GAMBINO REALTORS HOME GUIDE
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FROM OUR PRESIDENT | JONATHAN R. KRAUSE
“To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.” - Oscar Wilde a
This month’s quote is from Oscar Wilde who was a poet and playwright in the late 1800’s. His quote is frequently shortened to simply “Expect the unexpected”, but for this article, I thought that using the whole phrase was appropriate.
Considering that Oscar lived in the 1800s, I wonder what he would think of our modern society and technology. Would he be surprised, or would he say, “I expected the unexpected, and so I’m not surprised”.
As a modern society, we crave knowing what the future holds. We can consult any number of weather forecasts to plan our weekends. We take note of the results of many polls in advance of an election. Several television stations assemble panels of experts to tell us what they think the future holds. Even sports writers and broadcasters spend countless hours predicting the outcome of various sporting events. We certainly love knowing the future.
Now we have a new administration in place with sweeping changes announced every day. The changes are so massive and frequent that I don’t think anyone can accurately predict the outcomes, either good or bad, or even mixed. We’ll just have to wait and see.
If we have a thoroughly modern intellect as Oscar Wilde wrote, then we ought to expect the unexpected. No one knows the impact these changes will have on our economy or interest rates, but I recommend following the Boy Scout motto of “Be prepared”. If some of the changes result in lower mortgage interest rates, you may have a window of opportunity to make that move you have been wanting to make. On the other hand, if you have been thinking of making that move, perhaps now is the time to do it in the event rates go up.
Whatever changes we will see in the new year, rest assured that nothing is ever permanent. Our world is constantly changing, and so we would do well to always expect the unexpected.
President Gambino Realtors
VOLUME SIX
ISSUE ONE| 2025
Publisher: Gambino Realtors
Editor: Kathy Heeren-Ellis
Design: Sarah E. Diamond
The Gambino Home Guide is a presentation of properties for sale in the Northern Illinois region. Since 1923, Gambino Realtors has navigated buyers and sellers through real estate transactions. www.GoGambino.com
3815 N. Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61114 815.282.2222
5330 Williams Drive Roscoe, IL 61073 815.623.3333
751 Old River Road
3 BD | 4/1 BA | 5,745 SQ FT
This exquisite custom designed and built home radiates quality, elegance and is detailed to perfection! It is situated on five acres in an exclusive, gated parklike oasis with its own lake! The details will amaze in this home from the custom woodwork, hardwood floors, built-ins, to detailed ceilings. This property is perfect for entertaining – both inside and out! Main floor includes den, formal living and dining rooms, family room, massive kitchen and master ensuite and laundry. Upstairs has additional bedrooms with their own ensuites. The lower level is exquisitely finished with with a fabulous bar area for entertaining, dining area, family room with stone fireplace, full bath, workout room, sauna, utility and storage rooms.
BREAKING INTO THE MARKET: SMART MOVES FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS
If you’re like a lot of aspiring homebuyers, there’s a major hurdle standing in your way — the cost of living. From groceries to gas, eggs, and just about everything else, prices have gone up. And that rings true for home prices, too.
But even when everything feels expensive, there are still ways to make homeownership more than an item on your wish list. You may just need to think about where you plan to buy a bit differently.
Think of Your First Home as a Stepping Stone
One of the biggest misconceptions among buyers is that their first home has to be their forever home – or that it has to check all the boxes of what they want right out of the gate. In reality, it’s just a starting point.
Once you own a home, you start to build equity, which grows over time as home prices rise. Down the road, if you want to move — whether to a larger space, a better location, or both — the equity you’ve gained can help you do just that.
So rather than waiting until you can afford your dream home in your ideal neighborhood, consider starting with something that works for now.
If you want to stay local, looking just outside your preferred neighborhood could help you find something you can afford that’s still pretty close to your favorite restaurants, shops, and activities. Sometimes, moving as little as 10 minutes away makes a big difference.
And the best way to see what’s available is to work with a Gambino Agent who understands the local market and can help you identify hidden gems nearby. An agent can point you to communities you may not have considered that have lower price tags now and are steadily gaining value and appeal. That way you can buy your first home and be set up to gain equity through the years.
Today’s cost of living is a challenge for many homebuyers. But by exploring different areas and working with a knowledgeable agent, you can take that first step toward owning a home — and building equity for your future.
