Real Estate Information Archive

Get ready to see the Koenig & Strey Elmhurst Real Estate agents surrounded by cute furry little animals this Saturday, October 9th at the York & Vallette Fall Festival. Why furry animals you ask? Because from 10 am to 2 pm the Koenig & Strey office will be sponsoring the petting zoo!

Other activities at this year’s York & Vallette Fall Festival will include pumpkin carving and painting, story-telling, a bean bag toss, pony rides, a moon jump and more!

Costumes are encouraged so we would love to see you drop by dressed up in your full Halloween get up.

The York and Vallette Business Association in Elmhurst Illinois is just south of the Illinois Prarie Path. The York & Vallette businesses created the YVBA to serve as a not-for-profit organization that offers the Elmhurst community events such as Farmers Markets, seasonal contests and concerts throughout the year. The Fall Festival is the first of many events to kick of the holiday season.

The Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group is always looking for ways to better connect with the Elmhurst Community. The more we get to know our neighbors, the better we can serve our community, as well as any Elmhurst newcomers. If you are looking into Elmhurst Illinois Real Estate, we would love to help you find the home you’re looking for. Not only do we have some fantastic homes, we also have a civic-minded, tight-knit, seasonal-celebration-loving, community.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-567-5902 | 630-306-7882
Email: Tom@MariaAndTom.com | Maria@MariaAndTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Elmhurst IL Real Estate Agent
Elmhurst IL Homes

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As is usually the case with the changing Chicago seasons, September flew by in the blink of an eye. Believe it or not, by the end of this week, it will be October in Elmhurst Illinois!

Dupage County, Illinois is the perfect picture community for fall…

Nature trails and tree-lined streets in Elmhurst neighborhoods filled with vibrant and colorful foliage...
Parties and get-togethers in Elmhurst homes for Bears games and each head of household’s respective college teams...
Halloween haunted houses galore...
Pumpkin patches and apple picking farms packed with activities for the whole family

Here are a few places you can begin enjoying all of the benefits of living in DuPage County Real Estate around this time of the year:

Sonny Acres Farms
29W310 North Ave, West Chicago, IL 60185-1325
This is the most magical place for children young and old when it comes to fall festivities. It is not only a huge mountainous pumpkin patch, it also houses haunted houses, costume shops, food, candy, hayrides, petting zoos, children's rides, and more.

11th Hour Haunted House
434 Devon Avenue, Elk Grove, IL‎
The longest haunted house event in Chicago. Three different haunted houses, one corn maze, and zombies and spooks galore.

Safety Town Family Fall Fest
S York St & E Vallette St, Elmhurst, IL 60126
Halloween starts a little early in the Safety Town village in Elmhurst. Gather the family for the 11th Annual Family Fall Fest where activities include pony riding, a petting zoo, moon jump and more. The event will be on October 9th from 10 am to 2 pm. Safety Town Elmhurst is located at the Depot/Wild Weadows Trace, specially designed for the educational instruction of safety programs for young children.

Morton Arboretum
4100 Illinois Route 53, Lisle, IL
Fall Color Festival
The fall festival at the Morton Arboretum is a combination of activities for DuPage County residents young and old throughout each weekend in October. It includes everything from Gourdwalks and a free wine tasting, to a Taffy Apple Bar, and “Trick or Trees” - a fun-filled day for the kids complete with Halloween costume dress code, pumpkin painting and tree planting.

Theater Hikes
Not only is the Morton Arboretum the best place to see acres and acres of autumn colors, but it also offers great entertainment right in the middle of its scenic fall backdrop. Theater Hikes allow audiences to walk along with a scheduled play performed outdoors from scene to scene. The shows are Saturday and Sunday from 1-1:30 pm. September’s play is "Our Town" and "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" will debut in October.

Fall Color 5K Run and Walk
The most scenic running event in town will be on Sunday, October 3rd, starting at 8 am. Enjoy the view on the rolling course that winds through the Morton Arboretum grounds on the East Side.

