What to do with all that house?

It has finally happened – all your children are out of the house and now you find yourself with more rooms than people to occupy them. So what’s next? Should you move to a smaller home with fewer rooms, or does it make sense to redesign and repurpose the children's bedrooms? The professionals at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation offer you the following tips on how to make your house more homey in this next stage of your life:

If You Choose to Downsize

• If you decide to move to a smaller house, a condominium or an apartment, meet with your insurance company as your home insurance needs will change dramatically.
• Before moving, organize a big garage sale with all the furniture and other items you will not need anymore. Use the proceeds to pay the movers.
• If you are on track to meet your retirement savings goals or if your children have graduated, you may have newly available disposable income. You may now be in a better position to spend more on housing since you are no longer supporting your offspring. With that in mind, you might consider moving to an active-adult community. Many feature recreation centers, amphitheatres, pools and tennis, as well as hiking and biking trails.

If You Choose to Remodel

If you want the emotional comfort of staying in your home, you are a good candidate for remodeling. Now that the nest is empty, you can:

• Create your own private office space, a library or an exercise room by combining the kids' bedrooms. However, before you make any big changes, make sure you don't have boomerang kids who expect to come back for a few years!
• Increase the value of the property by reorganizing the empty space – expand your bathroom to install a Jacuzzi for example, or build a bathroom spa.
• Overhaul a guest room or a den into a media room / entertainment center with a high end plasma TV, sound system and comfortable seating.
• For the more adventuresome, consider converting your home into an owner-operated bed & breakfast and use the money to cover education loan payments, or pay into your retirement plans.

For more great tips and articles, visit our website http://www.richgillespie.com/

New Listing in Lacon!

616 S School, Lacon
Absolutely immaculate 3 bedroom one and a half bath ranch in Lacon. This home is conveniently located right across the street from the park. So many updates have been done including a kitchen remodel, bathroom remodels, many windows, central air conditioner, garage door and opener, flooring, and fresh paint throughout. This home is as neat as a pin and truly is a must see! All appliances stay. Move right in! See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Open Sunday!

Visit us Sunday at 1133 Elm Street in Chillicothe!
Come take a look at this well built all brick 4 bedroom 2 full bath home in Mullen Manor. This home has been extensively remodeled from top to bottom. The updates include the roof, doors, windows, ceramic tile, light and bath fixtures and so much more. The full bath up has a tiled shower and double bowl vanity with granite tops. The living room offers a wood burning fireplace and the beautiful original hardwood floors. Three of the bedrooms also have hardwood floors and the master has a walk in closet. There is new carpet in the family room, rec room, and 4th bedroom. All appliances stay including washer and dryer. $194,900. See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Just Listed in Washington!

248 Briargate, Washington
Come take a look at this 4 bedroom 2 full bath home in Washington. This home has had several updates over the past few years including windows, insulation, paint, flooring, and more. There is a deck for entertaining off of the kitchen that leads to the fenced backyard. There is also a 2 car garage. See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063.

New Listing in Peoria Heights!

4932 N Glenaire Ct, Peoria Heights
Very nice 2 bedroom ranch with basement and 2 car garage. This is in move-in condition and sits on a cul de sac in Peoria Heights. The office could be used as a third bedroom or a nursery. The laundry is currently on the main floor, but could be put back in the basement. The central air was new in 2007. The entire roof was torn off including shingles and sheathing and replaced on the house and the garage in 2005. Come take a look! $98,900 Check out the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063.

Homebuyers Tax Credit Seminar

Buy a home and get $6500 to $8000! Must be under contract by April 30th. Some restrictions apply. Attend the Free Homebuyers Tax Credit Seminar to learn more.

Saturday, February 6th, 9 - 11 AM

presented by the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS

located at 7307 N Willowlake Ct., Peoria

Call 309-688-8591 to RSVP

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

Ladies First - Tips for first time, single female homebuyers

Single females continue to be a driving force in the housing market. In fact, according to the National Association of REALTORS® 2007 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, one-fourth of all recent first-time home buyers were single women. They also represented 20 percent of all home buyers, up two percent from 10 years ago. The Coldwell Banker® organization recommends the following steps for women considering buying their first home:

Get your finances In order. First and foremost, check your credit history. Order a report from one of the three major agencies and take immediate steps to rectify any problems. Make sure you pay your bills on time and have established a solid savings plan. You want to be on firm financial footing when you begin the home buying process especially since you will be funding the purchase on one income, especially with lending institutions tightening their output.

Buy within reason. Have a good idea of what you willing, or not willing, to do with a home. Determine whether you want a house that is move-in ready, or whether you want “the handyman special.” If you decide to take the do-it-yourself route, be sure to establish a separate budget for that process so you stay on top of both the mortgage and renovation costs.

Work with a reliable real estate sales associate. Buying a home is likely the largest transaction you will ever make. When you are buying on your own, be sure to surround yourself with a team of professionals who will help you navigate through the process. An established real estate sales associate can coordinate information from beginning to end and help identify the professionals you will need (inspectors, lawyers, contractors) to make the experience is as smooth as possible. As a professional REALTOR®, I can be your resource.

For more great tips and articles, visit our website www.richgillespie.com. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Just Listed in Pekin!

2107 Granada Drive, Pekin

Great 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home located in sunset hills subdivision. This partial brick home offers a 2 stall deep garage, a bathroom off the master bedroom, fully applianced kitchen, a deck overlooking a large back yard with a half basketball court. The house also has a fireplace in the family room with new tile floors. Check out the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.