Svm-SS1

Real Estate Weekly A Marketing Feature of Sauk Valley Media

Thursday, December 8, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

Sauk Valley Media • C1

THIS WEEK’S FEATURE

565 WOLVERINE LANE, DIXON

Magnificent Two Story Home located on almost 2 acre lot. This home features a large kitchen with tons of cabinets and island, private dining room, 4 bedrooms, and 3 1/2 baths, and large 2 car attached garage. Amazing Great room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace. This home has Master Bedroom of your dreams with additional space that would be perfect for nursery, office or workout area, large 8x8 walk-in closet, and huge Master Bath with jet tub, double sink, and separate shower. Private formal living room, office area and main floor laundry. Enjoy the beautiful lot from the Sun Porch that you can enjoy all year long. Summers will be great with beautiful patio area and above ground pool. Home also features second floor loft area, partially finished basement with family room, half bath, storage area, workshop and stairs for garage access. All this and more in appealing location between Dixon and Sterling. Call today for a private showing!

$289,900

MLS#09351786

Call Kirsten Crawford

815-973-0841

LLC

www.CrawfordRealtyOnline.com SM-ST11436-1208

FEATURED HOMES NEW G LISTIN

745 N Ottawa Ave, Dixon

3BR 2BA home on a corner lot.

Spacious rooms, main floor bed & bath, enclosed porch. $59,000

Call Matt Hermes: 288-4648

365 LAHMAN ST, FRANKLIN GROVE

622 E 3RD ST, DIXON

4 bedroom ranch w/partially

New roof Nov ’16! 2BR 1BA ranch w/

finished basement. Heated &

hardwood, fireplace, built-ins,

insulated shed/workshop

updated kitchen & baths.

$99,000

$75,000 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

Call Karen Didier: 973-2686

501 W Mason St, Polo

1195 Atkinson Rd, Harmon

windows, 2.5 car garage. $118,500 Call Patt Gjonola: 973-7997

Attached & detached garages. $225,000

Well maintained & updated 4BR 3BA Victorian. Gorgeous woodwork &

742 N Galena Ave, Dixon

Call Matt Hermes: 288-4648

1017 Woodhill Cir, Dixon

709 Wiker Dr, Rock Falls

Spacious 3BR 2.5BA Tri-Level in great neighborhood. Many recent updates- come take a look! $119,900 Call Bill Dempsey: 631-4295

1405 W 1st St, Dixon

2 story duplex, each unit has 1BR 1BA. Nice investment or possible single family home.

$37,000 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

605 E. Webster St, Polo

Desirable 3BR 3BA in Idle Oak. Very spacious ranch w/fireplace & finished

Quality 3BR 2.5BA ranch on a large lot.

Finished basement w/workshop &

plus parking in front & back- call today!

Call Matt Hermes: 288-4648

walkout basement. $180,000 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

custom cabinetry throughout!. $159,900

110 W Webster St, Polo

718 Woodlawn Dr, Prophetstown

$137,900 Call Patt Gjonola: 973-7997

4BR split level, great space for a reasonable price! Deck & a large fully fenced yard.

$79,900 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

Live like you’re on vacation everyday!

Immaculate 3BR 2BA home on 10 ac S of Amboy. $229,900 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

624 N Galena Ave, Dixon

Huge duplex or single family home.

Hardwood floors, 2 fireplaces, deck, 2 year old roof. $60,000 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

E PRIC ED C U D E R

Great commercial property w/fantastic exposure! Bright, open & versatile,

Quality 3 bedroom 3 bath ranch Spacious with open floorplan & Partially finished basement

SM-ST11433-1208

Well built 2BR brick ranch w/finished exposed basement on 6 acres.

1320 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Amboy

Call Patt Gjonola: 973-7997

3785 Rock St, Dixon

113 E 10th St, Dixon

317 Fox Trot, Dixon

Great little 2BR starter w/ new roof, newer windows, hardwood floors,

Spacious 2 story home on large corner lot. Huge master bedroom,

walkout basement. $59,900 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

inground pool. $189,900 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

15715 1250 North Ave, Wyanet

Rural property w/beautiful 3BR 2.5BA home, stocked lake & outbuildings. Entire 82 ac, or 10 ac w/home- call for details!

Call Diane Schnake: 440-4817

603 W Colden St, Polo

992 Mile Rd, Dixon

3+BR 2.5BA rural ranch on 1 acre.

Move-in ready, finished basement, attached 2 car garage $109,000

Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

207 Willett Ave, Dixon

Lovely 4BR (2 main floor!) 1.5BA home on oversized lot. Marble fireplace, newer

4BR 2BA in quiet neighborhood near the river.

