Gambino Realtors Home Guide Volume Five Issue One

GAMBINO REALTORS HOME GUIDE

a Message

FROM OUR PRESIDENT

Jonathan R. KrauseGambino Realtors

"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn."

- Harriet Beecher Stowe

The ocean tides ebb and flow with remarkable consistency. High and low tides are predicted well into the future for mariners to plan their routes.

The real estate market bears some similarities to the ocean tides. It is not so predictable, but we do know that when we reach high tide, it is always followed by a low tide, which is then followed by the next high tide.

Just a few short years ago, we were enjoying a very high tide, but inevitably, we began to see a gradual slowing toward a low tide. It seems to me that 2023 might have proven to be the very end of that low tide cycle.

There are a few indicators that the tide is starting to come back in. Many economists believe the Federal Reserve will begin lowering interest rates ever so slightly in late Spring. As long as we don’t experience a return to inflation, they may drop again later in the year.

A number of real estate experts also believe 2024 will be the start of a more robust market. Just like the tide, it will be slow and gradual, but the fact that it’s heading in the right direction is what matters!

3

4

8

4

32

40

42

44

46

46

Relax and revel in the views this home offers, with the tranquil pond, a gorgeous fountain outside your bedroom, sunroom, and all the natural sunlight throughout. The living room is open and bright with a gas fireplace. The kitchen has designer cabinets, newer appliances including a double oven, and gas stove. The master bedroom feels like an oasis with a custom walk-in shower, double sink vanity, and a jetted tub. The finished basement offers unmatched quality and exquisite detail. Outdoor amenities include a wood deck with stairs leading down to a stone patio and a great view of the water. Excellent location!

Connie Paris

815.222.6076

cparis@gogambino.com

148 Callaway Cove | Loves Park

CONDO | 3 BD | 3 BA | 3,508 SQ FT $415,000

WHY SO MANY PEOPLE FALL IN LOVE WITH HOMEOWNERSHIP

Chances are at some point in your life you’ve heard the phrase, home is where the heart is. There’s a reason that’s said so often. Becoming a homeowner is emotional.

So, if you’re trying to decide if you want to keep on renting or if you’re ready to buy a home this year, here’s why it’s so easy to fall in love with homeownership.

Customizing to Your Heart’s Desire - Your house should be a space that’s uniquely you. And, if you’re a renter, that can be hard to achieve. When you rent, the paint colors are usually the standard shade of white, you don’t have much control over the upgrades, and you’ve got to be careful how many holes you put in the walls. But when you’re a homeowner, you have a lot more freedom.

Whether you want to paint the walls a cheery bright color or go for a dark moody tone, you can match your interior to your vibe. Imagine how it would feel to come home at the end of the day and walk into a space that feels like you.

Greater Stability for the Ones You Love Most - One of the hardest things about renting is the uncertainty of what happens at the end of your lease. Does your payment go up so much that you have to move? What if your landlord decides to sell the property? It’s like you’re always waiting for the other shoe to drop. Jeff Ostrowski, a business journalist covering real estate and the economy, explains how homeownership can give you more peace of mind in a Money Geek article:

“Homeownership means you are the boss and have the biggest say in your lifestyle and family decisions. Suppose your kids are in public school and you don't want to risk having them change schools because your landlord doesn't renew your lease. Owning a home would remove much of the risk of having to move.”

A Feeling of Belonging - You may also find you feel much more at home in the community once you own a house. That’s because, when you buy a home, you’re staking a claim and saying, I’m a part of this community. You’ll have neighbors, block parties, and more. And that’ll give you the feeling of being a part of something bigger. As the International Housing Association explains:

“. . . homeowning households are more socially involved in community affairs than their renting counterparts. This is due to both the fact that homeowners expect to remain in the community for a longer period of time and that homeowners have an ownership stake in the neighborhood.”

The Emotional High of Achieving Your Dream - Becoming a homeowner is a journey – and it may have been a long road to get to the point where you’re ready to take the plunge. If you’re seriously considering leaving behind your rental and making this commitment, you should know the emotions that come with this owning a home are powerful. You’ll be able to walk up to your front door every day and have that sense of accomplishment welcome you home.

