Home Listed For Sale in Wheaton: 210 W Jefferson Avenue

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The Champagne Realty Group Proudly Presents

210 W JEFFERSON AVENUE IN WHEATON

Check out this classic in-town Wheaton charmer on a large 100' wide lot with upscale features and renovations throughout. This property is a commuters dream being steps to train and only a few minutes to major highways AND is walking distance to downtown amenities and entertainment as well as schools. The inviting and spacious screened in porch welcomes you to this three story stunner with 5 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms and an English basement. The chic kitchen recently overhauled in 2015 offers gorgeous white Brakur soft-close cabinets, quartz counter tops and island/breakfast bar, beautiful back splash, high end stainless steel appliances, a farmhouse sink with touch-less faucet, an eat-in area with banquette seating and a fabulous built-in planning desk. Don't miss the newly refinished hardwood floors, crown molding & trim, new light fixtures or the soaring ceilings! The master suite boats a large sitting area with dual walk-in-closets and a renovated spa style master bathroom with quartz counters and an over-sized steam shower. Secondary bedrooms offer ample space and storage with each closet containing custom organizers. Head up to the third story to find an incredible suite with private and fully renovated full bathroom. The exterior doesn't disappoint either with brick paver patios, a newly configured deck, flagstone walkway, a stunning pergola and a THREE car garage. Truly nothing to do here but move in and take advantage of everything this home has to offer! This one has it all so please view all the interior & exterior photos and review the complete property details here http://goo.gl/Jx2GL8 - Message us today by emailing Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at KatieOakes@KW.com for any other specific details or to setup a private showing for this home or others like it!

Follow this link to see all of the available properties currently listed for sale in Wheaton, IL!

 

Email Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group for more information at KatieOakes@KW.com! Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com to check out community information or to find other homes just like this one!

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn. Contact us for more information about buying or selling your home in the Wheaton, Winfield and Warrenville area or simply visit Wheaton Homes For Sale online to start your search now! Our team also works with local investors to find properties suitable for a renovation and resale. Contact us today for more information on signing up to receive email alerts when potential investment properties hit the market. As long time residents of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn we specialize in Wheaton homes for sale and Glen Ellyn homes for sale including the surrounding towns and areas. The Champagne Realty Group has closed over $150 million in real estate volume with over 180 transactions in 2013 and 2014 alone. The Champagne Realty Group is currently ranked #1 at Keller Williams Premiere Properties for number of listings sold and was also #1 for total number of homes sold in 2013 as well. 

The Champagne Realty Group

Keller Williams Premiere Properties

45 S. Park Blvd. Suite 300

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Just Listed and Sold in 48 Hours in Wheaton: 340 E Prairie Avenue

START YOUR FREE HOME SEARCH ABOVE WITH QUICK LINKS TO ACTIVE REAL ESTATE IN SOME OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES SERVED

The Champagne Realty Group Proudly Presents

340 E. PRAIRIE AVENUE IN WHEATON, IL

In case you missed it, here is one of The Champagne Realty Group's latest Wheaton properties that was listed and SOLD last week in 48 hours! Message our team today to learn more about how our top producing team provides the services that home sellers need in today's market to get their property sold for top dollar. Visit our buyer website to view all other NEW properties that have just been listed in Wheaton in the past 7 days that are still currently available to purchase. Contact our team via Katie Oakes if you are interested in learning your home's current market value!

 

Email Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group for more information at KatieOakes@KW.com! Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com to check out community information or to find other homes just like this one!

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn. Contact us for more information about buying or selling your home in the Wheaton, Winfield and Warrenville area or simply visit Wheaton Homes For Sale online to start your search now! Our team also works with local investors to find properties suitable for a renovation and resale. Contact us today for more information on signing up to receive email alerts when potential investment properties hit the market. As long time residents of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn we specialize in Wheaton homes for sale and Glen Ellyn homes for sale including the surrounding towns and areas. The Champagne Realty Group has closed over $140 million in real estate volume with over $40 million dollars and over 100 transactions in 2013 alone. The Champagne Realty Group is #1 at Keller Williams Premiere Properties for number of listings sold in 2013. 

