Blog on Bourbonnais

Residential sales of homes in Kankakee County totaled 811 homes in 2008.  

The following numbers were compiled from our local MLS in Kankakee County. 

• 811 Residential Sales in the county.
• Average selling price was $135,358 which is a decrease of 5.5% from the same time frame in 2007.

• Bourbonnais- 216 homes sold averaging $210,577
• Manteno- 43 homes sold averaging$181,835
• Kankakee- 342 homes sold averaging $87,216
• Bradley-  102 homes sold averaging $110,490

For More Detailed Housing Stats visit,  K3CountyHomeSales.com

Homes that are priced correctly are still moving quickly in this buyers market,  if you need help selling or pricing your home correctly.  As a local real estate agent,  I use my knowledge and expertise of our local market and we also utilize the latest in technology to reach the maximum number of potential home buyers with each one of my clients to achieve a successful home sale.

A great place to find the perfect tree during the holidays with the family that is not too far away is Tammen Treeberry Farm near Essex, IL. With 160 Acres of Christmas trees, Tammen's is open 7 days a week from 8am-4:30pm starting November 22nd.   They will be closed Thanksgiving day.

Check out the Tammen Treeberry Farm Website for more info or contact (800) 892-5989 or (815) 458-6264.

I came across a really cool website tonight while on twitter.  http://www.43things.com/   The idea behind the site is to put your goals on paper (their website)  and then others can cheer you on in the journey to complete the goal.  I started a list and it is suprising how many people have the same goals.   

The annual Oktoberfest starts Thursday 9/18 and continues thru Sunday 9/21.  As usual there will be many activities throughout the weekend for all ages including..

• Thursday from 2-6pm Farmers Market,  6pm  The bean bag tournament starts
• Friday and Saturday  Check out the garage sales throughout the village.
• Saturday Night @ 7pm The annual Lighted Parade
  
• Sunday Morning @ 8am The Oktoberfest Run for Education starts at the High School- 5K Run that benefits the Manteno Educational Foundation
• and many more events!!

Visit the Oktoberfest website for more information and signup sheets for the different events. www.mantenooktoberfest.com

The 105th Annual Will County Fair takes place in Peotone, IL from Wed. August 20 thru Sun. August 24th. The Fair will be jam packed with activities for the whole family including...

• Wednesday is Family Day
• Thursday is Senior Citzens Day including the I.T.P.A Tractor and Truck Pull
  
• Friday will be Demo Derby Day #1
• Saturday is "Democrat Day" featuring a second Demo Derby
• Sunday is "Republican Day" that includes the Rodeo in the Grandstands at 2pm

For complete details of all the events during the Fair visit: http://www.willcountyfair.org

A strong round of thunderstorms passed through the Bradley,Bourbonnais and Kankakee area late Monday night and Tuesday morning.  The storm damaged or destroyed many large trees in the Historic Riverview area of Kankakee.  Below are pictures of the damage near Cobb Park and the Kankakee River  in the Riverview neighborhood of Kankakee.

First Time Homebuyers- President Bush recently signed into law as part of a housing bill, a First Time Homebuyer Tax credit of up to $7500.00.  The tax credit is based on 10% of the purchase price not to exceed $7500.

Some other key points of the tax credit are..

• The tax credit is available on homes that are purchased between April 9, 2008 to July 1, 2009.
• Any single family property (including condos and co-ops) that will be used as a principal residence will qualify.
  
• Purchaser (or purchaser's spouse) may not have owned a home used as a principal residence in the last 3 years.

Check out the Frequently Asked Questions and simple chart detailing the quick facts about the tax credit in more detail or Consult your tax advisor tp see if this tax credit applies to your situation.

The Kankakee Farmer's Market takes place each Saturday from 7am-Noon, weather permitting. The Kankakee Farmer's Market will run thru October 11th this year, It is a great place to take the whole family, be sure to take some time to come out and support our local vendors. There is something for everyone including produce, plants, foods and specialty homemade items.