Real EstateIt's An Investment
As I read the recently unfolding story about the cryptocurrency “train-wreck” that was FTX, and the billions of investor monies that evaporated, I am reminded how different that is from investing in real estate.
Cryptocurrency is unlike any other investment product. There is no actual hard currency to put in your wallet and drive to the store to buy groceries. It is purely electronic “money”, and when it is abused, bad things happen.
Further, cryptocurrency is not regulated by any national or international agency or government. This may seem attractive to some, but it also has a downside.
Compare that to real estate. Real estate is certainly a tangible asset. It actually exists and you can walk on it. Further, there’s a limited supply. As Mark Twain once said: “Buy land, they’re not making it anymore!” Real estate is well-regulated to protect the consumer as much as possible. While abuses can certainly happen, they are rare.
Consider that real estate can be pledged as security when borrowing money or rented out to produce an income stream and it provides an income tax write off
every year. It also historically increases in value. Real estate has a number of significant benefits not found with any other investment vehicle. Not to mention the less tangible benefits of pride of ownership and a sense of place.
If you are thinking of potential investments in the new year, take a good look at real estate. It may not be as cool as crypto, but it has a proven track record and can be organized to meet your particular needs.
GAMBINO REALTORS
HOME GUIDE
VOLUME THREE
ISSUE TWELVE | 2022
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
Jonathan R. Krause, President Gambino Realtors3815 N. Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61114 815.282.2222
5330 Williams Drive Roscoe, IL 61073 815.623.3333
WHAT EVERY SELLER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HOME PRICES
“Potential home sellers gained significant amounts of equity over the pandemic, so even as affordability-constrained buyer demand spurs price declines in some markets, potential sellers are unlikely to lose what they have gained.”
If you’re trying to decide whether or not to sell your house, recent headlines about home prices may be top of mind. And if those stories have you wondering what that means for your home’s value, here’s what you really need to know.
What’s Really Happening with Home Prices?
It’s possible you’ve seen news stories mentioning a drop in home values or home price depreciation, but it’s important to remember those headlines are designed to make a big impression in just a few words.
But what headlines aren’t great at is painting the entire picture.
While home prices are down slightly month-over-month in some markets, it’s also true that home values are up nationally on a year-over-year basis. The graph in Exhibit A, page right, uses the latest data from S&P Case-Shiller to help tell the story of what’s actually happening in the housing market today.
As the graph shows, it’s true home price growth has moderated in recent months (shown in green) as buyer
demand has pulled back in response to higher mortgage rates. This is what the headlines are drawing attention to today.
But what’s important to notice is the bigger, longerterm picture. While home price growth is moderating month-over-month, the percent of appreciation yearover-year is still well above the home price change we saw during more normal years in the market.
The bars for January 2019 through mid-2020 show home price appreciation around 3-4% a year was more typical (see bars for January 2019 through mid-2020). But even the latest data for this year shows prices have still climbed by roughly 10% over last year.
What Does This Mean for Your Home’s Equity?
While you may not be able to capitalize on the 20% appreciation we saw in early 2022, in most markets your home’s value, on average, is up 10% over last year – and a 10% gain is still dramatic compared to a more normal level of appreciation (3-4%).
The big takeaway?
Don’t let the headlines get in the way of your plans to sell. Over the past two years alone, you’ve likely gained a substantial amount of equity in your home as home prices climbed. Even though home price moderation will vary by market moving forward, you can still use the boost your equity got to help power your new move.
As Mark Fleming, Chief Economist at First American, says:
“Potential home sellers gained significant amounts of equity over the pandemic, so even as affordability-constrained buyer demand spurs price declines in some markets, potential sellers are unlikely to lose all that they have gained.”
If you have questions about home prices or how much equity you have in your current home, let’s connect so you have an expert’s advice. Call Gambino Realtors at 815.282.2222.
This super sharp, executive-style ranch with full exposure offers 3,000 square feet of living space and is situated on 1.20 acres in McDonald Country Knolls. You’ll be impressed as you walk into the open great room/dining room with newer flooring and a cozy woodburning stove. The gourmet kitchen features stainless steel appliances, granite, breakfast bar, oak cabinets, dining area, and sliders leading out to a large deck overlooking the serene back yard. Stunning family room with cathedral ceilings, skylights, and custom woodwork. The supersized first floor laundry room boasts a sink, cabinets, and a half bath. The master features an ensuite with double sinks and a walk-in shower. The exposed lower level is fully-equipped with a second kitchen, a family room with a gas fireplace, two bedrooms, a full bath, a utility/storage room with laundry hook-ups, and an attached two car garage. What a perfect arrangement for your guests or an inlaw suite. Enjoy low county taxes and easy access to I-90.
