NewsTribune_Illinois Valley Homes_121521

Illinois Valley Homes A NewsTribune Publication | December 15, 2021

MLS # 11274971 - 545 Jordan Street in Oglesby - - $169,900 - offered by Dee Barrera FEATURED PROPERTY

WOW ! Wonderful brick ranch with spacious open floor plan. Remodeled Kitchen feature stainless appliances ,ceramic stove top, newer sink, counters, fixtures, and lighting Enclosed looking out to wonderful 4-season room. Main level laundry room, Built in office area and very large room sizes adds to this 2 bedroom homes appeal. Very well maintained with newer windows 2009, roof 2014, updated electrical and new appliances 2011, Bathroom took down to studs and totally rebuilt 2014. Also newer flooring, ceiling fans add to the value in this home. Also oversized attached 2-car garage with bath and additional storage. Freshly painted inside, and garage floor/trim. Move right into this unique find!

Property offered by Starved Rock Realty See listing on page 2

What to know about refinancing a mortgage

Designer tips for transforming your home lighting

Tips for home buyers during a seller’s market

PAGE 4

PAGE 14

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Starved Rock Realty

620 N. Di Division i i St St. Uti Utica (815) 667 667-9990 9990 www.starvedrockrealty.net t d k lt t

PUT THE STARVED ROCK REALTY TEAM TO WORK FOR YOU! Dee Barrera Broker/Owner

(815) 252-9696

Alice Green Broker

Johanna Arkels Broker

(815) 488-9712

(815) 252-8026

Larla Grandadam

Denisse Perez

(815) 883-1353

(815) 326-8513

Broker

Broker

545 Jordan Street in Oglesby MLS # 11274971 - $169,900

WOW ! Wonderful brick ranch with spacious open floor plan. Remodeled Kitchen feature stainless appliances ,ceramic stove top, newer sink, counters, fixtures, and lighting Enclosed looking out to wonderful 4-season room. Main level laundry room, Built in office area and very large room sizes adds to this 2 bedroom homes appeal. Very well maintained with newer windows 2009, roof 2014, updated electrical and new appliances 2011, Bathroom took down to studs and totally rebuilt 2014. Also newer flooring, ceiling fans add to the value in this home. Also oversized attached 2-car garage with bath and additional storage. Freshly painted inside, and garage floor/trim. Move right into this unique find!

Offered by Dee Barrera

1537 County Road 60 East in Bradford MLS # 11256888 - $97,900 Attention Duck hunters and wild life enthusiasts. 20 to 30 mins from boating, fishing, hunting and 3 Marinas and many wildlife and water fowl conservation and hunting clubs. This home has 2 bedrooms, 1 bath on 3 full lots and over sized 2 car garage. 20x12 family room & 13 x 14 dining room; close to Marshall State Fish and Wildlife, Hennepin & Hopper Lakes, Woodford State Fishing & Duck hunting & wildlife just to name a few.

Offered by Dee Barrera

2607 N. Illinois State Rt. 351, Oglesby, Il MLS # 10991356 - $399,900

RARE FIND! Approx 14 acres; 5 separate 2 bedroom houses with old world character. Lots of hardwood floors and natural woodwork. Each house has a garage, separate septic and cisterns. 2 wells on property, 1 dug and one bored. Lots of possible options for water including possibility of Jonesville and Oglesby. One house has a very long-term tenant that pays $500 per month. One owner occupied and one vacant.

