The days of spending 10, 20, 30 or even 40 years in the same company, in the same facility, are almost a thing of the past. Today, individuals will likely have an average of 10.8 different employers in a lifetime, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether prompted by a corporate transfer, career change or lifestyle goal, Americans are on the move.
Picking up and moving cross country, or to another state, isn’t always easy. One must find a home, a job for a spouse, perhaps schools if children are involved, not to mention get a feel for the community and general lifestyle before settling into a new location.
Check-out the Relocation Tips on our website for steps to ensure when and if it comes time to move a considerable distance, the process is smooth and simple.
Whether you are moving in the area or to another part of the country, we would love to help you! The Gillespie Group can help you find that perfect REALTOR anywhere in the country or in the world! Email or call us at 309-657-0063 anytime.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Just Listed!
811 W Cedar Point, BartonvilleDon’t miss this 3 bedroom 2 bath home located in Cedarwood subdivision. Extremely clean and well kept, it offers a open floor plan with a master suite, eat-in kitchen, dining area, Gas log fireplace, and a full basement that is ready to be finished. The home has a 2 stall garage with a large fully fenced backyard and open foyer. Don’t wait to buy this home!! Check out the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Television Debut
Rich made his television debut last night during American Idol in the new Coldwell Banker Devonshire commercial. Just in case you missed it, here it is.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
First-Time Home Buyers Tax Credit
Several people have asked me about the First-time Homeowners Tax Credit. An $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers was signed in to law as part of the new Stimulus Bill. Unlike last year's tax credit, this is a true credit and will not require a payback. It will expire December 1, 2009!
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has published a few great resources to help.
Email or call us at 309-657-0063 for more details. We want to help you get started!
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) has published a few great resources to help.
- Chart Highlighting the Major Modifications to the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit
- Frequently Asked Questions
Email or call us at 309-657-0063 for more details. We want to help you get started!
Friday, March 20, 2009
Consumer Housing Relief Program
This is a new website that details the Government’s Consumer Housing Relief Program. It has a lot of information and resources, including a self-assessment tool to see if you are eligible. If you think you or someone you know is among the 7 to 9 million homeowners who may be able to benefit from Making Home Affordable, make sure to check out this site.
www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov
www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov
Just Listed a Home with 16+ Acres
846 Thenius, Sparland Don’t miss this amazing 4 bedroom 2 full bath home located on over 16 acres of land. House was custom built in 1994, garage in 06, new roof was placed on the house in 2007 to match the garage. Home offers over 2500 sqft of finished living space, large eat in kitchen and a wrap around deck. The lower level is a walk-out with new carpet. Prime hunting land with a stream, lots of timber, and an abundance of deer, turkey, and much more. The 70X30 outbuilding has an 8” concrete floor. The well is 50’ deep and 3’ around. Check-out the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Going Green!
Tips for homeowners to make their home more eco-friendly.
Interest in the environment and green building has moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents. With luxury condos touting eco-friendly features like rain water recycling and construction companies incorporating energy saving features into new homes, it's no wonder real estate professionals say more and more potential home buyers are asking about "green homes."
With demand for environmentally friendly homes blossoming across the country, one way to make a home stand out in a stalled real estate market is to retro-fit it to green standards. Below are some tips from the professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation on how to make your home sustainable, energy- and cost-efficient now, to appeal to eco-conscious home buyers later.
Replace hardwood floors with renewable materials. While hardwood has been the flooring of choice for the past several years, bamboo floors are much more eco-friendly because bamboo grows quickly and can be easily replaced. In the kitchen, linoleum floors, made from solidified linseed oil, wood flour or cork dust over a burlap or canvas backing, is very eco-friendly compared to modern floor coverings made from polyvinyl chloride.
Don't flush away your money. Consider replacing existing commodes with low-flow toilets which use approximately 20 percent less water per flush, or dual-flush toilets with two buttons to give home owners the choice of flushing with a half- or full tank.
A ray of light. In many neighborhoods, owning a home on the north side of the street has always been more desirable than ones on the south side. South-facing windows provide more natural daylight, making a home more bright and cheery. More importantly, natural daylight helps keep indoor climate comfortable during the winter months, allowing a homeowner to lower the thermostat. Alternatively, drawing shades during key daylight hours during the summer can help cut down on air conditioning needs.
Green gardening. Sustainable landscaping is becoming all the rage to eco-conscious home owners. Planting native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a home will keep it cool during the summer and block cold winds during the winter. Native vegetation thrives in its preferred environment and won’t require excess water. In addition, concrete driveways and patios can be replaced with permeable paving materials, allowing water to pass through to the ground, in turn reducing runoff that erodes soil and causes flooding of sewer systems.
