Jim Zilinsky of Zilinsky Financial Services will give a presentation on taxes and how they relate to seniors at 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 30, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Road, Shorewood. Zilinsky will discuss deductions for seniors, charitable contributions, how Social Security is taxed, and how the 7-1/2% adjusted gross income works with medical deductions. Seniors face very different tax issues than younger people as there are several senior tax issues that only apply to people age 60+, such as: annuities benefits, long-term care and social security benefits. Zilinsky Financial Services (ZFS) provides assistance in the planning of company, as well as individual, overall financial affairs. ZFS serves as an adviser to provide current and accurate information in the areas of... 03/12/2009

The following properties have recently closed in the Champion Creek subdivision in Plainfield, IL: 11351  S. Churchill Dr. closed on 9/30/08 for $223,000 11604 S. Olympic Dr. closed on 9/22/08 for $235,000 11336 S. Preakness Dr. closed on 9/29/2008 for $237,000 11344 S. Churchill Dr. closed on 12/4/08 for $248,000 It looks as though many of the homes that closed in this neighborhood closed in September of 2008, just before the the economic crisis was announced in October.  There were also significant changes to the seller assisted down payment program that dramatically affected financing qualifications for buyers at about the same time.  There has been an increase in the spring market recently with pending transactions, as well as a spike in the amount of rentals taking place on the MLS... 03/10/2009

These homes have recently closed in the Prairie Knoll subdivision in Plainfield, IL: 13830 Trillium Ln. closed on 12/17/08 for $245,000 13826 Trillium Ln. closed on 10/31/08 for $250,000 13717 Marigold closed on 10/22/08 for $302,695 13916 Briar Ln. closed on 10/13/08 for $304,360 It looks as though the builder recently sold off their remaining homesites with the properties that sold in October of 2008, and they are no longer building new construction in the subdivision.  The Prairie Knoll Subdivision was built by Town & Country Homes, and construction in that area began in 2003.  The neighborhood features distinct and interesting architecture.  There is an annual $227 homeowners association fee for the neighborhood that is paid once a year. If you want to know what your home in the Pra... 03/10/2009

Plainfield, IL is located approximately 45 minutes southwest of downtown Chicago, on the border of the neighboring communities of Naperville, Romeoville, Joliet, Shorewood, Bolingbrook and Aurora. Real estate in Plainfield exploded in the mid to early 90’s as a new generation of home buyers sought affordable housing in the suburbs of the Chicago. Easy access to interstate I-55, the highly publicized Plainfield school district, and low county real estate taxes made Plainfield a top choice for buyers looking for affordable new construction. Plainfield became an alternative to the older communities in the northwest suburbs. Approximately 18 years after the buzz that made Plainfield one of the top 5 fastest growing cities in the nation, it is still going strong. As a 9 year resident of the ... 03/10/2009

The following properties recently closed in the Cumberland subdivision in Plainfield, IL: 6919 Great Falls Dr. closed on 1/23/09 for $100,000 2115 Three Forks Dr. closed on 9/15/08 for $130,200 2114 Cumberland Dr. closed on 1/23/09 for $149,000 6907 Applegate Dr. closed on 9/23/08 for $155,000 2114 Cumberland Dr. closed on 3/04/09 for $175,000 (resold by investor) 1718 Mystic Dr. closed on 11/14/08 for $190,000 1907 Cumberland Ct. closed on 1/27/09 for $195,000 1716 Mystic Dr. closed on 12/04/08 for $208,000   If you want to know what your home in the Cumberland subdivision is worth, or have a property in another subdivision in Plainfield, contact me at the tab on the top of this page or call me at 630-673-6233. It would be my pleasure to help you with any of your real estate questions.... 03/09/2009

The following properties have closed in the Heritage Meadows subdivision in Plainfield, IL: 12238 White Oak Dr. closed on 11/12/08 for $217,500 24309 Apple Tree closed on 9/22/08 for $265,000   If you want to know what your home in the Heritage Meadows subdivision is worth, or have a property in another subdivision in Plainfield, contact me at the tab on the top of this page or call me at 630-673-6233. It would be my pleasure to help you with any of your real estate questions. Are you behind in your mortgage payments?  You may qualify for a loan modification or short sale.  Call me to find out if you qualify for either of these programs. Julie Ferenzi | Realtor® Plainfield Real Estate 630-673-6233   03/09/2009

Event Date(s): 04/03/2009 - 04/03/2009Weekdays: FridayEvent Time: 8 p.m. Event Location: Van Horn Woods, located on Lily Cache Road just north of Caton Farm Road in PlainfieldContact Name: Kelly BanachContact Phone: (815) 436-8812 Web site: www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com Event Details: Boys and girls ages 10 to 12 will hunt for eggs filled with prizes, gift certificates, and candy. The cost is $5 per participant for residents and $7.50 per participant for non-residents. Participants are asked to bring their own flashlight. Registration is required by Monday, March 23. The event will take place rain or shine. Call LaNita Cates of REMAX of Joliet at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com. 03/09/2009

