Why did they do that?
Naperville was home to four of the 27 homes on the 2007 Luxury home tour. A cornucopia of different designs, a wealth of personal ideas as they relate to comfort and style.
Touring some of these homes you find yourself asking... "I wonder why they did that?"
The owners of the largest and most expensive home on the tour offer a guided tour of their thinking (along with pictures) at this site: Luxury Home In Naperville which is currently for sale at $4,350,000
Posted by Angus at 3:14 PM
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The Naper Settlement - History in the heart of Naperville
Central Naperville offers a little of the unexpected... history in the form of a piece of land preserved as it might have been in the 1800's. A cultural museum called the
Naper SettlementLocated on Aurora Avenue, just steps from Naperville's thriving downtown and renowned riverwalk... the Naper Settlement preserves a long and rich history to the benefit of the community. A 13 acre 19th century village complete with costumed villagers.
Enter the Settlement at the Pre-Emption house, a hotel and tavern where Grover Cleveland and Abraham Lincoln would stop for a pint or two. Abraham Lincoln once gave a speech from the Pre-emption house roof. This building is a recreation of the original which was located just a couple of blocks away.
The expansive grounds are home to many historical buildings... one of the most notable being the
Martin Mitchell Mansion a beautifully restored mansion and carriage home from 1883. A three year renovation at a cost of 2.8 million dollars has returned this magnificient building to it's former grandeur. The Martin Mitchell Mansion is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition to it's many magnificient structures, the settlement is home to many of the more modest dwellings of Naperville's early settlers, including a log house, blacksmith shop, chapel (available for weddings) and firehouse.
Not only does the Naper Settlement offer a delightful return to yesteryear but it reaches out as a vital member of the community, hosting numerous events for the town (Civil War Days etc) and hosting many outings for the local schools. Truly one of Naperville's hidden gems and a beacon of community spirit!
Visit my site for more information about Naperville or
Naperville Real Estate call Angus at 630-717-7386
Labels: Downtown Naperville, Historic Naperville
Posted by Angus at 6:01 PM
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More than you probably want to know about me... in my Meme
I was originally memed by my friend Linda Davis... so I responded with my meme inserted in the comments of Jays enormously popular post .
My friend Teri Isner then was nice enough to meme me... and then Bonnie Erickson & Kay Van Kampen!
So I'm having a chat with my bud (the most awesome loan guy) Jeff Belonger (the g is pronounced like the first g in George) and he wants to know why I didn't post my meme where people could comment on it. So I did, but I inadvertantly made it a members only post on Active Rain.. I am reposting it here for any that might be interested.
I'm going to include my original meme and add to it for Teri, Bonnie and Kay... since I didn't do it the right way the first time.
The Original Post:
I named, and they complied:
Kristal Kraft, Ann Cummings & Elaine Reese - Thanks!
1. I got my first real job at the age of 11 delivering Chinese food for a Rush street restaurant called The Cantonese by bicycle (including in the snow) I always had a job after that.
2. I was an only child for most of my life, raised by my mom because my father passed away when I was a baby. I've always been one to keep busy. Somehow I inherited the job of getting the groceries early in life and to this day I still love to do the grocery shopping.... all of it. So, yes that's me at the store and if it's after midnight it means that I am so busy with Real Estate that it's the only time I can get it done.
3. I have a fear of speaking in groups and frequently can get tongue tied... this would not normally be too bad but I will occasionally sit on panels or make presentations to large groups... it's gone from a major near-heart attack kind of overwhelming fear to a simple heart racing dumbstruck kind of fear. Some of you have been able to witness this... usually I muddle through because it is a requirement to share in some of the groups that I have been fortunate enough to be invited to join.
4. I love to read. I'll read the self help books and how to's... but I really love to read novels... lot's of them, 1-2 per week... usually intrigue, mystery, action, political/legal/financial thrillers... in my younger, less busy days... I would read a book every 1-2 days.
