OTT_SRC Homes_011919

Count ry HOMES FREE

January 2019

STARVED ROCK ®

®

INSIDE: Organize and declutter room-by-room - Page 6 Must haves for an amazing kitchen remodel - Page 8 Revitalize your home with a fresh coat of paint - Page 9 AND MORE!

A publication of

Times

THE

1516 N. 2974th Road • Ottawa

2 Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

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The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Saturday, January 19, 2019 3

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS REAL ESTATE C-21 Windsor Realty ......................................................................4, 5 Remax Country ..................................................................................13 Starved Rock Realty ............................................................................ 7

FINANCIAL & MORTGAGE AFFILIATES Eureka Savings Bank............................................................................ 12 Financial Plus Credit Union................................................................. 3 First Federal Savings Bank ................................................................... 2 First National Bank of Ottawa & Streator .................................... 14 Streator Home Savings Bank ............................................................ 11 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage ........................................................... 10

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

Marseilles Sheet Metal - Contractor’s Grouping ....................... 15 Quality Care Cleaning...................................................................... 12 Turk Furniture.................................................................................... 16

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.

Did you know?

(MS) One way to improve curb appeal and set a property apart from others is to add decorative effects to walkways, patios and driveways. Although many homeowners turn to materials such as pavers, flagstone or brick for these purposes, a versatile and often cost-effective idea is to rely on stamped concrete. Stamped concrete, often called textured or imprinted concrete, is textured, patterned or embossed to mimic the look of other materials, notably brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, and wood. Stamped concrete can be used on patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and even interior flooring. The concrete is poured and then patterned using special tools. Installing stamped concrete is best left to concrete design specialists with extensive experience in this difficult craft.

4 Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

North Ottawa Plaza 2715 N. Columbus

Windsor Realty LaSalle

$42,500

Realize the potential in this three bedroom, 1.5 bath home with deck, one car attached garage and fenced yard. Seller will not complete any repairs to the subject property, either lender or buyer requested. The property is sold in AS IS condition. NEW 10159961

Century 21 Windsor Realty 815-434-2122

Marseilles

$49,900

Lots of potential in this three bedroom, one bath home. Sliding door to deck. Fenced in back yard.

Storage shed. This property is eligible under the Freddie Mac First Look Initiative through 1/21/2019 for owner occupied offers. Seller will not complete any repairs to the subject property, either lender or buyer requested. The property is sold in AS IS condition.

Century 21 Windsor Realty 815-434-2122

ACCEP

Ottawa

$149,900

Don Fox

815-488-8435

2 story home, framed, but owner did some of the interior with 3 bedrooms and 1 1/2 baths in quiet culd-sac Turnberry Subdivision. Has finished basement.

Owner will finish dining room wall by closing. Beautiful manicured fenced in yard with above ground pool, patio. and storage shed. 2 car heated garage. Gas fireplace.

Some personal belongings are negotiable. Second floor laundry. Sq. footage could be plus or minus. #10107980

Ottawa

$178,500

Quiet, country side living on 3 beautiful acres with lots of potential. A 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch. Stainless kitchen appliances. With 1 car attached garage and 2 1/2 detached insulated garage. House has whole house fan and back-up Generac generator system. Has gas fireplace in living room, hardwood floors. With first floor laundry. All inspections completed. (See book in kitchen) All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. #10139290

Don Fox

815-488-8435

$245,000

815-481-2160

Ottawa

$129,500

This spacious home is comfortable and immaculate. It has a country feel. It is on a large corner lot, but is in city limits. It has a roomy open floor plan with beautiful hardwood floors. The recently remodeled kitchen is large and makes cooking easy. The newly remodeled bathroom has crystal onyx tile on the floor and in the shower. The breezeway attaches to a 2 car garage. The back yard has a deck, a patio and is fenced. The basement is partially finished. The washer and dryer are on the main level. The stove, refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer are included. Lot is 10,125 sq. ft.#10029986

