Barrington IL Real Estate

Barrington Illinois Village Floods  - Distressed Home-Owners Not Getting Resolutions

If like me you live in the outer areas of Barrington away from the village you may not be aware of the flooding problems occurring in our village especially in the rainy seasons of spring and fall.

Like me you may have a 1 or more acre lot with swales along the side or front of your yard which you marvel at when we get torrential downpours. The heavens open and the rain comes pouring down and before you know it you have little rivers in your swales moving large quantities of water away from your home and into the retention ponds, nearby creeks or drains. Look out a couple of hours later and the swales have done their job, your home is dry and life is good.

If you live in the village the water flows down the streets and disappears down into the storm drains, the sun comes back out and the grass and flowers are rejuvenated. Or does it? The simple answer to that is no. For the vast majority yes - but if you live on East Russell Street, East Lincoln, South Summit or play in Miller Park near the downtown area of Barrington Village as home-owners, parents and residents I know you literally dread any heavy rain at all.

When it rains in this area water goes nowhere.  Barrington's flooding issue is not just about the water-although that in itself causes home-owners problems not limited to flooded basements, loss of personal property and uninsured damage due to insurance company limits on coverage for basements. Look how many cars were caught!

Your health is also at risk. Can you imagine - heavy rains cause flooding and due to the storm and sewage pipes not functioning the flood waters become contaminated with sewage, toilet paper, tampons, condoms and the like. Of course as the water slowly subsides and I mean slowly, those delightful reminders are left for your children to discover.

After the rains of 2007 it was finally discovered that a main storm drain under the rail-way station had collapsed. You only have to consider that the rest of the villages storm drains and sewage system are of like age and therefore is undeniably failing. This is a very expensive problem but not one that can be shelved. The homeowners that live in this area suffer every year, it is not getting any better and it is not being fixed. They have homes that have to disclose flooded basements for re-sale. Are you going to buy one of them? I highly doubt it.

I was recently contacted by a very distressed home-owner who has not been able to sell her home. She is now forced to consider a short sale, Deed In Lieu or even Bankruptcy.  She owns a small cute cape cod home ideal for a commuter within walking distance of the train. When I learned of her plight we discussed all her options and she is meeting with her attorney today. I am really not sure any buyer is going to want to buy her home short sale or not when they learn what is happening here.

She has already lost over $35,000 in value of personal property, much belonging to her son. He is a strapping young man of 6 feet 6 inches tall and had to rescue the family dog by holding it above his head the waters rose so high. That means the waters got to over 7 feet.

Residents are so frustrated by the lack of action by Barrington Village. Barrington is a very well thought of village, buyers come here because we are an affluent community with excellent schools. Buyers love the village-residents can walk to the theater, local restaurants, antique stores and hop on the train to Chicago for work or day trips. Residents need your support. Visit the main web site for more information about this dire situation. http://barringtonillinoisfloods.com/

Permission to publish the photos was obtained by the owners.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Barrington Illinois Village Floods  - Distressed Home-Owners Not Getting Resolutions *

Fox Point Barrington Illinois-Still a Popular Subdivision

Fox Point is a subdivision in Barrington Illinois that is very close to the village and remains popular with buyers. Homes here were built in the late 1960's and early 1970's and with trees and shrubs planted that long ago the landscaping is very well established as you can see from the photo below.

Just imagine a scorching hot summers day walking the dog and you'll certainly appreciate to cooler temps under the trees. Summer is just around the corner, school is out in just a few days time.

There is a wide variety of home sizes and styles in Fox Point Barrington and some have a waterfront location. Features of an average home in Fox Point

• 4 bedrooms, 2 or 3  bathrooms
• Split level, 2 story and ranch homes
• Quarter to half acre lots
• Established gardens with lush landscaping
• Walking distance to elementary and middle schools
• 2 minutes to the village by car or a pleasant 10-15 minute walk
• 2 to 3 car garages

Above is a typical ranch home in Fox Point Barrington which has just under 3000 square feet, 4 bedrooms, a fully finished basement and 0.44 acre lot.

Real Estate Sales and Listings-Fox Point Barrington

Over the last 6 months the average marketing time for all home sales in Barrington 60010 is 262 days. Fox Point subdivision has a shorter average at 238 days and if priced right homes here will sell under 90 days.

 Here are some recent sales:

• 770 Oxbow Sold $495000 in 346 days.
• 300 S Valley Sold $545000 in 65 days.
• 1214 Meadow Way Sold $549500 in 209 days.
• 1400 S Lake Shore Dr Sold $600000 in 189 days.
• 1111 N Lake Shore Dr Sold $606000 in 44 days.

You'll see that 4 of these homes sold under average market time for the subdivision and for Barrington.

