Elmhurst Illinois Real Estate News & Listings Presented By Koenig & Strey Real Living

Gracik Makinney Group says, "Go Giants!"

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

We do not schedule open houses on Super Bowl Sunday, because they would be poorly attended. Everyone takes a break from house hunting to watch the biggest game of the year. At Gracik Makinney, we’ll be in there rooting for the Giants.

After the Super Bowl, if you want service that goes beyond finding or selling your property, or you’re looking for property in the Elmhurst and DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Community Involvement: The Next Level of Elmhurst Homeownership

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Whether you own Elmhurst real estate or property in DuPage, owning a home comes with many responsibilities. Some we all know, like repairs and maintenance. But there’s another level of homeownership that’s just as important: getting involved with your local community. Often it’s neighborhood residents that get things done, help out others, and make a real difference in the quality of their city or town.

From the RealtyTimes web site, here are a few ways to be an Elmhurst, DuPage County Illinois homeowner who’s engaged with your community.

Volunteer or donate to your local American Red Cross.
Donate items to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.
Become a Big Brother or Big Sister to a child who needs a positive role model. If you can’t volunteer, you can donate at www.bbbs.org.
Participate in your local Relay for Life to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
Attend activities or sports events run by the local school system. Buy that candy bar or magazine from the student standing outside the store, or just make a donation.
Take a role in city or town government. Run for city council or school committee and you’ll have the opportunity to influence bigger things. Or just attend city meetings and be sure you vote.
Be a good Elmhurst neighbor. Join a neighborhood watch if you have one, or just join with your neighbors to watch out for each other’s families and homes.

This is just a small list of possible activities. You have only to look to discover many more things you and your neighbors can do. But know that by getting involved at any level, you make your city or town a place that everyone will be happy to call their home.

Come live in an area with great neighborhoods full of involved, caring people. If you’re looking for Elmhurst real estate, contact the Gracik Makinney Group, or call (630) 567-5902.

402 FREMONT, ELMHURST 60126

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:43:42 GMT

ELMHURST FOUR BEDROOM THREE AND A HALF BATH, ARTS & CRAFT STYLE NEW CONSTRUCTION. SIT ON YOUR FRONT PORCH AND WATCH THEKIDS WALK HOME FROM AWARD WINNING EMERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.FLOOR PLAN BOASTS A FIRST FLOOR OFFICE, FORMAL LIVING ROOMAND DINING ROOM, KITCHEN OPENS TO FAMILY ROOM WITH FIREPLACE. FIRST FLOOR MUDROOM. 4 BEDROOMS, 3 FULL BATHS AND LAUNDRYON THE SECOND FLOOR. NICE BLOCK WITH MANY OTHER NEW HOMES.

2030 ST. REGIS DR 311, LOMBARD 60148

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:44:11 GMT

YORKBROOK NEW CONSTRUCTION CONDOS IN LOMBARD...NEARBY YORKTOWN MALL, TARGET, GREAT ENTERTAINMENT, & RESTAURANTS. CHOOSEYOUR FINISHES IN THIS 1,328 SQFT CONDO WITH OPEN FLOOR PLAN.THIS LIGHT & BRIGHT FLOORPLAN INCLUDES IN-UNIT LAUNDRY & GARAGE. 45 DAY DELIVERY. CLOSEOUT PRICING, BUY NOW AND SAVE! BASE PRICES RANGE FROM $175,000-$199,900 FOR THE 4 AVAILABLEFLOOR PLANS.

645 WASHINGTON ST, ELMHURST 60126

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:41:40 GMT

NEED MORE SPACE? YOU WILL LOVE THIS ALL BRICK AND STONE FIVEBEDROOM, FIVE BATHROOM, ELMHURST HOME. FORMAL LIVING ROOM AND DINING ROOM, BUTLER\'S PANTRY, FIRST FLOOR OFFICE. FULL FINISHED BASEMENT BOASTING 6TH BEDROOM, PERFECT FOR GUESTS ORNANNY. FENCED IN YARD. LOCATED NEAR VISITATION, TIMOTHY, LINCOLN AND BRYAN MIDDLE SCHOOL.

