2.    Keep waterproofing materials like sandbags and plastic bags in the garage or basement.

3.    Have safety-routes for a family evacuation, and go over them once a year.

4.    Keep storm drains clear of clutter and debris.

5.    If you’re driving, park and find an open, safe building, don’t attempt to drive on flooded roads.

6.    Stay informed, either by radio or television for instructions.

If your home experienced flooding or roof leaks, you’ll want to take the proper steps to clean and avoid mold growth for the sake of your health and your house. The EPA website features an overview of how to deal with this.  

Contact us at the Gracik Makinney Real Estate Group for recommendations regarding home repairs if needed, be sure you’re hiring trustworthy professionals with references.

Lastly, the stress of a disaster can take its toll!  Make sure you’re rested and don’t allow the projects that may have been brought about by the storm to overtake you.  Even a great place like Elmhurst is not immune to the occasional storm, but only a strong community like ours can weather it together and come out wiser, and more prepared.

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

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

*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
Email: Tom@MariaandTom.com | Maria@MariaandTom.com
www.mariaandtom.com
Our Featured Properties
Follow Us on Twitter

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

In a community like Elmhurst IL, children young and old can't help but get excited for the 4th of July. Summer is officially in full swing, backyard barbecue's are being fired up, and children are unwrapping their firecracker collections.   

If you don't quite know your plans yet, we’ve compiled a list below of all the events and happenings available in Elmhurst IL and the surrounding DuPage County.

Elmhurst Running Club's "4 On the 3rd"
Date: Saturday, July 3rd
Time: 7:15 am
4 On the 3rd Website
Lace up your running shoes and work off those burgers before the festivities begin on this 4 mile run to celebrate the 4th of July in true health nut style.

LibertyFest
Date: Saturday, July 3rd and Sunday, July 4th
Time: 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Place: Redmond Park, Bensenville, IL
This is an all encompassing festival of everything patriotic, filled with the perfect combination of summer activities, brought to you by the communities of Bensenville, Wood Dale and Elmhurst.

Starting off at 10 am on July 3rd is the parade that goes from the Bensenville Town Center to Redmond Park. Once at Redmond Park, fill up at the “Taste of the Towns” featuring cuisine from all three communities. There is plenty to keep the kids busy with circus performers eager to teach kids their skills, a figure skating demonstration, free public skate, a fishing derby and caricaturists. Sunday's schedule brings the John Kurtz 5K Run, free pony rides, bingo, and the Beatles tribute band, American English. Finally - what we've all been waiting for - fireworks are set off at 9:30 pm!

Patriotic Celebration
Date: Sunday, July 4th
Time: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Place: Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Rd, Wheaton, IL
The parade kicks off at noon on the Cantigny Parade Field. Sack races, inflatable’s, all sorts of games, and a chance to ring the liberty bell or sign the Declaration of Independence are sure to get the kids excited. The rest of the day is filled with Patriotism - from Revolutionary War re-enactments and a performance by the Southwest Community Concert Band, to decorated strollers, bicycles and scooters.

Summer is a great time to be in DuPage County! There's so much to do that the hardest part is deciding where to start. Fourth of July is that iconic holiday that really brings the community together. It's a time to catch up with old neighbors and meet new ones. If you're looking to move to Elmhurst or DuPage County, please give us a call. It's not a question of whether you'll like it here - it's a question of how long it will take you to make the leap and take a look around at this amazing Elmhurst IL and DuPage County Area Real Estate.

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

The homes in Elmhurst and the surrounding DuPage County area boast some of the most beautiful landscaping in Illinois. When you live in the Chicagoland area, you know how important that window of time is when you can get outside, get your hands dirty, plant your bulbs and seeds, and watch your gardens grow. There are so many gardening aficionados in Elmhurst, that we even have an Elmhurst Garden Club.

To keep your Elmhurst garden looking its best for you and all your neighbors, here are a few tips from the Illinois Certified Nursery Professionals.