Current Listings:

• 365 Fox Hunt Trail Asking $500000-This is a foreclosed home-get it now.
• 1231 Burr Oak Lane Asking $550000
• 170 Fox Hunt Trail Asking $550000
• 1106 N North Shore Ct Asking $579000
• 760 Oxbow Lane Asking $579000 - Under contract as a short sale.
• 1230 Oak Ridge Circle Asking $599000
• 1314 N Lake Shore Drive Asking $600000
• 512 N Lake Shore Drive Asking $649000
• 1335 S Lake Shore Drive Asking $699000
• 1201 N Lake Shore Drive Asking $825000
• 740 Oxbow Lane Asking $879000

Fox Point in Barrington appeals to buyers due to it;s close location to the village and schools and due the established neighborhood with yards that are not too large to care for yet not too small. Fox Point may have homes for you-ask me if any of the above listings fit your criteria.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Fox Point Barrington Illinois-Still a Popular Subdivision *

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 *

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 *

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 *

Updated Foreclosed Home on Savannah Trail in Lake Barrington Illinois

Tuesday every week in Barrington Illinois is Broker Tour Day. Brokers with new and existing listings will host any of their listed homes open for brokers (and real estate agents) to tour the homes to keep in mind for their buyers.

Broker Tour is not something I usually take any time to do. I prefer to preview homes for my buyers if they wish, rather than spend an entire day looking at all the homes newly listed for which I do not have an active client. However today I made an exception and will do so if there is a property of particular interest to me. It only took me 10 minutes and I visited this home on Savannah Trail in Lake Barrington Illinois because I viewed it with a buyer client of mine in the fall when it was available for sale as a foreclosed home. At the time it was in pretty poor condition for a home that was not even 10 years old.

I had seen the property listed for sale last month and saw the broker open signs. I thought I would take a peek and see whether the owner had done a good restoration job. The owner had put in a new kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances, all the floors had been re-finished, the entire house inside and out has been painted, the bathrooms have all been re-done. The part of the home that was in the worse condition was the basement which had mold growing up the walls due to the refridgerator line dripping for months while the house was abandoned. Now you would not know. Oh and all new carpets. He also moved a wall where the upstairs loft was - to create a smaller loft and a sitting room for the master-what a great selling feature.

I congratulate the owner for a fabulous job. There is no doubt this home is now one of the nicest in the Savannah subdivision. All he needs to do is fix the deck which now the weather is co-operating should not take long.

It is one of 3 available for sale on Savannah Trail in Lake Barrington Illinois. I cannot show the property here because the broker has opted out of virtual office web sites  i.e.blogs like this. However visit my Barrington web site and I have created a special page for properties on Savannah Trail in Lake Barrington Illinois.

Contact me for information on homes in Savannah Trail Lake Barrington Illinois.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - *Updated Foreclosed Home on Savannah Trail in Lake Barrington Illinois*

New Homes in Barrington Hills-Mixing New with Established Neighborhoods-Caesar Drive-Dana Lane

The Village of Barrington Hills was incorporated in 1957 although had roots from settlers as early as 1830. With history going back 60 years and more there are many established neighborhoods in Barrington Hills. There always comes a time in a property's life when it is time to call it quits.

If you ever get a chance to review all the real estate in Barrington Hills like I do, you'll find there is such a wide variety not only in terms of age but also size and construction. We still have many homes that are rather small by todays standards even though the acreage may be perfect for you and your horses, you might not like the choice of homes. Today's generation just cannot seem to live in the small homes of "yesteryear".

The larger homes in Barrington Hills can have a much longer life expectancy as long as the property is both well maintained and also brought up to todays standards with upgrades as the years roll by. It's funny when you reflect - these homes when built were the biggest and best in town yet now are considered standard sizes. How times change.

With homes that are no longer functional on lot sizes that support much larger properties today you'll see new homes in Barrington Hills are being built on established streets and neighborhoods. Some of this is due to properties being torn down and new homes built on the same lot. For others it is land that is either being sold after years of ownership to a custom home builder or individual for a custom new home to be built, or larger parcels being divided up and new subdivisions created, yet still having at minimum 5 acres. A subdivision like that is Peraino Circle in Barrington Hills, located off Lake Cook Rd and Ridge Rd in Lake County.

Barrington Hills does not really have the subdivisions many of us are used to. These are really Planned Unit Developments and have 30 houses to hundreds. Barrington Hills Established Neighborhoods can be a single street with many properties being secluded and not really part of a typical tract home style neighborhood. This is what makes Barrington Hills so desire-able. There is no better place in Northern Illinois to just get away from it all.

I explored a neighborhood over the last weekend that is mixing new homes in Barrington Hills with existing neighborhoods. Located off Lake Cook Road just past The Jesuit Retreat, you'll find Ceasar Drive which leads to Dana Lana.  This subdivision is call Dorvillee and both streets have old and new homes. There are three new homes available for sale in Dorvillee Barrington Hills and the size of the homes is in keeping with the more established properties which were built around 1970. Prices are $4,800,000, $4,890,000 and $7,275,000 offering some sizable square foot-ages, with all the features you would expect from luxury new homes in Barrington Hills.

