It's interesting that in a recent Fine Homebuilding magazine, where they picked the 25 most important homes in America, Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater graced the cover. And, not only does the house sit over water, but there's water running inside which is causing damage.Now, what does FLW have to do with Naperville you ask. We have an historic district in the downtown area and several homes were built utilizing FLW's studio. It's easy to recognize these homes...once you know what to look for.In fact, Illinois has probably the largest number of FLW homes, as he lived in Oak Park, Illinois, a near western suburb. His family home is now part of the trust and they have tours of the house. The original furniture is still in the house. And, you can see the Japanese prints he loved in his o... 11/13/2006

According to NAR's online magazine, "Front porches are making a comeback - sort of.After porches practically disappeared in the last half of the 20th century, the number of new houses with porches has increased about 11 percent in the past decade, according to the National Association of Home Builders."  Interesting because now that I think about it, what I've seen in some of the newer Naperville construction homes are pseudo porches...a small cement area with a covered roof at the front door.  We have a 'real' porch...big enough to put out plants, a love seat, tables and chairs. And, during the summer months it's a quiet place to read or relax as we have shrubbery that provides a screen.   How do you feel about a front porch? 11/10/2006

                   Naperville single family sold homes from January 1, to October 31, 2006 There were 8   2 bedroom single family homes sold with an average price of $312,175 and a market time of 46 days. There were 152   3 bedroom single family homes sold with an average price of $348,800 and a market time of 65 days. There were 505   4 bedroom single family homes sold with an average price of $534,500 and a market time of 79 days. There were 56   5 bedroom single family homes sold with an average price of $762,335 and a market time of 127 days.                          Statistics from Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois 11/10/2006

We're getting close to cold, snow and ice weather.And, I thought that I'd share with you my emergency box which is in the trunk of my car.I use a transfer box and put the following items in it:A fleece blanketA Roll of duct tapeA flashlightA small portable radioA plastic bag filled with food, nuts, raisins. Products that would be edible under most circumstancesA bag of kitty litterA can of WD-40A bottle of window washing fluidAn ice scraperWhat else would you put into your emergency box? 11/02/2006

Naperville Stats    as of    October 26, 2006                                 Condo & Town homes  Currently there are 295    2(or less) bedroom homes on the market with an average list price of $248,024 and a market time of 105 days. Currently there are 122   3 bedroom homes on the market with an average list price of $388,811 and a market time of 115 days.                           Currently there are 2   4 bedroom homes on the market with an average list price of $714,850 and a market time of 79 days. Highest Priced Listing: $1,800,000 Lowest Priced Listing: $107,000 Statistics compiled from MLSNI 10/26/2006

Naperville Stats    as of    October 23, 2006 Single Family detached homes Currently there are 178   3 bedroom homes on the market with an average list price of $426,881 and a market time of 118 days. Currently there are 765   4 bedroom homes on the market with an average list price of $699,566 and a market time of 156 days. Currently there are 139   5 bedroom homes on the market with an average list price of $1,142,634 and a market time of 199 days.   Highest Priced Listing: $3,300,000 Lowest Priced Listing: $234,900  Statistics compiled from MLSNI         10/23/2006

Have you noticed that home interiors now have 'Tuscany Gold', 'moss', 'eggplant' and 'chocolate' instead of the good old 'relocation beige.'Now, some of these colors are lovely. But having seen homes where every dining room is a claret, a burgandy, a merlot, I'm wondering if we aren't over-doing it and in the process dating our property.I showed a home that had 'Tuscany Gold' on all the walls...and the ceiling. I felt like a hot dog covered in mustard. Too, too much. And, I've noticed that a home I showed in February which had a living room in moss colored walls with a dark green ceiling, is still on the market UNSOLD...but the price is reduced!And, some years ago a home was on the market whose kitchen had black granite counters and dark cabinets with mauve and grey walls. I thought I w... 10/20/2006

I've been going to closings for years. In Illinois we have a CLOSING. No escrow for us.When I first started, a closing would last 30 minutes, at the most 45. The sellers had a few papers to sign as did the buyers. Money and keys were exchanged. And, they'd schedule closings every hour.Today? Most closings take closer to 2 hours. And, if for some reason you're caught closing at 4pm on a Friday afternoon, expect your closing to take forever. Why? Well, now that we have 2 inches of documents to sign, which by itself takes a good hour to go over. And, the lender.The hang-up is the 'wire transfer.' In order for the money to get into the right account the figures have to be approved by the lender, then a confirmation number is issued, THEN the wire is sent.Yesterday, the approval and confirma... 10/19/2006

