Bathroom renovations offer one of the biggest return on your investment because they are used by everyone in the home.  This includes guests.   If a bathroom is outdated or in disrepair homeowners feel as if this reflects who they are and are embarrassed when guests are over.  My friend Marshal can help save you from embarrassment! It can also be difficult to sell a home with a dated bathroom.  However with a small investment with the help of Marshal Construction, you can revitalize your bathroom and raise the value of your home.  You may even be able to sell it faster. Another reason for rehabbing your bathroom might just be because you can't stand that particular shade of greenish/yellowish (what color is it?!?!) tile you've been looking at for 20 years! If you're in the McHenry, Kane... 01/11/2010

Merry Christmas!  Have a wonderful New Year!   Jesus is Better than Santa     JESUS is everywhere. JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water. JESUS is an ever present help. JESUS supplies all your needs. JESUS stands at your door and knocks and then enters your heart. JESUS is as close as the mention of His name. JESUS lets you rest in His arms. JESUS knew our name before we did.  Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.  He knows our history and future and He even knows how many hairs are on our heads. JESUS has a heart full of love. JESUS offers health, help, and hope. JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you. JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions. JESUS gives you joy that is your strength. JESUS beca... 12/25/2009

I talk with people weekly about the incentives given by the government to encourage people to buy homes.  So many are confused about the extension of the tax credit.  They seem to have mis-information. Below is the current, and correct, information regarding the tax credit: How much is the credit? For 1st-time buyers the credit is equal to 10 percent of the cost of the home up to a maximum of $8,000 (or $4,000 for a married individual filing separately). For longterm homeowners, the credit is equal to 10 percent of the purchase price up to $6,500 (or $3,250 for a married individual filing separately). Are there income limitations? People with higher incomes can now qualify for the credit. The new law raises the income limits for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009. The credit phases out ... 12/17/2009

Below are some pictures I took tonight of the 1st Winter Storm of the year in Algonquin, IL.  The snow keeps falling.  May have as much as 10 inches of snow fall before it ends. This snow is the fun kind.  You'll see a couple pictures of a large snow fort that my son built in the back yard.  Tomorrow will be more fun in the snow with plenty of snowball fights, snowmen and adding to the snow fort!   12/08/2009

Today was the final day to bring in your UNWRAPPED Gift to the Algonquin Public Library for the annual Giving Tree, sponsored by the "Hearts of Gold". THANKS to everyone who participated in this year program.  Many gifts were collected to provide holiday gifts for local families in our area.       12/08/2009

I just returned from another great Algonquin, IL tradition - the annual Christmas Craft Show fundraiser at St. John's Lutheran Church  & School.  Algonquin has many nice surprises and one of those is the opportunity  to provide your child a private Christian education up to 8th grade in downtown Algonquin. There is a lot of tradition here.  I just met a person at the show who was in high school here in Algonquin with my wife.  She graduated from this school and her daughter, in high school now, had the same teacher that her mom had many years ago at St. John's.  Now that is a great experience! If you're looking for a Private Christian Education at a school steep in tradition and excellence, check out St. John's Lutheran Church & School for your child through grade 8.  Sports offered inc... 12/05/2009

Algonquin is a great place to live!  If you like the convenience of living close to work, shopping, restaurants and an abundance of recreational activities, yet desire the ability to "get away from it all" to the country, this is the town for you. Located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, Algonquin is considered the "Gem of the Fox River Valley".  For a great source of information about this town just visit the Village of Algonquin website at www.Algonquin.org. Enjoy some pictures below that I took of some activities to enjoy in our beautiful "Gem" of a town!   12/04/2009

How is the current Real Estate Market in Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois? As of this morning, per MRED MLS, for the past 3 months: We currently have 254 Single Family homes for sale in Algonquin that are active and available. They have been on the market for an average of 241 days. The average list price is Algonquin is $326,621. The available inventory of homes has decreased slightly and market time has slightly decreased. This is better news for sellers of detached homes in Algonquin than for buyers! Algonquin Waterfront Homes For Sale Update: There are 21 detached waterfront homes for sale including homes for sale on the Fox River in Algonquin IL.  The average list price of the current waterfront homes in Algonquin IL on the market is $509,290.   There are 9 attached waterfront h... 11/16/2009

