5 Things To Do in Your Lake Zurich Area Garden This Weekend

Planting, Pruning and Planning Keep Your Garden Blooming

I’m really looking forward to Memorial Day weekend. We’ve planted pots of annuals, cleaned the outdoor furniture and polished up the grill. Well maintained gardens enhance our homes. If the weather cooperates with the first long weekend of summer, we’ll be doing a little work in our Long Grove yard. Here are five things that you can do in your Lake Zurich area garden this weekend:

1. Prune spring flowering shrubs: My lilacs have finished blooming so it’s time to prune. Prune your spring flowering shrubs and bushes shortly after blooming to ensure healthy blooms next year.

2. Feed and treat roses: I’m not very good with roses but I do have several Knock Out varieties. They bloom all season when I feed and treat them. I use Bayer 3 in 1 because it’s easy! One product fertilizes, controls insects (including nasty Japanese beetles!) and prevents disease.

3. Plant your tomatoes: Mmm, I can’t wait for the first home grown tomato! I’ll be stopping by Hawthorn Gardens in Hawthorn Woods. They have a big selection of tomato plants that have varying grow times. I’ll plant several varieties ranging from 52 to 80 days so I’ll have yummy tomatoes all season.

4. Bring your indoor plants outside: Tropicals love a summer vacation outdoors. Be sure to protect them from strong winds. Most articles that I read tell me to take them out gradually – an hour or two a day to start. That takes an awful lot of time so I don’t do it. Beware – If you don’t do this you risk losing some of them!

5. Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden: You’ve worked hard so take some time to enjoy one of our area treasures. Stroll through the Garden or take advantage of one of the scheduled events. This weekend the Garden hosts the Northshore Iris and Daylily Society show along with the Garden Chef Series.

The weekend won’t be all work for us! I’m already starting to plan my weekend barbeque menus, praying that the weather will be beautiful, and planning a trip to Chicago Botanic Garden.  I’m ready for summer!

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Gardening Events In and Around Lake Zurich IL

Local Nurseries Offer Free Seminars and Workshops

Lake County Il GardensTemperatures will be in the 70’s this weekend! If thoughts of gardening haven’t already filled your head, the warm weather is sure to get you going. We’re lucky to live in the Lake Zurich area where three local nurseries are offering free seminars and workshops this weekend.

Hawthorn Gardens in Hawthorn Woods is offering “Cool Season Garden Containers” on Saturday, April 9th at 10 am. I’ve been known to fill my containers with pansies, but the experts at Hawthorn Gardens have bigger and better ideas! They’re happy to share them with us at this free seminar on Saturday morning.

If your landscaping is looking a little tired and overgrown, stop by Knuppers Nursery in Palatine on Saturday, April 9th. They’ll be helping us with their “Top Ten Landscaping Basics” at 9 am. Maybe you have a blank lawn. They can help with that, too!

Kinsch Village Florist and Greenhouse in Palatine is kicking off the season with a full day of ideas at their Spring Open House. It’s on Saturday, April 9th from 9 am to 4 pm. Included in the day’s events are container gardening, plant and flower trends for 2011 and spring clean up. There’s also fun for the kids. You can decorate a pot and plant it with your child.

Perhaps this is all just a little bit too much for you and you just want to add some “spring” to your home. If that’s the case, stop by Fresh Market in Kildeer. I saw beautiful tulips in a rainbow of colors there this week.  An added bonus is that they have an “Experience the Food” sampling event on Saturday from 11am to 1 pm.

If you know of other gardening events in the Lake Zurich area, please share them with us! However you spend the weekend, enjoy!

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Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce Expo 2011

Lake Zurich Area Community Event March 19th

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce (LZACC) is hosting the 2011 Business and Community Expo on Saturday, March 19th from 10 am to 4 pm. Lake Zurich High School’s Tonelli Gym and Fieldhouse will be filled with 116 booths representing local businesses. There will also be entertainment and drawings for some great prizes.

As a Realtor in the Lake Zurich area this will be another great opportunity to meet other local business owners. I am committed to shopping locally and what better way to find out what’s available in the Lake Zurich area? Recently I became a member of the LZACC and have had a chance to interact with local business owners. We are committed to the success of our local economies and I urge you to lend your support.

Entertainment at the Expo will be provided by local choirs along with local businesses. Among the featured entertainers are the Lake Zurich High School Bare Voices and Chris Misik’s Voice Students. There will be storytelling by the Ela Theater Company and dancing by the Lake Zurich Park District Dance students. Stop by the performance areas and get a glimpse of the talent from our communities!

