Zillow Advice RSS: Guide,Local Topics,

Historic Savannah homes styles

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:48:00 GMT

If you have any interest at all in home styles and architecture, Savannah is rich with examples. This year on my blog I will be posting various examples of styles from the Savannah historic district, the victorian district and some of the craftsman style from areas like Ardsley Park.

The style of the one pictured here is called Second Empire, very popular in the 1860s and 1870s, influenced by Gothic Reviival and the Italianate styles. Eclecticism was coming into vogue, and combination of styles was seen as the next step forward to finding the picturesque in asymmetry, trying to capture the best from all.

The style came from France and is named in reference to Napoleon III. The mansard roof, typical of the Second Empire style, is named after a 17th century architect, Francois Mansart. The mansard roof is a double-pitched roof with a steep lower slope. This type roof is a definite indentifying feature of the Second Empire style. Only a few examples are found around Savannah.

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Historic Brookhaven Homes

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:46:00 GMT

Brookhaven History:

Around 1900, prominent Atlantans began building summer cottages in Brookhaven. It was still too far for a daily commute to Atlanta. In 1910, a group of investors from the Mechanical and Manufacturers club purchased the land making up the Country Club property and lot immediately surrounding it for a development called "Brookhaven Estates." The Brookhaven Country Club was incorporated in October of that year. Herbert H. Baker, a golf pro from Garden City, Long Island, was hired to design the course, with nine holes laid out in 1911. (Baker also designed the Druid Hills Country Club's course.) In January, 1912, the Brookhaven Country Club opened as Atlanta's second golf course after East Lake (1906).

Brookhaven is distinct in being the first community in Georgia, and probably the entire Southeast, designed around a golf course. Efforts to retain existing trees, particularly pines, set a precedent followed by many of Atlanta's post-World War II housing developments.

Atlanta's Capital City Club leased the Brookhaven Country Club in 1913. When the Capital City Club purchased the Brookhaven Country Club in 1915, the golf course was expanded from 9 to 18 holes. The clubhouse dates from 1928. The Brookhaven Estates Company continued to sell lots around the club through the 1920's. In 1915, there were four houses, and by 1928, there were 19 homes surrounding the club.

Development continued when lots along Club Drive and Stovall were offered for sale by Samuel Stovall. By 1928, eight houses had been built on these lots. Country Club Estates (Winall Down, most of Vermont and Stovall, Calvert, and part of Narmore) was laid out in 1929. The Carleton Operating Company land (Bellaire) was platted in 1936.

Most homes in Country Club Estates and on the Carleton land were built during the Depression and before 1942.

Brookhaven's homes include designs by a number of well-known Atlanta architects of this period, including Hal Hentz, Neil Reid, A.F.N. Everett, Cyril B. Smith, W.N.W. Griffin, Pringle and Smith, among others. Preston Stevens designed the Capital City Clubhouse.

The National Park Service named the Brookhaven Historic District in 1986.

(from BCNA Neighborhood Directory)

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Understanding the Stimulus Package

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 02:27:00 GMT

here is much confusion surrounding the recently passed Economic Stimulus Package and higher loan limits. Unfortunately, the new law can be confusing to decipher, and not everyone will benefit. For this reason, we have provided an outline below that clarifies what this new law means for you and how you can benefit from the higher loan limits.

Description and Overview:

An economic stimulus package just passed Congress on February 7, 2008 and was signed into law by the President on February 13, 2008. This new law is effective immediately and includes a temporary increase in both the FHA and conforming loan limits to as high as $729,750 in high cost areas. This means that the interest rates on many mortgages will go down because these loans are now eligible to be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Previously, the FHA was only allowed to insure loans with balances lower than $200,160 - $362,790, depending on the county where the property was located. Also, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were only allowed to purchase loans with balances at or below $417,000. This resulted in limited options and higher financing costs for those with loan balances above these limits. The new law substantially increases these limits in high cost areas and opens up new options and lower financing costs for many people.