Elmhurst,IL December 2011 Real Estate Market Trends

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Elmhurst,IL December 2011 Real Estate Market Trends

Year-To-Date December, 2011 vs. Year-To-Date December, 2010, the average price in the Elmhurst Area is down 1.7%. The YTD average price is down from $388,665 to $382,054. As for December, 2011 vs. December, 2010, the average price in the Elmhurst area is up 33.21%, from $316,244 to $421,265 according to MRED. The YTD median price increased 2.6%, from $311,750 to $320,000. As of January 19, 2012, there are 344 active listings in the MLS, representing a 11.73 month supply of inventory (MSI). Remember, 5.5 months is considered a "balanced" market by most. Year-To-Date average Days on Market (DOM) is up from 139 in December, 2010 to 141 in December, 2011.

The statistics presented in Market Tracker are compiled monthly based on figures and data generated by MRED for detached single family and attached single family properties. Due to possible reporting inconsistencies, Days on Market (DOM), average prices, and rates of change should be used to analyze trends only. Property and statistical data sourced from MLS is solely for your personal, non-commercial use in buying or selling a property and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be verified. All representations and warranties regarding the information are disclaimed. Reproduction or any other use is prohibited.

2011 - A Very Good Year for The Gracik Makinney Group!

I would like to once again wish everyone in the Elmhurst area a very happy and healthy New Year. The Gracik Makinney Group, as well as Koenig & Strey Elmhurst Office, are celebrating great success in 2011 and planning for the same in 2012.

In addition to maintaining the lead in the Elmhurst Luxury Real Estate market, the Gracik Makinney Group and the Elmhurst office of Koenig & Strey also ranked #1 in the Elmhurst Market Share.

This level of achievement is no small accomplishment in these economic times.

Gracik Makinney Group’s success comes from the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our agents who give their all to help our great clients buy, sell and invest with confidence. And it also comes from the support of family and friends.

We give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make 2011 a remarkable year for Gracik Makinney Group. We look forward to the challenges and rewards of serving you in the year to come.

Come experience the confidence of working with a great company! If you’re looking for property in the Elmhurst and DuPage County area, call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Chicago-area existing home sales eke out 1.3% gain

(Tribune) Sales of existing homes in the Chicago area managed to rise 1.3 percent in 2011, with December home purchases increasing a robust 17 percent due to mild weather and record-low mortgage interest rates, the Illinois Association of Realtors reported Friday.

The city of Chicago did not enjoy an annual sales increase, however, as the 17,715 homes sold within the city was a 7.2 percent decline from 2010. In December, city home sales rose 6.4 percent on a year-over-year basis.

While sales volume showed improvement in December across the board, with many areas recording double-digit gains, median sales prices continued to slide from their year-ago comparisons, reinforcing a market that overwhelmingly benefits home purchasers. "Buyers are finding deals that are simply too good to pass up," said Loretta Alonzo, a real estate agent at Century 21 Alonzo & Associates in La Grange Park. "People are gravitating toward foreclosures and short sales right now and that's causing the median prices to drop."

In the nine-county Chicago area, the median price of the 6,090 homes sold in in December was $145,000, a 13.6 percent decline from a year ago. The pricing decline within the city was not as severe; the median price of $156,000 was a 6.2 percent drop from December 2010.

Some parts of the Chicago area showed dramatic improvements in demand for housing in December from a year ago. Sales volume rose 12.3 percent in Cook County, 15 percent in DuPage, 21 percent in Kane, 26 percent in Kendall, 20 percent in Lake, and 33 percent in Will. However, in all those cases, median sales priced declined.

"A trend nowadays is so hard to define," said Tom Krettler, a real estate agent at Re/Max United Northwest in Palatine. "You can have a one-month trend. I think there is some momentum. There's stuff going on right now. There's people who are interested in buying."

Within the city of Chicago, sales of condos and single-family homes both gained momentum last month from their December 2010 comparisons. Sales of condos posted a 5.3 percent gain, albeit with a 18.7 percent decline in the median price that brought it down to $183,000. For single-family homes within the city, sales rose 7.8 percent during the month, while the median price fell 1.7 percent from December 2010, to $135,000.

For the year as a whole, median prices declined 11.9 percent and 13.8 percent for the Chicago area and the city, respectively.