A home is a place that reflects who you are, a safe space for the ones you love the most, and a reflection of all you’ve accomplished. Let’s connect if you’re ready to break up with your rental and buy a home.

SOLD

1172 Shingle Oak Lane | Rockford

Condo living at its finest. Nestled close to I-90 and quick access to all the amenities you crave, this stunning condo offers the perfect blend of comfort, style and convenience. Enter the side-by-side unit to find a spacious main level boasting vaulted ceilings that accentuate the airy ambiance. A cozy gas fireplace accents the living room, while sliders lead to the outdoor deck to enjoy sunsets and fresh air. The kitchen is home to top of the line stainless appliances, custom pull outs, granite counters, breakfast bar for casual dining, and pantry. The lower level is an inviting retreat, partially exposed and finished to perfection.

Team Lunde

815.985.9522

openingdoors@teamlunde.com

9189 Pomeroy Road Rockton

$715,950

3 BD | 1 BA | 1,509 SQ FT

Heather Porter

815.988.7443

12544 Greensview Circle Roscoe

$295,000

3 BD | 3 BA | 3,038 SQ FT

Tina Eisler

815.623.5555

3207 S. Main Street | Rockford

5026 Telluride Court Caledonia

$269,900

3 BD | 2 BA | 3,494 SQ FT

Tina Eisler

815.623.5555

This beautiful home has been completely remodeled inside! New cabinets and granite counters in the kitchen are ready for you to create delicious meals. Remodeled bath, newer roof and windows for peace of mind. New flooring throughout and a finished basement for extra living space. The property is zoned AG with two outbuildings. One outbuilding is 30 x 29 and the other is 115 x 38. House is close to the city, yet has access to many horse trails creating a serene environment.

$230,000

Miguel Lobato

815.494.7905

mlobato@GoGambino.com

3 BD | 1 BA | 3,286 SQ FT

3

Welcome to this completely updated country home with miles of beautiful views! The kitchen has hickory cabinets with granite countertops, a closet pantry, hardwood floors and stainless appliances. The eat-in space off the kitchen has a slider to a new deck. Bring your toys to the 24x45 outbuilding with concrete floor, floor drain, 10 foot ceilings, exhaust fan and industrial ceiling fan along with the 24 x 40 four car garage and 33 x 12 shed with service and overhead doors. (Agent Owned)

815.995.0836

syarber@GoGambino.com

2.58 acres all yours! Beautiful rolling green awaits you. Beautiful ranch with expandable breezeway boasts three bedrooms and a two car garage. Ample space available for the collector or hobby enthusiast in the 26 x 36 metal outbuilding with overhead door, opener, insulated walls, and concrete floor with drain. Bring your imagination!

aharkin@GoGambino.com

Stefanie

3

605 N. Calvin Park Boulevard | Rockford

Magnificent French Provincial inspired residence located on the highly desirable Calvin Park Boulevard. New Orleans flavor harmonizes well with modern renovations in the over 4,200 square feet nestled on a .6 acre lot. Impressive upon arrival with its brick, second floor balcony and handsome double doors that welcome you into a grand foyer. The living room is flanked by a marble fireplace from France, dining room to the east hosting a Murano chandelier, and first floor den/office to the north. The kitchen features an island, pantry, and coffee/wine bar. Outside is an oasis for entertaining and playing. A unique gem awaits!

Team Lunde

815.985.9522

openingdoors@teamlunde.com

4 BD | 3/1 BA

3

MIKE WEERDA

4187 Westridge Drive | Winnebago

Imagine walking out your back door and golfing at the newly improved Lynx Golf Course at Westlake Village and stopping in at the remodeled Club House with Pro Shop, bar and gaming machines! The house is completely updated with a finished basement and full exposure. Custom 20 x 23 deck off the kitchen with a pergola. Eat-in kitchen with white cabinets, black stainless appliances, and granite counters. The basement is finished with a bar, pool table and sliding patio doors to the outside. Beautifully landscaped yard, enjoy all the amenities that Westlake has to offer like fishing, boating, beach, swimming pool and community room.

