Plainfield Farmer's Market

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Plainfield Historic Downtown Farmer's Market

The farmer's market will take place every Saturday from June 6-September 26 from 8 am till 1 pm on the southwest corner of Route 59 and Lockport Street (just down the road from the Plainfield Re/Max Ultimate Professionals office).  For more information about this awesome seasonal event, call (815) 436-1342.

Enjoy Your Weekend!

25 Illinois Summer Trips To Make

Reboot Illinois 

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1. Hike at Starved Rock State Park
2. Attend a Kane County Cougars or Peoria Chiefs minor league baseball game
3. Go to the Ribfest in Naperville
4. Catch a show at Ravinia
5. Have fun at the Illinois State Fair in August (Aug. 13-23) and the Sandwich Fair (Sept. 9-13) in September 
6. Visit the historic town of Galena
7. Head down the Fox River in the Mid-American Canoe and Kayak Race on June 7th
8. Explore the Cahokia Mounds in southern Illinois
9. Go back in time and visit New Salem
10. Visit the Shawnee National Forest 
11. Travel down historic Route 66 and visit the Route 66 Scenic Byway
12. Have a blast at Six Flags Great America
13. Overlook the Vermilion River at Matthiessen State Park
14. Take in the beauty of the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe
15. Head to the Brookfield Zoo
16. Enjoy a ride on the Spirit Of Peoria riverboat
17. Visit Lincoln's tomb
18. Experience nature at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle
19. Visit Arthur, Illinois, the "Heart of the Illinois Amish Country"
20. For all things cars, visit the Volo Auto Museum
21. Splash around at Illinois' largest water park, Raging Waves, located in Yorkville
22. Take in Swedish Days in Geneva (June 23-28)
23. Play 18 holes at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, and then watch the PGA's John Deere Classic here (July 6-12)
24. Take in a Chicago Fire game at Toyota Park in Bridgeview
25. Head to the Arlington Racetrack to see the Arlington Million event (August 15)

5 Ways To Redefine Your Outdoor Space

Home Life

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1. Landscape for the entire year: Don't just plant for the warm months, plant for the cold months too. Showcase flowers in the spring/summer and pair those with gorgeous evergreens for the winter. 
2. Create your own planter boxes: Show off your favorite flowers or herbs in planter boxes made from Western Red Cedar. This wood is a great choice because it is naturally rot, decay, and insect resistant. 
3. Build a fire pit: Including a fire pit in your outdoor space is a great way to enjoy your outdoor oasis into the evening hours. Building a professional looking pit using pavers is easier than you think. Check out Pinterest or the DIY Network website for tutorials on building your own.
4. Build a pergola: Pergolas are perfect for some shade, a yard centerpiece, a place to entertain and a way to add beauty to an outdoor space. 
5. Add light: Spend time in your backyard anytime of day by adding light sources. Solar powered path lights are relatively inexpensive and are a low maintenance way to show off your new outdoor space. Hanging outdoor track lights on a pergola is both functional and creates beautiful ambiance. Another great way to light up your yard is to use tiki torches. They look awesome and they also keep the mosquitoes away! 

Home Ownership Leads To Wealth

realtor.com

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The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University recently conducted research about the correlation between homeownership and wealth. After the study was completed, they stated that "as a means to building wealth, there is no practical substitute for homeownership."  How does owning a home help to build wealth? Here's what the research at Harvard found:

• Having a mortgage forces a homeowner to save. Paying down the principal of a mortgage over time is like a savings plan whose deposits are growing.
• Although there have been times where home prices have abnormally increased as well as decreased, over time home prices still increase faster than inflation. 
• Many homeowners take advantage of the numerous tax benefits that are available to them. One benefit is mortgage-interest deduction, which allows homeowners to deduct the annual interest paid on a mortgage as well as property taxes. 
• Having a mortgage protects homeowners from the reality of rising rent costs. A mortgage also freezes the majority of a homeowner's housing costs. Over time, the monthly mortgage payment stays the same, but because of inflation the real cost of the payment decreases. Over time a homeowner actually uses a smaller portion of their income on their house payments.
• Owning a home is, and probably always will be, a large part of the American dream and also has been shown to be a great way to create and build wealth.

6 New Home Trends

Realtor.org

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• Super Kitchens: Kitchens are no longer just for cooking; they are an entertainment space and the center of the home. Kitchens are now being built open to other rooms and islands are being used as a divider between rooms instead of walls. As kitchens are becoming more open, pantries are getting bigger to provide more storage.
• Outdoor/Indoor spaces merge: Indoor spaces are built to flow into outdoor areas so that homeowners can easily go between both spaces. Another note about outdoor areas; the once traditional public backyard is becoming less popular. Having a private backyard oasis is becoming more important to homeowners so builders are starting to position homes so that the backyard is more private.
• Bigger garages: Not only do homeowners want more space for their cars, they also want to be able to use their garage for hobbies, work spaces, and more storage.
• Home office: Home office spaces are increasingly in demand and they may not be placed off of the entry of the home like many have been. Many people want their office to be closer to both the kitchen and the family room.
• Tech spaces: Technology use is widespread so builders are beginning to build small "server" rooms since many homes are now using smart technology. 
• Dual homes: More people are living under one roof due to adults living with their parents longer, older parents moving in, and cultural preferences. Multi-generational homes are emerging that offer features such as separate main entrances and attached suites that serve as private residences. 

