MLS #12101471 - 2130 Liberty Lane, Peru - $350,000
FEATURED PROPERTY
Beautiful and very well taken care of home in this Liberty Village 55+ community! Large grand entry foyer invites you into this unique style 3 bedroom, 2 bath home. The stylish ow layout boasts color throughout. Approximately 2223 sq feet with large spacious lighted closets and ample storage is a plus. The large master bedroom o ers a unique ceiling, a roll in separate shower and large walk-in closet with extra storage. The other 2 bedrooms are spacious and have large, lighted closets. Six panel oak doors and trim, wide faux wood blinds. Vaulted ceilings and a beautiful gas replace in the large living room for those cold fall and winter nights. Kitchen and dining area are combined. All appliances stay. Quartz counter tops, a new late refrigerator 2023. The sump pump and garbage disposal are one year old, beautiful cabinetry with roll out shelving in lower cabinets. A pantry, main level laundry with a sink area and possible 1/2 bath if needed. 7 wired smoke detectors, Anderson windows, all rooms wired for cable and phone additionally signed up for ber internet. Heated sunroom with sliding glass doors leading to patio area. The garage is 26x24 with a beautiful epoxy ooring, a separate utility room with furnace and a 3-year-old water heater. A full deep concrete crawl space with additional storage. Great curb appeal and mature plantings makes this lovely Peru home a prime choice.
See listing on page 2
renovations that provide a strong return on investment
Christine & Jerry Schweickert
815-488-2990
Park Ave/Lovers Lane
Princeton #12112967
$105,000
1 Emily Dr., Lot 18
Spring Valley #06196058
$20,000
Theresa Washkowiak
815-481-4663
Lots 5 & 6, Sunset Blvd.
Oglesby #11009374 #11009402
$49,900 Each
2 Emily Dr., Lot 36
Spring Valley #06196059
$20,000
8 Kimberly Dr., Lot 14
Spring Valley #09349372
$20,000
8 Emily Dr., Lot 33
Spring Valley #06196070
$20,000
South Ridge Subdivision, Ottawa
MLS #12102811
MLS #12102805
MLS #12102831
MLS #12102849 MLS #12102861 MLS #12102876
MLS #12102867 MLS #12102889 MLS #12102884
MLS #12102794 MLS #12102895 MLS #12101798
MLS #12101785 MLS #12102779
MLS #12101549
MLS #12101775 MLS #12102827
$31,500 Each
Wolfer’s Grove Subdivision, Spring Valley
MLS #06492419 Lot 13
MLS #06492430 Lot 14
MLS #06492486 Lot 20
MLS #06492507 Lot 22
MLS #06492289 Lot 5
MLS #06492481 Lot 19
MLS #06492497 Lot 21
MLS #06492515 Lot 23
MLS #09985021 Lot 4
.45 - .73 Acre Wooded Lots
$52,000-$58,000
Your Name Your Number! Become a real estate agent!
2 Kimberly Dr., Lot 17
Spring Valley #06196057
$20,000
10 Emily Dr., Lot 32
Spring Valley #06196072
$20,000
LaSalle- Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 bath home on large corner lot, covered front porch, 2+ car garage.
#12140130 $189,900
Peru- Adorable and affordable, charming 2 bedroom, 1 bath home on corner lot, 1 car garage.
#12135834 $114,500
LaSalle-Neat and clean 2 bedroom, 2 bath mobile home, luxury vinyl planking floors, patio.
#12121379 $39,500
Peru-Immaculate 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on 2+ picturesque acres,2 car garage and 2 outbuildings.
#12074198 $830,000
RESIDENTIAL LISTINGS
DePue- Cozy 2 bedroom home on wooded lot, property must be sold with MLS#12139496.
#12139554 $52,450
Mark-Must see 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath home on large scenic corner lot, open floor plan, 2 car garage.
#12134362 $159,900
Spring Valley-Spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath vinyl sided home, 2 sunny decks, 2 car attached garage.
#12106627 $124,900
Spring Valley-Abundant space in this 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, enclosed front porch, full basement.
#12058135 $69,000
DePue-Affordable 3 bedroom home on scenic lot, property must be sold with MLS #12139554.
#12139496 $77,450
LaSalle-Move in ready 3 bedroom, 1 bath home, main level laundry, sliding doors to patio.
#12126388 $85,000
Tonica- Neat 2 unit building, each unit has 2 bedroom, 1 bath, laundry hookups, off street parking.
#12097106 $129,900
DePue- Ranch style home features 2 bedroom, 1 bath, unfinished basement, off street parking.
