Barrington IL Real Estate : Illinois: Lake Barrington

Flint Creek Lake Barrington - Instant Waterfront Property.

May 12th to 13th 2010 saw a lot of rain here in Lake Barrington as did much of our area. O'Hare Airport had a ground stop due to all the storms and rain. We did not see violent storms just the usual spring thunder, lightening and rain, which did seem to go on and on.

At the back of my house in Lake Barrington there is a creek called Flint Creek which meanders around the Barrington countryside. It is usually about 10 feet wide with some wider and deeper spots. It travels through the Stonehenge Golf Course and continues north until it meets the Fox River. With all the rain we had in the last 2 days the area behind my house has become an instant lake. In the photo below you likely cannot tell where the creek is!

In the photo below if you look to the left-that is where the creek is. You can see one of the bird boxes just about sitting above the water.

My backyard is at an elevated level to protect from the over flowing waters and we are not in a flood plain. This photo is taken from a higher point and shows the extent of the flooding. This is the most water I have ever seen here in spring. You can just make out the bird boxes. Normally the center of this photo would all be conservation land not water.  Flint Creek runs at the bottom of the photo to the left and then circles back around.

I am glad we live far enough away not to have to worry about this!  The deer might not be too happy-they tend to roam this land, for now I hope they stay away. Yesterday Stonehenge Golf Course did not look much better! I bet the fish are loving it-we often see them jumping out of the water.

If you would like to search for real waterfront property-please visit my web site!

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  -
* Flint Creek Lake Barrington - Instant Waterfront Property *

Lake Barrington Short Sales-Choose Your Realtor Carefully-You Don't Have To Be Another Foreclosure.

I am sad to learn today that one of my Lake Barrington neighbors has gone into foreclosure. The property is currently in the final redemption period but at this stage in the process it is very unlikely the owner will be able to pay all the missed payments and accrued interest.

This need not have happened and it makes me angry. Were they not informed about short sales? Property owners may feel a little stigma is attached to short sales and we all understand that, but many others do not even know what a short sale is or what other options are available to them. Our job as short sales professionals is to educate our clients-let them know they have options and find solutions.

The property in question was listed by a very experiened Barrington Realtor but that Realtor has never done a short sale. I wonder even if the Realtor knows of the situation. Before listing any property for sale in Barrington every Realtor should do a little due diligence to find out if the owner might be in trouble. This is not difficult to do folks. As Lake Barrington Realtors we have access to the tax records which might give us a clue or two. Even so as Barrington Realtors it is our job to collect relevant information from anyone selling a home. This would include mortgage statements, tax bills, plats and more.

The property in question has had one price cut in 10 months. I can explain to you why the house did not get any offers and why I have a plan of action to sell your home. Lethargy when marketing short sales is not an option.

When I see a mortgage statement and the amount owed seems to be very close to the market value of a home I can start enquiring about the circumstances of a sale. As a Barrington Realtor that has closed short sales-has short sale properties both listed and currently under contract-you'll know that I am not going to attack you like a bull in a china shop. I am empathetic to your situation and will do my best to get you the right assistance which sometimes is not a short sale. I have teamed with the best in short sales attorney groups in Illinois and together we make short sales happen.

If you are in financial trouble don't just call a Lake Barrington Realtor-list your home and hope for the best. Find a Barrington Realtor that has experience, closed short sales and is certified.  Call Corinne Guest-SFR-of Royal Advocate Realty in Barrington-your Short Sale Foreclosure Certified Realtor. 847-363-3686.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - *Lake Barrington Short Sales-Choose Your Realtor Carefully-You Don't Have To Be Another Foreclosure*

Lake Barrington Homes-Complete With ...Space Ships?

If you are looking at homes for sale in Lake Barrington you may well have seen one of these in the yard and wondering whether it even belongs on this planet. After all it really does look like a space ship from a childs story book.

Lake Barrington is located in Lake County and therefore all single family homes with well and septic systems are going to have one of these somewhere in the yard, usually in the back although I have seen them at the side.