How to Determine "High Cost" Areas

There are two things you must know in order to determine if you are in a high cost area:

1. Understanding the Formula

If 125% of the local area median home price exceeds $417,000, the temporary loan limit would be that 125% of the median home price with a cap of $729,750. Here are three examples to illustrate this concept:

If the median home price in your area is $225,000, 125% of that number is $281,250. This is below the current $417k conforming loan limit. Therefore, the conforming loan limit in your area will not change. However, if $281,250 is greater than the FHA limit in your county, your FHA limit will go up to $281,250.
If the median home price in your area is $375,000, 125% of that number is$468,750. This is above the current $417k conforming loan limit. Therefore, the conforming loan limit in your area WILL change and go up to $468,750. This number is also higher than the highest FHA loan limits, so therefore your FHA loan limit will also go up to $468,750.
If the median home price in your area is $650,000, 125% of that number is $812,500. This number is greater than the maximum cap of $729,250. Therefore, the conforming loan limit in your area will increase to highest allowable amount under this new law which is $729,250.
2. Determining the Median Home Price in Your Area

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will publish the median house prices within 30 days of the bill going into effect (30 days from February 13, 2008). HUD does not have any interim stats or information for us to use. However, the bill also states that HUD can use any commercially available data if they are unable to compile the information on their own within the 30 day timeframe. With that in mind, it is likely that HUD’s numbers will be relatively consistent with the data published by the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which already has a solid track record of tracking and publishing this information on a quarterly basis.

Therefore, until HUD actually publishes their version of the median home prices, the most accurate way to get this information today is to utilize the data that is published by NAR. Ironically, NAR just released their latest median home price update for the 4th quarter of 2007 on February 14, 2008! Contact me today and I’ll research your info and let you know exactly what the median home price is in your area and how you can benefit from this information.

What do all the dates mean?

There is some confusion because the bill has a provision that says the higher limits are only effective for loans originated between July 1, 2007 and December 31, 2008. In short, the reason it is effective beginning July 1, 2007, is because the credit crisis started to unfold in July and August of 2007. Mortgage market conditions rapidly deteriorated almost overnight. Many secondary market investors suddenly refused to purchase loans that couldn’t be sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. (For more info on how this process works, please see the article entitled Saga of the US Mortgage Industry.)

Unfortunately, many mortgage banks had already funded these loans in their own portfolio or through their warehouse lines of credit. Their intention was obviously to sell these loans on the secondary market after the loans were funded. However, the credit crisis prevented them from doing so, and they were stuck holding these loans in their portfolio. The July 1, 2007 date in the bill is designed to allow these lenders to unload these mortgages and sell them on the secondary market to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

However, the July 1, 2007 date has no bearing whatsoever on new refinance transactions! In other words, it doesn’t matter when the loan you are refinancing was originated. The old loan could have been originated in 2005, 2006 or anytime before or after July 1, 2007 and it would have no effect whatsoever on your current purchase or refinance transaction. If you are refinancing a new loan today, whether it is a purchase or refinance transaction, that loan is subject to the new limits set forth in the bill.

The other date of December 31, 2008 means that the old limits will go back into effect after this year. In other words, now is the perfect time to buy a new home or refinance your mortgage because after this year, your costs will be higher and your options more limited again.

When does this all go into effect?

February 13, 2008 – immediately upon the President’s signature. Therefore, HUD is obligated to publish the median home prices within 30 days of that date. However, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and various wholesale lenders may have different policies as to how these new loans are going to be priced and underwritten. That is why it is imperative that you work with a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist who is committed, qualified and equipped to give you timely information and expert guidance every step of the way. Contact me today for a complimentary consultation. I can look up the median home price in your area and see whether you can save money in any way. Also, please pass along this update to anyone you know who may be able to benefit, and I’d also be happy to look up the median home price in their area and discuss with them whether they could save money.

