Even Celebrities Need to Reduce the Price of their Home!

Good News! Price reductions are not exclusive. In order to get your home sold in the current market, often a price change is necessary to stay competitive. It seems that even the celebrities are having to adjust their expectations. This week Forbes reported some of Hollywoods best known stars having to reduce the price on their Hollywood homes. Avril Lavigne, Slash (Guns N' Roses guitar star), Wilmer Valderrama, Vidal Sassoon & Ed McMahon are just a few celebs who have some issues with the current real estate market in LA. Price reductions in the Millions have been reported! Visit The Real Estalker for up to date celebrity real estate news - an informative interesting & addictive blog!

Living in Crystal Lake, Illinois

Crystal Lake is located just 50 miles northwest of Chicago. Just a short drive from O'Hare airport and conveniently located near several major highways. Crystal Lake is just one of McHenry Countys suburbs along with Algonquin, Cary, Lake in the Hills, Island Lake, and Woodstock to name a few.

If you are thinking of moving or relocating to Crystal Lake then contact me for more information on finding your perfect home, visit www.SharmilaTaylor.com.

Here are some useful websites offering a variety of information on living in Crystal Lake & McHenry County, and schools in Crystal Lake & McHenry County.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crystal_Lake,_Illinois
http://www.ci.mchenry.il.us/
http://www.crystallake.org/
http://www.greatschools.net/schools.page?district=372&state=IL

Five Bedroom Home in Algonquin IL 60102

640 Ash St, Algonquin IL 60102
Nestled away from the hustle and bustle of busy city life, this hidden gem is a home that memories are made of; meticulously maintained and abundantly spacious. Five bedrooms and new carpeting throughout the main level, Chef’s delight kitchen with new floor tile and new appliances.
A large carpeted area perfectly positioned above the garage has huge potential to become your dream Master bedroom with walk in closet. On warm days, relax on the large deck that leads to the above ground pool with new filter system. Natural light pours through an abundance of windows on the main level. The fully finished lower level with walk out is equipped with a generous bedroom, full bathroom, and kitchen; perfect as young adult, nanny quarters, or In-law arrangement. Many upgrades including a new roof, new water softener/heater, and a new bathroom vanity to name just a few have maintained this beautiful home.
Ready to move into and waiting for your personal touch, unsurpassed value and marvellously inviting. Bring your family and start living. Conveniently located just 10 minutes from the upscale shopping and dining destination Algonquin Commons - Illinois largest lifestyle center!

Remodeling - Interior vs Exterior

Are you thinking about remodeling? Well, before you do, be sure to check out www.costvsvalue.com/html. Here you will find the Cost Vs .Value Report which compares construction costs with resale values. 'Don't judge a book by its cover' is an old adage that does not necessarily ring true in homebuying - Many buyers purchase a home based on curb appeal!

According to Remodeling Magazine, sellers who are thinking of upgrading their homes would do well to focus on exterior remodeling. This may prove to be the best bet. Upscale siding replacement was the most profitable project nationally recouping 88 percent of costs! The least profitable projects included adding a sunroom or a home office remodel. For the facts and a more indepth look at the report, be sure to spend some time on www.costvsvalue.com/index.html.

For home resale values in Algonquin, Barrington, Cary, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Island Lake, Mchenry, Palatine, Wauconda & Woodstock be sure to contact a realtor.