We cannot imagine living anywhere other than Elmhurst, Illinois – especially at this time of the year. There is something so warm and comforting about the changing seasons of the Midwest. The fantastic fall foliage is not something that you can get everywhere; the good old fashioned fun of a pumpkin patch or a hay ride fits so perfectly with the Midwestern values of Elmhurst, Illinois and the surrounding areas. If this sounds like the kind of place that you want to move to, then give us a call. We would love to show you a few Elmhurst Illinois homes that look especially fantastic surrounded by vibrant yellow, red and orange leaves.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-567-5902 | 630-306-7882
Email: Tom@MariaAndTom.com | Maria@MariaAndTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
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We are proud to announce that the Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group is growing!  As we continue to hold our place at the top of the Elmhurst real estate market on the listing side, it is important that we also have a specialized expert on the team in buyer representation.

Gina is an 18 year resident of Elmhurst and resides here with her husband and 3 children.  Her children currently attend District 205 schools, and her involvement and love of the community are a large part of Gina's life.  In the past, she has chaired the Finance Committee for the District 205 referenda as well as participated in the City of Elmhurst Financial Task Force in 2010, and even served on the board for the League of Women Voters.  Gina has also worked with many of the non-profit organizations within in the community, and is passionate in her efforts of giving back to the community that she loves.

Gina's desire to share her love of the Elmhurst area attracted her to real estate, and her natural ability to connect with members of the community ensure that she'll have a successful career with the Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group.

Gina has a solid background in the financial services industry, and for 10 years she worked as a successful financial advisor.  Most recently, Gina worked in the mortgage industry originating residential loans.  Her past professions allow for a unique perspective in the real estate market, and we are very pleased to have her aboard.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-567-5902 | 630-306-7882
Email: Tom@MariaAndTom.com | Maria@MariaAndTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter

A new Elmhurst IL home has just been put on the market and is worthy of mention in this blog. Rebuilt in 02' with $1.4 million in updates, this more than 6500 sqft incomparable residence offers a rare and exceptional floor plan and has been meticulously re-built from the foundation up. Backing to Golden Meadow Park and Prairie Path, it is one of Elmhurst Illinois' most distinctive addresses.

We wish you could all see this home because it’s worthy of a visit, but if you can't, we offer you the next best thing. The Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group offers our first virtual walk-through tour of 474 South Street…

  

Entering the slate-floored foyer, a chandelier hangs overhead among the vaulted ceiling and Cinderella loft. Further inside, you'll find the formal living room and adjoining library a graceful beginning to the floor plan with its brick surround gas wood burning fireplace with built-in shelving, eye brow casement windows and recessed lighting. Not only is the kitchen attractive with its vaulted ceiling, skylights, granite countertops and ceramic tile backsplash, but it also comes with every possible amenity - a work desk, island with breakfast bar, Grohe sink, Dacor warming drawer, commercial exhaust hood, walk-in pantry, Bosch dishwasher, and more.  

Two choices for dining begin with the breakfast area within the kitchen which features tiered ceiling, in-crown chandelier lighting and sliding glass door to the porch. The second option is the dining area with chandelier lighting and french door access to the porch. Retire the dinner party to the family room, perfect for entertaining with its wet butler and ice maker, along with decor featuring bowed window and seat and recessed lighting. The screened in porch touting paver brick floor and vaulted ceiling is a wonderful feature to enjoy the outdoors all-year round.

Conveniently on the main level, the generous-sized master bedroom suite offers vaulted ceiling and walk-in closet with custom shelving among other features. A spa-like master bathroom offers tray ceiling, double sinks, separate shower with Grohe fixtures, makeup desk and whirlpool tub. For recreation of all sorts, stow away to the finished lower level, complete with wall to wall carpeting, built-in bookshelves, exercise area, sewing room, 3/4 bathroom and sauna.

Outdoors just as fantastic as in, the fully fenced backyard boasts a continuous flow in-ground pool with water slides, waterfall and diving board. A retractable awning protects patio sun bathers from the elements. Added bonuses include a pure water purification system, 3 HVAC Zones with air filters and humidifiers, and much, much more.

If this has piqued your interest enough to take you away from the computer screen and into the home itself, please give us a call. We would love to give you a non-virtual tour too!