The Champagne Realty Group

Keller Williams Premiere Properties

45 S. Park Blvd. Suite 300

Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Just Listed For Sale: 907 Cherry Street in Wheaton

The Champagne Group Proudly Presents

907 CHERRY STREET WHEATON, IL

 

Wow this home is better than new construction, it is in pristine condition! This property offers loads of living space and its' layout is perfect for entertaining. Features include an updated kitchen with Brakur cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances; a family room with a cozy fireplace and built-in entertainment center; gorgeous trim work and moldings throughout the home. The first floor bedroom and full bathroom is perfect for guests or an in-law arrangement. Master suite boasts a spa-like bathroom with two walk-in-closets. Don't miss

the second floor laundry upgrade or the over 700 square feet of added space in the finished basement with a recreation room, two additional rooms, plenty of storage space and another full bathroom! This location is close to downtown Wheaton and the Metra train line.  For more information on 907 Cherry Street in Wheaton visit Wheaton Homes For Sale or contact Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties. Please email or call us today at 630-464-9437 to arrange a private viewing of this home. This one will not last long!

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL at 45 S. Park Blvd. Suite 300. Contact Katie Oakes for more information about buying or selling your home in the Wheaton, Winfield and Warrenville area or simply visit Wheaton Homes For Sale online to start your search now! Our team also works with local investors to find properties suitable for a renovation and resale. Contact us today for more information on signing up to receive email alerts when potential investment properties hit the market. As long time residents of Wheaton and Glen Ellyn we specialize in Wheaton homes for sale and Glen Ellyn homes for sale including the surrounding towns and areas. The Champagne Realty Group has closed over $140 million in real estate volume with over $40 million dollars in 2013 alone. The Champagne Realty Group is #1 at Keller Williams Premiere Properties for number of listings sold in 2013. 

January 2014 Housing Market Update

Total existing home sales were down in November when compared to the previous month and were also down from November of last year.  However, distressed sales made up a much smaller portion of the total in November than they did the previous year and by comparison conventional sales appear to have increased.  Less-distressed sales are a positive sign for the market and should help potential sellers who no longer have to compete with as many discounted homes as they would have in recent years. Prices continued their modest seasonal decline in November, while still increasing compared to the same month of the previous year. Recent Federal Reserve policy changes will likely mean slightly higher interest rates moving into the New Year, however, market reactions so far have been positive and rates have edged up very slowly. Those considering purchasing a home may wish to take advantage of the current break in price gains and lock in mortgage rates as they continue to trend upward.

INTEREST RATES

In December, the DFederal Reserve announced it would begin to curtail its purchase of non-traditional assets also known as quantitative easing. As the Fed tentatively draws back its level  of asset purchases, mortgage rates will likely continue to slowly increase. Currently, Freddie Mac reports the following figures: 30-year fixed rate at 4.48%; 15-year fixed rate at 3.52%; 5/1adjustable rate at 3.0%.

HOME SALES

According to the National Association of Realtors, the seasonally adjusted rate of home sales declined 4.3% from last year to an annual rate of 4.9 million homes. The rate reported in November of last year, however, the decline in the portion of sales made up of distressed properties, from 22% last year to 14% this year, means we likely are still seeing positive year-over-year gains in conventional home sales.  As banks begin to implement new lending regulations, credit tightness is likely hampering home sales and may continue to do so in the beginning of the New Year.

HOME PRICE

Median home prices dipped slightly from October to November, dropping 0.6% from $197,500 to $196,300 according to NAR. Year –over-year home prices continue to post significant gains with prices up 9.4% from last November.  However, November is the first month since the same month of the previous year to have a year-over-year gain of less than 10%.