"Until these foreclosed properties and additions expected in 2012 clear the market, sustained upward movement in prices will be unlikely," said Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, an economist at the University of Illinois, in a statement.

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage in the Chicago area was 3.94 percent in December, compared with 4.8 percent in December 2010, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

Elmhurst, IL - 2011 Statistical Recap - A Great Year for the Gracik Makinney Group!

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

2011 – A Very Good Year at Gracik Makinney Group!

As highlighted in Chicago Agent Magazine, two members of Koenig & Strey were ranked in the top five of DuPage County’s Top 20 Agents by total dollar volume closed. I’m proud to say that Gracik Makinney Group ranked fifth, and we would like to congratulate the other agents.

In addition to maintaining the lead in the Elmhurst Luxury Real Estate market, the Gracik Makinney Group and the Elmhurst office of Koenig & Strey also ranked #1 in the Elmhurst Market Share.

This level of achievement is no small accomplishment in these economic times.

Gracik Makinney Group’s success comes from the dedication, hard work, and commitment of our agents who give their all to help our great clients buy, sell and invest with confidence. And it also comes from the support of family and friends.

We give our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped make 2011 a remarkable year for Gracik Makinney Group. We look forward to the challenges and rewards of serving you in the year to come.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses For Sunday, January 22, 2012

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address: 234 N Addison Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $625,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 454 Ida Ln

City: Elmhurst

Price: $264,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 282 E Crescent Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $338,250

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 191 Mayo Ct

City: Elmhurst

Price: $350,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 449 E Park Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $369,500

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 468 W Montrose Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $499,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 154 S Linden Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $499,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 473 W 2nd St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $539,500

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 239 W Winthrop Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $550,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 408 Hill MLS

City: Elmhurst

Price: $599,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 465 S Kenilworth Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $659,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 508 S Hampshire Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $665,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 473 S Kenilworth Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $689,000

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 294 Berteau Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $799,900

Scheduled for: 01/22/2012 from 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Not Just Buying and Selling

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

The decision to purchase a property in the Elmhurst area is just the first step. From the initial viewing of the property, to the closing, to the preparation and the final move, your decisions will have an effect on your level of satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) with the results. It can all be a bit overwhelming.

Your real estate agent (Ahem! That’s me!) is in a position to know where to go for the answers to all your needs. It is in the best interest of your real estate agent to refer you to the people and companies that will make your transition as smooth as possible. After all, if you are happy with your property, and the way the preparations to take possession went, you are a walking testimonial to the reliability of your agent.

Does your new property require updating or renovation? We know the best (and worst!) contractors in the business. Whether the job is waterproofing, or moving a wall, or just a cosmetic spruce-up, tell us what you need and we will put you in contact with the people who can do it beautifully, and for a reasonable price. Perhaps the property needs landscaping, or even just a good cleaning on the inside. Please, just ask us, and we’ll give you our best contacts.

By the same token, if you have a property to sell, and it needs preparation, we can help you find the right people for the right job. We want your property to sell, and we want you to be happy with our handling of that property, so, again, we will send you to the best companies for your needs. It’s a mutually beneficial service.

If you want service that goes beyond finding or selling your property, and you’re looking for property in the Elmhurst and DuPage County area, call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses For Sunday, January 15, 2012

Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address: 963 S Hillcrest Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price :$225,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 02:00 PM

Address: 449 E Park Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $369,500

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 777 S Parkside Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $389,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 131 W Adelaide St Unit 101

City: Elmhurst

Price: $400,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 161 W Jackson St

City: Elmhurst

Price :$490,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 215 E St. Charles Rd

City: Elmhurst

Price: $599,000

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 465 S Kenilworth Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $659,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 593 W Comstock Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $839,500

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 360 Prospect Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $889,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 687 Fairview Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price :$949,900

Scheduled for: 01/15/2012 from 01:00 AM to 03:00 PM

234 ADDISON AVE, ELMHURST 60126

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 19:42:50 GMT

WALK TO EVERYTHING DOWNTOWN ELMHURST HAS TO OFFER. ALL WAS CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IN THE DESIGN AND FLOOR PLAN OF THIS CENTER OF TOWN CUSTOM TOWNHOME. RARELY AVAILABLE 25' WIDE UNIT WITH LUXURIOUS FIRST FLOOR MASTER EN SUITE, THREE FINELY FINISHED LEVELS, PRIVATE ENCLOSED GARDEN, TWO CAR GARAGE AND AMPLE GUEST PARKING. THIS HOME HAS IT ALL AND SHOWS LIKE A DEVELOPER MODEL EXCEPT UPGRADES ARE INCLUDED!