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Winnetka Illinois

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:35:00 GMT

Most people, many of them reluctantly, would agree that Winnetka is the crown jewel of Chicago's North Shore suburbs.

With a 2005 median family income of $218,623, It's not the most affluent. That distinction belongs to Kenilworth. It doesn't have the absolute best schools, another prize arguably belonging to Kenilworth. Lake Forest has the better public beach and better golf.

The comparisons, large and small, well-meaning and invidious, between Winnetka and other North Shore communities could go on ad nauseam. When all the arguments have been made, however, it's hard to escape the weight of the Village of Winnetka's many assets. The notion that too many Winnetkans seem too quick to flaunt their community's high status is about the only negative you'll generally hear from people who can afford to live there.

Schools

District 36 elementary, middle and junior high public schools in Winnetka rank, along with New Trier High School, among the best in the state and nation.

The K-4 Crow Island elementary school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Designed by Larry Perkins and Eero Saarinen, it opened in 1940 and has been acclaimed as one of the most architecturally significant schools in America.

Transportation

Downtown Chicago is 35 to 40 minutes away on the Metra / Union Pacific North Line train, which makes three stops in Winnetka.

No point in Winnetka is more than 3 miles from the Edens Expressway (I-94).

Housing stock

For current market informaiton, see the Winnetka Snapshot at Trulia.

Single-family homes account for nearly 90 percent of Winnetka's housing stock, over 90 percent of which is owner-occupied. There are several hundred condominium and townhome units in Winnetka, most in smaller in-fill complexes.

Over half of Winnetka's housing stock pre-dates World War II. In Eastern Winnetka, nearly all of the homes are of pre-war vintage.

South of Elm St in East Winnetka the streets follow a classic north – south / east – west grid. North of Elm the streets depart from the grid and follow the rolling contours of the land.

Much of East Winnetka's charm derives from the terrain, the size, variety and tastefulness of the architecture, and the nearly 3 miles of shoreline and private beaches along Lake Michigan. Many grand estates are hidden from view east of Sheridan Rd, on sizable (by North Shore standards) parcels that drift down toward the lake.

Winnetka has a large number and variety of homes priced upwards of $3 million, but also has a number of older homes priced well under $1 million. A 1 bedroom condo in an older building fetches a price in the mid-$100s, and 2 bedrooms can be found as low as the low $200s in converted buildings.

The teardown phenomenon is a major presence in Winnetka, with nearly ten percent of its homes having been demolished and replaced over a recent 10-year period, according to one academic study.

Photos and video

See hundreds of photos of how life's lived in Winnetka at Flickr, and a playlist of Winnetka videos at YouTube, and WinnetkaNow's YouTube channel.

ZIP code: 60093

More links ---

Interactive Winnetka map

WinnetkaNow

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Wilmette Illinois

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:34:00 GMT

The Village of Wilmette (population just over 27,000) is approximately 14 miles north of downtown Chicago. It's bordered on the south by Evanston and Skokie, on the west by Glenview, and on the north by Kenilworth and Winnetka.

With a median family income of $133,777 in 2005, Wilmette is only the fifth most affluent North Shore suburb, trailing Kenilworth ($261,401), Winnetka ($218,623), Glencoe ($218,535) and Lake Forest ($181,579). East of Green Bay Rd, however, the median family income tops $171,000. West of Locust Rd and Skokie Blvd, it drops to $97,000. Overall, Wilmette has a surprising amount of economic diversity.

Wilmette's minority population, with the exception of Asians, is not sizable. African-Americans are less than 1% of the population, Hispanics / Latinos about 2%, and Asians about 9%. In West Wilmette, west of Locust and Skokie, Asians comprise nearly 25% of the population. Over 15% of Wilmette's population is foreign born.

The relative absence of minorities is not a reflection of bias or discrimination. Wilmette today is a socially liberal, welcoming community. It's not even, most would agree, a very status-conscious community relative to some of its North Shore neighbors.

