Located in the highly sought-after Grove addition, this stately Cotswold (or Tudor) architecture-inspired residence o ers timeless charm, elegance, and ample space for both relaxation and entertainment. The 1.7 acre property is surrounded by meticulously landscaped grounds with mature trees and features a large, open backyard perfect for family activities and gatherings, hosting a wedding reception or private relaxation. The heart of the home is a spacious kitchen, boasting abundant built-in cabinetry, high-end Sub-Zero appliances which includes a matching wine fridge and refrigerator & a Wolfe double oven, and a central island with cook top makes it perfect for cooking and social gatherings. Both the family and living rooms feature narrow French doors that open to a serene stone patio, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Home has numerous features, including 5 bedrooms, nursery, rec. room, o ce, formal dining room, butler’s pantry and many more!
See listing on page 2
5 top trends for transforming your outdoor space
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How to navigate a costly real estate market
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(BPT) - Homeowners today are reimagining their outdoor spaces, moving beyond a basic patio and grill to create thoughtfully designed areas that blend style, comfort, and functionality. According to the latest Houzz Outdoor Trends Study, one in three homeowners are upgrading their outdoor areas as functional, beautiful extensions of their homes with an emphasis on convenience, style and sustainability. If you’re among those looking to transform your outdoor space this year, following are five top trends to consider:
1.SEAMLESS SEGUES FROM INSIDE OUT
As the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces continue to blur, homeowners are finding creative ways to bring the comfort of the indoors out-
side. Picture large glass doors gliding open to reveal a deck adorned with stylish outdoor furniture, cozy rugs and ambient lighting, creating an inviting atmosphere that feels just as welcoming as a living room.
2.CLIMATE-FRIENDLY FEATURES
As climate resilience becomes a top priority, outdoor areas are being designed to withstand every season and adapt to a wide range of conditions. Homeowners want solutions that offer a year-round balance of comfort, durability, ease and style to ensure these spaces remain practical and inviting. Heat-mitigating composite decking, weather-resistant furniture, and shade structures help keep outdoor spaces enjoyable, no matter the season. Water-resistant
materials are also becoming essential for decks, poolside areas and docks, ensuring durability against moisture, sun exposure and heavy foot traffic. Low-maintenance solutions, such as Trex® composite decking, require only occasional cleaning to maintain their beauty for years.
“People want outdoor spaces that adapt effort -
lessly to their homes and lifestyles, no matter the climate, setting or season,” says Adam Zambanini, COO of Trex Company. “Our Performance-Engineered™ products offer the ability to enjoy the outdoors in comfort and style, whether you live along the salty coast, high up in snowcapped mountains or in the heat of the desert.”
3.COZY, CURATED
SPACES
Rather than sprawling, undefined yards, many homeowners are designing smaller, purpose-driven outdoor spaces tailored to specific activities like dining, relaxing or entertaining. Defined zones with level changes, pergolas, privacy screens and stylish deck railings create a sense of intimacy and character. And don’t forget the space beneath the deck. The simple addition of a deck drainage system, like RainEscape ®, makes it possible to add furnishings, lighting, appliances and other electronics to transform this underutilized area into a fully functional, all-season retreat.
4.SMART FEATURES FOR COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE
Technology is making outdoor spaces more comfortable and functional than ever. Smart lighting, weatherproof entertainment systems, app-controlled irrigation, and outdoor Wi-Fi hotspots are turning backyards into high-tech havens. Features like built-in USB ports and wireless charging stations ensure outdoor spaces stay as connected and convenient as any indoor room.
5.SUSTAINABLE AND SERENE RETREATS
More homeowners are prioritizing eco-friendly choices when designing their outdoor spaces. Products made with recycled and reclaimed materials and native plants contribute to a sustainable backyard oasis. Elements like rainwater collection systems and solar-powered lighting not only help reduce environmental impact but also create a peaceful and natural atmosphere.