1927 Baintree Road | Lake Summerset
$675,000
One of the most iconic lakefront homes in Lake Summerset, this brick colonial has 4,ooo square feet with four bedrooms and three and a half baths, three fireplaces, and is on .71 acres! Completely updated, formal living and dining rooms, kitchen with loads of cabinets, quartz counters. Upstairs are three bedrooms and hall bath including master suite. Master bedrooms is right out of a magazine with fireplace, updated ensuite and large dressing room with island and a 500 square foot private deck. Lower level walkout has wet bar, family room, fourth bedroom and full bath. This home is like no other at Lake Summerset and is perfect for year round living.
223 Lake Summerset Road | Lake Summerset
Modern one owner 2,700 square foot lakefront ranch home. This three bedroom, two bath home is stunning from the professionally landscaped yard to the high end finishes inside. The circle drive leads to a three and a half car garage with lots of storage. Inside the grand foyer is the hub of the home with guest bedrooms and bath, master ensuite and great room. The home has a chef grade kitchen, double sided fireplace in the great room. Entire south side of home is windows to enjoy the sun and lake views! Flat approach to lake front from home and is a short walk from home to water! Waterfront concrete patio area, composite cantilever dock.
13707 Rustlers Row | Rockton
Stunning, updated three bedroom two and a half bath ranch that features a super sharp open floor plan 1,610 square feet of living space on a half acre lot. A beautiful garden full of perennials and a low maintenance decorative concrete rock garden. Curb appeal galore with a welcoming covered front porch. Well appointed kitchen with French doors leading to a raised deck. Highlight of the home is the stunning family room with a dramatic 11 foot peaked ceiling and an oversized gas
Private primary with updated ensuite bath. Attached two car garage and a detached 24 x 24 2 car garage with a covered porch, plenty of room for storage and hobbies.
TESTIMONIALS
-JOSE M. Muy buena atención, muy amable y ayuda mucho. Excelente servicio.
JEFFREY BRITO TARAH MANTHEI-DUMAS MARGARET BOWEN
815.637.0113
Remodeled
the
11228 Tara Drive | Machesney Park
407 W Main Street | Winnebago Great
YUMMY
by Gambino
SLOW-COOKER ASIAN PULLED CHICKEN SANDWICHES
Presented by Kathy
Heeren-Ellis
Servings 8
Just the right amount of sweet and spicy flavors to perk up your weeknight dinner!
INGREDIENTS
Pulled Chicken
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce or chili garlic paste
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh gingerroot
INSTRUCTIONS
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 12 thighs)
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
4 cups coleslaw mix (from 14-oz bag)
8 burger buns
Spray 4- to 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, mix broth, 1/3 cup of the hoisin sauce, the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, garlic, 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon Sriracha, the gingerroot and 2 teaspoons sesame oil with whisk. Add chicken; toss to coat. Cover; cook on High heat setting 3 to 4 hours.
During last 30 minutes of cook time, make coleslaw. In large bowl, beat rice vinegar, sugar, 2 teaspoons Sriracha and 1 teaspoon sesame oil with whisk. Add coleslaw mix; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.
Remove chicken from slow cooker using slotted spoon. Remove all sauce to another bowl. Place chicken on cutting board and shred. Return chicken and 1 1/2 cups of the sauce to slow cooker. Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons hoisin; decrease to Low heat setting. Cook about 20 minutes or until heated.
Serve on buns topped with cole slaw.
3519
$165,000
This charming three bedroom, one bathroom ranch is ideally located just minutes from downtown, I-90, and Rockford’s Miracle Mile. The home is move in ready with light and bright modern décor, hardwood floors in bedrooms, living and dining rooms. The kitchen has painted white cabinets, updated countertops and painted brick backsplash. Counter height seating extends from kitchen into large sunroom for additional eating or sitting area. It also features a spacious two car garage and a large, and fenced backyard. This home offers both comfort and convenience.
5799 Mabbott Drive | Loves Park
$199,900
Located in Harlem School District, this three bedroom, two and a half bath ranch with partial exposure, two car garage and fenced yard has easy access to the interstate. Great room opens to kitchen with cathedral ceiling, gas log fireplace, skylight and sliding glass door to rear decks. Laminate flooring throughout main level. This home has been well maintained and includes low maintenance vinyl siding/ trim, new roof and gutters and new front entrance deck. The main and master baths have been updated. Peace of mind with newer furnace, central air, water heater and windows. Fenced backyard with mature trees to enjoy privacy.