Does Caesar Drive and Dana Lane in Barrington Hills offer the right custom new home for you? Here are some points to consider. You'll be about 2 miles out of the Village of Barrington, so a very quick drive to the Metra Station if you commute to Chicago. You are right next door to the Elementary School-Countryside and Barrington High School is also about 2 miles away with the Junior High about 3 miles. It's quiet here! Because the neighborhood was established you can see from the photo above of a home on Dana Lane that there are already well grown established trees on this lot. The three homes are move in for a quick move, no waiting 18 months or more to have a new home in Barrington Hills built. All have 5 acres so you can bring your horses too.

If you want to research other homes please visit my Barrington Real Estate Web Site and take a tour.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - *New Homes in Barrington Hills-Mixing New with Established Neighborhoods-Caesar Drive-Dana Lane*

The Royal Berkshire Shooting School - My Little Brother Craig Scott

When we moved to the USA we chose Barrington Illinois because it truly reminds us of the English countryside. Although a suburb of Chicago, Barrington has rolling acres of green fields, horses and quiet country lanes. Lots of space for walking your dog and listening to the countryside. It lacks the cows and sheep of course, they seem to be up north a little in Wisconsin

As a English born and bred gal, I often get asked what my family does back home in the UK.  My little brother, only because he is 10 years younger than me, became an instructor at The Royal Berkshire Shooting School which opened in 1991. He has always loved the outdoors and so this was the perfect fit for him. He is married with 2 young children.

If you would like to visit The Royal Berkshire Shooting School is in Pangbourne Berkshire in the UK. Here is the web site http://www.rbss.co.uk/ My little bro would love to give you a shooting lesson.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved - * The Royal Berkshire Shooting School - My Little Brother Craig Scott *

Tips-Buying Barrington Illinois Homes with 3 Car Garages-Make Sure the SUV will Fit

Every now again we all do something and wonder afterwards why we never even thought of it. So yes this blog is born of experience a few years ago. It's no secret that I love driving big SUV's. I have had my Tahoe now for nearly 4 years and with all it's gadgets it'll be hard to give it up. Now my Tahoe is wide and fits very nicely in the single stall of our 3 car garage, as long as you drive in and out slowly, I don't even have to retract the wing mirrors even though I can do that at the touch of a button. It comes close to the top of the opening and about an inch away from the electric door track, but it fits. So I use the single stall and the other SUV and a car goes in the 2 car stall. Perfect.

Yet that was not always the case. In fact we got stuck on a previous home purchase. We never thought to measure the width of the garage stall opening. After closing on the property we found out that the larger of our SUV's at that time would not, just could not even without wing mirrors get through the opening. So we ended up having to park 2 big SUV's side be side in the 2 stall garage which also had the steps into the house. To say it was a squeeze was an understatement.

So if you are buying a home and need a 3 car or other odd number garage, and you have a large SUV that you need to get inside you might just want to get a tape measure out to see if it will fit. I assumed all garage doors were the same size and so if my SUV fit in the old garage it would fit in the new garage. Apparently not. From experience as a buyers agent in Barrington Illinois, I can tell you that most garages only get a cursory glance from the inside.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Buying Barrington Illinois Homes with 3 Car Garages-Make Sure the SUV will Fit *

ANNOUNCING:

Contact: Corinne Guest
Company Name: Royal Advocate Realty
Telephone Number: 847-363-3686
Fax Number: 847-381-1413
Email Address: info@corinneguest.com
Web site address: http://www.realestateinbarrington.com

Barrington IL Real Estate Broker Gets Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification.

Barrington - Illinois, February 19th 2010

Corinne Guest, Realtor® who already holds the following designations ABR, GRI, e-PRO,CNE, ALHS -Broker and owner of Royal Advocate Realty has earned the National Association of Realtors® Short Sale and Foreclosure Resource Certification known as SFR. 

Corinne has been helping homeowners with short sales since 2006 and has teamed up with an attorney group in Rockford and Schaumburg to help property owners understand their options and decide if a short sale is best for them and their personal circumstances. She also assists her agents with their own short sale and foreclosure clients.

One of the things Corinne does as a short sale expert is review her potential clients information via an intake form. She says: "Whilst many property owners decide they want to do a short sale, it is not always going to be possible. The best way for me to help you is to understand your specific situation and I cannot do this unless I ask a lot of questions. It may seem intrusive but I guarantee you that your information is kept in total confidence." The questions Corinne asks ensures that both she and her short sale clients have the best possible chance of a successful short sale.

Corinne will also counsel buyers before they start a search to buy a short sale property. She says buyers do not always understand what they are getting into and must do so to ensure it will work with their personal housing situation. Many buyers decide it is not for them, but those that do know the process and have made an educated decision.

If you need help with short selling your home- Corinne has both her certification and also experience, something many agents do not. Call her for a confidential consultation or send her an email. info@corinneguest.com or call 847-363-3686.

For Additional Information:

Contact Person: Corinne guest
Company Name: Royal Advocate Realty
Telephone Number: 847-363-3686
Fax Number: 847-381-1413
Email Address: info@corinneguest.com

Web site address:  http://www.realestateinbarrington.com

Royal Advocate Realty, Barrington, IL, 60010