Jennie Lamb

815-252-0127

SOLD

SOLD

LaSalle

$31,500

Realize the potential in the four bedroom, one bath home with separate dining room. Carport with storage. Porch. The property is sold in AS IS condition. #10032968

Century 21 Windsor Realty 815-434-2122

Ottawa

$214,900

All new flooring, paint, and new interior doors. Enjoy your spacious floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 3 full baths. Check out all the extra room & potential in the full basement with its own FULL bath. Large corner lot with fenced in backyard.Two car attached garage with work space and ample driveway parking. All appliances are included making this well maintained ranch completely move-in ready. #10033407

Danielle Jackson

Ottawa

$121,000

Two bedroom home located near downtown Ottawa and the Illinois River. Large ea-in kitchen plus formal dining room. Plenty of storage including walk-in closet in master bedroom. Replacement windows and some doors. Main floor laundry. Trane furnace and central air.

One to two bedroom apartment upstairs with separate entrance that could be rented to pay mortgage and taxes. It has its own Trane furnace and separate electric service. New 50 gallon hot water heater. Any reasonable offer will be considered. #10089609

Larry Windsor

815-228-6121

PENDIN

4 bdrm., 2.5 bath home in Country Side Subdivision. Vinyl “fenced in” back yard with large deck for entertaining. Nicely landscaped.

Attached garage. Updated kitchen. Family Room, Dining Room & Living Room. Master offers a walk-in closet and master bath. Lowest level offers family room, beauty shop, and storage. Home has much to offer #10060490

Mary Wiesbrock

LaSalle

G

FER

TED OF

SOLD

Bette Pearlman Managing Broker

SOLD

W N NEEW

NEW

815-434-2122 1-800-310-2627

815-712-4351

Ottawa

$149,500

Three bedroom, two bath completely rehabbed home with a two car garage. Roof, siding, windows, and doors, including sliding glass door from dining area, have all been replaced within the past year as well as all new plumbing and most of the wiring. New stainless steel appliances in kitchen. Walk-in closet in master bedroom. Family room with bar and possible fourth bedroom in basement. New water heater. New deck off dining area.#10033335

Larry Windsor

815-228-6121

FER

TED OF

ACCEP

$148,500

Well maintained four bedroom home conveniently located near downtown Ottawa.

Roof replaced eight years ago. Hardwood floors under carpeting in living room, family, and dining rooms. Fireplace in family room.

Replacement windows. Main floor laundry.

Storage building could be converted to one car garage. #10023802

Larry Windsor

Ottawa

Marseilles

$74,900

Well maintained 2-3 bedroom home. Large eat-in kitchen includes stainless steel appliances. Main floor laundry with washer/dryer included. Main floor bedroom could be den, office, etc. Updates include roof 2015, furnace, refrigerator, range, washer/dryer, most windows, main floor flooring 2013. Nice backyard with patio & storage shed.

Home warranty included.#10120887

815-228-6121

Kim Eddy

815-488-6889

$139,500

Ottawa

$67,500

d

Reduce

Ottawa

$129,500

Two bedroom, three bath home conveniently located near I 80. Finished basement with second kitchen, two baths, and fireplace.

Fireplace in living room also. Ceiling radiant heat. Three wall air conditioners adequately cool home. Two boilers and hot water heaters.

Large main floor family room. Cherry cabinets in kitchen. #10001835

Larry Windsor

Ottawa

815-228-6121

$76,000

This charming, cozy 2-3 bedroom home can be yours! All new gutters, downspouts, & window wraps. Newer furnace, water heater, & updated bath. Roof approximately 10 years old. Original hardwood floors on main level. Kitchen opens onto deck. All appliances included. Large 2 1/2 car garage. Home has much potential!. #10078140

Jennie Lamb

815-252-0127

Ottawa

$185,000

Property consists of two homes on large lot. Main home has 4 bedrooms, living room, dining room, sun room, & full basement. New wiring, plumbing, and roof in 2017. New driveway in July 2018. Newer furnace & water heater. Smaller home, approx. 700 sq. ft., has 1 bedroom, den, living room, & newer kitchen. New roof in 2017 & some replacement windows. Large 2 car garage.. #10025823

Jennie Lamb

Ottawa

815-252-0127

Five bedroom, two bath attractive home conveniently located on a corner lot near downtown Ottawa. Large eat-in kitchen plus formal dining room. Living room has electric fireplace and access to a screened patio. Main floor family room with decorative fireplace.

