Harry & Diane Howarth's Blog

Make Your Elmhurst Home Look Larger!

Wed, 27 Apr 2011 02:00:00 GMT

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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Theatrical Performances This Weekend in Elmhurst

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 02:00:00 GMT

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
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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Elmhurst City Centre Hosts an Exciting Event for Elmhurst Women!

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 02:00:00 GMT

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
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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5 Easy Steps to Conduct Your Own Security Check in Your Elmhurst Home!

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 02:00:00 GMT

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
Prudential Prairie Path

Elmhurst Real Estate
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10 Things You Can Do To Get Your Elmhurst Home Ready To Sell!

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 02:00:00 GMT

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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Enjoy a Taste of Ireland This Weekend in Elmhurst!

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:00:00 GMT

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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Avoid These Mistakes When Buying a Home in Elmhurst!

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 10:35:00 GMT

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

Elmhurst Real Estate
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Thinking of Refinancing Your Elmhurst Home? These 6 Tips Will Help!

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 02:00:00 GMT

If you’ve lived in your Elmhurst home for some time; you may be considering refinancing your home. Whether you’re hoping to lower your monthly payment, want to switch from an adjustable rate to a fixed rate loan, would like lower interest rates or any other reason; refinancing can be a large decision and one that should be carefully weighed.

With the national housing market in its current state; you’ve probably heard about the great rates that are currently available and you feel that refinancing to take advantage of this is an ideal opportunity. As Elmhurst Real Estate agents; we want to be sure you understand all that’s involved and offer these six tips that you’ll want to keep in mind when refinancing.

1. Credit score and income- Most banks in today’s market will require you to have a minimum credit score of 620 in order to refinance. You will also need to prove that your household finances have been stable. If unemployment or other issues have come up that have decreased your finances significantly; you’ll find it hard to refinance.

2. Interest rates- Refinancing right now is great for buyers whose current rates are above 5.5% and are hoping to save on their monthly mortgage costs. For homes in Elmhurst; you could potentially save a percentage point or more on an outstanding mortgage.

3. Costs- Refinancing your home will cost you typically 2% of the new loan amount. This includes application, appraisal and inspection fees. Included within refinancing costs is the new escrow account you’ll need to fund. The lender will set up this account for home-insurance and property-tax payments from which they’ll draw annually. Want to avoid this fee? Use the same lender you used for your initial mortgage. Their only costs are limited to issuing new paperwork, so they’re able to keep costs low and can oftentimes speed up the process. Another option is a good faith estimate. Your Elmhurst Real Estate agent can help you determine which option would work best for your home.

4. Adjustable-rate mortgages- Determining whether you’d like to go with an adjustable-rate mortgage or a fixed-rate mortgage can be tricky. An ARM is great in today’s market as you’ll cash in on the current lower rates. However, a fixed-rate mortgage ensures that your rates will remain stable and won’t rise if the market changes.

5. ‘Underwater’ homeowners- Today’s housing market has left around 11 million homeowners “underwater” meaning they owe more on their home than it’s actually worth. They will have a hard time refinancing and can only do so through a federal program. Your Elmhurst Real Estate agent will help explain the option of a “short refinance” that was launched last year by the FHA.

6. Greater pricing disparity- Based on your current credit score, the rates offered for refinancing can vary greatly. Illinois lenders will look at the state’s average loan-to-value ratio and the percentage of homes with negative equity. The higher the percentage of these homes, the higher the rate a borrower will most likely be offered.

If you have questions about any of these tips or refinancing your Elmhurst home; please let us know! We’d be happy to meet with you and discuss your options and your specific needs. If you’re looking to sell your Elmhurst home; we can help with that as well! We have years of experience in the Elmhurst Real Estate market and know what buyers in Elmhurst are looking for in a home. Feel free to contact us anytime!

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

Elmhurst Real Estate
View Elmhurst Listings
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A Look at Key Moments in History in Elmhurst

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:00:00 GMT

The city of Elmhurst has much to offer areas of education and culture, and is constantly providing ways for its residents and visitors to expand their horizons. The Elmhurst Historical Museum and the Elmhurst Public Library are few of the venues that offer these unique experiences which draw in those living in Elmhurst and the surrounding areas.