Educational levels are uniformly high, with nearly 40% of over-25 adults having earned a college degree, and a similar percentage having achieved a graduate degree.

Wilmette is a place that values children and education very highly, and many of its families have moved here specifically to take advantage of the excellent public and private elementary schools and, of course, New Trier High School.

Public amenities, services, civic organizations

Wilmette has a rich array of public amenities, including an outstanding park system, beautiful public beaches, and an excellent public library. It has experienced, highly professional police and fire departments, and a variety of other public services. The village has a long tradition of citizen involvement in public life and boasts a wide range of charitable and civic organizations and clubs.

A comprehensive set of links to community organizations and information can be found at the Wilmette Public Library's Wilmette & Kenilworth Community Information page.

There are of course, a number of public and private golf courses within and near the village.

Transportation

The Edens Expressway (I-94) is near the western border of Wilmette. The Lake Ave and Old Orchard interchanges are a few minutes drive from any part of Wilmette. Travel times to downtown Chicago can range from 20 minutes at off-peak hours to more than an hour, although a half-hour commute is closer to the norm. Many north suburban office corridors are easily accessed via the Edens and I-294.

Wilmette's public transportation system is excellent, ranking second only to Evanston's on the North Shore. There's a CTA Purple Line L stop at 4th and Linden, and a stop on the Metra Union Pacific North Line at Central and Green Bay in downtown Wilmette. Pace bus routes provide access to most of the village. Taxi service is available from 303 Taxi, American Taxi, and Norshore Cab.

Travel time to O'Hare Airport is approximately 30 minutes by car, taxi or limo.

Shopping, dining and nightlife

The nightlife write-up is easy: there isn't any to speak of in Wilmette. There are limited options in neighboring towns and an abundance in Chicago. Be warned: if you stop at Meier's Tavern just across the border in Glenview - the Wilmette police hang out on Lake Ave, watch cars pull out of Meier's parking lot and trawl for DUI arrests.

Dining options are also limited, but seem to be sufficient to satisfy residents in a place that's very family-centric.

You couldn't wish for better shopping than Wilmette can offer - or, if you can ...

The historic Plaza del Lago is on Sheridan Road in East Wilmette and is anchored by a Crate and Barrel.

Edens Plaza, on Lake Ave near the Edens Expressway, is a regional center anchored by Carson Pirie Scott, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Border's Books, and Tweeter. A smaller shopping center is across Lake Ave to the south.

Westfield Old Orchard shopping center, just south of the Wilmette border in Skokie, has over 170 shops ranging from Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom's, and Macy's to upscale boutiques and the North Shore teenager's must-have haunt, a Tiffany store.

Religion

Wilmette has dozens of churches and temples, many of them housed in architecturally significant buildings inter-mixed with residences. It's also home to the famed Baha'i House of Worship, which draws visitors from around the world.

Housing stock

For current market informtin, see the Wilmette Snapshot at Trulia.

Although Wilmette's housing stock is predominantly owner-occupied detached single-family homes, rentals (both single-family and apartments) are readily available. There are also numerous small condominium and townhome developments in scattered pockets throughout the village.

The character of the housing stock varies widely by neighborhood, reflecting the different periods during which various parts of Wilmette were developed.

At the higher end of the market ($3M and up), Wilmette has a very limited selection of homes. You'll need to head further north to Winnetka, Kenilworth and Glencoe if you're truly mansion-minded.

New construction

Wilmette is a mature community which has almost no vacant land available. New construction, as a result, consists mainly of single-family teardowns and the very occasional infill low-rise condo development. The entry-level tab for new construction is about $1.2 million in West Wilmette, and nearly $2 million east of the Metra tracks in East Wilmette.

History

The Encyclopedia of Chicago provides a brief overview of Wilmette's history, and much more information can be found at the Wilmette Historical Museum.