Teresa Shreve 815.289.3362 tshreve@GoGambino.com
3370 Montlake Drive | Rockford
Laura Haynes 815.985.1115 lhaynes@GoGambino.com
This home will wow you from the soaring entry to the beautifully finished, fully exposed lower level. The sunken living room with floorto-ceiling windows flows into the formal dining room with French doors. The Cherry hardwood floors are stunning. Fully-equipped kitchen with stainless appliances, granite, and a planning desk. The gorgeous family room boasts cherry floors, a stone fireplace, and sliders to the deck. The master bedroom features an en suite with a spectacular custom shower and whirlpool tub. The hall bathroom is updated. The laundry room is on the second floor. Three skylights let the light shine in throughout the seasons. The lower level is spacious, featuring a full bath, fourth bedroom, and rec room with a bar. Your outdoor paradise awaits with a stunning inground pool surrounded by elegant wrought iron fencing and a raspberry garden.
2513 Lundgren Road
Pecatonica $399,900 Ginny Meyer 815.262.8082
3 BD | 2/1 BA | 2,100 SQ FT
3075 E. Water Road Byron $330,000 Jean Campbell 815.505.8336
4 BD | 2 BA | 2,402 SQ FT
4 BD | 2/2 BA | 3,600 SQ FT
Fantastic opportunity to own a beautiful, move-in ready ranch home in the Ridgefield Subdivision in Roscoe! The floor plan is fit for privacy, as well as, gatherings. There is a separate living room from the combined family room, kitchen, and dining room. Sliding doors leading from the dining area take you to a multi-level composite deck overlooking the yard perfect for entertaining. Three bedrooms are on the main floor, including a spacious master with an en suite bath. The basement offers a large rec room, fourth bedroom, and two additional bonus spaces. A great location with easy access to all amenities with Hononegah Schools!
Karl Gasbarra 815.975.4218 karl@GoGambino.com
This lovely home reflects the signature style of prominent architect Jerome Cerny. Widely known for his European designs, one can see trademark details throughout. Among the many amenities, you will find volume ceilings, hardwood floors, bay windows, intricately designed millwork, grand fireplaces and built-ins throughout. Upon entering, you are greeted by a grand foyer, setting the stage for the rare features and styling in every room. Combining formal and informal spaces, the main floor features a sunken
living room, a gracious formal dining room, and a great room that looks out onto the sun-lit solarium. A beautifully appointed kitchen connects to a combination mudroom, main floor laundry, and one of two half baths on the main floor. Closet space and storage are abundant, including a framed attic. The design is brilliant and lends itself to a multitude of living arrangements depending on your needs. Though private and secluded, it is ideally located, convenient to area amenities and US -20.
Karl Gasbarra
815.975.4218 karl@GoGambino.com
3 BD | 2 BA | 2,008 SQ FT
Roscoe ranch with so much to offer! Nestled in a fantastic location, you will find three generously sized bedrooms and two full bathrooms with a great layout. Formal living room, dining room, and family room with a woodburning fireplace perfect for those cold winter nights. For the warmer seasons, the sunroom is a beautiful relaxation space. Huge basement that offers immense additional square footage potential, just waiting for your personal finishing touches. In addition, there is a two and a half car garage with a storage shed directly adjacent to the home. Make this home yours for the new year!
