Grand Avenue Preschool & Day Care

4211 Grand Ave
Western Springs, IL 60558-1435
(708) 246-2270

www.grandavenuepreschool.com

Montessori School-Western Springs
1500 Walker St
Western Springs, IL 60558-1374

(708) 246-9696‎

Montessori School of Western Springs – Programs available are preschool, extended day and full day, half and full day Kindergarten. Program is located in the Recreation Center. For more information, call 708/246-9696.

Sunflower Montessori

5129 Wolf Rd
Western Springs, IL 60558-1817
(708) 246-3757

Kensington School of Western Springs

1500 Walker St, Western Springs, IL

(708) 246-3491 ‎

First Congregational Church of Western Springs

1106 Chestnut

Western Springs, IL  60558

708-246-4908

www.wscongo.org

St. John of the Cross Parish School

708 51^st St

Western Springs, IL  60558

708-246-4454

http://www.sjcpsinfo.org/Welcome.htm

LaGrange has done it again.

Of the towns considered to be the best western suburbs of Chicago-Hinsdale, Western Springs, LaGrange, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, Oak Brook, Downers Grove and Elmhurst-LaGrange has the coolest, most vibrant downtown. As a result, it singularly attracts the coolest restaurants. Most recently, like as of 12/21/2009, Prasino’s Restaurant has opened it’s doors.

The concept is unique. Prasino’s is very green. Lots of organic. Lots of sustainable everything. A clear lack of processed and chemical-free whatever. Even the tables, chairs and flooring were reclaimed from Sportsman Park.

The menu, which is viewable via the Prasino’s Restaurant link posted above, is categorized as American. Hmmm. I don’t agree with the American categorization, but it is somewhat “eclectic American”.

I had organic pork tenderloin with peach chutney and sautéed spinach. While the dish as an “8″, my daughter’s dish got a “10″. It was a butternut squash with a twist. Even the flatbread pizza (perfect for a pre-teen) was delicious and fairly priced at $9 (definitely enough for two meals).

There is a full coffee and juice bar as well. While I did not try the coffee (wanted to have an excuse for coming back a second time), the Prasino’s blend smoothie was very good. It had a unique green color which was the result of the avocado, pear and agave ingredients.

The restaurant’s sanitation appeared to be excellent as well. Before I sit down in any restaurant, i visit the rest room. If the areas seen by the public are not clean, my presumption is that the hidden areas are worse. In this case, the place was spotless. And I am always a fan of the high speed “air blade” style dryers. It’s the little things that keep me going.

Okay, you have heard the pros and cons of buying now versus waiting. You have been consulted by the experts at your company water cooler and your family’s Thanksgiving table. Here are the facts:

1. INVENTORY is high.

2. INTEREST RATES are low

3. INCENTIVES are high. Government tax credits had resulted in a significant increase in buyer activity in late 2009. The extension of same will push buyers off the fence as they been to buy before April 30, 2010. This level of buyer will cause a domino effect of move-up buyers.

4. PRICES are low.

The combination of these four major factors results in an environment that is absolutely ideal for real estate buyers.

Remember, real estate has led us out of the last two significant economic downturns (the S& crisis and post 9/11/01).

When you are ready to discuss prudent buying strategies, contact me at Bryan@BryanBomba.com

Bank forces sale of new construction town houses in unincorporated Burr Ridge. This is an unheard of opportunity for a buyer to acquire a brand new town house that has never been lived in. The prices range from $249,900 to $299,900! You cannot buy anything even remotely close to this for this price in a 5 mile radius.

The units are mostly brick construction. All have full basements. All have two car garages. There are two bedroom, two bedroom plus loft and three bedroom models.

I am marketing the last nine right now.

If you have an interest, contact me immediately as these units are priced to sell quickly. I already have offers in on some of the town units.

Please feel free to contact me directly at Bryan@BryanBomba.com.

Did you hear? StarPower is Evolving!

It’s official … Alex Charfen took over leadership of StarPower! He let me know about some amazing enhancements to what the organization will offer members, and as a StarPower Star it’s incredibly exciting to be involved in the continuation of StarPower into a new era of industry leadership.

