This dignified neighborhood is in the heart of Wheaton.  It is located in the Southwest portion of town, surrounded by the best Wheaton has to offer.  To the South is Seven Gables Park; a 66 acre retreat with walking paths, ponds, playgrounds and ball fields.  To the West is the country’s first 18 hole golf course: Chicago Golf Club was just named the 7th most prestigious private club in America according to Golf Connoisseur Magazine.  To the North is Whittier Elementary School, the state’s #1 public elementary (rated by ISAT Illinois State Achievement Test scores).  This established, prestigious neighborhood offers all that Wheaton has to give; caring neighbors, peaceful surroundings, and wonderful amenities at your fingertips.   For more information about homes or properties in Wheat... 01/14/2008

Shopping for a home is an exciting adventure in Wheaton, Illinois. Once you have canvassed the town and narrowed down you neighborhood choices, it is essential to work with a real estate agent who knows the community, the homes and the current market. Here is a historic breakdown of home sales in Danada North. As we begin the year, there are currently 3 homes in the Danada North subdivision available. They range in price from $475,000 to $489,900. The average market time is just over 125 days on the market.   If you are interesting in knowing more about the available homes in Danada North or other Wheaton homes feel free to contact Sherry Spengel at 630-408-1313. Are you buying a home in Wheaton or Glen Ellyn?  I can help you find your Dream Home.  Are you selling a home in Wheaton or G... 01/08/2008

Shopping for a home is an exciting adventure in Wheaton, Illinois.  Once you have canvassed the town and narrowed down you neighborhood choices, it is essential to work with a real estate agent who knows the community, the homes and the current market.  Here is a historic breakdown of home sales in Danada East.  As we begin the year, there are currently 4 homes in the Danada East subdivision available.  They range in price from $629,900 to $739,900.  The average market time is just over 300 days on the market.  If you are interesting in knowing more about the available homes in Danada East or other Wheaton homes feel free to contact Sherry Spengel at 630-408-1313. For more information about homes or properties in Wheaton, Glen Ellyn or DuPage County Illinois, call Sherry Spengel with P... 01/08/2008

Here’s another look at last year’s single family home sales in Wheaton.  Everything was going well until September.  Normally, we call September the beginning of the “second season” in real estate.  This year, the August mortgage issue effected the rest of the year.  A total of 480 single family homes sold in 2007; about 8% less than 2006.    01/02/2008

It’s easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom media hype regarding real estate thesedays. What we need to remember is that the media coverage tends to be national, notlocal.The local Wheaton real estate market, once again, held it’s own compared to the nationalmarket. The numbers aren’t anything to jump up and down about; however, they don’tseem as bad as other parts of the country.There were 480 closed single family homes in Wheaton during 2007. The average saleprice was $433,156 with an average market time of 121 days. 2006 saw a total of 522homes sold with an average sale price of $431,881 and a market time of 88 days.Bottom line, there were less homes sold in 2007 with a longer market time. The pricedifference increased less than $1500. Like I said, nothing to write home about, h... 01/02/2008

As I ran my end of year report for available land in Wheaton, I was shocked to find out that not one vacant piece of property closed in the entire year.  2006 saw 7 sales with an average sale price of $355,000. There are currently 47 parcels of land available with an average asking price of $475,000. The bulk of the lots available are in Amberwood Estates.  This is a new 33 unit luxury subdivision in the Southwest part of Wheaton.  It used to be the property of the Sunny Ridge Family Center.  Twenty-one of these parcels are available ranging in price from $440,000 to $499,000. We have three parcels listed in Amberwood Estates, two already have contracts.  Whiteford Homes is the builder and they are listed as single family homes instead of vacant land. It will be very interesting to see... 01/01/2008

Nobody likes to go to work the day after a holiday; however, I had a closing this morning.  We did our final walk thru of the property on the 23rd of December.  I always bring my camera to these final real estate inspections – just in case.  Our Mulitple-Board Residential Real Estate Contract clearly state: “Seller agrees to leave the Real Estate in broom clean condition. All refuse and personal property that is not to be conveyed to Buyer shall be removed from the Real Estate at Seller’s expense before possession.”   I always laugh a little when explaining this paragraph to buyers.  Every seller has a different idea of what “broom clean” really means.  However, the part about removing all personal property seems pretty straight forward. When we walked in 7 rooms still contained persona... 12/27/2007

