Home Security Tips

Now that you’ve settled into your dream home, isn’t it time to start thinking about the security of your home? For many homeowners, security is an afterthought but this year one out of every six homes will be burglarized and burglars only need about sixty seconds to break into a home, that’s according to crime reports from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In fact, every 15.4 seconds a home is targeted.

By definition, a burglary is a non-confrontational property crime that occurs when no one is in the home. But anyone who has ever dealt with type of crime knows that it can leave a family feeling vulnerable and violated.

The statistics are staggering, but there are ways to prevent such crime from happening to you and your family. Remember that most homes are targeted, so be sure that you make your home less appealing to burglars by following these tips.

 
1. Keep all doors and windows locked.It’s important to use a high quality deadbolt locks on your doors and to use an additional blocking device on sliding glass doors. Windows are often much less attended to than doors, so check them throughout your home routinely.

    

2. Install drapes or blinds on all lower level windows and doors, including the garage. Most burglaries actually occur during the middle of the day, so keeping your possessions and cars hidden from intruders is important. 
3. Install flood lights or censor lights on the exterior of the home and keep lights on inside the home as well. Burglars are far less likely to enter a well-lit residence. 
4. Keep a well-manicured lawn. This can emphasize that you pay close attention to your home, whereas an overgrown lawn can suggest vacancy to a possible burglar. 
5. When traveling, make sure you have someone checking on the house collecting your mail and newspapers; a pile of papers on the driveway is a tell-tale sign that your family is away. 
6. Install an alarm system. Make sure all household members are trained properly in working the alarm and use it daily; a top-notch security system is useless if it isn’t used or is used improperly. Also, post stickers on the exterior of the home indicating your alarm service and that will often scare off possible intruders.

Of course no method is 100% effective against burglaries, but by following these simple suggestions you can significantly reduce your chances of being targeted.

Written by Tara Darby

1137 N Itasca Rd, Addison IL

1137 N Itasca Rd, Addison Illinois
5BR/5.2BA Traditional
$1,785,000

Sophisticated luxury with attention to detail and all the amenities one would expect in a home of this stature.  Pull up the stamped concrete drive and prepare to be amazed.  The double door entry welcomes you into this quality SeBern home.  Two story foyer with grand winding staircase and marble flooring that carries through most of the main level.  Get down to brass tacks in the den with French doors, hardwood flooring, built-in bookshelves and bay windows.  Dine like nobility in the formal dining room boasting marble floor with inlay, arched openings & columns.  When you’re done with dinner, friends and family can spill into the huge family room with coffered ceiling & comforting stone fireplace.  You’ll have no problem preparing the finest meals in the gourmet kitchen complete with granite counters, center island & separate breakfast bar.  When only the best will do, you’ll love the dual Sub-Zero refrigerators & Thermador Pro stainless oven & 6-burner gas cooktop.  Take in the peaceful backyard views in the eating area with door to back patio.  Unwind in the vaulted living room with skylights, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and sliding glass door to the patio.  Rounding out the main level is the spacious laundry room, convenient mud room & 5th bedroom with hardwood flooring, vaulted ceiling, walk-in closet and luxury bath.  Each bedroom suite in this home provides a walk-in closet and luxury bath.  Upstairs, the master suite is sure to impress with its double door entry, vaulted ceiling & gas log fireplace.  Relax at the end of a long day in the spa-like master bath with whirlpool tub & glass block walk-in shower with multiple heads, body sprayers & bench.  Pass through the large dressing area into the expansive walk-in closet with cabinetry, shelving & island.  The upper level even boasts a 2nd laundry room.  Additional features include a full unfinished basement with rough-in for bath, heated 4-car garage with steps to the basement, inground sprinkler, stunning landscaping & so much more.  Walk to shopping and just seconds from the elementary school & highway access.  Come bask in the quality, luxury & thoughtfulness you’ve come to expect in a SeBern home!

For more information, call The Kombrink Team at RE/MAX Excels 630-262-4321, or visit us online at http://www.kombrink.com

Five Key Areas to Pay Attention to When Buying a Home

Looking for a new home can be exciting and frustrating. You can help alleviate the frustration by paying close attention to five key areas of the homes you’re considering buying; it may save you money in the long run.

Don Walker is an inspector and owner of Ace Home Inspections. He says there are five areas in homes that he frequently reports problems with. They are electrical, foundation, plumbing, the attic, and landscaping.