New roof, huge yard, w/great views!

roof, furnace & water heater. $92,000 Call Patt Gjonola: 973-7997

$77,900 Call Nancy Fritts: 440-3369

2182 Peek Home Rd, Dixon

Lovely, inviting Colonial style home in Grand Detour. Comfortably elegant,

5 Ac property N of Dixon w/2 houses!

5BR 1.5BA 2 story farmhouse & a 3BR

wonderfully maintained. $195,000 Call Patt Gjonola: 973-7997

ranch. Unique opportunity! $234,900

Call Bill Gorski: 441-4811

915 N Jefferson Ave, Dixon 4BR 2BA brick ranch on 3/4 acre finished basement, pool, extra

4+ car detached garage! $233,600 Call Patt Gjonola: 973-7997

Anne Karen Jim Bill Bill Nancy Diane Patt Matt Hermes Hermes Didier Smith Gorski Dempsey Fritts Schnake Gjonola Managing Broker 815-288-4648 815-441-4811 815-631-4295 815-440-3369 815-440-4817 815-440-7370 815-973-2686 815-288-6229 815-973-7997

815 288-4648 • www.heartlandrealty.info

Member of Hometown Association of Realtors

C2 • Sauk Valley Media Newng! i List

www.saukvalley.com

Illinois Farm For Sale Ogle Co. - 419.99± acres

Soi l 135 PI

406.04± FSA tillable acres - No Improvements Open Lease for 2017 2± mi. NE of Monroe Center, Secs. 11 & 14, Monroe Twp. Call Timothy A. Harris, Managing Broker 815-875-7418 Information available at www.capitalag.com

511 E. 3rd Street, Sterling, IL 61081

815-626-7450

Judy Powell

815-716-7675

Ed Hook

815-499-4848

OFFICE OR HOME

NEW LISTING

D L SO

Great office building located near downtown Sterling. 4-6 offices, hardwood floors, full basement. Previous seller used as home office.

Has kitchen, full bath, CA and 2 car garage (heated & cooled). Excellent condition.

Nice ranch with Lake privileges ($75/yr. homeowners assoc. fee). Hardwood Ranch all on one floor, 2 bedrooms – family room floors in dining room & kitchen. Culligan water softener (2006) and Iron out could be the 3rd bedroom. Large eat-in kitchen system. Finished basement with family room, wet bar, workshop/office room and all the appliances stay. Brick paver patio and and 3/4 bath. New roof and newer updated bath. 2 sheds and large backyard large utility shed. Nice treed lot in Sterling.

MLS#08752461

MLS#09398310

$134,900

$124,900

$44,900

MLS#09347167

NEW LISTING

Tree-Lined Acre Lot. Cape Cod 3-4 bedroom Montmorency home. Everything is newer and top of the line quality. Custom Walnut kitchen (John Martin), dining room, formal living room with fireplace. Main floor laundry. 2 updated modern baths. Walnut hardwood floors. Replacement windows. Finished basement. 2 ½ car attached garage plus 16x22 detached garage.

One owner home.

Lake living at its best! 4 bedroom ranch home with a 4 car garage. Open floor plan with large kitchen overlooking the living room with fireplace. Finished basement has family room with fireplace, 4th bedroom, and storage. Large deck overlooking the large back yard and Lake. New roof.

Sterling Family Home. Beautiful corner lot. 5 bedrooms, 2 full baths. Hardwood floors and ceramic tile. Lots of storage and built-ins galore. Gorgeous kitchen, full basement (partially finished) with family room and new furnace & water heater, and newer central air.

MLS#

MLS#09388728

Unique Property with something for everyone. Ranch with acreage. Sterling Schools. Full walk-out basement. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room with woodburning fireplace.

Gentleman’s building with workshop wired for machinery.

Barn is sectioned off for small animals, loft for hay, along with electric and water. The entire property is fenced, sectioned and wired. Rolling hills and pond.

6 apartments, 24 storage units on over 2+ Acres. Owner pays water, sewer and garbage. Newer steel roofs on buildings. Newer doors on the storage units. Apartments are all updated and on a 1 year lease. Storage units are on a month-to-month. Office with laundry facility. Turn Key Operation.

Sparkling 2 bedroom home in Sterling.

Freshly painted interior and hardwood floors.

New kitchen and bath. Full basement has waterproofing system. Newer furnace and central air. New water heater. Garage/shed..