Photos and video

See hundreds of photos of how life's lived in Wilmette at Flickr, and a playlist of Wilmette videos at YouTube.

ZIP code: 60091

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Tucson Arizona Real Estate

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:18:00 GMT

City of Tucson

Tucson, AZ real estate

Tucson, AZ home values

Pima County

Tucson Area Maps

Aerial Photos

Pima County School Test Scores

Tucson City Police

City of Tucson Crime Statistics

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The Original Maytag Estate For Sale

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:28:00 GMT

In the early 80s, members of the Maytag family wanted a getaway in the scenic hills of Colorado. Apparently they were golfers and enjoyed playing the Broadmoor course. They were also pilots that flew their own plane into Centennial airport. When it came time to build their third home they settled on a midway point between Centennial, CO and Colorado Springs, CO, with a large track of land outside Castle Rock, CO. They commissioned an architect to design a Spanish-style villa that would be their sanctuary. Nestled high on a hill and tucked away among pines, scrub oak and mossy rocks is a stunning four bedroom, six bath, 9000-square-foot mansion. Better yet, the home sits on 227 untainted acres that are protected in a conservation easement. The acreage offers something for everyone with forested hills, open meadows and gorgeous rock outcroppings. It’s perfect for a private barn, equestrian center, corrals or just incredible hiking and sightseeing.

As the story goes, the family wanted the very best in construction so they hired the commercial building firm of Gerald H. Phipps to construct the house. According to the architects designing the home, never once did the family ask how much anything cost nor did they ever cut anything from the budget. The home took two years to build and was completed in 1983 at a whopping $2.5 million – a lot of money for a home back then. It was money well spent, though, because the quality of construction and detailed finish work are evident everywhere you look. The couple used the home to entertain, throwing lavish parties for their family and friends.

Ten years ago the property was sold to the current owners. This couple not only made fantastic improvements to the property, but they’ve maintained the elegance to near perfection. Walking through you can’t help but savor the craftsmanship and pristine condition of the home. There are panoramic views of the mountains from every room, courtyard and patio.

If you came west with the dream of owning a historic Colorado ranch, the Original Maytag estate is one incredible opportunity.

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The 10 reasons to move to the desert

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:35:00 GMT

If you are looking for a place to relax, enjoy nature and the outdoors, enjoy the company of friends and family, play sports, enjoy the culture and social life, do some shopping, or just be yourself, here are few reasons Palm Springs, CA is ideal:

1. Gorgeous mountains all the way from Palm Springs to Indio, CA. You will feel that you live in a special place. People come from all over the globe to spend time here because of those special mountains.

2. Amazing weather. 9 out of 12 months have a perfect weather ranging from the 70s to 80s with perfect blue sky. And it's dry heat.

3. Friendly people that are not stressed out. People come here to relax, have a great time and enjoy themselves.

4. The best hiking trails.

5. No parking meters. Can you believe you having lunch or shopping and not having to worry about your watch?

6. Small town feeling. Even though some of the towns in the Coachella Valley have everything a big city has to offer, it has the small town feeling where the local shops know you by your first name.

7. Best golf courses in the country.

8. Fine shopping on El Paseo that is compared to L.A.'s Rodeo Drive.

9. Culture. The art galleries, the Palm Springs Museum's collection and shows, all the amazing film festivals and top quality concerts at the McCallum Theater.

10. Do nothing and not be bothered. You can go and relax by tons of fine spa treatments, relax by the pool, walk in the evening during spring and smell the sweet fragrance of the citrus flowers blooming, enjoy the beautiful desert landscape, appreciate the desert architecture ranging from Mid-century, Spanish and contemporary modern.

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Sparks Nevada

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:41:00 GMT

Sparks, NV, is sister city to Reno, NV, in Northern Nevada. Rapidly growing, many new developments have popped up in the last few years.