Other 2 houses have barns and one out building - 1 street light has separate electric meter. All houses nicely spaced for privacy. This beautiful park-like property perched high on a hill with wonderful views of the Illinois Valley. Offered by Dee Barrera

1212 W. Jefferson St in Ottawa MLS # 11247570 - $118,500

VERY Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath home loaded with lots of character and original hardwood floors throughout most of the home and some built-ins too! Nice westside ranch! Massively large living room, front finished porch area opens up to the dining room, stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and microwave. New bedroom door, newly polyeurathaned hardwood floors have just been poly eurathaned; and cleaned up the basement & garage. Furnace is gas forced air, also wood burning. Great 2.5 car detached garage & shed outside with alley access. Home has original hardwood floors, updated kitchen, windows, siding, gutters, roof & more! Realtor related. Offered by Alice Green

1522 Birchlawn in Ottawa MLS # 11273458 - $139,000 Nice ranch home only minutes from the Illinois River! Home is built on a slab, main floor laundry, a deep 1 car attached garage, big fenced in backyard with an oversized shed. Some original hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms, and 1 bathroom. Furnace and Central Air new in August 2021; stove and refrigerator stay. The wooden fencing belongs with this property, the chain link fence does not. Offered

Green

by Alice

321 Rachel Way in Utica MLS # 11254922 - $25,000 Build your dream home in this desirable Senica Manor subdivision. Conveniently located close to downtown Utica! Enjoy the shopping, food and fun this quaint little town has to offer. Also close to major interstates 80 and 39 for travel and Starved Rock and other State Parks. If fishing, camping or boating is your thing, the Illinois River is right here in town and the Vermillion River isn’t far either! Come be part of “The Village” with us! Offered

by Larla Grandadam

WE NEED MORE LISTINGS!

Housing demand is HIGH and supply is LOW, so if you’re thinking of moving, it’s a great time to do so. There are likely many buyers who are looking for a home just like yours, and there are options coming for you to find a new house too. Let’s connect today to see how you can benefit from the opportunities available in our local market. Our agents are ready to help you!

2 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

Local Realty Group Inc.

815-339-1158

local-realtygroup.com

LOCAL REALTY GROUP

Donna Bayler, Broker 815-760-2204 Donna.Bayler@gmail.com

Beth Coleman-Weger, Broker 815-252-2713 SoldbyBethColeman@gmail.com

Angie Heckman, Broker 309-312-0180 Angie.Heckman@yahoo.com

Mike Gonet, Managing Broker 815-481-2411 Mike_Gonet@hotmail.com

There's GNOME place like HOME

for the holidays!

519 E. Sycamore St. Hennepin, IL

329 E. Erie St. Spring Valley, IL

128 S. Sixth St. Hennepin, IL

303 S. Archie St. Granville, IL

1008 Edwards St. Henry, IL

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 3

What to know about refinancing a mortgage

Interest rates dipped during the pandemic and have remained low ever since. That’s unlikely to last forever, which has given many homeowners a sense of urgency regarding refinancing. Refinancing can be financially advantageous, but there are some things homeowners should know prior to contacting their lenders.

a Change Terms mortgage refinance is characterized by a shift to a loan charging a lower interest rate. The initial savings with such a refinance are undeniable, but changing from one 30-year to another 30-year restarts the mortgage clock, which can add years to the time homeowners will be repaying their debt. As a result, homeowners may end up paying more interest over time than they might have had they just kept their initial mortgage. Homeowners interested in a Change Terms refinance may want to look into switching from a 30-year to a 15-year mortgage. A shorter term mortgage will increase the monthly payment, but the loan will reach maturity much faster, greatly reducing the amount of interest homeowners will pay over the life of the mortgage.

REFINANCING DOES NOT ALWAYS SAVE MONEY OVER THE LONG HAUL It’s hard to blame homeowners who jump at the chance to refinance their mortgages.

Refinancing is often associated with significantly lower monthly payments, and such savings can be used to finance home improvements, pay for tuition or build retirement nest eggs. However, homeowners won’t necessarily save money over the long haul if they’re refinancing an existing 30-year mortgage with an- REFINANCING CAN BE COSTLY Lower monthly payments other 30-year mortgage.