Mike Weerda

815.985.2895

mweerda@GoGambino.com

4

10831 Telegraph Road

Winnebago

$399,900

2 BD | 2/1 BA | 1,316 SQ FT

Looking for Country? This is it! 7.8 acres (+/-), zoned Ag and located in the Pecatonica Shool District. Long driveway leads to lofty setting of this retro ranch. Spacious, inviting living/dining room, light and bright with lots of windows to view scenic rolling countryside. Desirable kitchen with an abundance of counterspace and tall raised flat front cabinets. Kitchen opens to family room with hardwood floors. Main bath with garden tub-shower and mid-century tiling. Four-season room with lots of windows and walk-in closet. Lower-level rec room with floor to ceiling Landlyn stone fireplace, wet bar and oversized half bath. Attached 23.2 x 12.2 garage. 15 x 12 outdoor kitchen for entertaining. Number of steel buildings with steel roofs for your toys, horses, or hobbies. Great location close to I-90/39/20.

Ginny Meyer

815.262.8082

12602 Wilmington Close | Roscoe

This nicely updated, ready to move-in two-story home on a corner lot with .75 acres is ready for new owners! As soon as you open the front door, you will notice the beautiful bamboo floors that run throughout the main floor. The beautifully updated eat-in kitchen is complete with tons of cabinet space, stainless appliances and an island for extra seating. The large family room features a gas fireplace. Head upstairs on the plush carpet to the master that has a newly updated bathroom and walk-in closet. The back yard is fully fenced with a pergola, gazebo area, firepit and shed. Steps away from Kelly Meyers Park.

Heather Carter

815.519.2969

hcarter@GoGambino.com

4 BD | 2/1 BA | 2,276 SQ FT $307,900

Well-built, split-level home on a corner lot! Master with an abundance of closet space. The living room is open to the dining room. Eat-in kitchen. Family room has a slider to the spacious patio.

Jay Dowthard | 815.289.7530

Three bedroom ranch set on over half acre in Roscoe! Formal living and dining rooms, family room with fireplace, and kitchen with pantry. First floor laundry. Convenient location. See it today!

Pam Cunningham | 815.289.6323

Open concept with a split bedroom design and spacious bedrooms. Features include six-panel doors, first floor laundry, and large deck. Minutes from I-90/39 and is a must see!

Jay Dowthard | 815.289.7530

Perfect Location! Close to everything! Boasts a gourmet kitchen, fireplace, RV carport, outdoor firepit, and spacious entertaining space in the living room, dining room, and rec rooms. This won’t last long!

Team Zarembski | 815.218.9210

Brick home on a cul-de-sac lot with an open floor plan. Eat-in kit has ample storage and built-in desk. Large three-season porch. Lower level offers lots of amenities for entertaining.

Tina Eisler | 815.623.5555

Meticulous Ranch! Living/Dining combo. Eat-in kitchen. Family room with gas fireplace and slider to patio. Finished rec room and laundry room in lower level. Attached two car garage.

Kevin Fisher | 815.494.9595

3

3

SOLD

3

6772 Butterfield Drive | Cherry Valley

Exquisite three-bedroom, two-bath ranch home featuring a spacious master suite with a walk-in closet and master bathroom. The property boasts a fenced yard, low-maintenance deck, and an above-ground swimming pool for summer fun! Included are stainless steel appliances, washer and dryer. Convenient first floor laundry enhances the overall functionality of this refined residence.

Anna Marie Marino

815.670.8751

5945 Windy Knoll Court

Loves Park

$245,000

4 BD | 2 BA | 2,750 SQ FT

Tina Eisler

815.623.5555

7151 Mullinshire Lane

Machesney Park

$239,900

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,432 SQ FT

Heather Carter

815.519.2969

5551 Goodhue Avenue | Rockford

$235,000

8539 N. Pecatonica Road Pecatonica

$233,800

2 BD | 1 BA | 1,292 SQ FT

Mary Shreve

815.262.7726

This is the one! Recently remodeled three bedroom, two and a half car garage property strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and comfort. The kitchen with granite countertops adds a touch of modern charm and with the new carpeted bedrooms the home feels like a cozy retreat.

