Real Estate Information Archive

Part of our responsibility as your premier Elmhurst real estate team is to help our clients throughout the entire home buyer process. Many people that we work with come to us with little or no knowledge of how to go about buying a home. Even if our client is an experienced buyer, chances are the market has changed since the last time they purchased property and they need our guidance and expertise. We consider finding the right lender to be a crucial part to the guidance that we provide to home buyers in the Elmhurst, IL area. After all, if you don’t find a way to obtain financing that works with your plans and lifestyle, then you won’t be able to successfully own the Elmhurst home you want to purchase.

Our many years of experience in living and working as Elmhurst real estate agents have given us the relationships and contacts needed for us to help our buyer clients find the right mortgage lender. Here are a few qualities that you should look for before seeking out a loan through a specific individual or bank:

•    Are they responsive to your questions? When you go to start interviewing lenders, (we recommend speaking to up to two or three before deciding to go with one), you need to be asking direct and honest questions about what loans will be possible for your financial situation. You’ll also want to get an idea of what monthly payments will cost and what the interest rates will be. If the person you’re interviewing is being evasive, that’s a red flag and you may not want to work with them.
•    Has the lender been referred to you by someone that you trust? Whether it’s a friend, family member or Elmhurst real estate agent, you should avoid obtaining a loan from someone who you don’t know or haven’t heard of. If you’re getting a referral from someone you trust, then you know that there’s a better chance the professional you’re working with will look out for your best interest and come up with financing that works best for you. We have worked with a number of lenders in the past and would be happy to give you recommendations, if needed.
•    Does the lender seem more interested in you or the loan? Remember, it’s important to find the right loan for your financial situation. Your lender should keep this in mind as they meet with you to discuss your options. The right professional will ask you questions about your financial state and what your plans are for the next several years. They’ll care more about you and what they can do to work with you than the actual loan you end up using. This is another thing to keep an eye on as you start comparing loans and interviewing lenders.

We try to recommend the advice above to all of our buyer clients in order to ensure that their transaction goes smoothly. If they can secure financing with the right people, then that added stress will be eliminated and they can focus on finding the right Elmhurst, IL home in their price range. As your Elmhurst, IL real estate team, we do everything that we can to help our clients throughout their entire buyer transaction from start to finish. To us, that includes finding the right lender.

If you have any questions about buying a home in Elmhurst, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help you at any time and in any way that we can. We hope to hear from you soon!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
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Elmhurst Real Estate
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Ahh, Easter egg hunts. The memories that you have as a kid of running around with your basket trying to snatch up the most treat-filled colored eggs will never be forgotten, and the city of Elmhurst, IL knows that. This year, families all across the community can enjoy some city-wide Easter egg super-hunts before the big day arrives. This Saturday, you can watch your kids experience the same joy that you felt during your egg hunts, and this year, your dog can get in on the fun, too.

We consider it a priority, as Elmhurst real estate agents, to stay in-the-know about the latest happenings in the community. One of the many benefits and perks of living in Elmhurst, IL is that our town loves to come together for big celebrations. Despite the fact that we are in such close proximity to a large city like Chicago, Elmhurst is special in that it provides a small-town feel in your otherwise run-of-the-mill suburb. There is a real sense of closeness and togetherness at these town-wide events, and as real estate agents in the area, we use that as a major selling point.

This year, get in on the fun and action that the Elmhurst area is offering by participating in one of these Easter egg hunts:

The Elmhurst Park District is sponsoring the first egg hunt of the day at Wilder Park at 10:00am. Located at 175 Prospect Avenue, this large community park is perfect for gatherings and celebrations. Children ages 1-10 should bring their baskets, their running shoes and their appetites. From there, they can run around and grab as many treat-filled eggs as they can get their hands on. Talk about an active way to start off the Easter holiday! The best part? The Easter bunny will be available for photos after the hunt’s conclusion.