•    Mow your lawn a little taller than you may think to keep the turf healthier. A healthy turf can better withstand drought and weeds. Stay within 3-4" tall.

•    June is the time to begin fertilizing your annual flowers and roses. Roses need to be fertilized once every 30 days. Other flowers depend on the heat. The hotter it is, the less you fertilize.

•    Do not cut, tie, or destroy foliage from bulbs that have finished flowering. They are currently in the stages of making food for next year's flowers. You will want to wait until the end of June when the leaves turn brown and dry up.

•    You can still plant annuals, perennials, shrubs, and most trees. The planting season can go all the way up to the beginning of fall.

•    For water gardens, cut back on feeding your fish. When it gets really hot, try not to feed them at all. Make sure 50% or more of the surface of the water is covered with lush plant material to provide the fish shade.

•    Apply chemicals with caution! The same chemicals that kill the undesirable insects also kill the beautiful butterflies. To attract the butterflies, provide larval food plants.

After the day is said and done, pour yourself a drink, add an umbrella and fruit garnish, and admire your work. The lawn isn't just on display for the neighbors. It’s one of the best things about owning a home. A beautiful Elmhurst homeDream Home in Elmhurst with a garden to call your own, don't hesitate to call us. deserves a beautiful Elmhurst garden and lawn. If you are looking for your

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

*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.

We are lacing up our walking shoes, packing the caffeine, and doing everything we can to raise as much money as we can for the American Cancer Society.

That's right. We are team Koenig and Strey - the Schiller Office, Relaying for Life. And we are asking you for your help. Please click here to donate to our team.

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back. These are the three goals of American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. For those of you who don't know, the event is a 24 hour relay, in which teams of people camp out at local high schools, parks, or fairgrounds and take turns walking around a track or path. Because cancer never sleeps, either do the Relay participants - each team must have a representative on the track at all times during the event.

The Elmhurst community will gather this June 19th-20th once again at Berens Park to honor and remember their family and friends that have been struck with cancer. Teams of cancer survivors and their families, corporations, clubs, hospitals and churches lap the Berens Park track lined with thousands of luminary bags that light up the night.

People make lifelong connections and emotions run high. Participants who may never have been touched by cancer are happy to join and learn something new, while others who have find new friends who understand their plight. It's a long night, but it's worth every minute. The funds raised help support the American Cancer Society's programs of research, education and service to patients and their families.

This is one of our favorite events because there is nothing like bringing the Elmhurst community together to one place for such a good cause. Even if you can’t participate the whole day, we encourage you to stop by and see it for yourself. It's sure to make you proud to be a part of such a giving community.

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

Keep the munchkins moving this summer!  Give the babysitter some time off and load up the car, DuPage County has much to offer the whole family this season. 

From infants to age 10, the Hamill Family Zoo feeds the need to get a “feel” for the animals, literally.  You won’t find ‘Do Not Tap the Glass’ signs here, as children are encouraged to interact with the live animals, build animal homes, search for animal tracks, and play all day.  Don’t worry mom, the lions and tigers are not invited to this part of zoo. 

Trying to get your too-cool-teen to participate in some family time?  Try Whirlyball in Lombard!  This fun game combines lacrosse, hockey and basketball with bumper cars in an indoor facility with sports bar, pool tables, and 17 flat screen TVs.

Dad, never let a challenge go unmet!  Show your kids what you’ve got at the Daddy Olympics, hosted by the Coral Cove Water Park in Carol Stream on Fathers Day, June 20th from noon to 5pm.  If you’re feeling victorious (or in need of redemption), Coyote Crossing is offering free Mini Golf for all fathers.

Before class is back in session, don’t miss the DuPage County Fair, July 21st-25th, with children’s attractions each day including Kid Buck’s Game Show, Buttons the Clown, Balsters Magic Show, and more.

If you don't yet live in DuPage County and are considering a relocation, contact us for more information.  Elmhurst and its surrounding cities have a lot to offer, and we'd be happy to introduce you to a community you'll truly enjoy being a part of. 