Event Date(s): 03/28/2009 - 03/28/2009Weekdays: SaturdayEvent Time: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. Event Location: Pioneer Lanes, 150 S. Joliet Rd., PlainfieldContact Name: Cheryl CrismanContact Phone: (815) 436-8812 Web site: www.plainfieldparkdistrict.com Event Details: The cost is $25 per bowler and includes three games, shoe rental, and one pizza per lane. The event will also feature door prizes and a raffle, with all proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Plainfield Park District Foundation. Tickets may be purchased at the Recreation/Administration Center, 23729 W. Ottawa St. (formerly 100 W. Ottawa St.), Plainfield. Call LaNita Cates of REMAX of Joliet at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com 03/09/2009

Event Date(s): 03/19/2009 - 03/19/2009Weekdays: ThursdayEvent Time: 6:30 p.m.Event Location: The Timbers of ShorewoodContact Name: JudyContact Phone: 815-609-0669Web site: www.timbers-shorewood.com Event Details: Singer and entertainer Chris Colletti performs at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood, IL.  Colletti is a popular Chicagoland entertainer, performing at area restaurants, hotels, conventions, festivals and in musical theater. His repertoire includes big band standards, ballads, Broadway classics and Italian love songs. Colletti has appeared in numerous roles in musical theatre including "Bye Bye Birdie," "Jesus Christ Superstar," "A Chorus Line," "The Music Man" and "Little Shop of Horrors."The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental... 03/09/2009

Event Date(s): 03/13/2009 - 03/27/2009Weekdays: FridayEvent Time: 6 p.m.Event Location: Lockport Street GalleryContact Name: Chere BatesContact Phone: 815 436 0370Event Details: The 14th annual Plainfield Central Student Art Show will be held at the Lockport Street Gallery in Downtown Plainfield.  Twentyfive students will display their art at the opening reception March 13th between 6 - 8 p.m.  The Gallery is located at 24028 Lockport Street and everyone is invited.  The show will continue for two weeks during which you may come in a view the art.  You may also view the art at the Gallery's web-site: lockportstreetgallery.com/Artshow1.htm Call LaNita Cates at REMAX of Joliet for your home buying and selling needs. 630-341-1545 or www.lanitacates.com 03/09/2009

The most recent real estate closings in the Caton Ridge Subdivision in Plainfield are: 6512 Cascade Ridge Dr. closed on 11/5/08 at $194,000 2217 Country Ridge Dr. closed on 12/3/08 at $215,000 2215 Cedar Ridge Dr. closed on 10/3/08 at $218,000 6501 Breckenridge Dr. closed on 2/27/09 at $252,450 If you want to know what your home in the Caton Ridge subdivision is worth, or have a property in another subdivision in Plainfield, contact me at the tab on the top of this page or call me at 630-673-6233. It would be my pleasure to help you with any of your real estate questions. Are you behind in your mortgage payments?  You may qualify for a loan modification or short sale.  Call me at 630-673-6233 to find out if you qualify for either of these programs. Julie Ferenzi | Realtor® Plainfield Re... 03/09/2009

  The most recent home sale closings in the Wesmere Subdivision in Plainfield are: 1702 Whispering Oaks Dr. closed on 1/29/09 for $120,000 2121 Willow Lakes Dr. closed on 9/12/08 for $173,000 2049 Winding Lakes Dr. closed on 10/31/08 for $180,000 5808 Lake Pointe Dr. closed on 1/16/09 for $190,000 1905 Prairie Ridge Dr. closed on 2/20/09 for $203,000 2200 Brindlewood Dr. closed on 3/3/09 for $206,000 1881 Westmore Grove Dr. closed on 12/19/08 for $208,000 5310 Floralwood Ct. closed on 12/15/08 for $211,000 1907 Spring Ridge Dr. closed on 1/30/09 for $215,000 5208 Brindlewood Dr. closed on 9/25/08 for $222,750 5406 Maple Glen Ct. closed on 9/10/08 for $228,000 5301 N Brier Glen Dr. closed on 10/17/08 for $255,000 1920 Chestnut Grove Dr. closed on 9/29/08 for $255,000 1714 Sierra Highland... 03/09/2009

Clearwater Springs and Aspen Falls most recent closings in Plainfield: 6983 Paradise Cir. closed on 10/14/2008 for $174,989 2709 Abode Dr. closed on 11/24/2008 for $211,000 6800 Bazz Dr. closed on 2/24/2009 for $260,000 During this time 16 neighborhood listings expired without selling.  Keep watching for more updates on neighborhood closings and market prices.  Do you want to know what your home is worth?  Click on the tab at the top of this page and submit your information. Julie Ferenzi | Realtor® Plainfield Real Estate 630-673-6233 03/08/2009