Immediately after the kids egg hunt, your pooch will have a chance to participate in one of their very own. Beginning at 11:00am, your dogs are invited to participate in the “Doggie Eggstravaganza.” The same colored eggs will be hidden throughout the park, but instead of chocolates and gummies, your dogs will find treats that are better suited for their taste buds. Dogs will have to bring a basket, too, and they will need to be leashed, wearing current rabies tags and accompanied by a responsible human of at least sixteen years of age. The addition of the Doggie Eggstravaganza makes this year’s Easter Egg Hunt a family affair.

After your dogs have their turn at hunting tasty treats, the Spring Road Business Association will hold their Easter Egg Hunt at the gazebo on Spring Road. This celebration doesn’t start until 1:00pm, which gives your youngsters plenty of time to rest up between hunts. If you missed your chance to take a picture with the Easter bunny at Wilder Park, not to worry: the same busy bunny will be available for photo opportunities at this extravaganza, as well.

As your Elmhurst real estate and community resource, we think that it’s incredibly important to keep our neighborhood up to date about town-wide festivities. It’s another way for us all to come together and celebrate. Our community’s intimate, supportive and friendly feel is just one of many selling points that we use on potential home buyers in Elmhurst.

If you have any questions about buying or selling a home on the Elmhurst real estate market, feel free to contact us! We’d love to tell you more about our awesome community. We hope to hear from you soon!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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Although the recent snow flurries have been telling us otherwise, spring is just around the corner in Elmhurst! Besides milder weather and the promise of summer on the horizon, spring also represents a time when the Elmhurst real estate market really starts to pick up. For many people, now is the time to start thinking about putting their home on the market. As Elmhurst real estate agents, we typically receive a lot of calls around this time asking us what needs to be done to prepare a home for sale in the spring market. One thing that we always recommend to our clients is that they stage their Elmhurst home.

Staging can be incredibly important to the selling process because it’s designed to present your home in the best possible light during showings. The main philosophy behind staging is that you will neutralize your home in an attractive and appealing way so that the Elmhurst homebuyer who walks through it can picture themselves and their belongings in the space. This strategy works because it can show your Elmhurst home’s full potential as a place to live. With the seasonal change coming up, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how you can best stage your home to fit the season. Here are a few ways in which you can get your house staged and ready for sale:

Do a little spring cleaning. Each winter, we all go in to a “hibernation” mode in order to stay out of the cold. Along with that comes clutter. Scrub your home until it shines, pay extra attention to cleaning the windows, and most importantly, de-clutter. Go through every closet, drawer and cabinet space and purge yourself of items that you’re not planning on taking with you in the move. It will go a long way once the Elmhurst homebuyers start walking through the door.

Give your floors and walls a little TLC. Snow, dirt, wet boots…all three of these things can give your floors a bit of abuse during the winter. Clean your carpets thoroughly and buff spots on wooden floors to give your home a bit of a face lift. Don’t neglect your walls, either. Give them a good washing to remove some of the extra wintry residue that accumulates throughout the season.

Dark and cozy décor should be switched to bright and cheery. While we don’t recommend going overboard with decorating when you’re staging your property, you should make an effort to include some bright, springy accents into each room. It will give your Elmhurst home a more inviting feel that will nicely compliment the spring season.

Give each room as much sunlight as possible. When the weather starts to get nicer, the last thing you want is to have each room in your home look dark and drab. Elmhurst homebuyers want rooms that are inviting and welcome natural light. Pull up blinds and draw back curtains for instant sunlight. If the day is a little bit rainy, (and in Elmhurst, we get those from time to time), then turn all the lights on before a showing. That way, your home will still look cheerful despite the weather.

Don’t forget the front door. You would be surprised how many home sellers forget that the first thing a buyer sees when they walk up to a home is the front door. Make sure that first impression sticks by adding a cheerful, springy looking Welcome sign and door mat. Nothing says warm and inviting like a great front door, so don’t forget to incorporate that into your Elmhurst home’s staging strategy.

