The Vernon Hills Cougars Jumpstart the 2010 High School Football Season with a Bang!

Is there anything better than sitting with your friends and neighbors cheering on the local high school football team?  Not when that football team is the Vernon Hills Cougars and they shut-out Niles West in the first game of the season 45 – 0.  It was rumored at the start of the season that this years team was outstanding and they didn’t fail to deliver.  The Cougars scored on their first seven possessions and led  39-0 lead by halftime.  

If you are a fan of Friday Night Lights, or even a fan of marching bands and exuberant fans, make sure to check out the next Vernon Hills High School football game.  Next up on the roster is Chicago Raby High School visiting Vernon Hills on Friday, September 3rd.  Click here, for a complete listing of Vernon Hills Varsity Football games.  And don’t forget, there are some great games being played by the Vernon Hills freshman football team and Vernon Hills sophomore footbal team as well.  You can find their schedule on the Vernon Hills High School website.

See everyone on September 3rd and make sure to wear your Blue and Silver!

If you would like more information about the Vernon Hills area or Vernon Hills real estate please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435.

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills-homes-for-sale.com  will  provide you with valuable community and real estate information whether you are interested in buying or selling a home.

The Vernon Hills Public Library District brings together two of the hottest female authors for a talk and book discussion.

Have you ever had the experience of picking up a book and laughing from page 1 until the final paragraph?  If not, it’s time for you to discover Jennifer Lancaster.  And there’s no better way to discover a new author than to meet her in person.  The Vernon Hills Public Library District is hosting a book discussion with award-winning authors Jennifer Lancaster and Jennifer Weiner. The event will be held Monday, July 26th from 6:00 – 8:00 at Stevenson High School’s Performing Arts Center.  You do need to register for the program, but tickets are free.  For more information or to register, visit the Vernon Area Public Library website.

A Final Walk Through Protects You and Your Future Property

Congratulations.  You found the house, placed it under contract, survived the inspection and are now ready to close on your Vernon Hills dream home.  What could possibly go wrong now?  Well, as the saying goes, you never know.  You need to protect yourself and your future Vernon Hills home  before money changes hands and the best way to accomplish this if for you and your real estate agent to plan a final walk through.  I believe in the “Three W’s” when it comes to the final wall through: Why, When and What.

Why should I schedule a final walk through of my future property?  

A final walk through is very important to all buyers because it’s your last chance to inspect the property before closing.  Even if my buyers don’t have the time to perform it themselves my job as their agent is to perform it on their behalf.   If your sellers have not lived up to the terms of the contract,  you will want to know about it in advance of the closing so remedies (both monetary and otherwise) can be agreed upon before money changes hands. Usually during the initial inspection, I advise my clients to take pictures so there is no misunderstanding as to what the house looked like when seen last. 

When should the walk through take place?

As your agent, I always try to arrange for the final walk through the day or two before the real estate closing.   Additionally, if possible, I do another walk through the day of the closing. 

If you are buying a Vernon Hills  house that is owned by a relocation company, it is required that you schedule a final walk through at least three business days before closing. Typically stated in the relocation company’s addendum, this provision allows the relocation company ample time to work out any issues that might. If something is wrong and you request a credit, many parties have to agree before they will proceed to close.   If you are required to do a walkthrough that far in advance, we will do another walk through right before the closing.

What should I look for during the final walk through?

It is important to check out the condition of the house right before the closing.   We want to make sure that the sellers have completely moved out and that the house is in “broom clean” condition.  In some contracts, I have noted that instead of broom clean the home needs to be professionally cleaned. 

Additionally, we will be checking to make sure that any appliances, light fixtures, built ins, blinds, etc. that are supposed to stay with the house (per the written contract) are still in the house and work properly.  I flush all the toilets and run the water in all the faucets. It is important to check that the pipes are not leaking.  It’s also important to look to see if there was any accidental damage done to the house when the sellers moved out, like a  a scratched hardwood floor or broken storm window.