Joe Newton – Elmhurst’s Very Own Legend

Wed, 11 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

The YouTube video featured below begins with a voice over, and then a cameo shot of York High School’s legendary cross country and track coach, Joe Newton. Newton began coaching at the Elmhurst school in 1960. At 82 years young, he’s still going strong.

Newton is one of those “ordinary” people who become bigger than life. He has won 27 Illinois state cross country titles and one track state title. He is famous for his motivational talks, and has written four books in that vein. He was the subject of a feature-length documentary movie, THE LONG GREEN LINE. His list of accomplishments probably could fill yet another such movie.

Joe Newton was the first high school coach to be on the coaching staff of the U.S. Olympics team. In the 1988 games in Seoul, South Korea, he was the assistant manager in charge of the marathon runners. He is also enrolled in 12 halls of fame, including the National High School Hall of Fame.

One of the reasons for his success is that he truly believes that he is not just training athletes to win races. He is training future successful adults. Here’s the way he puts it: “A person can have some talent and some character and have the chance to succeed. But, if he has tons of talent and no character, he will fail.” He also says, “It’s nice to be great, but far greater to be nice.” He won’t tolerate a “super star” that forgets he is part of a team.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PhqbizZXf4&sns=em

If you want to run on Joe Newton’s team, you’d better have perfect attendance and punctuality. He won’t accept excuses. Neither will he listen to alibis for under-performing. He says, “Your mind can make you train, your body can create power, but only your heart can make you a champion.” The simplest one is, “However fast you are running, run faster.” How can you argue with logic like that?

If you are interested in living in a community that has such a wonderful high school coach, Elmhurst may be the place for you. If you’re looking for property in the DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Elmhurst Illinois Open Houses For Sunday, January 8, 2012

Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

Address: 682 Spring Rd

City: Elmhurst

Price: $229,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 954 S Swain Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $279,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 496 N Howard Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $279,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 801 S Fairfield Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $314,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 144 S Berkley Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $339,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 425 E May St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $459,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 161 W Jackson St

City: Elmhurst

Price: $490,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 508 S Hampshire Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $665,000

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 757 S Berkley Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $744,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM

Address: 294 Berteau Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $799,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 12:00 PM to 03:00 PM

Address: 687 Fairview Ave

City: Elmhurst

Price: $949,900

Scheduled for: 01/08/2012 from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM

“Click It” In Elmhurst, Even In the Back Seat!

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 02:00:00 GMT

A new law went into effect in Illinois on January 1, 2012 that requires adults riding in the back seat of a car to wear a seatbelt.

Passed in June, but becoming effective on January 1, House Bill 219 requires all passengers in a vehicle to buckle up or risk a $25 fine. Though most people killed in accidents are front seat passengers, 64% of back seat passengers do not wear belts, which make them subject to head, chest, and abdominal trauma in an accident. According to Naperville Police Chief David Dial, “Anything that’s not tied down in a car, including people, has to come to an abrupt stop when there’s a crash ... There is no doubt that when there are people in a car and the car comes to a stop, they go forward. I personally would not even think of riding in a car, in any seat, without having a seat belt on.”

The law is considered a “primary offense” which means that officers can pull over a car where the adults are not wearing their belts. Because of the way the seat belts are designed, police can see if the shoulder strap of the belt is not fastened. Whether police will seek out seat belt violators or enforce the law in a passive manner (only ticketing those discovered not wearing a belt when stopped for other violations such as speeding) remains to be seen.

There are just a couple of exceptions to the law. Authorized Emergency Vehicles are exempt, as are vehicles with “medical exemptions.” Taxis are exempt, unless you are 18 or under, and riding in one for school purposes.