Luis Sancho

3 BD | 1/1 BA | 2,136 SQ FT

Cheryl Jacobs

Jill Jarek

Karen Johnson

Robert Jones

Dawn Karns

Ray Arco

Kathleen Davis Karl

Tony Badaluco

Halina Borowski

Bryan Holder

Mikhaele Howell

David

Michelle Dollak

Mark Fiorello

Chrissy Dawson

Brandy Berg

Kristel Despot

Jennifer Berry

Linda Elliott

Sue Ellis

Tina Eisler

Tom Ewing

Tim Johnson

Leslie Dailing

Silvestre Flores

Samantha Hart

Barb Key Matt Koch

Terri Koester

Frank Gambino

Jon Krause

Brad Zimmerman

Melody Williams

Stefanie Yarber Team Zarembski

Kimberly Schwartz

Pat Versack

Teresa Shreve Jayson Shull

Tracy Suyko

Mary Shreve

Luis Sancho

Jorden Schwartz

Angie Leiva

Lilia Mendoza

Meyer

Gonzalo Montoya

Leon

Anna Marino

Jackie Tabor John Sweeney

Jessica Tabor

Vikki Turnmire

Bobby Tisdale

Carol Ortiz

Olympia Standfield 815.621.2984

Dale Williams 815.519.2243

Marcia Williams 815.298.1098

Chad Pierce

Tom Tendall

Janelle Tanaglia

George Zannis

Mathew Rinaldi

Laura Speer

Tarah Manthei-Dumas 815.821.1466

Sean West

Erica Tucker

Norbert Lukacs

Heather Porter

12392

Harbor Oaks Drive

Machesney Park

$294,900

Have you dreamed of your very own river paradise? Well check out this awesome Rock River property with great views and a 478 square foot guest house as an additional bonus! The long driveway will bring you to this three bedroom home with great curb appeal. Wheelchair ramp to the front door. Spacious living room with lots of windows, vaulted ceiling and wood burning fireplace. Good sized eat-in kitchen with lots of cabinets, counterspace, corner bar top area that is removable and all appliances stay. Large master bedroom with walk-in closet and windows looking out to the river. There are two and a half baths in the main house and another full bath, efficiency kitchen and fireplace in the guest house. The house has a cottage feel but lots of living space. Property is situated on a .63 acre lot and is in the Harlem School District.

3

3208

Lasalle Avenue

Rockford

$234,900

Hot property! Open concept living. Cozy bedrooms with all new carpet. Master suite awaits with a brand new bathroom. LVP flooring throughout adds a touch of elegance. Fully renovated kitchen with new cabinets and beautiful granite countertops. Stainless steel appliances add to the modern feel. Lower level for recreation featuring a full new bathroom and generously sized bonus room. Additional amenities include a new roof, new concrete driveway, finished garage, all new windows, new doors, and new lighting throughout. All of this is in an easily accessible location and the home is move-in ready.

8027 Amber Drive

Machesney Park

$194,900

3 BD | 1/1 BA | 1,572 SQ FT

Jean Campbell

815.505.8336

2205 Birchwood Drive Rockford

$180,000

3 BD | 1/2 BA | 2,988 SQ FT

Miguel Lobato

815.494.7905

4909 Mohawk Road | Rockford

$210,000

5819 Meadows Edge Close Loves Park

$179,900

2 BD | 1/1 BA | 1,547 SQ FT

Jean Campbell

815.505.8336

Looking for privacy? Look no further than this lively, updated home. Kitchen and baths are remodeled with modern fixtures. Open concept living with wood burning fireplace and newer flooring. Four bedrooms are located on the same level. Fully finished lower level. Fenced yard. Brick patio. Attached garage. New roof and so much more!

4

1938 Cumberland Street | Rockford

BD | 2 BA | 1,650 SQ FT $186,500

Kathy

Do not miss out!! Meticulously maintained three bedroom, two and a half bath ranch with fenced yard. Open concept with a cozy fireplace in the family room. Main floor master with en suite and a rec room in the lower level. Plenty of storage space and a lovely deck off the kitchen.

Tina

tina@GoGambino.com

Gorgeous well maintained Cape Cod in a great neighborhood! The upper level features a large bedroom with a walk-in closet. Large kitchen with complete appliance suite, a great area to entertain family and guests, this additional space could be a family room. Huge basement. Fenced yard. Oversized two car garage. This home has many updates, and is a must see!