Happy Memorial Day!

10 Spring Family Activities

petakids

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1. Go to the beach
2. Go kayaking
3. Go hiking
4. Fly a kite
5. Do an outdoor scavenger hunt
6. Go canoeing 
7. Take a family bike ride
8. Go mini golfing
9. Plant a garden
10. Take a family camping trip

Happy Friday

All About Closing Costs

realtor.com

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Closing costs are the fees which are charged by lenders and third parties related to the purchase of a home. What exactly makes up closing costs? Below is a break down of the different components:

• Escrow/Attorney Fees: Some states require third party escrow companies handle real estate closings while others allow attorneys to perform the function. Title companies, title agents, lenders, brokers, and real estate agents are allowed to handle closings and/or escrows depending on the state. These fees are usually split between the buyer and the seller.
• Title Insurance: There are usually two types that need to be purchased-the lender's policy and the owner's policy. The title company or a lawyer will research the title to ensure there are no liens against the property or unidentified owners. These policies protect both the lender and the new owner for the full value of the property. In most cases the seller pays for the owner's policy and the buyer pays for the lender's policy. 
• Transfer or documentary taxes: These are paid either to the state, county, city, or a combination depending on the state. The government agency gets their piece of the pie during this transaction.  This is also called a reconveyance tax.
• Recording Fee: Paid to the county for recording the deed, which shows ownership of the property.
• Settlement or closing fee: This is usually split between the seller and the buyer and it covers the costs charged by the escrow company, lawyer, or whoever handles the transaction's financial transfers.
• Brokerage Commission: The fee you contractually agreed to pay for the selling of your home.
• Pest Inspection: Most lenders require a pest report to ensure the property is in good condition. This fee is usually paid by the seller and they may be responsible for fixing areas that have been damaged by termites, carpenter ants, dry rot, fungus, etc. In many cases these repairs can be negotiated. 
• Septic Inspection: If you have a septic tank, the sales contract will likely require you to have it inspected. 

New Listing In Plainfield!

2542 Stonybrook Drive Plainfield, IL

9 Things To Ignore While House Hunting

Msn

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It can be easy to focus on the little things you see in a home that you don't particularly care for and to miss the positive attributes of the home.  It can be difficult to envision yourself in a home when you are surrounded by memories of a different family. Here are 9 things you should ignore when touring a home:

1. An older home: Many older homes have been built with quality materials and finishes and have been able to stand the test of time because of that.  You can still make your mark on an older home and there are many simple fixes that can be done to bring an older home up to date.
2. Paint colors: The colors on the walls are very fixable and can be changed quickly and cheaply. It is more important to focus on the actual structure of the room instead of the owner's taste in paint colors.
3. Wallpaper: Even though you may see wallpaper that doesn't fit your style, just remember that it can be taken down or covered up.
4. Kitchen appliances: If the appliances in a home don't meet your standards, just keep in mind that as long as you have room in your budget to replace them or at least a plan to change them out over time, you will be able to have the appliances you wish for.
5. Worn or dirty carpet: Carpets can always be professionally cleaned or replaced with a different flooring option. There are numerous options for flooring now that are both attractive and budget friendly.
6. Unpleasant odors: Giving the home a good cleaning should easily get rid of any odors in the home so unless the odor is due to a serious mold problem, the odor is not a major issue.
7. Lack of curb appeal: If you are not impressed with the outside of a home, don't worry, you can make changes in order to make it your own. Painting the front door a different color, sprucing up a front porch, or adding new landscaping will make a huge difference.
8. Popcorn ceilings: Although these are outdated, they can be scraped off to achieve that smooth look you are after. It is a good idea to do this work before you move in though because it is a messy job.
9. Not enough privacy: A lack of privacy can be remedied by putting up hedges or other trees or bushes.

Are You Making These Yard Mistakes?

msn

 Freedigitalphotos.net

• Too random: Going crazy at a home and garden center sale and buying too many varieties of plants and flowers can create a chaotic look in your yard. Instead of being all over the place, try grouping 4 or 5 of the same flower or plant together in order to create a cohesive and peaceful look.
• Too much mulch: Often times mulch is piled too high around the trunk of a tree. This may look nice, but in actuality it is not good for the tree. Too much mulch can suffocate the tree and deprive the inner bark from the oxygen that it needs. An excess of mulch can also make a perfect place for rodents to build their nests.
• Cleaning up grass clippings: Although it may seem like the right thing to do (at least in order to be neat), it's better to leave the grass clippings on the grass after the lawn is mowed. The clippings will decompose in just a few days and infuse the soil with nutrients in the meantime.
• Left in the dark: Be sure to plant trees, bushes, and flowers that need part sun in spots that get at least 4 hours of sun per day. Don't make the mistake of putting these plants in a mostly shady area and therefore not allowing them to thrive.
• Going too big: Many people think that a small garden is nice so a large garden must be better. Don't fall into the trap of planting a huge garden and then getting overwhelmed with all of the upkeep. If you are new to gardening, take it easy and start small the first couple of years to get familiar with the art of gardening.
• Over-feeding: Putting too much plant food and fertilizer on your plants and flowers can actually harm them or even kill them. Instead of dumping unknown amounts of fertilizer on your plants, take the time to actually measure what you are using and be sure to use the correct product.

