Archives of real estate blog entries for March 01, 2012

Featured blog posts


By Ginny Gorman, Homes for Sale in Southern RI and beyond
(RI Real Estate Services ~ 401-529-7849~ RI Waterfront Real Estate)
Anonymous No More...What Face Recognition Gains for You. Perhaps more than you think if you are a blogger, on line or not hiding behind a work bench!  If you do not have a face to remember  don't worry but if you are out and about in the online community being seen and remembered but not placed, the fingers wag.  How is that?  You know this is Rhode Island and everyone is connected with the less than 6 degrees of separation here.  It is just the way it is. This is not about the Hollywood glamour picture either.  It is about you as a person out and about doing your business, networking, hobbies, community service and sharing all you have to offer to the followers, friends, families and catch you while I can viewers.  Letting the 'true' self shine through is what it is about in the blog s...
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By Liz and Bill Spear, Transaction Alliance Cincinnati & Dayton suburbs
(Transaction Alliance 513.520.5305 www.LizTour.com)
Maybe There IS A Use For Listing Emails After All! I'll be frank.  I've disliked listing emails for quite awhile, they're just this side of spam to me, especially when it's from an agent well outside our market area!  It's probably a GREAT listing tool..."Yes Mr. & Mrs. Seller, I'll make sure 100,000 agents know your property is for sale!".  And maybe it makes total sense if you're operating with agents who don't know how to set up their MLS for auto-searches.  If it works for you, more power to you!  We all make different marketing choices. Personally, I'd rather do a blog post to the entire world and let the buyers find it! And if you do love listing emails, just one favor please....learn how to resize your photos so you send out something less than 10 MB in file size!  With more and ...
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By Debbie Gartner, The Flooring Girl & Blog Stylist -Dynamo Marketers
(The Flooring Girl)
Yes, it's true, and it was one of the smartest business decisions I ever made! Two and half years ago, I started to get really busy, and I couldn't keep up with all the phone calls.  Many of them would happen while I was in appointments with customers (and I didn't want to answer then), and I would find my voicemail would constantly fill up.  Then, if it was full, I was always in this dilemma...should I answer (and interupt the person I was with) or let it go. If it was a private number, I wouldn't even be able to call them back. The other issue I had is that I used to have many paid leads (coming from places like Service Magic), which required calling someone right away - within 5 minutes.  (although calling within 60 seconds was much better).  I couldn't be present everywhere, and I f...
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By Charita Cadenhead, Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)
(eXp Realty)
But I Represent My Client Not Yours I'm one of those agents that believes that our work is not without empathy for the party on the other side of the transaction.  Trust me, I feel for your client and their hardship and the sad stories that come along with their situation.  But empathetic or not, I can't put the best interest of your client over the best interest of my own client. Yes I know s/he has had a really hard time with the mortgage payments, loss of job, divorce and some loss of loved ones.  And trust me when I say, my heart goes out to the seller, but in the end, I can't put the best interest of your seller before the best interest of my buyer. Yes, I know that the buyer is struggling with the required 3% down payment and could use the full 6% seller contribution to closing co...
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By Mimi Foster, Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor
(Falcon Property Company)
I don't want to panic you, BUT . . . We search on the internet all day, every day, for information.  Houses, illnesses, people, events, books, old sweethearts . . . you name, we search for it. But have you ever searched for something on Google that you wouldn't want the WHOLE WIDE WORLD (or the WWW) to know about? Well, look out.  If you have a Google account (gmail, Android, Google Search, YouTube, etc.), Google has changed their Privacy Policy today, and everything that you have ever searched for in a Google search will now be publicly available unless you do something about it. So if you want to clear out your web history and keep Google from keeping PUBLIC record of where you search, here are some simple steps to help you out: Go to your Web History and enter your password if prompt...