6147

3

2121

3

10810 Banyan Drive

Machesney Park

$234,900

Welcome home to this nicely maintained ranch! Enjoy spending time in the spacious living room with vaulted wood ceilings and newer skylights. Separate eating area with pass-through window to kitchen, bay window and ceramic tile flooring. Three bedrooms including master are on the main floor. Great closet space. First floor laundry os situated in the hallway closet. Property has gas forced air furnace and radiant heat in main level. The two car garage is spacious and has Modine heater and A/C. De-icing cables on roof of garage to melt snow. Large bedroom in lower level with egress window and good-sized closet. Lots of space to potentially finish in the basement. Good storage space. Deck, patio, shed and fenced back yard. Harlem School District. Great home in desirable Machesney Park neighborhood! Check it out!

Mikhaele Howell

815.871.6787

This is it! Look no further! This charming remodeled home is a must see. The kitchen and the three baths are all updated with modern finishes. There are four nicely-sized bedrooms. Master ensuite with amazing bathroom. Cozy living room with fireplace. Retreat to the sun room for a refresh. Nice yard with new fence to enjoy the outdoors and a new 24 x 24 garage boasts plenty of space.

Pat Versack

815.262.4999

pversack@GoGambino.com

Mid-Century gem! Affordable and lovingly maintained ranch walking distance to Edgebrook Mall and its local great dining and shopping options. Quality constructed with a practical floor plan make this home an inviting space for creating cherished memories with family and friends.

Team Lunde 815.985.9522

mlunde@GoGambino.com

1622 24th Street | Rockford $185,000

4 BD | 3 BA | 2,729 SQ FT

4812 Mohawk Road | Rockford $158,800

3 BD | 1/1 BA | 1,810 SQ FT

413

W. Davis Drive

Leaf River $194,900

3

Turnkey Ready! Five plus cars of garage space! Professionally landscaped and beautifully updated ranch. This warm and cozy ranch is in Forestville Valley School District 221. On the main floor you have laminated vinyl planks throughout, freshly painted with all new updated light fixtures. Double sinks in the main bathroom with shower/bath, bathroom off the master has a shower, lots of closet space throughout. This home has a formal dining room along with an eat-in kitchen with laundry right off. The basement is completely open with a full kitchen, bar and lots of room for entertainment. Boat, snowmobile, trailers? No problem, this property includes 2.5 stall attached and the additional lot includes three car garage/ outbuilding. There is also a garden shed. The outside space is ready for a picnic under a covered shelter with electric.

815.821.1466

2811 Karen Drive Rockford

$179,900

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,632 SQ FT

Laura Haynes

815.985.1115

1104 Eastview Road Rockford

$175,000

BD

Miguel Lobato

815.494.7905

2815 Pleasant View Avenue Rockford

$169,900

Tracy Suyko

815.289.1130

3724 Oklahoma Drive Rockford

$160,000

3 BD | 1 BA | 1,804 SQ FT

Mark Fiorello

815.670.4129

4012 Pleasant Valley Blvd Rockford

$155,000

3 BD | 1/1 BA | 1,535 SQ FT

Kevin Fisher

815.494.9595

419 Howard Avenue Rockford

$135,000

5 BD | 2 BA | 1,756 SQ FT

Jay Dowthard

815.289.7530

3

| 1/1 BA | 1,316 SQ FT

3 BD | 1/1 BA | 1,737 SQ FT

2206

3

This ranch sits on over a quarter acre lot and boasts an eat-in kitchen with granite counters. Plank flooring in kitchen, living room and bedrooms. Fresh paint and new window treatments throughout. Large basement with French drain tile system. Two car garage, fenced yard, front and rear decks for extra entertaining space..

Susan Ellis 815.914.7405

sellis@GoGambino.com

2407

3

Investor Alert! Well maintained brick home with three bedrooms ready for your fresh ideas. Updated circuit breakers. Newer central air and 90+ efficiency furnace. All appliances stay. Updated windows. Some of the work is done!