In Elmhurst, as in other parts of the state, reaction to the new law is mixed. Is the law requiring adult backseat passengers to buckle their seatbelts justified as it will save lives, or is it an encroachment on their freedom?

Some people think it’s unreasonable to require passengers to buckle up while not requiring helmets for motorcyclists. Still others think it is a further development of what they term “the nanny state” and that it will only lead to more restrictive legislation. Finally, there are those who think that the resources of the state and municipalities would be better spent hunting and prosecuting criminals rather than peeking into cars to see that everyone is “snug as a bug.” Whatever your opinion, it’s now the law – “click it or ticket”.

If you like a lively debate on the issues, Elmhurst may be the place for you. If you’re looking for property in the DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

What's Ahead in 2012 in Elmhurst?

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Who knows what lies ahead?

Getting married? Having a baby? Relocating? Upsizing? Downsizing?

No matter what 2012 brings, we stand ready to assist you with your real estate needs.

The Gracik Makinney Group wishes you a very Happy New Year.

Tom, Maria, Gina, Mary, & our Staff

Old Christmas Lights Don’t Die; They Just Help the Environment (AND the Economy!)

Wed, 28 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Are you wondering where to go with that burned-out string of lights? This year, you don’t just have to chuck them into the garbage. Elmhurst has joined other communities in DuPage County in a great recycling program. The whole community will be involved in this project which is both ecologically and economically beneficial to the city.

Throughout the city, there are bins placed as drop-off points for the lights. Certain schools will accept them from their students, so you don’t even have to make a special trip. Once the lights are out of your hands, SCARCE (School and Community Assistance for Composting and Recycling Education) will be sure that they go to Elgin Recycling. And get this – the city will be paid for the dead lights!

Elgin will pay for the copper content in each strand of lights. They will have the copper separated by another company with a piece of machinery called a chopper. The copper will not make the city rich by any means, but it will be worth the effort to save it—especially to keep it from just being dumped in a landfill. This is a very easy way to help your community and to preserve the environment.

Besides helping the community, there is an advantage to replacing your Christmas lights. The newer light strands are made with LED lights, which use about 10% of the electricity that older lights use. Also, they don’t burn as hot, which is a safety feature. Those are good incentives to head to the decorating store and drop off your old lights on the way.

The park district and the schools are both cooperating with (and benefiting from!) this effort. Elmhurst is a large community, so our joining the recycling program will significantly increase its effectiveness. With the addition of the Elmhurst area it’s estimated that over 25,000 pounds of lights will be collected this year.

The city of Elmhurst is a place where you can join with neighbors to the benefit of all. If you’re looking for property in the DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

Have a very Happy and Safe New Year, everyone!

Holiday Greetings from Elmhurst, IL

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Merry Christmas from the Gracik Makinney Group.

May you and your family have a wonderful holiday

as you enjoy the time together

and the beauty of the season.

Thank you for your business in 2011.

Tom, Maria, Gina, Mary , & our Staff

Elmhurst, IL November 2011 Real Estate Trends

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Year-To-Date November 2011 vs. Year-To-Date November 2010, the average price in the Elmhurst Area is down 4.17%. The YTD average price is down from $395,022 to $378,554. As for November 2011 vs. November 2010, the average price in the Elmhurst area is down 21.44%, from $387,821 to $304,660 according to MRED. The YTD median price decreased .4% from $318,500 to $317,250. As of December 19, 2011 there are 350 active listings in the MLS representing a 10.1 month supply of inventory (MSI). Remember, 5.5 months is considered a "balanced" market by most. Good news for sellers: Year-To-Date average Days on Market (DOM) is down from 141 in November 2010 to 139 in November 2011.

MARKET SUMMARY - ELMHURST

	New Listings	/ % Change	Closed Sales	Avg. Price	/ % Change	Median Price	Days on Market
November 2011	49	/ -32.88%	28	$304,660	/ -21.44%	$250,000	200
November 2010	73		26	$387,821		$275,000	125
Year-To-Date 2011	976	/ -4.41%	401	$378,554	/ -4.17%	$317,250	139
Year-To-Date 2010	1021		365	$395,022		$318,500	141

The statistics presented in Market Tracker are compiled monthly based on figures and data generated by MRED for detached single family and attached single family properties. Due to possible reporting inconsistencies, Days on Market (DOM), average prices and rates of change should be used to analyze trends only. Property and statistical data sourced from MLS is solely for your personal, non-commercial use in buying or selling a property and is deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be verified. All representations and warranties regarding the information are disclaimed. Reproduction or any other use is prohibited.

