Just Listed in Peoria’s Madison Manor!

2507 W Sherman Avenue, Peoria

WOW!! Amazing 4 bedroom 2.5 bath home located in Madison Manor one of Peoria’s quiet brick streets. Offering charm and character with hardwood throughout, updated kitchen with tile back splash, breakfast nook and a formal dining room with built-in cabinetry. Step outside to the bricked patio and enjoy morning coffee or grill with friends. The upstairs offers a master bedroom w/bathroom and double closet, office and second bedroom. There is a full basement that is partially finished w/ Family room and full bathroom. This home has a new roof in 2009, water heater in 2006, fenced back yard, high efficiency furnace and air and 2 stall garage. $162,500. See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

New Listing in Metamora

400 Riverview Bluffs, Metamora

Absolutely breathtaking river views from this sprawling 2400 square foot all brick ranch sitting on just over 3 acres. Opportunities like this don’t come along very often. This 4 bedroom 3 full bath ranch has a finished walkout basement. The updated kitchen is absolutely huge with an abundance of cabinets. There are a total of 3 wood burning fireplaces in the home. Many updates including main bath remodel, range and microwave, wine rack, water softener and iron filter, and pressure tank for the well. All appliances stay. $274,500. See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Just Listed!

1516 E Paris Avenue, Peoria

Great All Brick home located just off Prospect. Don’t Miss this well kept 2 bedroom home with a full basement. This home sits on a double lot with a large partially fenced back yard. The garage is 22x15 and has the potential to fit 2 cars. The kitchen offers an eating area, built in oven and range, a dishwasher and refrigerator, all of which stay with the property. The house sits on a cul de sac and has easy access to shopping, restaurants, and all parts of the city. Check out the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Beyond the Bank

A Fresh Perspective on the Advantages of Homeownership

For many people, owning a home marks a significant step on the path to achieving the “American Dream.” But recent news headlines surrounding the current economy and housing market have caused some potential homebuyers to sit on the sidelines hoping for the market to “hit bottom” while overlooking the many advantages of homeownership. While owning a home continues to be a sound long-term investment which builds equity and provides tax benefits along the way, financial gain is not the only factor to consider when thinking about buying a home.

Investing in a home offers immeasurable benefits that reach far beyond financial gains. When you purchase a home, you are making an investment in yourself, your family and your future. The professionals at Coldwell Banker have identified the top six personal, social and emotional benefits of buying a home today:

1. Pride of Ownership: Pride of ownership is possibly the greatest benefit of all when it comes to owning a home. The feelings of accomplishment, safety and security that result from homeownership cannot be matched by any other purchase or investment.
2. Shelter: Buying a home is more than the sum of mortgage payments. Shelter is a basic need of human beings, yet the concept is often overlooked in the home buying process. Remember, a home is a place where one lives and raises a family. Plus, it’s the only investment you can live in!
3. Independence: A key difference between renting and owning is the flexibility a homeowner has in adapting a living space to individual tastes and needs. That means being able to decorate, renovate, landscape and add personal touches to one’s surroundings– without having to check in with a landlord first. Home improvements also have the potential to increase the value of a home, making “independence” a personal and financial benefit of homeownership.
4. Stability: One of the biggest rewards of being a homeowner is the financial stability it provides. Knowing exactly what your payments will be each month throughout the term of your mortgage enables you to budget and plan for other things you’ll want to do in life. While certain factors such as real estate taxes may fluctuate in some communities, the bulk of home-related expenses will remain stable and predictable.
5. Community: When you buy a home, you buy a share in a community - a social benefit rarely experienced by renters who are often considered “transient’, even after living in the same place for many years. Developing friendships with neighbors and feeling one has a place in the community fosters a safe and secure environment for oneself and one’s family. Furthermore, recent findings published by the NAR, reported that communities with higher homeownership had better educational performance, lower crime rates, more household participation in civic affairs and better household health.
6. Improved Quality of Life: Without question, owning a home has its financial advantages. The true benefit of which is the improved quality of life a boost in personal finances can provide. Whether that means having additional money to spend on necessities like food and utilities or being fortunate enough to afford luxuries like a new car or a vacation, purchasing a home is making an investment in a better future.

For more great information and articles, visit our website www.richgillespie.com

A “Do and Don't” List for First-time Homebuyers

For most people, buying a home is the most significant investment of their lives. And in spite of the doubt and confusion clouding both the financial markets and news headlines, there are many genuine real estate opportunities – especially for first-time buyers. On average, housing inventory is up, prices are stable and historical data demonstrates that purchasing a home has proven a sound long-term financial investment. However, first-time home buyers are often understandably anxious when it comes time to making the purchase. Coldwell Banker has come up with a simple “do and don’t” list to make the process easier for everyone dreaming of home ownership.