Washer and dryer hookups on main floor. Hot water heat. Appliances included. #09985100

Larry Windsor

815-228-6121

$225,000

Ottawa

$19,000

815-252-0127

Kim Eddy

815-488-6889

You must see this beautiful brick ranch! Spacious, comfortable, immaculate 2-3 bedroom home on large corner lot. Beautiful built-in cabinetry, gas log fireplace, and large bright sunroom with heat & air conditioning. Original owner was brick mason & did the brick work & masonry. Many recent updates, 2 X 6 exterior walls, and all appliances included. #10064414

Jennie Lamb

Ottawa

Lots of potential in this investment rehab.

Currently set up as a 3 unit. Total renovation needed and property being sold as-is. Seller is unaware if furnace functions. Located close to Ottawa’s downtown and Illinois River. #10009121

Two bedroom home in move-in condition.

Eat-in kitchen plus dining area combined with living room. Exterior painted and roof replaced approximately six years ago. Furniture is negotiable. #09999926

Larry Windsor

Marseilles

815-228-6121

$155,900

Bring your toys because this unique property is waiting for you. Nicely kept 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features a massive 3+ car garage / workshop that’s sure to keep any enthusiast happy. 16ft high garage door and high ceilings can easily accommodate boats, RV’s, enclosed trailers, an automotive lift or even a full semi cab with room to walk around. A spacious unfinished loft upstairs has separate access behind garageandcouldbefinishedtosuityourneeds.Homehasscreenedinpatiotoenjoyviewsofbeautifully landscaped bluff. Well laid out floor plan feels roomy & comfortable loft style bedroom upstairs would make perfect home office. Conveniently located just minutes from I-80 and close proximity to The Cliffs off Road riding park, I&M canal, Starved Rock State Park & Illinois/Fox rivers. #10138047

Danielle Jackson

815-712-4351

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Saturday, January 19, 2019 5

Benefits of freestanding tubs get them in writing. Contractors will determine if structural reinforcement is necessary and include such costs in their estimates. In addition, make sure to ask contractors to investigate piping and plumbing so no surprises pop up after the tub has been purchased and work has begun.

If estimates from contractors aren’t budget busting, homeowners can consider these benefits of freestanding tubs before making their final decisions.

(MS) Few home design elements provide the instant wow factor of freestanding tubs.

Freestanding tubs have an air of luxury that can help current homeowners relax, and impress buyers when homes go on the market.

Freestanding tubs are typically made of cast iron or porcelain. The home improvement website HomeAdvisor notes that cast iron is durable and solid and retains heat well, which is great for those who want to spend more than a little time relaxing in a freestanding tub. However, because cast iron is so heavy, installing a cast iron tub may require structural reinforcement of the flooring, which will add to the overall cost of the project.

• Cleaning: Because they’re detached from other bathroom fixtures and not flush against the wall, freestanding tubs tend to be easier to clean than built-in bathtubs. Freestanding tubs are accessible from all sides, making it easy to reach all those nooks and crannies where grime can build up.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a tub varies widely depending on the type of tub, the materials its made of and other factors, including plumbing and piping. For example, the cost to install a freestanding tub will rise considerably if new plumbing and piping are necessary.

on investment can make relaxing in a freestanding tub that much more enjoyable.

• Warmth: Even freestanding tubs made of materials other than cast iron offer great heat retention. Stone resin bathtubs, for example, provide excellent insulation on cold nights.

That’s ideal for people who want to unwind in the tub without having to exit early because the water has become cold.