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By Karen Crowson, Your Agent for Change
(Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage)
Need to Sell vs. Want to Sell Those who fall in the first category have far less to consider. Job relocation, a major life change, or financial distress may have made the decision for you. The price the house will fetch is of course still important, but these sellers are more pragmatic when it comes to price, as in these cases, it’s not the driving factor. Here are a few scenarios: NEED TO SELL Job relocation – having a steady income, increased income or retaining a job will trump what the market value of the home is. Many times, the employer is offsetting some of the seller’s costs to sell. Divorce – neither party can effectively move on with their lives unless the shared property can be liquidated Debt burden – if the seller can no longer afford the house payments, then selling may be...
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By Cynthia Larsen, Independent Broker In Sonoma County, CA
As a real estate broker, I am constantly traveling back and forth between towns and Cities within Sonoma County. And as well as I think I know my County, I'm quite often surprised when I find that a home isn't in the City I thought it was in. There is a line of demarcation somewhere, dividing jurisdictions from one City to another, but that line is invisible. And sometimes it moves. This isn't usually a problem, until I find myself needing assistance. Real Estate, as every agent knows, isn't the safest job in the world. Agents meet with people they have never met in homes they have never been in. Because of this, I store the contact numbers of every police and sheriffs department in my cell phone. Today is one of those days where I need to find out who I should call in case I find mysel...
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By Dr. Paula McDonald, Granbury, TX 936-203-0279
(Beam & Branch Realty)
WHAT IS SPRINGING UP IN YOUR AREA? A NEW AR CONTEST! Spring is in the air and it seems like a dandy(lion) time to introduce another Active Rain Contest!  Who doesn't love a contest that helps our businesses take root, grow and bloom into a garden of success?  Oh stop it you say with all of the puns - sorry but I am having too much fun with this! Alright so here's the dirt: (the contest basics) - easy, peasy: Write at least TWO blog posts each week during the month of March for a grand total of 8 blog posts. The focus of these posts is to be on activities, businesses and events in your local area.  Basically great Localism posts full of great information about Spring events in your area. Each post must contain at least ONE link to the event or business. You do not need to title the post ...
Comments 211
By Cathy Criado, Making Real Estate Profitable
(Criado Realty )
They don't blog. They don't blog well (or consistently).  [In response to a reader, you may blog well but your market may be bad. You may blog consistently but not providing content that buyers/sellers find valuable.]   Now for the long answer..... 1.  Only quitters are losers. Every successful person has failed experiences but the ones who rise above it become stronger.  2.  Your mental position is everything. The Little Engine That Could says it all. That may be the best book of all times to share with your kids. It sets the life stage. I share these two life truths to set the stage since I know there are online marketing neigh sayers reading.  I have over 10 years of marketing experience, a BBA (Marketing) and a MBA (Strategic Marketing), but it doesn't take a MBA to be successful, j...
Comments 91
By Christine McDaniel, Broker Associate
(Christine McDaniel Realty, LLC)
My For Sale Listing is being advertised for RENT BY SOMEONE ELSE!   We all get the occasional phone call asking if our sellers are interested in renting their home.  I had two such calls in a row today.  The calls were one right after the other.   I asked the second caller where she had seen the property advertised for rent.  She said it was on Trulia listed for rent.  Now my listing is on Trulia but as for sale by BROKER.  I quickly looked it up and sure enough there it was under for rent.  It showed up as newly listed.  There is a disconnected local phone number with the “listing” and an agent   I scrolled to the bottom to see that it was syndicating from Postlets.com.  I had used Postlets.com prior to the Zillow take over when it was an independent pay website.  Once Zillow took ove...
Comments 57
By Donna Harris, Realtor,Mediator,Ombudsman,Property Tax Arbitrator
(Donna Homes, powered by JPAR - TexasRealEstateMediationServices.com)
In today's real estate market, many buyers are opting for the FHA route for obtaining their mortgage. FHA loans are different from Conventional loans in many ways, mainly an FHA loan is a Government loan that only requires a 3.5% down payment and a Conventional loan isn't, and it requires a minimum of 5% down payment.  Last year, the fees and Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP) had a change in their calculations. This caused many home buyers to be priced out of the market with their payments going up considerably.As of April 1, 2012, FHA has yet again, changed their fees and MIP calculations. This change shouldn't price people out of the market, but there is a difference in payments that will make people say, "I'm paying how much more for the same house because of fees?"After April 1, 201...