This week, two historical exhibitions opened in Elmhurst as they travel throughout the country, and are opportunities that you don’t want to miss! Both exhibits are also offering a coinciding event to raise awareness of their presence in our city. The heart wrenching story of Ann Frank will be on display at the Elmhurst Historical Museum and will provide rich insight into the history of World War I and World War II and the lives of the Frank family. At the Elmhurst Public Library The Masks of Lincoln will be on display as created by the Smithsonian Institute. This is a unique collection of images of this famed president.

Below is more information on each exhibit and the events that are taking place this week!

Elmhurst Historical Museum: Anne Frank: A History for Today

February 15 - April 3

- The history of the Holocaust unfolds in this traveling exhibition the history of the Holocaust of Anne Frank through family photographs juxtaposed with images of historical events. The exhibit contemplates the history of World War I and World War II and the key historical events that impacted the lives of the Frank family, as well as the difficult choices made by those who joined the Nazi Party., remained bystanders, or became one of the few who chose to resist tyranny. Through the story of Anne Frank, visitors are encouraged to examine their own attitudes towards others and work towards a more just, inclusive society. Appropriate for ages 10 and up.

Elmhurst Historical Museum: Tea Time Talk: The Legacy of Anne Frank

February 17, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM at the Education Center

- A docent from the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center in Skokie will share the legacy of Anne Frank and examine how Anne’s story and continues to engage a worldwide audience today. Refreshments served immediately following in the Glos Mansion lower level. Donations appreciated.

Elmhurst Public Library Exhibits: The Smithsonian Institution presents: Masks of Lincoln

February 15 - March 29 @ 2nd floor

- Drawn from the National Portrait Gallery’s unrivaled collection of Lincoln portraits, from fresh-faced Illinois congressman to troubled visage as he led the fight for the Union to him as president Lincoln.

Elmhurst Public Library: An Evening with Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln

February 16, 7:00 PM - February 17, 8:00 PM @ Room 2 in the Elmhurst Public Library

- This one hour play portrays the Lincolns preparing for an evening just before the curtain rises on the play at the Fords Theater on the night of his assassination.

We hope you’re able to enjoy both of these exhibits during their time in Elmhurst, as well as the events taking place this week! If you are not currently an Elmhurst resident, but have looking for a town that provides unique opportunities like these; please let us know! We have lived in Elmhurst and have worked as Elmhurst Real Estate agents for years and can give you great insight into Elmhurst as well as answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to contact us anytime to begin your Elmhurst home search.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

Elmhurst Real Estate
View Elmhurst Listings
Visit Our Website
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Sell Your Elmhurst Home with These 8 Upgrades!

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 02:00:00 GMT

With spring just around the corner, although it doesn’t seem that way with our recent snowfall, you may be considering selling your Elmhurst home. Whether a job transfer or other extenuating circumstances are causing the need to sell your home; you may be wondering where to begin.

Selling your Elmhurst home can be nerve-wracking as you hear the reports of the national housing market. Buyers seem to be winning in the housing market pull, but that doesn’t mean that selling your home is impossible! In fact, jumping ahead of the spring market may help you beat out some of the neighboring competition for homes that will come on the Elmhurst market in April and May.

There are some key things you can do now to begin to prepare your home for a sale. We’ve gathered the top eight projects that will bring about the biggest return on investment and impress the savvy Elmhurst home buyers. Evaluate your home and see which projects you’d like to do to upgrade your home.

The Top Storage and Organization Project: Maximize Storage Space
- Give yourself more space instantly by organizing your closets and cabinets. Clean out things you no longer use and consider investing in a closet or pantry organizer. This will immediately give the appearance of extra room as well as being easier to maintain.

Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances
- Kitchen’s are one of the top places that people will want to see upgrades and where you will get the most return on investment. The top kitchen project is to upgrade your appliances. Of course stainless steel appliances are today’s standard, so if you haven’t upgraded yet, now would be a great time to do so. Another upgrade that’s possible for those who already have stainless steel appliances are energy efficient options. Switching to these “green” appliances will cut down on your energy bill and will be better for the environment as well.

Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation
- Adding proper insulation will not only add value to your home, but will save you money. This energy efficient project will reduce up to 30% of heating and cooling costs. Those looking to buy an Elmhurst home will be searching for homes that are more eco-friendly and adding insulation or even replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones will appeal to buyers.

Top Budget Friendly Project: Clean and Conquer Clutter
- The best way to update your home is to remove any excess furniture or knickknacks that don’t serve a purpose. Not only will this make your Elmhurst home appear larger, but it will give your home a more updated feel. This cost effective project is a great one to do during winter months when you’d prefer to stay indoors. If you’re planning on selling your home, buyers will appreciate this clean and updated look as they’ll be able to better envision their belonging in your home.

Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures
- Bathrooms are another space where many will want to see upgrades. An easy way to refresh bathrooms is to change out the fixtures. From lighting to the vanity or even just the cabinetry hardware; there are many cost effective updates that can be made in a bathroom.

Top Landscaping Project: Tidy Your Lawn
- Curb appeal speaks volumes for how you care for your Elmhurst home overall. A lawn that is well manicured and aesthetically pleasing will appeal to most no matter what the size. Elmhurst buyers will want to know they can simply maintain the lawn you’ve cared for rather than having to put in a lot of time and money for updates.

Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Living
- This is another project that will have to wait until Elmhurst welcomes back warmer weather, but adding outdoor living space is like adding square footage onto your home. Imagine lounging in a new outdoor living space and hosting outdoor dinner parties this summer. Whether you’re going to be living in your Elmhurst home for the next twenty years or will begin the home selling process soon, this update will add value and character to your home.

Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the Basement
- Finishing our basement, while a seemingly large project, is much less expensive that adding an additional room onto your home. You’ll want to be sure to have a professional inspect your basement for its moisture level before you begin. Adding carpeting or a fresh coat of paint may be all your basement needs to gain a finished appearance. This additional living space may be just the thing for which buyers are searching.

We hope these projects spark ideas of ways to make sure your home is ready to go on the Elmhurst Real Estate market! If you are looking for an Elmhurst Real Estate agent; we’d love to help! We have a solid record of home sales in Elmhurst and will help the home selling process go as smooth as possible.

Please let us know if you have any questions about selling your Elmhurst home, or to get started!

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

Elmhurst Real Estate
View Elmhurst Listings
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7 Tips for Stress Free Home Buying in Elmhurst

Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:24:00 GMT

While spring may seem a long way off due to the amount of snow Elmhurst has received the past few days; now is a great time to think through your “to do” list for the upcoming season! You may be considering relocating to Elmhurst or selling your current Elmhurst home and finding a home that will match your needs and lifestyle better. Whatever your need for buying a home in Elmhurst, thinking ahead in order to be fully prepared to do so is vital in the home buying process!

Spring in Elmhurst is a beautiful time of year as nature produces a freshness and rejuvenation after the long winter months. Many people opt to wait till this time to buy a home, but there’s no need to wait! In fact, getting ahead of the spring Elmhurst Real Estate market may be just the thing to help you find your dream home! Begin now to get your financials and other items in order and you’ll find the process will run much more smoothly. We’ve come up with seven tips that will ensure buying a home in Elmhurst is stress free!

1. Determine if now is a good time to buy- Decide whether to buy a home in Elmhurst based on your life and what makes sense for you, your family, your plans and your finances. Then, use the news about what’s going on in the market to decide how to buy: what kind of house to buy, what sort of loan to use, how much to offer, and other strategies for executing your home buying plans.

2. Get a solid understanding of the home buying process- Research as much as possible, but be sure to decide on a trusted Elmhurst Real Estate agent as soon as possible. They’ll be able to give you a layout of what you can expect from buying a home in Elmhurst. Ask your Elmhurst Real Estate agent when you’re expected to show up so you can take time off work, and when you’re expected to write checks so you can be prepared.