As Elmhurst real estate agents, we try and help our sellers do everything that they possibly can to prepare their home to be shown on the local market. With spring just around the corner, we thought that we’d share a few ways to stage your Elmhurst home perfectly for the upcoming season. If you have any questions about how you can get your property ready for sale, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’d love to help you in any way that we can. We hope to hear from you soon!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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It’s safe to say that in this economy, many people have chosen to downsize when buying a new home in Elmhurst. As your Elmhurst Real Estate agents, we’re here to tell you that there is nothing wrong with small homes! They provide cozy spaces for people to spend time together, and they require fewer square inches to clean and decorate! Still, most people prefer the idea of a large house. Therefore, whether you’re looking for ways to make your new home look bigger, or you’re trying to stage a small home while selling, these tips will help you feel satisfied with the size of your Elmhurst home!

Lighting

Lighting makes a huge difference in the way people will view your home. The brighter it is, the larger it looks. Keep the blinds open at all times during the day, to allow natural light to fill your interior. In the evening, if your home is being shown, turn on all of the lights to make the house appear large and bright. The best type of lighting for small homes are ceiling lights, such as track lighting or recessed lighting, which will lighten most of the room and add depth. Lamps take up floor space and should be avoided in smaller Elmhurst homes.

Furniture

Furniture arrangement can make a huge difference in a small room. If you opt to arrange your furniture along the outer walls of a room rather than in the middle, the amount of floor space will visually increase significantly. You want to feel like you have space to work with, and you want to prove to potential Elmhurst homebuyers that they will feel comfortable in this space. The more furniture you have, the more cluttered the room will feel. Go with fewer, larger pieces rather than numerous small pieces.

Décor

Decorating techniques can create the illusion of a spacious environment. For example, neutral and soft wall colors create an airier, open space than dark colors or patterned wallpaper. By repainting a room a lighter color, it’ll help make the room look brighter and larger. If you choose furniture pieces that closely resemble the colors on the wall, it makes the room appear less cluttered. Mirrors and glass objects expand a room’s appearance and should be used often, such as a dining room mirror or a glass coffee table.

Cleanliness

Keeping your small house clean is a must. In smaller spaces, it’s easier to notice every particle of dust and misplaced item. The less you have, the bigger the space will look. You should constantly recycle and toss unnecessary items. For storage, come up with clever places for storage bins, such as in a closet, under a dresser or any other space out of sight. However, remember that during open houses, potential homebuyers will look everywhere. The best word of advice is to de-clutter and keep your Elmhurst home organized.

By following these tips, your home will look larger and more appealing than ever! This will come in handy for buyers who want to show off their new Elmhurst homes to friends and family, and for sellers who want to prove to buyers that their home is the perfect size for living comfortably. As your Elmhurst Real Estate agents, we are always here to make the buying and selling process as simple as possible for you! Let us help you find your perfect home in the Elmhurst Real Estate market.

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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Springtime weather in Elmhurst is anybody’s guess. While this past Sunday reached 80 degrees, reminding us that summer is soon approaching, this upcoming weekend’s forecast looks to be cold and wet. For this reason, spring marks a great time of year to find indoor fun in and around Elmhurst!

As your Elmhurst Real Estate agents, we’re on top of what’s happening in the Elmhurst community, and this weekend, Elmhurst residents can enjoy an array of theatrical performances. What better way to spend a cold, rainy evening than being swept into another world taking place on stage?

Plan your weekend now by attending one of these upcoming performances in Elmhurst, sure to deepen your appreciation for the work of local actors.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Most of us have read Harper Lee’s infamous novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird,” which is why it should come as no surprise that this masterpiece of American history is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year!

To commemorate Lee’s work, which told the story of growing up during the Great Depression and during a time of racial inequality in the deep south, through the eyes of a six-year-old Scout Finch, Timothy Christian School's Drama Club will present this classic on April 14, 15 and 16, beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets may be reserved ahead of time or purchased that evening.

Soldier, Come Home

Yesterday, April 13, marked the 150th anniversary to the beginning of the American Civil War. In conjunction with this anniversary, GreenMan Theatre presents “Soldier, Come Home,” a riveting play based off real letters between a couple dealing with war and separation during the Civil War.

