Blog on Bourbonnais

This Week I became one of the newest members of a growing number of Certified EcoBrokers in the Real Estate Industry.  As I was going through the 3 part education courses.  I found myself looking at things a little differently around me. 

I look forward to bringing more energy efficiency awareness to my local area.  There are many things that we can change in our daily routine and homes to make a difference. 

Here are a few things I thought of,  What changes have you made to become more energy efficient?  Feel free to share.  

• Changing to energy efficient light bulbs
• Installing a programmable thermostat
• Program heating temperatures lower while no one is home.
• Turning down the hot water heater temperature to save energy

For all your real estate needs in the Bourbonnais, IL area, contact Brian Hoots @ Speckman Realty or visit www.bourbonnaishome.com

A great new home community is coming to the Bourbonnais Area.  Rhapsody Cove at Rock Creek is a 243 acre conservation community that will allow residents to enjoy living in harmony with nature.  The community will consist of 107 home sites surrounded by..

• 21 acre sportman's lake
• 17 acre family park
• 7 fully stocked fishing lakes
• 5 miles of recreational trails
• 20 acres of federally protected wetlands

Conservation Design Development's commitment to preserving nature will undoubtedly create a great place to live.  I look forward to seeing the finished product.

For all your real estate needs in the Bourbonnais, IL area, contact Brian Hoots @ Speckman Realty.

Visit Rhapsody Cove or my website for more info. 

The University of Illinois engineering team designed and built a zero energy, solar powered home. They were one of 20 teams to participate at the bi-annual Solar Decathlon in Washington D.C.  The team finished 1st in two categories, Market Viability and Comfort Zone and placed 9th overall.

The team envisioned a concept of flexible modular housing that disaster relief operations could use as temporary housing or as mobile office and command centers. 

This was the first time University of Illinois has competed in the event which is U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy in partnership with its National Renewable Energy Laboratory, and the Department of Energy provided $100,000 in seed money to each team in the competition.

For more information visit the "elementhouse" website-  http://www.solardecathlon.uiuc.edu/

Bourbonnais, IL a growing community about one hour south of Downtown Chicago. Also home to the Chicago Bears training camp.  I am a lifelong resident of Kankakee county.  Let me show you around the area, its a great place to live. 

For the Month of November 2007:

• 19 homes sold ranging in price $89,000 to $385,000
• The median price of the homes sold was $191,082
• 193 homes are currently on the market between $104,000 and $795,000

Real estate continues to be a good investment and now is a great time to buy.   If you are interested in buying or selling a home, contact me today.

A free list of homes is available at www.bourbonnaishome.com  be sure to check out school reports, community info and the home search also. 

Brian Hoots  815-405-5253

Speckman Realty, Inc. GMAC

brianhoots@gmail.com 

Here are some interesting facts that you may not have known.

Two new towns were incorporated in 2006 in Kankakee county- Limestone and Sammons Point

Kankakee is the only city that can claim two Frank Lloyd Wright homes built next to one another.  The homes are named the B. Harley Bradley House and the Warren Hickox House, both were designed in 1900.

More than 80% of Kankakee County's real estate is farmland.

Dairy Queen originated from a small Kankakee ice cream store owned by businessman Sherwood "Sherb" Noble.

 source: images of kankakee river valley, IL 

Kankakee county is a growing, it has a great location close to Chicago but far enough away to enjoy a laid back lifestyle.

One of the most popular things to do is Perry Farm, which features walking trails and farm animials on display.  Also at Perry Farm is Exploration Station a children's museum, that was ranked by Child Magazine as one of the top 15 children's museums in the United States.  Perry Farm has other special events and educational activities throughout the year.  The Willowhaven Interpretative center is a place to explore, learn and enjoy the splendors of nature!  The center is located in an 1890's era barn that was moved to Bourbonnais from Scotch Grove, Iowa.  Visit the park district website for information and a schedule of upcoming events. 

Preparing to buy a home, here is a timeline that might be helpful.

3-4 months 

• Develop a personal checklist of the things you're looking for in a home
• Start the mortgage pre-approval process
• Find a qualified real estate agent that can guide you through the process of buying a home

2-3 months

• Compare and evaluate the homes that would fit your needs
• Make an offer and sign a purchase contract
• Have the home inspected
• Make closing arrangements

5-6 weeks

• Monitor the mortgage process
• Make moving arrangements
• Arrange for school transfers and registrations
• Arrange for homeowners insurance

3-4 weeks

• Start packing those things you can live without for a while
• Make Address changes
• Arrange for utilities at your new home
• Purchase decorating items (drapries, furniture) for new home

1-2 weeks

• Verify arrangements with the mover
• Verify closing details with your real estate agent
• Verify any final mortgage details
• Pack, Pack, Pack

These simple tips will help attract buyers to your home. 

1)Declutter and depersonalize your home  2)Check out your curb appeal,  prune bushes and plants of overgrowth, pull weeds in landscaping,  consider painting front door or shutters with fresh coat of paint.  3)Remove any smells and if possible have carpets cleaned  4) Clean your home throughly.   Always keep in mind what a buyer possibly will be seeing when they enter home.