Comments 56
By Cindy Westfall, ABR,GRI Your Tualatin & Portland Metro Real Estate
(Premiere Property Group,LLC Portland Metro & Suburbs Oregon)
My Day In Court as a Juror in Clackamas County   I woke yesterday morning feeling a mixture of excited nervousness. This was not only my first time going through the jury duty process...but also the first time I'd ever be in a courtroom. Oh..I've seen my share of court shows, but I also know they are TV...so was really interested in the real thing. If you're called to serve jury duty in Clackamas county, you'll recieve notice in the mail. After calling the night before to see if my number was called, I was on my way to Oregon City where the Courthouse is. It was fun (not)trying to find parking, so I'd highly recommend that you just go to the lot on the corner of 12th & Main in Oregon City, and pay the $5 for five hours. Once they get things going, you have little time to do much...espec...
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Blog posts


By Joshua Zargari, MJ Decorators Workshop
(MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating)
MJ DECORATORS WORKSHOP--516-599 3569     03/01/12 Upholstered Headboards  This is an upholstered headboard that was mounted on the wall.The way it was made was by installing a horizontal 1 by 6That was cut at 45 degrees on the back of the headboard and another 1 by 6 cut at 45 degrees that was mounted on the wall.The headboard rest on top of the horizontal 1 by 6.It is secure and very easy to remove.I like it...
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By Valorie L. Easter, Valorie Easter & Co, Charlottesville/Albemarle Rea
(eXp Realty)
CALL UNLEASHED REAL ESTATE: Valorie Ford => 434.327.6900 OR CLICK HERE TO REACH A CHARLOTTEVILLE HOME MARKETING SPECIALIST          Unleashed Real Estate: Valorie Ford Office: 434-220-2200 Cell: 434-327-6900   Email   Your Local Real Estate Connection Get a positive, helpful partner for buying or selling a home! Trusted resource for answers about the process Innovative marketing strategies Expertise about neighborhood features Ability to target home searches Strong negotiation skills Support through the closing and beyond
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By Sam Cooper, Sam Cooper Howard Hanna Real Estate
(Howard Hanna Real Estate)
New England Acres Pickerington, Sam Cooper HER Realtors, Nantucket Ave.   Sam Cooper HER Realtors just put another home in contract in Pickerington Ohio. Sam Cooper is the selling agent, buyers representative of 421 Nantucket Ave. Pickerington Ohio 43147. This home is listed with HER Realtors.   421 Nantucket Ave. Pickerington Ohio 43147 features over 1600 square feet of living space with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a basement, attached 2 car garage, fireplace, living room, 1st floor laundry and dining room. New England Acres Pickerington Ohio is a charming neighborhood located just west of Milnor Rd. off of Blacklick Eastern Rd.   If you know anyone thinking of buying or selling a home in Pickerington Ohio, please have them contact Sam Cooper with HER Realtors. Sam Cooper is one of the top ...