In 1950, Frank Wick, the creator of “Soldier, Come Home,” found the letters between Philip and Mary Pringle, his great-grandparents, written between 1859 and 1865. Mary wrote to her husband from their home in Pennsylvania, while Philip wrote to Mary from numerous battle sites, including Chancellorsville, Cold Harbor, Petersburg and more.

The play has been performed around the country since 2002, and now is your chance to catch a performance between April 14 and April 17 at the First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and it begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

West Side Story

To complete this list of emotional roller coasters, Fenwick High School is performing their rendition of the classic, “West Side Story,” beginning on April 15. “West Side Story” is an updated adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” incorporating the never-ending battles going on between two New York street gangs with different ethnic backgrounds in the 1950s. You’ll fall in love with Tony and Maria, the stars of the show, who prove that in the end, love really outlast all else.

The show runs April 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and April 17 at 3 p.m. Reserved seating is available for $20. Otherwise, tickets cost $13 for general admission and $9 for students.

Hairspray

For a more lighthearted option, join Immaculate Conception High School Knights Theatre Production this weekend for a performance of the beloved Broadway musical, “Hairspray.” Through a multitude of singing and dancing performances, you will join the lives of those growing up in 1960’s Baltimore, where the 50s styles have been swept away and change has arrived.

Tracy Turnblad, the star of the show, is a plus-size teen with a passion for dancing and big hair. After scoring a spot on a local TV dance show, she suddenly goes from teen outcast to teen celebrity. You’ll be cheering on her every move as she transforms her life without changing a thing about her true self.

Performances are held at the Immaculate Conception Theatre/Gym and run on April 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and April 17 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and high school students and $6 for grade school students.

After you decide which of these four Elmhurst performances to check out, make sure to let your Elmhurst Real Estate agents know what you thought of them!  As always, if you have any questions about living in Elmhurst or are interested in learning more about the Elmhurst Real Estate market; please let us know.  We’d be happy to set up a time to meet with you and talk about buying an Elmhurst home!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
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Elmhurst Real Estate
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Whether you’ve been living in Elmhurst IL for some time, or are new to the area you’re sure to appreciate this city’s continual growth and dedication to the betterment of the community!  One of the ways that the city of Elmhurst is doing this is through our Elmhurst City Centre.

Elmhurst City Centre’s goal is to make downtown Elmhurst a vibrant destination for residents and visitors to Elmhurst!  City Centre works year round to create a healthy community environment through organizing events and helping downtown businesses to thrive.  City Centre is a well-run organization that consists of a full board, budget committee, marketing and promotion committee as well as a downtown services committee.  Events such as Thursday Dining Nights, Cool Cars Under the Stars and downtown concerts are just a few of the City Centre sponsored events that locals enjoy!

To help the women of Elmhurst kick off the spring season, City Centre is hosting a great event on Thursday, April 7 from 5-9pm which is open to women of all ages!  Girlfriends Getaway will begin at the Girlfriends Lounge at the City Centre office, located just east of the plaza.  You’ll receive a Getaway Deal Guide with coupons and information about the participating businesses’ special deals!  The first 300 women will also receive a free tote filled with goodies from the City Centre businesses! 

The evening will consist of shopping, food tastings, dining specials, free gifts with purchase, the latest fashions and much more!  At the end of the night, women can fill out an entry form for a chance to win a $250 shopping spree to City Centre!  You won’t want to miss out on this great event and opportunity to experience the wonderful food and shopping that Elmhurst has to offer! Gather your mom, sister or girlfriends and enjoy your night out on the town!

If you’ve been searching for a community like Elmhurst in which to settle down and get involved; let us know!  As Elmhurst Real Estate agents, we enjoy helping people discover Elmhurst and find a home in Elmhurst that fits their needs and lifestyle.  Our years of experience in the Elmhurst Real Estate market gives us insight into the various neighborhoods, home buying process in Elmhurst and will be a great asset as you search for your home! 

Please feel free to contact us anytime with questions about living in Elmhurst, or to begin your home search!  We’re here to help and look forward to hearing from you soon!  In the meantime, take advantage of discovering City Centre and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of Elmhurst!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
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Elmhurst Real Estate
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Elmhurst IL is a vibrant Western Chicago suburb that has much to offer its residents!  Families, young professionals and retirees alike find this charming city to be a great place to settle in and call “home.”  Those of us who live in Elmhurst enjoy a safe and comfortable lifestyle, and the trustworthy community that surrounds us. 