There were 16 closings on Plainfield town homes from February 8th through March 8th, 2009. They range in price from $90,000 all the way up to $305,000.  The property that sold for $90,000 was a foreclosure in the Carillon subdivision near I-55 and Weber Rd.  The property that sold for $305,000 was in the Creekside Crossing subdivision near Drauden and Indian Boundary Rds. In addition to the one foreclosure closing, 2 additional properties closed as short sales, which brings the total amount of distressed property sales for the last month to 18.7% in Plainfield. For an updated list of property closings in Plainfield, or for a complimentary Comparative Market Analysis, please contact me either by phone or by e-mail.  If you or someone you know are having trouble making your mortgage payme... 03/08/2009

In the past 30 days, 53 single family properties have closed in Plainfield, ranging in price from $114,000 to $644,000. Out of the 53 closings that took place, 20 homes, or 37.8%, were listed as short sales on the MLS.  Not surprising, the main bulk of the short sales took place on the lower price range homes under $200K. Of the homes that closed in Plainfield over the last 30 days, not included in the 37.8% were the actual bank-owned homes.  The MLS does not require special notation on homes that were bank-owned or REO's, and that information is most often determined by reading the agent remarks section of the listing.  In my opinion real estate seems to picking up, though many buyers are still on the fence about whether this is the really the right time to buy a house in Plainfield.  ... 02/25/2009

    The governments plan to help homeowners in foreclosure may leave you looking for answers as the specifics of the plan are hard to sift through.  Loan modifications through the private sector may be a better a better solution for homeowners in Plainfield and the surrounding communities. I have been working with Dan Garcia over the last 4 years in the foreclosure arena.  Dan performs both loan modifications and short sales for homeowners in foreclosure. The answer to turning this economy around is the ability to help the real estate market recovery from foreclosures.  In my opinion, there are two ways to do this: Clearing short sale properties from the market to keep them from competing with the regular real estate market by selling them quickly. Find a way for homeowners to renegotia... 02/25/2009

  Plainfield market times are creeping up as the inventory of homes exceeds the demand from buyers. In the last 3 months the average market time for a detached single family home in Plainfield was 166 days, but the break down of market time by the number of bedrooms is  a little more specific: 2 bedroom homes in Plainfield have an average market time of 148 days. 3 bedroom Plainfield homes sold in an average of 126 days, considerably shorter than the group average. 4 bedroom homes in Plainfield have an average market time of 184 days. 5 bedroom Plainfield homes sold in an average  of 209 days. From my interpretation of these numbers is that it seems that 3 bedroom homes sell faster than larger or smaller homes by a little over a month, which could be attributed to buyers entering the ma... 02/12/2009

Fourty-three Plainfield homes closed in the month of January, 2009. The lowest price was a short sale that sold for $100,000 and was a 4 bed/1 bath split level. The highest sold for $450,000 which was a 4 bed/3.1 bath 2 story home. Last year for the month of January, fourty-nine homes sold with the lowest sold at $169,900 with 4 bed/1.1 bath and was a 2 story. The highest sold for $685,000 and was a 5 bed/2.2 bath 2 story home. If you are looking to buy or sell in the Plainfield or surrounding area, please call LaNita Cates at REMAX at 630-341-1545 or visit www.lanitacates.com. 02/10/2009

  My phone has been ringing off the hook with families looking for rental homes here in Plainfield.  The Spring market is certainly in full swing as real estate heats up in the area. As of today there are 53 single family homes available for rent in Plainfield ranging in price from $1,275 up through $3,500 per month.  Most of the 3 bedroom homes range in rent from $1,450 to $1,600 with the price points for 4 bedroom homes jumping up from $1,650 to $2,500 on average. Many of these homes are available as a lease options, or the owners are willing to consider a sale at a later date. The process for signing a lease for a home in Plainfield can be done in just a few easy steps. 1. Fill out a Credit Check and Lease Application (which I can e-mail to you directly.) 2. Next we have to run a cre... 02/10/2009

Tony and I don’t get to go out alone very often.  Other than the occasional weddings over the last 2 1/2 years since our youngest son was born, I think we’ve been out without the kids only a handful of times.  Thanks to my in-laws, this past weekend was one of those rare occasions. We were celebrating Tony’s birthday so I left all the choices up to him.  He had no problem picking the movie, but dinner was up for grabs…  and we both refused to spend a night without kids cooped up in a booth a Applebee’s. (Don’t get me wrong, I love any eating establishment in which I don’t have to cook A while back a vendor for Passport Unlimited visited my real estate office and I bought a couple of these cards that offer a free entree with the purchase of another entree at participating restaurants.  ... 02/04/2009