PLANNING FOR HOME IMPROVEMENTS IN THE NEW YEAR

If doing some home improvements is on your list of New Year’s resolutions, contracting for them now to begin early next year is a great idea. Many contractors are slow during the winter, so you may be able to see your repair completed in less time (and for less money) than in the other quarters of the year. If you are thinking of moving in 2012, make sure to contact us at the Gracik Makinney Group for some tips on what improvement costs you can recoup when selling and where you most likely won’t see much return. Hint: Modest kitchen and bathroom remodels usually pay off.

ARE YOU READY FOR WINTER?

Winter is one of our favorite times of the year!It's often easy to overlook your home's needs with so much going on. Here is a simple checklist of items that can save you money through the winter:

Check for leaks and drafts around the house. Replace weather stripping and re-caulk around doors and windows. Drafty doors and windows will cool off the house and cost you money in heating bills.
Inspect your attic's insulation. Heat rises so adding good insulation can keep the heat from escaping.
Check your heating system. Sometimes something as easy as replacing your filter or having simple maintenance done can save on heating costs.
Consider changing from standard light bulbs to energy saving bulbs. Winter uses a lot of your electricity so even saving a little here and there will help.

In the upcoming brisk Illinois winter, take this opportunity to inspect your home systems. You'll be money ahead in the long run!

Elmhurst Merchants Use Scandinavian Art to Decorate Windows

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Some Elmhurst businesses are getting into the holiday swing by having their windows painted in an unusual style. It’s a Scandinavian folk art style called Norwegian Rosemaling. That sounds romantic, doesn’t it? It is, rather.

The Illinois Norsk Rosemalers Association (INRA) brought instructors all the way from Europe to teach the technique to local artists. Two of these local artists, Catherine Coy and her sister, Rebecca Cleghorn, came up with the idea of using the Norwegian style to decorate storefront windows.

The two sisters studied the technique for 16 years with European artists in the Elmhurst area before opening their business, Two Sisters Window Painting. They approached area merchants, offering to add a touch of class to their store windows. They now are charged with keeping windows beautiful for some two dozen or more businesses in the DuPage County area.

Norwegian Rosemaling is a technique that uses a lot of graceful C and S strokes to create delicate patterns using leaf, floral or other motifs. The result is a blend of folk art and French rococo. It is used to decorate almost anything that can be painted. Plates are a popular venue, as are wood furniture, jewelry boxes, picture and mirror frames and even fabrics. Once you begin to use your imagination, the possibilities are virtually endless.

To learn more about this fascinating art form, you can contact the INRA for further information. They even publish a newsletter. You can see samples of the technique on the windows of local DuPage County merchants, such as Cafe Amano and Flight 112 Wine Bar, where Two Sisters Window Painting work year round. During the holiday season, don’t miss the many other samples on display right downtown.

If you are interested in living in a community that takes art seriously, Elmhurst may be the place for you. If you’re looking for property in the DuPage County area, just call me, Tom Makinney, at our home office, (630) 567-5902, or check out my website.

The Gracik Makinney Group wishes you the happiest of holidays.

1529 TOUHY AVE Unit 2, CHICAGO 60626

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 19:40:41 GMT

WELCOME TO TOUHY COMMONS. AT ALMOST 2,000 SQFT THIS PLACE ISENORMOUS! A 5 YEAR OLD CONDO CONVERSION IN ROGERS PARK - WALK TO LAKE MICHIGAN AS WELL AS THE CTA\'S RED LINE. THIS IS GOING TO BE A GREAT DEAL! STORAGE IN BASEMENT-2ND ROOM, 1ST DOOR ON LEFT. *SHORT SALE REQUIRED* *2 LOANS W/SAME BANK*, *SUBJECT TO LENDER APPROVAL*. SOLD AS-IS. *ALLOW 60-90 DAYS FOR APPROVAL*