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Who: All interested parties are welcome! What: Open House - Home for Sale  When: Sunday, March 4, 2012 - 11:00 - 1:00 Where: 1310 Widgeon Way - Buffalo, MN 55313 Info: $154,900 - Very nice split entry with 3-car attached garage. Deck off the dining room and patio off of the lower level family room walk out to the back yard. Upper level is bright and open with laminate floors, kitchen has walk-in pantry. LL is nicely finished. Click here for more info and photos. Lindsay QuadyCathy Quady Edina Realtywww.thequadygroup.com  *Listing courtesy of McAlpine Team - Edina Realty                                        
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By Carol-Ann Palmieri, "Cal" the Real Estate Gal
(RE/MAX Executive Realty, Al and Cal Realty Group)
Another Franklin MA Home Sold by Al and Cal Remax Executive 599 Old West Central Unit D1 at Ledgewood Condominium, 599 Old West Central St., Franklin Ma has a new owner today.     This Buyer made a very smart purchase.    A two bedroom, 1 bath, 1st floor condo was sold for $95,000.     A teriffic value considering that the rent for a like unit would be more than the monthly mortgage fee!   Congratulations to the new owners!     If you are looking to buy a home in the Franklin MA are or if you are interested in Selling your Franklin MA area home, please give the Al and Cal Realty Group of Remax Executive Realty a call.   508-494-9061 or send an email to Cal@alandcal.com Another Home Sold! Al and Cal Remax Executive Realty 508-494-9061 Overview Maps Photos Features Description Market Stat...
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By Dolores "Dee" Mauriello, Realtor, Homes For Sale Wayne NJ
(Keller Willaims )
Real Estate in Wayne New Jersey Selling real estate in Wayne New Jersey for Dolores Mauriello involves making every effort to reach her client's real estate goals and many hours of community involvement to benefit the real estate industry in Passaic County. Dolores Mauriello enjoys her commitment as Chairperson of the Affiliate Member committee of the Passaic County Board of REALTORS. Who are affiliate members of the Passaic County Board of REALTORS or PCBOR? Through many years of experience as a local real estate professional serving the Passaic, Bergen and Morris County areas, Dolores has made contacts with top notch individuals that have supported her to successfully market, close and sell homes in the Wayne NJ area. A real estate transaction is very dynamic, at any moment there can ...
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By Lennar Homes, Southwest Florida
(Lennar Homes Southwest Florida)
  Treviso Bay, located in the heart of Naples, is one of the newest entries into the luxury golf club arena in Naples Florida. Treviso Bay brings a fresh approach to the country club lifestyle that is so common place in Naples. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped parks, relax by the flowing fountains and walk the bike paths for miles!  Lennar Homes is introducing the new Toscana model for Treviso Bay. This model is ideal for entertaining with it’s open kitchen, family room and patio areas. This home features a cavernous en suite master bedroom with a large walk-in closet boasting a spacious 2,553 square feet. Lennar’s Everything’s Included features: Granite Countertops, Upgraded GE Monogram appliances, front load washer/dryer, crown molding in the living areas and high impact windows t...
Comments 1
By Joshua Zargari, MJ Decorators Workshop
(MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating)
MJ DECORATORS WORKSHOP  516-599 3569 Specializing in: Upholstered walls, Headboards, and Window treatments. In this photo You can see an Upholstered Shadow Box that I built from the ceiling to the floor. Inside the Upholstered Shadow Box I mounted the drapes that were mad from a silk print fabric. Behind the drapes I mounted Vignette shade for privacy.  
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By Doria Davis
(Main Street Properties)
  This Home Has It ALL!!!   Home Photos Local Schools       Courtesy: DORIA DAVIS Main Street Properties, Inc. 850-291-0684 DoriaDavis@Hotmail.com Licensed In:Florida     2906 MONICA LN CANTONMENT, FL 32533 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms : 2 (2 full) List Price: $154,900 Living Area Approx : 1701     Welcome Home to 2906 Monica Ln. This home is situated in a 1 acre lot with a very private and peaceful setting. This unique floor plan is not only spacious, it is also very practical. The family room features vaulted ceilings, tiled floors, and a wood burning fire place with decorative mantel. The kitchen offers a breakfast bar, pantry, and plenty of cabinet and counter space. This home also offers a dining area with French Doors that open to the Florida Room. The master bedroom offers more than en...
