I've always been a walker. Not only is it great exercise, but it's fun, helps me clear my mind, and is good for the environment as well!
My current house is located in the suburbs, so most of my walking is through the nearby neighborhoods (with Zoey at my side these days!). But if I want to walk a little farther (up to two miles there, two miles back), I can walk to a Starbucks, the Ela Public Library, Walmart and several other establishments. I love having the ability to get somewhere without using my car, don't you?
As gas prices soar, many people just like me are exploring alternate ways to get where they want to go, whether that be by walking or riding a bike. They may even decide which house to buy or rent based on the "walkability factor" of that property. Businesses themselves (coffee shops are a perfect example) would be very smart to locate their establishments within easy walking distance of where people live to increase foot traffic.
Recently, I came across a site that allows people to determine the "walk score" of any address. You simply put in the address and it lists the nearby businesses and other sights that are within walking distance. You can access the site and try it out for yourself here.
Real estate agents can type in the address of a property you have listed and get code for a real estate tile that you can use to help promote your listing. How cool is that? To illustrate, I entered in the address of my office, RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest, and this is a sample of the real estate tile that was produced. I was having trouble with the html so this is a picture just to give you an idea. The actual tile allows you to scroll through the establishments (ie. see other grocery stores or restaurants) by clicking on the arrows, which then highlights the business on the map. Or you can click on the map and highlight the corresponding business. I just love it!
I've already decided that I want my next home to be within walking distance of most everything I need on a daily basis. This site will help me find just what I am looking for! Try it today!
My Lake Zurich, Illinois yard looks it's prettiest in May. That's when my Redbud tree is flowering in my front yard, and several shrubs are in bloom in the back.
Then again, it's during the summer months when my daylilies, annuals and other perennials are at their peak.
Hmm, maybe it's the autumn, when my burning bush and maple tree are bright red against the clear blue sky.
Come to think of it, it's hard to say just when my yard looks its absolute best!
(NO, this is NOT MY yard!! I wish it was!)
Your yard probably has something to offer with each season as well. That's why I suggest that you keep your digital camera handy during the coming months so you can capture your home showing off. Take pictures often, including close ups of your trees, planting beds, flowering shrubs, garden, deck or patio, pool, and other aspects of your landscaping.
One of the things that I like to offer my clients is the use of a digital photo frame during the sale of their home. All of the photos taken throughout the year can be stored on a photo card, which is then inserted into a digital photo frame. When displayed in your home (right near the brochures and other information offered to a buyer) it is a photo slide show of your yard in all its glory throughout the seasons.
Fast forward to next winter, when you get that fantastic job opportunity and need to move to another state, or March, when you want to list your home to capture the early spring market. Thanks to the digital photo frame, your potential buyers will be able to see for themselves just how beautiful their future home will be.
So, if you want to stand out among the competition when it's time to sell your home, get your digital camera out NOW and start taking photos. If you have photos you've taken throughout the years that aren't digital, don't worry. I can scan them and load them onto a photo card for you when the time comes.
Now, if only we could capture the smell of those lilacs...
This morning a very good friend and neighbor of mine (thanks, Chrisy!) spent several hours dividing up some perennials and moving them to new homes in her yard and mine.
With Earth Day upon us soon (April 22), what better way to "go green" than in our own yards?
In my yard, we divided and transplanted 6 hosta, 5 daylillies, and 2 something-or-other plants with cute little white flowers that bloom in the summer. In her yard, we transplanted 8 hosta.
Next step...mulch...to conserve the moisture and cut down on both weeds and watering.
What a wonderful way to spend the morning...enjoying each other's company, beautifying our yards, and doing something wonderful for Mother Earth at the same time. And it was totally free! How cool is that?
What will you do for Earth Day this year?
For me, the most exciting part of Spring is those first signs of new life pushing up through the cold, damp earth. 
Today, I saw the first little nubs of my daffodils peeking up out of the ground. I also noticed my hosta are starting to "bullet" and that faint greening of the grass.
Finally!
This was a very long winter in Northern Illinois, with a lot of snow and ice, and recently...cold and rainy days. In fact, we might get a little snow here on Saturday.
Thank goodness the end is finally in sight and, as you know, more people will move in the next few months than at any other time of the year. That's good news for everyone in the real estate biz or housing-related industries (like carpet stores, furniture stores, blinds and drapery stores, movers, home improvement stores, etc.).
Of course, sellers are breathing a little easier because for the third month in a row...showing activity has increased!
Here's to a great Spring market!
One not to be missed historical landmark is The Catlow Theater in Barrington, Illinois. Now celebrating 80 years in downtown Barrington, The Catlow shows movies at discount prices; the general admission price is only $5.00!
With a rich history and cozy ambiance, The Catlow is a great place to spend date night. Best of all, The Catlow makes fresh popcorn on-site. None of that pre-popped stuff like the other guys.
Another benefit is that you can eat a great meal while you watch ~ dinner and a movie all under one roof! Simply order up your sandwich or salad from Baloney's next door and take it into the theater with you. But you better have a good appetite because Baloney's sandwiches are huge!
Next time you are looking for something to do, head into downtown Barrington for a classic old-fashioned movie experience. The Catlow is located at 116 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL. 
Pass the popcorn!
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My take on the local real estate market, as well as my favorite people, places and things to do in Lake Zurich and the surrounding communities.
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
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