What is it? Well what you see is the lid of a Multi-Flo septic system. It's job is to aerate the homes waste water for a cleaner waste product. Independent studies show the resultant waste is 99.999% dis-infected. It is buried beneath the ground and has multiple socks inside for filtering.

What do you do with it? Nothing. The units are locked and can only be serviced by qualified technicians. Lake County will require you to have a maintenance contract which runs at less than $200 a year. Twice yearly, in most cases Lake Cook Trenching, will come out and service the unit to make sure it is functioning correctly.

As you have a septic tank you will need to have the septic tank emptied periodically based on the number of people in your house. Ask your provider for guidance. The best course of action is to call your Multi-Flo contractor and schedule a date for your Multi-Flo to be cleaned with a full service and all worn parts to be replaced. Then call your septic emptying service and get them to come on the same day. Why? Because you need to have the multi-flo emptied as well. It is cheaper to have it all done together.

Last year we forget, had our tank emptied and forgot about the Multi-Flo. Now we are having the tank emptied again even though it is likely only about 1/3rd full because our Multi-Flo needs emptying. Excess cost to us for being negligent $235.00. If like us you do not have the Multi-Flo emptied one day when you are outside you'll notice effluent bubbling out from the top lid and inside your home, usually in the basement your alarm will be going off all the time. This means it needs cleaning and emptying.

The unit will be located close to your septic tank and there are large boulders you can buy to go over the top for aesthetic purposes.

There are other areas in Barrington that have Multi-Flo systems.

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - *Lake Barrington Homes-Complete With ...Space Ships?*

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*

Lake Barrington Shores-Barrington IL Homes For Sale. Currently there are 56 Homes for sale in Lake Barrington Shores- Barrington IL, a subdivision in Lake Barrington Illinois. Out of those 56 homes for sale, only 1 of them is a Short Sale in Lake Barrington Shores and none are bank owned. That means that Lake Barrington Shores has a very low incidence of distressed homes.

Eighteen months ago there were also 56 homes for sale in the Lake Barrington Shores subdivision so the inventory has remained stable. This subdivision of 1317 units provides a lifestyle for the owners rather than just a home to live in. As a gated community complete with golf course and clubhouse, much of the appeal here is the natural beauty. With a large lake and no motorized boats allowed, walking paths, a wooded and forest environment and plenty of visiting deer, geese, squirrels and birds, you can forget the hectic part of life, kick back and listen to...nothing. With traffic speed limited to 20 mph, and only residents and visitors allowed in it is serene and quiet. The entire subdivision conforms in color and style and blends naturally into the landscape. Neighbors know each other by name and children can ride bikes and play in the safe environment of a community not only gated but totally fenced. The school bus comes inside for pick up and drop off. If you want to throw a party talk to the club house staff, there are large rooms perfect for this.

This is a great time to get a 2 or 3 bedroom town home for under $300,000 in a fantastic neighborhood with a complete clubhouse and recreation amenities. You can click here to read the January 2010 market report for Lake Barrington Shores-Barrington Illinois.

The search screen below is a search of the homes for sale in Lake Barrington Shores - Barrington IL. You can see all the homes for sale right now in Lake Barrington Shores of Barrington Illinois. If you want to search other areas just change the search fields below. It is interactive. You can use it right here and now! No clicking to another site. Just search for your home right here. Have fun and don't hesitate to call Corinne Guest with any help you may need at 847-363-3686.

Lake Barrington Homes-Single Family Homes-Townhomes

Lake Barrington is a quaint village located in Lake County, Illinois.  Lake Barrington is spread out over just 5.6 miles with 4.13% of that being water.  The area lends itself to living amongst the natural Illinois beauty.  Residents  enjoy the greenery that suburban portions of this part of the country enjoy, as well as the water recreation in the area. 

With a population of just 4,757, most residents know who their neighbors are and are on a first name basis with them.  This small town atmosphere is a welcome change for a lot of Chicagoans that are ready to slow down some and enjoy life a bit.  There's a big difference between the big city and life in Lake Barrington, and that is what most that move here are looking for.  Lake Barrington is a part of what is often referred to as The Barrington's, which is essentially a group of villages that attracts high end real estate buyers that want to live in the suburbs even though they work in the city.