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South Florida Condo Trends

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:33:00 GMT

Condo living is popular in south Florida, and the condo real estate market behaves very differently from the single family market.

The coast line is predominatly condo living, with new condo units coming on the market all the time. Popular with vacationers, retirees and as second homes, condos on the beach are south Florida living at it’s best (cities include Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Lauderdale by the sea, and Wilton Manors).

As you move further inland, condos surround the many golf courses, and are popular with retirees, first time home owners, and those that prefer not to deal with the joys of single family home ownership - ah, the lawn maintenance.

www.ThinkBroward.com

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Solana Bech Real Estate and Homes for sale

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 01:03:00 GMT

Looking for Solana Beach Real Estate and Solana Beach Homes for sale?

If you are familiar with Solana Beach you most likely are aware of the significant home appreciation that has occurred in the past ten years or so. If you own a home in Solana Beach or anywhere near the coast in North County San Diego and you purchased a while back, you have certainly made a sound investment.

If you are just looking around "snooping" or you are a serious home buyer, this is a great spot to learn about the Solana Beach Real Estate Market. Check out these links to get recent Solana Beach, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Cardiff, Leucadia, Encinitas, Carlsbad real estate information, such as getting a CMA.

Here are some other great links to stuff you might find helpful in Solana Beach:

http://www.ci.solana-beach.ca.us

http://www.sbsd.k12.ca.us

... alifornia

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Sherman Oaks - CA

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 20:15:00 GMT

Sherman Oaks, CA, is an affluent neighborhood, with several high-end fashion boutiques, and features many upscale houses and restaurants. One of the city's main claims to fame is the presence of the Sherman Oaks Galleria, a shopping mall identified as a meet-up place for the Valley girls, a 1980s cultural label which became widely known because of the 1983 movie Valley Girl and a song of the same name by Frank Zappa.

In addition, a portion of the 1982 movie Fast Times at Ridgemont High was filmed there. After being damaged in the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the Galleria eventually was torn down and replaced by an open-air retail and office complex that bears little resemblance to the original mall. Other local shopping options include the Westfield Fashion Square (formerly known as Sherman Oaks Fashion Square), and an assortment of boutiques and restaurants located along Ventura Boulevard. Aerobics and Fitness Association of America operates in Sherman Oaks.

Sherman Oaks was one of the first Valley communities to experience intensive real estate development. Anticipating the development of the Los Angeles Aqueduct in 1913, Los Angeles Suburban Homes Co. purchased 47,500 acres (192 km²) of the southeast Valley in 1910. In 1911, a subdivision map called Tract 1000 was filed with Los Angeles County. From that parcel, one of the partners in the company, General Moses Hazeltine Sherman, bought 1,000 acres (4 km²) for himself. In 1927, Sherman subdivided the property and sold the land for $780 an acre ($0.19/m²).

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Seattle Condos and Lofts

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 18:31:00 GMT

The Emerald City (aka Seattle) is experiencing a renaissance that is redefining the downtown skyline and livability of its core neighborhoods. And, it's occurring with a "big bang" making it an exciting time for all residents, condo-owners or otherwise.

Since 2006, over 30 new condominium & lofts projects have been proposed for the next 4-5 years. While not all proposed projects will pan out, many will, adding upwards of 10,000 new housing units to the downtown core. And, that does not include Paul Allen's Vulcan Real Estate's ambitious plan to reinvent the South Lake Union district, which over the next 15 years may add thousands more units.

The new projects will redefine Seattle's skyline. Not since the office building boom of the 1980s have we seen so many cranes dotting the skyscape. Citizens, worried about tall buildings, pushed through a building height cap following the construction of Seattle's tallest structure, the Columbia Tower, in the mid-80s. Just twenty years later that cap is now a mere memory. And, developers are taking full advantage.

Currently, new high-rise luxury condominium buildings are under construction that are upwards of 500 feet in height. Several projects are destined to become landmarks, joining the Space Needle and Smith Tower. Among the soon-to-be signature high-rises are Escala, 1521 and Icon Tower.