MLS#09326669

MLS#09359411

MLS#09388777

MLS#09368743

Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley

Jenni Dace

815-716-7450

22263 1365 North Ave., Princeton, IL 61356

GOING ON VACATION?

Thursday, December 8, 2016

$164,900

$169,900

$159,900

$339,900

$109,500

$46,900

Great starter or investment home.

Located on 2 lots in Sterling. 2 bedroom features newer windows, updated electric and 1.5 car garage with additional 18x22 storage shed.

Craftsman Brick Home. 5 bedrooms, 2 new custom bathrooms with high-end fixtures. Original hardwood floors, wood burning fireplace, charming built-ins and storage galore. Formal living room & dining room with crown molding.

Knotty pine breakfast nook. Full basement, patio, and gorgeous treed lot. 3 blocks from Sterling schools. Home has a radon mitigation system.

Updated 2 bedroom ranch has a nice floor plan.

Full basement is partially finished. Possible 3rd bedroom, utility room, laundry and family room. New flooring throughout. 3 car garage is insulated and has alley access. Sump pump has back up system. Broker owned.

MLS#08856052

MLS#09353181

MLS#09313547

$39,900

D L SO

Close to School … Cute 3 bedroom home with many updates. Newer roof, gutters, fence, pool, furnace and central air. Hardwood floors, updated bath, enclosed heated front porch, main floor den/office with French doors to the fenced backyard. 2 car detached garage with alley access.

MLS#09370459

$82,000

$149,900

FOR RENT 4 Rent Duplex 602 E. 9th Street, Sterling Nice 2 bedroom ranch with stove, refrigerator, and dishwasher.

Washer & dryer hookups. $500/month + deposit Call 815-626-7450

$73,900

D L SO

Country Ranch Located north of Sterling on .77/acre in the country with building and fruit trees. Built in 2003 with 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and main floor laundry.

$79,900

MLS#08757214

www.judypowellrealty.com View ALL area listings on our website

CLASSIFIEDS SAUK VALLEY dailyGAZETTE

Advertise your items with these special deals!

Sterrling Office 815/626-SOLD (7653) Dixo on Office 815/284-SOLD (7653)

Turn Unwanted Items into Ca$h!

5 Lines for 30 Days - $42 For Items Over $300

Includes:Telegraph, Gazette,The Review, 4 Ogle County Papers, Prairie Advocate & Saukvalley.com

$26 Deal Advertise 1 item for under $300

5 14 14

Lines

Days

Days

IN SAUK VALLEY CLASSIFIED

ONLINE

Special must be mentioned at time of ad placement.

Item must be priced under $300. 1 Item per ad. Private Party ads only. No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Rummage Sales, Wood/ Fuel, Tickets/Travel or Real Estate.

SAUK VALLEY Offer Expires 12/26/16 LASSIFIEDS

C

dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

• To place any line ad in the next day’s classifieds, please call before 3:30pm Monday - Friday • To place any line ad in the SVWeekend’s classifieds, please call before Noon on Friday.

• To place any line ad in Monday’s classifieds, please call before 3:30pm on Friday.

Item must be priced over $300. 1 Item per ad. Private Party ads only.

No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Rummage Sales, Wood/Fuel, Tickets/Travel or Real Estate.

Special must be mentioned at time of ad placement.

Offer Expires December 26, 2016

TELEGRAPH

$15 Deal Advertise 1 item for under $300

4 7 7

Lines

Days

Days ONLINE

IN SAUK VALLEY CLASSIFIED

Special must be mentioned at time of ad placement.

Item must be priced under $300. 1 Item per ad. Private Party ads only. No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Rummage Sales, Wood/ Fuel, Tickets/Travel or Real Estate.

SAUK VALLEY Offer Expires 12/26/16 LASSIFIEDS

C

dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

$7.50 Deal Advertise 1 item for under $300

4 3 3

Lines

Days

Days

IN SAUK VALLEY CLASSIFIED

ONLINE

Special must be mentioned at time of ad placement.

Item must be priced under $300. 1 Item per ad. Private Party ads only. No Commercial Advertising, Pets, Rummage Sales, Wood/ Fuel, Tickets/Travel or Real Estate.

SAUK VALLEY Offer Expires 12/26/16 LASSIFIEDS

C

dailyGAZETTE

TELEGRAPH

Thursday, December 8, 2016

www.saukvalley.com

Sauk Valley Media • C3

Safety first when stringing holiday lights

www.CrawfordRealtyOnline.com 815-285-3444, 124 E. Boyd Street, Dixon $43,900

MLS#09396874

(MS)

MLS#09396293

$52,000

Holiday decorations help make a special time of year even more memorable.