And, although the crime rate in Elmhurst is very low, with warmer weather on its way there will be more people out and about and it’s wise to take precautions to protect your home.  This is not meant to cause alarm in any way, but as Elmhurst Real Estate agents, we want to provide not only relevant real estate information, but practical home tips as well!  Our goal is to make your Elmhurst experience as enjoyable as possible!

Below are five simple ways for you to conduct your own security check for your Elmhurst home!  These seemingly small steps are cost effective and can protect you greatly in the future.  Take a look!

1. Keep your home well-maintained on the outside- Stand outside your home and scrutinize your property.  Is the front door obstructed from the street view?  Do tall shrubs or bushes near the home provide an easy cover for breaking into a door or window?  You don’t want your Elmhurst home to appear to be an easy target, so ensure walkways are clear and keep bushes and trees that are directly by your home well trimmed.

2. Install motion detector lights- Your Elmhurst home should be well lit on all sides, not just the front of the home.  By installing motion detector lights on the front, back and sides of your home, you’re making any outside night motion as visible as it would be in broad daylight.  This alone can ward off any unwanted guests. At less than $50 a piece, motion flood lights are well worth the minor cost.

3. Secure your data- Be sure to back up your personal information on a regular basis on your computer.  You’ll want to shut down your computer each night which, not only acts as a way to protect your personal information, but will save energy as well!  Also, never leave banking information or other important documents lying out if they can be put away.

4. Store your valuables- Those breaking into a home want items that are easy to grab whether its electronics, jewelry or other valuable pieces.  Of course it’s not realistic to lock everything away each night before you go to bed, but do a walk-through of each room in your home.  Ask yourself if there’s anything valuable that you’re not using on a daily basis that can be put in a safety deposit box.

5. Prepare ahead of time- While you never want to plan for the worst thing to happen; it’s good to be prepared.  By simply taking pictures of your most valuable items and making sure they are properly insured; you’ll cut down on a lot of hassle if something ever were to be taken.

Again, Elmhurst is a very safe environment and a great place to live!  It is, however, important to be pro-active when it comes to protecting your home and those you love.  We hope these tips are helpful and that you take the time to conduct your own home security check!

As always, if you have any questions about the Elmhurst Real Estate market or about living in Elmhurst; please let us know!  We’d be happy to meet with you and discuss your real estate needs!  We look forward to hearing from you!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
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Elmhurst Real Estate
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With spring just around the corner, those hoping to buy an Elmhurst home or those considering selling their home, are getting ready to jump into the Elmhurst Real Estate market.  For current Elmhurst homeowners who are either selling in hopes of “buying up” or who need to put their home on the market due a job transfer or other circumstances, may be a little nervous of how their home will fare on the market.  

With the housing market steadily finding its balance, it seems that the market is still favoring buyers more than sellers.  However, before you get discouraged, selling your home in today’s market is not impossible!  Selling in a buyers’ market simply means that you’ll need to be a little extra work into your home to ensure it stands out from all other homes on the Elmhurst Real Estate market. 

As Elmhurst Real Estate agents, we want to help you in every way we can to help you sell your home!  We’ve compiled ten key things that you can do to give your Elmhurst home an extra boost before you put it on the market. 

1. Clean the outside- An unkept exterior will make buyers think you've slacked off on interior maintenance as well. Be sure to clean the gutters and pressure wash your home's siding.  If you have a porch, make it as welcoming as possible!

2. Improve your landscaping- Curb appeal is crucial to a good first impression, so make sure your Elmhurst home's lawn is immaculate. Selling your home in the spring means making sure you’ve cleared away any debris that may have collected during the winter months.  Add a few potted plants outside when you know your home is going to be shown to potential buyers for a welcoming touch. In the warmer months, mow the lawn, prune the bushes, weed the garden and plant flowers.