INVENTORY

The level of total housing inventory in the country dropped in November to 2.09 million homes, down 1.9% from the previous month.  Months of supply of inventory, however, ticked up slightly due to the lower pace of sales this month.  The number of months of supply represents how many months it would take the current level of inventory to sell given the current sales paces if no other homes were added to the market.  Supply in October represented 5.1 months, up 4.1% from the previous month, and up 6.3% from November of the previous year.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Contact Katie Oakes for more information about buying or selling your home in the Wheaton, Winfield and Warrenville area or simply visit Wheaton Homes For Sale online to start your search now!

DIY Flooring Installation

Installing a new floor is a great way to liven up your house. Before you change your floor, however, you need to decide what type of flooring is best suited to your budget and lifestyle. Hardwood floors are a classic choice, while many homeowners prefer the ease of tile or the affordability of laminate flooring. While some floors can be installed by an inexperienced homeowner, other floor types require the services of a professional or an experienced handyman.

Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood floors have always been a popular choice. Beautiful, traditional wood floors can last a lifetime if properly maintained and, because hardwood floors are more hygienic than carpet, they are a good choice for people with allergies. The National Wood Flooring Association, points out that wood is:

Low-maintenance

Renewable

Recyclable

Varied

Enduring

Hardwood floor types can be new or salvaged and might be smooth, distressed, or hand-scraped for an antique look. Stains give you a variety of color choices, even allowing oak to masquerade as rare exotic lumber. Research all your options before investing in a hardwood floor, as each of the many choices offers advantages of its own.

Maintaining Hardwood Floors

Prefinished hardwood flooring can be expensive, but it is easy to maintain. To keep your hardwood floor looking its best, you should put down area rugs in places that get a lot of foot traffic. You should also damp mop your floor frequently to remove dust and dirt. If your hardwood floors get a few minor scratches, you can repair them with a touch-up stick. Solid hardwood floors can be refinished if they have a lot of scuffmarks, which is one advantage over other products like laminate flooring.

Installing Hardwood Flooring

If you have never installed any type of flooring, you might want to hire a professional to lay your hardwood floors. Get an estimate, ask for references and never pay for the entire job upfront. If you do decide to do it yourself, do your homework because installing flooring can be tricky. The following tools are needed for installing hardwood floors:

Circular saw

Measuring tape

Nail gun or hammer

Table saw

T-square

Floor sealant

Nails

Safety glasses

According to Steve Seabaugh, director of technical education for the NWFA, installers of wood floors must take care to:

Check the subfloor for flatness.

Avoid laying over particleboard, which does not hold nails well.

Acclimatize wood to the space in which it will be installed.

Laying hardwood floors takes time, and this last step adds several days to your project calendar. The flooring should sit in your home for at least 48 hours before installation in order to expose it to the room's environment. This allows it to expand or contract according to the temperature and humidity of the room. If this takes place after the floor is laid, you'll wind up with shifting boards and uneven flooring. In addition to this brief period of acclimatization, plan to spend at least a few full days installing hardwood floors, depending on the size of your home.

Quick-Growing Alternatives to Hardwoods

Some homeowners choose cork or bamboo floors as an alternative to hardwood. These faster-growing products can be "green" in more ways than one - gentle on the planet and on your wallet. Prefinished bamboo is made from a grass and performs much like hardwood when it's used as flooring. Cork is a wood-bark product that can also make an attractive floor. According to BuildGreen's independently publishedEnvironmental Building News, the most eco-friendly bamboo floors are those with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification.

Tile Flooring

Tile is another beautiful choice and a great option for DIY flooring. The price of tile varies greatly because there are so many choices, from ceramics and terra-cotta to marble and slate. Regardless of the price, tile is extremely durable and will last for decades with proper care.

Before installing new floors, you should first learn as much as you can about how to tile. Many hardware stores and home centers offer classes in tiling. You can also hire a professional to install your tile floor, but this will greatly increase the price of your total flooring expenses.

When you do undertake a tiling job, be sure you already understand the process. You'll need to be sure your subfloor is suitable and then create a level bed of mortar. Tiles will be set according to a careful plan, with room left between for grout. After the mortar has set, you'll fill the gaps with grout, carefully wiping the surface of the tiles as you go. Finally, a week or more later, you'll seal the grout to protect it from stains.