• Return on investment: In its 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report, Remodeling magazine noted that upscale bathroom remodels recouped 56.2 percent of their cost at resale.

That was a better return on investment than an upscale kitchen remodel (53.5 percent) and an upscale master suite addition (48.3 percent). The thought of a sizable return

Before purchasing a freestanding tub, homeowners should seek estimates regarding installation, making sure to

Freestanding tubs can transform regular bathrooms into luxurious oases.

SOLD

Ottawa

$60,000

Meadow View Estates - Marseilles

Great opportunity to purchase this commercial building that includes an office, waiting room and restroom and attached to a 4 overhead door work space. 2 newer furnaces in work area. Great visible location on the N/W corner of Rt 6 and Rt 23. The business is not for sale.#10097422

$200,000

Ottawa

Well-maintained 2400 sq. ft. building with easy access to Interstate 80 & Route 23. Main area is 1680 sq. ft. with 561 sq. ft. storage area. Building also includes an office area & a half bath. Zoned, radiant in floor heating.

Three phase 220 volt wiring. Large Paved parking area. #09947910

$175,000

BUILDING SITE PROVIDES GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR A NEW BUSINESS! 2 lots zoned D-Commercial/ Light Industrial. Convenient location just minutes from I-80 and Rt 71. Many businesses in close proximity. Near downtown. Parcels are located just west of the First Choice Credit Union. Real Estate tax amount is the total for both parcels. #10009119

North Marseilles. Townhome lots and single family lots available. Separate water and sewer for each unit on townhome lots. Easy access to I-80.

Agent Related.

Country living, near town location, 6 miles north of Ottawa. 2 creek lots available. Close to Rt. 23/I80. Agent related. Lower tax rate.

Lee Pearlman 815-252-7108

Jennie Lamb

Kim Eddy

Kim Eddy

Kim Eddy

815-252-0127

Ottawa

815-488-6889

$20,000 per lot

Crooked Creek Estates II, Ottawa

$30,000 per lot

815-488-6889

815-488-6889

Wishing everyone a Very Happy New Year WINDSOR REALTY Kim Eddy 815-488-6889

John Hettel 815-228-0277

Jennie Lamb 815-252-0127

Linda Jones 815-712-7204

Lee Pearlman 815-252-7108

Mary Wiesbrock 815-481-2160

Larry Windsor 815-288-6121

Don Fox Danielle Jackson 815-488-8435 815-712-4351

6 Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Organize and declutter room-by-room (MS) Getting organized is a popular New Year’s resolution.

Clutter can be a major source of stress that affects how individuals feel about their spaces. Psychology Today indicates messy homes and work spaces can contribute to feelings of helplessness, anxiety and overwhelming stress. Clutter bombards the mind with excessive stimuli, makes it more difficult to relax and can constantly signal to the brain that work is never done.

Tackling messes no matter where they are lurking is not a one-time project. Much like losing weight and getting healthy, clearing a home of clutter requires dedication and lifestyle changes. With these organizational tips and tricks, anyone can work through their home room-by-room and conquer clutter.

• Find a place for everything Clutter creeps up as people accumulate possessions over the years.

Over time, failure to regularly go through belongings and thin the herd can lead to the accumulation of clutter. But clutter also can accumulate if people fail to find a place to put items. Racks for garages, organizational systems for closets and furniture with storage capacity, such as storage ottomans, are some storage solutions that can help people find a place for their possessions.

• Utilize vertical space when possible Getting items up and off the floor can maximize square footage in a

home. Bookshelves, hanging wall shelves, hooks, cabinetry, built-ins, and other storage solutions that rely on walls and ceilings are simple and effective storage solutions. Unused space behind cabinet or closet doors are some additional places to store belongings. Hang razors or toothbrushes on medicine cabinet walls and curling irons and other hair tools on the interior of cabinet doors in bathrooms.

• Create a coding system Home offices can be some of the more disorganized rooms in a house simply due to the volume of electronics and paperwork within them. HGTV suggests using a color-coded system for important files to keep them organized. Label important items, whether they’re paper or digital files, in accordance with your system.