Declining market you say?   I’ve had fun all year watching the sales in excess of $1,000,000 luxury homes in Naperville through the MLS.   It's the one thing everybody always wants to know about... "what's going on with all those big houses?"  I like to be ready with some basic information that generally blows them away... it's just a matter of paying attention to what people want to know.... being able to answer questions with authority off the top of your head solidifies your position as an expert . A little background about the $1,000,000+ market in Naperville:In 2005 there were 59 single family sales (no attached housing)In 2004 there were 37 single family sales (no attached housing) There are currently 200 active listings over 1 million with 15 under contract/pending status   But i... 09/27/2006

That's the theme of the 175th Anniversary event that will be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 14, in Frontier Park, located at 3380 Cedar Glade Drive.  The last event of our 175th Anniversary won't be an ending, but a look toward the future.Activities range from a one-mile family health walk and half-day wellness seminar, sponsored by Edward Hospital and Health Services, to musical and theatrical performances by students from parochial schools, Naperville School District 203 and Indian Prairie School District 204. In addition, there are interactive, family-friendly activities such as a community mural, sponsored by the DuPage Children's Museum, and a "Soaring into the Future" kite fly, sponsored by the Naperville Park District.For a look at the future of technology and renew... 09/19/2006

Depite their popularity, those whimsical dragons on display this summer in the downtown Naperville area were unable to bring the Naperville United Way the kind of money their predecessors had in years past. Raising some $80,000 during the Mystical Dragons Fine Art and Sculpture Auction held Friday night at Bobak's Signature Events in Woodridge, the net fell short of the organization's goal of $100,000. It was the lowest amount raised in the six years the United Way has held the annual exhibit and auction. Last year's Magical Giving Garden sculptures exhibit, which also was the first to include fine art pieces, earned $148,000. This year's four fine art pieces, which included a table and chairs, a mosaic column, a wall sculpture and a 4½-foot dragon statue, raised about $28,000. The Rive... 09/19/2006

So, we get comfortable with all the abbreviations that are on our MLS. Our buyers don't.Here's an actual email from a confused buyer:"What does 2.2 bathrooms mean?"Hi Shontel,2.2           means                2 full bathrooms (shower or tub)                                         2 powder rooms (NO shower/tub)2.1          is what most homes haveI bet that the half bath is in the basement. That's where I'd put mine."Thank you!  I would have never figured that one out!  I thought it was a typo-LOL!! HAAHAHAH"So, we should never take anything for granted, should we? 09/19/2006

Last year when Cingular announced that it was turning on it's new 3g service (UMTS) in the Chicago area, I was very excited... until I saw the map. The whole Chicago area (blue) was getting the service except the western suburbs and Naperville (orange) They couldn't have honed in any better on my specific market area if they had tried.To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement! Here I am, a guy that revels in his geekdom... and I've been excluded from this great freedom! (I know that I could have switched to Verizon but their service is lousy here (doesn't work in my house or office)Being a geek, I purchased a 3g modem anyway (eBay) and decided to make use of the service whenever I participate infunctions in the desirable blue area. The modem tells you by color what syste... 09/15/2006

Naperville is used to the honors... "best place to raise children" one of the best places to retire, one of the best walking cities,  Best library system, etc...But Money Magazine is getting close to the truth.... in 2003 Money Magazine said that Naperville was the best  place to live in the midwest, in 2005 they said that Naperville is the third best place to live in the U.S.This month they've released the new data, and Naperville is now the #2 place to live in the U.S.We appreciate the kudo's but maybe next year they'll get it right...#1   07/17/2006

The new DR Horton (Cambridge Homes) over 55 community is coming along nicely. Dirt is being moved in preperation for the vacating of 248th (Carillon will be gated) and the opening of the new road to the west. A sales trailer is on the spot and the new movie theater is open just down the block! 07/16/2006

Congratulations once again to the Exchange Club of Naperville in their fight against child abuse. Early predictions that I've heard are that they raised about $500,000 this year for the cause. Approximately 260,000 people visited Knoch Park over the four days to enjoy the great food, the music and to soak up that fantastic atmosphere. The first night (REO Speedwagon) was such a success that they had to close the gates before 7:00 pm. We didn't make it to that show but really enjoyed Sister Hazel & Better than Ezra the second night. The third night featured the Doobie Brothers, they really know how to put on a show... it was fun to hear all of the kids say "I know this song" over and over. We didn't make it on the fourth, but heard that Charlie Daniels put on a great show. I sponsor ever... 07/08/2006