The following is a more intense look at the real estate issues in Oak Park, River Forest and Elmwood Park. There is so much to buying a home that it is clear not all can be told on this websites page. I urge you read this and then call or email for further assistance.

Oak Park

This clean, lively, and diverse village on the western edge of Chicago is known to many as the "hot" place to live in the Chicago area. Why is Oak Park so desirable and what does that mean to you in terms of real estate? There are almost too much to list but here is a start:

• Oak Park is a quaint village setting only 15 to 20 minutes from downtown Chicago by expressway or transit system.

• The village is one of the only communities so close to downtown Chicago where buyers can find 1 bedroom condos starting at $100k or vintage 6+ bedroom estate homes selling for more than $2 million. All of this on beautiful streets lined with 150-year-old elm, oak and maple trees. We have some new construction condo and townhouse developments but the majority of our homes and dwellings are vintage dating as far back as the mid to late 1800's. New construction single-family homes are rare. We have such a vast historic preservation district making teardowns virtually impossible.

• Our School System. Many buyers say to me, "I don't have kids so I don't care about the schools." My canned response is, "You better care about the schools and all programs for children! Because they are so good they are governing a large portion of home valuations in Oak Park!"

• Our property taxes are high and for good reason. We enjoy one of the best public school systems in the Chicago area. We hardly have any large industry. Our public works system is professional, strict, and timely and keeps this town in immaculate condition. (I remember a few winters back we received about 36 inches of snow throughout the period of a day or two. My alley was regularly cleared during the storm and our traffic was back to normal within hours of the last flake. If my friends in Chicago didn't live on a major throughway - they didn't get to use their cars for three days.) We love our police and fire departments and they are good! Our lush parks and the district programs can keep families busy all year. In other words, is it worth the extra annual expense? Everyday! Again, too many benefits to list here.

• In Oak Park the seller pays the local transfer stamps of $8 per thousand on the sale price of the home. There is no code type inspection prior to closing of the transaction but read on...

• Because we live in a very architecturally significant village, local building, maintenance, restoration, and rehabilitation code is very strict. Alterations to current structures are subject to the following commission approvals: architectural, zoning, and historic preservation. See "Why Choose Steve".

Find out about this market for yourself. Take a morning, let me give you a tour and see some homes.

River Forest

River Forest is a mostly family oriented real estate market just west of Oak Park. It's greenery and sprawling homes on large lots will take your breath away.

• River Forest is much smaller in size than Oak Park and also has little industry to support the tax needs so the property taxes will be similar to Oak Park.

• You can find condos that will start in the upper $100k range and go all the way to single-family estate type homes that are well into the $3 million range.

• River Forest Schools. I stated that Oak Park enjoys one of the best public school systems in the Chicago area. Well, River Forest only has 2 public grade schools and they have historically been ranked two of the top five public grade schools in the state. How does this transfer to the real estate market? The home and property values of River Forest will be consistently higher than Oak Park. The line between the two has been getting vague over the years as Oak Park's national popularity has surged but you can say that a very nice 3 bedroom home in Oak Park worth in the low to mid $400k range would be worth in the mid $500k range in River Forest. Please keep in mind I make a very general statement for the purpose of example.

• Lot Size. The River Forest lots are usually larger than Oak Park lots. The homes have more land to the street and more space between the neighbors. Another reason for higher home prices in River Forest.

• Like Oak Park, one can say there is a north and south section of River Forest. Again, take advantage of my offer to show you around!

• In River Forest the seller pays the local transfer stamps of $1 per thousand on the sale price of the property. There is a pre-closing inspection of the home by the village but it is not a code type inspection.

Elmwood Park

Elmwood Park has a thriving real estate market. It is located just north of River Forest. Its lot sizes will be smaller and the homes will not be as expensive as a comparable home in Oak Park or River Forest. This makes the community a wonderful near west suburban starter area. Like Oak Park, Elmwood Park has a quaint town center. There is more industry in Elmwood Park earning Cook County and the village more revenue thus the property taxes are less compared to the two villages above. Like Oak Park, Elmwood Park has families with deep roots. It is a village where people seem to "come back and settle."

Elmwood Park is a little younger than Oak Park and River Forest. Most condo buildings will be no more than 50-60 years old and the homes will be of similar age. From Georgians to gingerbread Tudors the style of homes and their appearance with their meticulously groomed gardens makes this village almost storybook in nature. The average 3 bedroom home will be in the mid $200k range.

Elmwood Park has a beauty that I have yet to find in any other Chicago community. That beauty is the abundant presence of spectacular magnolia trees. There is a season for their bloom in early spring that is amazing. I love driving the streets of Elmwood Park during this time. Let me be your guide and come see this wonderful area.

• In Elmwood Park the seller pays the local transfer stamps of $5 per thousand on the sale price of the home.

• Elmwood Park has a very strict local inspection system when a seller wants to sell their property. The home is inspected by the village and checked for zoning or code violations. All violations must be remedied prior to closing. One would think the seller is responsible for these remedies but the cost of the repairs and the actual act of the repairs often becomes a negotiable item between buyer and seller. No two transactions are the same. All the village cares about is that the remedies are performed. If the seller doesn't have them finished by the time of the closing then the buyer must sign a document stating the remedies will be performed within a certain time period after closing and those remedies are subject to re-inspection. There are many ways in which this scenario can be played. Let me guide you through this process.

	About You
* Your Name:
* Your Email Address:
Your Street Address:
City:
State:
Country:
Zip/Postal Code:
Phone:
	About Your Move
When Are You Moving?
Where Are You Moving?
	About Your Home Search
Your Price Range?
Number Of Bedrooms?
Number Of Bathrooms?
Home Size In Square Feet?
	About Your Home
Your Preferred Selling Price?
Number Of Bedrooms?
Number Of Bathrooms?
Home Size In Square Feet?
	Additional Info
* Please Enter More Details, Along With Any Comments, Concerns, Or Questions. The more details you give the better I can assist you. What can I do for you?
Send Latest Listings:
Send Latest News:

*Please note that fields marked with an asterisk are required.

Quick Response Guarantee > I Guarantee Your Privacy > Free & Without Obligation >

First Time Buyers >A Matter of Timing Buying real estate can sometimes involve tricky timing. For example, you may have found the perfect house and are thinking about making an offer, but are feeling pressured to make a decision just when you want time to consider the matter. The agent tells you that another party is thinking about making an offer, so you shouldn't hesitate if you really want the house. What should you do? Trust your agent! It is natural to feel some pressure from even the most easy-going real estate agent--and some uncertainty about making an offer. If you really like a house, there is always the possibility that someone else will share your enthusiasm for it. Whether your local market is active or sluggish, it is sensible to assume that another offer is likely to come in. Perhaps you can afford to "sleep on it", but moving as quickly as possible will minimize the possibility that the house will go to another buyer. See All Tips In The "First Time Buyers" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Q  What is considered the primary factor distinguishing buyers of prestigious properties from the average home buyer? A  Financing doesn't worry these buyers; they often put down 40 percent or more or pay cash for a property See More Real Estate Trivia >