Starved Rock Country Homes_050920

Count ry HOMES May 2020

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Starved rock

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A publication of THE

INSIDE:

325 W. Main St., Grand Ridge 1

Listing by ReMax Country See more listings on pages 6 Saturday, May 9, 2020

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Top spring cleaning tips - page 4 Buying or selling in a pandemic - page 8 Kitchen remodeling - page 11 AND MORE!

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Scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to learn more & access our online interactive home construction lending guide.

All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Other fees and restrictions may apply.

Mobile carrier fees may apply.

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How home design trends are evolving for social distancing (MS) — COVID-19 has brought changes to everything, and home design is no exception. Experts are expecting to see lasting impacts on everything from the materials we use to the rooms we prioritize.

Check out these and other noteworthy trends: Houses over apartments: Many people who live in condos or apartments do so to be closer to the action — work, entertainment and shops — and never planned on spending much time at home. But the pandemic has changed that, and more people are going to want a home that offers plenty of room and outdoor space in case they need to self-isolate again.

Self-sufficiency: A hard lesson we’ve learned is that things and services we thought we could count on aren’t necessarily a sure thing, so items that increase self-reliance will become very popular. Expect to see more homes with sources of energy like solar panels, sources of heat like fireplaces and stoves, and even urban and indoor gardens that allow you to grow your own produce.

Outdoor living: Between playgrounds closing and parks becoming overcrowded, many of us are turning to our balconies, patios and backyards for fresh air and nature. This means we’re going to be investing more in our outdoor spaces, with functional kitchens, soothing water features, cozy firepits, and high-quality outdoor furniture to create a much-needed escape.

Healthier spaces: Thanks to spending more time indoors and reprioritizing our health, we’ll turn to design to help ensure our homes are safe and healthy for our families. We’ll see a rise in products like water filtration systems as well as materials that improve indoor air quality. For new homes and additions, alternatives to wood-framing like insulated concrete forms from Nudura, which offer improved ventilation for healthier indoor air quality and an environment that’s less susceptible to mold, will be key.

Home office space: Business experts are suggesting many companies will see that working from home is not only possible but

offers tangible benefits, like saving money on office space rent. With working from home on the rise, creating a home office space that inspires productivity will be a major project many of us tackle. Luxury home office furniture that feels chic and blends into your décor as well as ergonomic chairs and desks will see a major boost.

Custom and quality: With the hit to the economy, people are going to be buying less, but what they do buy will be better quality, while at the same time making an effort to support American businesses. When it comes to design, trends will shift to locally made furniture, custom-built homes and pieces and materials that stand the test of time.

Find more information at nudura.com.

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS REAL ESTATE ReMax County.......................................................................................................... 6-7 Starved Rock Realty.................................................................................................16

FINANCIAL & MORTGAGE AFFILIATES Financial Plus Credit Union......................................................................................5 Streator Home Savings Bank..................................................................................5 Eureka Savings Bank.................................................................................................. 11 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage............................................................................. 11 SOCU............................................................................................................................... 13 First State Bank............................................................................................................ 14

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES Danchris Nursery - Contractor’s Grouping..............................................15 Diversified Sheet Metal - Contractor’s Grouping..................................15

Arrow Well & Pump................................................................................................. 15 Marseilles Sheet Metal............................................................................................. 15

All real estate advertising in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 it illegal to advertise “any preferences, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

This publication will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on any equal opportunity basis.

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Top spring cleaning tips from the pros (BPT) - With extra time at home right now, millions of Americans are taking the opportunity to address housekeeping tasks they haven’t gotten around to - from cleaning the mattress to scrubbing the washer and dryer. This is the year to do your best spring cleaning yet.

You likely know the basics of how to get the job done right, but here are some game-changing tips from the pros on how to spruce up every room in your house.

1. Start with the bedroom * While washing your bedding, it’s a great time to rid your mattress of dust. A perfect tool for the job is a lightweight stick vacuum like the CordZero from LG. Using vibrations, its “power punch” nozzle attachment knocks dust free from the layers below and swiftly transfers it to the dust bin. * When rotating your closet from winter to summer, your stored clothes likely need a refresh.

Instead of washing, run summer clothes through the dryer on a steam refresh cycle and they’ll be ready for the season.