The mortgage experts at might be the number that Mortgage Calculator note that catches homeowners’ eyes

as they look to refinance, but it’s important that homeowners recognize that refinancing is not free. In fact, the personal finance experts at Kiplinger note that refinancing incurs many of the same costs that homeowners had to pay when they signed their initial mortgage papers. That includes fees, taxes and appraisal costs. These costs are sometimes paid up front, but they also might be rolled into

the loan balance. In the latter instance, homeowners could be paying interest on their refinancing costs. Homeowners who are refinancing solely because of lower interest rates should know that some lenders raise interest rates to compensate for refinancing costs.

That can negate the savings and end up costing homeowners more money than the original mortgage.

MM21C517

Perry May Financial Representative

726 1st St • Lasalle 815-223-2100

You have a beautiful home

Make sure it is fully protected. Replacement Cost Coverage from COUNTRY Financial® helps replace your house and belongings at today’s prices. Get full protection today.

Give us a call to learn more.

Matt Hostetter Financial Representative

108 S McCoy St • Granville 815-339-6136

Louis Lukacsy Insurance Agent

0817-501HC-11925-11/16/2018

726 1st St • Lasalle 815-223-2100

@^m Ik^&jnZeb_b^] Mh]Zr

Mistie Brokaw NMLS# 1492488 815-875-3333 Princeton

Jaimie Rosenthal Linda Hessenberger NMLS# 1253864 815.875.3468 Princeton

NMLS# 477893 815.220.1865 Peru

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4 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

Landmark Realty of Illinois LLC 1221 North Main Street Princeton • Illinois • 61356 • 815-875-1221 illinoisvalleyhomeshow.com

124 S. Pleasant Street PRINCETON $300,000 4 BDRMS; 2 ½ baths #11218575

9391 1850 East St. TISKILWA $215,000 3 BDRMS; 2 baths #11235293

930 Timber Ridge Road PRINCETON $283,900 5 BDRMS; 3 baths #11230030

601 S. Main PRINCETON $265,000 Commercial Property #10993463

24798 1900 N. Avenue MALDEN $360,000 Commercial Property #10891754

816 Peoria Street PERU $196,000 Commercial Property #11189545

200 S. Maple Street WYANET $124,500 3 BDRMS; 2 baths #11202876

303 Park Avenue West PRINCETON $445,000 5 BDRMS; 2 ½ baths #11271643

1220 N. Vernon Street PRINCETON $25,000 Vacant Lot #11203514

300 West Boyd PRINCETON $120,000 Vacant Land #10916387

922 South Euclid Avenue PRINCETON $180,000 4 BDRMS; 1 ½ baths #11259188

772 W. Backbone PRINCETON $159,900 Commercial Property #11234190

3285 Il Hwy. 29 Road PUTNAM $475,000 3 BDRMS; 3 baths #11107030

304 East Oak St. MANLIUS $79,000 3 BDRMS; 2 baths #11263511

461 Griswold Lane PRINCETON $114,900 2 BDRMS; 1 bath #11275487

14306 910 North Avenue TISKILWA $129,500 3 BDRMS; 1 bath #11205680

139 South Park Street SHEFFIELD $60,000 2 BDRMS; 1 ½ baths #11144350

302 Park Avenue East PRINCETON $375,000 4 BDRMS; 2 ½ baths #11167315

13953 2100 North Avenue PRINCETON $225,000 3 BDRMS; 2 baths #11255923

432 South Main St. PRINCETON $625,000 Commercial Property #11196636

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 5

815-223-1088

coldwellbankertoday.com

Pietro Alfano

Jaimie Bazydlo

Janet Benvenutti

Frank Duttlinger

Wendy Fulmer

Ashley Gonzales

Robin Guerrero

Linda Hamer

LaSalle-Lovely 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch Utica-Quality throughout this well maintained Marseilles-Nicely located 3 bedroom, 2 bath LaSalle-Cute 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, 2 home on ½ acre lot, 2 car garage.