• Put it away When you finish using an item, return it to its storage location. This eliminates piles of belongings strewn around the house — and hunting and pecking for missing things. If you can’t put it away immediately, have a few baskets on hand labeled for the different rooms in the house. Pop the items in the requisite baskets and then routinely take each basket around the house to return the items.

Investing in custom cabinetry and organizational systems also can help people organize their belongings. Tackle rooms such as the garage, basements, bedroom closets, and pantries, or those areas that tend to accumulate clutter the fastest.

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Saturday, January 19, 2019 7

(MS) Visitors’ impressions of a home are often dictated by the home’s entryway.

Must as one may judge a book by its cover, the same can be said about the impression that a front door and entryway can create, regardless of how accurate that impression is.

Quick & simple ways to make a front door pop

Making certain changes to an entryway can go a long way toward improving curb appeal. Entryways also can set the scene for a home’s interior. Whether one chooses to be classic or bold, modern or traditional, there are various ways to quickly transform a home’s entryway.

• Bold front door color: Color can dramatically enhance an entryway.

Painting an existing door or replacing it with a more vivid option can do the trick. The DIY Network says certain colors stand out as favorites. These include turquoise, yellow, red, indigo, orange, and black. The door color should complement the other shades of the home, such as those on siding and trim.

• Custom walkway: Guide guests right to the front door with an attractive (and safe) walkway. Stamped concrete or decorative paver blocks may fit the bill.

This walkway can extend to the street or to the driveway.

• Contain plants. Landscaping around the entryway should be neat and welltended. Overgrown plants or shrubbery may give off an air of neglect. Container plants and carefully curated shrubs can create a neat and inviting aura.

• Highlight the address. Make sure the home can be found easily with bold and decorative house numbers.

Consider two different address signs: one illuminated and easily viewed from the curb, and another closer to the front door.

• Utilize high-end materials. The relatively small area of real estate by the front door enables homeowners to splurge on more opulent materials that can really add a feeling of luxury.

These can include colorful tiles, ornate planters, decorative wooden doors, or elaborate knobs and lighting fixtures.

• Add architectural details. Find out which architectural elements will meld with the style of the home and then incorporate them. Moldings, columns, shutters, and trim are areas to consider.

The entryway to a home garners a lot of attention. Homeowners can enhance their spaces with entryways that really make a statement.

Starved Rock Realty

620 N. Division vision St St. 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

Alice Green

Broker/Owner (815) 252-9696

Broker (815) 488-9712

227 E. 5th St.

MLS # 10133576 Immaculate 2 BR, 1 BA with tons of updates! Don’t miss this one! Back Porch, appliances, original tin ceilings, large backyard.

Alice Green (815) 488-9712

$74,700

SPRING VALLEY

Jim Rice

Broker (815) 343-0831

Johanna Arkels

309 Thompson St.

MLS # 10030836 Updated 4 BR, 2.5 BA - 2500 sq ft space galore! Fireplace, very large 2+car garage with heat and a/c, extra workshop area. Additional shed, fenced in backyard and patio.

Alice Green (815) 488-9712

$178,500

OTTAWA

Broker (815) 252-8026

Larla Grandadam Broker (815) 883-1353

1516 N. 2974th Rd.

MLS # 10095408 Stylish Ranch on 1.32 acres (mol), 3 BR,2 BA with 3 car garage with heat source; 2 fireplaces. Appliances stay, finished basement with bar/wet bar.

Alice Green (815) 488-9712

$186,100

OTTAWA

Pam Bollengier

Denisse Perez

Broker (815) 252-7279

Broker (815) 326-8513

834 Hitt St.

MLS # 10137117 1.5 story, 5 BR, 2 BA, 2 car over-sized garage, New roof 2018, updated furnace, c/a and kitchen. Fenced yard, enclosed heated porch, some appliances.