How is the current Real Estate Market in Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois? As of this morning, per MRED MLS, for the past 3 months: We currently have 266 Single Family homes for sale in Algonquin that are active and available. They have been on the market for an average of 227 days. The average list price is Algonquin is $360,645. The available inventory of homes has increased and market time has slightly increased. There are 19 waterfront homes for sale including homes for sale on the Fox River in Algonquin IL.  The average list price of the current waterfront homes in Algonquin IL on the market is $467,558. Algonquin IL From The Fox River Looking North By Harrison Street No Wake Zone and Port Edwards in Algonquin, IL   Click Here To Search Waterfront Homes For Sale in Algonquin, F... 04/25/2009

How is the current Real Estate Market in Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois? As of this morning, per MRED MLS, for the past 3 months: We currently have 256 Single Family homes for sale in Algonquin that are active and available. They have been on the market for an average of 244 days. The average list price for a detached home for sale in Algonquin is $346,575. The available inventory of homes has decreased but market time has also increased. Riverfront Park on Harrison Street by Port Edwards Restaurant the Fox River in Algonquin, IL Waterfront Homes For Sale in Algonquin, Fox River, Chain of Lakes During the past 3 months, 29 Single Family homes have successfully sold and closed in Algonquin with the help of their Realtors.   These homes took an average of 183 days on the market in A... 03/30/2009

Algonquin - Lake In The Hills Food Pantry has a new website! The mission of the Algonquin Lake in the Hills Interfaith Food Pantry is to provide temporary, immediate access to food for families in need living within the boundaries of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills. The organization was founded and is operated by representatives from several local churches. The pantry is actively supported by the villages of Algonquin and Lake in the Hills as well as many area residents. Many volunteers from these villages and churches comprise the staff that oversees the operation of the pantry. The pantry is open from 9:30 AM until noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month. The new website provides important information such as who is eligible for assistance, nutritiona... 02/15/2009

Date:Friday, February 6, 2009   Time:10:00 AM to 10:30 AM Where :Algonquin Area Public Library District - Main Branch   Address:2600 Harnish Drive  Algonquin, IL 60102  View map from:Algonquin Area Public Library District - Main Branch Babies 23 months and younger and their parent/caregiver are invited to join us for stories, fingerplays, songs, and play time. This is a drop-in program, no registration required. Location:Harnish Program Room. 02/01/2009

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 Time:9:30 AM to 10:00 AM Where:Algonquin Area Public Library District - Main Branch   Address:2600 Harnish Drive  Algonquin, IL 60102  View map From:Algonquin Area Public Library District - Main Branch Children 2 and 3 years old and their parent/caregiver are invited to enjoy stories and fingerplays. You only need to sign up for one session to be registered for all 5 weeks of storytime.  An Algonquin Library Card is required to attend this program. Attendee must be between the ages of 2 Years and 3.5 Years old. Location:Harnish Program Room. 02/01/2009

FREE Flu Shots and Blood Pressure Screenings! By Centegra Wellness on the Move! Friday, February 6th, 2009 11am - 2pm Between Borders and Pottery Barn in the Algonquin Commons on Randall Rd. Centegra Wellness on the Move is a mobile health van which will provide wellness screenings, education and health-related services to the residents of the Greater McHenry County community at a variety of locations including corporate workplaces, schools, health fairs, senior communities and areas where the population is underserved. The mobile unit has two examining rooms and capabilities for x-rays, ultrasound, EKG, audiology screenings, blood draws and patient education.   01/30/2009

Link to HUD site  On the east side of the Fox River.  Will it ever sell?? It does qualify for a FHA 203k loan for up to 35k extra for repairs.   709 POKAGON TRL, ALGONQUIN IL 60102 (MCHENRY) Price:  $151,200  PRICE REDUCTION As-Is Value:  $168,000 Bed/Bath:  3/1.5 Sqft:  1274 Year Built:  1956 FHA Financing:  IN 203K Eligible:  Yes   Not my listing, but I am a HUD certified broker and can place online bids for any HUD homes in Illinois.  12/13/2008