4 bedroom, 3 bath home, 2 car garage. home on corner lot, 2 car garage. car heated garage, storage shed. $349,000 #11272345 $185,000 #11271568 #11274078 $284,900 #11273887 $79,900

Peru-Well built 4 bedroom, 2 bath brick LaSalle-Well maintained 3 bedroom, 1 bath Peru-Spacious 4 bedroom, 1 bath home Mendota-Lovely 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath ranch home, 2+ car heated garage. home, large 2 car garage. on corner lot, 2 car garage. home on 2.14 acres, plus 2 buildings. #11270793 $239,900 #11266734 $75,000 #11262949 $129,500 #11261864 $380,000

LaSalle-Charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath Oglesby-Affordable 3 bedroom, 2 bath LaSalle-Home of your dreams, 5 bedroom, Spring Valley-Affordable 3 bedroom, 1 bath home, full basement, garage, patio. mobile home, appliances and shed remain. 3.5 bath home on 3+ acre estate. home, sunny deck, partially fenced lot. #11255256 $139,900 #11254870 $23,900 #11252522 $504,900 #11251123 $58,900

Mendota-Well maintained 4 bedroom, 2 LaSalle-New construction 3-bedroom, Peru-Wonderful like new 3 bedroom, 2 bath LaSalle-Traditional 2 story, 4-bedroom bath home, original natural woodwork.

2-bath home, 2 car garage, energy efficient. home, oversized 2 car garage on corner lot. home with pocket doors. #11250234 $159,900 #11244174 $280,000 #11240357 $189,500 #11225522 $79,000

Peru-Spacious 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath ranch Granville-Very spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bath Oglesby-Situated on large fenced lot, 3 Peru – Sturdy 3 bedroom, 1 bath brick home and commercial building. home, 2 car garage, outbuilding. bedroom, 1.5 bath home, large garage. ranch home, breezeway, garage. #11218142 $160,000 #11204122 $185,000 #11201176 $100,000 #11173616 #95,900 6 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

815-223-1088

coldwellbankertoday.com

Cherise Haymaker

Chris Hopps

Vincent Jessen

Barb Kuzma

Bonnie Lester

David Postula

Garry Schroeder

RESIDENTIAL

Peru-Classic Beauty with old world charm, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home on corner lot. #11170258 $355,000

Peru – Spacious duplex features 2 bedroom, 2 bath home, 2 car garage. #11166199 $350,000

Oglesby – Spacious brick 4 bedroom, 4 bath ranch home with 2 car garage. #11136473 $235,000

Tiskilwa – Hunting property with 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, outbuildings on 28.42 acres. #11135929 $625,000

Varna – Beautiful home with 5 bedrooms, 3 baths and cathedral ceilings. #11131652 $259,000

Oglesby–Ranch 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, large back yard, heated garage. #10887400 $169,500

Spring Valley-Charming 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath home, enclosed porch, garage. #11259970 $79,900

Princeton-Very well cared for 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home, 2 car garage. #11265570 $169,900

LOT LISTINGS Putnam–Lake lot on finger of Lake Thunderbird, lake access & amenities. ........................... #11133366....... $60,000 Utica-Affordable single-family lot with city sewer & water, restrictive covenants. .................#10775030....... $23,000 Putnam–Lake view residential lot, close to clubhouse & boat launch....................................#10105633......... $6,000 Utica–Residential building lot, city sewer & water, restrictive covenants. ............................. #08977584....... $25,000 Utica–Single family lot in established development with city water & sewer. ........................ #08762325....... $14,500

SUBDIVISIONS HERITAGE FIELDS SUBDIVISION

CEDAR LANE PREMIUM HOME SITES

STONE BLUFF TERRACE

Large residential building lots starting at $19,900. Curb & gutters, city sewer & water available. Close to I-39!

Lot size begins at .25 an acre & covenants are available.