Whether you’re hanging mistletoe above a doorway or decking the halls, safety must be a priority when decorating a home for the holidays.

Accidents can happen no matter what type of holiday decorating you’re doing, but stringing holiday lights around your home may be especially dangerous. This season, keep the following safety tips in mind when stringing lights so this season of celebration starts off safe and sound.

$135,000

MLS#09396177

NEW LISTING

BY TIM CRAWFORD

NEW LISTING

BY VICKY TURNER SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

1702 W. 9TH ST., DIXON

1618 4TH ST., DIXON

This small 720 sq. ft. 2 bedroom home is in need of a handy man! This home is on a corner lot and has a 2 car detached garage!

$107,900

MLS#09395452

• Work with at least one partner. Never go it alone when stringing holiday lights.

Make sure someone is there to hold the ladder steady as you climb up and down.

Partnering up when stringing holiday lights allows decorators to use both of their hands to climb up ladders instead of using one of their hands to carry lights. Once they reach a point where it’s safe to hang lights, they can then have a helper hand them the lights. If possible, work in groups of three so someone can hold the ladder steady at all times.

555 PINE MEADOW DR., DIXON

Cute and clean 2 bedroom, 1 bath ranch home has a 1 car detached garage with alley access. Living room has knotty pine walls, built in corner cabinet. Enclosed front porch.

MLS#09389342

Ready for one floor living this is a gorgeous 2 bedroom 2 bath ranch with screen porch and full basement.

$121,900

$73,000

MLS#09388334

NEW LISTING

BY VICKY TURNER SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

118 S. ELM ST., FRANKLIN GROVE

604 MARCLARE ST., DIXON

Charming 3 bedroom 2 bath home in Franklin Grove with attached garage plus 30x30 Wick building. Neat and tidy in and out. Attractively priced! AFC Schools.

309 SPRUCE ST., DIXON

Brick Ranch 3 bedrooms 2 baths in pristine condition with full finished basement.

$59,000

MLS#09388323

SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

MLS#09376844

3 bedroom, 1 bath home has hardwood floors, 1 car detached garage, partially fenced yard. Basement could be finished.

$96,500

$63,500

MLS# 09356301

PRICE REDUCED SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

701 INSTITUTE BLVD., DIXON

811 E. 3RD ST., DIXON

This home has a lot of potential but does need some TLC. This 2 story home has 4 bedrooms, 2 car detached garage with screened in porch.

$42,000

MLS#09355241

MLS#09350231

109 S. SYCAMORE ST., FRANKLIN GROVE

• Inspect lights before hanging them. Lights are not built to last forever, and over time holiday lights can suffer damage that has the potential to be dangerous. Wires can fray, and sockets can crack or break. Inspect lights and wires before hanging them, replacing any that pose a hazard. When replacing bulbs, be sure to replace them with bulbs of equal wattage.

We’re your one-stop source offering professional designs, excellent print quality, fast turnaround times, friendly customer service and affordable pricing.

Contact Kris Sands at 815-632-6470 ksands@saukvalley.com 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling

NEWNG I LIST

MLS#09267033

$209,000

1644 FOX RUN, DIXON

Ranch home in Fox Run, 3 bedrooms and two baths. Newly remodeled kitchen and bathrooms, new roof in 2016, and 3 car attached heated garage. Close to shopping and I88!

$139,900

$69,900

MLS#09264717

SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

310 WILD RICE LN., DIXON

338 W. CHAMBERLIN ST., DIXON

Kirsten Crawford Managing Broker 815-973-0841

SM-ST11434-1208

Dave DeVries Managing Broker 815-441-1446

Tim Crawford 815-535-3444

Cynthia Adcock 815-677-0934

Dawn Nielsen 815-441-3515

2015 SUGAR GROVE RD., DIXON

Lost Lake Cedar wood-sided home with attached 2 car garage. The 2 bedrooms have large closets. Home sits on 3 lots. Partially finished basement offers a 1/2 bath with a family room or additional bedroom. Must See!

Beautiful woodwork including 3 bedrooms with hardwood floors. Screened-in porch in the front and an open porch in the back of the home off the kitchen. 2 car detached garage and newer windows!

Barb Davis 815-441-0900

Andrea Ragan 815-973-4033

Wes Anderson 815-499-5146

Nice ranch home between Dixon and Sterling on large lot. Home has two bedrooms, one car attached garage, full basement plus walk up attic. Nice threeseason/mud room.