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San Francisco Real Estate

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:46:00 GMT

San Francisco has been described as a "bubble-proof" investment market. Values have soared and, at worst, stabilized.

Pros of San Francisco for property purchase:

Buildings with unique character and architectural significance
Incredible climate
Stable and/or consistently increasing property values

Cons of San Francisco for property purchase:

Rent Control ordinance in place, which creates a minefield for income property buyers
Strict planning department
Restrictions on condo conversion and development
High price per square foot

San Elijo Hills Real Estate

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:43:00 GMT

SAN ELIJO HILLS REAL ESTATE, SAN MARCOS CA HOMES FOR SALE

Discover San Elijo Hills the master planned community in North San Diego! If you are currently thinking about buying or selling real estate in San Marcos or San Elijo Hiills, START YOUR SAN ELIJO HILLS REAL ESTATE SEARCH HERE.

SAN ELIJO HILLS HOMES FOR SALE, NEIGHBORHOODS, NEW HOMES

San Elijo Hills is a pedestrian-friendly community that offers a one stop shop for basically everything. There is something for everyone in San ELijo Hills. If you like baseball, mountain biking, sunset watching of the mind boggling 180 degree ocean views, hiking trails, community events, shopping center,restaurants ( soon to be), Internet cafe ( no longer avail. now Isabella Briens Cafe) , local schools within walking distance, minutes to the beach and a whole lot more.

San Elijo Hills is located in the heart of North County, and is perfect for new families! You can visit the official San Elijo Hills website here or get San Elijo Hills Homes sent to you by email.

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San Elijo Hills CA

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:42:00 GMT

SAN ELIJO HILLS REAL ESTATE AND HOMES FOR SALE

San Elijo Hills is the newest master planned community situated in the highest point in Coastal North San Diego County. The community has been designed to embrace gorgeous ocean views. Ocean breezes and expansive views are available from almost every neighborhood within the community.

Established in 2000, this community is now home to more than 7,000 residents. Upon completion, the plan calls for more than 10,000 residents and 3,400 homes. San Elijo Hills is planned as a complete community, with a central urban business district built around a Town square. Community amenities include a 19 acre park and 6,000 square foot community center. An 18-mile system of hiking trails connects the neighborhoods to the town center, and over 1,000 acres are set aside as open space.

SAN ELIJO HILLS HOMES FOR SALE, SAN MARCOS CA REAL ESTATE AGENT

The goal of the master plan is to achieve a balance of nature, comfort, convenience and value. To this end, the San Elijo Hills is home to a mix of single family homes, condos, townhomes, and gated community estates. San Elijo Hills residents are connected by way of the San Elijo Community Network. This password restricted, private network serves as a virtual gathering place for residents where they can access the community calendar, view special events, and read articles concerning the community.

SAN MARCOS CA HOMES, NEIGHBORHOODS, NEWS, MARKET TRENDS

The community is governed by a Community Association charged with planning special events and activities for residents, along with management of the common areas and the Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CCNRs). The association is governed by five board members and supported by representatives from each of the neighborhoods. The Association was honored in 2003 as Homeowner Association of the Year by the San Diego Chapter of the Commerce Institute.

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Roaring Fork Valley CO

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:34:00 GMT

You can only avoid gravity for so long. The Roaring Fork Valley seemed oblivious to all of the national doom and gloom regarding real estate. But with all of the snow combined with the credit crunch, this blazing hot market has finally begun to slow down. The good news is that after several straight years of a sellers' market, the pendulum has finally turned back to the buyers. We are seeing many price reductions (although many are over priced listings coming back to reality) and increased inventory combined with fewer buyers have meant that buyers can negotiate significant reductions and concessions. The bottom line is that this is a great time for first time buyers wanting to break into the market, investors looking for a bargain, or existing home-owners looking to move up.