The table below lists all the currently available single family detached and attached homes in Wheaton, IL. Data is broken into price ranges and indicates average time on market, median price, average price and maximum price. Detailed information is available for any property in a given range.Active ListingsList Price Range# ListingsAvg. Days on MktLess than $149,999771$150,000 - $199,99937138$200,000 - $249,99934134$250,000 - $299,99956195$300,000 - $349,99943193$350,000 - $399,99942161$400,000 - $449,99926218$450,000 - $499,99933154$500,000 - $549,99917289$550,000 - $599,99917194$600,000 - $699,99923219$700,000 - $799,99917244$800,000 - $899,99917383$900,000 - $999,99912231$1,000,000 - $1,999,99933311$2,000,000 - $2,999,9991235  Active Listings Summary# UnitsAvg. MTMedian List PriceAv... 12/21/2007

I often get this question from neighbors or potential clients as I walk around their homes.  My answer is always, it depends.  It depends on the condition of the original room, the amount of money they want to spend and the condition of other homes in the area. Remodeling Magazine and Realtor Magazine have teamed up again to analyze the Remodeling Cost vs. Value of certain projects across the country.  I will focus on the costs vs. value in the Chicagoland area.  Does it always pay back the full 100% when remodeling?  The answer to that is no.  Will it help the home sell compared to other homes on the market; most definitely yes.  If it’s just a friend asking for advice, I tell them to do the work now and enjoy the outcome.  If a person has to sell right away and wants to remodel, I te... 12/11/2007

 The table below lists all of the currently active single family detached and single family attached homes in Wheaton, IL. The information is broken into price ranges with average time on market for that range. Included are the high, low, median and average prices. For detailed information on a property type within a price range, including virtual tour when available, contact me with physical characteristic requirements.    Active Listings List Price Range # Listings Avg. Days on Mkt Less than $149,999 6 66 $150,000 - $199,999 43 127 $200,000 - $249,999 35 133 $250,000 - $299,999 55 171 $300,000 - $349,999 49 197 $350,000 - $399,999 45 154 $400,000 - $449,999 26 185 $450,000 - $499,999 34 162 $500,000 - $549,999 17 262 $550,000 - $599,999 17 179 $600,000 - $699,999 25 216 $700,000 - $79... 12/06/2007

The Milton Township Assessor just reassessed all real estate in the township.  The results were mailed to your home and published in the Wheaton Leader and Glen Ellyn News the week of November 12th. This assessment is determined by the current estimated selling price of you home.  You are taxed on 33.33% of that number.  So, if your home as an estimated sale value of $300,000 then your assessed value for tax purposes is $100,000.  That number is then multiplied by the tax rate. If you do not think your assessment is correct, you have 30 days from receipt of the assessment to file a complaint with the Mitlon Township Assessment Office.  The office is located at 1492 N. Main Street in Wheaton. I have access to tax and real estate data for comparisons, so if you have any questions, please... 11/21/2007

Another wonderful celebration is planned to kick off the holiday season in Wheaton.  Downtown Wheaton will be bustling with activity on November 23rd. 5:00 – 5:45pm  >>  The night starts with members of Wheaton Drama caroling in front of Martin Plaza*.5:45 – 6:00pm >>  The lighting of the tree by Mayor Gresk will take place in front of Martin Plaza.6:00 – 7:00pm  >>  Both young and old will enjoy a Christmas parade with lite floats adorned by storybook characters.7:00pm  >>  Little Obie Locomotive will be boarding in front of the Wheaton Post Office at 122 N. Wheaton Ave.7:00 – 9:00pm  >>  Relax and enjoy the town on a horse drawn carriage ride.  Rides are $10 per family and begin at the corner of E Liberty and Main Street.7:00 – 9:00pm  >>  Many downtown stores will be open for you to... 11/17/2007

As of January 1, 2008 sellers will be required to provide the buyer with a pamphlet entitled “Radon Testing Guidelines for Real Estate Transactions” and “Illinois Disclosure of Information of Radon Hazards.” Radon is a colorless, tasteless and odorless gas that occurs naturally.  The problem arises when radon gas gets trapped inside our homes with no way of dissipating.  Unsafe levels of radon in homes were found in almost half of the homes tested in 2003 and 2004.  Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer.  The test is simple and takes only 48 hours to conduct.  A monitor is placed in the basement or crawl space.  Another monitor can also be placed in an upstairs room.  Over the course of 48 hours the data is taken and averaged out.  If the levels are above a 4, then remedi... 11/08/2007