Is there anything more exciting than the first real weekend of (almost) guaranteed good weather in the Chicagoland area? The entire summer lies ahead of us - filled with plans of trips, backyard barbecues and community events. Memorial Day weekend is finally here and, you can be sure, there is no shortage of activities in and around the DuPage County and Elmhurst area. I cordially invite you to the variety of events going on this weekend. The hardest part will be choosing which one to attend…

A Nation Remembers
Where: Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, Illinois
When: Monday, May 31st at 11:30 AM
What: A patriotic program including military re-enactments, music including a special buglers’ taps presentation, and aerial flyovers. While you would normally have to be in our Nation’s capital to see the President deliver remarks, this year, President Obama, will be in town to deliver remarks to the people of Illinois. It’s no coincidence that he will also be spending a relaxing weekend with family and friends in his hometown, just like the rest of us.

The Elmhurst Memorial Day Parade
Where: Downtown Elmhurst, From 3rd Avenue to York Road
When: Monday, May 31st at 9 AM
What: Starting from Third Street, the parade will head south on York Street to Second Street, veer east along Robert Palmer Drive through the underpass and west back to York Street, south on York Street to Church Street, west on Church Street to Prospect Avenue and north on Prospect Avenue past the Veterans Memorial.
Click here for the Memorial Day Program

The 4th Annual Red, White and BBQ
Where: Westmont Park District’s Ty Warner Park in Westmont, Illinois which is in DuPage County
When: May 28-30, 2010
What: This event is jam-packed with things to do. The headline event is the BBQ competition itself. With over 50 BBQ competitors, winners will gain prizes and competition points to move forward to the next level of competition. A minimum of $8000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.  Other activities will include a carnival, food, crafts and other vendors, an entertainment tent, and an amateur BBQ contest, and a chili cook off. The event will be presented by the Westmont Lions Club and the Westmont Jaycees.

Decoration Day
Where: Forest Preserve District of DuPage County’s Kline Creek Farm
When: Sunday, May 30th, 9:00AM to 5:00PM.
What: Patriotic speeches and performances held at an 1890s living-history farm, in Winfield, Illinois.

Homecoming Celebration at St. James
Where: St. James Farm Forest Preserve, Winfield Road and Butterfield Road (Route 56), Warrenville, IL 60555
When: Saturday, May 29th 11:00AM - 5:00PM
What: Bring the family for a celebration of the heritage of a historic forest preserve featuring horse and riding demonstrations, hay-wagon and quail-cart rides, interpretive tours, a fine-art fair, children’s activities, recreation stations, live music, food and more. Admission is free. Fees for some activities.

Backyard BBQ
Where: Your House
When: All Weekend Long
What:  With all of that said and done, sometimes the best thing you can do to kick off the summer is gather together your friends and family, fire up the grill, and break in that back deck or porch for the years’ first backyard BBQ. It’s time to kick back a little and enjoy being at home.

If you’re looking for a home in Elmhurst or the DuPage County area, give us a call. We’d love to show you around. It’s already a beautiful community, but in the summer-time, Elmhurst is filled with life more than ever. It (almost) makes our job easy.

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

*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.

Green living is everywhere these days. Whether you are dedicated to living a green lifestyle, or you are a casual recycler, you can't help but feel good that we are all really making strides towards making our environment better for the present and for the future.

The town of Elmhurst has gone above and beyond to transition the community to green living. They never recognized environmental improvement as an easy fix or a one day event. Instead they established multiple programs, organization and resources that all have come together to create a big impact on this beautiful community.

Cool Cities Pledge:
In October 2007, Mayor Marcucci signed the "Cool Cities Pledge." Its goal was to reduce Elmhurst gas emissions to 7% below the emissions discharged in 1990 by 2012. A collection of small improvements made a big impact because Elmhurst has already reached their goal two years early! For Elmhurst, reaching their goal does not mean stopping their efforts, it only means doubling them to make a bigger impact. Check out this webpage for Elmhurst's Cool Cities Coalition program.