If you have interest in any of our other Elmhurst Homes, please contact Gracik Makinney Real Estate. Whether there is an open house or not, virtual or real, we would be happy to show you around our Elmhurst homes or the Elmhurst Community.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-567-5902 | 630-306-7882
Email: Tom@MariaAndTom.com | Maria@MariaAndTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter

The various graphs below will give you a visual report of Elmhurst, IL market statistics gathered using data from MRED*. The graphs are updated on a monthly basis so it’s easy to see the latest real estate market trends in Elmhurst. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

*Midwest Real Estate Data LLC

I make no claim as to the accuracy of this data and have provided this data as a service to others.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-617-6014  630-617-6014
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter

Labor Day is one of those holidays that creep up on you. It signifies the end of the summer. The last dance. The final countdown. The fat lady singing. Summer never ends gradually in Dupage County, Illinois. It usually goes from scorching hot one week, to sweater-wearing, leaf-changing, wind-blowing chilly the following week. With that said, we had better make this Labor Day Weekend in Elmhurst Illinois count.

As much as big Labor Day festivities can be fun, sometimes the best way to celebrate the holiday weekend is simply by creating your own get-together to spend time with your family and friends. Here are a few ideas for how to spend your Labor Day in Elmhurst, Illinois.

A Picnic in the Park: Pack up a picnic basket with all the necessities - sandwiches, chips, fruit, and cookies - and take the family for a picnic in the park. Here are a list of Elmhurst Parks to choose from - 23 in total! (http://www.epd.org/parks/index.asp)

Host Labor Day Movie Night: Invite people over to your Elmhurst Home for a Labor Day get-together, but do something a little different than the typical BBQ. Get a hold of a projector and a screen (or just a sheet pinned up to the outside of the house), and show your favorite summer movies to a wanting audience underneath the summer sky. Serve burgers with a side of popcorn. For dessert, try ice cream sundaes topped with movie theater candy toppings - M&Ms, Raisinets, and JuJubes!

Labor Day Pub Crawl/Restaurant Hop: If you don't want the trouble of having people in your home, why not get out for a night on the town in Elmhurst? Hop from restaurant, to wine bar, to Irish pub and get a little taste of all the places you've always wanted to try in Elmhurst IL.  Here is a site that gives you the top rated restaurants in Elmhurst IL, in order from highest rated, to lowest rated. 

If you are interested in Elmhurst Real Estate, we’d be happy to help you out, show you around, and find you the perfect Elmhurst home. Until then, go to The Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group Facebook Page and tell us how you're spending your Labor Day weekend in Elmhurst. Make it a great Labor Day. Enjoy every single second of it.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-617-6014  630-617-6014
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Elmhurst IL Homes
Follow Us on Twitter
Like Us On Facebook

School is officially back in session. One of many benefits to living in Elmhurst Real Estate is having one of the top Midwest colleges right in our backyard. Elmhurst College is a private liberal arts college.  According to U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges," Elmhurst ranks among the top colleges in the Midwest. Just because you aren't buying a new Miley Cyrus backpack and stocking up on school supplies for yourself, doesn't mean that you can't go back to school right along with the kids.

Elmhurst College offers some amazing classes and programs, whether you are looking to be a full time student again, or you just want to learn something new. The following are a mixture of interesting courses available to full time students and classes and programs ideal for working adults.

Computer Simulation and Animation Course
Learn to master the animation techniques that are the building blocks to the fast-growing computer gaming industry. Computer simulations can cover everything from gaming, to weather forecasting, to military training. This course is part of a major in computer game and entertainment technology, a new program launched two years ago at Elmhurst.

Social Responsibility
This is not your typical freshman composition course. Although it teaches the expected lessons of clear writing and critical thinking, it also encourages students to consider their obligations as responsible citizens. This class is for first year students in the Honors Program.

Fast Track Academic Programs
As most of us no longer have time to take off four years (or more) to go to school, Elmhust offers accelerated majors that help you earn all of the requirements for your major in as little as a year. Take your pick from Business Administration, Information Technology, Managerial Communication, and Psychology.

Bachelor of Liberal Studies Program
This program actually allows you to create a program around the professional life you have already established. Instead of choosing a major, you can choose two concentrations from 25 fields of study.

Credit for Non-Collegiate Instruction
You may already be eligible for college credit that you didn't even know about! Course work completed through associations, corporations, unions, government agencies and military services can get you a step ahead and earn you credit.