Tile-Laying Supplies

The basic supplies for laying tile include:

Grout floats

Mortar trowels

Sponges

Tile cutters

Tile grout, mortar, and sealant

Tile saw

Tape measure

Pencil

Level

Rags and a sponge

Installing tile flooring will take time, as grout and mortar take several days to dry. You should expect to get your hands dirty during this process, but the end result will be one of the most easily maintained flooring options out there.

Laminate Flooring

Laminate flooring is made from a synthetic material that looks like hardwood or tile. Laminate flooring is a great choice for anyone who wants the look of hardwood or tile but doesn't have a big budget to work with. Laminate flooring is usually less than half the cost of hardwood floors.

Another advantage of laminate flooring is that almost anyone can install it. For most types of laminate flooring, the manufacturer's instructions are easy to follow and the pieces snap into place for "lock and click" installation. According to the North American Laminate Flooring Association, glue and fasteners are usually not required. Durability and affordability are listed by NALFA alongside ease of installation as reasons to consider a laminate floor.

Eco-friendly Laminates

Environmental concerns can sway consumers towards laminates, too. A product with NALFA's green seal will have the following features, according to the association's website:

Natural ingredients such as wood chips

Recyclability

Low emissions

Recycled content

No VOC-producing installation adhesives

Easy to Buy, Install and Maintain

Caring for and maintaining laminate floors is very easy - simply sweep or wet-mop regularly. With excellent care, laminate floors can last up to 20 years. The time and skill required to install a laminate floor are relatively low, making this a popular choice for first-time DIY floor installations.

A Floor for Every Lifestyle

Whether you choose easy laminates, classic hardwoods, or beautiful tile, your floor will help define your home's personality. By matching your budget, taste, and skill to the best product for you, you can find a DIY flooring solution that will make your home more comfortable, beautiful, and valuable.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Realty Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Contact Katie Oakes for more information about buying or selling your home in the Wheaton/Winfield area or simply visit Wheaton Homes For Sale online to start your search now!

The Advantages of Getting a Mortgage Preapproval

The homebuying process can be exciting, but also stressful. When there are a large number of buyers in the market for real estate, the odds of being able to purchase your desired home can be low. However, getting a mortgage preapproval prior to home shopping can dramatically increase the odds of success. 

Make Mortgage Preapproval Your First Step

A mortgage preapproval should be a homebuyer's first step when purchasing a home. A borrower can choose to meet with a lender or get an initial preapproval via the Internet. The preapproval process is similar to the actual mortgage process and will, in fact, eliminate a lot of time after a home has been chosen.

When obtaining a mortgage preapproval, the borrower will complete a mortgage application and submit the necessary documentation to the lender. The lender will pull a credit report and examine the borrower's credit.

Based on all of this information, the lender will determine the amount of funds that the borrower qualifies for. The borrower will receive a Conditional Commitment, which states the amount of funds that the lender agrees to lend provided that the conditions are met. While a preapproval is an important first step, it is not the final mortgage approval.

Impress Homesellers With Your Mortgage Preapproval

One of the advantages of having a preapproval is that this letter can be shown to real estate agents and sellers when looking for a home. By doing so, both the agent and the seller know that the borrower can qualify for a certain amount of funds. It is proof of the borrower's financial standing and ability to proceed with the home purchase.

Another advantage is that some of the work that is involved in obtaining a mortgage is already done. The lender has already examined the borrower's financial situation, including credit, income and assets. During the preapproval process, the lender will also discuss the most appropriate type of mortgage program that fits the borrower's needs, whether it is a conventional loan or a government loan.

This is significant because not all sellers will accept a buyer who is using a government loan. Knowing the details of what type of loan is appropriate for the borrower, the agent can then show them homes that will fit their preapproval both for cost and type of funding.

How Mortgage Preapproval is Determined

The preapproval is determined by putting the information given to the lender through automated underwriting. In most cases, the preliminary loan file goes through a preprocessing before the preapproval is given to the borrower. Since there is an actual examination of the borrower's documentation, the borrower will also receive a list of additional information that may be needed. The borrower can then submit this information while shopping for a home.