5. At the age of 9, Bobby Schuller broke off pieces of chalk in the locker doors (where you could put a lock, if we were allowed) in the Hall at my elementary school... then told my fourth grade teacher (Mrs Falbo) that I did it. I had just (finally) earned the right to be a "door guard" and she took it away from me. I haven't trusted authority since. (not that I hold a grudge or anything)
The new stuff:
6. I thought I was Scottish... My name is Angus, I could quote Robert Burns (A fig for those by laws protected...) at 5 and they made me wear a kilt and for goodness sakes... I ate Haggis ... isn't that a lot of suffering for someone that just has a Scottish name? My Grandfather (Angus) was named after his Doctor (Angus Beaton)... which I discovered upon his death when I flew to Connecticut to pick up his ashes and drive them to Concord, New Hampshire.... where I met a lot of family that I didn't know. The Woodbury's have been here since the 1600's and we are all related through the 2 brothers that got off the boat (from England)
7. In the mid 90's when I built my first site and submitted it to Yahoo, they told me it might be days or weeks before it would show... but I had impulse control problems and checked frequently... finally the new listing for Angus Woodbury showed up, I clicked the link and it took me to another new site by another Angus Woodbury III.. go figure. His branch of the family came from the "other" brother. We exchanged e-mails for a while.. my oldest Angus the 4th was enthralled... so we asked him if the kids had come up with some of the same nicknames. His list was very much the same as ours.
8. I run 4 miles three days a week and lift weights on alternating days... my body fat hovers at around 10%... as an ex-smoker I am in better shape today than at any other time of my life. But I still like greasy fried foods.
9. I love Thai food!
10. I was born in Seattle, moved to New York (Manhattan and Rye) and Connecticut (Byram) before settling in Chicago at the ripe age of 6. I was mugged by a couple of other 7-8 year old boys within 2 months of moving to the city.
Bonus #11 I love being in the real estate business. I can't even begin to express my gratitude that I found something to do that I enjoy so much.
Angus
Posted by Angus at 6:53 PM
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Naperville's condos ringing up sales
The graphs illustrate the strength of the Naperville attached housing market. And were not talking just the first time buyers... but the Luxury Condo & Townhomes in Naperville too. As is expected in this "softer" marketplace... the total number of unit sales are down, conversely the average sales price has risen considerably. Throughout 2006 there were three luxury condominiums that were sold for over $1,000,000, all in DePaulo's 520 S Washington Building on the famous Naperville Riverwalk. it looks as if 2007 will bring another strong showing for the year with the anticiapted opening of the Benton Place Condominiums in the heart of downtown.
Despite there being fewer units sold... another vibrant sector has emerged, condominium conversions and they have taken the Naperville community by storm. Throughout the city large scale, successful conversions are taking place.
The First 11 Months of 2005<>
| TOTAL LISTINGS | AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET | MEDIAN PRICE | AVERAGE PRICE | HIGHEST PRICE | LOWEST PRICE | TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME |
|---|
| 962 | 58 | $194,000 | $215,947 | $785,000 | $90,000 | $207,741,081 |
The First 11 Months of 2006
| TOTAL LISTINGS | AVERAGE DAYS ON MARKET | MEDIAN PRICE | AVERAGE PRICE | HIGHEST PRICE | LOWEST PRICE | TOTAL DOLLAR VOLUME |
|---|
| 821 | 59 | $214,700 | $254,691 | $1,850,000 | $100,000 | $209,101,406 |
Posted by Angus at 8:25 PM
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Sign in? Who do you think you are?
Why would you want to register on a local real estate website?
Realtor.com is an advertising site owned by a company called Homestore and while it's licensed to operate using the Realtor name it is a for profit company that has yet to turn a profit... forever squeezing out pennies and irritating the agents and companies that it is charged with helping. The properties are used to draw you in so that they can build ads around the listings... this makes the site painfully slow. Realtor.com is an opt-in site missing lots of data... it is notoriously out of date and doen't let you know if a property is under contract... creating an unfriendly and tiresome homesearch. MLS systems are starting to pull out of Realtor.com as it has been discovered that eventually almost everybody chooses to find a local connection.
Eventually, as you get more serious in your home search, you will want to "go local".
Most people don't understand why agents ask them to register on their sites to get more information about properties for sale. The truth is that we don't need it for our own listings or even those of our company (unless they have a rule) the problem lies with showing you another companies listings.
In order to address this... two options were developed; IDX and VOW.
IDX stands for Internet Data Exchange. This is an opt in (or opt out... depending where you are) system. No registration is necessary.. the listings that you are looking at should say something about "compliments of" the listing company (probably in really tiny letters) This is kind of like walking into my office, plopping down in a chair and going through the various homes magazines... it's fun, there is great information but it's lacking in depth and missing a bunch.... and you are so close to all of the information.