2. Take care of your appliances * Make sure to clean your dryer vent. “LG recommends cleaning the vent and hose every 6-12 months depending on how much laundry you do,” notes Laura Johnson, an R&D expert at the LG Electronics home appliances lab. “This will help keep the dryer in great shape and reduce risk of fire.” * Many people don’t know it’s important to run the tub clean

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cycle on your washer to get the inside of the machine clean.

Johnson recommends running the cycle every 30 washes with a cleaning agent like Affresh and Clorox washing machine cleaners or vinegar and baking soda. * Also take the time to wipe down the outside of the washer and dryer, and the rubber seal or gasket around the door or lid.

3. Use the power of steam to sanitize * Steam gives an unrivaled clean while also letting you take a break from harsh chemicals.

* Johnson suggests using steam cycle settings on your washer and/or dryer (many LG washing machines even have Sanitize and Allergiene cycles) to deep clean everything from bedding and pillows to bathroom floor mats. * You can also use a steam mop on your floors to get rid of any excess grit and grime.

4. Don’t forget to clean your kids’ toys * The dishwasher is getting more use than ever right now, and it can do more than you think!

Throw children’s dishwasherfriendly toys in to get them clean.

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If they’re smaller, be sure to place them in a mesh laundry bag first. * Now is also a good time to run kids’ washing machine-safe stuffed animals through a wash cycle - most can be laundered on your washer’s delicate cycle, but Johnson advises to always check labels to be sure. Plush toys can be dried on low heat - or if it’s sunny and warm, put them outside to dry.

5. Give the fabrics in your bathroom some TLC * When deep cleaning your shower, don’t forget your shower curtain. Vinyl, synthetic, cotton and natural fiber shower curtains can be laundered using the “waterproof” cycle (found on top-load washers) or “delicates” cycle (found on front-load washers) with mild detergent. If you can’t wash it, scrub the liner by hand with a sponge and a solution of 10 parts water to 1 part bleach. * Another hardworking textile in your bathroom is your bath mat. Run it through the washer with a gentle detergent every month for a clean you can feel. When the wash cycle is complete, leave it out to dry overnight and your bathroom will feel better than ever.

STREATOR HOME SAVINGS BANK

You Dream It

We Can Make It Real Edward A. Mollo

ed.mollo@streatorhome.com NMLS #433934

Streator Home Savings Bank

Nicholas D. McFadden

nick.mcfadden@streatorhome.com NMLS #433932

132 S. Monroe St. Streator, IL 61364 815-673-5566 www.streatorhome.com

NMLS #421604 Member

FDIC

SM-CL1770875

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67 E Circle Dr, Streator

41 Stacy Ave, Streator

320 W Main St, Grand Ridge

4 bed | 1 bath | 1032 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10663416

3 bed | 2 bath | 2059 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10698676

3 bed | 2 bath | 1272 Sq Ft 5 car garage | MLS# 10630715

$129,900

$121,000

$138,000

511 E 12th St, Streator

4 Helen St, Streator

216 S Vermillion St, Streator

2123 E 1075th Rd, Oglesby

2 bed | 1 bath 2 car garage | MLS# 10700813

3 bed | 1.1 bath | 1920 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10630328

4 bed | 2.1 bath | 2570 Sq Ft 2.5 car garage | MLS# 10675925

2 homes | 1950 Sq Ft | 1750 Sq Ft 10 acres | MLS# 10121181

$30,000

$144,900

$150,000

$500,000

Call us to schedule a showing!

Multi Units - Commercial - Land 306 S Park St, Streator 2 unit | 1 bed each MLS#10436412 $34,500

212 E Main St, Streator Updated Downtown Building MLS#10617080 $89,000

112 S Vermillion St, Streator 4 unit | downtown area MLS#10359667 $160,000

510 E 12th St, Streator Neighborhood Bar MLS#10503390 $100,000

1115 N Park St, Streator Commercial Rental MLS#10649524 $650/mo 201 Danny’s Dr #1, Streator Commercial Rental MLS# 09376531 $1300/mo 601 E Main St, Streator Commercial Bldg | 800 Sq Ft MLS#10618761 $74,900