Call Garry Schroeder at 815-252-5854. MLS#10141625

Limited supply, ready to build upon with city sewer & water, curbs & sidewalks, underground utilities. Plat & restrictive covenants available, Peru school district. Lots starting at $95,000. Call Wendy Fulmer at 815-252-8280 or Chris Hopps 815-252-5273. MLS#10785416

Large, wooded building lots starting at $19,000. Water to site, gas & electric nearby. Overlooking scenic Vermilion River Valley! Lot sizes from .32-1.34 acres, 3 available lots. Call Chris Hopps at 815-252-5273. MLS#08273641

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 7

815-223-1088

coldwellbankertoday.com

TJ Templeton

Amber Witek

Carol Wlodarchak

Karen Yade

Karen Zermeno

Bob Huber

Tom Guttilla

COMMERCIAL

Magnolia-Unlimited possibilities await, beautiful 2 story brick building with character. #11275146 $28,000

Peru-High traffic location, 1177 sq ft building, office, reception, and show room. #11275040 $189,000

Oglesby-Spacious commercial building on high traffic and high visibility road. #11267162 $219,000

Peru-Turnkey automotive machine shop business waiting for a new owner. #11247724 $350,000

Oglesby – Corner lot with 2 buildings, parking behind buildings, street and alley access. #11237179 $185,000

Princeton-Multi use property, 3 store fronts, 3 apartments and full basement. #11225337 $229,900

Tonica-Well maintained property, 2 buildings on 3 acres, fenced for security. #11224227 $265,000

Oglesby – Great place to start your business or move to this office/retail space. #11176341 Gross Lease

Ottawa – Unlimited possibilities at this 1.24 acre in downtown area. #11161065 $1,180,000

Mark – High traffic exposure, spacious building, plenty of parking spaces. #11090721 $85,000

McNabb – Well maintained bar & restaurant with indoor/outdoor entertainment. #10516373 $110,000

Henry – Must see industrial property with 5 steel framed buildings for your needs. #10297715 $1,200,000

COMMERCIAL LOTS Peru–Building site located in high traffic area with great visibility. ................. #11166650....$150,000 Ladd–26 acres of prime commercial land NW corner of I 80 & IL 89 .............. #10954862...$145,000 Princeton-Cleared, level building site features 2.88 acres in business plaza .. #10878168 .. $300,000 Princeton–Cleared, level building site features .51 acres zoned B2 ............... #10878119....$100,000 Princeton–Cleared, level building site features .43 acres in high traffic area.. #10878085 ...$100,000 Spring Valley–Great opportunity on this 3.43 acres, county road access....... #10516038 ...$125,000 Mendota–Prime agricultural land zoned for manufacturing, easy access....... #08880199 $1,190,000 8 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

Can’t find a home or condo that suites your needs or wants? Then build your own dream home or getaway at Lake of the Ozarks. We have plenty of Land or Lots for sale. Here are a few and there are many more!

MLS# 3539746 Lot 444 Grand View Dr., Porto Cima MLS# 3540390 Nassau Circle, Four Seasons

We want to Wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

Gene Azarskis ABR/MRP/SRS, Spouses Selling Houses Team, & RE/MAX Lake of the Ozarks

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 9

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10 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 11

Merry Christmas from Team Noble!

