APEX Real Estate Brokerage Blog

Are you worried about possible radon gas from your granite countertops?

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:52:00 GMT

Are you worried about possible radon gas from your granite countertops? The EPA has stated that there isn’t enough evidence to suggest granite countertops are a source of radon. Typically, radon is found in basements or other spaces underground. Most radon gas enters through small openings in the foundation. Radon is an odorless and tasteless gas. It you are worried - the only way to know for sure is to get your granite tested or to test your living space. You can purchase do-it-yourself radon tests at your local hardware store or you can hire a qualified tester.

The Illinois Radon Awareness Act and the Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act requires a seller of a home to disclose information if aware of unsafe concentrations of radon in the home. It is highly recommended that homebuyers test the home before making a purchase.

Great Buy in Lakewood Springs of Plano! Short Sale in a Great Shape!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 22:53:00 GMT

Great CLEAN, MOVE-IN READY House for the Money - 1600 SF plus a full basement!
Fantastic Amenities: outdoor pool, tennis courts, several playgrounds, sand volleyball, picknic area, baseball fields, ponds
English Basement
2nd Floor Laundry
SSA (Special Service Area Assessment) is paid for!
Open kitchen floor plan

Make your appointment today to view this well maintained PREFORECLOSURE SALE in Lakewood Springs of Plano!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PHOTOS OF THIS HOME!

1900 SF Luxury Condo with a 2 Car Garage Below Market Value!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:22:00 GMT

Must see the inside of this well planned out 1900 SF Luxury Condo in Chase Lake of Joliet!

Space, space and more space
Formal Living, Family and Dining Rooms
2 Car Garage (very rare for condos)
New Carpet and Paint
In unit full size Laundry Room with appliances
Large Eat in Kitchen with Bay Window overlooking well maintained grounds
Great Community
Not minutes, steps away from the Mall, Bookstores, Movie Theaters and Grocery Stores
Great Kitchen Appliances

CLICK HERE to VIEW THE PHOTOS of THIS 1900 SF CONDO!

This 1900 SF unit at 2535 Harbor Dr, Joliet is currently listed at $115,000! Check out recently closed values in the Subdivision:

MLS #

Stat

Street #

Str Name

Sfx

Unit #

Area

LP/SP

# Rms

All Beds

Baths

PKN/# Spaces

Type

SCI

Photo

Info

07530288

CLSD

2720

Harbor

2720

499

$129,000

1.1

G/2

Condo

07588000

CLSD

2644

Harbor

2644

499

$129,900

G/2

Condo

07672153

CLSD

2753

Harbor

2753

499

$139,900

G/2

Condo

MUST SEE 2 Story Home for SALE in Vintage Harvest of Plainfield!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 23:41:00 GMT

Fantastic 2 story home for SALE in Vintage Harvest of Plainfield! Motivated Seller!

4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths
True quality oak hardwood floors, brand new crown molding, wide trim and great 6 panel wood doors
Backs to quite farmland
Extremely clean basement has enamel painted floors with shelving units for storage
Formal living Room and Dining Rooms
Great Eat in Kitchen with bay window, ceramic floor, pantry, and raised panel oak cabinetry
Spacious family room with beautiful brick wood burning fireplace with custom mantle, dry bar and gleaming hardwood floors
Large Master Suite with 2 walk in closets, deluxe bath with double bowl vanity, wide whirlpool tub and separate shower
2 1/2 car garage is insulated and heated and there is a concrete pad which could hold a 3rd car garage.

House is owned by a woodworker - quality throughout!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS and VIRTUAL TOUR OF THIS PROPERTY

Living Room 18X12
Dining Room 12X12
Kitchen 20X11
Family Room 18X16
Master Bedroom 16X16
2nd Bedroom 22X13
3rd Bedroom 12X12
4th Bedroom 12X10
Laundry Room 9X6
2 Walk In Closets in Master Bedroom 5X5

Great Sinlge Family Home Buy in Indian Oaks of Plainfield! Price Reduced! Hurry!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 19:44:00 GMT

MOTIVATED Sellers have just REDUCED the PRICE on this Fantastic Single Family 2 story home in Indian Oaks of Plainfield!