Vickie Gutierrez 815-973-4444

Piper Grazulis 815-631-4446

Merdita Heald 815-718-2272

Patti Shoemaker 815-994-8794

Vicky Turner 815-973-5548

Tracy DeVries 815-564-8732

Drew DeVries 815-909-8330

1201 1st Avenue, Rock Falls www.MyXtremeRealty.com NEWNG I LIST

CUTE & COMFY!

NEW IN STERLING 2 bedroom home with an oak kitchen, full basement, and fenced yard. Just needs your TLC. Being sold “As Is”.

#09397103

MLS#09338076

SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

Why pay rent when you can own this spacious 2 bedroom ranch home. New roof 2016. Oak kitchen with snack bar and separate dining room.

Appliances stay.

$49,900

$254,900

Five acre country property with beautiful views of Franklin Creek. Large 45X53 pole building.

Kitchen completely remodeled in 2013. Vinyl siding & windows updated in 2013. Zoned AG.

$74,500

MLS#09319243

NEWNG I LIST

Call Super Dave 815-441-1446

Two story home on corner lot. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, covered front porch, back porch, new kitchen, hardwood floors and an open staircase.

Kitchen, dining room combo with island.

1626 IL ROUTE 38, FRANKLIN GROVE

406 W. COLDEN ST., POLO

• Hang the correct lights. When stringing lights, make sure you hang lights designated as exterior lights on the exterior of your home and those designated as interior lights inside your home. Hanging lights in the wrong places poses a fire hazard and creates additional safety concerns, so adhere to manufacturer instructions when stringing lights.

815-380-2500

MLS#09338129

Beautifully decorated two story home on double lot. 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Large entry, nice sized living room open to dining room. Updated kitchen and a 4 season room off kitchen.

• Make sure lights do not pose a safety hazard inside. Some people string holiday lights indoors as well. Lights might be hung on Christmas trees or along hallways.

Such lights and the cords connecting them to power sources should never pose safety hazards, so make sure they are not lying on the floor. Staple lights to the wall and never place them beneath furniture or rugs. Lights can overheat when placed beneath rugs, and lights that are not properly secured to a wall can pose certain dangers, including being potential tripping hazards.

REALTY

802 S. PEORIA AVE., DIXON

All brick ranch home with 3 bedrooms, wood burning fireplace, hardwood floors throughout home, cedar closets, nice yard, screened porch and a 2 car detached garage. New roof in 2015.

$99,900

$34,900

MLS#09343574

SEE OUR VIRTUAL TOURS ONLINE!

• Use an extension cord of adequate length. Exterior holiday lights are often plugged into extension cords that extend to a shed or garage. Do not connect several extension cords to power holiday lights; instead, use just a single cord that’s lengthy enough to reach the outlet. Connecting extension cords is a fire hazard. In addition, make sure the amperage of the decorations matches the amperage rating of the extension cord, which can be found on the product label or possibly on the manufacturer’s website. Make sure the extension cord is not plugged into the power source while you are hanging the lights.

Safety should reign supreme when stringing holiday lights around the house.

$119,900

815 4TH AVE., DIXON

Great Rental Opportunity! Main floor laundry, large room on main floor could be additional living area, large eat-in kitchen and full bath. Large lot with one car detached garage and alley access.

MLS#09339935

526 E. MAIN ST., AMBOY

Grand brick 2 story home. Complete with walk up attic, lots of character in the woodwork, moldings, fireplaces, and more.

An in-ground pool, large shed, approximate 2 acre parcel. Tremendous possibilities.

Very nice 2 bedroom, 1 bath home. The improvements are endless including roof, furnace, central air and many more. Call today! Subject to seller finding home of choice.

Call Super Dave 815-441-1446

$33,000

#09397079

UNBELIEVABLE PURCHASE This newly listed 3 bedroom home is in Prophetstown on a large corner lot. Owners have had serious health issues and want to sell this home quickly. Vinyl siding & replacement windows. First $25,000 owns it.

Wes Anderson 815-499-5146

$25,000

#09396588

E PRICCED REDU

NEWNG I LIST

ATTENTION INVESTORS

YOUR OWN SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS…

PROPHETSTOWN

WONDERFUL AFFORDABLE RANCH

Two 4-Plexes. 4 units rent at $425/mo. and 4 units rent at $375/mo.

Tenants pay all utilities.

Can be yours! Great opportunity to own this turn key floral shop in Sterling. Over 1,100 sq. ft. of retail space with an 840 sq. ft. greenhouse.

141’ x 300’ deep lot. Owner will train!