Kaye Pearson 815-866-7783

Lauren Smith 815-200-8746

Roxana Noble 815-878-7171

Beth Mulcahy 815-866-3630

Susan Jones 815-324-4737

PENDING

PENDING 21886 2280 East Street, Princeton MLS # 11266383 $153,000

922 South Euclid, Princeton MLS # 11259188 $180,000

17313 IL Hwy 40, Sheffield MLS # 11235832 $193,500

303 Park Avenue West, Princeton MLS # 11271643 $445,000

461 East Griswold Street, Princeton MLS # 11275487 $114,900

132 North Maple Street, Princeton MLS # 11256249 $168,500

139 South Park Street, Princeton MLS # 11144350 $60,000

605 Hidden Lake Drive, Princeton MLS # 11254322 $269,500

302 Park Avenue East, Princeton MLS # 11167315 $378,900

615 North 1st Street, Princeton MLS # 11132351 $82,000

200 South Maple Street, Wyanet MLS # 11202876 $124,500

204 South Center Street, Buda MLS # 11238930 $50,000

PENDING

2.2 ACRES - ZONED RESIDENTIAL 300 West Boyd Avenue, Princeton MLS # 10916387 $120,000

15.49 ACRES - ZONED RESIDENTIAL 804 West Hudson Street, Princeton MLS # 10383031 $447,661

TURN-KEY BUSINESS + INVENTORY 513 South Main Street, Princeton MLS # 11132351 $725,000

MAKE YOUR BUSINESS DREAMS A REALITY. 601 South Main Street, Princeton MLS # 10993463 $265,000

Landmark Realty of Illinois, LLC 1221 North Main Street • Princeton, IL

12 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

at Team Noble – Landmark Realty

TURN-KEY RESTAURANT & BAR + RENTAL SPACES 432 South Main Street, Princeton MLS # 11196636 $625,000

WELL-ESTABLISHED, RENOVATED BUSINESS. 816 Peoria Street, Peru MLS # 11189545 $190,000

11,000+ SQ. FT. WAREHOUSE - ZONED M-2.

24798 1900 North Avenue, Malden MLS # 10891754 $360,000

OFFICE AVAILABLE FOR RENT - $3,500/MONTH 1051 Ace Road, Princeton MLS # 10882856 $970,000

We Wish You A

Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 13

Designer tips for transforming your home lighting (BPT) - When it comes to choosing beautiful, functional lighting, the selections can appear endless and may be leaving you with no idea where to start.

If so, you’re not alone.

Many homeowners mistakenly believe any fixture will do the same job, when in fact effective lighting design is something of an art. The right lighting elements can make your home more relaxing or energizing, boost your sense of well-being and make daily tasks easier, all while reflecting your personal taste. According to Statista, the desire

for such improvements motivated 63% of U.S. consumers to plan changes to their home lighting over 2020-2021.

To assist such forward-thinking homeowners, Erin Hoover, director-design, Luxury Space for Kohler Co., offers the following suggestions on choosing ideal home lighting.

Factor in function. Ask yourself what you’d like your lighting to accomplish in the room you’re addressing. How is the room used? Do you need a main source of illumination

for the space, or do you need may guide placement of chanto supplement that with deco- deliers, linear style designs or rative accents? Where do you pendants. need direct and indirect light?

Stay savvy in the kitchen.

Consider existing archi- Since most kitchens feature tecture. Even if you like an multiple light sources, Hoover eclectic look (Pinterest and recommends designating one Instagram can be inspiration), fixture as your statement or you’ll want to at least partially focal piece, then choosing align each fixture with the rest other functional and decoraof your space in terms of form, tive accent pieces that align. line and/or color. In general, “The other lighting doesn’t high ceilings work well with have to match, but should be a pendants, chandeliers and little simpler,” she says. “Make linear-style lighting and lower sure it’s the correct scale for ceilings work better with flush your space and ceiling height,” or semi-flush fixtures and Hutton continues. “Pendant sconces. Your furniture layout or linear lighting is a good

Makeover your home with fun and fresh paint colors Stop in today to see how the vibrant colors of Benjamin Moore® can help your next paint project be your best ever.

Debo Ace Hardware

Shop your favorite Benjamin Moore® colors.

1713 4th St Downtown Peru (815) 223-0461 www.acehardware.com SM-LA1929725

©2019 Benjamin Moore & Co. ben, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co.All other marks are the property of their respective owner. 10/19

14 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

choice for kitchen islands and bars, and mixed metals are on trend with or without black or white accent finishes.” For added design flexibility, she notes, choose lighting that can be raised or lowered to easily adjust the height above bar areas, counters and islands.