This is a lovely home where the sellers have raised their family and are sad to leave, but relocation forces the sale. This home features:

gorgeous private back yard overlooking untouched forest preserve
Spacious 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths
Great Master Suite with the view of preserve, luxury Master bath and Walk in Closet
Huge kitchen with cabinet galore and a large center island
Formal Living and Dining Rooms
Plainfield North High School

Click HERE to view the photos

Memorial Day Real Estate Sale in Chicago South West Suburbs

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Sun, 29 May 2011 22:12:00 GMT

24817 W Prairie Dr, Plainfield -Offered at $264,500

A relocation forces the sale of this beloved family home in Indian Oaks of Plainfield. Backing to a wooded forest preserve, this beautiful custom home offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a full basement and a 2.5 car garage. Gorgeous oak hardwood floors in the foyer, kitchen, dining and family rooms have recently been refinished for the new owners. The huge kitchen features tons of cabinets and a 6x6 center island. The spacious family room has a gas starter, wood burning fireplace and an oversize window overlooking the forest preserve. The master suite is a dream come true featuring breathtaking views of the forest preserve, a tray ceiling, 2 large walk-in closets (15x5 and 7x7), a whirlpool bath, double sink and separate shower. Motivated sellers are also offering a $3,000 credit toward closing costs.

Click HERE to view photos of this property.

2535 Harbor Drive, Joliet -Offered at $115,000

The motivated sellers have dropped the price on this luxury condo over $75k from the original listing! This property offers a spacious 1910 SF floor plan that includes a master suite, an oversized second bedroom, a living room with fireplace and a family room that can be converted into a large third bedroom. The nice wide kitchen features tons of cabinets and an open bay shaped breakfast area. The large utility room has cabinets and shelving for even more storage. With a 2 car garage and a long balcony with a peaceful view of the professionally landscaped yard, this property is a must-see! The monthly assessment of $171 includes all of the exterior maintenance, lawn care and snow removal. This unit offers true maintenance-free living at a very reasonable cost.

Click HERE to view photos of this property.

119 Olesen Dr, Unit 2J, Naperville -Offered at $129,500

This gorgeous condo is just minutes from downtown Naperville and the riverwalk. A courtyard view unit, this home is truly the best available in Pembroke Courts. Completely updated, this spacious condo features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, a master suite with walk-in closet, eat-in kitchen and formal dining room, 1 car garage, 1 parking space and in-unit laundry. Enjoy the peaceful view of the courtyard from the huge 20x5 balcony!

Click HERE to view photos of this property!

2417 Nuclear Dr, Joliet -Offered at $99,900

Incredible short sale opportunity! Located right off of Caton Farm Road and Essington, This 4 bedroom property boasts a fantastic location at a fantastic price! Featuring a newly remodeled kitchen and a great fenced-in backyard, this home is a steal at only $99,900. There is only one lender to negotiate with, making this short sale even more attractive!

Beautifully Remodeled Condo Near Downtown Naperville!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Tue, 17 May 2011 16:45:00 GMT

This newly updated 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath condo is just minutes from downtown Naperville and the riverwalk. A courtyard view unit, this home is truly the best available in Pembroke Courts. Commuters will love the easy access to Metra, I-355 and I-88!

This great condo features:

2 bedrooms, 2 baths
Master suite with private bath & walk-in closet
Eat-in kitchen & formal dining room
Drybars in living & formal dining rooms
1 car garage & 1 parking space
In-unit laundry
New carpet with 1 1/2" subfloor
Brand new fixtures & hardware
Spectacular view of the courtyard from the 20x5 balcony

Click HERE to view photos of this property!

Aggressive Price Reduction on Custom 2 Story in Indian Oaks of Plainfield!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Thu, 12 May 2011 16:39:00 GMT

Motivated sellers are offering a $3,000 credit toward closing costs!

