After three decades, Don Juan's Restaurant in Chicago closed at the end of 2020. A great institution and local treasure was gone. Sort of.Don Juan's Cantina and Taqueria opened in July just a mile away - and will continue their tradition of great food, drinks, and service! Same owners (with a new investor) Maria and her son Jacob are back in full swing.With a smaller and refined menu, the emphasis is on fresh traditional and contemporary Mexican food. There is a large assortment of craft tacos made with organic masa plus old favorites like Hogan's oysters, Camarones Don Juan, 6-Chili Pollo, and Carne Asada Tampiquena.    They refer to their margaritas as "legendary" and I have to agree. I take mine with Mezcal, which imparts a smoky flavor that perfectly balances with the traditional ta... 11/05/2021

Buying in short sale may offer the best opportunities in a decade because of the COVID-19 lockdowns.  The moratoriums on evictions and closures of small businesses have created a backlog of distressed property concealed by moratoriums on foreclosures.  As these moratoriums end with the easing of COVID-19 distressed properties will hit the market.Homebuyers and investors can save a lot of money buying a property in a short sale.  While this savings can be a tremendous, it is important to remember the buyer will earn this savings and must be prepared for the obstacles posed by a short sale.The opportunities buying in short sale are created because the lienholders agree to settle for less than the face value of the debt secured by the property.  That is a fancy way of saying everyone agree... 03/22/2021

Marble & Travertine Floor Polishing - Park Ridge, IL 60016Marble Countertop Restoration | Travertine Floor Polishing | Park Ridge, IL 60016 Marble Kitchen Countetop Honing & Polishing This restoration project was a multi-day project in scope. There were 2 different areas we need to fix or restore. This 1st phase of the project focused on the white marble countertops located in the kitchen of the single-family home in Park Ridge, Illinois. The kitchen countertops had a list of issues the client wanted to be fixed or restored. The issues requiring maintenance where deep scratching from knife marks, etching, water marks, pitting and a dull polish. The seams also had different color filler as well as cracked filler. We were able to fix and resolve the issue via diamond grinding, honing, and... 03/11/2018

Clifton Terrace SubdivisionReal estate in Clifton Terrace subdivision in Park Ridge, Illinois consists of detached single family homes built between 1999 and 1999. As of 02/09/2018, there are 2 homes on the market in Clifton Terrace subdivision.Clifton Terrace, Park Ridge Illinois Homes for SaleWith 1 active, 1 contingent and no pending listings, the average list price of a property on the market in Clifton Terrace is $359,900, with an average living area of 1,610 square feet. Highest priced house on the market located on N Clifton Ave with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1,720 sqft of living area is listed at $369,900. Lowest priced home located on N Clifton Ave with 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths and 1,500 sqft of living area is listed at $349,900.Buying or Selling a Property in Clifton Terrac... 02/09/2018

I am currently participating in a weekly real estate seminar that meets for full-day sessions for seven weeks.  The workload is intense, but the bulk of the focus is on mindset, which I absolutely love.  Learning about the power of our minds (particularly the effects of positive thinking) is empowering and has affected every aspect of my life.  Each week, as the class approaches, I start to feel overwhelmed at the amount of progress I am accountable to make in my business.  It is the type of discomfort that causes growth. “No pressure, no diamonds”, I’m told.  The results are undeniable, though:  I have more contracts, more clients, and I have systems in place to better serve all who choose me as their realtor.  In class, my peers are those who have reached the pinnacle of success as we... 11/15/2017

I Just Want this Home to be Happy Search current inventory of Homes for Sale in Park Ridge Listing Details 925 Tomawadee, Park Ridge IL, 60068Price: $775,000MLS number: 09763739Bedrooms: 4Bathrooms: 2.5Square Footage: 3000 Call or text Bridget Murphy at 773-510-9579 to see if this property is still available and to arrange a showing. You Will Love this Gutted and Remodeled Ranch Yesterday I toured this property and was overcome with the feeling that "I just want this home to be happy".  Is that weird?  It is just so lovely and deserving of an owner who loves her.  Much like a boat, I believe this home is so gorgeous that it is a "she" and should have its own name.  I'm just spitballing here, but some ideas that are bouncing around my head are "The Impeccable" or "The Oasis". What's so ... 10/03/2017

Dave (my husband and business partner) and I had the opportunity to go on a listing presentation last week to the home of an older gentleman.  He welcomed us in, and although it was evening, he did not turn on any lights.  It was quite dark and I was immediately concerned that something was not entirely right with him, although he seemed quite intelligent and friendly.  We eventually moved into the kitchen where he turned on some lights and told us with pride all the work he had done on his home, a single man his entire life.  When we got to the room that he had most recently renovated, the basement bar, he became the most animated in discussing the finer points of its evolution into a place where friends would gather.  The saddest thing, he said, was that a single friend had never ente... 09/27/2017

