Sunday, April 24, 2011

Former Blackhawks Player Buys Home in Hinsdale

In honor of the Chicago Blackhawks fight to stay alive tonight in the playoff game against Vancouver tonight, I am featuring an article about long-time Blackhawks wingman Eric Daze and his recent purchase in Hinsdale, IL. Interested in buying in Hinsdale or just want to browse homes for sale, just check out my website and follow the property search link for a free and easy home search.

By Bob Goldsborough, Special to the Tribune
April 22, 2011

Bucking a recent trend of former players listing their area homes and leaving town, retired Blackhawks wing Eric Daze has paid $1.68 million for a newly built, six-bedroom, Foursquare house in Hinsdale.

Daze sold his longtime four-bedroom house in Hinsdale for $725,000. It had been listed for $795,000.

A 2002 league MVP who spent his entire 11-year NHL career with the Blackhawks, Daze, 35, was permanently sidelined in 2005 with chronic back problems.

A longtime homeowner in Hinsdale, Daze has traded up to a 12-room stucco house that had been listed for $1.89 million when he closed on the purchase March 18. Features include 51/2 baths, gas lanterns that flank the front entrance, a foyer with a barrel-vaulted ceiling, hardwood floors, oversize millwork, a family room with a limestone fireplace, a mud room with lockers, a finished lower level with a bedroom and a kitchen with custom cabinets, top-of-the-line appliances and Carrara marble.
Classified as a "green home," the house has low-flow plumbing, a tankless water heater and energy-efficient windows and appliances.

Daze paid $665,000 in 1999 to purchase the nine-room, 2,373-square-foot house that he just sold. Built in 1998, that house has 4 1/2 baths, hardwood floors on three levels, custom cherry cabinetry, a new family room and a finished lower level.

Monday, April 18, 2011

New Listing 1410 Golfview Drive in Glendale Heights

List Price $144,900
Pristine golfcourse landscapes surround this chic professionally designed home. Updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances overlooks the open dining and living area that features vaulted ceilings, a cozy fireplace, and sliding glass door to patio. Both bedrooms each have a full bath and walk-in-closet providing ample storage. With all these upgrades and a professional paint job there is nothing to do but move-in and enjoy the perks of golf course living!

Looking for other homes for sale? Check out my website to browse homes for sale in your area. Please email me at KatieOakes@KW.com with any real estate questions, as your local real estate expert I pride mysef on being able to answer any and all of your real estate questions.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Buying a Home? Knowing Your Credit Score is the First Step

If you have questions about getting a mortgage or just want more information please email me at KatieOakes@KW.com and I will supply you with a list of known reputable lenders that work in your area.  Feel free to check out my website which has information on the home buying and selling process and has access to every home listed for sale in the Chicagoland area.
Knowing your credit score can help you estimate what kind of borrowing situation you will be faced with if you are looking to buy a home in the near future.  Lenders are much more likely to lend money to borrowers that can prove they have a good history of repayment.  Credit scores, which can range from 300 to 850, are based on a number of factors but primarily come down to how well you pay off your bills.  If you find that your credit score is below average try paying down your debt while minimizing purchases put on credit.  Also try diversifying your credit by signing up for a few store credit cards at your favorite shops, but make sure to keep the purchases minimal and within your ability to pay off immediately. The number one rule for keeping your credit score low is to never spend more than what you have, although it is important to have credit usage it is equally as important to pay off your debt as soon as possible.  Below is a list of credit score ranges and what lenders view those scores at.

760 or higher: Excellent. Your score is well above the average score of U.S. consumers and clearly demonstrates to lenders that you are an exceptional borrower.

725 to 759: Very good. Your score is above average and demonstrates to lenders that you are a very dependable borrower.

660 to 724: Good. Your score is near the average. Most lenders consider this a good score.

560 to 659: Not good. Your score is below the average. Some lenders will approve loans with this score.

Lower than 560: Bad. Your score is well below the average and demonstrates to lenders you are a very risky borrower.


SOURCE: Scoreinfo.org

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Open Houses for Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Surrounding Suburbs

A great way to view homes in your area that are currently for sale is to check out local open houses.  Want a list of all the open houses in the Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and surrounding areas?  Just stop by your local Keller Williams Premiere Properties in downtown Glen Ellyn at 462 N. Park Blvd every Saturday!  Walk in anytime Saturday during the morning and early afternoon and ask the receptionist for your FREE list of Open Houses.

Want to stay up-to-date on my open houses in your area? Check out my website and my next open house will be posted on the right hand side of your screen with a picture along with the property details!

Not from the Wheaton/Glen Ellyn area? Just shoot me an email at KatieOakes@KW.com and I can compile a list of Open Houses in your area and email it right to you.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Wheaton Homes for Sale and Wheaton Rental Properties

Interested in finding a home to buy in Wheaton? Want to check out home much your neighbors home is going for?  There are 627 residential properties listed for sale in Wheaton right now! To view pictures, prices, and information on these homes follow this link to a free property search: Wheaton Homes For Sale.

Not looking to buy?  Want information on residential rentals in Wheaton? Follow this link to view all the available residential rentals: Wheaton Rental Properties.

Not looking to move to Wheaton? Email me to get access to other locations in the Chicagoland area at KatieOakes@KW.com or visit my website and set up your own personalized search!

Monday, April 4, 2011

Buying a Home in Winfield? Do Not Miss This Deal

0 N 0 9 1   E L M W O O D  W I N F I E L D
 Listed at $154,900

Back on the market, price has already been set by bank. Don't miss this opportunity to own in Winfield with DIST 200 schools!  Priced to sell! Come see this beauty for yourself. Stainless steel appliances, solid oak cabinets, and two closet pantrys make this a must have kitchen, great well-lit family room, large bedrooms, and other updates to numerous to mention. Don't miss the finished basement with a full bathroom and fireplace recently updated with a large laundy room with countertop space perfect for folding! 

If you or someone you know is interested in this property or just wants to talk real estate feel free to email me directly at KatieOakes@KW.com .