This beautiful custom home offers so many amazing upgrades:

4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, full basement, 2.5 car garage.
Gorgeous oak hardwood floors in foyer, kitchen, dining and family rooms, recently refinished for the new owners.
Huge kitchen with tons of cabinets and a 6x6 center island.
Spacious family room with a gas starter wood burning fireplace and an oversize window overlooking the forest preserve.
Master suite features breathtaking views of the forest preserve and offers a tray ceiling, 2 large walk-in closets (15x5 and 7x7), a whirlpool bath, double sink and separate shower.
Full basement is awaiting your finishing touches!
Anderson windows.
This home offers a lot of storage and space.

Within walking distance to parks, shopping and the YMCA, experience true community living at its best.

Click HERE to view photos of this property.

Luxury 1900+ sq ft Condo in Chase Lake of West Joliet! Seller Will Look at ALL OFFERS!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 15:44:00 GMT

This beautiful condo in Chase Lake of west Joliet offers a spacious and open 1910 SF floor plan. Conveniently located on Harbor Drive, it is just steps away from the Joliet mall, grocery, video, convenience stores. An amazing combination of privacy AND a great location! Immediate access to I-55, RT 30 & I-80 for those who commute.

Master suite
Oversize second bedroom
Family room that can be converted into a third large bedroom
Large living room combined with dining area
Living room features a fireplace
Nice wide kitchen with oak cabinets galore
Open bay shaped breakfast area
Long balcony overlooking professionally landscaped yard and peaceful view
Large utility room with cabinets and shelving
5x7 storage room of the balcony
2 car garage
Fully Applianced: Washer and Dryer, Kenmore French Doors Bottom Freezer Refrigerator, GE Stove and Kenmore Dishwasher.

Monthly assessments of $171 include all of the exterior maintenance, lawn care, snow removal as well as Basic Plus cable package. This unit offers true maintenance-free living at a very reasonable cost.

Bring your fussiest buyers! The seller will look at ALL OFFERS!

Click HERE to view photos of this property.

Beautiful Custom 2 Story in Indian Oaks of Plainfield, Private Wooded Lot Backs to Forest Preserve!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 11:03:00 GMT

Relocation forces the sale of this custom 2 story in Indian Oaks of Plainfield backing into forest preserve!

4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, full basement, 2.5 car garage.
Gorgeous oak hardwood floors in foyer, kitchen, dining and family rooms. Floors have been recently refinished for the new owners.
Huge kitchen with loads of cabinets and 6x6 center island. Seller is giving a $3000 credit to buyer at closing towards granite counter tops.
Spacious family room with a gas starter wood burning fireplace and an oversize window overlooking the forest preserve.
Master suite features breathtaking views of the forest preserve and offers a tray ceiling, 2 large walk-in closets (15x5 and 7x7), a whirlpool bath, double sink and separate shower.
Full basement is awaiting your finishing touches!
Anderson windows.
This home offers a lot of storage and space.

Motivated Sellers! Please come to view this truly WOW house!

Click HERE to view photos of this property.

Gorgeous Private Waterfront Property In Ashcroft, Oswego! TONS of Upgrades, Aggressively Priced!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 18:12:00 GMT

Gorgeous private waterfront property with charming front porch on premium lot.
Gleaming oak hardwood floors.
16x15 modern kitchen, 42” maple cabinets with crown molding, custom backsplash, breakfast bar with seating for four.
21x17 family room with custom floor-to-ceiling stone-faced fireplace and magnificent view of pond.
All season sunroom with hardwood floors, atrium doors to stamped concrete patio with retaining walls and built in fire-pit, outdoor speaker system.
Luxury master suite with vaulted ceilings, stunning pond view, oversize 10x8 walk-in closet.
Double vanity raised maple cabinets, separate shower and soaker tub.
9’ ceilings, custom wood blinds, smooth 6-panel white doors, brushed nickel fixtures and hardware throughout.
Custom cabinetry and folding counter in first floor laundry room.
Crown molding in formal dining room.
20x16 cedar pergola-enclosed deck with amazing pond view. Spa hook up, wired for electric and cable TV.
Entire yard is professionally landscaped, backyard features landscape lighting around patio and deck. 3 car garage and full extended basement.

Click HERE for a virtual tour or Click HERE to view photos of this property!

