Open Houses!

Come see us Sunday at our Open Houses!

528 Fondulac Drive, East Peoria
Truly beautiful two-story four bedroom on much desired Fondulac Drive. Sitting on 3/4 of an acre with seasonal river views of the Peoria skyline. Wonderfully updated with hardwood and ceramic tile floors, fresh pain, new roof in 2005, new siding in 2005, new carpet in 2005, appliances in 2004, almost all new exterior Pella windows throughout, 200 amp service in 2007. Both bathrooms have been remodeled in 2006 and 2007. New water heater in 2007. Reverse osmosis system in the kitchen. The home offers lots of original woodworking, crown molding, and built-ins. There is plenty of storage and closet space. Sit back, relax and enjoy the nature from the three-season sun porch. $219,900. Check-out the listing for more details.

147 Sheffield, Groveland
Great 3 bedroom 2 bath ranch located in Groveland. This house sits on a corner lot, with a fenced back yard for privacy and a deck for grilling and 2200 sq ft of finished living space. There is a great room on the main level with a gas fireplace, and a family room and rec area in the finished basement. The basement offers room for storage and a gas fireplace. There is also an area stubbed for a bathroom. Do not miss out on this great home. $164,900. Check-out the listing for more details.

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Surveys 1,000 Men and Women to Discover Gender Differences in Home-Buying Process

Survey Finds that While Couples Make Real Estate Buying Decisions Together, Women Make Up Their Minds Significantly Faster than Men

PARSIPPANY, N.J. (August 17, 2009) – It often seems as though men and women are from different planets, but every day millions of couples navigate through day-to-day and even life-altering decisions. Because a home is the biggest purchase most people will make in their lifetime, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC surveyed 1,000 individuals to discover how much men and women differ in the home-buying process.

The real estate company engaged a third-party research firm, International Communications Research (ICR), to delve into the innerpsyche of men and women, asking questions such as “How long did it take for you to know that the last home you purchased was right for you?” and “If you found the home of your dreams but had concerns about its security, would you still be interested?” Coldwell Banker Real Estate also surveyed couples on additional topics, such as “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” when it comes to making major financial decisions.

“The results were surprising,” said Diann Patton, the Coldwell Banker consumer real estate expert. “Not only did we uncover some of the inherent differences between men and women, but we also pinpointed a number of ways that the two genders are actually the same. For example, both men and women are increasingly concerned with having a space to work in their homes – something we would not have seen 40 years ago.” She continued, “We also found that feeling insecure about a home’s safety is a deal-breaker for most people, regardless of gender.”

Patton noted this topic is particularly timely given that many first-time homebuyers are hoping to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires on December 1, 2009.

Below are some key highlights from the Coldwell Banker Real Estate study:

Women may be inclined to make up their mind more quickly than men …
When asked how long it took before they knew their home was “right” for them, almost 70 percent of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, vs. 62 percent of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits: (32 percent of men vs. 23 percent of women).

Women would rather live closer to their extended family than to their job …
55 percent of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37 percent of men.

A home’s security is a deal-breaker for both men and women …
64 percent of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. More than half of men agreed (51 percent).

Couples say that no one “wears the pants in the relationship” in terms of major financial decisions …
When asked who wears the pants in the relationship (when it comes to major financial decisions, such as purchasing a home), almost 70 percent of respondents living with their significant other said it’s actually mutual.
However, 23 percent think that they, themselves, wear the pants in the relationship, not their partner. More men than women said this (26 percent vs. 20 percent, respectively).

Men and women agree on how they would use a spare room, for the most part …
When the respondents were asked how they would use an extra 12 x 12 room if it could be anything they wanted, men and women agreed on the top three most popular, and very practical, responses:

• Bedroom: 25 percent
• Office/Study: 15 percent
• Family Room / Den: 11 percent

However, men really do want a “Man Cave”…
Interestingly, out of the 8 percent who indicated they would turn that spare room into an entertainment center, it was a preponderance of men leading the charge. In fact, four times as many men as women said they would use the extra space for recreation / entertainment.

In addition to providing background on the survey results, Patton is able to offer tips for couples who are currently going through the process of buying a home. “These results further validate how critical it is for couples to recognize each other’s differences and work together, from deciding a neighborhood to how to use a spare room,” she said. “Online tools and the expertise of a real estate professional can be particularly helpful for couples, especially if they work together step-by-step along the way.”

Methodology: Coldwell Banker Real Estate engaged ICR to conduct an omnibus survey via telephone in May 2009, among more than 1,000 respondents.