Living in Lake Barrington With a population of less than 5,000 people there are 2,039 households and 1,455 families that reside in this suburban village. Residents of Lake Barrington are working hard to maintain the almost rural atmosphere within the village.  An association of communities in the area called the Barrington Area Council of Governments works to maintain zoning regulations that differ from those in other parts of Lake County.  Lake Barrington joined this active association in 1988.

Lake Barrington has been successful in avoiding the rapid development that has taken place in other parts of the County.  Both new residents and old are understandably proud of the small town atmosphere that exists so close to the hustle and bustle of downtown Chicago.

Real Estate Availability in Lake Barrington - Starting with Lake Barrington Shores which provides condos and town homes in a gated golf course community, prices start at about $140,000 and climb as high as $460,000. There is limited vacant land available, mostly individual lots. Single family homes in Lake Barrington start at $325,000 and climb to $1,849,000.

Start your search for Lake Barrington Homes

Lake Barrington Foreclosures - In the last 12 months we had 7 foreclosure sales and one short sale closed. Currently there is only 1 foreclosed home available and there are 3 short sale homes listed in Lake Barrington one of which is a condo in Lake Barrington Shores.

Market Data for Lake Barrington - There are 99 Lake Barrington Homes for sale with an average on market time of 264 days. There are only 9 Lake Barrington homes under contract. Over the last 6 month period the average market time has been 227 days, with 29 homes sold.

Buying a Home in Lake Barrington - If you are interested in buying or selling a home in Lake Barrington, please contact me for dedicated service. Lake Barrington is my home town, I love it here. My cell no is 847-363-3686

Written and Posted by:

Corinne Guest- REALTOR®

Royal Advocate Realty - Barrington, IL 60010

Search all Barrington IL & Northern Illinois Real Estate

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved  - * Lake Barrington Homes-Single Family Homes-Townhomes *

The Enclave of Heritage Estates-Lake Barrington Custom New Homes

If you are looking for new construction in Lake Barrington and would like a custom home built consider The Enclave of Heritage Estates. The subdivision is a gated community of 66 acres with 32 custom homes planned for this new subdivision. You'll find The Enclave of Heritage Estates hidden behind Heritage Estates in Lake Barrington which is accessed of Kelsey Road.



The minimum size lot is 1 acre with up to 6.38 ares available with a pond. Lots are not currently for sale but may soon be available at a discounted rate. If you would like to buy a lot in The Enclave of Heritage Estates and have time to wait-contact me so I can explain why prices are likely to be discounted probably later this year. Lot choices are exterior, pond view or interior. Due to undulations in the land here you can find lots that will allow both English and Walk-out basements.

There is one custom home for sale in The Enclave of Heritage Estates in Lake Barrington-with 2 existing homeowners currently enjoying a very quiet subdivision all to themselves.

Available is this brick and stone home with about 5500 square feet of main level living space and a walk-out basement ready to finish and plumbed for another full bathroom. It is situated on an exterior lot with deck and patio, and some of the interior features include 4 bedroom, 4 full bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms, study, bonus room on 2nd level, 10 foot ceilings on 1st floor, 3 season sun-room, 4 car heated garage with radiant heated floors  and gorgeous gourmet kitchen. You can even buy the furnishings as this is the model home. Price has been reduced from the original $1,750,000 to the current $1,299,000 and the seller is looking for offers. Does this sound like your new home? Call me for more information. Corinne 847-363-3686.



As is typical for Lake Barrington-The Enclave of Heritage Estates has plenty of wildlife visitors. In the snow I could see the usual deer tracks and no doubt the coyotes will track through here. Being an open area on a good winters day like today and certainly during the warmer months you'll find plenty of hawks soaring above looking for voles and mice. As a mostly grassy area I am sure they still find plenty of food here.

Street names for The Enclave of Heritage Estates are:

• Enclave Way
• Coyote Trail
• Hawks Nest Circle

Search for property in The Enclave of Heritage Estates and Also Heritage Estates

Copyright 2010 Corinne Guest All Rights Reserved. *The Enclave of Heritage Estates-Lake Barrington Custom New Homes*

The 2009 Real Estate Market for Lake Barrington was active but less than previous years.