It will be interesting to see to what extent the longer days and warmer weather will increase buyer activity and competition. Only time will tell, but it is certainly a promising time for buyers looking for a relative bargain.

The Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado includes the towns of Aspen, Basalt, El Jebel, Carbondale and Glenwood Springs. It is located 3 hours West of Denver and its economy is primarily driven by the tourism and construction industry fueled by the resort towns of Glenwood Springs and Aspen. The ZIP codes include 81611, 81621, 81623 and 81601.

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Prince William County Virginia

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 23:32:00 GMT

Prince William County, Virginia, is a fast-growing "bedroom" county of Washington, D.C. It has experienced major growing pains and transportation issues, leading to calls from the Board of Supervisors to freeze residential rezoning applications. For the latest news and information about the Dulles South region, check with Dulles South Online.

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Kenilworth Illinois

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:49:00 GMT

The Village of Kenilworth is the North Shore's newest (incorporated in 1896), smallest (six-tenths of a square mile), most affluent and most highly educated community.

The Census Bureau estimates Kenilworth's 2005 population at just over 2,200, and its median family.income at $261,401. Ninety percent of adults (25 ) graduated from college, and nearly half have a graduate degree. African-Americans, Hispanics, Latinos and Asians account for less than 3 percent of Kenilworth's population.

For all their affluence, Kenilworth residents seem to revel in not fitting North Shore stereotypes. A glimpse of the activities at the Kenilworth Club provides a clue: bingo nights, a bowling league, scout troops aplenty, and ladies' softball – for starters. The Kenilworth police department's shooting range is open by reservation to residents who need to sharpen their skills. The American flag flaps proudly from light-poles and porches all over the village each summer. And the Memorial Day program (video) would make any small town in Kansas turn green with envy.

In brief, Kenilworth exudes the aura of a genteel small town from a bygone era.

Schools

Most children in Kenilworth attend either the K-8 Joseph Sears School or New Trier High School, both of which are within easy walking distance from any point in the village. Sears and New Trier consistently rank among the top schools in the state and nation.

Shopping, dining, nightlife

Kenilworth has no restaurants, bars or nightlife and probably never will. In 2004 the village adopted an ordinance that discouraged Starbucks from pursuing plans to open a location on Green Bay Rd. Shopping in the small commercial district is limited to a bike store and an antique store. Neighboring suburbs provide an abundance of upscale shopping options in regional centers.

Transportation

Downtown Chicago is 35 minutes away on the Metra / Union Pacific North Line. Stepping into the distinctive stone train station (video), designed by Franklin Burnham, is a trip back in time.

Housing stock

For current market informaiton, see the Kenilworth Snapshot at Trulia.

Most of the homes in Kenilworth pre-date World War II, and reflect the popularity of Prairie School architecture and the arts and crafts movement at the time they were built.

Median home prices are approximately $1.5 million, but the average is closer to $2 million. In mid-June 2007 the 34 homes listed for sale ranged from a 2 bedroom, bath-and-a-half English cottage in East Kenilworth priced at $559,999 to a 2.2 acre lakefront estate with indoor pool, tennis court and guest house priced at $12.9 million.

The stretch of Kenilworth west of Green Bay Rd has smaller homes, many of them priced under $1 million, on smaller lots. A pedestrian tunnel enables children to each Sears School without crossing the busy street and railroad tracks.

Photos and video

View a selection of Kenilworth photos at Flickr, and a video playlist at YouTube.

ZIP code: 60043

1 reply

Irvine Housing Market

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:37:00 GMT

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Not only that, Irvine is home to some of the highest quality public schools in the state, where 73% of Irvine High school students passed a recent advanced placement test. Irvine is also where several of the country’s biggest businesses make their home, and the town’s strategic location, short drive to two large airports with easy freeway access, and forward-thinking business incentives make it an ideal place for those looking for opportunity.

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