VOW stands for Virtual Office Website. This means that I can treat you like the person who walked into my office asking about homes... meaning we plug in your criteria and go through the whole Multiple Listing Service so that you don't miss anything, except that you get to do it in
your own sweet time. The great thing about a VOW site is that you get access to all of the properties... there is no "opt out" for the Real Estate companies and you don't have to wait for days to get the updated info. Some of us can also allow access to recent sold properties... The VOW solution is the ultimate in home information, but it comes with a price... just like if you came into my office, I would have some information about you (you could lie... but that's beside the point) The National Association Of Realtors has set a national policy that all VOW sites require registration.
So, there you go....
I currently feature two different VOW systems... one of them WestSuburban Real Estate was the first of its type in Illinois and has been helping people find their homes since the spring of 2000. The other site that I use: NapervilleLuxury Homes offers a different format for home searches. They both offer multiple pictures, virtual tours and e-mailed updates... it's really
more a matter of preference.
It's not a matter of you giving up your anonymity... it's about empowering you with information for you to enjoy some autonomy. The payoff for us is that we hope you grow comfortable with us and our services, that over time you decide we are the "right ones" to help you with this process.
If not... you can always unsubscribe... I promise, I won't hold it against you :)
Posted by Angus at 4:46 PM
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It's attached... what is it? Condo? Townhome? What's the difference?
They both appear to be townhomes... they've got seperate entrances, no neighbors above
or below, attached garage etc... still one is a townhouse and the other is
a condominium.
What's up with that?? We use the term "townhouse" loosely to describe a
style of attached home, yet in a more specific sense... in a true townhome you
would own the land that the property sits on. In this case you would need true
homeowners insurance, even though the exterior may be maintained by the
association, you still need to insure your share of the structure.
This is a Townhome in Cinnamon Glen at Butterfield in Aurora Illinois
Condominium is a form of ownership. With a condominium association you own
your unit but the association owns all of the exterior walls and the land it
sits on too, you are part of the association so you are one of many owners.
Typically you need insurance that is akin to renters insurance, since your
monthly dues actually pay to insure the buildings.
A Condominium in the Woodlands at Oakhurst North in Aurora Illinois
As you can see, you can't always tell by looking. Obviously if it's
a large building... you are probably dealing with a condo (or a co-op in
some markets), but that's because the term Condo describes the ownership.
In our area Multiple Listing Service (MLS) we lump them all together and call them "single family attached homes" and that that seems to cover it.
Manor homes, coach homes, garden homes are also condominiums, just good marketing offering a pleasant sounding way to describe smaller buildings. These can easily be mistaken for
townhouses as well
To search for single family homes (whether they are attached or not... visit)
Real Estate in Chicago's Western Suburbs where you'll have access to the full
gamut of available properties in the area.
Posted by Angus at 4:22 PM
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Marketing 101 in the Western Suburbs
I was recently talking to another agent in the office about listings that only offer a picture of the front of the house... We agreed that we always think: " it may be a bad agent... or it may be a bad house... I'm not really sure"
You see, in the Multiple Listing Service of Northern Illinois (MLSNI) we can add a total of seven pictures.. as well as a virtual tour to the listing. Not everybody likes virtual tours... but pictures are something that everyone wants (buyers and agents included) It costs nothing to use this feature and it can be done at the same time as the actual listing. I was wondering what other people thought about this and posed the question to a national group of real estate agents in one of my networking groups.
These real estate agents all said that if the MLS allows 7 (or more) pictures and the listing doesn't include that many, they assume that something is wrong with the property. This is a real problem for those sellers in a slower market and it's one that they are generally not aware of.
One agent from Florida said that if they talk about the pool in the remarks but don't show a picture they assume that something is not right with the pool.
Another top agent said they definitely make assumptions based on the amount or lack of pictures. Like if the agent only uses interior pictures (or exterior only)
Of the 17 responses to my question 17 (100%) of the agents responded that they assume the worst when photos are not used properly......
One other thought is that these pictures automatically propogate throughout the system, showing up on real estate related sites all over the Internet (assuming that the agent elects to do that...that will be another marketing blog topic!) including Realtor.com if the agent pays a little extra for the expanded listings.
Sometimes it's what you don't say (or show) that influences people..
Posted by Angus at 7:45 AM
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Going on Vacation?
If you live in Naperville you may want to take advantage of the "Vacation Watch" service by the Naperville Police Department.
You let them know at least 7 days prior to your departure and they will provide extra patrols of your home.. leaving them a way to contact you in an emergency
You can download the form here
"Vacation Watch"The Department also offers these vacation safety tips (From the
Naperville site)
Vacation Safety Tips
Your vacation should be a pleasant experience for you and your family. Take a few simple steps to reduce the possibility of becoming a victim of a burglary or other criminal acts against your home. The time spent preparing your home for vacation could save you money later. Before you leave for your trip:
Notify local police of the departure and return dates of your trip and provide the name and telephone number of a neighbor or relative to notify in the event of an emergency.