Lake Barrington Illinois is home to both single family homes and also Lake Barrington Shores a town home and condo complex. Here are the statistics.

Single Family Homes Sold - 15
Attached Homes Sold - 36

Single Family Homes sold on average in 150 days.
Attached Homes sold on average in  253 days.

Single Family Homes sold at  92% of the final list price - 86% of the original list price.
Attached homes sold at 93% of  final list price - 88% of original list price.

For both categories the higher the price of home, the longer the market time. The chart below breaks down this data into bedroom count.



If you are thinking of selling your Lake Barrington home this year - attention to pricing is still key as is exposure of your home on the Internet so as many buyers and the Realtors can find your property. Call me if you would like your home featured on blogs, web sites in addition to traditional advertising.

In Lake Barrington we have had snow on the ground now for almost a month a with another 8 to 12 inches due tomorrow the local Coyotes are hunting a little harder. The back of my property in Savannah Trail backs up to conservation area and Flint Creek. The subdivision has only been here 9 years, prior to that is was literally a Savannah of grass. It has taken a while for wildlife to come to the back door but as our trees and landscaping matures every year we see more.

Just 2 days ago whilst munching on my own breakfast I spotted a Coyote in my neighbors yard and apparently it was his breakfast time too. I stopped to look as my neighbor has a dog and I wanted to be sure he was OK. In fact he wasn't out so the Coyotes were free to hunt.

He looked very calm but no doubt was all ears! He moved away from my house a little and stood still again. And then pounce, he attacked what he could hear under the snow.

Strike one - you can just see he is eating his breakfast. It appeared to me to be a vole.

Shortly after that kill, he made another. Once he had finished he sauntered off, with 2 more Coyotes following him. It is usual to hear these guys howl at night, and often in the evening in the summer you'll spot them running through the conservation behind Savannah and even come through the subdivision. This is the closest I have seen them to the houses in daylight, even though we were still in the break of dawn.

I guess they were here before these homes were!

There are 42 homes on this small subdivision. Built during 2001 to 2003, homes here are all situated on 2 acre lots and Savannah is not a through passage to other streets. Accessed from Route 22 you'll find homes within a minimum of 2600 square feet going up to 5000 square feet plus. Construction is Hardie Plank siding, asphalt roofs and a variety of brick and stone front elevations with a few Dryvit.

There are currently 2 homes for sale at $750,000 and $839,900. Both are 4 bedroom homes. Landscaping is really beginning to become better established now we have 6 years of growth on trees and shrubs. This is a very family dense subdivision with children of all ages. Because the subdivision has no outlet except the entranceway, children can ride their bikes in relative safety and Savannah Trail is approximately 1 mile from end to end. Residents here are regularly walking or jogging, and children are seen to be playing in neighbors yards. Exiting Savannah can be a little frustrating at certain times of the day, generally rush hour but it is not just because of the fact we exit to a major highway. We are also located directly opposite the Good Shepherd Hospital which also has a fair amount of traffic in and out.

Some of the homes do back up to route 22, but a reasonable berm was built to shield us from the traffic. Others now back up to the new sports center and the Village have agreed to plant more trees. The rest of us back up to the conservation area and these are the premium lots for Savannah. Behind Savannah is Flint Creek and you can walk to the creek and beyond if you don't mind the tall grasses. The Citizens for conservation are planting year round to make sure the area maintains it's natural vistas and plants. The deer like it here, and we have a returning family of Sand Hill Cranes. These are southern birds but the come here every year and regularly have babies, this year we were lucky enough to watch 2 new birds grow. Soon they will be flying south for the winter.

If you are interested in buying a home in Savannah, please let me know. As a resident I'll know when homes are on or off the market. If you are thinking of selling your Savannah home, I do get enquires from this blog and would be happy to market your home for you at one of my preferred lower commission rates.

For data on Lake Barrington, click here: http://www.city-data.com/city/Lake-Barrington-Illinois.html

I can be reached at info@corinneguest.com or call 847-381-6328 for all Lake Barrington homes for sale, or other Barrington areas.