$30k Price Reduction On Short Sale/Pre-Foreclosure, Solid Brick Ranch Near Downtown Lombard!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:18:00 GMT

Seller has just dropped the price $30k on this short sale! Very aggressively priced and in great condition. Not just move-in condition, this property is in fantastic shape! Take advantage of this pre-foreclosure at this amazing price!

Solid Brick Ranch Style
2 Bedroom, 1 Bath
Hardwood Floors Throughout
Attached 1 Car Garage
Full Basement
Private Fenced-in Back Yard

Close to schools, parks, shopping, train, I-88 & 355. Nothing to do but move in and enjoy!

CLICK HERE to view photos of this property.

Great Ranch Style Duplex With Hardwood Floors And Many Upgrades For Sale in Lakewood Prairie in Joliet! Previously Sold for $206k, Listed for Only $119,500!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 21:39:00 GMT

1114 Violet Lane

Lakewood Prairie in Joliet

Great ranch style duplex with a fenced in yard! Not a short sale or foreclosure, just an aggressively priced property. Perfect condition with a number of upgrades including 42'' cabinets, 9' ceiling on main level & basement, all brushed nickel fixtures, blinds & window treatments. Great master suite with walk-in closet and double vanity bath. Full unfinished basement. All appliances stay! Under five years old, previously sold for 206k in Sept 2006! Reasonable homeowners assessment of only $37 month, includes clubhouse, pool and playground. Will sell fast. Make your appointment today!

2 bedrooms, 2 stylish bathrooms
Master suite has double vanity bath and a nice size walk-in closet
Wide plank wood floors throughout kitchen, living room and dining room
9' ceilings on main floor and basement
Full, open unfinished basement
Eat-in kitchen with space for table
Formal dining room

CLICK HERE to see photos of this property!

If you are looking to purchase below market value, make sure you include HUD foreclosures in your search!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 15:18:00 GMT

A foreclosure provides a great option for purchasing a property way below the market value and, not just an experienced investor, but any home buyer can get a terrific real estate deal. If you are trying to purchase a home, you might want to consider the benefits of investing in foreclosure properties.

Why buy a foreclosed home? Here are just a few of the reasons:

Low prices. Foreclosures are always priced lower than homes in the traditional real estate market.
Great fixer uppers. By investing a little sweat equity, home buyers find that they can make a profit by reselling the home.
A lot of foreclosures are in move-in shape. With the market overloaded with foreclosures, banks go above and beyond. They clean and fix the properties so that they comply with FHA financing.

No move-in delays. Most foreclosures are vacant, you can move in almost immediately after purchasing the home.

Profitability. Foreclosures are great options for resale, equity-building, renting and other investment purposes.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) sells foreclosed homes exclusively through HUD approved brokers. Taking the time to find an HUD registered broker can make an incredible difference in the experience of buying a home. APEX Real Estate Brokerage is a registered HUD broker and can help you navigate the waters of purchasing a foreclosed property.

If you are are interested in HUD foreclosures, click here to request information in your area or town. Or contact us for more information.

U.S. Service Members and Military Homebuyer Tax Credit Expires on April 30, 2011. Act Now to Take Advantage of this Home Buyer Federal Tax Credit!

Irina Allison, Principal Broker — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 18:31:00 GMT

The Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension for U.S. service members will expire on April 30, 2011. You must act quickly if you plan to take advantage of the federal tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers and $6,500 for long-time homeowners. This federal tax credit expired in 2010 for all other home buyers, but members of the U.S. military and the foreign service and intelligence communities serving overseas were given an extra year to claim the tax credit.

This tax credit is a great incentive for U.S. service members, but you have only a short window to claim it before it’s gone. Eligible home buyers must enter into a binding contract on or before April 30, 2011. Taxpayers have until June 30, 2011 to close on the purchase so act now!

We will be happy to assist you in taking advantage of this sizable homebuyer tax credit. Call us at (708) 408-4934 or email us if you are in the market and shopping for a home.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST FREE PROPERTY LISTINGS INCLUDING FORECLOSURES AND SHORT SALES IN YOUR DESIRED AREAS.