This 1,900 sq. ft. home includes 4 bedrooms, an office, main floor laundry, oak kitchen with dining area and lots of storage space. New furnace 2009, vinyl replacement windows, 2 car attached garage.

Recently listed neat and clean ranch home in Dixon with full partially finished basement. Appliances all stay. Newer furnace, central air & hot water heater. 2 car garage. Vinyl siding and updated windows. Seller relocated & is motivated.

$81,500

$73,500

Call Dawn Nielsen 815-441-3515 www.815home.com

$199,900

#09367377

Dave DeVries 815-441-1446

$199,900

#09232864

Call Super Dave 815-441-1446

#09312217

Wes Anderson 815-499-5146

#09389564

DON’T MISS A CHANCE TO PICK UP

LOTS OF UPDATES!

DEER GROVE

GREAT INVESTMENT

This excellent investment opportunity.

Xtremely well kept 4-unit apartment.

Call for details.

3 Possible 4 bedrooms. Eat-in kitchen, new wood laminate, carpet, windows, furnace 2015, water heater 2014. Freshly painted with many updates.

Three bedrooms, 2 full baths, newly remodeled – new siding, windows & roof. Front & back porches, main floor laundry.

2 units, 3 bedrooms each. All utilities separate.

Newer furnace & water heater. $1,125 monthly income when fully rented.

Dawn Nielsen 815-441-3515 www.815home.com

$69,900

#09365167

www.MerditaServesYou.net Merdita Heald 815-718-2272

$69,900

#09332413

www.MerditaServesYou.net Merdita Heald 815-718-2272

$65,000

#09270022

Dawn Nielsen 815-441-3515 www.815home.com

$49,900

#09360063

C4 • Sauk Valley Media

www.saukvalley.com

Christmas cookies made simple (MS)

Baking cookies is a holiday tradition for many families.

Come the holiday season, many homes are filled with the inviting scents of vanilla, cinnamon and melting chocolate.

Baking cookies can be a social occasion in which family members and friends gather to create recipes passed down through generations. Or baking can be a solitary venture in which cookies are prepared and packaged as holiday gifts. Either way, people who bake during the holiday season understand that making Christmas cookies can be a time-consuming, yet rewarding, process.

This year, holiday bakers can embrace a number of time-saving tips and tricks to reduce the amount of time they spend in the kitchen and possibly even improve on existing recipes.

Thursday, December 8, 2016

• Use a cookie mix. Who says you have to toil and make cookies from scratch? It’s the thought that counts, and any number of creative recipes can begin by utilizing a premade baking mix. These mixes already have most of the dry cookie ingredients sifted together, including flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and sugar. All you have to do is add the wet ingredients and any extra embellishments to make the mix your own. If mixes are too much work, purchase refrigerated or frozen cookie dough. Include your own add-ins, such as nuts, white chocolate chips, bits of dried fruit, or crumbled candy canes, to give the premade dough a unique flavor.

Sauk Valley 110 E. LYNN BLVD. STERLING, IL 61081

(815) 625-3722

• Prepare ahead. Many cookie dough recipes can be made and stored for later use. In fact, refrigerating a log of cookie dough can make it easier to cut or handle later on. Spread out the bulk of your baking over two days and you might feel less taxed.

• Try a no-bake recipe. Creative culinary experts continually reveal their clever tricks, and many of these include no-bake versions of favorite desserts. No bake cookies come together in a matter of minutes, but still employ a host of delicious ingredients. Recipes frequently feature similar ingredients to traditional cookies, but rely on chocolate, honey or peanut butter as the setting agent to keep them together. Bakers may also like not having to turn on their ovens.

FIND THE HOME OF

YOUR DREAMS

• Recycle leftover cookies. If you have a fair amount of cookies remaining or several that broke apart or do not look good enough to serve, never fear. Such cookies can be used as part of another delicious dessert. Grind cookies into crumbs that can serve as a pie crust for pudding pies or no-bake cheesecakes, or mix cookie crumbs with cake frosting or a nut butter and roll into balls. Dunk the balls into melted chocolate, add a lollipop stick and make delicious cookie pops.

ON OUR WEB SITES.

JILL RAMIREZ

815-716-7379 jill@bardierteam.com bardierteam.com

Cookies may be holiday traditions, but there are ways to reduce the amount of work and time required of holiday baking.

