. It went up for sale in 2006 for $679,000 and was lowered to 659,000 after 185 days. 2007 it went from $659,000 to $629,000 and after 156 days it was taken off and rented out for a couple of years. It came back on the market at $415,000 in 2011 and was lowered to $399,900 and closed on Jan. 15, 2012 for $350,000.

Home had a vaulted ceiling living room with a floor to ceiling fireplace wall, 3 bedrooms 2 1/2 baths.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Closed 4928 Lawn in Forest Hills


On the market for 307 days. Home started at $630,000 down to 620-605-599,999-590-555,000 and last price $530,000. Contract in August but didn't go through. 4 bedroom, 2 bath on a 75 x 187 lot. Closed Jan. 13th, 2012

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Closed 800 E Maple in Western Springs


This home was listed for $252,000 and closed for $225,000. Home was built in 1942 and was being sold for lot value with no showings on the home. Lot 58.4x135x69.5x135

If you did not know about Zillow Zestimates and Realist RealAVM they are estimates of the value of your home based on information they received through taxes, sales, etc. They are not done by viewing the home and comparing it to other, recent sales.

For this particular home the RealAVM was $513,256 at the time of the sale. Zillow's Zestimate was $310,900 at the time of the closing, however, in October 2011(only 120 days ago) Zillow gave this home a Zestimate of $544,000. They lowered their value $82,100 in the last 30 days. I would guess this was based on the fact that this home had been listed for $252,000 and that number hit their computer generated estimates lowering it dramatically.

I believe if you are considering listing your home this year you should consult with me and we can compare all the recent sales, their condition, the competition that you will have at the real time of your sale. I can help you come up with a realistic asking price.

Freddie Mac Now Permits Up To 12 Months Forbearance To Unemployed Borrowers - Jan 6, 2012

Freddie Mac Now Permits Up To 12 Months Forbearance To Unemployed Borrowers - Jan 6, 2012

Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Just got home from 800 West in Western Springs

I just went to 800 West with 2 of my girlfriends. We sat in the bar and had 4 appetizers-all for $5.00 each. We were stuffed! However, I needed to share the brownie a la mode which was great. And of course, we had a couple of glasses of wine. Met at 4:30 and home by 8.

Be sure and think local when you go out this winter!

Here is what is happening in Western Springs Real Estate for 2012

Today there was one new listing-a relist from a home taken off the market in Oct. Down $10,000 from the last list price. There was one listing that expired. And there were 5 price changes with the reduction ranging from 5 to 10% down. Homes at $425,000 came down to $399,000 and $489 down to $439 and $719 down below 700.

If you are thinking of buying now is a good time to make your best deal.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Friday, January 6, 2012

Runners,walkers,joggers...

If the weather turns cold(and we know it will) be sure to head inside for your winter workouts. Runners, walkers and joggers are welcome at the South Campus fieldhouse(LTHS) from 6-7 am every school day until Friday, March 23, 2012. Open to all district 204 residents.

Lyons Township High school Test Scores for 2011

Lyons Township High School test takers scored above state and national averages on standardized tests: the ACT, the SAT and Advanced Placement tests. This is one of the big reasons people move to our area. We have great schools!

Craft Club at Thomas Ford Library-Tiny Terrariums


Create tiny terrariums to hang in your home! All materials provided by the library. Registration required-limit 20.

January 17th at 7:00PM

Book Discussion Group at Thomas Ford Memorial Library


Wednesday, February 1st at 7:30 pm there will be a discussion on the engaging biography of White's comfort around animals, arising from his childhood surrounded by farm animals and later as an adult on his own farm in Maine.

"The Story of Charlotte's Web" by Michael Sims

2005 Chicago Maritime Festival - Lee Murdock - The Great Lakes Song



Friday at the Ford. January 27, 7:30 pm Lee will be doing a free concert. No registration required.

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Investment Group meets at the Thomas Ford Memorial Library

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Second Tuesdays at 7:15PM the investment group meets to discuss trends in stocks, bonds and other financial securities. This is a group of amateur investors and there is no registration required. Come learn, come share! Tuesday January 10th, February 14 and March 13.

Friday night at the Ford-Film Discussion Group


January 6th at 7 pm(doors open at 6:45). No registration necessary! "Letters to Father Jacob" is this Friday's movie. About a newly pardoned convict Leila who agrees to work as an assistant to a blind pastor. Father Jacob spends his days answering letters of the needy, but when the letters stop, the pastor is devasted and Leila finds herself cast in a new role. Sounds interesting to me. Even if I can't make it to the Library Friday night I think I will see if they have this movie on a cd there. Stay local this winter....you could do dinner in town before the movie!