Jackie Tabor 815.520.6134 jtabor@GoGambino.com
This beautiful Roscoe Rambler provides convenience with a country flair. A stunning, open concept that features the kitchen of your dreams welcomes you and your guests to gather around the huge granite island. The kitchen features stainless appliances, granite countertops, and stylish white cabinets. The masterful kitchen flows into a cozy living room with a wood-burning fireplace. Three bedrooms and two full bathrooms create opportunistic spaces for entertaining, relaxing, and privacy when you desire. The master bedroom boasts a walk out to the den featuring sliders to the deck and an expansive wooded back yard where a bonfire gettogether is ideal on those cool fall evenings. This home has so much to offer the new owner. Jackie Tabor
Tony Badaluco 815.985.4190 tbadaluco@gogambino.com
MODERN DAY FARMHOUSE LIVING
An adorable, updated farmhouse with modern finishes welcomes you to enjoy sunsets from the wraparound porch and explore the nearly five acres in the Winnebago School District. The dining room boasts built-in cabinets and a granite serving counter. The kitchen has a massive, eight-foot granite island with mahogany, cherry-stained cabinets, a tile backsplash, a double oven, and stainless appliances. The drop zone/mud room has a locker system and floor-to-ceiling windows. The laundry and a full bath are conveniently located on the first floor. The living room opens to the gorgeous wraparound porch. An open staircase leads to three large bedrooms and an enormous updated bath with dual vanity sinks. So much room for storage, including a large walk-in closet in the third bedroom and a walk-in closet off the hallway with an entrance to a walk-up attic for more storage or expansion. This property is perfect for hosting family events, a possible event venue, a home business, or a photography studio. The charming barn is completely updated with new electric, balcony, and an overhead garage door to an outdoor entertainment area with a fire pit. Zoned agricultural, this rural property has it all!
Kathy Heeren-Ellis
815.708.4061 kheerenellis@GoGambino.com
This Loves Park ranch has a main floor master with a walk-in closet, first floor laundry, wood stove to keep you warm all winter, and a three-season room to enjoy throughout the year. Located just west of Rock Cut State Park, near shopping and restaurants on 173 and quick access to I-90. Roof and windows 2019. Water heater and wood stove 2018. Furnace and central air 2020. All appliances stay including Samsung front load washer and dryer, Kitchen Aid dual convection oven/microwave and dual water softener.
11296 Valerian Way
3 BD | 2 BA | 1,402 SQ FT
Mark Fiorello 815.670.4129 mfiorello@GoGambino.com
815.670.8751 amarino@GoGambino.com
Rockford $109,931
Take advantage of this gem! A spacious living room with a wall of windows creates a vibrant living space. The dining room is off the kitchen for easy access when sharing a meal with family or friends. The kitchen is equipped with excellent appliances. The family room could be a third bedroom. Slider off the family room leads to the deck. You'll love the two bedrooms upstairs with hardwood floors, fresh paint, and lots of closet space. Updated bath. Beautiful rear yard with a privacy fence. The tool room, laundry room with counters, counter sink, and rec room offer extra storage and hobby space. Detached two car garage. Vinyl siding for low exterior maintenance. Great location with easy access to the bike path and Downtown Rockford.
Welcome to this gorgeous ranch situated on 1.77 acres. Huge great room with wood burning, stone fireplace. Hardwood floors in the living and dining rooms and newer carpet in the bedrooms. Tray ceilings in the master bedroom, dining room, great room, and curved corners for an appealing look. The kitchen has upgraded cabinets, stainless appliances, a breakfast bar, granite counters, and an eating area with windows looking out to the back yard. Good sized master bedroom has a private bath with a soaker tub and shower, plus a huge walk-in closet attached to the first floor laundry. The basement, with partial exposure, has many finishing options and a rough-in for an additional bath. For the garage lover, the heated, six and a half car garage is equipped with two two-car overhead doors plus an additional overhead door that goes out back to a concrete patio and the deck. Lots of mature landscaping and trees line the lot for privacy. Close to I-90/39/20.
Howell 815.871.6787 mhowell@GoGambino.com
Peaceful area close to the Rock River on large lot with firepit, patio and greenhouse. Located in Beloit Township. Office/music room on main level. All new windows and blacktop, large driveway. Close to schools and shopping.
Donya Bundy | 608.295.5181
Good home in lovely subdivision ready for new owners to bring into the 21st century. Flexible living floor plan with two bedrooms and full bath on each level. Lovely .28 acre wooded lot with no neighbors behind. Newer roof.
Team Lunde | 815.985.9522
Inviting ranch on low traffic street in ultra convenient neighborhood. Renovated kitchen, very energy efficient, updated flooring, newer roof and gutters. Attached two car garage. Lower level shop and main level master suite.
Team Lunde | 815.985.9522
This gorgeous home has so much to offer! Secluded with many trees. The yard is sure to be a relaxing destination. The home features the perfect amount of space with roomy kitchen and dining areas! A large garage.
Chrissy Dawson | 815.985.5649
Close to everything. Large eat-in kitchen with sliders to a multi-level deck and a 21 foot pool. Harlem school district. New carpet in bedrooms. Finished basement. Corner lot and a private fenced yard.
Miguel Lobato | 815.231.4129
Four wood burning fireplaces throughout. Lower level sauna. Inground pool. Jacuzzi. Privacy fence. Huge maple kitchen. Office. Lower level rec room, two bedrooms, game room, second kitchen, and wet bar. Short sale.