Karen Barbagallo 815.988.5577

kbarbagallo@GoGambino.com

810 Emerson Drive Rockford $127,505

3 BD | 2 BA | 1,480 SQ FT

Just in time to make this your home in the new year! A perfect starter home or even an investment! Great SE location situated in a quiet, friendly neighborhood! This cozy ranch has a large eat-in kitchen, lots of cabinets and counter-space, pantry, and built-in microwave. The bedroom off kitchen would make for a perfect den, office, hobby or playroom too. Hardwood floors under carpet too! A finished rec room with bar, a full bath, laundry room and tons of storage in lower level. Convenient attached garage to avoid those cold winter days. Nice size back yard with cement patio. This house has good bones and a few of your personal touches will make it feel like your home!

Juanita Rinaldo

815.821.1466

SOLD

HOME EQUITY CAN BE A GAME CHANGER WHEN YOU SELL

Are you on the fence about selling your house? While affordability is improving this year, it’s still tight. And that may be on your mind. But understanding your home equity could be the key to making your decision easier.

Home equity is the difference between your home's value and the amount you still owe on your mortgage. It represents the paid-off portion of your home.

You'll start off with a certain level of equity when you make your down payment to buy the home, then continue to build equity as you pay down your mortgage. You'll also build equity over time as your home's value increases.

Think of equity as a simple math equation. It's the value of your home now minus what you owe on your mortgage. And guess what? Recently, your equity has probably grown more than you think.

In the past few years, home prices skyrocketed, which means your

home's value – and your equity – likely shot up, too. So, you may have more equity than you realize.

How To Make the Most of Your Home Equity Right Now

If you're thinking about moving, the equity you have in your home could be a big help. According to CoreLogic:

“. . . the average U.S. homeowner with a mortgage still has more than $300,000 in equity . . .”

Clearly, homeowners have a lot of equity right now. And the latest data from the Census and ATTOM shows over two-thirds of homeowners have either completely paid off their mortgages (shown in green in Exhibit A right page) or have at least 50% equity (shown in blue in Exhitbit A right page):

That means roughly 70% have a tremendous amount of equity right now.

After you sell your house, you can use your equity to help you buy your next home. Here’s how:

Exhibit A

Be an all-cash buyer

If you’ve been living in your current home for a long time, you might have enough equity to buy your next home without having to take out a loan. If that’s the case, you won’t need to borrow any money or worry about mortgage rates. Investopedia states:

“You may want to pay cash for your home (See Graphic upper right) if you're shopping in a competitive housing market, or if you'd like to save money on mortgage interest. It could help you close a deal and beat out other buyers.”

Make a larger down payment

Your equity could also be used toward your next down payment. It might even be enough to let you put a larger amount down, so you won’t have to borrow as much money. The Mortgage Reports explains:

“Borrowers who put down more money typically receive better interest rates from lenders. This is due to the fact that a larger down payment lowers the lender’s risk because the borrower has more equity in the home from the beginning.”

The Easy Way To Find Out How Much Equity You Have

To find out how much equity you have in your home, ask a real estate agent you trust for a Professional Equity Assessment Report (PEAR).

Planning a move? Your home equity can really help you out. Let’s connect to see how much equity you have and how it can help with your next home.

Add/Replace Soil Add/Replace Soil

Mulch Mulch

Re-seed/Fertilize Grass

Re-seed/Fertilize Grass

Prune Dead Branches from Trees and Bushes

Prune Dead Branches from Trees and Bushes

Clean Garden Tools and Tune Up as Needed Clean Garden Tools and Tune Up as Needed

SOLD

516

Clark Street | South Beloit

Great little home with updates throughout. Move right in! Light and bright and freshly updated! Large living room with tons of natural daylight leading into the kitchen with new white cabinetry, counters, tile backsplash, single bowl sink. Neutral color throughout with white woodwork and wide plank flooring. Large first floor laundry/storage room. Partial basement. Two and a half car garage to store your toys or for workshop area. Great yard and location.