DuPage County Recycling:
Our town has a great resource for any of our recycling questions and needs - the School and Community Assistance for Recycling and Composting Education program (SCARCE). This organization has dedicated themselves to educating students, teachers, residents, businesses and the general public how to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. They have established a plethora of programs specific for all different types of recycling. If your DuPage County recycling doesn't accept a certain material (i.e. diapers, old toys, electronic devices), chances are they can find you an organization that will.

DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup:
Looking to get involved in the community and improve it at the same time? The DuPage River Salt Creek Workgroup is a local group of environmental organizations that have come together to monitor our water quality and develop and execute remediation projects. Check out their website for more information and how to get involved.

If you are curious to know what else the town of Elmhurst is doing to go green, or how you can get involved to help, please don't hesitate to ask us. At the very least, we can point you in the right direction.  Anything we can do to keep this community looking and feeling its best, we will do.

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

Looks can be deceiving.  Venturing through the city of Elmhurst, one might note the established neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, the well-maintained downtown area with perfectly placed park benches and the sense of an established community founded in rich history.  And while all of these characteristics ring true; some may translate the town into a yawn as they drive through this seemingly quiet town.  But, to those who call Elmhurst “home”, they know of the cities vibrant lifestyle that draws in its’ community and keep visitors coming back.

Elmhursts’ City Center is just such a place!  Gathered at the cities’ core are an abundance of shops, restaurants and venues that create a lively and attractive atmosphere.  One of the many highlights includes Dining Nights, which takes place every Thursday.  This weekly event gives restaurants a chance to participate in offering great deals to its residents.  Many locals take the opportunity to “shop” through Elmhursts’ dining options- finding their favorite place to meet up with friends.  Below are just a few of the Dining Nights perks.  

100 South Chop House and Grille
Two Course Thursday Night Dinner $9.95
Includes soup or salad, choice of entrée; fresh vegetable and starch.

Armand's
Rib Special. Buy a full slab of ribs and get a
1/2 slab free and $6 Miller Lite Pitchers

Rainbow Restaurant
Complimentary dessert with purchase of an entrée and
10% off your check totaling $30 or more.
Come in and enjoy our Thursday night specials; Corn Beef & Cabbage, Barbeque Ribs, and Oven Baked Short Ribs with Oven Browned Potatoes.

Tannins Wine Bar & Boutique
10% off Retail with any $25 Bar Purchase

Fresco's Mediterranean Café
15% off the Daily Special on Thursdays

Wine & Vine
Ladies Night: Free appetizer for parties of 4+ OR 1/2 price entrée


Discover your favorite place for dining out in Elmhurst and sense the energy that brings this community to life!  Maybe we’ll see you there!  

As always, if you’re looking to move into this great city, let us know!  We’d love to show you around or answer any questions you may have.  

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

Sometimes we forget how lucky we are to live in an area where every amenity and cultural benefit is so readily available. For example, how many communities, especially suburban communities, can say that they are home to their very own Art Museum?  

Named the “Best Suburban Art Museum in Chicago” by Chicago Magazine, the Elmhurst Art Museum is a center for visual art that not only holds well recognized art exhibitions such as their recent Smithsonian exhibits, but the art itself is housed in an award winning, nationally recognized building. The Elmhurst Art Museum building was actually originally a house, one of only three homes in the United States designed and built by famed architect Ludwig Mies van der Roche. The building was designed around the house to pay tribute to Mies and is one of the most structurally enticing buildings in DuPage County.

If ever there was a time to explore this Elmhurst artistic gold mine, it would be this summer with all of their upcoming events.

This Saturday, May 1st is Art in the Park Weekend, Elmhurst's 14th Annual event.  A juried show of Fine Art, Craft, and Design, it is a fantastic weekend to find one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, photography, sculpture, furniture, glass, fiber works and paintings. This is the kind of event where you never know what new artist you'll discover. On top of it all, live entertainment sets the mood, while an assortment of food from select Elmhurst vendors officially make it a party. There are even family activities running from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm to entertain the kids while you're busy art hunting.