This is a follow-up to yesterday's blog where I noted that my husband and I are feeling the rapid passage of time and are looking to increase the amount of quality time with our children.  I was at the library a couple of days ago (my absolute favorite place on Earth), and came across a book on the Danish custom of Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga).  As you may have heard in any number of media reports over the last several years, Danish people are the happiest people on the planet.  This can be attributed to many awesome things their government is doing right, but my interest lies in what they are doing culturally that lifts their spirits and creates deep bonds.  That's where Hygge comes into play.  The New Yorker did a great piece on it, but I think I like the accompanying picture, the best. ... 09/15/2017

Yesterday, my husband, Dave, expressed that old cliché that he thinks that "time is moving too fast", that he worries that our girls will look back and not remember just hanging out with us.  I told him what he always tells me when I share these same sentiments:  we are lucky to live on a block where the kids play outside together all day and night.  That they are learning to get along in a group, make rules up on imaginary games, figure out what they like to do when they are bored, dig in the dirt (sometimes in the dead center of our already-struggling front lawn), form solid friendships exclusive of adult supervision and intervention, play kickball, soccer and touch football in the street: all fairly novel experiences in today's society.  Play dates aren't scheduled, doorbells are run... 09/14/2017

Park Ridge Community Wide Garage Sale Map is Live!It's the moment you've been waiting for . . . the list of participating homes, the days they are taking part, and the items they are featuring has gone live!  You can find it here.  When you click on each individual address, it will tell you what days they are participating, and the items they are selling (if the seller chose to provide such information).  Please note that this information will be updating daily, so check back often!  Potential sellers, this means that you can still register to take part in the sale!  You won't be included in the published list in the Journal & Topics Newspapers, but you will be featured in the online one. What is the Park Ridge Community Wide Garage Sale?Dave Murphy Team is proud to take part in this 11... 08/24/2017

Toasty Cheese Food Truck Rolling in to Park Ridge! When: Friday, September 8, 2017Hours: 11am-1pmWhere: Keller Williams Realty Partners,                700 Busse Hwy, Park RidgeWho: Everyone and AnyoneMenu & Prices: See Here     Payment: Cash or Credit Card    Kickoff to Park Ridge Community Wide Garage Sale WeekendTo kickoff the 11th annual Park Ridge Community Wide Garage Sale,  Keller Williams Realty Partners will be hosting the Toasty Cheese Food Truck in their parking lot for lunch on Friday, September 8th, from 11am to 1pm.  This event is open to the public and is sure to be a fun twist on lunch in Park Ridge.  Keller Williams is at 700 Busse Hwy (near Busse and Western), and in addition to the parking lot, there is plenty of street parking.  Live in the Franklin school area?  You... 08/03/2017

The Little ThingsI have always loved learning people's back stories.  I used to work in an elementary school office and was fascinated by all different the people, circumstances, opportunities, and experiences that came together to form families, communities.  I've found that when a client shares a detail about their life, it may seem small, but can be monumental in the end.  If you talk to anyone long enough, you will eventually get them to talk about something about which they feel passionate.  They will get a twinkle in their eye, and the pace of their speaking pattern will quicken.  Very often they will think this dream is out of reach ("I could never afford that house", "I'm too young to downsize"), when all it takes is putting together a good plan.  Yes, that house may not be feas... 08/01/2017

Park Ridge Community Wide Garage Sale 2017   Dave Murphy Team is proud to take part in this 11th Annual event.  Keller Williams Realty Partners, Park Ridge Illinois and the Journal and Topics Newspapers annually sponsor a city wide garage sale in Park Ridge Illinois. Residents hold their sales at their individual residences after obtaining a free permit from the city of Park Ridge. The event is held the weekend AFTER Labor Day each year from 8am-4pm. The 2017 event will be held on Saturday, September 9th.   To be included on the published map of garage sales each resident MUST submit a copy of their permit 2 WEEKS prior to the sale date. This year, that deadline is AUGUST 15, 2017.You may register here, or call us to take care of it for you.   Keller Williams Realty Partners and The Jo... 07/24/2017

Eugene Field Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL - July 2017 About Eugene Field Elementary School Eugene Field Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 64, and is located at 707 Wisner Street in Park Ridge, IL. It services homes in Niles and Park Ridge. Average taxes $11,116 Average association fees $381 ($0 - $600) Average home size 2,295 ft2 Average lot size 0.28 acres Average year built 1959 Photos of Eugene Field Elementary School  Homes for sale that attend Eugene Field Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 322 Cuttriss St., Park Ridge, IL 4 2.1 1930 $749,900 8020 Merrill St., Niles, IL 2 1.1 1954 $274,800 432 Prospect Ave., Park Ridge, IL 4 4.1 1909 $849,000 1004 Clifton Ave., Park Ridge, IL 3 3 1974 $351,900 8137 Ozanam Ave., Niles, IL 3 2 1954 $369,000 512 Merrill... 07/10/2017

