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As a Vernon Hills Realtor , I love to all the attend the wonderful festivals, Vernon Hills has to offer. Vernon Hills residents had a new location for socialization when Vernon Hills rolled out its first RibFest this past weekend. This fun filled event ran last Friday and Saturday night at Little Bear Lake in Century Park.

Hungry attendees had their choice of five rib vendors serving up sample servings and full platters. If you unfortunately missed this event, the rib vendors included Sweet Baby Ray’s from Wood Dale, Uncle Bubs from Westmont, Real Urban Barbeque from Highland Park, Smokin’ T’s from Long Grove, and The Full Slab from Third Lake. After tasting the many varieties of ribs, the mostly adult crowd indulged in corn, funnel cakes, and tasty treats in addition to ribs. The beer tent was hopping both nights. Read the rest of this entry »

Roll, Smash and Launch those Halloween Pumpkins at the Vernon Hills Pumpkin Launch.

It’s November 3rd.  The Halloween decorations are put away, the candy is almost eaten and the subsequent dental visits have been planned.  But what to do about all the leftover pumpkins and jack-o-lanters?  Just when I thought my carefully carved jack-o-lanterns would be nothing by landfill by Friday, I stumbled upon information about the Vernon Hills Pumpkin Launch. 

On Saturday, November 6th at 11am, you and your family can take your leftover pumpkins to the Century Park Sled Hill in Vernon Hills and toss, roll and launch your pumpkins for a fun-filled afternoon.  Students from the Vernon Hills High School science department will be there with a catapult to help your little ones launch those leftovers into the atmosphere.  The cost is $3 per person and limited to one pumpkin per participant.

I don’t know about you, but I know my kids will be giggling themselves silly watching those pumpkins fly through the air and our pumpkins will get one more chance to provide joy for the family.  For more information, please call the Vernon Hills Park District at (847) 996-6800.

Judy Greenberg’s websites www.vernonhills-homes-for-sale.com and www.buffalogroveareahomes.com provide all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential buyer or seller.  If you are a first time home buyer trying to determine how much you can afford, or an experienced buyer who is selling your home, Judy can help you with all your real estate needs .  As a seller you benefit from Judy’s savvy internet marketing skills and strong negotiating skills, and as a buyer you benefit from her passion for finding you your perfect home!

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.

Firm Up and Have Fun with Mat and Reformer Pilates at the Vernon Hills Life Time Fitness Center

Do you want to feel better, have flatter abs and stand up straighter?   Are you new to the Vernon Hills area and are looking for an effective and fun workout? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, I guarantee you that trying out the pilates classes at Life Time Fitness in Vernon Hills will not leave you disappointed.

Jess Glazer at Life Time Fitness located in Vernon Hills  is a both a certified mat pilates and reformer instructer.  She has developed a passion for pilates by noticing extreme benefits not only in her body, but as well as her activities such as golf, running, skiing and even scuba diving (aiding in breathing techniques).  Jess believes pilates is the best method of stretching and strengthening her client’s body and through consistent practice Jess helps her clients achieve a toner, balanced and stronger body.

Although Jess’s classes fill up fast, there are a few spots left.  You can call or text Jess at 847-922-0878 if you would like to join her very popular pilates classes.

Vernon Hills Rental Insurance- Don’t Delay if You Are Renting a Home

As the number of Vernon Hills residents that rent homes is dramatically increasing,  a new survey released today by Allstate finds most Illinois renters are inadequately prepared to protect homes and belongings.  Although homeowners coverage is required as a part of most mortgages, the approximate 1.2 million Illinois residents who rent their homes face no such insurance requirement.  Without that requirement,  just over half of Illinois renters (51 percent) report they have renter’s insurance to cover their property in case of loss.   In my opinion, if a disaster strikes whether it be fire, robbery or other tragedy, you will be devasted enough and won’t want to worry about replacing your belongings. 

In addition to purchasing the renter’s insurance, I recommend to my Vernon Hills clients the following action plan to protect themselves from  any disaster:

1. Do a home inventory checklist. 
2. Take photographs or videotape your possessions to help document what you own.  A picture is not only worth a thousand words, but it can also alleviate a lot of    headaches and aggrevation.
3. Go to www.allstate.com/renters-insurance to download a home inventory checklist and for additional important information.  While I do not endorse one insurance company over the over for coverage, I do believe Allstate has a good checklist.  You can check other insurance companies for their own personal home inventory list.
4. After you complete steps 1 and 2 place these important documents  and pictures in a safe deposit box.

Whether you are an executive of Motorola, HSBC, Allstate, CDW or any other company located in the Vernon Hills area, contact me and I will find you the perfect rental opportunity.   Currently, I have a penthouse rental available iat 425 Benjamin in Vernon Hills.  It is completely furnished with stunning furniture.  Call me or email me if you would like to see this gorgeous spacious condo.

Judy Greenberg’s website, vernonhills-homes-for-sale.com, provides all the information regardless as to whether you are a potential 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.

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!