The event will be held on the grounds of the Elmhurst Art Museum and Wilder Park from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

If you are looking for other ways to keep busy this summer, Elmhurst and Dupage County are packed with events and happenings every weekend. We would be more than happy to give you some suggestions or show you around town. This community is just too amazing to keep all to ourselves.

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

But the longer-term housing outlook remains clouded, with a large inventory of foreclosed homes expected to hit the market later this year.

The Wall Street Journal's latest quarterly survey of housing-market conditions in 28 major metro areas found that inventories of homes for sale, as well as the number of distressed borrowers, remain very high in many metro areas. That portends more downward pressure on prices from bank foreclosures.

Though tax credits are providing a temporary boost, "we're still in a very fragile housing market," said Ivy Zelman, chief executive of Zelman & Associates, a research firm, who doesn't expect a full recovery before 2013.

Sales of single-family homes and condominiums hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.35 million in March, the National Association of Realtors reported Thursday. That compares with a 5.01 million rate in February and was up 16% from the depressed March 2009 rate of 4.61 million.

The Journal survey found that Miami, Orlando and Tampa, Fla., Las Vegas, Phoenix and Atlanta have some of the highest concentrations of distressed borrowers at risk of losing their homes. Nearly 28% of homeowners with mortgages are at least 30 days late on payments in the Miami area, more than double the national average of 12.2%, according to LPS Applied Analytics. That rate stands at about 24% in Orlando and Las Vegas.

Neighborhood Market Watch

Although tax credits provide a temporary boost, the long-term outlook for the housing market remains clouded. See how five locales are faring.

The supply of homes already on the market is well above the national average in Charlotte, N.C., Jacksonville, Fla., Nashville, Tenn., Chicago and Philadelphia. In Charlotte, where bank cutbacks have increased unemployment, there are enough homes on the market to last 17 months at the average sales pace of the past year. That compares with 15 months in Jacksonville, 13 in the Long Island suburbs of New York and 11 in the New Jersey suburbs. A market generally is considered balanced when the supply is around six months.

Among metro areas with relatively low rates of delinquent borrowers and for-sale inventories: Boston, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Minneapolis, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

The median price for home resales in March was $170,700, up 0.4% from a year earlier, the Realtors reported. A price index produced by the Federal Housing Finance Agency in February was down 3.4% from a year earlier, the agency said. Realtors say prices for middle-class homes in the types of neighborhoods that attract investors and first-time buyers are flat or rising slightly, while higher-end home prices generally continue to fall.

For now, real estate agents have a compelling pitch: Prices have fallen an average of about 30% across the country since peaking in 2006; mortgage rates are near their lowest levels in four decades; and many people who sign a contract to buy a home by April 30 can qualify for federal tax credits worth up to $8,000. "Now is the time to do something," said Bill Wilkerson, an agent at ZipRealty in Phoenix.

One of Mr. Wilkerson's customers, Rebecca Ahlschwede, last week offered about $200,000 for a three-bedroom foreclosed home with a pool in Scottsdale, Ariz. Ms. Ahlschwede, a 31-year-old neurology technician who currently rents, said the $8,000 tax credit she hopes to receive would be "a huge bonus."

The tax credit appears to be giving more of a boost to previously occupied homes than to new construction, as first-time buyers favor the short commutes of older neighborhoods. Ms. Zelman said the rise in sales of new homes appeared more moderate than many builders had hoped.

The rush to qualify for the credit will end after the April 30 deadline for signed contracts, though the resulting boost to completed home sales will continue to help monthly reports through June.

Those tax credits likely pulled forward sales that otherwise would have occurred later in the year. Partly as a result, "I think we're going to have a pretty soft second half" of 2010 for housing sales, said John Burns, a real estate consultant in Irvine, Calif.