If the water or the electricity have been turned off and you can’t check the appliances – this needs to be addressed.  During my last closing, the seller turned off the gas too early.  The gas company had to be contacted to turn the gas back on in order for the buyer to test the oven and fireplace.

What should I bring to the final walk through?

During the final walk through, please bring all your paperwork with you.  This should include your sales contract, any addendum(s) to the sales contract and inspection records.  If any requested repair work was done to the home due to the inspection period, this is the time we check to see if it was actually done.  It’s better to raise any objections during the walk through than wait until the closing. If any items are missing or anything has been left behind that should not have been, I would rather address them right after the final walk through.  At the closing, the seller’s attorney should have any necessary receipts and warranties for repair work done, to give to your attorney. 

When all is said and done, you are just steps away from moving into your dream house.  The final walk through with me as your agent will calm any fears that you may have about the condition of the house and address any last-minute concerns you may have. As a local Vernon Hills real estate agent, I will work with you every step of the way from the initial contract to the final walk through to make sure that everything is as perfect as possible for your long-awaited homecoming.

The above post  Vernon Hills Realtor, Judy Greenberg discusses the Importance of a Final Wal through was written by Judy Greenberg and Tara Arnolnd of the Judy Greenberg Group at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me atinfo@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com,and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!

Getting to O’Hare International Airport from the Vernon Hills Area

“It must take you forever to get to the airport!”  Back in the day of business travel and care-free, no-kids vacations, I heard many people lament the trip to O’Hare International Airport  from the Chicago Northwest Suburbs on my behalf.  Truth is, it’s neither complicated nor very time consuming to get to O’Hare from the Chicago Northwest Suburbs.  My personal best has been 23 minutes door-to-door (although I will admit to that particular trip starting at 4:30am).  Here are the three, easiest ways I have found to O’Hare plus one bonus:

Metra North Central Service

The Metra North Central Service (which includes service to Vernon Hills and Buffalo Grove) is a commuter service that stops at the O’Hare Transfer Station (located at Remote Parking Lot F).  Once there,  you can connect, via the airport shuttle bus system, to the People Mover.  I have to tell you, this is not my favorite way of getting to the airport, but it is the least expensive.  This is definitely best for those times when you can pack light.  For more information on the Metra North Central Service, click here.

Cab

Taking a cab is definitely my favorite way of getting to O’Hare and I have never been let down by American Taxi.  They have set fares to O’Hare and will pick you up any time, day or night.  Fares from Vernon Hills and Buffalo Grove are about $35 (there may be additional fees based on gas rates, etc.).  Tipping is expected and will increase your price tag from $7 – $10.  The best thing about a cab is the door-to-door service so you don’t have to leave the house earlier just to account for parking time.  One caveat, if you are taking a cab FROM O’Hare to the Chicago Northwest Suburbs, call ahead and schedule the service.  It is next to impossible to find a cab driver at the airport willing to take you that far out to the suburbs without a reservation.  It can also cost nearly $75 for the ride if you do find someone willing to make the drive.

Driving

If you are only traveling overnight, I would suggest driving to O’Hare and parking in the daily parking lot.  Parking runs $30 a day, but this lot is as close to the airport as you can get if you are driving a car.  Lot A, floors 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6 offer the best access to the terminals. You can get the best spot if you call ahead and find out which terminal you need to access for your flight and park accordingly.  And if you really want convenience, $45 will get you valet service!  Best route I have found is take I-294 straight to the I-90 O’Hare exit.  Here’s a great website that give you great information about parking at O’Hare.

Park and Fly

Now, I haven’t tried this service myself, but I know people who swear by it.  You get the most bang for your buck with this service if you have an early morning flight and you really don’t want to leave the Northwest Suburbs at 4:00am to catch your flight.  There are participating hotels around O’Hare that offer a room for the night and then parking for your car for the duration of your trip.  For example, the Quality Inn’s package offers one night’s accommodation, 7 days of parking and shuttle service to and from the airport for $89.  Go to the Park Sleep Fly website at www.parksleepfly.com for more information and to make reservations.

