Monday, December 1, 2014

Selling? 10 tips for decorating your porch for the holidays

Are you one of the thousands of sellers who has your home on the market this holiday season?  Are you torn between whether or not you should decorate at all?  Depending on which article you read, or who you speak with, will impact the advice and opinion you receive.  I am always pro-decorating for the holidays, with one simple caveat - it must be tasteful decor!  No big plastic Santa on the roof.  Or oversized inflatables on the front yard...

Plenty of people disagree with me and believe instead that holiday decorations increase the risk of offending someone.  In over 20 years of selling real estate, I have never had a buyer be offended by holiday decorations.  Instead, the decorated homes tend to appear a bit more welcoming, and warmer - which is an added bonus during a Chicago winter!

Just keep the decor tasteful.  Simple.  Soft.  Tone it down from your typical annual display.  Garlands on a staircase, garnished with twinkling lights.  A lightly staged mantled, dressed with stockings and candles.  The Christmas tree, tucked in the corner or filling the oft empty space of a bay window.

And do not forget the entry.  Especially if you are in a cold climate where a buyer will be standing, looking around, while the agent fidgets with opening the lockbox.  Again, keep it simple.  Want some ideas?  Click here to check out this post from tatertots & jello, offering 10 tips for a terrific porch display.  Happy Holidays!

 10 Tips for Creating a Beautiful Porch for the Holidays | eBay

260 East Cherry Cove Lane ROUND LAKE BEACH, IL 60073

Property Site: http://tour.illinoisproperty.com/home/B28A3D
Tucked in the heart of Country Walk, our home enjoys the added living space benefits of a hard-to-find walkout basement. Brand new vinyl siding enhances the brick accented elevation. The backyard enjoys a deluxe cedar deck, as well as a brick paver patio. Mature trees and professional landscaping garnish the property. Area amenities are nearby—shopping, restaurants, major roads, parks and schools. Country Walk students attend various schools, depending on a property's location. This home is located in the Lake Villa elementary school district 41, and Grayslake North high school district 127, boundaries.

Welcoming foyer greets guests. Soft tones enhance the formal living & dining rooms, designed for expandable entertaining. Decorator lighting brightens the dining area. First floor powder with rubbed oil bronze plumbing fixtures. Conveniently located first floor laundry area comes complete with washer & dryer.

Newer stainless steel appliances add to the appeal of this efficiently designed kitchen—gas range, dishwasher, built-in microwave & refrigerator all remain. Frosted cabinetry is accented by a tumbled marble counter & backsplash. New kitchen windows! The peninsula provides added counter workspace, and opens to the expanded bay window eating area, with slider access to the backyard deck. The adjacent family room features a vaulted ceiling complete with skylights & plant ledge. Gas logs add to the efficiency of the tile surround fireplace. Bamboo style Roman shades grace the windows. A space that is truly the heart of the home!

Double doors open to reveal a freshly painted and cozy, yet spacious, master bedroom complete with a large walk-in closet & ceiling fan. The private bath enjoys a low-maintenance new fiberglass shower.

Two additional generously sized secondary bedrooms share the second floor. Bedroom 2 has a double closet, bedroom 3 a single closet. Window treatments remain.

Conveniently located near both bedrooms, the hall bath features an easy care vinyl floor and a tub/shower combo.

Professionally finished—our walkout basement allows for an amazing expansion of the home’s living space. A large rec room allows for TV viewing, while the adjacent bar provides a comfortable spot for guest to gather. An intimate office nook provides a quiet space for work. Don’t miss the 4th bedroom with adjacent full bath. Ideal for guests, in-laws, teens or college students! All windows sport 2” wood blinds, and overlook the back yard. The slider leads to the paver patio.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 3.10
Square feet: 1,820
Price: $199,500

For more information about this property, please contact The Terri & Kieron Team at 847-557-8528 or team@tkmomteam.com. You can also text 2406190 to 67299.


See more listings at: lakecountyteam.com


MLS ID: 08770286

38740 North Shagbark Lane WADSWORTH, IL 60083

Property Site: http://tour.illinoisproperty.com/home/AMMTWS
Defined roof lines and mellow tones of the Hardie board concrete lap siding set the tone for this custom home. This 3 bedroom California-themed multi-level residence combines streamlined design coupled with a comfortable living style. Nestled within the Wadsworth Oaks neighborhood, mature trees frame the picturesque property, while the spacious backyard is highlighted by the entertainment-sized deck.

A double door entry provides a warm welcome into the residence. The subdued tiled entry leads into the generously-sized living room on thru to the dining room & kitchen. Boasting a stunning river rock fireplace and a bank of sun-drenched windows, the living room is ideal for gathering whether just for family or entertaining. There are two motorized shades that provide sun and weather protection all year long. The adjacent dining area also enjoys a large sliding door to the wrap-around deck— a great spot to host summer barbeques.