Bank efforts to work out lower loan payments for some borrowers have delayed millions of foreclosures, but those who don't qualify are now increasingly losing their homes.

Moody's Economy.com predicts that 1.9 million homes will be lost to foreclosures or related defaults this year and another 1.1 million in 2011. That compares with two million last year and 600,000 in normal times.

Unemployment remains high and is unlikely to improve much soon, some economists say. Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody's Economy.com, expects the unemployment rate to be 10.2% at year's end, up from 9.7% in March. At the end of 2011, he sees a still hefty 8.6% rate.

Credit conditions, already tight, will get tighter in at least one respect. Around a third of home sales in recent months have been financed by loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration, which allows down payments as low as 3.5%. But now, the FHA is tightening its terms somewhat.

By early summer, the FHA plans to reduce the maximum amount a seller can contribute to the buyer's closing costs—such as loan-origination, legal and appraisal fees—to 3% of the home price from 6%. That means buyers will have to save more to meet closing costs. Mr. Burns said a survey of builders by his firm found they expected the FHA change to eliminate as many as 15% of potential buyers.

Many economists expect rates on standard 30-year fixed-rate mortgages to rise at least moderately from the recent level of 5% to 5.25%. Mr. Zandi expects a rate of about 5.7% by year's end.

Despite these worries, Jacelyn Botti, who heads residential sales for seven mid-Atlantic and Northeastern states for Weichert Realtors, said that home-sales contracts signed by the firm's customers in March were up about 26% from a year earlier in that area, and April was on track for another gain of more than 20%. She said the tax credit and lower prices were driving buyers. Prices on lower-end homes are trending up in some areas, Ms. Botti said.

Newland Communities, a San Diego-based company that plans and develops communities in 14 states, says 761 homes sold in those communities in the first quarter, up 28% from a year earlier. Robert McLeod, chief executive officer of Newland, said Austin, Houston and San Diego were among the stronger markets for the company. He thinks recovering consumer confidence is helping sales. "It's all about job growth," Mr. McLeod said.

By: James Hagerty

Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704830404575200212503089010.html?mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1&

*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.

HomeServices of America, Inc. TM Announces Acquisition of Elmhurst, Illinois-Based Schiller Real Estate

MINNEAPOLIS - (Business Wire) HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate (www.homeservices.com) and the nation’s second-largest and most financially sound homeownership service provider, announces the acquisition of Elmhurst, Ill.-based Schiller Real Estate, Elmhurst’s leading residential real estate firm

Schiller Real Estate will merge with Chicago-based Koenig & Strey Real Living (www.koenigstrey.com), which HomeServices acquired in September 2009. The location will be referred to as the Koenig & Strey-Schiller Office.

The acquisition furthers HomeServices’ goal of expanding Koenig & Strey’s footprint within the greater Chicago market and surrounding communities and reinforces the strength, stability and financial solvency of Koenig & Strey.

Founded in 1970, Schiller is one of the Midwest’s leading residential real estate boutique firms with 70 associates and staff.

The merged organizations make Koenig & Strey the third-largest residential real estate firm in dollar volume of transactions within the greater Chicago market. Koenig & Strey will now have 22 locations and 1,000 agents and staff.

“The acquisition of Schiller, merging with Koenig & Strey, further strengthens our presence in Chicago,” said Ron Peltier, chairman & CEO of HomeServices. “Our goal is to grow the Koenig & Strey brand through the company’s ongoing sales and marketing process, as well as through strategic acquisitions with symbiotic organizations.”

“This is an important step in expanding Koenig & Strey’s footprint within key suburban Chicago markets,” added Koenig & Strey president & CEO Doug Ayers. “This opens a completely new market for us, and, with Schiller’s strength in the Elmhurst community, immediately positions our continued growth.” “We are very proud to be a part of HomeServices of America and Koenig & Strey,” noted Schiller Real Estate co-founder Bob Schiller.