Many businesses are offering discounts and drawings for prizes during the Expo. Play Expo Bingo for a chance to win an iPad. Stop by the Avalon Salon & Day Spa booth where they’re offering $10 chair massages. Pop by the Sharp Auto Body booth and enter to win a free car detail. Pick up the day’s program which includes coupons for additional offers.

The Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce serves local communities of Lake Zurich, Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Deer Park, Kildeer and North Barrington. For a complete listing of members, visit their website  - you’ll find me there!

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5 Things to Do Now in Your Lake Zurich Area Garden

Get Ready for Spring Blooms!

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and I saw my first robin! Surely spring is almost here. I’m going to start getting ready for spring planting and the bounty of summer. Here are 5 things that you can do right now in your Lake Zurich area garden to help ensure that you have a fabulous summer garden.

1. Plant Seeds: If you’re ambitious, now is the time to start seeds indoors. You can plant cool weather veggies like broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage. They’ll be ready to move outdoors in April. You can also start flowers such as alyssum, celosia, coleus and dahlia tubers. You’ll save a lot of money and it’s fun to see the sprouts!

2. Prune Shrubs: Now is the time to prune summer blooming shrubs, such as hydrangea, that bloom after June 15th. They need to be pruned now to ensure that you don’t remove buds later. Don’t prune spring bloomers or you won’t have any flowers this spring.

3. Trim Ornamental Grasses: Cut your ornamental grasses to about 4 to 6 inches before new growth starts. An easy way to do this is to tie the tall stems in to a bundle and lop them off. If you don’t have ornamental grasses, consider planting some this year. They provide year round interest in the garden.

4. Clean Up the Lawn: As the snow is melting, I’m seeing all kinds of things that don’t belong in the lawn. Remove twigs, rocks and trash that have collected over winter.

5. Attend the Chicago Flower and Garden Show: This year’s show opens on March 5th and runs through March 13th at Navy Pier. For more information, visit their website.

Just writing this is making me more excited! I can’t wait to visit my favorite nurseries like Knupper’s in Palatine and Hawthorn Gardens in Hawthorn Woods. Do you have a favorite nursery? If so, let me know. I’m always looking for new places to browse for ideas.

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Can You Buy a Lake Zurich Area Home at 2003 Prices?

2010 Lake Zurich Area Home Pricing Compared to 2003

Real Estate for Sale Call Terry

Many media outlets are reporting that home prices are at the 2002-2004 levels. Knowing that real estate is localized, I wanted to see how the Lake Zurich area fit in to those reports. I analyzed one model in each of six different Lake Zurich subdivisions; one that sold in 2010 and one that sold in 2003.  The results are interesting and will give you an indication of how these subdivisions are performing compared to those reports.

1. Countryside – A split level home with 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths sold in March of 2010 for $224,000. A comparable model sold in 2003 at $205,000. That’s an increase of 10.9% over 2003.
2. Bristol Trails – A 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath, 2 story home sold in April of 2010 for $268,000. A comparable home sold in March of 2003 for $269,000. The difference is inconsequential (.0037%) so it appears that this model is selling for the 2003 price.
3. Old Mill Grove – A raised ranch with 4 bedrooms and 2 baths sold in September of 2010 for $233,000. A comparable home sold in February of 2003 for $235,000. This shows about a 1% decrease in 2010.
4. Sparrow Ridge – A raised ranch with 4 bedrooms and 2.1 baths sold in August, 2010 for $302,000. The same model with 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths sold in June, 2003 for $294,900. The difference in bedrooms is in how the lower levels were finished. This indicates an increase in 2010 of about 2.4%.
5. Hunters Creek – A two story home with 4 bedrooms and 3.1 baths sold in September, 2010 for $432,500. The same model with 2.1 baths sold in June of 2003 for $400,000. Without considering the extra bath, that’s an increase of 9.2%.
6. Chestnut Corners – A two story home with 4 bedrooms and 2.1 baths sold in August, 2010 for $463,000. The same model sold in June, 2003 for $434,000. That’s an increase of about 6.7%.

What does all of this mean? It confirms that real estate is extremely localized. This is a sampling and doesn’t indicate what a particular home may sell for in today’s market. Information was taken from Midwest Real Estate Data (MRED). Many factors including location and condition of the home need to be considered to arrive at the current market value. If you’d like to know what your home is worth in today’s market, contact me. I’ll be happy to provide a Comparative Market Analysis for you.

Now is a great time to buy a home in the Lake Zurich area. Favorable interest rates coupled with great prices make housing more affordable now than in the past few years. If you’d like more information on homes available in the north and northwest suburbs, contact me. I’ll be happy to email the current listings.

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5 Things Lake Zurich Area Home Buyers are Searching For

Easy Steps to Update Your Home

Real Estate for Sale Call Terry

The spring real estate market is here! I’ve been busy taking buyers to homes in and around Lake Zurich. They’re in different price ranges and their wants and needs are different but there are some things that they all look for. Read on to see what they want and some simple updates to prepare your home for the market or just update for your own enjoyment.

1. Updated kitchens: It doesn’t matter if they are looking in Lake Zurich, Wauconda, Buffalo Grove or Long Grove, home buyers want updated kitchens. They’d all love to have new cabinets, solid surface counters and stainless steel appliances. If that’s not in your budget, consider doing a few simpler things. A fresh coat of paint works wonders. If your cabinets have seen better days, consider painting them and adding new hardware. If you’re considering new appliances, see Janette Iversen at Abt (1200 N. Milwaukee in Glenview) and tell her that Terry sent you!

2. Updated baths: Make it sparkle! New faucets can make the whole vanity look newer. Paint vanities and replace hardware. A new shower curtain and fluffy towels help to make it look inviting.

3. Clutter-free homes: While showing a home last week in Lake Zurich, my clients were quite distracted by the walls full of photos and children’s toys throughout the home. They commented that the house wasn’t big enough for them. The reality is that it was larger than another home they were considering. I am not a proponent of removing every personal item. I think it makes homes seem cold. But it’s important to remove enough of them so the buyer doesn’t feel like he or she is intruding.

4. Clean houses: For years I’ve been telling home sellers that the way you live is not necessarily the way that you sell. While a few dishes in the sink don’t usually bother me at home, (Note to my family: It’s so easy to put them in the dishwasher. It’s right next to the sink!), it does bother potential buyers. They want to see everything spic and span. So keep the dishes out of the sink, toothpaste off the mirrors and cabinets neatly organized.

5. Curb appeal: Everyone wants to love driving up to their home. While showing homes in Lake Zurich and Mundelein this weekend, I was slipping and sliding on driveways and sidewalks. Keep driveways and paths clear. Don’t underestimate the power of your front door. A fresh coat of paint and updated hardware works wonders. In this weather, that’s probably all you can do outside for now. In a few weeks, I’ll tell you how to use cold-hardy plants to spruce up your home.

Staging a home prior to putting it on the market is a top priority. It’s one of the services that I offer as a Realtor. You can see Coldwell Banker’s fact sheet with some great tips for enhancing your home. When you’re ready to make a move, I’ll be happy to come over and help you get your home in tip-top shape.

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On Angel’s Wings Thrift Store in Lake Zurich Benefits Abandoned Pets

Shop in Lake Zurich and Help Save a Pet!

Have you had a chance to stop by On Angel’s Wings in Lake Zurich? I’ve visited several times over the last month and it’s quite impressive! OAW’s dream is to provide an animal shelter where abandoned pets thrive. They’re helping to fund this dream with their thrift store in Lake Zurich. It’s located at 737 W. Route 22, next to Trader Joe’s and just in front of Tuesday Morning.

The thrift store originally opened as a designer type consignment shop. This model didn’t work out well and as of January 1st they thankfully accept donations for sale in the thrift store. It’s laid out very well and all decked out for Valentine’s Day. This week there was a display of little black dresses and red and white sweaters. Also found this week were Stuart Weitzman shoes, Coach bags, outfits from Chico’s, Ann Taylor and so much more. There are even a few maternity selections.

100% of sales in excess of expenses go to saving the animals. Community support is needed to achieve OAW’s goals. Forever homes are needed for these animals. If you can’t permanently adopt an animal, here are a few ways that you can help:

1. Volunteer at the thrift store in Lake Zurich or the store and pet adoption center in Crystal Lake.
2. Foster families are needed to temporarily care for rescued pets that would have otherwise been euthanized.
3. Donors and shoppers are needed!
4. Monetary donations are always welcome

On Angel’s Wings doesn’t have a huge sign out front because they want to conserve their funds for the shelter. So next time you’re shopping at Trader Joe’s, pop next door. Visit with the friendly volunteers, drop off a donation and perhaps find a treasure. For more information on the Lake Zurich and Crystal Lake locations, visit their website.

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Lake Zurich Home Pricing and Sales Report

Pending Lake County Il SalesTerry Dahlem Reports January 2011 Lake Zurich Real Estate Results

 The week after Super Bowl is when the spring real estate market usually begins to heat up. This year is seems that it began a little bit early. Well, at least until Blizzard 2011! My office is a beehive of activity with new listings, new buyers and homes being sold. How did Lake Zurich real estate perform in January? Let’s take a look!

 There were six single family home sales in Lake Zurich in January; the same number that sold in January of 2010.  These are homes that CLOSED, not simply went under contract. It takes an average of 30 to 60 days to close on a home from the time of contract. So, it’s safe to assume that these six homes went “under contract” in November or December.

 The median sale price (half the properties sold above and half below) in January was $164,000. This is down 55.6% from January, 2010’s median of $369,000. Anticipating my readers’ reactions and the questions I would receive, I did a little further research. Three of the six properties that closed in January were bank owned properties. These tend to sell at lower than average market prices and definitely lowered the median.  If you’d like specific information on any of the properties, contact me and I’d be happy to provide it.

The attached report shows data collected by our local multiple listing service, MRED. Homes that sold in Lake Zurich but were not listed through MRED are not included in the report. Lake Zurich is a town where housing prices vary widely by subdivision. If you’d like information on your particular house or subdivision, contact me and I’ll be happy to provide it.

Now is a great time to buy a home in Lake Zurich. Favorable interest rates coupled with attractive home pricing make buying your new home in Lake Zurich more affordable than in recent years. If you’re making a move to or from Lake Zurich, I would welcome the opportunity to assist you!

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Big Sale on this Gorgeous Volo Townhome!

50% Off Real Estate Sale??

Real Estate for Sale Call Terry

We’ve all seen big price adjustments on real estate over the past months. But this is one of the biggest! This gorgeous Volo townhome is priced at about 50% of its original cost. Built by Town and Country and only 3 years old, it’s in a great location and has tons of upgrades. You can see the interior photos here. Read on for a list of some of the upgrades!

From the moment you enter, you’ll be enthralled! End unit townhome is perfectly located in a private location backing up to walking path. 9′ ceilings lend an expansive, airy feeling. Decorated in up-to-minute colors for a warm, inviting feeling. Great room and dining room have 5″, richly colored hardwood flooring. Eco-friendly texture is offered throughout with bamboo shades. Awesome kitchen with upgraded stainless steel appliances including built in microwave, stove, refrigerator and dishwasher. 42″ maple cabinets, Corian countertops, under cabinet lighting, pantry and breakfast bar complete the look. In the master suite you’ll enjoy the separate, spacious closets and spa bath. 5′ spa shower with 5 shower sprayers, ceramic tiling and glass doors. Raised maple cabinets and ceramic flooring give it a luxurious feel. Large utility room with washer and dryer, large storage area and maple cabinetry. Full hall bath has been upgraded with raised maple cabinetry and ceramic flooring. Ceiling fans in both bedrooms. Great room is wired for home theater system. Crisp, upgraded white millwork and doors are found throughout the home. Even the garage is cool! Epoxy finished flooring, insulated walls and door, cabinets and shelving for added storage. With over $45,000 in builder and homeowner upgrades, this is one home you don’t want to miss!

This townhome is located at Town and Country’s Remington Pointe,  just 10 minutes north of Lake Zurich at Rte. 12 just north of  Rte. 120. If you’d like to take a look, give me a call!

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2nd Annual Coldwell Banker Buffalo Grove Blood Drive

Give a Little – It Helps a Lot!

Please join us for Coldwell Banker Buffalo Grove’s 2nd Annual Blood Drive on February 11th from 12 noon to 6 pm. Last year’s event was quite a success and our goal is to beat last year’s donations. If you donated last year, thank you! If you’re planning to donate this year, try to make an appointment. That will save you time in the lines that we experienced at our first event.

Our drive is coordinated through Lifesource. Recently I read stories of donors  as well as recipient stories. They are inspiring and really drive home the importance of blood donations. Lifesource will again have a mobile unit onsite at our Coldwell Banker office located at 350 Half Day Road in Buffalo Grove. It’s a centralized location so we can make it easy for those in Buffalo Grove, Lake Zurich, Long Grove and surrounding areas to make a donation.

After your donation, stop back in our office and enjoy a few treats. In addition to the joy of giving, we have memories of last year’s fun with realtors and clients in the office after their donations. If you need more information, contact me. We hope to see you there!

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