Jean Campbell | 815.505.8336
Penny Edwards
815.703.05861 pedwards@GoGambino.com
Everything went perfect we were out of state buyers and had a short timeliness but Penny made sure she was available when needed. Even after the sale when we needed something she was there. Will be hitting her up when my family starts moving to town. - Joel and Melinda J.
Jay Dowthard
Working with Jay was a honor from the very beginning he was very professional and pleasant. Jay make sure he respond right away to achieve your needs while looking for a house of your choice. I definitely will recommend anyone to him he make your transaction is so smooth n peaceful thank you so much Jay!! - Shanta and Jeremy V. 815.289.7530 jdowthard@GoGambino.com 815.323.8904 lmendoza@GoGambino.com
Lilia Mendoza
Excelente trabajo Lilia muchas gracias. - Victor S.
David Palmer
David took time with us to explain everything. We never felt rushed and got answers to all our questions. We felt he always had our best interests at heart. We haven't sold a home in 30 years. He made the process easy. - Paul and Karli S. 815.566.2437 dpalmer@GoGambino.com
WHITE TRIM AND PAINTED ELEGANCE
Get ready to walk out your back door and start golfing! This completely updated open-concept two-story is over 2,500 square feet of space and a true four bedroom, two and a half bath home. Large foyer opens to office with French doors, dining room, and massive great room with soaring ceilings, huge windows, and cozy fireplace. The kitchen is perfect for entertaining, open to the great room and dining room. The kitchen has white cabinets, black stainless steel appliances, granite counters, a center island, pantry, and buffet serving area. Half bath, laundry with charming barn door and closet located off back entry. The main floor master with a large en suite boasts a whirlpool tub, walk-in closet, and dual vanities. Up the open stairway and hallway are three large bedrooms and an oversized full bath with double vanities. Oversized white trim package, six-panel doors, and professionally painted trim and walls. The fully exposed walkout basement is waiting to be finished. Brand new furnace and air, newer carpet, paint, toilets, garbage disposal, lighting, front door, sliding door, faucets, and landscaping.
Kathy Heeren-Ellis
815.708.4061 kheerenellis@GoGambino.com
YUMMY by Gambino
Slow-Cooker Creamy Tomato and Tortellini Soup
Presented by Kathy Heeren-EllisOn a cold winter day, start this soup in the morning and it will be ready to eat in the evening!
Serve with warm, crusty bread for a delicious meal.
INGREDIENTS
2 cans (28 oz each) organic fire roasted crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 1/2 cups chicken broth (from 32-oz carton)
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions, white parts only
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 package (9 oz) refrigerated cheese tortellini
1/4 cup refrigerated basil pesto
1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (2 oz)
INSTRUCTIONS
Spray 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
In slow cooker, mix tomatoes, broth, green onion whites, garlic, sugar, salt, pepper and pepper flakes. Cover; cook on High heat setting three hours or Low heat setting six hours.
If cooking on Low heat setting, increase to High heat setting.
Add whipping cream; cover and cook about 15 minutes or until hot.
Add tortellini; cover and cook 15 to 20 minutes or until tortellini is tender.
Divide among serving bowls; garnish with pesto and Parmesan cheese.
At almost 1,300 square foot, brick and stone ranch with attached two car garage awaits. Large living room with fireplace to cozy up next to on those cold winter evenings. Updated kitchen with a sub-zero fridge, trash compactor, stainless stove, dishwasher, under cabinet lighting, and eating area. The main floor bath features a newer vanity. One bedroom has a large closet and a three-season porch that leads to the patio. Family room in the basement with fireplace and half bath. Nicely landscaped yard.
1328 Greenwood Avenue
Remodeled Cape Cod. Beautiful new doors, windows, white cabinetry, and new laminate countertops. Stylish stainless farm sink, new stainless LG gas stove, dishwasher, microwave, and refrigerator. Fabulous light-colored plank flooring and new carpet in all bedrooms and on stairs. First floor master with three bedrooms upstairs layout. Remodeled bath. Fenced yard with a garden shed. Lovely clean, and dry basement for storage. The L-shaped covered porch and 19 x 12 deck are perfect for entertaining.