As a former business traveler, I know that access to a major airport is on the top of a person’s list when deciding where to call home.  Thanks to Chicago’s and the Northwest Suburb’s investment in public transportation and roadways, you get the best of suburban life with direct access to one of the world’s largest airports.  Now, if only it was that easy to find your luggage once you get to your destination.

The above post, Traveling to O’Hare from Vernon Hills, IL, was written by Tara Arnold and Judy Greenberg of the Judy Greenberg Real Estate team at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!

Fireworks and 4^th of July Activities in Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove and Long Grove Promise Patriotic Fun for All

So, you’ve looked in the newspaper and checked online for the fireworks schedules for Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills and Long Grove (click here for a complete listing).  Now, what are you going to do with the rest of the day?  Luckily for those of us that live in the Chicago Northwest Suburbs, the fireworks are just the cherry on top of a great day of activities.  We’re here to give you some ideas for a  great 4^th of July.

Morning Activities

What could be more patriotic than a good, old-fashioned 4^th of July parade.  The Vernon Hills’ 4^th of July parade steps off at 9:00am at the corner of Deerpath and Atrium Drive, just south of Highway 60 and will follow a parade route south to Sullivan Drive and then west to Aspen.  I don’t know what kid doesn’t like a parade, so get your spot early and bring plenty of water.  I always bring some of the small containers of bubbles for the kids to play with while we wait for the parade to start.  The Vernon Hills website mentions some squirt gun activities, so you may want to have the little ones just wear their swimsuits. 

The Vernon Hills Public Works Department with the Assistance of Club Scout Troop 273 and Boy Scout Troop 273 will be doing a Food Drive along the parade route to collect items for the Vernon Township Food Pantry. So when you are packing your items for the parade, remember a couple non-perishable items for those in need.

Afternoon Activities

After a good parade, the 4^th of July just screams for family parties and barbecues.   From the Vernon Hills 4^th of July parade, hop on over to Timmy’s Sandwiched and Ice Cream in Old Long Grove, grab a couple of sandwiches and then head over to the Heron Creek Forest Preserve (corner of Old McHenry Rd and Rt. 22).  There you will find one of the best playgrounds in the area as well as plenty of covered picnic tables for a great lunch.  And if you had a little too much potato salad for lunch, you can always walk it off on one of the many walking paths you’ll find throughout the forest preserve.

Evening

If you’re not totally exhausted by all of you fun by now, head on over to the Buffalo Grove Festivities for evening entertainment and fireworks.  The Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band will be playing at the Rotary Green, but if you have kids, I would suggest finding a place to camp out at Willow Stream Park.  It’s always more fun when the kids have a place to entertain themselves while waiting for the main event to start at 9:00 pm.

Above all else, have fun, be safe and take few moments to remember all of the soldiers that are fighting to secure the freedoms that we tend to take for granted on a daily basis.  Jot down a postcard, send a care package or just say thank you when you see a soldier walking down the street.  After all,  the fireworks are only a symbol of our independence which is fought for daily by the courageous, young men and women in the armed services.  Happy 4^th of July!

The above post was written by Tara Arnold and Judy Greenberg of the Judy Greenberg Group at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!

Enjoy a Girl’s Night Out with Laughter and Ouzo in Vernon Hills, IL

From time to time, I actually get a chance to troll around Vernon Hills without my munchkins in tow.  This time out, I’m planning a Girl’s Night with a great group of friends.  Instead of the blatnatly obvious Sex and the City 2/cocktails evening, we’ve decided to plan for ouzo and laughs at Zanies and Opa! in Vernon Hills, IL.