307 E Hickory St, Streator Office Building | Extra Lot | Garage MLS#10358726 $130,000 109 E Elm St, Streator Commercial Bldg | 4798 Sq Ft MLS#09979437 $289,000 00 E 1251ST Rd, Ottawa Next to Catlin Nature Preserve 10+ acres MLS# 10053120 $190,000

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

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Country 1803 S. Bloomington St, Streator Phone: 815.672.9099 Fax: 815.673.5099 Website: www.countryil.com

Jennifer Bliss

Jenny Gura

Gigi Lansford

815-674-5483

815-257-8910

815-674-7656

BROKER

BROKER

BROKER

Beckie Chismarick DESIGNATED MANAGING BROKER

815-257-3183

110 LaSalle St, Streator

318 Court St, Streator

135 W 2nd St, Streator

3 bed | 1 bath | 858 Sq Ft 1.5 car garage | MLS# 10472187

4 bed | 1.1 bath | 1752 Sq Ft 1 car garage | MLS# 10694876

2 bed | 1 bath | 1257 Sq Ft MLS# 10024297

2 bed | 1 bath | 696 Sq Ft 1 car garage | MLS# 10639657

218 S Bloomington St, Streator

1409 E John St, Streator

103 W Livingston Rd, Streator

307 S Columbus St, Ransom

911 Painter St, Streator $25,000

3 bed | 1.2 bath | 1934 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10596876

$60,000

801 W 2nd St, Streator 1 bed | 1 bath | 1200 Sq Ft MLS# 10495302

$65,000

309 Oakley Ave, Streator 4 bed | 2 bath | 1418 Sq Ft 1.5 car garage | MLS# 10569415

$75,000

1714 N Franklin St, Streator 3 bed | 1 bath | 1165 Sq Ft 2.5 car garage | MLS# 10612738

$75,000

$45,000

3 bed | 1 bath | 1000 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10659905

$60,000

$47,000

3 bed | 1.1 bath | 1292 Sq Ft MLS# 10684618

$60,000

Call us to schedule a showing or to list your property!

203 W Larue St, Streator 4 bed | 2 bath | 1535 Sq Ft MLS# 10399878

$86,000

1101 Cleveland St, Streator 3 bed | 1.1 bath | 1887 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10535756

$89,900

$59,900

3 bed | 1 bath | 1330 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10464752

$62,500

213 E Livingston Rd, Streator 2 bed | 1 bath | 1040 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10594635

$70,000

308 S Everett St, Streator 2 bed | 1 bath | 1027 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10607037

$75,000

906 Taylor St, Streator 3 bed | 2 bath | 1438 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10580267

$99,000

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

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Buying or selling a home during a pandemic? Here’s what you need to know (BPT) - While the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed real estate transactions across the country, some still need to buy or sell their homes. It’s critical to understand the pandemic’s impacts on real estate, from simply touring a home to the ability to close transactions.

“Realtors® across the country have implemented a range of innovative and secure solutions to comply with social distancing directives while still enabling people to buy and sell homes,” said NAR President Vince Malta, broker at Malta & Co., Inc., in San Francisco, Calif.

“In these difficult times, Realtors® are also more than just service providers.

They are engaged community members, committed to building and enhancing the neighborhoods they serve, from checking in on neighbors and friends to offering guidance to their clients.”

As home buyers and sellers adjust to these extraordinary circumstances, the National Association of Realtors® offers advice on how to navigate this new temporary real estate reality.

What buyers need to know Home tours will look a little different

Where in-person showings are still offered, potential buyers can expect quicker tours and may be asked to take extra precautions such as removing shoes, using hand sanitizer and avoiding touching anything in the home.

Many sellers have offered virtual tours

of their homes through pre-recorded videos or live video streams. In fact, according to a recent NAR survey on the pandemic’s impact on real estate, three in five Realtors® said they are guiding buyers through virtual home tours. Buyers that decide to go on a virtual tour should ask their Realtor® questions about things that are more difficult to experience and understand through video, such as size (e.g., height of the ceilings or dimensions of rooms) or materials, including the flooring or countertops.