Outdoor living continues to evolve, offering endless possibilities for relaxation, entertainment and connection with nature. Whether you’re envisioning a multi-level deck, a cozy garden escape or a poolside retreat, let these trends help you create your dream outdoor space. For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.
From marine-grade protection and Sun Comfortable ™ technology to more color choices and durability backed by strong warranties ranging from 25 to 50 years, every product in our portfolio is Performance-Engineered for your life outdoors™
Located in north LaSalle's Commercial Business District conveniently accessible to I-80 and I-39. This one-story, metal building features open reception area, 4 private offices, work area, and warehouse with overhead door. Perfect for a range of uses including professional office, show room, regional distribution center.
CIVIC RD., LASALLE, IL 61301
AMAZING LEASE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUR B.SINESS RELOCATION OR START-UP! Ideally situated, this high-end office/retail. ADA accessible, ample parking, and easy access to I80 & I-39. Freshly painted & new flooring! Move-in ready! LEASE this AMAZING ICONIC BUILDING located in historic downtown La Salle. Perfect for retail or professional office. Features original maple flooring & 13' tin ceiling. Impressive 2-story 1925 historic masonry building presents large display windows, two main entrances, & large awning. Ample street parking! 433 1ST. STREET, LA SALLE, IL 61301 CHRISTINE DAHM, LISTING BROKER 815.303.4622
How to navigate a costly real estate market
Real estate has long been touted as a worthy investment. Home values historically appreciate over time, making real estate a desirable investment opportunity and one that simultaneously fulfills an investor’s need for a place to live. That sounds like a winwin for those with the means of purchasing a home. But in recent years, many people have found themselves priced out of the real estate market due to a number of variables beyond their control. It’s no secret that home prices have been on the rise in recent years. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median sale price for a home in the United States reached $419,300 in May 2024. Such high prices,
coupled with decreasing yet still high interest rates, has made homeownership as expensive as ever and left many aspiring home buyers to wonder what they can do as they seek to buy a property to call their own. Though there’s no foolproof way to navigate the current real estate market to a satisfying end, the following are some strategies buyers can consider as they begin searching for a home.
• Be patient. Patience is a virtue prospective home buyers will need to embrace. The NAR reported a 3.7-month supply of housing inventory in May, which is low and suggestive of a seller’s market. Buyers confronting a low inventory market must remain patient if they hope to find a house that
checks all their boxes. Such a house may not be on the current market, and might not be for some time. But forecasters predict the interest rate reduction announced by the Federal Reserve in September will lead to a higher inventory, even if real estate sales tend to be lower in winter than spring and summer. As indicators like lower interest rates gradually point to a higher inventory, buyers may benefit by remaining patient.
• Be ready to pounce. Of course, a market characterized by limited inventory is typically competitive, and the real estate market in recent years has certainly played out that way. Real estate markets can vary considerably, even within the same country, but an analysis from the New Jersey Real Estate Network indicated the average time homes in the Garden State were on the market decreased from 39 days in 2023 to 35 days in 2024. Patience is important when buying a home, as buyers don’t want to act too fast and then end up living in a home they don’t like. But it’s equally important that buyers
be ready to pounce if they see a property they like. Limited inventory means sellers are likely to receive multiple offers, and hesitancy on the part of buyers could prevent them from finding a new home.
• Line up your nances. Mortgage preapproval and a solid nest egg have long been vital when buying a home, and that remains true in the current market. The competitive nature of the current market might make mortgage preap-
proval more important than ever. A preapproval indicates to sellers that a buyer has already arranged financing and been approved to purchase a home for the amount of their offer. Buyers without a preapproval might be seen as more risky to sellers, some of whom may want to sell their homes as quickly as possible. Sellers in a competitive market may feel they need not wait around for a buyer to be approved, so it’s best to line up finances be-
fore beginning a home search. Lining up finances includes building a substantial nest egg that demonstrates an ability to make a sizable down payment as part of your offer.
The real estate market has been tough on buyers in recent years. A successful navigation of the current market may require some patience, a readiness to pounce and some conventional financial wisdom. MM24C474
Cherry - Charming 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on 1.2 acres, finished basement, 2 car garage, outbuilding.