About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC
Since 1906, the Coldwell Banker® organization has been a premier full-service real estate provider. In 2008, Franchise Times magazine’s prestigious Top 200 issue ranked the Coldwell Banker system No. 1 in real estate for the ninth straight year and 12th among franchisors in all industries. The Coldwell Banker System has approximately 3,200 residential real estate offices and approximately 100,000 sales associates in 47 countries and territories. The Coldwell Banker System is a leader in the industry in residential and commercial real estate, and in niche markets such as resort, new home and luxury property through its Coldwell Banker Previews International® division. It is a pioneer in consumer services with its Coldwell Banker Concierge® Service Program and award-winning Web site, http://coldwellbanker.com/. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC is a subsidiary of Realogy Corporation, a global provider of real estate and relocation services. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. Each office is independently owned and operated.

Great New Listings!

409 Lexington, Washington
Great 2 story home located in Colonial Manor subdivision in Washington! 5 bedrooms and 2.5 baths with a master suite and generous room sizes. The house offers a full basement that could be finished for additional living space. The lot spans over one half of an acre with a deck, and the wooded surroundings give you the privacy you are looking for. Do not miss out on this house. $199,500 See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

1313 William Drive, Chillicothe
Come take a look at this very well maintained 3 bedroom ranch with a full finished basement in Chillicothe! You will love the location! This home is conveniently located directly behind the high school. There is school bus service to the elementary and jr. high schools from this home. Many updates have been done over the years including vinyl siding, windows, architectural roof, high efficient furnace and air conditioner, 100 amp electrical service and much more. Hardwood floors under the carpet in bedrooms. This is a great home with a large backyard. Make it yours! $124,900 See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

How to Make More with Less

There are modifications owners of smaller homes can make to create the illusion of space. For sellers of small homes, creatively manufactured space will appeal to buyers. And buyers should inspect a potential home with an eye towards how they can maximize unused space for their own benefit.

Being imaginative with furnishings, decorations and interior architecture can enable homeowners to craft a more useful, and attractive environment. The professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC offer some of their best tips for living big in a small home:

To add space, add a wall. One would assume to maximize space one would remove walls but interior designers recommend adding a wall slightly breaks up a room, or putting a freestanding bookcase in the middle of a room to make a space appear larger.

A room of one's own. For older children, loft beds can free up large amounts of space. They can be redesigned by teenagers as social areas, study spaces, for storage, or as game centers in their rooms. When there is a real lack of space, consider investing in a bed with storage underneath, saving the need for a bureau.

Manufacture space. Look for opportunities for built-ins, such as bookshelves in staircases, unusual cabinet possibilities, drawers under beds, etc. Using mirrors on walls opens a room and makes it feel larger. Consider turning the sills on bow and bay windows in the kitchen into window seats, offering more seating and a cozy, café-like environment.

The home office. There are many ways to set-up a home office, whether it's a desk at the foot of the bed or a more complete set-up in the basement. Another spot to consider is on the second floor stairway landing, which is especially good for working parents who can focus on work and yet still be in the midst of family activity.

Visit the Sellers section of our website for more information. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Amazing New Listing in Attingham Subdivision!

10412 N Attingham, Peoria

Garry Moore built all brick 2 story home located in Attingham Subdivision in Dunlap school district. This home offers a formal dining room with butlers pantry, informal dining located right next to the kitchen with fireplace, living room with three huge windows and fireplace, main floor master suite, main floor laundry. Go up the tiered stairs to an open air loft, two bedrooms with a split bathroom. The basement offers a theater room with screen and surround sound, wet bar and another bedroom and full bathroom. Speakers through out the house with iPod docking station. $699,900 Check out the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Home Buyer’s Seminar on Saturday, August 22

First-time homebuyers are encouraged to attend the Home Buyer’s Seminar on Saturday, August 22nd from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM at the PAAR Office located at 7307 N. Willowlake Court in Peoria. Find out how you can take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit due to expire December 1st, receive a free credit report, and more. Call 688-8591 to register. Reservations are encouraged for material and refreshment preparation!

Tips to Ensure a Smooth Move

For many families, moving can be a very stressful event. Besides coming to terms with your new life in a new home, you and your family will also need to think about moving day. Too often, families get caught up in various activities before moving day and fail to make the proper preparations. If you and your family are preparing to move, try to stay calm and organized throughout the process. For a few extra pointers on how to make your moving day a success, consider the simple advice outlined here.

Make a detailed checklist
It can be difficult to keep track of all the tasks associated with moving. Hence, you should try to organize your days leading up to and beyond moving day. If you have a reminder of what needs to be done and where you need to be, you are more likely to have a smooth moving day.

Prepare for day 1
Prior to packing all of your boxes, you may want to assemble one box of necessities for the whole family. As most families finish unpacking their trucks late in the evening, there is often little desire to open several boxes to find pillows and toothbrushes. To prevent a stressful first night in your new home, try to place anything your family might need in the first 24 hours in a separate box, mark it clearly and keep it accessible during moving. Also, if you have any valuable or irreplaceable items – such as jewelry and personal keepsakes – you should try to wrap the items well and keep them with you while moving.

