I had the opportunity to go to the last FREE Summer Algonquin Concert at Harrison Street and the Fox River last Thursday with some friends by boat and took some pictures while enjoying the music.      We even saw a little nature on the way....it is a bit hard to see, but it's a beaver swimming towards  shore near Erickson's Marina: And some deer grazing on the shore at Camp Algonquin: I hope you enjoyed the ride as much as we did:-)   My Direct Number at the Office is 847.516.6760   08/09/2008

Please take note and mark your calenders for the following fun events in Algonquin, IL this summer: The FREE concerts on Harrison Street are great and really fun to go to by boat on the Fox River.  Or just park or walk and bring a picnic, chair or blanket! They are on Thursday evenings from 7:30p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  from 7/10/2008 to 8/7/2008.  The Algonquin Riverfront Park is located on Harrison Street just North of Route 62 by Port Edwards Restaurant.  Please make sure to follow the link below to check the schedule for any changes. Of course, Algonquin Founders Day is a wonderful event every summer the  last week of July and runs from 7/24-7/27!   Feel free to click on the above link and it will take you directly to the official Algonquin Founders Days site. http://www.algonquin.org/egov... 07/15/2008

As many of us long time residents know, we have lost several lives to the mighty fast moving waters of our Fox River.  SO kudos to the Algonquin/LITH fire department for coming up with this program" Need a Life Jacket? Call the Algonquin/Lake in the Hills Fire Department  Spending the day down by the river? Hosting children on your boat? Having a pool party? Borrow a child's life jacket from the Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Fire Protection District!   All residents of Lake in the Hills are encouraged to take part in the Life Jacket Loaner Program, a safety program designed to protect the children in our community in and around water.  Life jackets can be borrowed for up to seven days, and are available in three sizes: Infant (less than 30 lbs.), Child (30-50 lbs.) and Youth (50 -90 lbs.)... 07/13/2008

Sorry folks, Algonquin does not do a 4th of July fire works show.  Instead they host an awesome fireworks display over the river on Founders Day..below is the Founders Day schedule of events.  Enjoy! ParadeGrand Marshall-Founders' Favorite-Founders' Honoree-Parade Awards PresentationSaturday, July 26Main Stage- 3:00 PM Founders' Days Fireworks SpectacularSunday, July 27 Fireworks start approx. 9:00PMRiverfront Park Again this year, Durham School Services are offering FREE Shuttle Buses to and from our Spectaular Algonquin Fireworks show. We encouage the use of this FREE shuttle services to relieve parking, congestion and also to help with the saftey of pedestrian in downtown Algonquin during this event.Pick-Up & Drop-Off at Butera Market just East of the corner of Sandbloom Road &Rt. 62... 06/23/2008

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 320 Single Family homes on the market in Algonquin that are active and available. (inventory has slightly increased since my last report) They have been on the market for an average of 180 days. (market time has decreased slightly since the last report) The average list price is Algonquin is $361,356. During the past 3 months, 36 Single Family homes have successfully closed with the help of their Realtors.  This only represents 51% of the market that have had success.  They took an average of 191 days on the market to SELL and Close. The average list price of the SOLD Single Family homes is $317,500 and the average SOLD price is $304,53... 06/19/2008

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 1 $247,500.00 $228,500.00 92.3 Algonquin Lakes 6 $329,933.33 $308,083.33 93.4 Algonquin Shores 1 $187,500.00 $175,500.00 93.6 Arbor Hills 2 $399,950.00 $379,750.00 95 Brittany Hills 3 $377,933.33 $361,666.67 95.7 Carrington 1 $309,000.00 $295,000.00 95.5 Cedarwood 2 $204,450.00 $197,500.00 96.6 Cinnamon Creek 5 $258,180.00 $243,500.00 94.3 Copper Oaks 2 $274,450.00 $259,250.00 94.5 Coves 2 $510,250.00 $493,250.00 96.7 Creekside Glens 1 $439,900.00 $420,000.00 95.5 Dawson Mill 2 $271,825.00 $251,000.00 92.3 Eagle Ridge 1 $229,900.00 $210,000.00 91.3 Eagle Valley 1 $450,000.00 $425,400.00 94.5 Fi... 05/20/2008