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By Jason E. Gordon, Sr Loan Officer, CMA, CMPS, CDLP, CDRE, RCSD, CDPE
(CMG Mortgage, San Diego, CA)
Leap Day was painful for mortgage rates! What can we expect from mortgage rates in the month of March? All Real Estate Professionals & Consumers are advised to stay informed about interest rates and learn THE TRUTH BEHIND MORTGAGE QUOTES to insure the best financial decisions are being made without the distraction of marketing gimmicks. Whether you're a newbee, market analyst (or somewhere in between), keep yourself informed of where mortgage interest rates are going (and why) by subscribing to this daily update. The Mortgage Street Smarts of where mortgage interest rates are going (and why): The following information is current as of Thursday 3-1-2012 and will help you understand todays best mortgage rates. If you are a Buyer/Borrower who is still on the fence (or if you are a Real Est...
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    Happy Thursday! Welcome Wellesley Home Investors. Just one new condo listing today. Wellesley still have plenty of Condo inventory to choose, take another look at some of the previously listed condos For Single Family Homes, 22 new homes since my last update. A good day for new inventory. One lone new mulit-family listing today, check it out. (grand total of 24 today).. Lots of good stuff today, look it over. Make this a great day! martin road wellesley home 3 bedrooom home for sale on martin road. Listed by Melissa DaileyColdwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Wellesley - Central St. bay view rd wellesley home 4 bedrooom home for sale on bay view rd. Listed by Alyson KarpowiczPrudential Town and Country forest st wellesley home 5 bedrooom home for sale on forest st. Listed by Debi ...
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By Matt Bednarz
(CT Basement Systems Radon Inc.)
Radon in schools was a featured segment on NBC Today yesterday morning.  It highlighted the fact that many school systems across the country are knowingly turning a blind eye to needless exposures by our young school children.  The State of CT is one of only 5 states that require schools to be tested for radon. The State of CT guidelines for testing for radon in schools is also a practical guideline for performing radon tests in any large building.  The synopsis of the guideline; any frequently occupied room in contact with the soil should be tested for radon.  Food for thought when listing commercial property or very large residential dwellings. CT Basement Systems Radon Inc. has successfully mitigated over 80 school systems.  This doesn't include a number of new schools, or new addit...
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By Joshua Zargari, MJ Decorators Workshop
(MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating)
MJ DECORATORS WORKSHOP  516-599 3569 Specializing in: Upholstered walls, Headboards, and Window treatments. In this photo You can see an Upholstered Shadow Box that I built from the ceiling to the floor. Inside the Upholstered Shadow Box I mounted the drapes that were mad from a silk print fabric. Behind the drapes I mounted Vignette shade for privacy.  
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Eagle Valley in Algonquin Eagle Valley is a subdivision of single family homes built in the mid 2000's. Eagle Valley is located in Algonquin south of Algonquin Road and west of Main (Route 31). Activity in Eagle Valley for the past 6 months Homes Sold Lowest Price Highest Price Average Price 0 $0 $0 $0 -Algonquin-   Address City Beds Baths Model List Price Status 625 Harper Dr Algonquin 3 3.1   $325,000 Active 705 Harper Dr Algonquin 0 0   $57,900 Active 400 Harper Dr Algonquin 4 3.1   $359,000 Active 715 Harper Dr Algonquin 4 3.1 Custom $325,000 Active 615 Harper Dr Algonquin 0 0   $80,000 Active 
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By Carie Shapiro
(North Shore Suburbs & Chicago Real Estate)
Both of my grandmothers had PhDs in Worrying.  And, although I'm pedigreed when it comes to worrying, the following statement made perfect sense to me when I heard it long ago:  Worrying Is Like Rocking In A Rocking Chair – It Gives You Something To Do But It Doesn’t Get You Anywhere!  So, when will I finally learn? Several weeks ago, I joined my fellow Jazzercisers in a Dallas Mavericks halftime routine -- benefitting the Pink Ribbons Project. Every day leading up to the game I worried about the following: I hope I won’t forget the steps, trip, fall, or faint during the performance I hope they won’t put me in the middle because I’m petite and no one will notice me I hope they won’t put me in the front row because I’m petite and everyone will notice me I hope my new jazz pants won’t mak...