To help with your checklist, you should try to include all of the following items in your day 1 box:

• Personal toiletries
• Soap
• Toilet paper
• Snacks and drinks
• Flashlight
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Set of plastic plates and cutlery
• Paper towels or tissue

Pack manageable boxes
Unless you have lots of large, lightweight items – such as down comforters and blankets – you shouldn’t need too many oversized boxes. Oversized moving materials often force homeowners into packing boxes that are too heavy and unmanageable. Instead, try to find plenty of midsized boxes and distribute weight evenly. Furthermore, if you are moving yourself, make sure you have all the necessary materials on hand before packing, including bubble wrap or packing peanuts for fragile items.

Label every box
When packing your boxes, try not to place items for different rooms in the same box. After sealing up each box, simply mark which room the items belong in. When you arrive at your new home, you will be able to take each box to its rightful place and each family member can spend time organizing their own space.

De-clutter as you go
As you prepare to move out of your home, try to organize your belongings and set aside unwanted items. After unpacking in your new home, you will be happy having more space and fewer items to arrange. Before moving out, you can hold a yard sale or make a charitable donation to get rid of your unwanted belongings.

Get the family involved
If you have children, help them get excited about moving. With something to look forward to – like the chance to decorate a new bedroom – children often get more involved in the moving process. Also, you may want to ask your friends and family for help on moving day. Even if no one is able to move furniture with you, a family member could watch your pet for the day or take care of errands.

Though moving day can be a very overwhelming time for families, proper organization can make help turn that stress into excitement. If you follow your timeline leading up to moving day, you and your family will have no problem approaching the big move with confidence.

The staff at Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC writes select articles about important topics related to real estate. For more information about buying a home or selling your current property, visit ColdwellBanker.com today.

Visit Moving with Kids and Moving with Pets on our website for more moving tip. There is a lot of helpful information for you on our website, so check it out! Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have questions.

Come See Us Sunday!

We hope to see you Sunday at our Open Houses!

11020 N Onyx, Dunlap

Step into this SIGNATURE HOME built 4 bedroom 3 bath ranch located in Stonegate subdivision in Dunlap. This home has over 3400 finished square feet of living space. Including a finished basement with wet bar, a huge REC room, a full bath and a 4th bedroom with egress window. The main floor is open and inviting, it has a split floor plan, with double walk-ins in the master bedroom and a large master bath. A formal dining room and breakfast bar and eating area round out this amazing Custum floor plan. Get in now and make some of your own selection. $419,900 See the listing for more details.

2604 Sydney, Pekin

Quality built 3 bedroom 2 bath home by E.O. Reed Construction. Located in Marigold Estates in Pekin this 1490 sqft ranch offers a large open floor plan with plaster walls, carpet and ceramic tile floors, Andersen windows, and a full basement. 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 flat screen TV. The split bedroom floor plan offers some privacy for the master suite. A 2 stall attached garage and patio off the dining room finish off this completed new construction. $219,900 See the listing for more details.

1424 Sunnyview, Pekin
New Construction 2 Bedroom 2 Full Bath Villa in Liberty Village. Approximately 1800 square feet of living space with 2 car attached garage. Age restricted to 55 and over. This home offers a Great Room, Dining Room, Den/Office, Sunroom, Laundry Room, Kitchen with Breakfast Bar, and 2 Large Bedrooms. The Master Bedroom has a Master Bath. This is a quality built home by E.O. Reed. Lawn care, snow removal, and emergency call system are all included in monthly association fee. $189,900 See the listing for more details.

Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

So you think you can Stage?

Staging is de-personalizing and preparing a house for the unknown buyer. Staging requires an objective and professional assessment of a house’s strengths and challenge areas, as well as providing solutions to help buyers fall in love with what they see. That is why it is KEY to hire someone who is specifically trained to prepare a house for sale. ANYONE can say they are a Home Stager. I strongly recommend you check credentials. The Accredited Staging Professional Designation™ (ASP) is the ONLY nationally recognized professional designation for home staging.

We recently Staged and sold our home in 6 DAYS. While packing, I found pictures of our home I took several years ago (before I took the Staging training). I now look at some of these pictures and wonder what I was thinking. We also remodeled a few rooms - this is not considered staging.

Living in a home and marketing a house are different! We do not live in a Staged house. It required us to put forth some effort. De-clutter, move furniture, all the tasks that I instruct clients to do. After I took the training and certification, I slowly started making changes. There were still a lot of changes we had to make when we decided to sell our house.

Email or call me at 309-657-1038 if you have any questions. Staging can work for you too!