Dee Barrera (815) 252-9696

$92,500

OTTAWA

T

FOR REN

SM-CL1620020

808 Kimberly Ln

MLS # 10034713 Too Much New in this beautiful home to mention - 4 BR, 2.5 BA with 2593 sq ft (approx)..Pool, finished basement, 8x10 vinyl shed, large vinyl fenced back yard.

Jim Rice (815) 343-0831

$264,900

OTTAWA

358 E. Walnut St.

MLS # 09972598 Very nice duplex, separate furnace and a/c, good investment property - both sides currently rented.

Jim Rice (815) 343-0831

$105,000

OGLESBY

2558 Evans Rd.

MLS # 10060340 Fabulous 3 BR, 2 BA house constructed around a barn on 11.78 acres - tons of history and charm - A REAL MUST SEE!

Larla Grandadam (815) 883-1353

$325,000

MAGNOLIA

711 A Burgess Drive

MLS # 10142107 Well cared for 3 BR, 2 BA duplex with 2 car garage, fireplace, full basement - pets accepted with owner approval.

Dee Barrera (815) 252-9696

$1250/MONTH

UTICA

8 Saturday, January 19, 2019

Must-haves for an amazing kitchen remodel

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

(MS) Kitchen remodels are among the most popular home renovation projects, whether they consist of swapping out cabinet hardware or doing major demolition.

Due to the sheer amount of time families spend in the kitchen, not to mention the number of tasks performed in this space, it is easy to see why Remodeling magazine consistently ranks kitchen renovations as projects that will enable homeowners to recoup a high percentage of their investments.

In the magazine’s 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report, midrange major kitchen remodels costing an average of $63,829 recouped 59 percent of that investment.

When investing in a kitchen project, it is important to incorporate items that are coveted.

• Deep, double sinks: Having a double sink enables you to soak dishes in one side and then wash on the other. It also makes it easy to wash and prep produce for meals.

• Kitchen island and bar stools: Even though many meals are enjoyed around the table, there’s something to be said for the convenience of a kitchen island and some well-placed bar stools for quick breakfasts or snacks.

• Smart kitchen storage: Work with a contractor to include storage solutions built into cabinetry and the pantry. Slide-out shelving, nooks for a paper towel roll and custom-designed areas to store stand mixers and other necessities can make kitchens more functional.

• Outdoor access: If possible, design a kitchen so it is easy to access the backyard via sliding doors. This can make outdoor entertaining or even coffee on the deck much easier.

• Under-cabinet lighting: Fixtures installed under cabinets provide both ambient lighting and task lighting. Such lighting makes it easier to see what you’re working on as well, as even well-placed overhead lighting can fail to illuminate dark corners and spots on the counters.

• Convenient warming drawer: This appliance provides backup to the oven. It’s a slide-out drawer that can keep prepared foods out of the way and warm until they are ready to be served.

This is particularly handy for holidays and other entertaining.

• Beverage station: Designate one area of the kitchen to beverages, such as coffee and tea. Or make the area an informal bar. This can limit traffic in the kitchen to a single area.

Kitchen remodels are exciting to envision, and several choices can make these high-traffic spaces even more coveted.

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Saturday, January 19, 2019 9

Few things can revitalize a home more readily than a fresh coat of paint.

(MS) Thanks in part to the affordability of paint and its ease of application, painting is something that even novice DIYers can typically handle. According to the marketing advice guru Brandon Gaille, it is estimated that residential interior paint only lasts around three years before it needs to be updated. Exterior paint can fade, chip and peel due to various environmental factors. As a result, many homes can likely use a fresh coat of paint in at least one room.

As DIY-friendly as painting can be, when attempting to paint the interior or exterior of their homes, homeowners may learn that some painting projects are best left to the professionals. Painting requires skill, patience and a knowledge of how various paints — including finishes for particular applications — will hold up. Novice painters may do more harm than good by dripping paint on expensive carpeting or floors or fail to recognize the nuances that indicate a spot-on painting job.