What does adoption and real estate have in common?  Well, nothing really, except Kevin and I are foster and adoptive parents.  So, there is you air tight connection – LOL.We have two birth children and one adopted son.  Our son's adoption was finalized in November of 2005.  Our youngest daughter will be adopted soon.  The paperwork is with DCFS and all we need is a signature before we get to stand in front of the Judge for the last time.  We are hoping for that to happen before the end of the year.  Keep your fingers crossed. People often ask if there is a difference between the birth and adopted kids.  The answer to that question is a resounding NO!  We love them all exactly the same.  Once you open your heart to a child, there is no going back.  I have people tell me all the time they... 11/01/2007

Courthouse Square, WheatonOne of the most talked about projects taking place in Wheaton today is at the site of the Dupage County Courhouse.  This National Registered Landmark was built in 1896.  Next to this community treasure the circa 1938 Attorney's Building.  After the new DuPage County Courthouse was built in 1990, this land was sold to National Lewis University and used as a satellite campus until it was acquired by Focus Development.  Focus Development is currently restoring the Clock Tower and building four condominium buildings in the heart of Wheaton.  This prestigious real estate is beginning to take shape.  The Courthouse building faces Reber Street with Naperville Road to the rear.  To the North are the train tracks and the South is Willow Avenue.Inside the historic courth... 10/02/2007

Let's be honest here folks, it's been a slow month for real estate, not only in Wheaton, but all over the country.  In September, there were 35 homes sold with an average sale price of $432,689.  This average is about 96% of asking price.  That 96% is tracking with other sales this year.  If we look at the 10 three bedroom homes that sold last month, the sale to list price ratio goes down to 95%.On the whole, there are a lot of homes for sale in Wheaton - about 438 with an average asking price of $566,600.  The average market time is 172 days.  Of that number, 42 are listed over $1,000,000.  No homes have closed in Wheaton over $1,000,000 since July 13 - it also happened to be our sale.  July seems like a very long time ago.On the bright side of things, the phones seem to be ringing mor... 10/02/2007

Well, the storm passed through Wheaton, the tree was removed from roof and the claims adjuster came out - all good things.  He assessed our damage, left and wrote a report; the check came in the mail.  Seemed easy enough.  We got three quotes for the work and the roofer were here yesterday banging on my ceiling and making the light fixtures shake.  At about 11am I decided it was time to deposit the Claims check.  You're thinking I procrastinated.  Well, no, not really.  I just didn't want to deposit the check until I needed to use it.  Now, get ready, here are the lessons learned.Due to the amount of the check, it was made out to me, Kevin and our mortgage company because they have a vested interest in my home.  The mortgage company was wrong.  Every time you refinance and have a new mo... 09/26/2007

Wescott Crossing, Wheaton Our first look at construction around town will be in Wheaton at the corner of Scott Street and Front Street.  The name of the new condo complex is Wescott Crossing.  There will be three buildings with at total of 189 units.  The names of the builds are Scott House, The Wesley and The Crossing.  The Crossings will also have retail space on the main level and a proposed fitness and multi-purpose room.There are currently 15 model types to choose from ranging in price from $240,000 to $528,000.  You can have your choice of 1, 2 or 3 bedroom units.  In marketing the properties Norwood Builders are doing something brilliant.  They are offering a $10,000 gift certificate to Toms-Price Home Furnishings Wheaton Store.  The store is located just across Wesley Street.  S... 09/26/2007

Wheaton Real Estate Statistics  Here is an update as to the condition of the Wheaton Real Estate Market for the last 6 months ending 9/26/07:Active Single Family Homes for Sale: 430Active Condo/Townhomes for Sale: 137Average Asking Price Single Family home $561,768Average Asking Price Condo/Townhome $275,962Average Days on the Market for Sale 172Sold StatisticsSingle Family Homes 217Condo/Townhome 100Average Sales Price - Single Family $432,425Average Sales Price - Condo/Townhome $210,617Average Days to Sell 106 daysAverage Sales Price/Asking Price 96% of Asking PriceContact Joe Ambrose at Acorn Realty for more detailed information. 09/26/2007

Wheaton, Illinois with a population of 55,000 residents is located in DuPage County, 25 miles west of Chicago. Visit my Wheaton Illinois Real Estate website and search Wheaton IL Homes, Wheaton Townhouses and Condos for sale. Wheaton also serves as county seat of the DuPage county offering small-town charm and yet the residents of this beautiful Chicago west suburban town enjoy the comforts of a large city including exceptional dining, shopping and entertainment. Well known for it mature trees, historic neighborhoods, and home-town charm, Wheaton also has easy access to major retailers, fine restaurants, and shopping which makes this a great place to live for individuals, couples, and families alike. Unique amenities such as the Clocktower Commons Park - which has a skateboarding and r... 09/24/2007