#12311567 $199,500
Spring Valley- Neat 2 bedroom, 1 bath home, main level laundry, rear yard privately vinyl fenced.
Putnam- Spacious 4 bedroom, 1 bath home situated on 2 lots, 2 car garage, maintenance free vinyl siding.
#12191710 $184,900
Peru- Large 5 bedroom, 3 bath raised ranch on beautifully landscaped lot, waiting for your personal touch.
#12192298 $279,900
Spring Valley- Move right in 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home, vinyl fenced back yard, large patio.
#12206887 $179,900
Barb Kuzma Bonnie Lester Garry Schroeder Vincent Jessen
Lacey Monterastelli Lilli 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
Oglesby-Great buildable .35 acre corner lot, utilities to site .......................................#12316507 ................... $25,000
Oglesby-Single family .28 acre lot, all utilities available to site...................................#12316435 ................... $25,000
Oglesby-Buildable .29 acre residential lot with utilities to site ....................................#12316244
Putnam-Build your dream home on this affordable lot at lovely Lake Thunderbird....... #12298926 .....................
Peru-Great corner lot in north Peru for your dream home...........................................#12255578 ...................
RESIDENTIAL LOT LISTINGS COMMERCIAL LOT LISTINGS
Bob Huber
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Surprising hidden costs of home ownership
A home is the most expensive purchase many people ever make. Buyers understand that certain costs come with home ownership. However, some of the costs associated with home ownership can catch even the most savvy savers off-guard. And in recent years, those extra costs have been surging.
The following are some of the unexpected expenses that come with living the homeowner dream.
• Property taxes: Depending on where you live, property taxes can comprise a large portion of monthly expenses. Some people pay their property taxes separate from their mortgage payments. Others wrap the tax burden into their mortgage bill. Either way, Business Insider reports that New Jersey currently has the highest effective property tax rate in the United States, with a median Garden State property tax bill at $9,000 annually. The lowest property tax rate is found in Hawaii, and the average homeowner there pays only $2,000 in property taxes annually. Zoocasa reports that annual property taxes in Canada can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on the province’s property tax rate and average cost of homes.
• Home insurance: CNN Business reports that home
insurance premiums have surged in recent years, in large part due to extreme weather. In the U.S., insurance rates jumped 11.3 percent nationally last year, according to S&P Global. Severe storms, including hurricanes and wildfires, cost homeowners insurance agencies nearly $101.3 billion last year, and those losses have been passed on to policy holders through higher prices.
• Mortgage insurance: Many people do not have the standard 20 percent down payment necessary to buy a home. To circumvent this, lenders will require borrowers to take out mortgage insurance, also called PMI, to offset their risk. Credit Karma says PMI depends on factors such as down payment and borrowers’ credit scores, but typically it’s around 0.2 to 2 percent of the loan amount per year. You can remove PMI from your monthly payment once you have 20 percent equity in your home.
• Maintenance: Even a brand new home will require some measure of maintenance and routine upkeep. Bankrate indicates one of the biggest costs of owning a home is maintenance, coming in at roughly $3,018 a year and an additional $3,300 for improvements. Lawn care, home cleaning, pest prevention, replacing smoke alarms and batteries, roof repair, and clearing rain gutters are some of those costs.
• HOA and CDD fees: Some communities impose homeowners association fees on those who live within the neighborhood. Such fees cover items like maintenance in and around the community and snow removal. A Community Development District Fee is imposed by the developer of a neighborhood or subdivision to finance the cost of amenities in a neighborhood. Homeowners should be aware of these fees before buying in an HOA community.
Apart from these expenses, annual utility payments can be quite expensive. Utilizing utility plans that offer a fixed cost per month can help homeowners budget for utility expenses more readily.
Home ownership can be costly. Buyers would be wise to familiarize themselves with some of the hidden costs of owning a home prior to purchasing one of their own. MM24C469