Switch to green power. The use of renewable energy in a home, such as solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution. However, installing solar panels or wind generators can be enormously expensive. Today, many utility companies in the U.S. are offering home owners an option to purchase a form of renewable energy that does not cost much more than conventional energy. The government also offers many financial incentives to home owners who install renewable-energy systems.
Interest in the environment and green building has moved beyond installing energy efficient appliances and swapping out incandescent light bulbs for compact fluorescents. With luxury condos touting eco-friendly features like rain water recycling and construction companies incorporating energy saving features into new homes, it's no wonder real estate professionals say more and more potential home buyers are asking about "green homes."
With demand for environmentally friendly homes blossoming across the country, one way to make a home stand out in a stalled real estate market is to retro-fit it to green standards. Below are some tips from the professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation on how to make your home sustainable, energy- and cost-efficient now, to appeal to eco-conscious home buyers later.
Replace hardwood floors with renewable materials. While hardwood has been the flooring of choice for the past several years, bamboo floors are much more eco-friendly because bamboo grows quickly and can be easily replaced. In the kitchen, linoleum floors, made from solidified linseed oil, wood flour or cork dust over a burlap or canvas backing, is very eco-friendly compared to modern floor coverings made from polyvinyl chloride.
Don't flush away your money. Consider replacing existing commodes with low-flow toilets which use approximately 20 percent less water per flush, or dual-flush toilets with two buttons to give home owners the choice of flushing with a half- or full tank.
A ray of light. In many neighborhoods, owning a home on the north side of the street has always been more desirable than ones on the south side. South-facing windows provide more natural daylight, making a home more bright and cheery. More importantly, natural daylight helps keep indoor climate comfortable during the winter months, allowing a homeowner to lower the thermostat. Alternatively, drawing shades during key daylight hours during the summer can help cut down on air conditioning needs.
Green gardening. Sustainable landscaping is becoming all the rage to eco-conscious home owners. Planting native plants, vegetation and shade trees strategically around a home will keep it cool during the summer and block cold winds during the winter. Native vegetation thrives in its preferred environment and won’t require excess water. In addition, concrete driveways and patios can be replaced with permeable paving materials, allowing water to pass through to the ground, in turn reducing runoff that erodes soil and causes flooding of sewer systems.
Switch to green power. The use of renewable energy in a home, such as solar, wind, water or geothermal, greatly helps reduce pollution. However, installing solar panels or wind generators can be enormously expensive. Today, many utility companies in the U.S. are offering home owners an option to purchase a form of renewable energy that does not cost much more than conventional energy. The government also offers many financial incentives to home owners who install renewable-energy systems.
Visit Us In Chillicothe!
On Sunday, March 22nd from 1:00 - 3:00, we are having an Open House at the following locations. We would love to see you!
721 N 5th Street, Chillicothe
Absolutely stunning! This is one of the most magnificent homes you will find in Chillicothe. This turn of the century home was once a bed & breakfast. This home has so much of the original amenities to offer including crown molding, pocket doors, hardwood floors, leaded & beveled glass windows, beautiful woodwork, & more. The additions of the home include a vaulted great room, spacious game room, and attached three car garage. So many updates have been made including vinyl siding, windows, carpet, ceramic tile, paint, complete kitchen remodel, furnace and A/C, half circle driveway, and so much more. Four bedrooms & Four full baths and over 4800 finished square feet. If you are looking for a great family home in IVC school district, this is it! Check-out the listing to see all the details.
213 N Louise, Chillicothe
Very well maintained 3 bedroom 2 full bath home in Chillicothe. Built in 1997, this home offers and open floor plan with main floor laundry, vaulted ceiling, skylight, wood burning fireplace, master bedroom with master bath and walk-in closet, central vacuum, Andersen windows, and much more. The privacy fenced backyard is beautifully landscaped with a patio and pergola. The full basement is being used as a family room and a spare bedroom. Move-In Condition! Check out the listing for more information.
Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.
721 N 5th Street, Chillicothe
Absolutely stunning! This is one of the most magnificent homes you will find in Chillicothe. This turn of the century home was once a bed & breakfast. This home has so much of the original amenities to offer including crown molding, pocket doors, hardwood floors, leaded & beveled glass windows, beautiful woodwork, & more. The additions of the home include a vaulted great room, spacious game room, and attached three car garage. So many updates have been made including vinyl siding, windows, carpet, ceramic tile, paint, complete kitchen remodel, furnace and A/C, half circle driveway, and so much more. Four bedrooms & Four full baths and over 4800 finished square feet. If you are looking for a great family home in IVC school district, this is it! Check-out the listing to see all the details.