Lots of changes are coming to StarPower, including its convention, the StarPower Club, StarPower University and the new StarPower website. To learn more, visit: http://countdown.gostarpower.com

StarPower also has a new saying that fits perfectly with the organization’s goals:

StarPower is … Success Shared™.

I’m proud to be a part of this extraordinary organization helping thousands of agents across the country learn how to be more successful, both professionally and personally.

Agents interested in elevating their business should definitely look into joining StarPower. Again, the site is: http://countdown.gostarpower.com

Employment and Interest rates

At first blush the connection between the two may not seem obvious, but the amount of unemployed workers does have a significant impact on our overall economy and in turn interest rates.  More jobs, more confidence, more spending, but with that comes more inflation.  Each month our government releases unemployment and inflation data.  The current unemployment rate is at 10% and inflation to the consumer from the period of 10/08 to 10/09 is basically zero.   It is widely expected that with all of the government stimulus that inflation will pick up at some point next year and that the unemployment rate will peak maybe as soon as next summer.  Although there are numerous other factors that impact interest rates historically the Federal Reserve has started raising rates 3-4 months after the unemployment rate peaks.  Interest rates also predict future economic growth and although I do not have a crystal ball the overall economy is showing some positive signs and sense that we will be in better shape 6 months from now.  All this being said I am of the opinion that rates will remain at these current levels ( Prime at 3.25% and 30 year fixed mortgage rates at or around 5%) for the next 4-6 months.  Once we get into the late Spring and early Summer of 2010 the risk of higher rates will continue to grow.   The more important question in my mind is not as much about when but by how much?

Tony Pigatti

Vice President Residential Lending

Archer Bank

Office #708-237-4049

Cell #630-254-8946

www.metrobankgroup.com

I don’t know about you, but I never tire of seeing our local elementary schools ranked as being the best in Illinois. It really does not matter who does the test-ISAT, ACT, SAT or a local periodical. The schools in the near western suburbs of Chicago are just stellar.

Recently, the Chicago Sun Times newspaper has tabulated it’s version of the top 100 grade schools in Illinois.

1.       Corporate transferees, who need to buy a home now, can’t wait until
Spring.

2.       Winter prospects are more serious buyers. Who else wades through snow and subzero temperatures to see houses?

3.       Throughout the holiday season, you may restrict showings during your
personal family events. Buyers are more understanding at this time of year.

4.       There is less competition for buyers.

5.        Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit, for First-Time Home Buyers and
Existing Home Buyers (specified criteria applies as defined by law).

6.       You may receive more money for your home now because you have less
competition. 

7.       Your home looks better during the holidays.

8.       January is traditionally the biggest transfer month and you must be
on the market to capture that market.

9.       You may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated
prospects.

10.   When you sell during the winter you have an opportunity to buy during
the spring, when many homes are on the market.

6557 Davane Downers Grove IL

Only a forced sale from a bank would present such a screaming value to the real estate market.

This is a complete new house. It has never been lived in. And the construction quality is completely custom as well. Here are the basics:

·         Over 4200 square feet of above grade living area. This does not include the finished lower level and three car garage

·         90 x 132 lot

·         Nicely located on a quiet street, surrounded by like kind homes

·         All room sizes are more than generous. Alone, the family room is larger than a 2.5 car garage. The first floor office is bigger than most family rooms.

·         5 bedrooms

·         4 ½ bathrooms

·         3 covered porches

The home is located at 6557 Davane Court in Downers Grove IL 60516. To schedule your private showing, contact me directly at 630-455-8455 or Bryan@BryanBomba.com

As defined by me, the absolute best western suburbs of Chicago are Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, Elmhurst, Hinsdale, La Grange and Western Springs. If you can get past the economic barrier to entry, all are excellent places for families to live. What is this economic barrier? It is the average price of a single family detached home.

As of today, the following are the average asking prices for homes that are being marketed through the MLS:

·         Oak Brook: $1,700,000

·         Burr Ridge: $1,255,000

·         Clarendon Hills: $737,456

·         Downers Grove: $496,394

·         Elmhurst: $579,580

·         Hinsdale: $1,346,277

·         La Grange: $553,813

·         Western Springs: $686,894

If you would like to view all of the actively marketed homes yourself, click WestSuburbanHomeseeker.com.