Electrical Walker says sometimes homeowners assume with newer homes that all will work just fine but that’s often not the case. “I [inspected] a brand new house — four years old but the electrical was all done incorrectly,” says Walker.

Having a complete home inspection will help to rule out any problems and point out any areas of concern. However, even as you’re browsing homes, buyers can start to make note of the key areas that Walker mentioned, such as the foundation.

Foundation Walker says a four-year-old home he inspected recently was already showing trouble signs which could result in a costly repair project. “It was a model home. What [the homeowners] did was plant trees for shade to make it look really nice, but they planted the wrong trees and they’re going to crack the foundation and it’s going to cut the property value down by $50,000,” says Walker.

Walker says in the case of that home, the trees were causing micro-fractures in the tile in various locations of the home. “As you walk through the house, 21 feet in and 30 feet deep, there’s just too much root invasion and it’s going to ruin their tile,” explains Walker.

He says some tell-tale signs with this home were the minor cracks in the foundation that were causing a lifting and separation of the foundation. Also, the windows were not opening and closing properly, “which means the foundation is moving.”

However, just because you see cracks doesn’t mean there is a foundation problem. “Most people don’t understand that there are natural cracks in a house. That’s why when we do an inspection report we have to look at it and say ‘Okay, this is a typical crack and this one is an untypical crack,’” says Walker. He says some cracks may lead to other problems while others won’t.

Plumbing Walker says another big area of concern is the plumbing. It’s an area that you can’t always spot as easily but it can create expensive repairs if plumbing issues go either undetected or are not properly fixed. “Mold forms underneath sinks when people have a leak and they fix the pipe but they don’t take care of the mold,” says Walker.

He says things like caulking the sink can help prevent mold. “That’s my number one thing I always find — bad sinks,” says Walker.

He says that when you look at the sink, look behind it and most of the time you will discover a little crack. “What happens is, when you wash dishes or you wash your hands in the bathroom or the kitchen, the water gets in that crack and seeps down. Once the water gets behind the cabinet it’s in a perfect position to create mold,” says Walker. The dampness, humidity, and lack of light can turn that area beneath the sink into a mold-breeding ground.

Attic “You can tell everything about the house by the attic,” says Walker. He says other areas of the home can be covered up if a repair had occurred. For instance, if there was a leak and it damaged a wall, with the right contractors and repairs it can be made to look like new and, hopefully, function like new. But Walker says the attic is sort of the eyes to the soul of the home. “In the attic you can tell where all the damage has been,” says Walker.

“If you’re in a 20-year-old house and you see that the insulation is brand new, you know that there was a water leak because it had to be replaced,” says Walker. He adds, “You can tell if the roof is good because you can look right at the wood.”

Landscaping “There should not be moisture or plants next to your house,” says Walker. He says there should be a 12 inch barrier between the landscape and the house. Walker says otherwise you run the risk of having the foundation crack and affect the home. What happens is, as the landscape that is too close to the home is watered, the foundation and soil expand. Then, when no watering occurs, the foundation dries up and shrinks and this can cause it to crack.

Remember, knowledge is power, so learning about the home before you close the deal on it will keep you from making a mistake that may cost you extra out-of-pocket money later.

Written by Phoebe Chongchua

Trends in Garage Space

We often hear about trends in home design and efficiency, but what about trends in garage spaces? For many homeowners that’s a space that is often neglected. But if you’re in the market to sell your home, you should get familiar with what buyers are looking for these days in garages.

First of all, garages are making a comeback. For a while, many homeowners decided to convert that space into an office, extra bedroom, or studio. But according to Elizabeth Weintraub with About.com, many homes with similar remodels are lingering on the market, because discriminating buyers are looking for true garage spaces.

The obvious use for a garage is for car storage, and in today’s world it isn’t uncommon for there to be 3 or 4 cars per family. As a result new homebuilders are making new construction garages bigger, not only in how many cars they can accommodate, but also in dimensions since cars have been growing in size over the years.

But older homes still have options for how many cars they can fit. Auto elevators are becoming increasingly popular. It costs less than a used sedan, and it can be very helpful especially if you live in a community that restricts parking cars on the streets. Here’s how it works, you drive into the garage space and after you get out of the car, simply push a button and the car rises, making space underneath for another car to park. If that seems a bit lavish, there are simpler ways to make your space more useful, and appealing to buyers.

 
1. First, finish it out. This includes having finished walls, ceilings and floors. It gives the room a cleaner, fresher look. 
2. Next, redecorate. It’s amazing what a new coat of paint can do, for any room, including the garage. And don’t forget about the flooring. You can stain the existing concrete, add sealed polypropylene tiling, and other more residential looking, yet durable flooring. It can make the room feel like a true extension of the home. 
3. And finally, get organized. Organizational systems are widely available and include cabinets, shelves, workbenches, wall hooks, even closets to hide your clutter.

Just a few small changes to the garage space and your home may look better to buyers, and hopefully be easier to sell.

Written by Tara Darby

2588J Rock Creek Rd, Plano IL

2588J Rock Creek Rd, Plano IL
3BR/2BA Ranch
$574,900

This 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch home is a nature lovers dream!  Sited in an arboretum-like setting, this 1.1 acre lot includes the adjacent 1.1 acre parcel with wildlife galore.  This stunning lot boasts Cherry trees, Apple trees, 300+ year old Oaks, Norway & Blue Spruce.  Step inside the impressive foyer with double door entry and gleaming hardwood floor with inlay & you’ll fall in love.  The hardwood carries into the formal dining room and throughout the house.  Fabulous kitchen with Corian counters, recessed lights, cabinetry with crown & vaulted eating area offering a skylight and sliding glass door to the brick paver patio.  Perfect for relaxing and entertaining, the vaulted family room comes complete with skylights, lighted paddle fan, floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and is wired for surround sound.  Unwind at the end of a long day in the huge master suite with walk-in closet and luxury bath.  You’ll find a whirlpool tub, separate shower with ceramic tile surround & separate water closet plus a double bowl vanity.  The master and remaining 2 bedrooms boast Eastern White Pine hardwood flooring.  You’ll also find a large hall bath & roomy laundry area with ceramic tile flooring, utility sink, cabinetry, door to garage and pull down stairs to the attic.  The outside is where this home really shines.  The lot allows plenty of room to stretch out and relax on the brick paver patio, entertain friends & family around the firepit.  Just a short walk through the beautiful scenery to the two large ponds.  Enjoy all the seasons from fantastic fall colors to the wonderful winter wonderland.  Make your dreams a reality today!

For more information, call The Kombrink Team at REMAX Excels 630-262-4321 or visit us online at http://www.kombrink.com

Choosing Storage Options

Do you have too much to store and too little space? If you’re like many homeowners, finding enough storage space can be a challenge. Thankfully, remodeling professionals can help you create new ways to tuck away your family’s treasures in a resourceful and sophisticated way, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI).

Finding storage solutions doesn’t always mean undertaking a major remodel. Sometimes it’s about using the square footage you already have. Remodelers can help you plan and reallocate storage to accommodate your family’s changing lifestyle. Getting creative with storage can improve daily living and boost the resale value of your home.

Look in Unusual Spaces

Veteran remodeler Don Van Cura, CR, CLC, CKBR, and owner of Chicago-based Don Van Cura Construction, recently won a regional CotY Award for a clever storage solution he designed for stashing canned goods under a kitchen staircase. “I’m a space freak and I don’t believe that any part of the house should be wasted,” he explains. “Almost every section of home has a void in it that can be made into storage — and the older the house, the more nooks and crannies you can find.”

For his stair solution, Van Cura created storage bins under the wooden treads of a staircase. He did this by attaching each tread of the staircase to the frame using hidden piano hinges, which allow each tread to open like a storage chest. The homeowner could then use the space under the tread to tuck away dry goods and cans. This storage strategy can be used in many areas of a home. In the foyer, for example, the hidden cubbies under stairs can stash shoes and outdoor gear. In the basement they store cleaning products or seasonal accessories. For a short run of stairs, remodelers can also install a set of custom drawers underneath the stairwell with access from the either the side or the back — another great use of space.

Any good stair installer or skilled remodeler should be able to do this project, but it demands a structurally sound staircase, fine cabinetry skills and careful preparation. “It’s easiest if you’re planning a new set of stairs, but it can also be done as a retrofit to existing stairs,” Van Cura notes.

Reconfigure Rooms As Needed

Perry Szpek, design sales associate for JDJ Builders in Milwaukee, Wis. recently created more storage for a family of six by reconfiguring two existing rooms and adding some square footage. The family’s mudroom was once a cramped hallway that led from the house to the garage. “Not having a place to put on and take off their shoes was their biggest pet peeve,” Szpek said. As a solution, he designed two furniture-style storage units that provide both seating and a place to store outdoor gear.

On one side of the room, a large boot-bench and locker cabinet gives the kids a place to sit down or hang up coats. The bench features storage beneath the seat and wicker baskets on a shelf above the hanging area. Drawer cabinets also flank each side of the bench, creating a personal spot for each child to stash hats, gloves and mittens.

Across the room Szpek planned a shorter boot bench for mom and dead that offered flip-top storage under the seat and hooks to hang coats behind them. Both storage pieces were accented with traditional beadboard backing, crown molding and a medium-brown distressed birch finish.

In the family’s 120-square-foot laundry room, Szpek created a beautiful and storage-smart workspace. Upper and lower cabinetry provides plenty of storage for detergents, brushes and sponges, and a long countertop gives mom ample space to fold clean laundry. Under one area of the counter, Szpek designed cubbies that accommodate six laundry baskets — one for each member of the family. “When mom’s done folding clothes, she can separate the loads into a separate bin for each member,” he says. “The abundance of storage space worked great for this family of six.”

Where to Start

While some homeowners may think that a bigger home will solve their storage dilemma, this is not always the case. Often, having better storage is about making better layout choices and putting things within easy reach. Before talking to a remodeler, homeowners should take a thorough assessment of the square footage they have and how much stuff they need to store. In addition, it’s important to think about day-to-day schedules. Some areas of the home, like foyers, mudrooms and laundry rooms, could use additional cabinetry or places to drop cell phones, keys and wallets. Sometimes the project is more about reworking traffic flow or designating specific spots for tasks like folding laundry, putting on outerwear and storing cleaning products.

NARI Certified Remodelers can help homeowners plan smart and attractive storage for any size home. Log on to RemodelToday.com to find a remodeler in your area.

About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the only trade association dedicated solely to the remodeling industry. With more than 7,700 member companies nationwide, the Association — based in Des Plaines, Illinois — is “The Voice of the Remodeling Industry.”^TM For membership information, or to locate a local NARI chapter or a remodeling professional, visit NARI’s Web site at www.RemodelToday.com, or contact the national headquarters office at 800-611-NARI.

30-Year Fixed Rate Mortgage Rates Fall for Fifth Straight Week

McLEAN, VA — Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.78 percent with an average 0.6 point for the week ending September 18, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 5.93 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.34 percent. The last time the 30-year FRM was lower was the week ending February 14, 2008, when it averaged 5.72 percent.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 5.35 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.54 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.98 percent. The last time the 15-year FRM was lower was the week ending March 27, 2008, when it averaged 5.34 percent.

Five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) averaged 5.67 percent this week, with an average 0.7 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.87 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 6.21 percent.

One-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 5.03 percent this week with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 5.21 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 5.65 percent.

“Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages fell for the 5th consecutive week, amounting to a total decline of about 0.75 percentage points,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. “As a result, mortgage applications surged nearly 58 percent since August 15th, largely led by a 122 percent gain in applications for refinancing, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA).”

“The MBA also reports that fixed-rate mortgages are currently the predominant choice among homebuyers and families looking to refinance. Over the first two weeks of September, 95 percent of new applications were for fixed-rate mortgages. Since the end of 2007, the number of ARM applications fell by almost 50 percent.”

1706 Ronzheimer, St Charles IL

1706 Ronzheimer, St Charles IL
4BR/2.1BA Colonial
$275,000

Looking for that perfect home?  Here it is!  Sited on a gorgeous landscaped lot in the quiet Cambridge East subdivision, this home has it all.  With this great location you can walk to school, parks and are mere minutes from shopping, downtown and more!  Step inside to find the large and inviting living room with crown molding & chair rail.  You’ll be impressed with the gleaming wood laminate floor that carries into the formal dining room and eat-in kitchen.  With more than enough room to cook, enjoy meals in the eating area and never miss a beat with the open floorplan leading into the family room.  Relax by the floor to ceiling brick fireplace with gas logs, or step out back to the patio.  Finishing off the first floor is the powder room with wood laminate flooring & built-in medicine cabinet.  Upstairs, bedroom sizes are generous and include the roomy master suite with double wall closet.  The hall bath also includes a built-in medicine cabinet.  Adding to the already spacious feel of this home is the finished basement complete with carpeted rec room with recessed lights.  You’ll also find a 5th bedroom and full bath with ceramic tile flooring.  Enjoy the outdoors on the patio and huge backyard.  No matter what you’re looking for in your next home – you’ll find it here.

For more information, call The Kombrink Team at REMAX Excels 630-262-4321 or visit us online at http://www.kombrink.com

1680 Shamrock Ct, Aurora IL

1680 Shamrock Ct, Aurora IL
5BR/3BA Duplex
$289,900

A truly unique opportunity awaits you here!  This updated duplex makes for a perfect in law arrangement or owner/rental situation.  Only the finest of upgrades will be found here including Pella triple pane windows allowing for a quieter, more energy efficient home.  A brand new roof was just installed with architectural shingles.  All switches and outlets have been upgraded to Decora brand.  Enter in the main unit to find the large and inviting living room with crown molding.  This leads into the jaw-dropping kitchen with ceramic tile counters and center island, 42″ custom Oak cabinetry with crown, Bruce hardwood flooring, under cabinet lighting and columns and arched opening into the family room.  The gleaming hardwood carries into the spacious family room with floor-to-ceiling brick raised hearth fireplace with gas logs and door to the tiered cedar deck.  Completing the main level is the laundry room with ceramic tile flooring, folding table and cabinetry and full bath with pedestal sink.  Upstairs, the roomy master suite includes a large walk-in closet, lighted paddle fan and 2nd cedar closet.  The shared master bath is a perfect place to unwind at the end of a long day with the Jacuzzi brand whirlpool tub and unique vanity with built-in display shelves.  There are 2 additional bedrooms on this level.  Also in the main unit is a finished basement complete with rec room boasting a built-in computer workstation with shelving & cabinetry, chair rail and recessed lights.  You’ll also find an exercise room, workshop and storage area with built-in shelving.  The second unit offers a spacious living room, nice sized kitchen with breakfast bar and full bath.  The master in this unit has a lighted paddle fan and door to the enclosed porch.  The second bedroom also offers a lighted paddle fan.  Wait until you see the backyard!  You’ll love spending time outdoors in the fragrant and serene landscaping including rose bushes, Korean lilac and 3 types of hydrangeas.  Relax and entertain on the tiered cedar deck and huge backyard.  There’s also a storage shed to keep your tools out of sight.  All of this plus your just minutes from shopping, schools, transportation and more!

For more information call The Kombrink Team at REMAX Excels 630-262-4321 or visit us online at http://www.kombrink.com

40W136 Carl Sandburg, St Charles IL

40W136 Carl Sandburg, St Charles IL
5BR/4BA Two Story
$485,000

This fabulous 5BR/4BA two story home offers a spacious open floorplan with ample room to spread out.  You’ll loving pulling up to this impressive brick front home with pleasing mature landscaping.  Enter into the foyer with gleaming hardwood flooring that extends through to the grand gourmet kitchen with large eating area.  Treasure those special meals in the formal dining room complete with tray ceiling, crown molding & chair rail plus a set back for a hutch.  Sit & chat in the inviting living room with French door leading to the family room.  Perfect for entertaining & relaxing, the spacious family room boasts a gorgeous brick fireplace with gas logs and is open to the eat-in kitchen.  Prepare even the largest of meals with ease in the huge kitchen with granite center island & breakfast bar, light bright appliances, closet pantry & eating area with slider to the deck.  Rounding out the main level is a bedroom, full bath with ceramic tile flooring & granite topped vanity & the laundry room with folding table, utility sink, cabinetry and door to the backyard.  Unwind at the end of a long day in the master suite with double door entry, tray ceiling with lighted paddle fan & expansive walk-in closet.  Stunning vaulted master bath with double bowl vanity, whirlpool tub, separate shower & water closet & skylight.  There are 3 additional bedrooms on the 2nd floor, all with walk-in closets.  The entire second floor also has brand new carpet.  A home away from home, the partially finished lower level includes a spacious rec room, media room and full bath.  Sited on a large lot in the popular Fox Mill subdivision, this location offers a great neighborhood with local elementary school.  Make this home yours and start enjoying the good life.

For more information, call The Kombrink Team at REMAX Excels 630-262-4321 or visit us online at http://www.kombrink.com