Get Your House Ready to Show to Buyers

A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well maintained.

From experience, REALTORS® also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is well maintained, they assume that what they can't see has probably also been well maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:

• how much should you spend to prepare your house for sale?
• exterior and curb appeal
• interior appeal

Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal.

To learn more about how much you should spend preparing your home for sale, exterior and interior appeal, visit the Sellers section of our website or contact us.

New Construction by Signature Homes in Dunlap

2602 W Carrington, Dunlap
Don’t miss this 5 bedroom, 3 ½ bath “Signature Home” located in Dunlap’s Wynncrest Subdivision. This home offers granite countertops in the kitchen with hardwood floors carried through to the foyer and pass-through from the garage. A large 2 story foyer with a loft welcomes your guests into the home. Upstairs are 4 bedrooms with 2 full baths. The master suite offers a walk-in closet and a large bathroom. The partially finished basement offers a bedroom, full bathroom, and a rec room for all your entertaining. Completion in February 2009! Check out the listing for more information and contact us with any questions.

Goodbye 2008! Hello 2009!

2008 was a good year for the Gillespie Group. We increased our sales by over 10% from the previous year! We are in the top 3.25% of all REALTORS in our MLS for 2008.

We received several awards in 2008 including the PAAR (Peoria Area Association of REALTORS)President’s Club Diamond Award, the Coldwell Banker International President’s Circle Award, the PAAR Rookie of the Year Award, and the Realtor.com Online Marketing Award of Excellence.

Rich has also completed the GRI Graduate course and received his Brokers license recently. Rich became a member of the PAAR Board of Directors, IAR (Illinois Association of REALTORS) Gen X Gen Y Task Force. Rich also served as a Hour Chair for the Children's Hospital of Illinois/Children's Miracle Network Telethon.

Tara Gillespie joined the Gillespie Group as an Accredited Staging Professional. She took the course and received her certification in May 2008. Tara is a Development Committee member for the Children's Hospital of Illinois and the Hospitality Co-Chair for the Children's Hospital of Illinois/Children's Miracle Network Telethon.

We have received multiple awards and certifications prior to 2008 that we still maintain. You can check them out at Accomplishments on our website.

We are very optimistic about 2009 despite economic concerns! We will continue to do our best and strive for the top!

Happy Holidays!

We would like to wish you and your family every joy this holiday season and the best in the year to come!

Rich, Adam, and Tara

Just Listed!

315 Washington, Pekin
Absolute move-in condition! This three bedroom, two full bath home located in Pekin is a must see. The hand-crafted woodwork and trim throughout the house is beautiful. The huge kitchen has new cabinets, countertops, sink, and flooring. All appliances stay. Both bathrooms have been remodeled. The home offers a large formal dining room with built-ins. The three season sun porch has ceramic tile flooring and a built in bench. The backyard is completely fenced in. The full basement has a room that could be used as a den or a playroom for the kids. Immediate possession available. Check out the listing for more information and contact us if you are interested.

121 Apple, Creve Coeur
This is a hidden gem! A new three bedroom, one and a half bath ranch with a full basement located on a dead-end street. The house has hardwood floors in the living room with four inch trim throughout. Tile in the kitchen and laundry. Vaulted ceiling in the front bedroom. There is also a one stall attached garage with off the street parking. This home has a 95% efficient furnace and "I-beam" floor joists. Nothing was left out!!! Check out the listing for more information and contact us if you are interested.

Peoria Continues to Thrive

Peoria's good economic status was a topic at Bradley University and the news on WEEK Monday. Peoria is strong. People are buying and selling houses. Foreclosures are down. Interest rates are low. Now is a great time to be buying. Email or call us at 657-0063 for all your real estate needs!

If you missed the news Monday, you can see the full report here:
http://www.week.com/news/local/35779084.html

NBC News Reports on Peoria Prosperity

Lately the nightly news has been pretty negative. It was great to see Peoria's prosperity featured on the nightly news Thursday. It was great to hear "One place where consumers and companies are experiencing a boost despite the nationwide slow down is Peoria, Illinois."

If you missed it, you can view the entire report below