Once a home is found and the sales contract is signed, processing the loan is faster since most of the work for the credit file has been done. The final process involves verifications, ordering and receiving the appraisal, ordering title documents, obtaining insurance, etc. The final underwriting is the last step before the loan file is sent for closing.

The preapproval process is an important part of a home purchase. Since there is a lot of information involved in obtaining a mortgage, it eliminates many last minute problems that can arise. Obtaining a mortgage preapproval helps the home purchase process go smoothly.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. 

To start your home search now or for local lender recommendations contact Katie Oakes directly!

How to Hold the Perfect Garage Sale

When you need to either store or get rid of a lot of "stuff" to make your house look its best while on the market, holding a garage sale may be the ideal solution. Not only will your current house stage easier, but you will lighten the load of what needs to be moved to the new home - and make money in the process.

To be successful, a garage sale requires some planning and preparation. In fact, planning the sale may be the key to its success.

Planning the Garage Sale

I once knew a real estate agent who was so excited over her first listing that she planned to hold an open house the weekend after the home went on the market. She did no advanced planning – just chose the date. Nobody showed up at the open house – not even one person. It turns out that she was holding her open house on Super Bowl Sunday and the local team happened to be one of the teams playing.

When you settle on a date for the sale, dig out the local TV listings to ensure that there isn't a major sporting event that will be televised on that day. Also make sure there isn't a local event, such as a popular festival or parade. Although there are a lot of die-hard garage sale fans, even they will skip a sale if there's something else competing for their attention.

The Yard Sale Queen suggests that if you have a major corporation in your area, find out when the employees get paid and hold your sale the weekend after payday.

Here are a few other things to consider during the planning stage:

• Have everything ready the night before the sale so that you're not running around in the morning.

• Sketch out a plan for the sales floor, allowing room to move between aisles and ensuring that you can see all items from your perch.

• Make a list of each item you're selling and the price you'll be asking. During the sale, cross out each item sold and make note of the price received.

• Price items clearly.

• Ensure that you'll have sufficient help the day of the sale and that everyone is in agreement over pricing and bargaining policies.

• Have an extension cord on hand so that customers can test electrical items.

• Save grocery bags in the weeks leading up to the sale so that you can bag the items your customers purchase.

• The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you go through all the pockets of clothing you plan to sell, check compartments in handbags, and fan books to make sure there's nothing of value, or even old credit card receipts that may contain private information.

The Day Before the Sale

Now that you're prepared for the sale, it's time to make sure folks know about it. There are several ways to get the word out about your garage or yard sale. One of the best is by placing an ad on Craigslist. Here are a few other things to do the day before the garage or yard sale:

• Make signs to be placed around the neighborhood and to direct customers from a main thoroughfare. They should be large enough to be seen from the road and directions should be clear. Arrow-shaped signs are ideal.

• Go to the bank and get some cash, such as rolls of quarters, 20 to 30 $1 bills, and five to 10 $5 bills.

• Consider how you will hold the cash during the sale. A cashbox isn't a good idea as it's too easy for someone to walk away with it. Wearing a "fanny sack" around your waist or keeping a wallet in your pocket are much safer ways to hold your cash.

Sale Day

• Move sale items out onto the driveway if that's where you've decided to set up the sales floor. Remember to put the most desirable items out front to entice customers to stop their cars. The Yard Sale Queen suggests placing some "manly" items out front, such as lawnmowers or power tools, to make it easier for wives to get their husbands to stop and shop.

• Set up the neighborhood and directional signs.

• Ensure that all items are clearly marked with the price.

• Greet people as they arrive to make them feel comfortable. Ask if they're looking for anything in particular.

• Keep an eye on customers, but don't hover over them.

Considerations

If you lived in a gated community, getting people into the sale is a bit more challenging. Contact your homeowners association first to determine what rules they have about yard sales and if there are any restrictions. Many HOAs hold annual community-wide sales where the gates swing open and the public is allowed to stream through.