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

Eric Bird

•

Jo Bryson

Broker Associate 815-946-3999

John Dorenbos

Rhonda Weitzel

Laurie Sandoval Broker Associate 815-499-1587

www.birdrealtysells.com

JOHN ROSENGREN

815-631-8550 johnrosengren@gmail.com saukvalleyhomes.net

www.birdrealtysells.com

HOMES • FARMS • COMMERCIAL • AUCTION SERVICE

WWW.BIRDREALTYSELLS.COM

Broker Associate 815-718-0956

1688 Brandywine Lane, Dixon, IL • 815-288-0998

Immaculate Ranch

Broker Associate 815-440-2943

Kevin Considine

Broker Associate/Auctioneer 815-739-8155

East Coloma Ranch Br We oo st kl yn

NEW LISTING

$269,500

This 3 bedroom ranch offers a large family room, partially finished basement, game room, 2 car attached garage, fenced yard and much, much more. Call Eric at 815-973-6768 for more details or go to BirdRealtySells.com.

$119,900

#09396556

LEE BARDIER

815-716-3604 lee@bardierteam.com bardierteam.com

LINDA SANDERS

815-499-9461 linda@lindasanders.com lindasanders.com

NEW LISTING

xo

5 BEDROOMS!

St

n

Move-in ready ranch in desirable family-friendly NW neighborhood. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. Master bedroom w/ French doors to deck overlooking private back yard.

Walk-out basement. Updates include newer roof, Pella windows, doors, hardwood floors, remodeled kitchen & main bath. Deep attached 1-car garage w/ additional storage. Quiet street, close to shopping, schools & downtown. Easy to show & priced to sell! Call Kevin at 815-739-8155.

MLS#09397770

FAMILY HOME xo

add more. Call Kevin at 815-739-8155

MLS#09380777

Well Maintained & Move-In Ready Di

ch

el

MLS#08455180

Di

n

MLS#09091082

Amazing Family Home on

MLS#09274886

60 Acres Class “A” Soils er

li n

$169,900

42 Acres – Great Location lvi

de

xo

3 Bedroom 2.5 Baths

$8,250/acre

MLS#09033057

Di

n

xo

n

Incredible 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home with large rooms, full basement, 2.5 car garage, large lot with many trees and lovely landscaping. Move in ready and quick possession possible. Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to birdrealtysells.com for details.

$114,900

$167,500

MLS#09284999

MLS# 09389911

Motivated Seller

bo

Di

y

xo

n

3 Bedroom, 2 bath mobile home offering a master suite with walk-in closet and large garden tub. Large living room, storage shed, deck and much more! All appliances stay.

Lot rent includes water, sewer and garbage. Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for more information.

Amazing 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home with many updates including a newer master bath, granite countertops, paint, flooring & more.

Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for details.

MLS#09336354

MLS#09304017

$16,000

12 Acre Farmette er

$239,900

Great Income Potential! li n

R Fa oc k lls

g

Hard to find Farmette with 12 acres m.o.l. North of Sterling with updated 3 bedroom home, large garage, approximately 8 tillable acres and some timber.

Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for details.

This all brick apartment building offers 4 units, each with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, private laundry, and single car garage. Great location and rental history. Agent owned.

Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for details.

$224,900

$169,900

#09131714

#08878834

SM-ST11431-1208

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

TRACEY DECRANE 815-677-2164 traceyd@remax.net sellsaukvalley.com

BARB KOPHAMER

815-772-4850 bkophamer@yahoo.com barbkophamer.com

BRIAN CORWELL

815-716-0772 brian@briancorwell.com briancorwell.com

CHANDRA MEYER

815-632-7909 chandra@realestatebychandra.com realestatebychandra.com

4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

www.birdrealtysells.com

$13,900/acre MLS#09118546

MLS#09328359

Beautiful river front property.

This home offers 2-3 bedrooms with new carpet and paint, and hardwood floors under the living room carpet. Newer 1.5 bath, large 24x40 garage, and priced to sell!

Call Kevin at 815-739-8155.

re

BirdRealtySells.com for details.

Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to

Di

St

Located on US Hwy. 20 near Belvidere. All tillable, Class “B” soils. Great investment! Call Eric today at 815-973-6768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for details.

and available to farm in 2017.

$94,000

MLS#09360375

on

MLS#09366892

g

$56,900

Am

Check out this 5 bedroom, 2 bath, 3-story home offering many updates including newer windows, roof, paint, baths, hardwood floors, and much more.

Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for details.

Be

60 Acres Class “A” Soils, all tillable

rm

g

815-440-0689 suzzzie61064@yahoo.com svanoosten.com

DAVE TWINING

815-499-6711 dtwining@comcast.net davetwining.com

DEB PROCTOR

www.birdrealtysells.com •

This 3 bedroom home offers a large living room, vaulted ceilings, full basement, large deck, large wooded lot, and much more. Call Eric at 815-973-6768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for details.