Lyle McKinney 815.543.2008 lmckinney@GoGambino.com
Jean Campbell 815.505.8336 jcampbell@GoGambino.com
Well-maintained ranch with finished lower level and many amenities on 3.29 acres of picturesque setting! So many amenities! Entertain at your heated inground pool and pool house. Bring your animals to this charming, wooded property with trails, four fenced areas, perennials, fruit trees, and much more. Loads of updates inside and out. Gorgeous hardwood floors in oversized light and bright bedrooms. Kitchen with center island overlooks gorgeous fourseason room and back yard. Enjoy the warmth of two fireplaces in the main living and lower rec space. Bonus room in lower level with built-ins for office or possible bedroom. Tons of storage. Outbuilding for animals. Newer windows, well, roof, gutters, downspouts, electric panel, fridge, HVAC, generator, and pool pump. Heated attached garage and 50 amp hook up for electric car or RV. All of this is located within the Winnebago School District!
Kathy Heeren-Ellis
815.708.4061 kheerenellis@GoGambino.com
1019 Whitney Boulevard Belvidere
$117,000 Teresa Shreve 815.289.3362
3 BD | 1/1 BA | 1,744 SQ FT
734 Sheridan Drive Loves Park
$109,900 Mikhaele Howell 815.871.6787
2 BD | 1 BA | 1,596 SQ FT 2631 19th Street Rockford
3815 Florida Drive | Rockford
3 BD | 1 BA | 1,095 SQ FT
Well-maintained ranch near parks, shopping, banks, eateries, and I-90! Hardwood oak floors throughout create a clean and modern look. The large living room and eat-in kitchen with new stove are great areas for gatherings. The current owners have taken great care in updates, including new roof and gutters in 2020, concrete driveway and patio in 2016, and GFA in 2016. The one and a half car garage includes a covered, 22 x 12 patio. Sizeable fenced-in yard.
$127,000
3 BD | 1 BA | 1,000 SQ FT
$107,900 Brad Carlson 815.871.6333
Jean Campbell 815.505.8336 jcampbell@GoGambino.com
Beautiful, move-in ready ranch home in prime Loves Park location in the Harlem School District. Gleaming hardwood floors throughout the living room and bedrooms. The kitchen and bathroom boast luxury vinyl plank flooring with a scratch-tone finish. Stainless appliances include a stove, refrigerator, microwave, washer, and dryer. The large family room with lots of natural light has a fireplace and a heated ceramic tile floor. Three bedrooms, including the master, complete the main level. The partially finished basement adds entertaining space. The house has a built-in vacuum cleaner system. Newly constructed cedar front deck and a large, fenced back yard with a patio to enjoy the outdoors.
Mike Weerda
815.985.2895 mweerda@GoGambino.com
True five bedroom with large, open spaces, and a bath on each floor. Huge master with private bath, and walkin closet. Newer windows, roof and siding, central air 2021, and updated electric. Fenced back yard.
Mary Shreve | 815.262.7726
Easy living in this sparkling, open floor plan home. Lots of windows and oak floors. New paint and many updates. Walk to Aldeen Park and Rockford University. Partially finished lower level. Fenced yard for privacy.
Terri Koester | 815.540.8600
Perfect for the growing family! Formal dining room. Big living room with lots of windows. Newer roof, furnace and most windows. Remodeled baths. Refinished floors and recently painted. Great fenced in yard.
Miguel Lobato | 815.231.4129
Enjoy the simplicity of small town living in this affordable, updated, turn of the century home in the charming town of Malta. Flex living space with a main floor bedroom option. First floor laundry. Corner lot with playset.
Team Lunde | 815.985.9522
The large living room opens to the dining room with hardwood floors throughout. Cute kitchen with plenty of storage, solid wood cabinets and island. Three-season porch overlooking the large back yard. Full basement.
Jay Dowthard | 815.289.7530
Take a look at this charming, true four bedroom, one and a half story bungalow. Spacious detached two car garage. Playset stays, and an additional lot behind the house to Shirland Avenue is included.
Pat Bellinghiere | 815.871.1745
LOADS OF CHARM AND UPDATES
Run, don't walk to see this completely updated two-story with two car garage. Can lights illuminate the kitchen with stainless appliances, newer cabinets, and countertops. Dining room with hardwood floor and beautiful, built-in china cabinet. Newer carpeting in the living room. The bathroom features a vaulted ceiling, skylight, tile tub enclosure, backsplash, and updated vanity. You can get lost in the main bedroom; it is so big, complete with a workstation, walk-in closets, and ceiling fans in both bedrooms. There is a comfortable heated front porch for relaxation. Vinyl siding and windows are wrapped, with no maintenance, and just a year ago, replacement windows. This is a charming home that you can move into and create your cherished memories with family and friends.