Located off of Hwy. 60 right behind the Hawthorne Shopping Center, I’ve heard that Opa! has some of the best Greek food in the Chicago Northwest Suburbs.  I find that Greek food is particularly suited for a large group of people as appetizer sharing can lead to great conversations and many laughs.  I took a drive by the restaurant and the outdoor dining area looks beautiful.  And to make things even better, Opa! is having a special where you can get a free order of Fried Kolokithakia (zucchini) with any 2 entres.  Always the sucker for coupons, my mind was thinking “Jackpot” when I hit that one.  They also feature live music and entertainment, but you need to give the establishment a call to find out who and when.

After good food and good drink, what could be better than a good laugh?  Virtually next door to Opa! is Zanies Comedy Club.  I’ve been to Zanies a couple times and most people I take don’t even realize that the famous Chicago venue has a location in the Northwest Suburbs.  Well, those people are missing out.  There are some great headliners (Anthony Clark will be headlining in July) as well as up-and-coming local talent.  General admission starts at $23 and there is a two item minimum.  However, every Thursday night, Zanies has free admission for anyone that works or lives in the 60061, 60060, 60047,60030, 60089 zip codes.  How’s that for great night out!

After a day of planning play dates, shuttling people to and from camp, grocery shopping and bemoaning the demise of my car I’m so greatful that Vernon Hills and the Northwest Suburbs has so much to offer for adults looking for a night of fun.

The above post, Girl’s Night Out in Vernon Hills, was written by Tara Arnold and Judy Greenberg of the Judy Greenberg Real Estate team at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!

Vernon Hills Stores Offer Kids a Chance to Get Creative!

On any given Saturday, I find myself scouting out things in the Vernon Hills area  that will be new, exciting and stimulating for the kids.  After all, there are only so many hours one can play at the park.  Luckily, I have found a few places in the Vernon Hills area that have great craft activities for the little ones.  It gives them a chance to meet new people, use their minds in creative ways and being home a little souvenir of the day.

Lowe’s “Build and Grow Clinics”

Lowe’s has a great program available on Saturday mornings in Vernon Hills called Build and Grow Clinics.  Sign up via their website and enjoy a FREE, hour-long building clinic.  At the end of the hour, the kids get to take home their project (the next project is a wooden monster truck!), a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project.  How cool is that!  I’ve signed my kids up for the June 26^th project and can’t wait. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Michaels “The Knack”

Michaels has holiday-themed activities available for the kids throughout the year.  You can usually find at least 5 projects going on in any given month.  For June, they have Father’s Day wallets and on June 26^th they have a 4^th of July pinwheel project.  Again, these great programs are generally FREE and the kids get to bring home their project .  They also have a great website, http://www.theknackkids.com that has loads of ideas for activities and summer projects.

Whether your little one is into hammers or crayons, these programs in Vernon Hills will get both you and your kids out of the house and singing “Whistle While You Work” before the dreaded chorus of “I’m bored” even passes their lips.

The above post, Kid’s Craft Workshops in Vernon Hills, was written by Tara Arnold and Judy Greenberg of the Judy Greenberg Real Estate team at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!

Free Outdoor Movie Screening of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in Deerpath Park – Vernon Hills, IL

Drive-in movies were already on their way out when I was a young girl, but I do remember sitting outside at night watching slide shows projected on a sheet in the backyard.  I’m so excited that Vernon Hills in the Chicago Northwest  Suburbs is helping to recreate that memory on Saturday, June 25th.  The Vernon Hills Park District is presenting an outdoor showing of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in Deerpath Park (just off of Route 45 in the Deerpath neighborhood).

Bring your own blanket and lawn chairs (and I would suggest some bug spray) and let the Vernon Hills Park District provide the rest.  The only thing better than the outside movie is the fact that Culver’s will be there selling their frozen custard.  Who needs popcorn on a summer night when you have frozen custard?

The movie starts at 8:45 pm, so make sure the kids get in a quick nap in the afternoon.  See you at the movies!

Per the Vernon Hills Park District website, park at the Cherokee Park entrance and walk up the path to the viewing area.