KOHLER Lighting also exclusively offers finishes that perfectly color match Kohler and Kallista fixtures and faucets.

Introduce style to your bathroom. Depending on your daily routines, you may want your bath to offer both bright, functional lighting (for grooming) and mood lighting (for relaxation). Popular layouts feature 7- to 9-inch sconces mounted on each side of a vanity mirror, or a larger single sconce placed on the wall overhead. In powder rooms where steam isn’t an issue, Hoover likes decorative Kohler sconces that feature linen-look woven shades; she also recommends installing dimmer switches. “If you have the ceiling height, I love a chandelier in a bathroom,” she adds. “A 20- to 24-inch chandelier may be better than a 30- to 36-inch one unless you have a very

before deciding on the pendant, pendant cluster or chandelier that will make the right statement. “A single pendant can look stunning in a foyer that’s nine feet wide, whereas a 36-inch chandelier or two-tier Fit out your foyer. Hoover chandelier is perfect in a grand recommends considering the foyer,” she advises. height and depth of these imSince your lighting design portant, first-impression rooms spacious bath with a ceiling height of more than nine feet.

A larger pendant of 15 to 18 inches makes a statement over a freestanding tub if ceiling heights allow.”

is so important to the beauty, functionality and overall mood of your home, it should never be an afterthought. Take time to choose from the wide variety of bright, beautiful styles available, then invest in the fixtures that will truly transform your living spaces. Find more information about KOHLER Lighting at us.Kohler.com.

Your Window of Opportunity Awaits You at Maze.

Opportunities do not come around every day. Now is the perfect time to replace your windows and doors with Marvin.

we protect your home. because, well, somebody should.

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simple human sense

Joe Salz

Outside Sales

Since

1848

815-223-1742 • M-F 7:30-4:30 • Sat 8:00-Noon

Along Peru’s Historic Riverfront - at 1100 Water Street • www.mazelumber.com

Make YourDream Home a Reality LaSalle (815) 223-1795 bestinsuranceagency.com SM-LA1939080

Neal Hodges

Missy Clancy NMLS# 759336 Mortgage Loan Officer - AVP 815-220-2288 mclancy@myhtnb.com

m myhtnb.com

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 15

2011 Rock Street, Suite A • Peru, IL 61354 • 815-223-3875 January 2018 Mark Janko

Larry Bianchi 815-228-3826

Mark Janko, Managing Broker

Barb Bryant 815-252-3036

Penny Decker 815-228-7877

Adam Finley 815-830-4422

Andrea Greenwalt 815-878-1488

Terry Happ 815-488-1620

Katrina Jarrell 815-228-9779

Your Local Residential, Commercial, Land, Farms & Property Management Team 3131 Carrie St., Peru $295,000

