Kristina Pratt, REALTOR® - GoshenRealtyGroup.com

Living most of my life in northern Madison County, I frequent a lot of the smaller towns that our area has to offer.

My parents live right on the Madison County/Macoupin County line. Pick just about any Friday night, and you can find us The Prairietown Inn. Or, as we affectionately call it - PTI.

A few years ago, the PTI was bought by Sammie. Usually when a restaurant changes hands, the quality goes down. Not this time. This is one of those little bars that relies strictly on word-of-mouth. In fact, the bar is on the main level of an old house. It's a tight squeeze for dinner. I'm not sure what the exact population of Prairietown is - but I think everyone is there on Friday night. You won't find PTI on the Internet or in the Yellow Pages. They don't advertise. So I'm letting you in on a Madison County Secret here. The fish is delicious.

So where the heck is Prairietown? Head north from Edwardsville on State Route 159. About 10 miles up the road you'll see Renken Road on your right side. Follow this road about 3 miles and you're there. A little piece of bluegill sandwich heaven awaits you.

I took my in-laws to the PTI when they first visited from Las Vegas. My father-in-law doesn't even eat fish, yet every time they made a trip back to the Midwest - PTI was the first request he had.

They offer a variety of things on the menu ranging from garlic chicken wings, steak or burgers. Their speciality crispy fried fish. The fish choice ranges from catfish, walleye, bluegill, crappie and buffalo. Each plate of fish is served with amazing fried onion strips and your choice of two tasty sides. And of course, the Midwestern staple with all fish dinners - white, rye or wheat bread.

Next time I go to PTI, I'll be sure and take some pictures to share. It's definitely worth checking out. I'd say get there early to avoid the crowds, but on Friday that is impossible.

In a buyer's market, everyone selling their home wants to know what they can do to appeal to a large number of buyers. This listing at 7156 Lebanon Road in Collinsville is a great example of how good landscaping can create amazing curb appeal.

Imagine you are a buyer - walking up to this house for the first time.

Take a look at the house from far away. Looks nice enough, right? Well manicured lawn, great porch. But it's nothing special.

As you get closer, the house really starts to pop.

What buyer wouldn't be excited about seeing what was past this front door?

The most appealing feature of this landscaping is that all of this beautiful color is seasonal. These pictures were taken just yesterday. These hardy plants will continue to look fabulous well into the fall.

If you are selling your home, try to pay as much attention to small details as you can. The more finished and move-in ready your home appears to be, the more likely you are to sell.

For more tips and ideas, visit us at www.JustDuckyHomes.com

If you're ready to sell, give us a call. Find out why "We're Not Your Grandma's Realtors".

Kristina Pratt, Realtor 618-917-0775
Nancy Milton, Realtor/GRI 618-791-8007
info@justduckyhomes.com
Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors

This listing at 30 Grainey in Glen Carbon had a contract on it in less than 2 weeks, and closed after 42 days on the market. What was the secret? Internet savvy Realtors, maximum exposure and competitive pricing.

"Nancy - Once again I'd like to thank you and Kristina for all your help in making the sale of my property at 30 Grainey so very successful. In every way that I can think of; your professionalism was and is outstanding. Thank you very much." - Steve

Selling your property can be one of the most stressful events in your life. Our job is to make the process of your sale as simplified and worry-free as possible. We don't just stick a sign in the yard, put it in the paper a few times and walk away. We actively market, using an established network of relationships among agents and the community, as well as leading-edge technology to find the right buyer for your home. You will be kept informed every step of the way, and be given clear explanations to educate you on the best options for your unique situation.

In this more difficult market, you need Realtors who know your area and who will get your home sold for full market value in a reasonable amount of time. We offer you our expertise, hard work and market knowledge.

By using a two agent approach to listing your home, we can offer you the expertise, time and talents of two agents. You'll have two agents marketing and actively selling your property, following up on showings, and two agents who care what happens to your home.

Contact us today to find out about our unique and aggressive marketing plan. There is no doubt the market has changed. Your agent should change with market conditions as well.

Kristina - 618-917-0775 Nancy - 618-791-8007
Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors
www.justduckyhomes.com
info@justduckyhomes.com

Less than 22 days until one of my favorite Madison County Traditions - The Italian Fest in the heart of downtown Collinsville.

Every year, folks from all over Madison County (and some from St. Louis, too) pack the streets of downtown Collinsville for a taste of Italy. From traditional favorites like spaghetti and meatballs, to local inventions like toasted ravioli, there is something to please any palette.

The Italian Fest originally started in 1984 as a Columbus Day celebration for downtown business owners. Since then, the yearly treat has expanded to include entertainment, 5k walk-runs, wine making contests and more.

This year's event takes place Friday September 19th - Saturday September 20th.

For a complete list of vendors and events, please visit http://www.italianfest.info