How is the current Real Estate Market in Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois? As of this morning, per MRED MLS, for the past 3 months: We currently have 274 Single Family homes for sale in Algonquin that are active and available. They have been on the market for an average of 216 days. The average list price is Algonquin is $360,645. The available inventory of homes has decreased but market time has increased. Fall Sunset on the Fox River in Algonquin, IL Waterfront Homes For Sale in Algonquin, Fox River, Chain of Lakes During the past 3 months, 52 Single Family homes have successfully closed in Algonquin with the help of their Realtors.  This represents 75% of the market that has had success.  They took an average of 183 days on the market in Algonquin to SELL and Close. The average li... 11/15/2008

How is the current Real Estate Market in Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois? As of this morning, per MRED MLS, for the past 3 months: We currently have 342 Single Family homes on the market in Algonquin that are active and available. They have been on the market for an average of 181 days. The average list price is Algonquin is $360,645. During the past 3 months, 44 Single Family homes have successfully closed in Algonquin with the help of their Realtors.  This represents 75% of the market that has had success.  They took an average of 195 days on the market in Algonquin to SELL and Close. The average list price of the SOLD Single Family homes in Algonquin was $331,459 and the average SOLD price was $315,706. So, on the average Single Family homes in Algonquin have been getting an aver... 08/15/2008

Algonquin Home Sales Average List Price and Sale Prices by subdivision in the Algonquin area. Single Family HomesSearch Previous Sales Subdivision Sales Avg. List Avg. Sale Ratio Algonquin Hills 2 $350,000.00 $332,500.00 95 Algonquin Lakes 3 $346,566.67 $330,500.00 95.4 Algonquin Shores 2 $213,700.00 $210,250.00 98.4 Arbor Hills 2 $374,950.00 $353,500.00 94.3 Brittany Hills 3 $421,266.67 $407,000.00 96.6 Carrington 1 $309,000.00 $295,000.00 95.5 Cedarwood 1 $189,900.00 $185,000.00 97.4 Cinnamon Creek 8 $248,512.50 $237,375.00 95.5 Copper Oaks 4 $263,475.00 $247,875.00 94.1 Coves 3 $531,966.67 $512,833.33 96.4 Dawson Mill 1 $278,750.00 $267,000.00 95.8 Eagle Ridge 3 $219,633.33 $214,333.33 97.6 Falcon Ridge 1 $284,900.00 $260,000.00 91.3 Fieldcrest Farms 2 $348,200.00 $329,500.00 94.6 G... 08/12/2008

Algonquin Real Estate Learn about Algonquin, IL Real Estate. Search for Algonquin homes for sale or recent Algonquin home sales using these real estate tools. Get complete access to all available homes for sale on the MLS in Algonquin and the surrounding areas. We have hundreds of listings including condos, town homes, foreclosures, new homes, duplexes, and vacant land with photos. Refine your real estate search in Algonquin, Illinois by price, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, property type (including townhouses, condos, and single-family homes), garage, architectual style, age of home and subdivision or complex. See average Algonquin listing prices, Algonquin sale prices and information for local school districts. With experienced, local Algonquin real estate agents who know the area, w... 08/12/2008

Summer Place of Algonquin on the Fox River-Market Conditions: Summer Place of Algonquin is off Algonquin/River Road and Haeger's Bend in McHenry County. As of this morning, per MRED MLS, for the past 24 months: •·     We currently have 2 Attached homes on the market in Summer Place that are active and available. •·     They have been on the market for an average of 108 days. •·     The average list price is $234,900. During the past 24 months, 5 homes have successfully closed with the help of their Realtors.  This only represents 71% of the market that have had success.  They took an average of 57 days on the market to be SOLD. •·     The average list price of the SOLD Single Family homes is $249,760 and the average SOLD price is $237,230. So, on the average homes in Summer Place have b... 08/09/2008