Peru- Everything needed to run a successful restaurant, with 3 residential rentals above, shared parking.
#11820633 $690,000
Peru-Move right into this 5,000 sq ft building close to interstate, 12 ft overhead doors, concrete floor. #11964416 $350,000
Peru- Nostalgic Peru Landmark - includes business, name, equipment, inventory, recipes, & training. (Co-listed with Janko Realty)
#11728557 $419,900
Barb Kuzma
Schroeder Vincent Jessen Jessica Jeffrey
Orlandi
Chris Hopps
VERMILIONVUE SUBDIVISION
Located in the picturesque countryside. Lot size ½ - 1+ acre starting at $29,000. City sewer, water, underground utilities, covenants and restrictions apply. Call Wendy Fulmer @815-252-8280 or Barb Kuzma @815-343-1433. MLS#12061416
HERITAGE FIELDS SUBDIVISION
Large residential building lots starting at $19,900. Curb & gutters, city sewer & water available. Close to I-39! Lot size begins at .25 an acre & covenants are available. Call Garry Schroeder at 815-252-5854. MLS#10141625
Peru-Great building lot in north Peru, city water and sewer, underground utilities. ...... #12120368 ....... $59,000
Utica-All timber 20+/- acres, potential recreational use, possible home site. .......... #12117521 ..... $240,000
Granville-Scenic tree lined 1.5 acre lot in quiet country subdivision, utilities nearby ... #12094829 ...... $27,000
Spring Valley-Beautiful 1.8 acre building lot in low traffic area, rear is wooded ...... #11993667....... $75,000
Utica-Single family building lot in established subdivision, city water available ....... #11949410 ....... $19,000
COMMERCIAL LOT LISTINGS
Princeton-Cleared, level building site features 2.88 acres in business plaza ...................... #10878168 ....... $300,000
Bob Huber
Carol Wlodarchak
TJ Templeton Amber Witek
Karen Zermeno
Heidi Huber
Tom Guttilla
renovations that provide a strong return on investment
Renovations that make homeowners and residents of a home happy are always worth the investment. Though it’s certainly true that projects that create more functional, usable space and add comfort and convenience are worth the price, such renovations are even more beneficial if they provide a good return on homeowners’ financial investment. Returns are often cashed in when homeowners put their homes up for sale, and each year Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which considers a wealth of data across the United States to determine which renovations return the
highest percentage of homeowners’ financial investment. According to the “2024 Cost vs. Value Report,” the following are five projects that provide a strong return on investment (ROI).
1.Garage door replacement:
The average job cost for this project is slightly more than $4,500 but the project is valued at $8,751, providing an especially high 194 percent ROI.
2.Steel door replacement:
Remodeling magazine notes that a steel entry door replacement is worth double what it was worth in 2023. This project offers a 188 percent ROI on an average investment of $2,355.
3.Manufactured stone
veneer: A manufactured stone veneer is a man-made product that appears as if it’s natural stone. Many homeowners prefer manufactured stone veneer to natural stone because of the price, as the former is less expensive and easier to install, which means lower labor costs as well. The comparatively low cost of manufactured stone veneer is perhaps one reason why it averages a roughly 153 percent ROI on an average cost of just more than $11,000.
4.Grand entrance upscale ( berglass): Few things are as awe-inspiring as an impressive entryway, and upgrading to a grand fiberglass entrance door provides a 97 percent ROI. Components of these entryways can vary, but Remodeling magazine notes the project may entail removing an existing entry door and cutting and reframing the opening for a larger with dual sidelights.
5.Minor kitchen remodel: According to the “2024 U.S. Houzz & Home Study” from Houzz Research, kitch-
ens were the most popular rooms to renovate in 2023. There’s no denying the appeal of a newly renovated kitchen, and homeowners considering such a project may be happy to learn that a minor kitchen remodel that costs an average of around $27,000 provides
Make YourDream Home a Reality
LaSalle • Joliet
a 96 percent ROI. Bankrate. com notes that minor kitchen remodels typically keep the current kitchen design, size and layout intact, but these projects may involve painting walls, refreshing backsplash, replacing lighting and plumbing fixtures, and changing cab-
inet hardware and facades. Home renovations that provide a significant ROI can make homeowners happy once a project is completed and even happier when the day comes to put a home up for sale.