3. Decide early on how much you can afford- This can be tricky, but there are some ways to determine the price of your offer. Your Elmhurst Real Estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which shows the selling price of other homes in Elmhurst. You can also determine the price by the sellers’ motivation to sell as well as the current market factors- which happen to be in the buyers’ favor right now!

4. Learn how to prevent money surprises during escrow- When you first apply for a loan, you’ll receive a good faith estimate which is a standardized list of costs associated with obtaining the mortgage and a breakdown of the monthly mortgage payment due on the mortgage for which you were approved. Keep in mind this is just an estimate. When you close on escrow, you’ll pay prorated mortgage interest and property taxes from the date of closing till the end of the month. The date of closing can make a difference in thousands of dollars required to close. Ask your Elmhurst Real Estate agent to help you set your closing date to line up with the cash you have at your disposal.

5. Find the right Elmhurst Real Estate agent- Finding the right Elmhurst Real Estate agent can make all the difference! Be sure to look for the following: experienced in working with buyers and sellers in Elmhurst, experienced in the transaction you envision (short sale, foreclosure, etc…), great referrals and testimonials, is a problem solver and can give you examples, and appeals to your personality style (you could potentially be spending a lot of time with your realtor, so you want to make sure it’s a good fit).

6. Avoid buying a lemon- You may have nightmares of coming home to a recent home purchase only to find it falling apart. Ways to avoid this are to thoroughly go over the disclosures which are required to list out issues or recent repairs within the home, get a home inspection, have contingencies in place when making your offer, maintain a home warranty policy that will cover many major malfunctions for a service call fee.

7. Know when to remove contingencies or waive objections- Removing contingencies or waiving objections usually puts thousands of dollars on the line, so it’s not a step to be taken lightly. Plus, by removing contingencies or waiving your objections, you are essentially telling the seller that you plan to close the deal — something you just shouldn’t do unless and until you are satisfied with the following items: title, disclosures and inspections, condition issues, appraisal and underwriting. Your Elmhurst Real Estate agent can help you determine if and when you need to take this step.

If you have questions about any of these tips; please let us know! We’ve been in the Elmhurst Real Estate market for years and are very familiar with what sellers need as well as what home buyers in Elmhurst want! We would enjoy helping you each step of the way as you search for your Elmhurst home!

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

Elmhurst Real Estate
View Elmhurst Listings
Visit Our Website
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Welcome!

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 02:00:00 GMT

Welcome to your resource for community events, home tips and Real Estate information for the Chicago western suburb of Elmhurst! Whether you’re relocating to the Elmhurst area for a job, have been considering a move to the area for some time, or are already an Elmhurst resident; you’ll find this blog to be an excellent source for the information regarding the Elmhurst Real Estate market and its vibrant community!

Founded in 1836 by European settlers, Elmhurst is home to quaint neighborhoods with stunning historic homes, as well as luxurious townhomes fused seamlessly into the various neighborhoods. This historic town is great for families as well as anyone who desires to live in a strong community setting with close proximity to the thriving metropolis of Chicago.

We enjoy living and working in Elmhurst and have over twenty years of combined service as Elmhurst Real Estate agents in the Elmhurst Real Estate market. Our goal is to help buyers and sellers navigate through the oftentimes overwhelming housing market. Whether you need to sell your home or are hoping to buy a home in Elmhurst; we’re here to help you each step of the way!

We are looking forward to providing you with pertinent information about the Elmhurst Real Estate market, real estate related tips and advice, and community news and events through this blog! Even if buying or selling a home is not something you’re pursuing right now; staying up to date on the Elmhurst Real Estate market and current happenings will help when it comes time to make those life changing decisions.

Thank you for taking the time to stop by and for joining us as we begin this new endeavor to provide you with even more great information! Feel free to contact us anytime or leave a comment on our blog.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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

Elmhurst Real Estate
View Elmhurst Listings
Visit Our Website
Email Us