213 N Louise, Chillicothe
Very well maintained 3 bedroom 2 full bath home in Chillicothe. Built in 1997, this home offers and open floor plan with main floor laundry, vaulted ceiling, skylight, wood burning fireplace, master bedroom with master bath and walk-in closet, central vacuum, Andersen windows, and much more. The privacy fenced backyard is beautifully landscaped with a patio and pergola. The full basement is being used as a family room and a spare bedroom. Move-In Condition! Check out the listing for more information.
Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.
What a Great Sunset!
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Buy this new listing and it could be yours!620 Columbia, Washburn
If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the place for you! Located off of Rt.26 just north of Spring Bay this home sits on 6.4 acres and is much larger than it appears. This 3 bedroom 2 full bath home is in move in condition. Updates include bathrooms remodeled, 90% efficient furnace, water heater, flooring, & paint. The 2 car garage was built approximately 5 years ago. The siding and roof have been replaced within the last 10 years. The septic system was new 3 years ago. Enjoy awesome river views and an abundance of wildlife including deer, turkey & much more! See the listing for more details. Contact us if you are interested!
If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the place for you! Located off of Rt.26 just north of Spring Bay this home sits on 6.4 acres and is much larger than it appears. This 3 bedroom 2 full bath home is in move in condition. Updates include bathrooms remodeled, 90% efficient furnace, water heater, flooring, & paint. The 2 car garage was built approximately 5 years ago. The siding and roof have been replaced within the last 10 years. The septic system was new 3 years ago. Enjoy awesome river views and an abundance of wildlife including deer, turkey & much more! See the listing for more details. Contact us if you are interested!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Just Listed in Chillicothe!
213 N Louise, ChillicotheVery well maintained 3 bedroom 2 full bath home in Chillicothe. Built in 1997, this home offers and open floor plan with main floor laundry, vaulted ceiling, skylight, wood burning fireplace, master bedroom with master bath and walk-in closet, central vacuum, Andersen windows, and much more. The privacy fenced backyard is beautifully landscaped with a patio and pergola. The full basement is being used as a family room and a spare bedroom. Move-In Condition! Check out the listing for more information. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
New Construction in The Coves!
5528 Mooring Way, Peoria Come and see this four bedroom, three bath “Signature Home” located in “THE COVES”. This home offers over 2400 finished sq. ft. with 784 sq. ft. in the basement. There is no wasted space in this house. The kitchen with granite counter tops and large breakfast bar over looks the great room with a gas fireplace. The basement offers a large rec room and a full bathroom. The house has upgrades galore, trim, landscaping, irrigation system, flooring and a tiled shower in the master finishes it off. Don’t miss this!!! See the listing for more details. Call us if you have questions or you are interested
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Come See Us Sunday!
From 1:00 to 3:00 on Sunday, March 15th, we are having an Open House at two locations. We would love to see you!
2604 Sydney Place, Pekin
Quality built three bedroom, two bath home by E.O Reed. Located in Pekin's Marigold Estates, this 1490 sq ft ranch offers a large open floor plan with carpet and tile throughout. The kitchen has Corian® countertops and a breakfast bar. The living room has a gas log fireplace with electric and cable hook-ups above it for a TV. The split floor plan of the home offers some privacy for the master suite. A two stall garage and patio off the dining room finish off this completed new construction. $229,900 Check out the listing for more information.
206 Marvin, Germantown Hills
Amazing 3 bedroom 2 ½ bath zero lot line in Germantown Hills. Better than new with a partially finished basement with egress windows and a full bathroom. Built in 2003, this home has lots of amenities, including 2 laundry hook-ups, one on the main level and one in the basement, fully applianced kitchen with stainless steel appliances, computer area on both main floor and in the basement, Gas fireplace in the great room with hardwood floors and large bedrooms. Don’t miss this opportunity!! $174,900 See the listing for more details.
2604 Sydney Place, Pekin
Quality built three bedroom, two bath home by E.O Reed. Located in Pekin's Marigold Estates, this 1490 sq ft ranch offers a large open floor plan with carpet and tile throughout. The kitchen has Corian® countertops and a breakfast bar. The living room has a gas log fireplace with electric and cable hook-ups above it for a TV. The split floor plan of the home offers some privacy for the master suite. A two stall garage and patio off the dining room finish off this completed new construction. $229,900 Check out the listing for more information.