Jean

2

3

3

3

3

3

3

12396 Telegraph Road Pecatonica

$1,159,670

130.3 ACRES

Ginny Meyer

815.262.8082

10831 Telegraph Road Winnebago

$844,900

71 ACRES

Ginny Meyer

815.262.8082

10738 Fish Hatchery Road Pecatonica

$840,000

80 ACRES

Ginny Meyer

815.262.8082

108XX Telegraph Road Winnebago

$436,000

40 ACRES

Ginny Meyer

815.262.8082

45 W. Rockton Road Rockton

$399,000

4.95 ACRES

Tina Eisler

815.623.5555

713 Tuneberg Court Belvidere

$95,000

1.60 ACRES

Team Lunde

815.985.9522

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

YUMMY

by Gambino

CRISPY GARLIC SMASHED POTATOES

Presented by Kathy Heeren-Ellis

Prep 15 minutes | Total 1 hour 25 minutes | Serves 10

Warm, crisp and easy to make, these smahsed potatoes are a crowd-pleaser!

INGREDIENTS

20 baby red or yellow potatoes (1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter)

1 carton (32 oz) vegetable broth

1/2 cup butter, melted

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

INSTRUCTIONS

Heat oven to 450°F. Spray 18 x 13-inch rimmed pan with cooking spray.

In 5-quart Dutch oven, mix potatoes and broth; heat to boiling over high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer 30 to 35 minutes or until potatoes are tender when pierced with fork; drain, reserving broth for another use if desired. Shake pan with potatoes over low heat to dry. Remove from heat.

In small bowl, mix melted butter and garlic. Pour 1/4 cup of the butter mixture over potatoes; toss to coat thoroughly. Place potatoes in pan. Use bottom of glass or measuring cup to flatten each potato to about 1/2-inch thickness. Drizzle top with remaining butter mixture; season with salt.

Bake 35 to 40 minutes, turning once, until browned and crispy. Transfer to serving platter; sprinkle with chives.

INDUSTRIAL FOR SALE

1947 N. Lyford Road Rockford

$6,200,000

87,786 SQ FT

Tom Ewing

815.703.6677

342 W. Chrysler Drive Belvidere

$2,780,000

15,000 SQ FT

Jennifer Berry

815.871.6156

3212 Auburn Street Rockford

$1,675,000

25,750 SQ FT

Jennifer Berry

815.871.6156

Why Having Your Own Agent Matters When

Buying A New Construction Home

Finding the right home is one of the biggest challenges for potential buyers today. Right now, the supply of homes for sale is still low. But there is a bright spot. Newly built homes make up a larger percent of the total homes available for sale than normal. That’s why, if you’re craving more options, it makes sense to see if a newly built home is right for you.

"Keep in mind that the on-site agent you meet at a new-construction office works for the builder. So, as the homebuyer, it’s a smart idea to bring in your own agent, as well, to help you negotiate and stay protected in the transaction.”

Here’s how having your own agent is key when you build or buy a new construction home.

Agents Know the Local Area and Market

It’s important to consider how the neighborhood and surrounding area may evolve before making your home purchase. Your agent is well-versed in the upcoming communities and developments that could influence your decision. One way a real estate agent can help is by reviewing the builder's site plan. For example, you’ll want to know if there are any plans to construct a highway or add a drainage ditch behind your prospective backyard.

Knowledge of Construction Quality and Builder Reputation

An agent also has expertise in the construction quality and reputation of different builders. They can give you insights into each one's track record,

customer satisfaction, and construction practices. Armed with this information, you can choose a builder known for consistently delivering top-notch homes.

Assistance with Customization and Upgrades

The most obvious benefit of opting for new home construction is the opportunity to customize your home. Your agent will guide you through that process and share advice on the upgrades that are most likely to add long-term value to your home. Their expertise helps make sure you focus your budget on areas that will give you the greatest return on your investment later.

Understanding Builder Negotiations and Contracts

When it comes to working with builders, having a skilled negotiator on your side can make all the difference. Builder contracts can be complex. Your agent can help you navigate these contracts to make sure you fully understand the terms and conditions. Plus, agents are skilled negotiators who can advocate for you, potentially securing better deals, upgrades, or incentives throughout the process. As Realtor.com says:

“A good buyer’s agent will be able to review any contracts before you sign on the dotted line, ensuring you aren’t unwittingly agreeing to terms that only benefit the builder.”

If you are interested in buying or building a new construction home, having a trusted agent by your side can make a big difference. If you'd like to start that conversation, let’s connect.