Check local regulations to make sure your street signs aren't in violation of any city or municipal codes.

Be aware of some of the more common scams:

• When making change, don't immediately pocket the bill the customer gives you. Either hold it in your hand or place under a paperweight while you make change. This way, the customer can't claim to have given you a larger bill.

• Large groups of customers arriving at once or rowdy children can be distracting. Have someone help you keep an eye on folks when you feel they may be deliberately trying to distract you.

• The Yard Sale Queen suggests that you always look inside any large items that you sell before allowing the customer to leave with them to ensure something else isn't hidden within.

Information and service provided by Katie Oakes with The Champagne Group at Keller Williams Premiere Properties in Glen Ellyn, IL. Visit WheatonHomes4Sale.com today to learn more about how The Champagne Group has closed over 120 million in volume.

Designing with Your Teen: Bedroom Décor

It's time to put away the beloved character comforters and sheets - your little girl or boy is no longer a child. The switch from cartoon characters to a more mature bedroom décor can be a smooth experience for both parent and child.

When tweens enter the full-fledged teen years they yearn for independence. They want control and decision-making privileges. It might be scary to imagine teenagers choosing their own paint colors, furniture, and decorations, but with a strong design plan this process doesn't have to be intimidating.

Get Inspired With a Design Board

Teen bedrooms can be mature but still have an element of fun. Their décor can reflect their interests in sports and hobbies in a stylish, organized way. Creating a design or inspiration board is the perfect way to find a happy medium between what parents want and what teenagers want. Choosing the perfect design elements will create a space that fosters confidence and self-expression while avoiding clutter.

The design board should include everything that will go into the bedroom. Not only should it have pictures of furniture and paint and fabric swatches, it should also include details like lighting fixtures and accessories. One to create the board is to cut out pictures from magazines and glue them to a paper poster board. Your teens can also search online for pictures that can be printed out and affixed to the board. Another option is to copy and paste pictures from websites like Pinterest and Tumblr to a blank document on your computer. Once the design board is made, parents and teens can go over it together to be sure both parties agree on the design plan.

Choosing Colors

Don't be caught off guard if your teen chooses an outrageous color like bright pink or black. Bold, funky colors can be a fantastic outlet for their personalities. If you can't deal with all the walls being drenched in an over-the-top color, use the wild color as an accent on a single wall, a border, or as a pattern throughout the room. Another option is to use a more subtle color for the walls and brighter or bolder fabrics and accessories throughout the room.

Bedroom Furniture

Beds, dressers, entertainment centers, desks, nightstands and bookcases are often part of a teen's bedroom décor. If all of these pieces are too much for the size of the space, then consider picking dual-purpose furniture, like a workspace that includes shelving or an entertainment center that houses a television and has shelves for books and accessories. You may want to forego the dressers for under-bed drawers to keep clothing neatly stored. Installing a closet organization system is another way to store everything from clothes to shoes, bags, coats, and accessories.

One thing you don't want to skimp on is shelf space. Shelves are great places to display books, but they are also perfect for displaying trophies, photo frames, and more. When purchasing basic furniture like the bed and nightstand, consider the future use of each piece. Will the furniture be staying long after your teen graduates from college, or will your child be using the furniture to fill a college dorm or first apartment? This will help you decide how much money to invest in the furniture as well as what style options are most appropriate.

Lighting and Accessories

Overhead lights and lamps come in every style imaginable. A simple overhead ceiling fan with lights can provide circulation and bright light when needed. Matching or coordinating small lamps are good for desk areas and nightstands. Dimmer options on all lights are practical features that will allow optimal lighting for any situation.

Framed wall art can give teen rooms a grown up appeal without going overboard. Buying art from a local artist or encouraging your teen to create their own art can make these accessories affordable. Words and geometric designs that adhere to the walls are fun ways to allow teens to express themselves without ruining wall paint.

Information is provided by Katie Oakes with Keller Williams with the Champagne Team. Contact Katie Oakes today to find out how much your how is worth or to begin the search for your next dream home!