3704 Highcrest Road | Rockford
This charming brick ranch home has nearly 1,900 square feet and is ideally located in the heart of Rockford, offering a perfect combination of comfort and convenience, just minutes from shopping, restaurants, and downtown. As you enter the front door of this two bedroom two bath home, you will be greeted by gleaming hardwood floors that extend throughout the main living areas. To your right, a spacious formal living room and dining room provide an inviting space for entertaining guests or relaxing, with large windows that bathe the rooms in natural light. Whether you're enjoying peaceful evenings at home or hosting guests, this home offers an ideal setting for every occasion.
1
3703 Lakeview Drive
Winnebago
$310,000
Enjoy all the resort amenities of Westlake in this lakefront three bedroom three bath ranch-style townhome! This one owner home features a generous kitchen with ample cabinetry, stainless appliances, tile flooring, and dining area. An expansive great room with vaulted ceiling has a cozy gas fireplace and wood laminate flooring. A charming sunroom with walls of windows overlooks the lake. The primary includes a walkin closet and ensuite with double vanity, jetted tub, and separate shower. The main floor also includes a second bedroom, second full bath and laundry. Downstairs is a large family room, third bedroom and bath, and plenty of storage space. Enjoy the fresh air from the upper deck or lower patio. Walkout to your dock and jump in your boat or walk down to the pool, beach, playground, tennis & pickleball courts or basketball court. Across the street is the Westlake Lynx Golf Course.
Pam Cunningham 815.289.6323
$218,000
815.494.7905 3
815.566.2437
THE SECRET TO SELLING THIS SPRING: START THE PREP WORK NOW
Spring is the busiest season in the housing market. It’s the time of year when buyers are most active – that means it’s when homes sell faster and for top dollar. If you’ve already got a move on your mind, why not list this spring and take advantage of the added buyer demand?
Since spring is just around the corner, now’s the time to start getting your house market-ready. You’ve got just over a month to do the prep work. And while that may sound like a decent amount of time, it’s going to go by quickly. And you won’t want to rush through this important task – especially this year.
The Right Repairs Will Matter More This Spring
Right now, two things are true. There are more homes on the market than there have been in years. And buyers are being extra selective. That combination means you need to invest some time and effort in making strategic repairs. And many homeowners already have a jump on this work.
In the 2025 Outlook for Home Remodeling, Carlos Martin, Director of the Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, explains:
“. . . homeowners are slowly but surely expanding the pace and scope of projects compared to the last couple years.”
And the most common projects they’re tackling are replacing water heaters, HVAC units, and flooring. Energy efficiency is a key consideration too, based on home improvement data from the Census.
What To Prioritize as You Plan Ahead
But just because that’s what other homeowners are doing, it doesn’t mean that’s what you have to tackle. Think about what you’d want to see if you were a buyer. Focus on quick wins that are easy to knock out with the time you have – but, don’t ignore key repairs, especially ones you think could turn off buyers.
While big-ticket items like replacing an old roof or outdated flooring may seem daunting, they can pay off – especially if you focus on projects with the best return on investment (ROI).
An agent’s expertise is key in narrowing down your list to what’s actually worth it. They know what buyers in your area want and they also have data like this report from Zonda to guide you on which updates have the
best ROI (see green in the graph below).
That’s why it’s so important to talk to a local real estate agent before you dive into any repairs. Bankrate puts it best:
“As a seller, it’s smart to be prepared and control whatever factors you’re able to. Things like hiring a great real estate agent and maximizing your home’s online appeal can translate into a smoother sale — and more money in the bank.”
It’s not too early to partner with an agent. By starting now, you’ve still got time to space out the
work and find any contractors you need to get the job done. If you wait until spring to roll up your sleeves, you risk running out of time – and that means your house may be overshadowed by others who are more buyer-ready.
If you’re planning to sell this spring, it’s time to start tackling your to-do list. But, before you get started, let’s connect. That way you can make sure you’re spending your time and budget on projects that’ll pay off in the long run.
Send us a list of what’s on your to-do list, and we can prioritize them together. Call 815.282.2222.
VERSATILE USES AND GREAT LOCATION
717 E Jefferson Street | Rockford | Office For Lease
This historic building is versatile and ready for your office or studio space. Individual office suites available with shared conference room and WIFI! Everything is included in this upscale, downtown office space, just bring your desk!
$600 & $1,200/MO | 180 & 360 SQ FT Jennifer Berry | 815.871.6156 | jberry@GoGambino.com
Doty Road | Pecatonica