HI248170
$15,000
situated on a professionally landscaped lush 1.15 acres features 6 bedrooms, 5 baths plus a 2200 sf finished basement. You’ll enjoy year-round outdoor beauty while relaxing on your 14'x24' composite deck or enjoy the patio w/built-in fire pit or escape to your custom-built hobby shed. You will be welcomed by a 2-story open staircase foyer that leads to a large family room with stone fireplace and stunning views. Your dream home wish list includes a main floor primary suite featuring large walk-in closet and ensuite bath; large chef kitchen w/ss appliances, custom cabinetry & enormous dining area; French doors that open to a bright & airy sunroom; private dining room; main floor laundry; 3 gas fireplaces; and so much more!
Moving soon? These tips can make it easier
(BPT) - Have a move on the horizon? You may feel overwhelmed. But moving can be the perfect opportunity to declutter and set yourself up for a smooth ride into your new neighborhood.
It’s likely that you want to keep control of how your belongings are packed and moved by taking charge of the move yourself. In fact, many people share this same sentiment - Penske Truck Rental’s Settling In: Consumer Moving Trends Survey found that 57% of people planning a move prefer to rent their own moving truck.
If that sounds like you, here are tips to help you successfully execute your move.
PLAN AHEAD
The more you prep, the better. Create a checklist and calendar to stay on track.
Assess what you’re bringing to your new home and start planning for a moving date. Once identified, you’ll need to find a truck that’s best suited for your move. Not sure where to start? Penske offers a “Truck Wizard” which provides customized truck recommendations based on
a quick questionnaire. After you identify the perfect size truck, you’re all set to book your truck rental. Many rental companies, like Penske, offer quick and easy bookings, and additional services that will make your move a breeze. You can grab packing supplies, furniture pads, tow dollies and more right from the pick-up location.
Pro tip: Save time on moving day by renting your truck the day before the move.
MAXIMIZE DECLUTTERING
You’ve probably always
wanted to declutter, but moving provides the incentive to get it done. Start with areas you use least, like guest rooms. Label boxes “donate,” “trash” and “recycle,” then ask yourself: “Do I want this item enough to pack and move it?” If not, into one of those boxes it goes. Create a roomby-room schedule on your calendar to spread sorting over several days or weeks.
For moving day, create a bag for essentials like toiletries and phone chargers, then pack a toolkit with things you’ll need for setting up your
Pro tip: Label boxes on tops and sides so they’re easy to see.
DON’T MISS THE DETAILS
Moving requires bureaucratic details, including:
• Change of address with the post office, your bank, credit cards, driver’s license, etc.
• Utilities need to be turned off or transferred. Moving to a new town? Research whether current providers can service your new area or if you’ll need to switch.
Pro tip: Many tasks can be performed online. Check provider websites for information.
PACK CAREFULLY
Pack valuable breakables in bubble wrap or other quality materials. You can recycle cardboard or use coffee filters between everyday dishes and bowls to prevent chips and scratches. Secure dresser drawers and appliance doors with rope and tape.
Pro tip: Take pictures of the back of your TV before disconnecting so you’ll know how to re-wire, and tape remotes to the back.
LOADING AND DRIVING YOUR MOVING TRUCK
Familiarize yourself with your moving truck, including knowing what fuel it needs. Learn the height and width (clearance) dimensions to avoid mishaps entering narrow drive-thru lanes or driving under low bridges. Consider an extra padlock for lengthy/ overnight stops.
Organize heaviest items in an “I” formation, balancing weight evenly, and use tie-downs to prevent sliding. Smaller items and boxes can fit in gaps around heavy items to fill the truck. Keep anything valuable or that you’ll need to access easily in the cab.
A larger vehicle can take time to get used to. Watch your speed and proximity to other vehicles to avoid sudden braking.
Pro tip: Check the weather forecast to know what to expect, and leave extra time if needed. Avoid busy urban areas around holidays like Labor Day.
ENJOY THE MOVE
Enlist help from friends and family, take breaks and enjoy the experience! Moving to a new place can lead to fun and exciting discoveries, and the chance to make new friends.
EXPLORE YOUR NEW AREA
Moving to a new place can be both exciting and challenging. Finding ways to connect with your new community can
make the transition smoother. The Penske Settling In survey found that certain activities helped movers acclimate to their new neighborhood and build a sense of community. Top activities included: exploring new restaurants and shops, meeting neighbors, discovering new parks and outdoor spaces, plus participating in local events. The majority of people moving to a new neighborhood (72%) found that establishing a consistent routine helped them get used to their new area.
Find tips and resources to improve your next move at PenskeTruckRental.com.
Discover the blending of award-winning design and unparalleled luxury in this extraordinary residence by Brininstool & Lynch.