3. Make repairs- In a buyer’s market, you want your home to be in the best condition possible. Elmhurst buyers are very savvy and know what to expect in a home. Take care of major defects like broken windows or a leaky roof as well as smaller repairs such as a loose hinges on a cabinet or a missing brick from your walkway.  Knowing there are things that will need to be fixed when they move in can greatly discourage buyers.

4. Make the front door inviting- A fresh coat of paint, especially in a color that contrasts with the home, will make the front door stand out. Replace faded house numbers so Elmhurst buyers can see them from the curb.

5. Buy a new welcome mat- Let buyers know they're invited into your home.  This is a seemingly small thing to do, but an old, dirty welcome mat that has been weathered by the Chicago winter, will make buyers wonder what else you’ve overlooked in your home.  A fresh mat will show buyers that you pay attention to the smallest details in every aspect of your Elmhurst home.

6. Remove clutter and depersonalize- Buyers want to envision their belongings in your home.  By removing personal photos and items; buyers will be less distracted.  If your storage space is limited, perhaps renting a storage unit while your home is on the market is a smart choice. Extra furniture will only make your home appear smaller and more cluttered.

7. Organize closets and drawers- Messy closets give the appearance that your home doesn't have enough storage space.  Having built-in organizers in closets, and even the kitchen pantry, will give the impression that keeping things organized will be a breeze.

8. Make every surface shine- From ceiling fans to floors and everything in between; clean your home until it shines.

9. Take color down a notch- You might like your bright yellow bedroom, but it may turn those looking to buy a home in Elmhurst. Paint your walls a neutral color that will appeal to a wide range of buyers.

10. Scrutinize- Go outside and open your front door. Stand there. Do you want to go inside? Does the house welcome you? Take a few minutes to do the following: Linger in the doorway of every single room and imagine how your house will look to a buyer. Examine carefully how furniture is arranged and move pieces if needed, so that the furniture arrangement makes sense. Make sure window coverings hang level. Tune in to the room's statement and its emotional pull. Does it have impact and is it aesthetically pleasing?  Be the “buyer” of your own home.

We hope these tips will help you prepare for your Elmhurst home sale!  If you have any other questions about selling your home, about the Elmhurst Real Estate market, or have not yet found and Elmhurst Real Estate agent; please feel free to contact us!  We’d enjoy the opportunity to help you walk through each step of the home selling process.  Selling your Elmhurst home is a big decision and one that you’ll want to entrust to an agent who has a solid record of home sales in Elmhurst!  We’d love to talk with you about your needs and get your home sold!

We hope to hear from you soon!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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Elmhurst IL offers an enticing well-rounded lifestyle with endless community events, great restaurants, a rich history, an excellent school system and beautiful homes.  Residents enjoy the charming small town environment that Elmhurst presents, as well as its close proximity to the metropolis of Chicago! 

As Elmhurst Real Estate agents, we love talking about our city and helping people see what makes Elmhurst such a fantastic place to call “home.”

This weekend offers an opportunity to get involved in the community with the 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade!  Whether you’re Irish or not, have been living in Elmhurst for years or are new to the area; you won’t want to miss this well-loved tradition!   You’ll instantly get a sense of being a part of the Elmhurst community as you find yourself in the midst of neighbors and friends.

The parade will take place this Saturday, March 12 beginning at 12pm at Wilson Street and Spring Road.  Local businesses, non-profits, schools and other Elmhurst organizations will showcase their spirit of Ireland with costumes, floats, music and dance!  The honored title of Grand Marshal for the parade was given to the Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst, which is a non-profit organization that focuses its efforts on helping the children of our community.   Of course warm weather and sunny skies are always hoped for, but the parade will take place rain or shine! 

We hope you’re able to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade this weekend!  If you’re not able to attend, you’ll want to be aware of roads that may be closed during the parade.  You can view more information about the 15th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on their website, which offers maps of the parade, a list of those involved, links to all things Irish and photos of the previous years!