Huge Price Reduction! - $500,000

708 Indian Trace, Woodstock IL 60098
Newly built in 2006 and set on two acres of land! This beautiful four bedroom three full bath executive home has been designed with distinction and is perfectly placed in the newer subdivision of Rose Farm Estates.
The appeal of this home just begins with its tranquil surroundings in magnificent farm country.
The dramatic front entrance with majestic foyer welcomes you in to this carefully designed home.
The main level offers an impressive open floor plan. The family room, dining room, eating area, sun room and powder room lead off from the kitchen, each room as impressive as the next and complete with impeccable décor and crown moldings.
The Chef’s delight kitchen is extraordinary and a
perfect place for entertaining, with a gourmet pantry, 42’ maple cabinets, granite counter tops all new appliances and a welcoming breakfast island. The under cabinet lighting along with the accent lighting accentuate the neutral décor.
The wide open kitchen leads into the plush carpeted family room with a cozy brick fireplace and hand crafted mantle. Windows fill this main level with natural light and engaging views are yours from each splendid room.
The sunroom with knotty pine ceiling provides the perfect retreat for a fun afternoon of games or perhaps some quiet time with a favorite book. Or simply use this entrance to move to the deck and enjoy the magnificent views of the spacious back yard with above ground pool.
From the foyer, the den complete with hardwood floor sits to the side whilst a marvelous oak staircase sweeps you up to the plush carpeted second level. Up here you will find a convenient laundry room, a full bathroom and three impressively sized bedrooms each with ample closets. The generous master bedroom with vaulted ceiling is situated at the end of the hallway and is complete with a sitting area and spacious walk in closet. The attached master bathroom is exceptional luxury with a custom built tiled shower boasting body sprays, double vanity and a separate whirlpool soaker tub.
All this built over a huge fully finished walk out basement. Equipped with radiant heat, a complete kitchen, full bathroom and spectacular sized living area, this is ideal as guest, in-law, nanny or young adult quarters.
A three car garage will house your snowmobiles and ATV’s and completes this premium home. Access to the house from the garage through the mud room is a clever feature and useful all year round.
This traditional and stylish two story home with exceptional features and only the best of
upgrades is situated in a community of executive homes and provides a welcome retreat from busy city life. Close to shopping, trains and excellent schools and just 10 minutes away from the Historic Woodstock Square. The value by comparison is transparent!

Call today to schedule a private tour or to order a virtual CD and brochure.
Thank you.....

www.SharmilaTaylor.com

Just Listed! Stylish Townhome in Algonquin.....

Welcome to 2601 Christie Dr, a spacious, 1st floor ranch style townhome. Situated in the prestigious ‘Canterbury Place’ Sub-division located just west of Randall Road and minutes away from Algonquin Commons, – Illinois’s largest lifestyle center which offers amazing culinary delights and a myriad of shopping. For the outdoor enthusiast, The ‘Ted Speller’ 100 acre park and ‘Golf Club of Illinois’ are just moments away.

Stylish décor greets you upon entry. Neutral tones adorn each wall and amplify the natural light that streams through the many windows. The open floor plan is relaxed in style as the living and dining area combine into one and a gourmet kitchen sits to the side boasting 42’ Cherry Maple cabinets, perfect for the chef and entertainer in you. The main hallway leads to a convenient powder room and two generously sized bedrooms. The master bathroom boasts a double vanity, separate luxury shower and whirlpool tub.

This impressive end unit design offers both privacy and perfection. 2601 Christie Dr is priced extremely well in today’s market and is available for a quick closing. Call Sharmila today to schedule a private tour or to order a brochure.

The Illinois Radon Awareness Act

As many of you may be aware, The Illinois Radon Awareness Act went into effect on January 1st 2008.

Q; What does this mean for buyers? -

A; As a buyer, before you become bound on a contract to purchase, the seller is required to provide you with a pamphlet titled 'Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions' and the Illinois Disclosure of Information on Radon Hazards.

Q; What does this mean for sellers? -

A; As a seller you must provide the buyer with the pamphlet titled 'Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions' and the Illinois Disclosure of Information on Radon Hazards. Nothing in the Act will require the seller to test for radon or to engage in 'mitigation activities'

Some information about Radon;

According to IEMA, Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that comes from naturally occurring uranium in the soil and is the leading cause of lung cancer among smokers.

For more information about this and other important information that you should be aware of, visit www.SharmilaTaylor.com.

Good News. Mortgage Rates Have Dropped!

In the week ending Jan 10th, Freddie Mac reported some positive news regarding mortgages.
There has been a drop in the 30-year fixed mortgage rate from 6.07% to 5.87%. This occured during the week ending January 10th 2008. This is great news for all you home buyers out there!
If you would like to receive information about homes for sale in your area or subscribe to our monthly newsletter, just email SharmilaTaylor@remax.net. I can keep you posted on the activity in Crystal Lake, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, Island Lake, Fox River Grove & Woodstock. For these and all other areas, visit www.SharmilaTaylor.com.