Unparalleled luxury meets thoughtful design with this exceptional central Illinois home. Created by Brad Lynch of Brininstool & Lynch, Chicago. This residence has been honored by the prestigious Chicago chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Recognized for its groundbreaking design in midwestern horizontality and architectural brilliance. www.local-realtygroup.com
5 bedrooms | 4 full / 2 half bathrooms | 6,900 sq ft
Located in the coveted Baker Lake neighborhood, this home offers privacy and serenity while being just minutes away from shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Baker Lake offers a paved walking and biking path, fishing, playground, park shelters, and disc golf.
Sophisticated Interiors:
The open-concept layout emphasizes fluidity and connectivity, featuring expansive living spaces bathed in natural light. Terrazo creates nearly seemless flooring that extends throughout the entire main level. Custom finishes and floor-to-ceiling windows create an airy, inviting atmosphere that embodies modern elegance.
Upscale Kitchen:
The luxury kitchen is outfitted with state-ofthe-art appliances, custom millwork, and a generous granite island, perfect for both casual dining and formal entertaining.
Amenities: Featuring advanced hyrdronic in-floor heating and zoned air conditioning for optimal comfort and energy efficiency, a 3-car garage with epoxy floor coating, ample cabinetry and storage throughout the garage, completely fenced in yard, this residence provides the ultimate in comfort and privacy.
Upper Level:
The upper level features a spacious family room, two 1-bedroom suites with exclusive bathrooms, walk-in closets, and bedroom access to a shared outdoor terrace.
Luxurious Master Suite: The main level master suite is a sanctuary of tranquility, complete with private patio and pool access, custom walk-in closet, and spa-like bathroom featuring a walk-in rainfall shower.
Resort-Style Outdoor Space:
features an in-ground saltwater pool and screened-in porch. A stylish onrelaxing or entertaining.
1210 Bucklin St. LaSalle, IL
Varna, IL
Lostant, IL
Renting vs. buying:
Know the pros and cons
People typically have two options when they need a place to live: rent or buy. There are pros and cons to each option, and what is best depends on the person and the situation.
Choosing to rent or buy is a decision with many moving parts, says NerdWallet. Although buying a home is often presented as a fulfillment of the “American Dream,” home ownership is not the right fit for everyone. A careful consideration of owning versus renting can help people decide which option is best for them.
HOME OWNERSHIP
Purchasing a home is a large undertaking that requires a significant financial investment. People often buy a home because they want stability and an
asset that maintains value and even appreciates in the long run. There’s also more freedom over the living situation when a person buys, as he or she is not beholden to the rules of the landlord. This affords more freedom to decorate and fewer restrictions regarding noise. Homeowners also may not be privy to rules regarding pets. People may be drawn to buying because they know precisely what they will pay each month in living expenses, provided taxes remain relatively stable. Furthermore, setting down roots can help a person feel like part of a community.
Home ownership has some disadvantages. It’s a large financial investment that requires a potentially sizable down payment up front. Owning comes with an inherent,
though not ironclad, lack of flexibility, as a person cannot simply move to a new geographic location on a whim. There’s also responsibility involved in home ownership. Homeowners are required to pay for all maintenance and handle any additional issues that arise.
RENTING
Renting can be a more affordable short-term option than buying. Renting enables a person to get a residence at a lower monthly expense and with no down payment. Those who rent have more flexibility if they want to change homes frequently. There’s much less responsibility required to rent, as landlords will handle repairs and other concerns. Expenses may be less because
there’s no need to pay property taxes, and some utilities may be covered by the property owner.
There is a sentiment that renters are throwing away money each month because they are not getting any equity with each monthly rental payment. Rental costs also may not be fixed, as a landlord can increase rent with each lease renewal. Renters also must abide by the rules and regulations of the landlord while renting. This may mean restrictions on parties, noise after a certain time, pets, and more.
There’s no clear-cut answer as to which is better, renting or buying. People must identify their own priorities and needs during the decision-making process. RE244821
Landmark Realty of Illinois LLC
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
To Donate 10% of Its Princeton Pro ts From Now Until the End of this Year to Princeton Second Story Teen Center! Berkshire Hathaway Home Services—A Sign of Quality for Real Estate A Reputation Built on Trust, Framed In Excellence
When the world’s most trusted brand puts its name on a real estate sign, it’s a sign that buyers and sellers pay attention to. This company, known for its straightforward approach and practical wisdom, is making a significant impact in the real estate market and communities in which it serves. From now until the end of the year, Berkshire Hathaway is pledging to donate a portion of its profits from the Princeton area to support the development of a much-needed teen center. Berkshire Hathaway is proud to be part of the community and to make a difference in the lives of others.