St

Ha

li n

SUZI VANOOSTEN

www.birdrealtysells.com •

Or eg

er

815-590-0130 psword@remax.net pattisword.com

•

•

$59,900

St

3 Bedroom/1.5 bath, updated kitchen, enclosed porch, large deck, hardwood floors and a 3 car detached garage!

Tailgate in your own back yard a block from SHS football field. Call Jo to view 815-946-3999.

n

MOTIVATED SELLER ENCOURAGES ALL OFFERS! 3 Bedroom home offering a large master bedroom, updated bath with whirlpool tub, eat-in kitchen, insulated 2 car garage and much more. Call Eric at 815-9736768 or go to BirdRealtySells.com for details.

1602 3rd Avenue

Cute 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath bungalow in move-in condition.

Garage roof and water heater new in 2015. All appliances stay.

Call John at 815-718-0956 to see or go to johndorenbos.com for more information.

RIVER FRONT HOME xo

MLS#09380260

PATTI SWORD

www.birdrealtysells.com

MLS#09278075

$159,900

815-632-8942 lgibbons@cin.net lgibbons@illinoisproperty.com

•

xo

This CLEAN lake front 2-story is waiting for you.

Currently set up as a duplex, but easily converted back to a single family – lots of possibilities! Live in one unit and have the other provide income, or as a single family you will have tons of space for everyone. All this with a large 2 car garage and a million dollar view. Call Laurie at 815-499-1587 or Eric at 815-973-6768 to view.

R Fa oc k lls

le

Gorgeous wooded lots in country subdivision with city sewer and community water. Call Eric at 815973-6768 for more details or go to BirdRealtySells.com.

Starting at $13,970

2-3 Bedrooms, first floor laundry, hardwood floors and updated kitchen. Additional stool, sink & shower in basement. Call Jo at 815-946-3999 for details. $66,000 MLS# 09387050

Move-In Ready

Great NE Dixon Location

Room to roam & tons of updates. Nice fenced back yard, 10x15 deck, attached 24x21 garage, patio. “Newer” includes painted exterior, garage door & opener, windows 2 yrs. old, A/C 4 yrs. old, water heater new 2015. New upstairs bath 2013. Bonus 4th bedroom. New front half of roof 2013. Nice Northside location off Brinton Ave. Priced to Sell! Call Kevin at 815-739-8155.

$109,900

MLS#09381459

n

with lots of room on the 2nd floor to

$119,900

$99,900

Ro

Great family home on a large corner

$69,900

New kitchen, remodeled baths, new flooring, freshly painted interior, new brushed nickel fixtures and hardware, all in 2016. Also new windows, spray painted siding, garage roof, garage door opener and blacktop driveway all in 2016. Hot water heater in 2014, furnace in 2008, new AC to be installed prior to closing. 1.5 car garage. Broker owned. Call John at 815-718-0956 to see or go to johndorenbos.com.

40 Rural Lots

Di

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

n

LOUISE GIBBONS

www.birdrealtysells.com

www.birdrealtysells.com

R Fa oc k lls

•

• www.birdrealtysells.com

g

xo

www.birdrealtysells.com

$119,900

Wooded Lot

• www.birdrealtysells.com

li n

LAKE FRONT

Di

PRICE REDUCED

lot. 3 bedrooms on the main floor

www.birdrealtysells.com

914 Cooper St. er

815-213-0164 deb@debproctor.com debproctor.com

FRANK MURPHY

815-499-1590 fmurphy35@gmail.com frankmurphyrealtor.com

GARY CORWELL

SM-ST11430-1208

•

Di

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

#09397803

815-622-1598 kjzoeller@gmail.com zoellerag.com

www.birdrealtysells.com

Move-in ready 3 bedroom, 3 bath with finished walk-out basement, 2 fireplaces, 2 pole buildings, and 2 acres. Mendota Schools. This 1 owner home has been well maintained and is ready for a new owner. Call Eric at 815-973-6768 for more details or go to BirdRealtySells.com.

R Fa oc k lls

NEW LISTING

KEITH ZOELLER

•

•

815-716-7653 sold@jimandtim.com jimandtim.com

•

www.birdrealtysells.com

TIM MCCASLIN

www.birdrealtysells.com

•

Managing Broker 815-973-6768

815-716-0976 sold@jimandtim.com jimandtim.com

www.birdrealtysells.com

www.birdrealtysells.com

www.birdrealtysells.com

JIM CESAREK

815-298-1357 garycorwell@remax.net garycorwell.com