Smartly designed and highlighted by a multitude of custom maple cabinetry the efficient planned kitchen blends with the design and flow of the home. Every inch of this room has a purpose! Nickel hardware, tile flooring, under cabinet lighting, pull-out shelves all add to the room’s appeal. All appliances remain, including Dacor cook-top, convection oven, microwave & warming drawer, Bosch dishwasher and of course, the Sub-Zero built-in refrigerator. The seller has opted to utilize the fully functional sauna as a walk-in pantry.

Vaulted ceilings, a marble surround gas fireplace, & custom built-ins turn this master suite into a tranquil retreat to relish at the end of your busy day! The private master bath offers a large L-shaped double basin vanity, ceramic tile flooring, whirlpool tub & solid surface walls in the separate shower. Don’t miss the the large walk-in closet—it’s big enough to meet all your wardrobe needs. The landing on the staircase provides access to the huge & expandable attic.

Two secondary bedrooms on the first floor enjoy plush carpeting, plantation shutters and Elfa closet storage systems as well. The back bedroom has private access to the hall bathroom with 12" designer floor tile.

An office nook/mud room buffers the space between the attached garage and kitchen.

Check out the fabulous finished areas of the full basement! The wood bar with sink and stools, complete with double tap, remain. There are fine built-ins for your game storage & TV in the family room. Additionally you’ll find a spacious half bath, large storage and laundry areas complete the space.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.10
Square feet: 2,216
Price: $400,000

For more information about this property, please contact The Terri & Kieron Team at 847-557-8528 or team@tkmomteam.com. You can also text 2285225 to 67299.


See more listings at: lakecountyteam.com


MLS ID: 08723848

17686 West Winnebago Drive GRAYSLAKE, IL 60030

Property Site: http://tour.illinoisproperty.com/home/AAR2TS
Porcelain tiled entry welcomes you into this well maintained Wildwood home.

What you don’t see is 6” thick exterior walls which provide excellent insulation for this 4 bedroom residence.

Dining area is open to both the kitchen & the spacious living room and includes a door leading to the rear deck.

The kitchen is equipped with dishwasher, stove, microwave and refrigerator.

The main floor provides the location for the master bedroom and two secondary bedrooms. Parquet flooring, double closets and ceiling fans are in all three.

Updated & rejuvenated bathrooms completed in 2013.

Main hall bathroom enjoys a custom limestone counter atop an oak vanity, 12” porcelain tile flooring & tub surround. Lovely!

Bedroom four is in the lower level with garden window & large closet.

The lower level bathroom is finished with a tiled corner shower which includes glass tile accents. Easy care solid surface sink sits atop an oak vanity. 12” porcelain tile flooring finishes this space.

Downstairs is the versatile laundry/craft area which the sellers also use as an office space.

A spacious carpeted family room provides ample relaxation and play areas. Tile flooring is positioned at the garage entrance into the home.

Anderson windows are utilized throughout.

The 2.5 car garage has insulated walls and lots of additional lighting.

Extra–wide, the driveway was re-done in 2007 and includes an additional parking pad.

Conveniently located to schools & major road ways, there are Metra stations located in the nearby Village of Grayslake. As a resident of Wildwood you’ll appreciate the seasonal enjoyment of lake access beach for the residents use.
Bedrooms: 4
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 2,576
Price: $210,000

For more information about this property, please contact The Terri & Kieron Team at 847-557-8528 or team@tkmomteam.com. You can also text 2168330 to 67299.


See more listings at: lakecountyteam.com


MLS ID: 08679815

1131 Crestfield Avenue Libertyville, IL 60048

Property Site: http://tour.illinoisproperty.com/home/SS56T2
Libertyville home with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths enjoys hardwood flooring in all bedrooms, living and dining room and kitchen. Master bedroom with private bathroom. Appliances remain. Eat-in kitchen has door to yard and huge deck. Brick with newer vinyl siding and newer vinyl windows too. Entire backyard fenced with 6' privacy, no maintenance fencing. Separate detached garage set up with insulation and electric -- great for workshop/storage.
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.10
Square feet: 1,721
Price: $317,900

For more information about this property, please contact The Terri & Kieron Team at 847-557-8528 or team@tkmomteam.com. You can also text 2092481 to 67299.


See more listings at: lakecountyteam.com


MLS ID: 08647834

658 Beth Court GURNEE, IL 60031

Property Site: http://tour.illinoisproperty.com/home/YR8ETW
BUYER BONUS! Under contract by 12/15/14 and the buyer receives their choice of a $1500 giftcard from either Home Depot or Lowes, to use to update or remodel the home!

Cozy expanded Linden boasts floor to ceiling stone fireplace in vaulted living room. Kitchen features newer stove. Built-in microwave and dishwasher remain. Slider access to patio. 1st floor bedroom has been opened to living room, easy to convert back. Full bath on 1st floor. Master suite enjoys overlook to living room and private bath with newly remodeled shower area. Bonus tandem room. Cedar ceiling. Furnace replaced 2 years ago. 1 car garage.
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2.00
Square feet: 1,162
Price: $104,500

For more information about this property, please contact The Terri & Kieron Team at 847-557-8528 or team@tkmomteam.com. You can also text 2069384 to 67299.


See more listings at: lakecountyteam.com


MLS ID: 08637857