3BD/ 3.5BA

#11270127

217 S. Western Ave., Ladd $99,900

4BD/ 1.5BA

#11249257

722 W. Saint Paul St., Spring Valley $89,900

2BD/ 2BA

#11221816

410 Deerfield, Oglesby $398,900

3BD/ 2BA

#11219088

16 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

912 Cleveland St., Peru $105,000

4BD/ 1BA

#11255362

541 11th St., La Salle $118,000

2BD/ 2.5BA

#11208469

1836 LaHarpe St., La Salle $114,900

3BD/ 1BA

#11211389

2643N. IL Rte 178, Unit 19-2, Utica $265,000

3BD/ 4BA

#11259888

SE HABLA ESPANOL

Erin Karlosky 815-719-7048

Linda Kaszynksi 815-228-5622

Tisha Kent 815-883-4941

222 O’Conor Ave., La Salle $209,900

4BD/ 2BA

#11214089

1230 Illinois St., La Salle $78,000

3BD/ 2BA

#11222992

754 Gooding St., La Salle $76,000

4BD/ 1BA

#11271446

605 W.Vly 4th St., McNabb 119 E. Iowa St., Spring $105,000 $51,500

3BD/ 1BA

#11145183

316 N. La Salle St., Ladd $69,900

2BD/ 1.5BA

#11265864

Pat Majors 815-228-6353

Jose Maldonado 815-830-3715

Royce Mignone 815-252-9997

Erik Milaicki 815-228-2289

1515 Linden Ave., La Salle $92,000

3BD/ 1.5BA

#11240671

2412 5th St., Peru $179,500

4BD/ 2BA

#11218439

315 E. Hopkins Ave., Granville $115,000

2BD/ 3BA

#11258568

2423 8th St., Peru $99,900

2BD/ 2BA

#11172796

1231 Creve Coeur St., La Salle $136,000

2+1BD/ 2BA

#11219505

A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Homes | December 2021/January 2022 17

SE HABLA ESPANOL

Jeff Mills 815-228-7833

Martha Moscosa 815-993-0804

460 E. US Hwy 34 Mendota $149,900

4BD/ 1BA

#11119349

Pat Olsen 815-910-5983

Brian Phillips 630-800-8622

0 Pulaski St., Peru $42,500

Lot 112X148

#10877086

316 N. La Salle St., Ladd $69,900

2BD/ 1.5 BA

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18 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

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Tips for home buyers during a seller’s market

A combination of factors, including low interest rates and a pandemic-driven decision by many city dwellers to look for houses in the suburbs, has created a housing boom for much of 2020 and 2021. That boom has created an undeniable seller’s market in real estate.

Just what is a seller’s market? The financial resource Investopedia defines it as a marketplace in which there are fewer goods for sale than there are interested buyers,

giving sellers the ability to dictate prices. Since mid-2020, there has been an extremely low inventory of homes for sale but a very high interest among purchasing parties.

Data from the National Association of Realtors indicated that, by the end of February 2021, housing inventory fell to a record low of 1.02 million units. These factors have led to a surge in competition from buyers, including bidding wars on homes and all-cash offers to entice sellers. In December 2020, the median listing prices for single-family homes shot up 13.4 percent from the same time the previous year, according to Realtor.com, and it hasn’t slowed down much since. Jeffrey Mezger, a 40-year veteran of the real estate industry and CEO of KB Home, says it’s the best seller’s housing market he’s seen in his career.

So where does this leave buyers interested in relocating? Here are some tips.

■ Consider areas with slower

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overall price growth. Experts say the southern and midwestern United States offer the best value for home shoppers because of their meager price growth. ClearCapital, which tracks housing values, says San Antonio, St. Louis and the Dallas/Fort Worth areas experienced the least price appreciation from 2019 into 2020.

■ Get preapproval or have your funds ready. Speed is the way to go if a buyer is interested in a property and wants to make an offer. Real estate professionals say buyers should be “offer ready,” which means having a mortgage preapproval letter or proof of funds for a down payment ready to go. Failure to have funds in check can slow down the process or compel sellers to reject an offer.

■ Work with a real estate agent. These are complicated times and it pays for buyers to have a professional working in their corner. A real estate agent uses his or her knowl-

edge to make a timely offer and negotiate on the buyer’s behalf. He or she also will provide insight into specific neighborhoods, amenities and school districts.

■ Eliminate certain contingencies from the equation.

Contingencies are factors that must be met before a sale can go through, according to the relocation site Moving. com. A common contingency is the need to sell one’s current home before closing on another. Asking for extended closing periods or certain home repairs are some additional contingencies that can make buyers less attractive to sellers.

■ Make it personal. Buyers can offer a personalized note with the offer that may connect with the seller emotionally and set one them apart from others who have made similar offers.

Buying in a seller’s market can be challenging. But some strategies can set buyers apart from the pack. TF217128

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20 December 2021/January 2022 | Illinois Valley Homes | A NewsTribune Publication

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