Oswego, IL

The winds are howling and leaves are almost off the trees as one of the colder nights in Chicagoland begins. Looking back at another month of home sales in Oswego the numbers tell the story.

In the single family detached homes there are currently 219 active listings, 14 new listings less than 7 days old with 15 price changes, 66 homes in contingent stage and 10 pending a closing date. In October 31 homes were sold. Year to date 262 homes have been sold. Out of that number 61 were foreclosures and 32 were short sales. In 2010 we had sold 242 homes so we are ahead of the game this year!

In the attached single family category we have 66 active listings, 2 new listings, 25 price changes, 26 contingent with 8 sold homes in October. 91 homes have been sold year to date with 34 foreclosures, 20 short sales and 1 corporate own. By the same time 2010 we had sold 105 attached homes so we are also ahead in the attached homes.

If you are planning to buy or sell your home this year, remember that I am here ready to assist you reach your real estate goals!

A friend of mine noticed my earlier post regarding the fundraiser for District 99 and asked me to pass this one along as well. When Saran’s aunt was getting ready to walk down the isle she had a brain aneurysm and died. Now Saran was diagnosed with a benign tumor and had successful surgery in July but the medical bills are piling up. So if you or someone you know is interested in helping this worthy cause please pass on the information. It’s a good life.

If you live in town or are thinking of moving here, what follows is a quick overview of single family homes in Oswego, IL!

Currently we have 257 Active listings in the Single Family category. We have 118 attached homes (condos/duplex/townhomes).

In the single family category we had 31 homes sold in August, 2011 with 11 in pending status. In August of 2010 we closed 28 homes in single family, so we are ahead by 3. In August 2010 year-to-date there were 196 homes sold. In 2011 our year to date is 207 with 72 distressed as of August 31, 2011 so we are ahead again without the homeowner credit incentive.

In the month of August - attached family closings were only 7 with 4 in pending status. Compared to August, 2010 when there were 14 homes sold. in 2010. The YTD on August 31 was 93 sold to date. Currently in 2011 the year-to-date for attached homes is at 73 with 38 distressed - down from 2010 totals.

So, homes are selling in Oswegoland despite all the bad media news. Prices are slightly lower but in single family homes we are ahead of 2010. Good news for those that are selling. We only 34.78 of those homes that are either a short sale or a foreclosure so like most areas in IL we have people that have lost their homes due to the economy.

So if you are thinking of moving to our area give me a call. If you are lucky enough to already live here and are thinking of moving up or have decided to leave the area allow me to give you a market analysis of your subdivision so you can make an informed decision on what your pricing options are.

We all have dreams but few of us are able to make our dreams a reality. For those of us who live in the Oswego, IL area we can see the results of someone actually making their dreams a reality. Many of us may be unaware that just off Grove Road, lies a wonderful small business that is making not only their dreams a realtity but helping others to have their dream weddings, family get togethers and other special events. So follow me to this little hidden gem in the cornfields of Oswego.

Just off Grove Road, I drove down a nicely paved lane just big enough for 2 cars and turned onto a long white gravel road behind one of the more exclusive subdivision - Old Reserve. Cornfields cover the area for miles and you can see another subdivision in the distance, as well as, one of the town's Water Towers.

It's like stepping back to a simpler time, gravel roads, farm fields and the rustic farmhouse and out buildings slowly show themselves as the road curves. But as you get closer you notice the cars parked around the buildings and you know this is not a normal farm. The farmhouse has been converted into a store full of pottery, organic products and a variety of complimentary products. The stables now houses the Tea Room and with its long wide porch provides a perfect setting for a get together.

Today, it was packed with various groups enjoying the wonderful selections thar are changed everyday and are homemade.

I elected to sit on the porch where it was much quieter to enjoy my lunch and take in the out door views. The service personnel were attentive and quick.

My Flowerpot salad was wonderful. Fresh ingredients artfully arranged in one of the many flowerpots that you are able to purchase in the store. Complimented with a slice of watermellon and a small fresh scone it was a perfect summer entree. A fresh glass of strawberry lemonade completed my meal. Of course, I couldn't pass on hte dessert - honey almond pound cake with berries.

As I waited, a woman stopped by to make sure I had been taken care of and it turns out she was Chris, one of the owners of the farm who along with her husband has created this wonderful getaway in the midst of the cornfields of Oswego.

I explained that I wanted to take some pictures and feature her business on my blog. She was delighted since she has been so busy finalizing another stage of her dream that she has been unable to start blogging herself. She informed me that they were having their 2nd special event on the premises and that I could take all the pictures I wanted.

As you can imagine putting on a wedding requires a lot of work, so Chris was off to continue getting the renovated barn ready for the upcoming event. I can't think of a better place to have a wedding or other special event. Those of you who are currently scouting out fancy hotels or banquet halls, stop right now and give Chris a call. You will have a wedding that people will be talking about for years.

A hilltop chapel is in the future, so the vision that this husband and wife team have is far from complete. If you have not discovered , make this your next destination. Whether for a quiet lunch or a special event, you can't go wrong with this venue. Take the time to step away from the hustle and bustle of suburban life and enjoy the simplicity of a quieter time, a time that good food, good company and beautiful surroundings made for a memorable experience.

The Pottery Store is a great place to find unique gifts for the home, yourself and to give as gifts. The first part of the dream to take shape and open up, this has been a favorite place for many from all over the suburbs.

The former farmhouse has been transformed into a quaint store featureing Emerson Pottery, complimentary products and even honey from a local beekeeper.

With its increased popularity, reservations are recommended. Call 630.554.7100. Open Tuesdays through Saturday from 10 to 4 p.m. Tearoom 11 to 1:45 p.m. for lunch.

Dreams can come true with dedication and unwavering vision even in the cornfields of Oswego!

Believe it or not there is culture in the super boonies of Chicago. On June 25th of 2011 the first performance at the Arranmore Performing Art Center was held in Oswego, IL. Although it started on a rather somber note as rain sprinkled on the gathering crowd, the enthusiasm did not wane as people came from all around to join friends, family and neighbors and what I hope will be the first of many performances.

The event was well organized and the music was fantastic! Billed as Cabernet Cabaret it was Broadway and a bit of the past, as well as, current songs. Performers were young, talented and enthusiastic.

My small group of four other friends and I came prepared with coolers full of libations and food. It was wonderful to finally view the John Greene Farm where Arranmore Performing Art Center is located at. Owned by a local realtor the grounds are amazing with polo fields, horse barn and other outbuildings. The crowd was friendly helped by the wine that was provided by

For those that missed the 1st performance you have an opportunity to join your friends, neighbors and family on September 9 at 7:00 p.m. for Sirens of Song - the 2nd Performance in their Cabernet Cabaret Series. Tickets are

only $20 and you get to B.Y.O.P.!! Get all the details and buy your tickets here!

Kudos to Shannon Greene Robb for bringing this caliber of entertainment to the corn fields of Oswego!!