Thomas Ford Memorial Library celebrates it's 80th Anniversary

It was January 9th, 1932 when the library opened it's doors for the first time. There will be special events throughout 2012 and displays to celebrate. On January 29th there will be an open house from 2-4pm. Family entertainment and a cake(what could be better!). Check out their website to find out the winter activities.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

What is being listed for sale in Western Springs so far in 2012

There were 6 new listings-however all but two were relists from last year.

New this year a 2 story 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home in Ridgewood for $529,000 and a 2 story in Field Park that had sold in 2008 for $1,500,000 and is listed for $1,399,000. Another home that was relisted in Old Town had sold for $1,075,000 in 2008 and is now listed for $835,000.

Call for a Market Analysis of your home. Linda 708-334-5356 Full-time broker at Charles Rutenberg Realty. Serving this area for over 30 years.

Youth LaCrosse Spring Registration for Western Springs


Call 708-246-9070 for your copy of the recreation brochure. Or see it at www.wsprings.com

Youth LaCrosse Spring Registration - January 22 or 24

Seniors Club in Western Springs Jan. 9 at 1 PM

Rita Lopienski, a music major who works with social programming at Plymouth Place, will be the guest entertainer. There will be sounds on the drums from Africa, the Middle East and South America. Annual dues of $10 will be collected.

Meeting at the Recreation Center on Walker in Old Town of Western Springs.

WHO | Water-related diseases

WHO | Water-related diseases

Western Springs Water Plant Rehabilitation


During the construction of the Village's reverse osmosis treatment plant water softening is no longer taking place. I have noticed this in my pans that I boil water in. Has anyone else noticed any changes in their water? I was curious if it will affect our laundry and appliances.


Water is primarily coming from well #4. The fluoride level that naturally occurs in that well is 2.1mg/L. This level is considered safe for drinking however, fluoride levels in drinking water above 2.0mg/L may cause some adolescent children to show signs of dental fluorosis. This is a condition that occurs in developing teeth before they erupt from the gums. Signs of dental fluorosis are white streaks on the teeth in minor cases to brown discoloration in more severe cases. It is a cosmetic condition and does not affect the overall health or the integrity of the tooth. Children and adults who already have permanent teeth exposed will not be affected.

Any more concerns contact your family dentist. Any questions concerning the plant's construction may be directed to Ken Hayes, 708-246-1800 ext. 215

Plan ahead for NEAT cleanup day in Western Springs

April 14 N.E.A.T. celebrates 26 years of community service. The Neighborhood Environmental Appearance Team is an orgainzation that was created in 1986 as a subcommittee of the Village's Architectural and Appearance Commission in preparation of the Village's Centennial celebration. NEAT had their first workday April 19, 1986.

NEAT Cleanup Day on Saturday-April 14th with a rain date of Sunday, April 15- is a great service project for residents and youth groups. Bring rakes, brooms and gloves to help with the cleanup. Groups are encouraged to preregister so sites can be assigned. Check-in and registration will take place April 14 at the Recreation Center between 8 am and noon.

For further info contact Carol Yee at 708-246-6704/mscyee@hotmail.com or the Rec Dept. at 708-246-9070. I am going to find out if my book club wants to join the fun. Maybe we can cleanup the Library lot!

Help Explorer Post 740 raise money to go to their conference in July


The Explorers are local boys and girls 14-20 who volunteer their time to serve the community. At events they assist with public safety, alcohol and tobacco compliance checks and ride with officers. They are a valuable asset to our Village.

An upcoming drive is "Little Caesars" pizza kits: average price is $15.00 for 3 pizzas. Orders may be placed with Post Liaison Officer A.J. Hull at ahull@wsprings.com or 708-246-8540. Tell them Linda sent you!

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Closed 4045 Linden in Field Park of Western Springs


On the market for 477 days. 5 bedroom, 2 1/2 baths, 2 fireplaces on a 60 x 131 lot. Started at $729,900 in June 2010 and was at 650,000 after 246 days. Back on at $650,000 and lowered to $585,000 in the 182 day period. Back on for $569,000 and lowered to $539,000 and sold in that 49 day period for %500,000. Closed on January 3, 2012

Closed 4200 Garden in Old Town of Western Springs


4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath on a 50 x 135 lot. Home has been updated. On the market for 211 days. Original list price $549,900-539,900-515,000-475,000 and closed on Jan. 3, 2012 for $452,500.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Win a $10.00 Gift Certificate to local eating spots in Western Springs


January 2nd raffle prize is a $10.00 gift certificate to Great Wall of China, $10.00 to Snackers and $10.00 to Great American Bagel. You will find the Great Wall of China on Wolf Road just south of 55th Street, Snackers on Burlington in downtown Western Springs and the Great American Bagel is at 47th and Gilbert in the Garden Market.