Elmhurst as a community values education and achievement more than your average community. It is part of the town's culture. You can always further your education. There really is no limit on it. It's just nice to live in a place that makes it so easy to do that. If you are interested in Elmhurst Real Estate, we would love to introduce you to our town. Please don't hesitate to give us a call.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-617-6014  630-617-6014
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter

The various graphs below will give you a visual report of Elmhurst, IL market statistics gathered using data from MRED*. The graphs are updated on a monthly basis so it’s easy to see the latest real estate market trends in Elmhurst. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

*Midwest Real Estate Data LLC

I make no claim as to the accuracy of this data and have provided this data as a service to others.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone:  630-617-6014  630-617-6014
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter

Elmhurst Real Estate is a valuable commodity. Not just for its beautiful homes, but for its notable organizations, its long history of community involvement, and its first class education system, paired with its competitive athletic environment.

Qualities such as these in a community are a breeding ground for successful people. That is why it is no surprise that Elmhurst is home, or was home, to a good number of notable people.

Carl Sandburg - Poet, Historian, Novelist. Winner of three Pulitzer Prizes, two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln. Moved to Elmhurst from 1913 to 1930, a time period when he wrote 6 noteworthy books.

Phillip Ramey - Composer and Pianist. Composer of multiple orchestral works including three piano concertos, one of which was commissioned by the New York Philharmonic. to celebrate its 150th Anniversary. Born in Elmhurst.

Larry Stefanki - Tennis Player and Coach to famed players like John McEnroe, Marcelo Rios and Andy Roddick. Born in Elmhurst.

William Joseph Bauer - A Judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit in Chicago. Bauer is known for his colorful language when writing court opinions. Moved to Elmhurst in 1947 after serving in the Army.

Mark Sibley - Former NBA Basketball player. In 1974, Sibley was the only rookie of 17 in the Chicago Bulls camp to have graduated from college. After returning home from the NBA, he attended Northwestern University to earn a Masters in teaching. This lead to his 33 year career of teaching English and coaching basketball and soccer at York High School in Elmhurst.

John Witt - Author, Sportswriter, actor and ballhawk. Known for catching over 5,000 baseballs at professional baseball games. A few notable catches include Sammy Sosa's 61st home run, Dave Winfield's 450th career home run, and Derek Jeter's home run in game 3 of the 2003 ALCS. Born in Elmhurst.

Mark Wilson - Professional Golfer who plays for the PGA Tour. He has had 6 professional wins, one of which was in 2007 at the Honda Classic where he won the tournament in a four-way playoff. Currently lives in Elmhurst.

The aforementioned people are all famous for a different reason. Some are literary geniuses, others are star athletes, and some are just unforgettable personalities. One thing they all have in common, however, is that, at one point in their lives, they called Elmhurst Illinois home. Whether you were born in Elmhurst, raised in Elmhurst, or found Elmhurst later in your life, you can't deny its importance.

If Elmhurst sounds like the kind of community where you would like to raise your children, retire to, or simply live so you could make an impact, then give the Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group a call. We would love to be responsible for one more notable person in Elmhurst.

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone: 630-617-6014
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter

A new school year is just around the corner!  The kids might be ready, but are you? 

Before you head out to the mall, take inventory of last years items, there might be some ‘essentials’ that are in good condition (and still fashionable).  Be prepared, and make a list of what is needed. 


Next, check the schools updated dress code.  New rules may have been applied, or if your child is starting at a new school, the guidelines may very well be different.  


With back to school shopping as an integral part of the new school year, a state tax holiday has been issued in Illinois for the occasion! From August 6th to August 15th, a five percent reduction will apply to qualifying back to school items purchased. From pencils and paper to gym shoes and cool tees, shopping locally for back to school items is great for local businesses, and for your wallet!

Details of the Deal:
 During this ten day period, you’ll save on basic classroom items, clothing and footwear valued at $100 or less.

If a store is having a promotional sale, the item must be under $100 before the marked down sale price in order to qualify.

When purchasing bundled items, (items that don’t qualify along with items that do qualify) the reduced rate of sales tax will only apply if the value of qualifying items is greater.

Among the items not eligible for the sales tax reduction are computers, printers and printer ink, cell phones, text books, cameras and video cameras, jewelry and cosmetics.  For a complete list of qualifying vs. non-qualifying items, see the Illinois Department of Revenue Informational Bulletin.

If you are relocating to the Elmhurst area and need information on schools, visit the district website for more information.  For your real estate needs, contact the Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group.  We are always awaiting your call!

Tom and Maria
Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group
Phone: 630-617-6014
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter