Real Estate in Barrington & The Northwest Suburbs: May 2010

Magnolia Pointe-Invest in South Barrington's Exclusive Development of Luxury Homes

Magnolia Pointe is an exclusive development of exceptional architecturally designed luxury single family homes in South Barrington Illinois 60010. It is located just off Mundhank Rd, north of Higgins Rd. Magnolia Pointe is a no through subdivision and comprises of Star Lane, Saucer Circle and Blossom Court.

This is not a gated community but does have a very pretty entrance way. Lot sizes are from 1.3 acres to about 2 and need to be this size because the homes on Magnolia Pointe have size-able square footage and therefore the home's footprint with patios and driveways can take up a lot of space. Homes are on private wells and septic systems.

Magnolia Pointe does not have any homes for sale at time of writing although there is one unfinished home currently under contract. There are 2 lots available for sale if you are ready to build your dream home and live in this exclusive development. The subdivision is at the south end of South Barrington providing very close access to I-90 for commuting to Chicago or O'Hare Airport.

Some of the features of Magnolia Pointe of South Barrington are the brick and stone entrance way with colorful flowers in many flower beds, the gazebo that gives shade to cool off when out for a stroll on a hot summers day, a no through subdivision making it fairly safe for kids to ride bikes. There are tennis courts and a basketball court if you fancy a game. Homes are from 5000 square feet up to 20,000 square feet with minimum 4 car garages. Waterfront lots are available in the subdivision.

Magnolia Pointe is in the Barrington School District 220, close to The Arboretum Shopping Mall.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Magnolia Pointe-South Barrington's Exclusive Development of Luxury Homes *

Steve Smither-The  reason I recommend him as a Barrington- Inverness-Palatine Mortgage-Senior Loan Officer

As a buyers agent it is important that my team is there to support me and my clients. My service extends beyond using skilled guidance to find buyers their dream home. I need a team I can trust to take our transaction from contract to the closing table. I need to know home inspectors, attorneys, general contractors and loan officers, amongst many others.

One of the hardest things when choosing any one of these people, even your Realtor is that you have no experience with that person and have to trust your instincts and faith that you have chosen the right team for you and your transaction. So a recommendation from some-one else goes a long way to allaying your fears.

As Realtors we are often told, do not make recommendations, provide your clients with a choice of service providers and let the client decide who to use. So yes I do have multiple loan officers in my team. However I am going to stand up here and now and make a single recommendation for a senior loan officer in my area. Why?

• I have known him a very long time-our relationship goes back prior to his career as a loan officer and mine as a Realtor.
• I trust him implicitly with my buyer clients
• His knowledge is deep and broad yet if needed he has the support of a very knowledge-able and experienced mortgage broker.
• He will tell you the truth at the outset and explains everything at the start so you can make informed decisions
• I know he will do what he says - no empty promises
• His follow up is superb-he keeps his clients - (my clients) and the attorneys up to date on progress.
• He returns calls promptly
• He has rescued some of my deals when others could not come through
• His morals are high
• He truly cares about you and your transaction

It is for these reasons Steve Smither a senior loan officer in Palatine that serves my Barrington and Inverness clients is still in business when through the decline in real estate many others are not. Steve works for a company called Ardain Mortgage in Palatine which can be easily found on Algonquin Road, west just past Harper College.

If you are in the market to buy a home I recommend you talk with Steve Smither about your mortgage and ask him for a pre-approval. Then you and I will be well set to start your dream home search.

You can reach Steve at the office: 847-963-1000 or his cell 847-942-5151-please tell him how you found him. email Ssmither@ardain.com

or visit his website and apply online today.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Steve Smither-The  reason I recommend him as a Barrington- Inverness-Palatine Mortgage-Senior Loan Officer *

International Relocation to Barrington-Traveling with Pets

To some moving across town is crazy enough, others that move from another state wonder if they'll ever get it all done. Would you ever consider moving country? Perhaps not especially if you have pets. For those of you that are new to my blog you don't know that I have moved internationally three times. From the UK to USA-USA to UK-UK back to USA. I'll add to that because when I was younger I went to live in Singapore for 2 and a half years with my family.

Yes I can hear the question-why did you go back to the UK and come back? Well our two year assignment and visas were running out so when school had finished I went home with the kids while my husband wrapped up his job; only to call me later and ask if I wanted to come back because some-one offered him a permanent job. Yep I said lets go! You see I love this country and this year my family will be applying for citizenship.

So my family of 2 adults, 2 young children, a large dog and 2 cats all traveled the Atlantic 3 times. With children it is easy to explain to them what was happening. They understood why we were loading a big truck the day after Christmas in 1995. I had time to tell them that we were going to sleep at Grandmas until our plane ride, how long it would take to get to our new city, show them pictures of their new temporary home, talk about schools and everything else little kids want to know, even if it was repeated numerous times.


For pets it is not the same. They do not know anything is going to happen until it does. You cannot prepare them emotionally for an 8 hour plane ride, all the noises, the cold weather at the other end. Even some of the things happening at home do not really register as an event leading to a bigger event. They still have a bed, food, water, familiar surroundings and you.

So how can you prepare your pet for a long trip? First you need to talk with your vet about any and all international health requirements. Whilst in the UK it was relatively easily to get the required inoculations, book a ticket for them and get them on-board with you. Going the other way was far more complex. This is because the Health requirements going home meant our pets had to go into quarantine for 6 months. ( Thankfully they came back to the USA before they had finished their jail time.) Again though even more complex arrangements. So talk with the vet-they are the best at knowing the health needs for your pets.

Allow enough time. Once you know you are relocation to another country start the preparation, leaving it to the last minute could mean leaving a pet behind for a while.

• Visit the vet for health. Talk about pets that do not travel well -find solutions.
• Get copy of your pets medical history printed to take with you.
• Find out what the airline travel requirements are for pets. This will be things like size of pet carrier, type, check in requirements.
• Buy the required crates after you talk to the airline. Often times pet store ones are not correct. (Yes we had this problem-our dog could not stand up properly in store crates and this was an issue and would stop his boarding the plane.)
• Leave the crates out before you travel so your pets can become accustomed to it in their own way. Fill the water bowls so they understand what that strange looking bowl is for.
• Can you cope with having the entire family on the same plane? Make other arrangements if not. 
• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and check your pets in, they usually have a seperate check in area.
• Keep your pets crated through-out the journey, it is safer for them and less stressful. Cats will bolt at any given opportunity. I will admit to taking my dog out of his crate at the airport so he could stretch his legs and use the bathroom outside. In fact he wondered around the airport for 30 minutes before we crated him again. He seemed happy but others may become more stressed-your call, you know your dog.)
• If you are administering sedatives follow the vets instructions and be sure you know what you are going to be doing.

Stop stressing. Your pets will likely survive the journey in better shape than you. The truth is they will likely sleep the time away. Pets are very forgiving and once back in your company will enjoy exploring the new surroundings. Let them know where the food amd water bowls are and the litter tray. Take Fido for short walks so he can sniff his new surroundings. Plenty of the usual attention will work wonders for their confidence.

Seek out a new vet. Don't wait until your pets gets sick. Ask your Realtor for a recommendation. I'll happily recommend VCA Noyes in Barrington but there are several others and likely you'll want one close by.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * International Relocation to Barrington-Traveling with Pets *

Terra Vita Estates–South Barrington IL Luxury Properties

South Barrington Ilinois has many small subdivisions of luxury properties and one of the newer ones is Terra Vita Estates

Terra Vita Drive is located off Barrington Road just north of Mundhank Road. Terra Vita Drive leads to Terra Vita Ct and this subdivision is home to only 18 property sites. There are a few lots that have not yet been built on with the developed ones having homes built from 2000.

Terra Vita Estates in South Barrington IL currently offers 2 vacant lots for sale at $599,000 each for approximately 1.5 acres. There are 2 homes for sale priced at $1,699,000 and $3,900,000. These are large 5 bedroom luxury properties on 1.5 acre lots. One of the lots is also available with a custom home already planned and the price for the 5 bedroom 5600+ square foot luxury home is $1,499,000

Terra Vita Estates is just a few minutes drive to I-90 for easy access to Chicago so if you commute daily you’ll appreciate this location. It is also close to The Arboretum Shopping Mall, South Barrington Tennis Club, Willow Creek Church. Children will attend the Barrington School District and for shopping you can choose from the Arboretum, Barrington Village, Hoffman Estates and Woodfield.

South Barrington is known for being the Barrington home of luxury properties. If you are planning to buy a home in South Barrington you can search for homes right here. Use my handy search tool below or if you would like a custom list of homes in South Barrington that match your personal needs and dreams, then email me with your information and I’ll have it to you today.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Terra Vita Estates-South Barrington IL Luxury Properties *

Homes in Biltmore Country Club North Barrington Illinois

North Barrington Illinois is just one of the Villages that make up the Barrington Illinois area.  North Barrington has a land area of 4.39 square miles and has about 3000 residents. Two notable locations in North Barrington are Wynstone Gated Golf Course Community and Biltmore Country Club which was established in 1926.



Sitting a top a hill is The Country Club and the Golf Course. With an 18 hole par 71 course you'll find narrow fairways, rolling hills, wetlands and meadows amongst towering trees. Biltmore Country Club offers much more than golf. This year sees the opening of the new Cabana Club on the beach of Honey Lake, the pool opens Memorial Day weekend and will be open until early September.



There are also walking trails for those that love nature. If you have a wedding coming up consider The Biltmore Country Club for your reception. They also create memorable events for other special occasions as well as golf outings.





What about real estate in The Biltmore Country Club? Small-large-old-new you'll find it all here.  Biltmore has a wide mix of homes with prices as low as $400,000 and up to $2,200,000. Some sales have been lower with a few foreclosures and short sales in recent months. There are not many vacant lots left and nothing available today for sale.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - *  Homes in Biltmore Country Club North Barrington *

Sunset Estates of Barrington Illinois Offers Custom Homes and Sites

It is easy to find lots available to build your custom home on in Barrington, we now have nearly 200 lots available for sale. In the Village of Barrington the lot sizes are much smaller usually 10,000 square feet, a little more or a little less. Located very close to the village is a small new subdivision called Sunset Estates. It is often surprising to find homes on the larger lots so close to the village.

Sunset Estates of Barrington is located off W Sunset Court which is off Route 59 north of Route 14 before you get to Cuba Lane. Be careful though, just north of Cuba Lane is W Sunset Lane.



Homes start at about $1,200,000 in Sunset Estates and to date 3 homes have been built.



Because there are eight home sites available to be built on the road has not yet been adopted by the township and is still a little rough. The 3 homes sites built on are all at the end of the cul de sac. These homes were built 1 to 3 years ago and 2 of the 3 are already up for re-sale.



Opportunity exists to choose your lot and build your custom home, but having reviewed the price of some of the lots I personally consider them to be over priced. It is difficult to establish a price for acre lots as so few lots have sold in the last year.

Sunset Estates is not the only Barrington location where you can build your custom home, the options are varied and wide. Is it a good time to build a custom home? That depends on you and your circumstances. You should certainly be able to buy land at a good price but my word of caution relates to builders. So many are on trouble financially, you should do more than normally expected to make sure your builder will actually be able to build the home and finish the job.

If a brand new home is for you there are a number ready to move into. Contact me for a list of newly built homes in the Barrington Illinois area.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - *  Sunset Estates of Barrington Illinois Offers Custom Homes and Sites *

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital-Barrington Illinois

Located in the northern  part of Barrington Illinois-Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital has a level II trauma center with life flight helicopter facility. I live in the subdivision of Savannah in Lake Barrington which is directly opposite the hospital. On average I would estimate we only have the life flight arrive once or twice a week. Ambulances arrive throughout the day and night but they are very respectful of the residential areas here and if there are no cars in the way they only use their lights. So often they come and go and I never know.



What facilities does Advocate Good Shephered Hospital Offer?

• Level II Trauma Center
• Cancer Care Center
• Heart & Vascular Center
• Pediatrics
• Outpatient Services
• Day Surgery

are just some of the services offered. As a general hospital and the only one in Barrington Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital offers a full range of services and has 183 beds. With over 700 primary care and specialty physicians here, the cancer center is nationally recognized, the cardiac care center is renowned and I will personally vouch for a phenomenal orthopedic center.



I have to say it is very convenient living across from Advocate Good Shephered. When I reflect over the 6 years my family has lived in Savannah of Lake Barrington, every member of a our family has used it. My youngest son broke a finger so used the ER. My eldest son has used it for his Crohns infusions on Saturdays. My husband had spinal fusion in October 2008 and I had a herniated disc repaired in 2004, followed by spinal fusion in 2006. I think we have put it through it's paces! Dr Greg Brebach was my Orthopedic Surgeon and I have recommended him to a number of friends.



The main hospital entrance and the ER entrance are at the front of the building. The Cardiac Care Center is around the back of the building. On the left side you'll find the Outpatient Pavilion. There is also Medical Building one which has many primary care practices as well as entrance to the sleep disorder center and cancer center. If you need an X-Ray go through the Outpatient Pavilion. They'll also help with blood draws, ECG's and other things you may have been referred here for.



Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital is set amongst beautiful grounds. The campus is very large and you'll see towering oak trees, the pond in front of the building and many shrubs and flowers.



I commend the caretakers for doing a great job at keeping it look very pretty. Often hospitals are just buildings, parking lots, roads and nothing much else. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital breaks the mold.



I often walk around the Good Shepherd Trail which is a 0.6 miles path that goes all the way around this pond.

Where is Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital?

450 W Route 22, Barrington, Illinois, 60010
Tel: 847-381-0123

Alternative Hospitals. If you live in South Barrington and the south part of Barrington Hills and perhaps even Inverness, you are likely closer to St Alexius Medical Center which is located on Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates. It is a bigger hospital with over 300 beds but serves a more densely populated area of Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg.

Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital  also has a fitness center which is located in the Village of Barrington as an extension of the wellness services offered. The address is:

1301 S Barrington Rd, Barrington, IL, 60010
Tel: 847-620-4550

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital-Barrington Illinois *

Brinker Road Barrington Hills - Where Barrington Hills Real Estate Hides

If you ever have the opportunity to drive along Brinker Road in Barrington Hills three things might come to mind.

• So here are the Hills!
• Where are the houses?
• What gorgeous countryside.

Barrington Hills-Well they are not really very big hills. I think I'll call them "hillocks". Brinker Road is mostly a straight road and easy to see these little hills as you drive along up and down. The decent and ascent of our hills does not take very long but if you ride a bike around the area they sure make your legs burn.

Where are the houses?-Can you see any? Most properties on Brinker Road in Barrington Hills are pretty much buried in the acreage and well set back from the road. There are several private drives that lead to two or more homes. So if you are thinking of buying on Brinker Road you will not be able to drive by and take a peak at the house. There are a few near to the road but more commonly you'll see our 4 legged equine friends taking a gallop in their pastures or stopping for a bite to eat-their grass is lush.



Gorgeous Countryside-If you are new to Barrington Hills and drive down Brinker Road it really is a sea of countryside green trees and shrubs. The only things that might lead you to think that there are homes here are the property signs, electric wires and the mailboxes.

Available properties on Brinker Road can be viewed below.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Brinker Road Barrington Hills-Where Barrington Hills Real Estate Hides *

Barrington Illinois Schools-Elementary Schools

Barrington Illinois is home to eight Elementary Schools.

North Barrington Elementary School
310 N Highway 59, Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone: 847-381-4340



Roslyn Road Elementary School
224 Roslyn Road, Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone 847-381-4148



Arnett C Lines Elementary School
217 Eastern Ave, Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone 847-381-7850

Barbara Rose Elementary School
61W Penny Road, South Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone 847-844-1200



Countryside Elementary School
215W County Line Road (Lake-Cook Rd), Barrington, il, 60010.
Phone 847-381-1162

Grove Avenue Elementary School
900 South Grove Avenue, Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone 847-304-3922

Hough Street Elementary School
310 S Hough St., Barrington, IL, 60010
Tel 847-381-1108

Sunny Hill Elemtary School
2500 Helm Road, Carpentersville, IL, 60010
Phone 847-426-4232

Although this school is in Carpentersville it is within the Barrington 220 school district-not CUSD 300.

Many of Barrington Illinois Elementary Schools have been awarded blue ribbons.

I have had many clients move to Barrington from Chicago just to get their kids into Barrington Schools.

If you are buying a home in the Barrington area specifically for Barrington Schools make sure you check your new home is in the Barrington School boundaries. There are parts of the Barrington area that fall into a different school district. i.e. Some of Deer Park homes fall within the Lake Zurich School District. You can always call the CUSD 220 for information on school boundaries for all Barrington Schools in Illinois. The district office's phone number is 847-381-6300.

Information on Barrington Illinois Middle Schools and Barrington High School

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Barrington Illinois Schools-Elementary Schools *

Barrington Illinois Middle Schools-Station Campus and Prairie Campus

Barrington Illinois has two middle schools.

• Barrington Middle School-Prairie Campus
• Barrington Middle School-Station Campus

Both schools are centrally located on the outskirts of the village and serve much of the greater Barrington area.
Both middle schools service 6th through 8th grades. Bus servies are provided for both schools with class starting at  7.55am and finishing at 2.50pm. Wednesday is a shorter day with class ending at 2.20.

If you are buying a home in the Barrington area specifically for Barrington Schools make sure you check your new home is in the Barrington School boundaries. There are parts of the Barrington area that fall into a different school district. i.e. Some of Deer Park homes fall within the Lake Zurich School District. You can always call the CUSD 220 for information on school boundaries for all Barrington Schools in Illinois. The district office's phone number is 847-381-6300.

Barrington Illinois Middle Schools details:

Prairie Campus
40 E Dundee Road
Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone: 847-304-3990

Station Campus
215 Eastern Ave-Just off Lake Cook Road.
Barrington, IL, 60010
Phone: 847-756-6400


Last Day of School 2010 is June 7th.

Enjoy your summer-school starts again August 24th 2010.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Barrington Illinois Middle Schools-Station and Prairie *