DO:

• DO utilize free online tools to arm you with as much knowledge as possible. For example, the Home Price Comparison Index available at http://www.coldwellbanker.com/ offers buyers a way to compare average housing costs in over 400 U.S. markets.
• DO take time to access and closely review your credit score. A sound financial track record and solid credit score can help lock in a loan and lower interest rates. Checking your records with a fine-tooth comb in advance will also ensure that you catch any errors ahead of time, as well as help you better understand how lenders may perceive you.
• DO explore mortgage pre-approval. Getting this early green light will help others involved with your purchase that you are serious about home ownership – and well-qualified.
• DO line up your “all-star” team of professionals before game day. A team of experienced professionals will be key to making the home buying process simple and seamless. Start by interviewing and selecting a sales associate who you “connect” with. That sales associate should also be able to help you identify suitable lawyers, mortgage lenders, home inspectors and others who play a role in the process.
• DO anticipate your future needs and buy for lifestyle. Try to anticipate how long you’ll live in your next home and plan for major lifestyle changes when possible. What may make a perfect starter home for a couple might not work as well when children come into the picture. Remember, people move for lifestyle reasons and your first home will likely not be your last.
• DO hone in on your housing priorities. Your ideal home may have a porch, a pool and five full baths. But before you start looking, make sure to separate your “must-haves” from your “nice to haves,” so you know where you can compromise to meet your budget.
  

DON’T:

• DON’T fall in love with the first house or neighborhood you see. That grand colonial with the picturesque view may win your heart at first glance, but don’t fall in love too fast. You need to keep an open mind to make sure you find the right fit for all your needs. At the end of your search, it may turn out that the riverfront ranch that’s closer for your commute is a better bet all-around.
• DON’T buy beyond what you can afford. It’s easy to fall into that all-you-can-eat attitude when it comes to your first home purchase. You “want it all” when it comes to size, amenities, location, etc. But remember that your eyes may have a larger appetite than your wallet. Make sure that the down payment, closing costs, monthly expenses and taxes are truly within your income and savings range before you sign on the dotted line.
• DON’T treat your home the way you treat your stock portfolio. It’s unrealistic and unwise to expect your housing investment to appreciate as quickly as you’d hope for your high-risk bonds. Buying for lifestyle, as opposed to trying to turn a quick profit, will help ensure that you are viewing home purchasing and ownership in the right context.
• DON’T try to time the market. By the time most consumers sense a major real estate or financial market shift, the tables have typically already turned. Instead of waiting for a slim and unreliable window of time – and potentially missing out on the perfect home – buyers should focus on their own lifestyles and buy when the time is truly right for them.
• DON’T jump into an exotic or confusing mortgage. When it comes to down payments and mortgages, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be sure to read carefully through every aspect of the proposed agreements to fully understand your end of the bargain. For instance, what seems like an attractive rate now may balloon exponentially a few years down the road. So arm yourself with information and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
• DON’T underestimate the value of a trustworthy real estate agent’s on-the-ground expertise. While being a savvy buyer and doing one’s homework will help on the road to home ownership, a local expert with years of negotiating experience is invaluable when it comes to scouting out the perfect home – and closing the deal.

We are here to help! Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Come see us Sunday!

We will be having an Open House at the following locations on Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00.

407 Coral Drive, Morton

Signature Home Built 5 bedroom 3 1/2 bath home located in Thornridge subdivision. This home offers a formal dining room, an eat in kitchen and large family room. The basement is finished with a full bathroom and rec room. The main level has chestnut hardwood floors and the kitchen has custom Amish cabinetry and granite Counter tops. The family room offers a gas log fireplace, and a patio out back for entertaining. $349,800. See the listing for more details.

13605 N Dover Lane, Chillicothe
Come take a look at this very well maintained 4 bed 2.5 bath home with a 3 car garage in Cedar Hills Estates. Numerous updates have been done including high efficiency furnace & a/c, tankless water heater, windows, roof, carpet, fresh paint and much more. This home offers approximately 3,000 square feet of finished living space and sits on over a half acre lot. Truly an exceptional value in Mossville and IVC school districts. See the listing for more details.

Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions. We would love to see you!

New Listing in the Knolls!

3720 N Sheridan, Peoria

This is your chance to live in the Knolls for an affordable price! This 3 bedroom 2 full bath ranch home with a 2 car garage is in move in condition. So many updates have been done recently. They include the roof in 2010, bath remodel in ’07, the A/C, siding, soffit, gutters, and fence in 2006. The furnace was replaced in 2004. All of the kitchen appliances stay. The master bedroom has a master bath. There is a beautiful brick courtyard great for entertaining. $124,900. See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions.

Help us support the Children's Hospital of Illinois!

We proudly support the Children's Hospital of Illinois. Watch us on the Children's Miracle Network Telethon Sunday from 10:00 - 5:00. Please watch and donate or donate online now!

Open Sunday!

Come see us Sunday from 2:00 - 4:00 at one of these locations.

906 Sunburst, Washington
Don’t miss this amazing 4 Bedroom Home located in sought after Firethorn Subdivision in Washington. This home has over 3000 sq ft of finished living space with a 3 stall garage, great room, loft, finished basement, master suite with whirl pool tub, updated kitchen appliances, formal and informal dining rooms, 2 tiered deck and a fireplace in the great room. Located in central Washington with easy access to Five Points and Shopping.See the listing for more details.

5311 N Stephen, Peoria
Cozy 3 bedroom ranch conveniently located close to shopping, schools, and interstates. Lots of updates including windows, furnace, central air, hardwood floors, paint, deck, and carpet in the lower level. Separate entrance to lower level rec room wired for surround sound and possible 4th bedroom/den. HURRY...Make this gem your own! See the listing for more details.

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

Build your dream home on this lot!

21008 N Eve, Chillicothe
Build your dream home on this .71 acre wooded private lot in Fawn Hills Subdivision. $34,900. See the listing for more details. Email or call us at 309-657-0063 if you have any questions!