206 Marvin, Germantown Hills
Amazing 3 bedroom 2 ½ bath zero lot line in Germantown Hills. Better than new with a partially finished basement with egress windows and a full bathroom. Built in 2003, this home has lots of amenities, including 2 laundry hook-ups, one on the main level and one in the basement, fully applianced kitchen with stainless steel appliances, computer area on both main floor and in the basement, Gas fireplace in the great room with hardwood floors and large bedrooms. Don’t miss this opportunity!! $174,900 See the listing for more details.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Gorgeous Historical Home with Modern Touches
721 N 5th Street, ChillicotheAbsolutely stunning! This is one of the most magnificent homes you will find in Chillicothe. This turn of the century home was once a bed & breakfast. This home has so much of the original amenities to offer including crown molding, pocket doors, hardwood floors, leaded & beveled glass windows, beautiful woodwork, & more. The additions of the home include a vaulted great room, spacious game room, and attached three car garage. So many updates have been made including vinyl siding, windows, carpet, ceramic tile, paint, complete kitchen remodel, furnace and A/C, half circle driveway, and so much more. Four bedrooms & Four full baths and over 4800 finished square feet. If you are looking for a great family home in IVC school district, this is it!
Based on our suggestions, this gorgeous historical home received a few modern updates. We worked with the homeowners to design a plan of changes that appeal to a broad audience, not based on personal taste.
Family Room
Bathroom
Master Bedroom
Bedroom 2
These are just a few of the updates in this beautiful home. Check-out the listing to see all the details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you are interested.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Latest & Greatest On Our Website
We recently made a lot of website changes in order to continually help you with all of your real estate needs. Some of the big updates include:
- Buying Step by Step: These new pages include 10 detailed steps of buying process. It is packed full of great information to help you buy your next property.
- Selling Step by Step: Similar to the Buying Step by Step, it includes 6 detailed steps of the selling process. It should be another helpful resource for you when selling your home.
- We also added pages on Moving Tips and Relocation Help in both the Buyers and Sellers sections.
- On our home page, we added new links directly to the Community Reports and the Property Search for quick access.
Take a look and let us know what you think. We would love to hear from you!
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Just Listed a Great Condo!
6831 Frostwood Unit B 11, Peoria
WOW! This is probably the nicest condo that you will find under $70K. This one bedroom, one and a half bath loft style condo is in absolute move-in condition. The entire unit has been pretty much redone. This unit offers a beautiful kitchen with newer cabinets, countertops, ceramic tile floors, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave/hood/fan. There is laundry hookups in the unit with a stackable washer/dryer included. The unit also offers an informal dining room, a very good sized living room with hardwood floors, and a master bedroom with a master bath and a walk in closet. Updates include Pella windows, new flooring throughout, trim, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, newer water heater, and newer furnace and heat pump. This will not last long! Check out the listing for the details and give us a call if you want to know more!
WOW! This is probably the nicest condo that you will find under $70K. This one bedroom, one and a half bath loft style condo is in absolute move-in condition. The entire unit has been pretty much redone. This unit offers a beautiful kitchen with newer cabinets, countertops, ceramic tile floors, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave/hood/fan. There is laundry hookups in the unit with a stackable washer/dryer included. The unit also offers an informal dining room, a very good sized living room with hardwood floors, and a master bedroom with a master bath and a walk in closet. Updates include Pella windows, new flooring throughout, trim, light fixtures, plumbing fixtures, newer water heater, and newer furnace and heat pump. This will not last long! Check out the listing for the details and give us a call if you want to know more!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
What is Home Staging?
When you put your home up for sale it becomes a product. Similar to a product on the shelf at your local store, your home has features and benefits as well as potential drawbacks. It also has competition. Home staging prepares your home for sale by accentuating its advantages and minimizing its flaws. It gives you the edge in a competitive market, so you can sell faster and get top dollar for your home. If you want to sell your home fast while maximizing the selling price, home staging is the answer.
No matter what your home’s age, price or location, whether it is plain or professionally decorated, Staging will work for you! That’s because an Accredited Staging Professional™ focuses exclusively on designing a plan that will generate the maximum amount of offers, not around personal taste. The Gillespie Group offers a FREE Staging Consultation when you list your home with us. To learn more, check out Staging Your Home in the Sellers section of our website. Tara Gillespie, an Accredited Staging Professional™, is always available for questions through the blog, email, or by phone at 309-657-1038 .
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