Interest rates are low

Interest rates are at historic lows; however, that could change given the fluidity and uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. As more people file for unemployment, mortgage lenders may tighten lending standards, subsequently driving rates up. Or delayed demand could push rates further down. Potential buyers can prepare for home ownership by understanding their budget, building

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a good credit history, and getting prequalified for a mortgage. Some lenders even allow borrowers to lock in interest rates for limited periods of time - with now being a great time because of the low interest rates.

Don’t expect a discount

Nationally, home prices are holding steady, with the majority of home prices the same or higher from one year ago, according to NAR. At the same time, new home listings are down as sellers delay listing their homes. Serious buyers should submit competitive offers, and their Realtors® will advise them on exactly what that looks like for their respective markets.

Expect delays

The entire industry - from lenders to Realtors® to home inspectors to title companies - is adapting to the sudden and unforeseen transition of operating in a nearly contact-free environment. Those terminating a lease should leave some

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wiggle room, even an extra month or two, between moving out of a rental and into a new home in case of an unexpected delay. Hiring moving crews may prove challenging, so buyers should give them as much notice ahead of their move as possible.

What sellers need to know

Sellers face potential challenges, too.

Keep an eye out for any expected delays either in the transaction process, such as the ability to get paperwork signed or having appraisers or inspectors onsite due to social distancing rules.

Use tech tools to help market and show your home

At a time when in-person showings may be inadvisable, and even prohibited, there are many digital tools available to continue marketing and showing your home. A Realtor® can help coordinate three-dimensional interactive property scans, virtual tours (either pre-recorded or live), on-demand open houses and

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virtual staging to showcase your property.

If sellers do receive an offer on their home, their Realtor® has the ability to present it to them virtually as well.

Take steps to protect yourself

Buyers have purchased properties “sight unseen” for a variety of reasons long before this pandemic. However, most buyers do not have experience purchasing a property without physically visiting it. Therefore, sellers may want to include language in the purchase agreement that ensures the buyer acknowledges that they are responsible for personal verification, walkthroughs and professional inspections to confirm that the property meets their needs.

Buyers are still searching

Just because fewer buyers are touring homes in person doesn’t mean they’ve stopped searching for homes. Many are stuck at home, so you can bet they’re browsing online more now than ever. Sellers should think twice before

they drop their price as nearly three in four Realtors® say sellers have not lowered prices to attract buyers during the pandemic. As potential buyers increasingly browse homes online, having attractive and accurate photos and videos is even more important. Sellers may want to consider using this extra time at home to make updates around their home and take fresh pictures for those starting their search online.

More advice for buyers and sellers

As the situation continues to evolve, NAR encourages buyers and sellers to follow CDC guidelines to protect their health and safety. NAR also developed the infographic below with additional advice on how to get the most value out of working with a Realtor®. For more information and resources on buying or selling a home visit www.houselogic.com, and to find a local Realtor® visit www. realtor.com.

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Mulching mistakes to avoid

Landscape features vary significantly from house to house.

Some homeowners may prefer water features on their properties, while others focus on flowers that would be the envy of a botanical garden.

Regardless of those preferences, lawn and garden enthusiasts who want to make their properties as idyllic as possible may eventually look to mulch to help them accomplish that goal.

Mulch helps soil retain moisture, which promotes strong, healthy flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs.

And because soil beneath mulch retains more moisture than soil that’s not protected by mulch, homeowners won’t have to spend as much time watering mulched landscapes. That saves time and conserves water, which can be a big benefit in areas prone to drought and/or especially hot summers. Mulch also helps to suppress weed growth, which can ensure all that hard work needed to create an eye-catching garden won’t be compromised by the presence of

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unsightly, thirsty weeds.

Mulching seems like a simple task, and it can be. But that does not mean homeowners cannot make mistakes when mulching.

The following are some common mulching mistakes to avoid as lawn and garden season hits full swing.

• Not enough mulch: Mulch is ineffective when spread too thin.

The Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University recommends applying mulch no less than two inches in depth. Anything less than that will prove ineffective at preventing weed growth and helping the soil retain moisture, and that means you will need to water more often.

• Poorly located mulch: Mulch should not be placed too close to plant stems or tree trunks. When it is, tissue is so wet that it makes for a perfect environment for disease and insect infestation.

• Failing to mulch to the drip line: The drip line of a tree refers

to the outermost circumference of the tree’s canopy from which water drips onto the ground. The VCE recommends mulching to the drip line of a plant or tree, which ensures the plant or tree will get the most out of the mulch. Mulching to the drip line also minimizes competition from the grass, leading to stronger plants and trees.

• Failing to weed before mulching: Weeds should be

removed prior to mulching. If they’re not, the mulch can provide the same growing environment for weeds that you’re trying to create for your plants and trees.

Mulching benefits a landscape in myriad ways, especially when homeowners avoid some common mulching mistakes.

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Hot trends in kitchen remodeling BPT) - Year after year, the most popular home improvement project for American families remains the same: remodeling the kitchen. Today, kitchen makeovers are more ambitious than ever, with homeowners willing to spend larger budgets to upgrade both the aesthetics and the functionality of what is, after all, the most used room in the house.

“Many architects, designers and homeowners are specifying hardwood as an essential part of any kitchen refresh,” notes Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center. “That’s because wood not only offers a wide variety of looks and design possibilities, it also exemplifies the kind of material today’s environmentally conscious consumer wants: One that’s renewable, sustainable, plentiful, durable and easy to work with - all of which makes it an excellent return on investment.”

Replacing tired old kitchen cabinets with stylish new ones is a favorite starting point, but there are several strategies

TARA STEFANICH

Mortgage Originator 815.433.3727 Ottawa tstefanich@firststatebank.biz NMLS#688620

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to help maximize their impact. “I like to specify one type of wood for an entire kitchen - cabinetry, furniture, millwork and flooring - but use different stains and finishes on each element,” says New York designer Laura Bohn. “That creates visual interest without losing a sense of overall unity.” In one all-walnut kitchen project, for instance, Bohn painted the Shaker-style cabinets a putty tone for a serene background. But she stained the wide-plank floor a darker shade than the granite-top island so that the latter stands out like a beautiful piece of furniture.

In a similar vein, a recently completed 1920’s Bungalow house renovation had quarter-sawn white oak used throughout for floors, interior doors and kitchen cabinets. While the floorboards were lightly white-washed and given a protective coating to create the look of bare wood, the base cabinets, supplied

by Plain & Fancy Custom Cabinetry, received a slightly darker cerused finish just different enough to distinguish them

from the rest of the woodwork. The oak wall cabinets were painted white to match the kitchen’s shiplap ceiling. “It’s peaceful rather than exciting,” said the homeowner. “And that’s exactly what we wanted.”

If you’re after a livelier effect, you might consider another emerging trend: mixing up wood species and cabinet-door styles.

Wellborn Cabinets demonstrated this strategy at a recent kitchen and bath show where their Rustic Global Spice Kitchen incorporated not only two types of hardwood - oak and maple - but also three door styles each with its own stain.

“To make this look succeed, you or your designer will need to find common stylistic threads running through the various elements - underlying kinships of shape, color, texture and proportion that will pull the disparate parts together into a unified whole,” advises San Antoniobased designer Melissa Morgan. “It’s takes a certain amount of confidence, but the results can be spectacular.”

ASHLEY RZASA

Mortgage Originator 815.673.4381 Streator arzasa@firststatebank.biz NMLS #1900504

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4 safe ways to connect with family and friends while practicing social distancing (BPT) - Bob Dylan once sang, “For the times they are a-changin’,” and that has perhaps never been more true than it is today. The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new phrases like social distancing to the general population, and has also redefined both work and family life, creating a new normal.

This adjustment is not an easy one, keeping most folks from daily interaction with family and friends. The good news is there are ways you can still spend time with those you care about, all while practicing the nuanced art of social distancing.

Start new traditions while supporting those in need

While traditional dining out is not currently possible, it’s the perfect time to start a new tradition around mealtime.

Noodles & Company now offers family

SM-CL1773390

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meals that you can conveniently order online and pick up either via quick pick-up or the new curbside pick-up, which is available at nearly 350 locations nationwide. Additionally, you can also enjoy free delivery through April 30 when ordering directly from Noodles.com or by using the Noodles app, which makes staying at home even easier.

Plus, for every family meal ordered, Noodles & Company will donate one regular entrée to a healthcare worker in an effort to give back to those who deserve it most right now. So, it’s time to get menubrowsing and pick which tasty option your family can enjoy for lunch or dinner today. Cultivating connection is now more important than ever, and the new family meals make it easy to connect with loved ones over a warm and delicious bowl of noodles, whether they’re miles away over a computer screen or across the table. No matter the distance, Noodles can help your family focus on what matters most: company.

Schedule virtual activities

While it may seem easy to connect with family and friends while homebound,

many have found it to be quite difficult.

Instead of trying to find additional time in the day to connect with those you love, a great alternative is to leverage the existing time you once allocated to other activities before social distancing took effect. This time can then be spent with loved ones by enjoying activities via video chat.

For example, if you used to take lunchtime walks with coworkers you can now spend that time enjoying a virtual workout class together. If you used to attend happy hours or other group activities with friends or family, you can now take part in online games, courses or virtual book club meetings instead.

Commit with your friends and family to stick with your favorite activities and routines and you’ll be reunited together in person before you know it.

Switch up story time

If you have little ones at home, they are likely missing the loved ones they are used to frequently seeing in person.

One of the easiest ways to incorporate these people into your children’s lives in

a meaningful way is to reinvent the story time portion of their bedtime routine.

Instead of tackling the story yourself, have a loved one read to them instead via video conference. Whether you flip the pages for your guest reader or they read a book from home across the screen, it’s a simple activity that’s sure to bring everyone closer together.

Embrace traditional communication

In times like these, the communication you send with a personalized touch will resonate with loved ones the most.

Writing a letter or sending a care package creates a one-of-a-kind nostalgic feeling the recipient is sure to appreciate. Plus, you don’t have to live entirely in the present. Using letters to plan for future events and vacations can be a great way to reduce stress during uncertain times and can be a promising light at the end of the tunnel.

Social distancing shouldn’t mean isolation. Employ the tips above and be proactive in your efforts to connect with loved ones to strengthen the relationships that matter most.

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Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 815-433-3715 Cell: 815-258-7772 geoff.vezain@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 413494

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Now’s a great time to unlock the smart home you never knew you had - here’s how

(BPT) - With everyone hunkering down, many of us are thinking about how to maximize what’s already in our homes.

What many don’t know is that the benefits and efficiencies of a smart home might already be at their fingertips. With a little research and time spent with your appliances and technology, you can start enjoying the convenience of the smart home features you never knew you had - with added benefits like tips and alerts that will help you take care of your appliances to avoid service issues.

1. Reacquaint yourself with your tech Start online by doing a search of the make and model of your TVs, speakers and appliances to determine if your items have smart capabilities. If they do, you can easily locate online instructions for setup and user-friendly tutorials on how to use them to their full advantage.

Have you recently purchased a premium new TV or appliance? If you have, there’s a good chance that it’s smart-enabled.

2. Start exploring your smart app After selecting a smart-enabled

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appliance or TV that you’d like to focus on, download the accompanying smart app to your smartphone or tablet. Many brands have one central app for their appliances and electronics to make this even easier. For example, LG’s is called ThinQ. A central app is the easiest way to keep yourself organized.

3. Get notifications directly to your phone Apps like ThinQ allow you to track the status of appliances like your Wi-Fienabled washing machine. Download unique wash cycles on the ThinQ app like the Waterproof cycle, which washes waterproof material like mattress covers and rain jackets. Through the app you can receive notifications to your phone when cycles are completed, and start and stop your machine. If you have a ThinQ-enabled LG TV, you can even receive these notifications directly on the screen - making sure you don’t miss any binge-worthy television.

4. Avoid service calls You may be surprised just how advanced some of these features get; LG now offers customer support

technology that alerts smart appliance owners to potential problems before they occur, which is more important than ever these days. For example, if you used too much detergent in an LG washing machine, “Proactive Customer Care” will send you an alert followed by specific care instructions to fix the problem. It can even tell you if your dryer vent needs cleaning or your fridge is not cooling properly, providing guidance for how to take the right action to avoid a problem.

5. Hands-free is carefree Most smart appliances and devices can be connected to the Google Assistant and/or Amazon Alexa. Some smart TVs like those from LG have both built in. This feature lets you use voice commands to control your enabled appliances or devices so you don’t have to lift a finger!

If you recently bought a new appliance or TV, your home may be smarter than you thought. Interested in learning more about what smart appliances and smart TVs have to offer? Visit LG.com and take a look around.

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

5/1/20 9:09 AM

Local Contractors Heating & Air Conditioning Systems stem st ems s & Re Repa Repair pa

• Water Well Service • Water Well Drilling • Water Pumps Serving the LaSalle Co. Area

4014 Tyler Drive • Ottawa MIKE STRANGE, Owner

• Residential Commercial • Industrial

Well Drilling Pump Service

FREE WELL ESTIMATES 815-433-6169

Call today y to to disc d discuss isc your needs.

Financing is available.

901 W. Bluff Street, Marseilles, IL 61341 • 815.795.4500

DiversiďŹ ed Sheet Metal

HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING • REFRIGERATION • ARCHITECTURAL SHEET METAL

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

402 N. Illinois, Streator

(815) 672-2990 OFFICE • (815) 672-5620 FAX

If your business provides services and products related to home improvement this is the place to advertise.

Your business message will reach over 30,000 monthly readers.

It’s economical. It’s effective. It will work for you!

Times

THE

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

SRC Home 050920.indd 15

Call Today!

815-220-6948

Saturday, May 9, 2020

15

5/1/20 9:09 AM

Starved Rock Realty

620 N. Division St. St Utica

(815) 667-9990 667 9990

www.starvedrockrealty.net www starvedrockrealty net

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

Alice Green

Broker/Owner

Johanna Arkels

Broker

(815) 252-9696

Broker

(815) 488-9712

Larla adam

Denisse Perez

(815) 883-1353

(815) 326-8513

Broker

Broker

(815) 252-8026

130 Mill Street

300 Gary Street

MLS # 10687630

Cash in on the average 2.5 Million annual visitors to Starved Rock Area & the local residents by owning the only Grocery store in Historic Downtown Utica. Currently a grocery with available space for deli and butcher shop.

Wonderful Walk-in freezer & walk-in refrigerator that opens to many refrigerated display cases. Nearly 4000 sq ft of commercial space right in the heart of town. Pleasantly updated with a long history of serving local businesses & residents & also tourists. Currently Rented. A great opportunity for a steady rental income or to run your own business. Limited only by your imagination. Currently has a liquor license.

Offered by Dee Barrera

$199,900

UTICA

21 Oak Ridge Drive

MLS # 10576460

Quaint 3 BR, 1 BA on the edge of town. Well taken care of with a 2 car detached garage. Nice size back yard - this home has a lot of potential - investment or make it your home! Great country living!

Offered by Dee Barrera

$64,000

LEONORE

2643 N. Illinois Rt. 178, Unit M-4

510 Church Street

RARE FIND - This lot is adjacent to Oak Ridge Golf Course and has a stream running through it.

Engineering due diligence has been completed. A fabulous piece of property to build your dream home and walk to the course! Minutes from Starved Rock State Park, Matthiessen and Buffalo Rock Parks. ~~~ Don’t just change your address - change your lifestyle!~~~ $5000 landscaping allowance upon a successful closing.

MLS # 10600262

3BR/2.5BA brick home with main level laundry is ready and waiting for you to move in to. Eat in kitchen has ample oak cabinetry with SS appliances. Large living room has plenty of space to be divided into an office area as well. Brick exterior with spacious open porch. Furnace & CA are 7 yrs old. Newer gutters.

Many upgrades. Freshly painted interior. All wood blinds remain. ** Home Warranty included**

MLS # 10698207 Fully-furnished 2- story, 2 bedroom, 2 full bath townhome-Large open floor plan -1800 square feet of luxury rustic living-Kitchen with breakfast bar with granite counter tops & 4 stools-Dining area accommodates table for 6 - Huge living room with electric fireplace & mantel with a 55� TV - Slider to back patio-Upstairs is the master bedroom with 2nd fireplace, whirlpool, vanity, king bed, sofa sleeper & balcony - Front bedroom has 2 full size beds, 2 walk-in closets & balcony - Unit sleeps 10

Offered by Dee Barrera

Offered by Dee Barrera

Offered by Dee Barrera

MLS # 10691966

$65,000

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LASALLE

$99,900

PERU

$88,500

UTICA

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

5/1/20 9:09 AM