How is the current Market in Algonquin, McHenry County, Illinois? How is the current market in Algonquin, IL? As of this morning, per MLSNI, for the past 3 months: We currently have 316 Single Family homes on the market in Algonquin that are active and available. (inventory has slightly increased since my last report) They have been on the market for an average of 181 days. (market time has decreased slightly since the last report) The average list price is Algonquin is $370,701. During the past 3 months, 35 Single Family homes have successfully closed with the help of their Realtors.  This only represents 51% of the market that have had success.  They took an average of 196 days on the market to SELL and Close. The average list price of the SOLD Single Family homes is $305,484 and the ... 05/16/2008

Hey fellow Algonquinites..or is that Algonquians?  Summer is almost here and it's time to start thinking about day camp or specialtgy camps for your little ones!Algonquin has some AWESOME camp programs for the kids..we have classes like:Algonquin Budding Children (ABC) Preschool camp.Chicago Bulls Basletball CampWhite Sox Sluggers CampVolleyball Camp Eurotech Soccer CampDodgeball CampPowderpuff Flag Football CampExtreme Sports & Paintball CampFlag Football CampIt's Easy Being GREEN campFun with Clay CampPottery CampAnts in my pants campPreschool Picasso CampPicasso CampsAnd several others...for the schedules and costs..please click here! Posted by Vicki Watzlawick, Broker Owner, Exit Platinum Realty  847-854-3800    04/29/2008

How is the current market in Algonquin, IL?As of this morning, per MLSNI, for the past 3 months:We currently have 284 Single Family homes on the market in Algonquin that are active and available.They have been on the market for an average of 198 days.The average list price is Algonquin is $360,864.During the past 3 months, 17 Single Family homes have successfully closed with the help of their Realtors.  This only represents 35% of the market that have had success.  They took an average of 189 days on the market to get SOLD.The average list price of the SOLD Single Family homes is $261,747 and the average SOLD price is $251,700.So, on the average Single Family homes in  Algonquin have been getting an average of 96% of their list prices, with the help of their Realtors.We currently have 1... 03/27/2008

Are you buying, selling, or just curious about the real estate market? Check out my weekly market report on the local housing market. Don't make the mistake of not understanding market conditions when buying or selling a home. Take a look and the report for the current market and start understanding housing market in your area. 02/19/2008

Are you buying, selling, or just curious about the real estate market? Check out my weekly market report on the local housing market. Don't make the mistake of not understanding market conditions when buying or selling a home. Take a look and the report for the current market and start understanding housing market in your area. 02/08/2008

Have a HeartforAlgonquin/LITH Food Pantry Re-Stock1/11/08 - 2/15/08 Share with your heart by donating much needed items to the pantry and in return you save!!Bring 5 items, get $5.00 instant savingsBring 10 items, get $10.00 instant savings List of what can be brought in:General: Cooking Oil, Sugar, Flour, Jelly, Macaroni & Cheese, Bagged Beans, Rice, Pasta, Pasta Sauce, Canned Veggies, Fruit cans or cups, Cereal, Pancake mixes, Snack Items, Crackers, soup extremely needed items:For Babies: Formula, Baby jar food, Boxed Cereal, Diapers, WipesPersonal Care Items: Toilet Paper, Shampoo (full size), Conditioner (full size), Soap, Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Deodorant, Feminine Care Products Household Items:Paper Towels, Household Cleaners, Laundry Detergent (small containers), Dishwashing Liqu... 01/30/2008

Area Market Survey CriteriaStatus: Active, Back on Market, Contingent, New, Price Change, Re-activated, Temp Off Market, Pending, Closed Property Type: Detached Single, Attached Single Area: Algonquin Months Back: All Months Active Listings List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 3 195 $150,000 - $199,999 45 151 $200,000 - $249,999 89 160 $250,000 - $299,999 78 164 $300,000 - $349,999 53 186 $350,000 - $399,999 55 184 $400,000 - $449,999 23 198 $450,000 - $499,999 17 157 $500,000 - $549,999 11 175 $550,000 - $599,999 12 128 $600,000 - $699,999 9 135 $700,000 - $799,999 1 293 $800,000 - $899,999 1 208 $1,000,000 - $1,999,999 2 294 Active Listings Summary # Units Avg. MT Median List Price Avg. List Price Max. List Price Min. List Price Total Volume 399 169 $288,00... 11/19/2007

PREVIEW This Saturday from 12-3pm 530 Golden Valley LnAlgonquin,The same model sold for $585,0004 bedrooms, (possibility of 5)Gourmet Kitchen. Premium upgrades throughout,Call for further details:224-805-2440 or visit ToniSpena.com 10/31/2007