Place a “vacation hold” on newspaper subscriptions, mail delivery and include the start and ending dates.
Ask a neighbor to pick up newspapers and mail if the “vacation hold” was not followed. Ask them to remove throwaway papers and circulars from the doorway and mailbox.
Place interior lights and a radio on timers to give the appearance that the home is occupied.
Have front exterior lights on photocells that activate in the evening and shut off at daybreak.
Notify neighbors of your absence and encourage them to contact the police regarding any suspicious activity at your home.
Arrange to have the grass cut and watered, leaves raked and the sidewalk and driveway shoveled during the winter.
Remove all tools, lawn implements, garbage cans and yard furniture to the garage, basement or shed.
Unplug all non-essential electrical appliances such as computers, fans, televisions, irons, washer and dryers to avoid damage from electrical storms.
Be sure the sump pump is functioning properly and free from debris to avoid basement flooding.
Set the home thermostat at a reasonable temperture-85 degrees in the summer and 50 degrees in the winter.
Make sure all entry points into the home are secure.
Close the fireplace flue to prevent birds and animals from entering.
If you have an alarm system, leave a current list of contacts with the alarm company in case of system activations. False alarms may be fined.
Disconnect the electric garage door opener and lock the garage door.
Be sure all vehicles left at home are locked and remove all valuables.
Posted by Angus at 11:16 AM
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Cingular turns me on!
In 2005 when Cingular announced that it was deploying it's new 3g service (UMTS) in the Chicago area, I was very excited... until I discovered that they were including everything except the western suburbs!
To say that I was disappointed would be an understatement! Here I am, a guy that revels in tech toys... and I've been excluded from this great service! (Can you say geek?) I use Cingular because it is the only service that works everywhere that I need it to... I've tried all of them over the years. Being a geek, I purchased a 3g modem on eBay for the few times that I would be in an area where I could make use of the service. The modem tells you by color what system you've locked into... red is bad (not working) green is standard service (EDGE in this area) blue when you are in a 3G area.
Cingular said that they hoped to have other areas turned on by the end of 2006, but weren't making any announcements. the City of Naperville is contracting for free WIFI and I was starting to focus that.... and suffering (with dignity) the slow EDGE modem speeds (at the same price as the fast connections elsewhere..I might add)
Sitting in the local Starbucks on 75th street while enjoying a vente coffee and chocolate chip cookie (exercising great restraint by only eating one) expecting the normal, pokey EDGE speeds... when my light turned blue. Working to calm myself (maybe the modem was confused)... I nervously fired up a speedtest... YES! Almost 1mb per second... WooHoo! Broadband at last!
I checked the Cingular site, but the map hadn't changed...hmm... maybe they just turned it on for a test...then I thought that maybe it was working at the Starbucks because there is a Cingular store two doors down. (OK, so maybe I'm a little "overboard" about this stuff)
I drove to the Edard Health and Fitness Center (remember that cookie?) and tried again in their parking lot (it worked!) While I was sharing this reveation in the locker room I was shocked to discover that not all people share my enthusiasm.... imagine that! The great thing is that I still get to look forward to them turning on the even faster HSDPA next year!
Well... to lengthen and already long story, I've happily been using the service ever since. However, a new issue has cropped up... the EDGE speed of my Treo 650 accessing e-mail and the web is driving me crazy and I may have to purchase new phone... but, that's another story.
Posted by Angus at 10:53 AM
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Best Place to live? You Bet!
What many of us already know.... others are determined to share.
Once again,
Money Magazine has ranked Naperville as one of the best places to live in the U.S. This year coming in 2nd to Fort Collins, Colorado.
Last year we were #3 and going back to 2003 we were named the best place to live in the midwest.
Not bad, but
Naperville has so much going for it, that I'm not surprised.
Friendly people, safe neighborhoods, outstanding schools, park district amenities, library system (ranked #1 in the nation), Edward Hospital and the fine transportation choices are just a few of the standards... But the Riverwalk, charming downtown with it's multitude of fine restaurants and shops, the Naper Settlement, Childrens Museum, millennium Carillon, scattered artwork (murals and sculpture!) and our excellent town parties (like Ribfest & Last Fling) are the icing on the cake!
Posted by Angus at 9:19 PM
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