The above post Family Fun in Vernon Hills, IL- was written by Tara Arnold and Judy Greenberg of theJudy Greenberg Real Estate team at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!

Aspen Drive Public Library Grand Opening in Vernon Hills, IL – 24 days and counting!

“Perhaps no place in any community is so totally democratic as the town library.  The only entrance requirement is interest.”  ~Lady Bird Johnson

The Cook Memorial Public Library District has excitedly announced the completion of construction on the Aspen Drive Public Library in Vernon Hills, IL.  The shelves are up, the furniture is in and I’m sure the librarians and volunteers are working steadily to fill the halls with thousands of volumes of books.  As an English Literature major, I can’t think of anything more important than the opening of a public library.  In this day and age where stories can be downloaded to multitudes of electronic devices at the blink of an eye, it’s nice to know that there are still places where reading is still a community activity and books are still valued.

As the opening gets closer, I’m sure there will be more news about grand opening activities.  Until that time, I want to tell you about a program in which the Cook Memorial Public Library participates.  The Musuem Adventure Pass program allows anyone with a library card within the Cook Memorial Library district to check out a pass that allows for free/discounted admission to some of the area’s most entertaining museums in Chicago and the Northwest Suburbs.  The Kohl Children’s Museum, Brookfield Zoo and the Chicago Botanic Garden are just a few of the participating libraries.  Click here for more information on the program as well as the participating museums.  Just a little something to get excited about!

The Aspen Drive Public Library, the first in Northern Vernon Hills, is located at 701 Aspen Drive in Vernon Hills, IL.  Just take Hwy. 60 to Aspen Drive.  We’ll share more information about hours of service and programs as they start to make them available.  Until then, check out their website http://www.cooklib.org/ for the most up-to-date information.

The above post, Aspen Drive Library Opening in Vernon Hills, IL, was written by Tara Arnold and Judy Greenberg of theJudy Greenberg Real Estate team at Coldwell Banker.

If you would like more information about the Chicago Northwest Suburbs,including Libertyville, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Long Grove, Vernon Hills, and Lake Zurich  please do not hesitate to call me at 847-602-5435 or email me at info@buffalogrovehomes.com

My websites, www.movetolonggrove.com , www.buffalogroveareahomes.com, and www.vernonhills.homes-for-sale.com

will provide you all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller!

Fully-Furnished, Executive Condo Rental Available in Vernon Hills, IL.

Are you looking for an executive condo rental in Vernon Hills that is already furnished?  If so, look no further - you have just found it!                                                                    

This furnished condo in Rivers Edge just off of Milwaukee Ave. (425 Benjamin, Unit 503) in Vernon Hills is listed for $2,300 per month and includes your heating, water, and gas.   

Perfect for the traveling executive, this beautiful 2 bedroom  2 bath condo (furnished just like a model) in Vernon Hills is perfect for the traveling executive who needs to be centrally located.  If you do have a child, this Vernon Hills condo feeds into the Lincolnshire elementary school district 103 and award-winning Stevenson High School. 

The Vernon Hills condo penthouse unit features a gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, 42′ cherry finished cabinets, upgraded appliances and hardwood floors.  A beautiful master suite with huge walk in closet, whirlpool tub and separate shower add to the luxurious feel of this unit.

Its truly spectacular!  Please do not hesitate to call Judy Greenberg 847-602-5435  for your own private showing. 

Judy Greenberg’s websites, www.buffalogrovehomes.com  www.vernonhills-homes.for-sale.com provide all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential Vernon Hills buyer, lessee, seller or lessor.   

Judy can be reached at 847-602-5435 or via email at info@buffalogrovehomes.com. Judy has helped people move in and out of  the Chicago Northwest  Suburbs. including but not limited to Long Grove, Kildeer, Buffalo Grove, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, and Hawthorn Woods.

Facebook Profile: http://www.facebook.com/JudyGreenberg

Linkedin Profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/JudyGreenberg