Professional painters have spent hours upon hours learning the ropes of what works — and what does not. Painters often understand that painstaking preparatory work is crucial to getting pristine finished results. Walls and ceilings must be properly

repaired and prepared even before a base coat is applied.

Professional painters also have an eye for details. And because professional painters make a business out of doing interior and exterior surfaces, they understand which techniques can improve efficiency. That means a professional job can typically be completed much more quickly than a DIY project.

Even though some people think they’ll save money by painting their own homes, that’s not necessarily true. Professionals already have all the equipment necessary, unlike novices who may need to make repeated and potentially costly trips to the hardware store for supplies. Plus, if mistakes happen, DIYers have to spend additional time and money fixing them.

Safety can be a large motivator for turning painting over to a pro.

Navigating exterior areas or tall interior ceilings can be challenging and may require scaffolding or tall ladders DIYers do not have. Risk of falls or other injuries increase with lack of experience.

Painting can give a home a facelift, and oftentimes it is smart to turn the work over to professionals to ensure the job is done just right.

10 Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

The art of buying art for your home

(MS) Designing a home’s interior can be fun. Whether furnishing a first apartment or a newly purchased family home, many people feel that the art they put on the walls of their homes is an expression of their individuality, and that a home isn’t truly a home until its interior reflects their personalities.

Furnishing a home with art can be intimidating, especially for people doing so for the first time. But a few tricks of the trade can help men and women turn the interiors of their homes into spaces that reflect who they are.

• Embrace your personal taste. Don’t hesitate to decorate your walls with art you like. When buying furniture for a home, it can make sense to follow certain rules. For example, parents of young children might want to purchase dark-colored furnishings that can hide stains. But no such rules should govern your choices of artwork. Art reflects the person who made it, but it also reflects the person who buys it, so buyers should embrace their personal taste when furnishing their homes with art.

• See ART, page 12

Reach your homebuying goals Whether you’re buying your first home, a second home or refinancing your current home, we have the products and programs that may help you reach your homebuying goals.

• Wide selection of conventional and government loans • Fixed and adjustable rate mortgages

• New construction financing • Investment property financing

Let me help you reach your home buying goals with confidence. Contact me today!

Geoff VeZain

Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 815-433-3715 Cell: 815-258-7772 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. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.

100965 -

REV 5/18

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Saturday, January 19, 2019 11

STREATOR HOME SAVINGS BANK

Let Us Be Your Key to Home Ownership

Edward A. Mollo

ed.mollo@streatorhome.com NMLS #433934

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

NMLS #421604 Member

FDIC

SM-CL1620531

Nicholas D. McFadden

nick.mcfadden@streatorhome.com NMLS #433932

12 Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

• ART continued from page 10

• Shop around. Thanks to the internet, billions of pieces of art, from tapestries to photographs to paintings, are at your fingertips. Comparison shopping can be fun and help novices discover their personal tastes. It also can be a great way to support artists.

For example, 90 percent of all image royalties on art purchased from YourArtGallery.com goes directly to the artist, ensuring much of buyers’ money is going toward supporting the people responsible for the art they plan to hang in their homes. That can give people a greater sense of pride in their home’s decor.

• Seek inspiration. If you’re unfamiliar with art, don’t hesitate to seek inspiration. Art is everywhere, from the hotels you stay in while traveling to the billboards you pass while driving to work to the local art museum near your home. If you’re uncertain of what you like, make a concerted effort to recognize the art you see but may not stop to notice each day. As you expose yourself to more and more art, you will gain a greater knowledge of what you like and dislike. Use that knowledge to inform your decisions when buying art for your home.

• Switch things up. Your entire home does not need to follow a theme. If your taste in art is eclectic, embrace that and have different rooms throughout your home reflect your different tastes. This can give each room its own unique feel and make for a colorful home.

The art people hang in their homes is a personal choice, and the process of finding that art can be fun and eye-opening.

