Downers Grove Schools honored for excellence!

Seven Downers Grove schools in district 58 were named by the Illinois State Board of Education to the Illinois Honor Roll for 2008. The Honor Roll celebrates the accomplishments of excellent public schools in the state. Belle Aire, Highland, Hillcrest, Herrick, Henry Puffer, Indian Trail and Pierce Downer schools have been recognised for sustaining very high academic performance over at least three years. In the 388 elementary schools that received Academic Excellence Awards for 2008, at least 90 percent of students met or exceeded state standards in reading and mathematics for at least three consecutive years. In addition, all Academic Excellence Schools have received Adequate Yearly Progress for the past two years.

Downers Grove Dogs

July is National Hot Dog Month. Several Downers Grove Spots come to mind... Teddy's Red Hots, 6310 Main St., Downers Grove (630) 968-8444

Portillo's Hot Dogs, 1500 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove (630) 495-9033-

Scooby's Red Hots 4319 Prince St., Downers Grove (630) 769-1678 and

Boagie's 5231 S. Main St., Downers Grove (630) 241-3890...Which is your favorite???

FHA Condo Financing Rule Change

New HUD condo guidelines lift outright ban on right of first refusal – On June 12, 2009, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued Mortgagee Letter 2009-19, which outlines changes aimed at streamlining the approval process for FHA financing for condominium projects. In this Mortgagee Letter, HUD announces a new policy and procedure whereby qualifying lenders will be able to determine condominium project eligibility. But there are other important changes in the letter that will apply to both lender-approved and HUD-approved condominium projects, including a provision stating, “Right of first refusal is permitted unless it violates discriminatory conduct under the Fair Housing Act regulation in 24 CFR 100”, essentially lifting HUD’s long-standing policy of denying all condominium projects with a right of first refusal provision.

Downers Grove Free Tuesday Eve. Concerts

Tueday evenings this Summer starting at 7PM come to Fischel Park in Downtown Downers Grove for free Concerts...http://www.dgparks.org/supportdata/concert%20event%20listing%20-%20website.pdf

I have a nice corner condo in Park Grove condominiums overlooking the park! 2BR, 2 Bath now priced at $189,000. It's a steal!!!

Downers Grove Heritage Fest is Comming!

HERITAGE FESTIVAL: JUNE 26, 27 & 28, 2009
"You Can Still Rock in America" in Downers Grove! Night Ranger will be perfoming on Friday, June 26 at the Beer Garden Stage. A $5 cover will be collected at the gate with proceeds to benefit the 1846 Blodgett House On the Move organization. Rich and I will be there!!!

Top Ten Home Sale Killers...

1. Dirt-invite Mrs. clean over.

2. Odors-get another opinion, we can't smell odors in our own home-be especially aware of pet and smoking odors.

3. Old fixtures-brass is out! Spend a few dollars on new cabinet hardware and new doorknobs for your interior doors. Update ceiling fans and light fixtures.

4. Wallpaper-buyers just hate it! I have had people not buy a very nice home because of it, they just bought a similiar home with no wallpaper.

5. Popcorn acoustic ceilings-screams 1970's.

6. Too many personal items-take down trophies, family photos and place a mirror in a strategic spot. You want the buyer to picture themself in the home!

7. Snoopy Sellers-leave the house when agents are showing!

8. Misrepresenting your home-be honest about any negatives.

9. Poor Curb Appeal-wash windows, pick up newspapers, trim bushes, power wash siding.

10. Clutter-rent a storage locker if you have to! You don't want your home to look small!

Downtown Downers Grove Car Show

Check out the Downtown Downers Grove Classic Car Show every Friday Night from 6-9 PM (except 6/26/09) Now through September 4th! Every week has a different theme and there is live music with a different band every week! This is also a great time to check out some of the fabulous shops and restaurants in the neighborhood!