Lyle McKinney
815.543.2008 lmckinney@GoGambino.com
This Victorian home with four floors, five bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, and five fireplaces is an oasis of privacy and modern elegance. Enter this light-filled home through the double glass doors into the great room with a beamed ceiling. The chef's kitchen has a commercial hood and cooktop, pot filler, a warming drawer, side by side commercial freezer and fridge, loads of cabinets with pullouts, upper lit glass display cabinets, 10-foot center marbled quartzite island with prep sink and seating, updated quartz counters, and marble
backsplash. The master suite is luxurious with a fireplace and ensuite with a soaking tub, heated floors, and stunning closet featuring built-ins. Connect with history in the study on the upper floor, which includes stately bookcases and a soaring wood ceiling with an exposed brick pillar. The lower level consists of a fifth bedroom, full bath, second kitchen, rec room, office, playroom, craft room, and half bath. The mix of modern amenities and preserved history is a dream.
Kathy Heeren -
Ellis
815.708.4061 kheerenellis@GoGambino.com
Waterside Center 126 North Water Street Rockford, IL 61107 815.964.9800
Mulford Office 1235 North Mulford Road Rockford, IL 61107 815.227.9800
PRIORITIZING YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS AS A HOMEBUYER IN TODAY'S MARKET
There’s no denying mortgage rates are higher now than they were last year. And if you’re thinking about buying a home, this may be top of mind for you. That’s because those higher rates impact how much it costs to borrow money for your home loan. As you set out to make a purchase this winter, you’ll need to be strategic so you can find a home that meets your needs and budget.
Danielle Hale, Chief Economist at realtor.com, explains:
“The key to making a good decision in this challenging housing market is to be laser focused on what you need now and in the years ahead, . . . Another key point is to avoid stretching your budget, as tempting as it may be given the diminished purchasing power.”
In other words, it’s important to be mindful of what’s a necessity and what’s a nice-to-have when searching for a home. And the best way to understand this is to put together a list of desired features for your home search.
The first step?
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval helps you better understand what you can borrow for your home loan, and that plays an important role in how you’ll craft your list. After all, you don’t want to fall in love with a home that’s out of reach. Once you have a good grasp of your budget, you can begin to list (and prioritize) all the features of a home you would like.
Here’s a great way to think about them before you begin:
Must-Haves – If a house doesn’t have these features, it won’t work for you and your lifestyle (examples: distance from work or loved ones, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, etc.).
Nice-To-Haves – These are features that you’d love to have but can live without. Nice-To-Haves aren’t dealbreakers, but if you find a home that hits all the must-haves and some of the these, it’s a contender (examples: a second home office, a garage, etc.).
Dream State – This is where you can really think big. Again, these aren’t features you’ll need, but if you find a home in your budget that has all the must-haves, most of the nice-to-haves, and any of these, it’s a clear winner (examples: farmhouse sink, multiple walk-in closets, etc.).
Finally, once you’ve created your list and categorized it in a way that works for you, discuss it with your real estate advisor. They’ll be able to help you refine the list further, coach you through the best way to stick to it, and find a home in your area that meets your needs.
Putting together your list of necessary features for your next home might seem like a small task, but it’s a crucial first step on your homebuying journey today. If you’re ready to find a home that fits your needs, let’s connect. Call Gambino Realtors at 815-282-2222.
MODERN CONDO LIVING
Take advantage of this immaculate, all-brick Zentz condo in the prestigious Rivers Edge Subdivision across from the Boone County wetlands leading to the Kishwaukee River. You will enjoy the vaulted ceilings and open floor plan as you walk in the front door. The kitchen features plenty of cabinet space, a pantry, a breakfast bar, newer quartz countertops, stainless appliances, and skylights, allowing plenty of natural sunlight. The beautiful four-season room has a gas fireplace and opens to the oversized attached deck. The spacious master bedroom with en suite leads to the laundry room with a desk for added workspace. Both upstairs bathrooms have been newly updated and have tube lights for added natural sunlight. The partially exposed basement has a significantly sized living area, a partially finished bathroom, tons of storage, and space to complete. Roof, gutters, and soffits were done in 2017. Updated and additional wiring in the basement in 2020. Transferrable HSA warranty included. HOA dues have been paid until the end of the year as a bonus to the new buyer!