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The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Saturday, January 19, 2019 13

Country 2123 E 1075th Rd 1099 E Livingston Rd 146 W Bluff St 1512 Highland Pl 2586 E 1251st Rd 1523 N 1329TH Rd 1504 E Kent St 214 S Monroe St 1614 Sharon Rd 28 Irene St 1202 Van Buren St 1723 Sharon Rd 813 Jessie Ave 47 Manhattan Dr 413 Wisconsin Ave 1718 S Grace St 23 Manhattan Dr 1202 Arthur St 415 N 14th Rd 1119 E Main St 702 Wisconsin Ave 435 Sylvan Ave 119 S 2nd St 134 1/2 W 2nd St

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1404 S. Jackson St 706 N Vermillion St 1004 Lundy St 212 W.Morrell St 1211 N Everett St 1807 S Bloomington St 406 S Monroe St 512 Out St 304 W Grant St 318 Court St 1009 Arthur St 512 E Stanton St 408 Powell St 119 Oak St 1301 N Everett St 504 N Jefferson St 209 Sangamon St 1503 E Elm St 304 W Morrell St 1524 E Kent St 1323 E 12th St 211 LaSalle St 307 Lundy St 407 1/2 Iowa Ave

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14 Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

The Right Mortgage for You

The choice

for staying put or moving on Low interest rates and low down payments, we make it easy to get into the home of your dreams with mortgages that fit your needs and lifestyle.

(MS) Many home improvement television series showcase people deciding whether to improve upon their current homes to make them into the houses of their dreams or to put “for sale” signs in their lawns and move on to something new.

The question of whether to move or stay put depends on various factors. Such factors may include emotional attachment to a home, the current economic climate and the cost of real estate. Current data points to a greater propensity for people to invest and improve upon their current properties rather than trading up for something new.

According to information collected by John Burns Real Estate Consulting, the percentage of homeowners moving up to their next home is the lowest in 25 years. Many are opting to make starter homes permanent by expanding them and repairing homes for the long haul.

The National Association of Realtors said that, between 1987 and 2008, home buyers stayed in their homes an average of six years before selling. Since 2010, however, NAR says the average expected length of time people will stay in their homes before selling is now 15 years.

Part of what’s fueling this permanency is that many home buyers were able to acquire rock-bottom mortgage interest rates shortly after the 2008 recession. As a result, they’re not inclined to walk away from those rates, even if doing so means getting more house. Also, a low inventory of available houses has stymied repeat buying for many people.

Those factors and others have led many homeowners to invest in renovations instead. The experts at Bankrate say realistic budgeting and comparing renovation project costs against mortgages and interests rates can further help individuals decide whether to remain in their current homes or move out. Very often a smarter layout and more efficient floor plan can make meaningful differences in spaces.

Renovations and redesigns can make sense and often are less expensive and disruptive than moving.

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The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Saturday, January 19, 2019 15

Local Contractors DiversiďŹ ed Sheet Metal

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Times

THE

Advertising Department Lou Romanelli - 815-431-4019

SM-CL1618017

Serving the LaSalle Co. Area

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16 Saturday, January 19, 2019

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

Comfort Meets Style. Quality Meets Value.

LATITUDES -DOWNTOWN RECLINING SOFA

BY FLEXSTEEL Create a cozy, comfortable feel for your room with this plush reclining sofa. Perfect for lounging with family and friends, each seat features a fully padded chaise and channel-tufted back for superb cushion and support. Its rounded pillow arms are symmetrical and stylish, with plush fabric, contrast stitching and nailhead accents finishing the stylish silhouette. This style is available with power and manual recline.

QUAILS RUN DINING GROUP

BY WINNERS This quality table will not only bring a soothing aura to your dining experience, but it will make a lovely gift to hand down through the generations. Its timeless design takes inspiration from a country farm with hourglass trestle style design. In terms of function, an 18 inch butterfly leaf allows the table to expand to 84” to accommodate more guest.

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Rt. 23 (N. LaSalle St.) & Jefferson St.

815-433-8875 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

turkfurniture.com SM-CL1619537

FINANCING AVAILABLE *Photo for illustration only.