If you do not currently live in Elmhurst, but would like to be a part of such a vibrant community; please let us know!  We enjoy helping people discover Elmhurst and assisting them in finding a home that fits their needs, lifestyle and budget.  Working in the Elmhurst Real Estate market for years has given us great insight into the neighborhoods and types of homes that are available.  We can ensure that your home buying experience is a smooth process and that you’ll find a home that you’ll enjoy for years to come!  Please feel free to contact us anytime!  We look forward to hearing from you!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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Buying a home in Elmhurst can be a very exciting time, especially if you’re a first time home buyer!  You’ve decided that Elmhurst is the city that you’d like to call “home” and as Elmhurst Real Estate agents; we couldn’t be happier for you.  People are drawn to this vibrant community driven area because of its location just outside the metropolis of Chicago, it’s historic charm, variety of great local restaurants and things to do, and of course; the homes! 

Whether you’re searching for an updated condo, or a beautiful and spacious single family home; you’re sure to find a home in Elmhurst that fits your needs and lifestyle.  The stirring of the upcoming spring market is causing new homes to come on the Elmhurst Real Estate market each week, and the anticipation of finding your home before the busy season starts may have you beginning your home search online.  While we know that seeing what’s available in Elmhurst is exciting; there are a few common mistakes that you’ll want to be aware of before you begin so that you can be sure to avoid them.

1. Not getting pre-approved before house hunting- Before you start house hunting, narrow down your price range by getting pre-approved. Shop for an Elmhurst lender or mortgage broker you can trust. The mortgage pro will review your credit, income, assets and debts, and recommend a mortgage with monthly payments that fit your budget. Not only does this let you know how much house you can afford, it also lets sellers know that you’re serious about buying.

2. Falling for love at first sight- There are many beautiful homes in Elmhurst from which to choose.  However, if you don’t shop around the Elmhurst Real Estate market and see what else is out there, you could miss out on a good deal or potentially regret your purchase. While you don’t need to visit every home in Elmhurst, you should compare at least three homes before you make a decision to ensure that you’re getting the right house at the right price.

3. Not reading the fine print- It’s smart to have your Elmhurst Real Estate agent review all your paperwork and discuss it with you so you don’t get caught off guard at closing. There are a few documents and items that are truly critical, and you can request a copy of these in advance. This gives you time to review them and ask questions before closing.

4. Buying a house you can’t afford- It seems that our nation is learning its lesson in spending more than you can afford, and it’s no different in your Elmhurst purchase. Just because you get approved for a larger loan than expected; doesn’t mean you should buy a home at that price. Be wise in thinking through what you can actually afford and factor in any repairs or updates you plan on making in the Elmhurst home.

5. Waiting for the market to improve or not buying at all- Trying to time your Elmhurst home purchase in hopes of lower home prices is risky. All the time you spend procrastinating on buying your Elmhurst home, you could be building equity, getting tax deductions and enjoying the many other benefits of homeownership!

6. Forgoing a home inspection- Even if a home appears to be in perfect condition, it’s a mistake to assume that it’s actually problem-free. Even brand new homes can have defects, so getting a professional inspection before making the commitment to buy is crucial. Be sure to attend the inspection so the inspector can explain any issues.

7. Thinking short-term- The Elmhurst home you purchase should be a place that feels like home to you and your family, but it’s important to remember that it’s also a huge investment. When shopping for a home, it pays to think about resale down the road. Search for homes in sought-after neighborhoods in Elmhurst, and look for features that future buyers will want, such as a great kitchen and lots of storage space.

8. Making an offer without contingencies- Having a back-out plan is a must for smart home buying. If the home has an irresolvable flaw, it doesn’t appraise for the purchase price, or your lender refuses to fund your loan, having contingencies on your contract gives you the right to cancel the transaction.

We’re happy that you’ve chosen Elmhurst as the place you want to settle down!  If you haven’t found an Elmhurst Real Estate agent yet; we’d love the opportunity to talk with you!  As Elmhurst Real Estate agents for over twenty years, we have a solid understanding of Elmhurst and can help you walk through each portion of the home buying process.  Contact us today to get started!

Harry & Diane Howarth
Your Elmhurst Real Estate Experts
Prudential Prairie Path

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