Breaking News Downtown Algonquin Farmers Market Starts Saturday, July 14The Downtown Algonquin Partnership merchants' association is pleased to announce the launch of a new Farmers Market on Saturday, July 14, 2007, from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in downtown Algonquin in the public parking lot on South Harrison Street. Stop by for fresh produce, plants, flowers, and more. Click on the title above for more information. 07/15/2007

Aroma Tapas Restaurant 3907 W Algonquin Rd. Algonquin847-658-5656Tapas are the name of the game at Aroma Tapas Restaurant; equally popular is their paella, made Beans & Books 215 S. Harison St. Algonquin847-658-5600This book store and coffee shop periodically hosts live music. Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano 1524 Randall Road Algonquin847-658-5040Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano serves Northern Italian cuisine made from scratch. Blue Moon Espresso 2761 W Algonquin Rd. Algonquin847-458-7247This cozy Algonquin coffee house caters to all of your java needs. Snacks on hand include pastries Bonefish Grill 1604 Randall Rd. Algonquin847-658-9268The menu here features a rotating selection of grilled fresh fish choices Buena Vista Restaurant 220 N. Harrison St. Algonquin847-658-6150Cheeseburger in Para... 06/27/2007

Welcome to the 47th Annual Algonquin Founders' Days FestivalJuly 26th - 29th, 2007        "Founders' Goes Retro" Starting Times Thursday6:00 PM Friday5:00 PM Saturday1:00 PM Sunday12:00 PM Admission Prices  Fri. & Sat. SundayAdults$4.00$2.00Children 4-12 $2.00$1.00 Thursday, July 26th Thursday, July 264:30PMCardboard Boat Regatta Please go to Ericson Marine's website for more information 4:00-6:00 pmCarnival for Special Kids (Presented by The American Legion)6:00 to 10:00 pmCarnival for All (Wristbands) (Sponsored by Great American Shows)Last wristband sold @ 9:45PM  Friday, July 27th 9:00AM to 4:00PM Founders' Market & Bazaar DEADLINE: July 8, 2007 Download Flyer HereDownload Application Here Friday, July 2710:00AMFounders' Cat & Dog Show Registration will begin at 9:00 am. All animals... 06/18/2007

PRESS RELEASE - Algonquin, Illinois Homeowners Can Now Kiss Their Mortgage Good-bye!By : Michael R. Linton   Submitted 2007-06-14 08:15:05 PRESS RELEASE - Algonquin, Illinois Homeowners Can Now Kiss Their Mortgage Good-bye! Algonquin, Illinois - We want to alert you to a major development in the mortgage world. Maranatha Mortgage, a leading mortgage lender located in East Dundee, Illinois, has just introduced a revolutionary new line of credit that could enable you to own your home free and clear in about half the time, save thousands in interest - and all with no change to your spending. Sound too good to be true? It's real. It's called the CMG Home Ownership Accelerator.TM The San Francisco Chronicle notes that it is "designed to help borrowers accelerate their principal payments as p... 06/14/2007

Cancer Prevention and Red Wine Red wine is a rich source of biologically active phytochemicals, chemicals found in plants. Particular compounds called polyphenols found in red wine, such as catechins and resveratrol, are thought to have anti oxidant or anti cancer properties.What are polyphenols and how do they prevent cancer?Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds found in the skin and seeds of grapes. When wine is made from these grapes, the alcohol produced by the fermentation process dissolves the polyphenols contained in the skin and seeds. Red wine contains more polyphenols than white wine because the making of white wine requires the removal of the skins after the grapes are crushed. The phenols in red wine include catechin, gallic acid, and epicatechin.Polyphenols have been found ... 06/05/2007

Cicadas in IllinoisThere are two types of cicadas commonly found in large numbers in Illinois. There are dogday or annual cicadas that emerge every year. Periodical cicadas emerge every 13 years in the southern half of Illinois and every 17 years in the northern half of the state. Cicadas are large bodied and have large compound eyes.1 of 5 Dogday cicada seen head on. Cicadas are sometimes mistakenly called locusts. In actuality, they are not at all related to locusts, which are a kind of grasshopper. The male cicadas "sing" during the day to attract females. Dogday cicadas tend to sing more in late afternoon and evening. Each cicada species has its own distinctive sound to avoid attracting the wrong cicada. Typically, periodical cicada emergences consist of three species, that can be d... 06/05/2007