Happy Friday

4 Tips For Selling In The Spring

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1. Know your plan: One mistake that sellers often make is not knowing what their plan is once their home sells. Are you going to purchase another home? Can you stay with family or friends while you figure out your next move?  Do you want to rent? Speaking with your lender regarding financing options before you list your home is a good idea.
2. Have your home inspected before it is listed: Many buyers will make an offer contingent on an acceptable home inspection. Ensure the home inspection goes well by having a professional look over your home before it hits the market.
3. Understand your local market: A Realtor should be able to tell you what the past, current, and projected housing market is in your area. Having a Realtor's expertise is critical in having your home listed correctly. 
4. Clean and organize: Giving your home a good cleaning is extremely important. Your home should also be de-cluttered and organized. Wash the windows, blinds, baseboards, appliances, etc. One good way to begin organizing and getting rid of clutter is to start packing; that may seem silly since you haven't sold the house yet but you will have to pack eventually anyways. Packing helps to determine what to keep and what to get rid of and it also makes organizing rooms and closets much easier. 

Happy Friday

Mother's Day In Shorewood

 Freedigitalphotos.net 

 If you are looking to go out for Mother's Day brunch in Shorewood, here are a couple of ideas:

Crispy Waffle II
564 Brook Forest Ave
Shorewood, IL
(815) 744-0356

Serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch and ranked #2 out of 43 restaurants in Shorewood by tripadvisor.

Matty's Grill and Pancake House
995 Brookforest drive
Shorewood, IL
(815) 254-9600

Matty's serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and features everything from pancakes, crepes, french toast, burgers, and more.

Price Reduction!

This amazing home is now offered at $339,900!!

1223 Dover Court Shorewood, IL

Financial Advantages Of Owning A Home

Redfin

 Freedigitalphotos.net

1. No inflation: If you rent an apartment for $1,800 a month and the inflation rate is about 3%, your monthly rent will increase to over $2,000 a month in just 5 years and you will have paid about $115,000 of your landlord's mortgage in that time. When you own a home and have a fixed mortgage, your payment will not change.
2. Personal wealth: When you rent, you are paying your landlord's mortgage. When you own a home, your mortgage balance decreases while your property value goes up. If you treat your home like an investment, you can sell it when the market conditions are right and make a great profit.
3. Both Federal and State tax savings: Under IRS code, interest from loans used to acquire, construct, or improve real estate is tax deductible up to a $1,000,000 mortgage. Interest on loans connected to real estate for any reason is deductible on up to a $100,000 mortgage.
4. Diversified Assets: When you purchase a home, you can live in it while the investment grows unlike a 401(k) or IRA.
5. Savings: When making payments on a mortgage, you lower the mortgage amount almost creating a forced savings account. With a mortgage of $1,800 a month, in 5 years you will have paid about $29,331 of the principal portion of your mortgage. If you were to sell your home at that point, that amount deducted from your principal would basically be put in your pocket.

7 Tips For Getting Your Home Market Ready

bhg

 Freedigitalphotos.net 

1. Keep it neutral: Keep colors soft and light
2. Make necessary repairs: If something in your home needs fixing-fix it!
3. De-clutter: Too much in your home takes away from buyer's seeing your home's full potential
4. Curb appeal: Make sure the exterior of your home is in good shape; draw buyers in!
5. Think about updating your kitchen: The kitchen is known  as the heart of the home
6. Finishing touches: Pay close attention to details 
7. Deep clean: Before putting your home on the market, clean the carpets, scrub walls and trim, clean/organize rooms, etc.

Stunning Home In Shorewood!

1223 Dover Court Shorewood, IL

Contact me at (815) 954-5050 for more information about this beautiful home in Shorewood!

Happy Friday

DIY Safety

Redfin

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• Power tool safety: Never leave a power pool unattended while it's active and unplug all tools (keeping cords out of children's reach) when finished. Electrical cords should always be kept away from sharp edges, oil, and heat.
• Dress appropriately: Don't wear jewelry or loose fitting clothing while working and wear goggles when appropriate as well as ear plugs when using loud power tools.
• Always be aware of your surroundings: Be aware of who is entering any work zone or areas with tools and always keep both children and pets away from work areas.
• Use ladders correctly: Follow the 4-to-1 rule-for every four feet in ladder height, the bottom of the ladder should be one foot away from any object or wall it's leaning against. Read all warning labels and instructions before use and be sure to use the right ladder for the job as far as ladder height and weight limits go. Using a ladder that is long enough as well as fully welded is always important.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand