Starved Rock Country Homes July 2020

Count ry HOMES

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July 2020

Starved rock

Times

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®

A publication of THE

INSIDE: Improve your kitchen pantry - page 4 Top Gardening trends - page 7 Home office - page 8 AND MORE!

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130 Mill Street, Utica

Listing is by Starved Rock Realty See more listings on page 5

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

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By

Home Home

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www.ffbsloans.com 2

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS REAL ESTATE Starved Rock Realty....................................................................................................5 Janke Realty......................................................................................................................8

FINANCIAL & MORTGAGE AFFILIATES First Federal Savings Bank.........................................................................................2 First State Bank...............................................................................................................3 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage................................................................................4 Quality Care Cleaning................................................................................................6 Financial Plus Credit Union......................................................................................6 Eureka Savings Bank.....................................................................................................8 Streator Home Savings Bank..................................................................................9 SOCU............................................................................................................................... 10 First National Bank of Ottawa............................................................................ 11

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES Danchris Nursery - Contractor’s Grouping..............................................12 Diversified Sheet Metal - Contractor’s Grouping..................................12

Arrow Well & Pump................................................................................................. 12 Marseilles Sheet Metal............................................................................................. 12

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.

Opening Doors.

Closing Loans.

Bringing You Home.

EXCELLENT RATES • QUICK LOCAL DECISIONS PERSONALIZED SERVICE • INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION

TARA STEFANICH

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

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ASHLEY RZASA

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

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Simple ways to improve a kitchen pantry People have been spending more time at home in 2020 than in years past, and certain projects around the house have become a priority. One home improvement idea that serves the double benefit of creating organization and making cooking at home more efficient is to reimagine the kitchen pantry.

A pantry is a room or closet where food, beverages and linens or dishes are stored. Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries. Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly.

• See kitchen pantry on page 7

Helping you finance your happily ever after Whatever your home financing needs may be, I’m here to help you. With access to a broad selection of products and programs, homebuyer resources, and my support, you can feel confident that the home financing you choose will work through years of homeownership.

I look forward to working with you throughout a lifetime of homeownership.

Contact me today.

Geoff VeZain

CS5218

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

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.

REV 3/18 108193-2 -

SM-CL1792027

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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 Broker/Owner

(815) 252-9696

Alice Green

Johanna Arkels

Broker

Broker

(815) 488-9712

(815) 252-8026

Larla adam

Denisse Perez

(815) 883-1353

(815) 326-8513

Broker

Broker

WE NEED MORE LISTINGS!!!

D SOL

D SOL

2558 Evans Rd., Magnolia MLS # 10060340 OLD TO NEW! Gather the family here for the holidays in this UNIQUE 3 bedroom 2 bath house constructed in 2007 around a barn built in late 1800s in Scotland Canada. Enjoy evenings by the STUNNING Rumford fireplace, watching the abundance of wildlife over 11.78 acres, divided between native prairie grass, pasture, and woodland. Room for horses.

Lot 12 Burgess Dr., Utica MLS # 10610034 Just over .5 acres to build your dream home on!

The only vacant lot on the Brittany Court cul de sac.

Waltham school district. Near golf course, shopping, major highways and state parks.

MAGNOLIA

D SOL

D SOL

MLS # 10642431 Great starter home with nice heated pole building too.

Smaller 2 bedroom 1 bath home with some updates in kitchen, bath, and bedroom. All but 1 window are newer in the home, some just in Jan. 2018. Water heater new in 2019. Large heated pole bldg at the back of the large sized yard. This is a cost efficient home, great for someone just starting out or looking to downsize. door.

Motivated seller, bring all offers.

UTICA

D SOL

2643 N. IL Rt. 178 - M-4 - Utica

1620 Kansas St., Ottawa

OTTAWA

D SOL

2038 N. 31st Rd., Ottawa

1914 LaSalle St., Ottawa

MLS # 10698207 LOCATION IS PERFECT for this fully-furnished 2story, 2 bedroom, 2 full bath townhome in a quiet little cul de sac nestled in the woods on the edge of Grand Bear Resort-Large open floor plan -1800 square feet of luxury rustic living-Kitchen with breakfast bar, granite counter tops & 4 stools-Dining area accommodates table for 6 .open floor plan with gas fireplaces, - Slider to back patio-Upstairs is the master bedroom with 2nd fireplace, whirlpool, vanity, king bed, sofa sleeper & balcony - Front bedroom has 2 Queen size beds, 2 walk-in closets & balcony - Unit sleeps 10 - (owner does not own parking spaces).

MLS # 10482126 Brick ranch in nice rural location, only minutes from the Dayton Dam and state roads and interstate. This home has 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bath, a full basement and appliances included are stove, refrigerator, microwave, washer, and dryer. Home sits on 1.61 acre. Home has a 2 car detached garage and nice big yard to enjoy. Home has formal dining and nice sized rooms, most of the home has hardwood flooring throughout. Potential here is great, does need some updating, but this one is a diamond in the rough! There’s also been some recent painting in the home, both inside and outside. Don’t let this one pass you by! Location! Location! Location!

MLS# 10542919 Ottawa’s “Lost Lincoln House” is up for sale again!

This 3 bedroom recently rehabbed home has new flooring, electrical, water heater, some windows, updated kitchen and bath, garage door, porch and back stamped patio. Appliances included, along with new washer/dryer that has hookups in basement or the smaller bedroom for main floor laundry. Nice yard includes large extra lot in back with access from either LaSalle St or Fremont Pl. Close to food, shopping, interstates, Starved Rock and other State Parks, Illinois and other rivers there is plenty to do!

UTICA

OTTAWA

OTTAWA

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•

Kitchen pantry continued from page 4 • Maximize vertical storage. Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity.

Build in extra nooks by investing in undershelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients. Homeowners also can look for ways to use the inside of cabinet doors or add extra shelves on walls or in eaves.

• Consider your needs. Figure out which items you would like to store in the pantry and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may feature wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes and other produce, shelving for small appliances, and even pull out racks for baking pans or cutting boards.

• Use clear storage. Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers of similar dimensions so that you can easily find items you need. Transfer bulky items, like cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers for uniformity.

• Store bulk items elsewhere. Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but bulk items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for non-perishable bulk products,

like paper goods or canned items, such as in a garage or utility room.

• Pull out drawers are convenient.

Pull-out drawers can reduce the need to seek and reach for items. These drawers conveniently roll out so items in the back can be accessed without disturbing foods in the front.

Drawers can be custom built for any pantry space.

• Make it accessible.

Think about who will be taking items from the pantry. Put children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home.

A pantry remodel can add valuable storage space and make one of the busiest rooms in the house operate more efficiently.

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Top Gardening Trends for 2020 Blooms and beyond: The top gardening trends for 2020 (BPT) - Whether you have an outdoor oasis or are a nurturing indoor plant parent, gardening offers a multitude of benefits and has the power to brighten up any space or mood. Spring is the time to plan what plants to grow, and with some expert insight on top trends, you’ll be gardening with success and enjoying the results.

The team at Ball Horticultural Company shares the top trends for 2020, guiding plant lovers at all levels to confidently grow a garden, big or small.

Indoor Garden Rooms Mother Nature has made her way indoors with more people planting inside their homes in a variety of ways. Whether it’s creating a soothing space by a windowsill filled with houseplants or growing your own edible herbs and microgreens in your kitchen, planting indoors is on the rise. Serious plant-lovers are even dedicating entire interior spaces to gardening, creating “garden rooms” or “indoor jungles.”

Indoor gardening lets homeowners experience the benefits of plants wherever they live, regardless of the weather outdoors.

Easy-to-care-for houseplants, such as Dieffenbachia, a strong and sturdy plant that has stunning and unique tropical leaves, makes people feel like they are on vacation in their own homes. Studies show that foliage plants also clean indoor air and lift overall spirits.

Finally, don’t be afraid of indoor flowering plants like Gerbera or Cyclamen. Their flowers last 3-4 weeks and are available in many colors to fit your mood or match your seasonal décor.

PanAmerican Seed offers the Kitchen Minis® collection as an option for gardeners who want to grow and harvest their own vegetables year-round. These potted vegetable plants can thrive on a sunny windowsill or counter. With Kitchen Minis, such as the Siam Edible Potted Tomato, people can pluck ingredients right from the container in their kitchen to use in a recipe. The collection also includes sweet and hot peppers with more options to come.

Gardening for Health and Wellness It’s no secret that consuming fresh vegetables and herbs is beneficial to one’s physical health, and gardening at home puts a variety of flavorful produce within arm’s reach. The benefits of gardening also extend to mental health, as tending a garden and being close to nature helps reduce stress, calm anxiety and acts as a mood-booster.

Herbs are a simple place to start when growing your own

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food. You can’t go wrong with Everleaf Emerald Towers Basil, which adds flavor to many dishes like fresh Caprese salad. This beautiful, column-like plant not only gives a bountiful harvest, it is also late to flower and can be paired with colorful flowers in a mixed container for month after month of hand-plucked flavor and garden enjoyment.

Mardi Gras Fun Snack Peppers from Burpee Plants are the perfect healthy miniature peppers that add a conversation piece to any garden. They’re available in four eye-catching color options that can be grown together in one container for a fun patio display, and kids adore helping to grow, pick and eat these crunchy snacks.

Aromatherapy is also a popular wellness practice, with lavender plants topping the list of must-haves because of its reputation for inspiring relaxation. SuperBlue English Lavender grows rich blue blooms on short flower spikes, providing a calming scent and great garden texture. Alternatively, Primavera Spanish Lavender flowers throughout the summer, displaying great heat tolerance with bushy, scented florets that attract bees and other pollinators.

Bold Colors Bold colors are planted in gardens across the country and different hues blanket landscapes large and small. Additionally, people with container gardens are planting flowers known for their vivid color for instant impact, making this trend accessible to all, including those who live in a condo or apartment with limited outdoor garden space.

Some standout plants that feature the best bold hues include Galaxy Geranium, a brand-new series that is vigorous enough to keep its large, semi-double blooms in-color all season. Look for stunning dark red, pink, purple, salmon, violet, watermelon and white, giving gardeners the option to choose their favorite shade or create a rainbow of flowers.

Another bold option that is wonderful for sunny borders or bright corners is Rose Marvel Salvia. Its mega-large bloom stems result in spectacular displays in spring and summer so you’ll enjoy color throughout the warm months. The rose-pink flowers are deer and rabbit resistant, plus they rebloom without being cut back, saving time and minimizing maintenance.

Ask for these plants at your favorite garden retailer, and you’re on your way to experiencing all that flowers have to offer. To learn more about these plants and the top gardening trends of the year, visit the plant experts at www.ballhort.com.

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Home office must-haves Remote work has been around for many years, though it certainly picked up steam in 2020. In an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, in March 2020 government officials implemented stay-at-home measures that mandated many working professionals to begin working from home. That transition occurred seemingly overnight, forcing men and women to find somewhere in their homes to work.

As the dust settled and working professionals grew accustomed to working from home, many recognized the need to have an office in their homes. Various factors can make home offices more conducive to getting work done, and the following are some home office must-haves that can help people be more productive while working from home.

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4 bed, 4.1 baths. Attached 3 car insulated garage, new roof, zoned floor heating, main level laundry. Spacious kitchen with center island and conversational seating family room boasts both warmth and beauty. Inviting fireplace with custom built-ins spells HOME! Beautiful formal dining room. Large main level master bedroom has sliding glass doors with spectacular views. The master bath area has a walk in closet, separate shower and whirlpool tub. A very welcoming foyer area leads you to the upper level with 3 other bedrooms and 2 baths. One bedroom is presently being used as an office area.

Another area with additional bedroom was used as a small apt at one time. It offers a 2nd kitchen and bath. 9ft ceilings in the unfinished basement. MLS #10743018

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Janko Realty & Development LLC

2011 Rock St., Suite A Peru, IL 61354 815-223-3875 theresawashkowiak@yahoo.com www.jankorealty.com

101 N. Columbia Ave., Oglesby 815-883-3354 2959 Peoria St., Peru 815-223-9400

250 Marquette St., LaSalle 815-223-0700 1300 13th Ave., Mendota 815-539-5656

SM-CL1792151

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Lighting

Lighting is important in a home office. It’s easy to overlook natural light, especially for workers who previously worked in offices that did not have windows. But natural light can help save on energy costs and boost mood. In fact, natural light is a valued commodity for people used to working in office settings. A 2018 survey of more than 1,600 workers conducted by the human resources advisory firm Future Workplace found that access to natural light and views of the outdoors were the most sought after attribute of a workplace environment.

In addition, 47 percent of workers surveyed admitted they felt tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window at their office. When designing their home offices, homeowners should keep this in mind and choose areas of their homes that get ample natural light during a typical workday. Additional lighting also will be necessary. Recessed lighting can give an office a sleek look, and lights that can dim can allow workers to adjust their lighting based on how much they need at any given point in the workday.

Quiet

Professionals forced to work at home when social distancing measures were implemented may not have had much quiet, especially for those with young children whose schools were closed. But when designing a home office, homeowners have the chance to make their offices more conducive to

concentration. Soundproofing walls may not be necessary, but look for areas of the home that don’t get much foot traffic. Kitchens are very popular rooms in many homes, so try to locate your home office away from the kitchen. A spare bedroom upstairs may make for the most ideal home office setting if the home does not have a traditional den. Spare bedrooms come with doors, which can instantly create a sense of quiet when closed. A converted garage also can make for a useful home office, but make sure the room already has cooling and heating and, ideally, windows.

Electrical outlets

Recently built homes tend to be equipped with enough outlets to accommodate our increasingly connected lifestyles.

But older homes may need some electrical updates before they can capably accommodate home offices. When updating your electrical, replace existing outlets and fixtures with energy-efficient LED fixtures, which save money and benefit the environment. Before updating the electrical, decide on how you want the office to be laid out so you can have outlets installed where your computer, devices and other items, like a printer and television, will be. This makes it easy to hide cords and give the office a clean, professional look.

Home office capabilities became a big priority in 2020.

Designing such spaces can be fun and easy.

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Did you know?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes with clock timer controlled irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than homes without irrigation systems. Water waste can be even more significant if irrigation systems are not programmed correctly or if they have a leak. In addition, if sprinkler heads are situated incorrectly, water might be directed to areas of the lawn or garden that don’t need water, or even onto driveways and sidewalks. To reduce water waste, and save on their monthly water utility bills, homeowners can employ WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers. Such controllers adjust irrigation schedules automatically based on local weather and landscape conditions. These systems employ intuitive programming controls to schedule irrigation based on the water requirements of the plants. The controllers can make it easier for homeowners to keep their lawns and gardens green even during dry periods, such as drought, while still adhering to local water utility restrictions.

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-CL1791901

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Options abound when shopping for home siding Home improvement projects run the gamut from minor repairs to complete overhauls.

Replacing exterior siding is one of the most significant home improvement projects homeowners can undertake. Such a project can give homes a completely new look, which is why choice of siding is such an important decision.

Homeowners have many siding options to choose from, and the following guide can help them make the best choice for their homes.

Vinyl siding

Vinyl siding is easily maintained and among the more budget-friendly siding options.

According to the home improvement resource

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HomeAdvisor, vinyl siding is made from a PVC plastic that does not rot or flake. Siding professionals note that the technology used to create vinyl siding has changed considerably in recent years, making this option more diverse than traditional vinyl siding. So homeowners turned off by the potentially plastic look of vinyl siding might be surprised at how different modern vinyl siding looks compared to the vinyl siding of yesteryear.

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Fiber-cement siding

The home improvement television network HGTV notes that fiber-cement siding has grown in popularity among homeowners in recent years. This material does not require much maintenance and it’s non-flammable and resistant to termites. HomeAdvisor notes that fiber-cement siding can create the look of wood, stucco or masonry, making it a versatile option capable of creating various looks. In addition, fiber-cement siding is known for its durability, with some products coming with warranties lasting as long as 50 years.

Wood siding

Homeowners have many choices if they prefer wood siding on their homes. Cedar, cypress, fir, pine, and spruce are just a handful of the many wood siding options homeowners can choose from. HomeAdvisor notes that cedar shingle siding offers a natural look that blends well in wooded and waterfront landscapes.

Wood clapboard siding is another popular option, though it tends to require more maintenance than cedar shingle siding. Homeowners who want wood siding should discuss their options with an experienced siding professional, as many factors, including the choice of wood, must be considered before making a final decision.

Stone and stone-veneer siding

Many homeowners fall in love with the natural appeal of stone, but the price tag, which tends to be costly, may not be as awe-inspiring. HGTV notes that stone can be difficult to add to an existing home, and doing so may drive the price up even further. Stone siding is durable, and there are many options, including solid stone and natural stone cladding, that make this an option capable of providing an array of looks. Stone-veneer siding is less expensive than natural stone and also comes in an array of styles. As is the case with wood, stone siding options are so extensive that homeowners are urged to discuss each one with a siding professional before making their decisions.

These are just a handful of the many siding options homeowners can choose from. Siding can give homes a completely new look, making choice of siding a significant decision worthy of careful consideration.

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