“We are joining an organization consistent with our high standards of service and integrity, making this a win/win for our customers and associates.”

“Bob and Anne Schiller have done an outstanding job of building a highly respected organization and we look forward to their continued association with us,” concluded Peltier.

About HomeServices of America

HomeServices of America, Inc. (www.homeservices.com), based in Minneapolis, Minn., is the second-largest homeownership service provider and the most financially sound real estate company in the United States. Owned by MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, a consolidated subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., HomeServices’ operating companies offer integrated real estate services, including brokerage services, mortgage originations, title and closing services, property and casualty insurance, home warranties and other homeownership services. HomeServices Relocation, LLC is the full-service relocation arm of HomeServices of America which provides every aspect of domestic and international relocation to corporations around the world. HomeServices operates in 20 states under the following residential real estate brand names: Carol Jones REALTORS; CBSHOME Real Estate; Champion Realty Inc.; Edina Realty; EWM REALTORS; Harry Norman, REALTORS; HOME Real Estate; Huff Realty; Iowa Realty; Koenig & Strey Real Living; Long Companies; Prudential California Realty; Prudential Carolinas Realty; Prudential First Realty; Prudential York Simpson Underwood; RealtySouth; Rector-Hayden REALTORS; Reece & Nichols; Roberts Brothers Inc.; Semonin REALTORS and Woods Bros. Realty.

About Koenig & Strey

Koenig & Strey Real Living (www.koenigstrey.com) has approximately 900 sales associates, throughout 21 offices, serving the communities in Chicago, the North Shore, Lake County and the western suburbs. Koenig & Strey is the exclusive Chicago affiliate of Christie's Great Estates, the largest network of luxury independent real estate firms in the world.

Source: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/homeservices-of-america-inctm-announces,1237947.shtml

Recently there was an alleged property theft in Elmhurst during a showing. A seller of ours expressed great concern after reading this story in the Police Blotter. For extra precaution, he will now only allow his home to be shown when he is present.

This is an occurrence that I wish we didn't have to write about, but it is something that we think you need to be aware of. The following article offers some great suggestions for precautions that Realtors and sellers should keep in mind when it comes to opening your house to the public.

Secure your home before you let strangers in.  Most of us never think about people taking things from our homes.  My knowledge and experiences within the real estate industry and some of the feedback generated by agents, theft is a real issue.  Protect your valuable belongings before you show your home or have an open house.

I publish a showing guide that is given to my customers at the time I list their home for sale.  Here are a few basic hints to protect your valuables.

• Never leave money jars or coin collections in plain site or in obvious places.
• Never leave valuable jewelry in jewelry boxes.  Where is the first place to look for a family diamond ring?
• Watches in top drawers.
• Blank checks or check books.
• Credit cards and certainly not mail with new unsigned credit cards!
• Medicines and prescription drugs.  Thief of prescription medicine has been on the rise now for over 5 years.  So don't leave your medicine in the kitchen cabinet or medicine cabinet.

How do the thieves work, diversion tactics, and usually work in pairs.  They get the agent talking about the house and while the partner goes off in other rooms.  Experienced agents say to the prospective buyer, "let's walk maybe I can answer your question to both of you at the same time".  This keeps the pair together and in sight.

If you are asked to show your home and no agent is available and the buyer is not represented by an agent, NEVER show your home without another adult present!  It only takes once to ruin your life.  Agents have been attacked when showing empty homes to buyer's alone, you are no different.

Be aware of slow drive-by cars.  Most of the time this is perfectly fine other times this can be someone checking out your home to see if it is vacant.  They also can be checking security for a possible break-in.

This only a partial list but once you become aware of the dangers you can make your own security precautions before, during and after showings.

I hope this security reminder has been helpful.  If you have any questions or comments please send us an email.

Reference: http://activerain.com/blogsview/76428/showing-security-

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS

Source: http://www.realtor.org/rmodaily.nsf/0/645de7bed2bdbaaf862576cc00619e59?OpenDocument

*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.