Franklin Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL - July 2017 About Franklin Elementary School Franklin Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 64, and is located at 2401 Manor Lane in Park Ridge, IL. It services homes in Niles and Park Ridge. Average taxes $9,197 Average association fees $292 ($0 - $410) Average home size 2,207 ft2 Average lot size 0.33 acres Average year built 1968 Photos of Franklin Elementary School  Homes for sale that attend Franklin Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 644 Delphia Ave., Park Ridge, IL 3 2.1 1977 $489,900 1718 Park Ridge, Park Ridge, IL 2 2.1 1999 $395,000 2801 Mayfield Dr., Park Ridge, IL 5 3.1 1999 $689,000 640 Greenwood Ave., Park Ridge, IL 3 3 1964 $334,000 2424 Oak Tree Ln., Park Ridge, IL 4 3.1 1999 $949,000 1726 Potter Rd., Park... 07/10/2017

George B Carpenter Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL - July 2017 About George B Carpenter Elementary School George B Carpenter Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 64, and is located at 300 N Hamlin Avenue in Park Ridge, IL. It services homes in Park Ridge. Average taxes $7,961 Average association fees $410 ($0 - $650) Average home size 2,006 ft2 Average lot size 0.38 acres Average year built 1973 Photos of George B Carpenter Elementary School  Homes for sale that attend George B Carpenter Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 805 Goodwin Dr., Park Ridge, IL 3 2 1953 $309,900 832 Goodwin Dr., Park Ridge, IL 3 2   $324,500 644 Dee Rd., Park Ridge, IL 3 2 1961 $399,000 2 Hamlin Ave., Park Ridge, IL 3 2.1 1956 $290,000 4 Delphia Ave., Park Ridge, IL — —   $212,500 736 ... 07/10/2017

Maine East High School, Park Ridge, IL - July 2017 About Maine East High School Maine East High School is a 9-12 school in District 207, and is located at 2601 Dempster Street in Park Ridge, IL. It services homes in Des Plaines, Glenview, Morton Grove, Niles, and Park Ridge. Average taxes $5,599 Average association fees $302 ($0 - $700) Average home size 1,761 ft2 Average lot size 0.35 acres Average year built 1969 Photos of Maine East High School  Homes for sale that attend Maine East High School Address Beds Baths Built Price 9315 Ballard Rd., Des Plaines, IL 3 2   $374,900 9074 Terrace Dr. #4K, Niles, IL 1 1 1977 $105,000 8400 Crain St., Niles, IL 3 2.1 1958 $375,000 7529 Lake St., Morton Grove, IL 3 1.1 1956 $327,900 9346 Landings Ln. #204, Des Plaines, IL 2 2 1976 $169,900 8872 Jo... 07/10/2017

George Washington Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL - July 2017 About George Washington Elementary School George Washington Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 64, and is located at 1500 Stewart Avenue in Park Ridge, IL. It services homes in Park Ridge. Average taxes $8,822 Average association fees $297 ($0 - $418) Average home size 2,413 ft2 Average lot size 0.25 acres Average year built 1979 Photos of George Washington Elementary School  Homes for sale that attend George Washington Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 104 Home Ave., Park Ridge, IL 4 3.1 2015 $1,049,000 1975 Touhy Ave., Park Ridge, IL 4 2.1 2016 $829,000 111 Rose Ave., Park Ridge, IL 3 2 1942 $319,000 300 Thames Pkwy. #3D, Park Ridge, IL 2 2 1970 $199,000 1445 Touhy Ave. #6B, Park Ridge, IL 2 1 1... 07/10/2017

Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, Park Ridge, IL - July 2017 About Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 64, and is located at 1001 S Fairview Avenue in Park Ridge, IL. It services homes in Park Ridge. Average taxes $15,119 Average association fees $248 ($0 - $250) Average home size 3,174 ft2 Average lot size 0.25 acres Average year built 1968 Photos of Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School  Homes for sale that attend Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School Address Beds Baths Built Price 835 Clifton Ave., Park Ridge, IL 4 4.1 2000 $1,275,000 416 Crescent Ave., Park Ridge, IL 3 3.1 1899 $699,000 1600 Brophy Ave., Park Ridge, IL 4 2 1947 $489,900 1400 Grove Ave., Park Ridge, IL 3 2 1948 $399,900 1120 Washington Ave., Park Ri... 07/10/2017

Maine South High School, Park Ridge, IL - July 2017 About Maine South High School Maine South High School is a 9-12 school in District 207, and is located at 1111 S Dee Road in Park Ridge, IL. It services homes in Chicago, Des Plaines, Harwood Heights, Niles, Norridge, and Park Ridge. Average taxes $9,965 Average association fees $349 ($0 - $650) Average home size 2,385 ft2 Average lot size 0.30 acres Average year built 1967 Photos of Maine South High School  Homes for sale that attend Maine South High School Address Beds Baths Built Price 4833 Olcott Ave. #301, Harwood Heights, IL 2 2 2007 $279,000 835 Clifton Ave., Park Ridge, IL 4 4.1 2000 $1,275,000 1718 Park Ridge, Park Ridge, IL 2 2.1 1999 $395,000 322 Cuttriss St., Park Ridge, IL 4 2.1 1930 $749,900 2801 Mayfield Dr., Park Ridge... 07/10/2017