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By K.C. McLaughlin, Realtor, e-PRO, Homes for Sale - Cary, Raleigh NC
(RE/MAX United)
  Eva Perry Library’s MarioKart Tourney will be held on March 3rd from 1-4 PM. The best video game players will be competing for the title of Best MarioKart Player in the area. All kids in 6th grade and older and welcome to comptete. There will be Nintendo 64 consoles and games available for free play. The top 3 winners will be awarded prizes. To register for this event, call 919-387-2100. Eva Perry Library is located at 2100 Shepherds Vineyard Drive in Apex.
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By Team Cudd - Jeremy & Dana
(Property Executives Realty)
Did you know that REALTOR.com® is the most visited real estate website in the nation?  Consumers rely on Realtor.com because they pull direct feeds from over 933 MLSs and update the data every 15 minutes (according to the article).  This data includes Northstar MLS which provides Multipal Listing Service to the Hudson / River Falls and Twin Cities area.    Now that the world is going mobile, Realtor.com has made it easy for consumers to search for homes on the go.  Zillow.com, another leading real estate website, also has a compreable mobile app.    For more information on these apps go to:  http://realtytimes.com/newsfiles/realtimes2.nsf/rtpages5.1/20120301_reapp.htm         Thanks for the opportunity to win your business, I intend to earn it!   Jeremy Cudd Property Executives Realty, ...
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By Tammy Lankford,, Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville
(Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668)
I hear it all the time, agents telling how they don't work with someone without proof of funds or pre-approval letter.  I understand it, although it's not ALWAYS what I practice. It depends on what the person is searching for.  When someone comes into my office and is searching for a half million dollar second home I rarely ask, and it's never NOT happened because they didn't have the cash or the ability to finance.  Not once. I also get calls from frustrated first time home buyers and frustrated people looking for a "steal" on the lake.  They call about the $65,000 "lake" home and ask how deep the water is and what the view is like.  They are frustrated because no one will show them property without some "letter".  When I listen to them I get the mental image I've shown left.  Big Agen...
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By Doria Davis
(Main Street Properties)
  Peaceful And Friendly Neighborhood!   Home Photos Local Schools       Courtesy: DORIA DAVIS Main Street Properties, Inc. 850-291-0684 DoriaDavis@Hotmail.com Licensed In:Florida     1610 BRAMPTON WAY CANTONMENT, FL 32533 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms : 2 (2 full) List Price: $159,900 Living Area Approx : 1850     Welcome to this lovely home in prestigious Kings Road Community. This is an all brick home situated on a Cul-De-Sac in a high lot. The floor plan features a foyer with coat closet, family room with vaulted ceilings, fire place, and built in shelves. The kitchen has an abundance of cabinetry and counter space, a pantry, a breakfast bar, and breakfast nook. This home also features a formal dining room or office space. The master bedroom is very spacious and offers ample space for a rea...
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By Marco Amidei
(RE/MAX Suburban )
Falcon Ridge in Algonquin Falcon Ridge is a single family neighborhood built in the mid 1990's by Pulte Homes. Falcon Ridge features 131 homes on 60 acres with floor plans ranging in size from 1,410 to 2,380 square feet of living space. Falcon Ridge is located on Route 62 east of Randall Road in Algonquin, Illinois. Activity in Falcon Ridge for the past 6 months Homes Sold Lowest Price Highest Price Average Price 1 $230,000 $230,000 $230,000 1 homes sold in Falcon Ridge in Algonquin from $230,000-$230,000 with an average price of $230,000 within the last 6 months. -Algonquin-   Address City Beds Baths Model List Price Status 4 Lake Drive Ct Algonquin 3 3.1   $249,900 Active 215 Lake Drive South Algonquin 4 2.1 Nighthawk $239,000 Active 225 Lake Dr S Algonquin 3 3.1   $195,000 Pending 
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