MLS# 12558566 - 216 E. Cleveland St., Spring Valley
FEATURED PROPERTY
This classic two-story home seamlessly blends timeless charm with modern updates, making it a perfect retreat for any homeowner. Step inside to discover gorgeous original hardwood oors throughout, complemented by wide trim, elegant pocket doors, and custom built-ins that add both functionality and character. The inviting covered porch o ers the ideal spot for relaxing or entertaining guests, while the maintenance-free fenced yard and professional landscaping enhance the property’s curb appeal. With ve spacious bedrooms, three versatile living room spaces, and two distinct dining areas, there is plenty of room to spread out and enjoy. The nished basement provides additional living space, perfect for a game room, home theater, or o ce, and the attic o ers even more potential for customization to suit your needs. Fresh paint adorns every room, ensuring a bright, movein ready atmosphere from the moment you walk in.
See listing on page 9
How to boost home value before selling
PAGE 3
Signs a roof must be repaired or replaced PAGE 7
How to boost home value before selling
People considering buying or selling a home are facing a unique market. The real estate market has been in flux for several years, and high interest rates have made it more expensive to borrow.
The Mortgage Bankers Association is projecting that 30year mortgage rates will level out to 6.5 percent for the forseeable future. That means that people who have been waiting for changes in the real estate market could be disappointed, and hesitant buyers may finally just bite the bullet and buy even if mortgage rates are not where they hoped they’d be in 2025. Homeowners with properties they are considering listing for sale would be wise to make certain changes that will help garner the best prices from buyers.
MAKE KITCHEN AND BATH
IMPROVEMENTS
The kitchen is the heart of many homes. Real estate agents may recommend that homeowners make minor to moderate
kitchen upgrades like resurfacing cabinets, upgrading countertops and changing fixtures or hardware to give the room an overhaul.
Homeowners also should look to bathroom updates as smart investments that can improve home value. Katie Severance, author of The Brilliant Home
Buyer, characterizes kitchens and baths as “money rooms” that add the most value to a home.
DECLUTTER THE HOME
Homeowners should clean out items they no longer need. Decluttering can make a space feel bigger, which is beneficial
in a market where open concept floor plans remain popular among home buyers. When buyers walk through a prospective home, they want to envision themselves living there, something that is more easily done if the home isn’t overrun with the current homeowner’s belongings.
Jaime Bazydlo Janet Benvenutti Wendy Fulmer Laura Butterfield
The exterior components of a home, such as the siding and the roof, help to protect its occupants from the elements. While many roofing materials can last for decades, at some point in time homeowners will likely have to repair or replace the roof on their home.
Roof wear and tear may not always be so evident, particularly because most homeowners do not make it a point to get on their roofs very often. The first sign of roof damage typically is a leak that is noticeable from the indoors. It may include a browned spot on the ceiling or even pooling water in the attic. Leak from storm damage or something minor like a water intrusion through a nail hole or from a lost shingle typically can be repaired easily enough. However, additional indicators may necessitate a complete roof overhaul. Here are some signs a roof is in need of repairs or re-
placement.
• Sagging roof: If the roof is sagging, it could be due to excess loads, such as water-damaged shingles or even weakened roof structure. A professional will need to restore the integrity of the roof.
• Cracking and buckling: It is likely that shingles will have to be replaced if there is cracking or if shingles are buckling and warping.
• Exposed nails: Exposed nails may rust and contribute to a leaky roof, says Family Handyman. How long the nails were exposed could indicate if the roof can be repaired or if everything should be redone.
• Lost granules: Asphalt roofing shingles have small granules on the surface. Over time these granules will slowly degrade and fall off. If there are many granules in gutters or if one can see that portions of the shingles are bare, it is likely time for a new
roof.
• Visible light: Homeowners who can see light streams coming into the home need roof repair. This is indicative of holes, cracks or spaces in the roof.
• Growth on the roof: Mold and mildew on the roof is a sign that
the roof needs to be repaired or replaced. Such growths contribute to rot that jeopardizes the integrity of the roof. A durable roof protects a home from the elements. Various symptoms signal that it is time to repair or replace a roof.
FH238155
FEATURED HOME
OWN THIS CLASSIC 2-STORY, 2900 SF HOME
Curate this beautiful 5-bedrooms & 2-bath home into the perfect AIRBNB!
Located in the town square across from library, park & city offices. Easy walk to downtown cafes, restaurants, & shopping! Great area attractions: Starved Rock State Park, Sporting Events, Historic Sites and more! Convenient to Route 6 & I-80.
216 E. Cleveland St., Spring Valley, IL 61362
MLS #12558566
AMAZING OPPORTUNITY TO OWN AND OPERATE THIS ICONIC BUSINESS!
Happy's Super Service and Convenience Store, located in Spring Valley, IL, stands as the leading provider of towing and auto repair services in the region since 1936. Happy’s is honored to serve residents across Spring Valley, Princeton, La Salle, Peru, Ottawa, and neighboring areas. This facility includes a convenience store, a complete mechanic shop, a full-service gas station, and 24-hour towing services. Additional business includes propane and kerosine tank refills. Throughout the years, Happy’s Super Service has been committed to quality, making every visit fast, reliable, and convenient.
101 E. Dakota Street Spring Valley, IL 61362
MLS # 12074997
FANTASTIC 6-ACRE FARMETTE
located in Rural Putnam County just outside of Granville IL. Recently Rehabbed 4 bedroom 1.5 Bath 2 Story Brick Home is MOVE IN READY! New mechanicals, wiring, windows and plumbing. Home was spray foamed for added energy efficiency. Beautifully updated Farmhouse style kitchen with open concept to dining room, living room and family room with gorgeous hardwood floors.
8742 E 1300th St Granville, IL 61326
MLS #12522970
How to make renovation projects go smoothly
Homeowners are spending big bucks on home renovations. According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University, home improvement project spending continues to increase. It’s predicted to go from $472 billion spent in 2022 to $485 billion in 2024.
Those targeting a specific home renovation likely know there is much that goes into the process from start to finish. Patience is a requisite virtue with any remodel, as even a thoroughly conceptualized plan can encounter a few bumps along the way. Although there is no way to completely remove renovation-related obstacles, there are ways to make projects go more smoothly.
• Establish a clear plan from the beginning. Now is not the time to be on the fence about details. A vision for the renovation is essential, and should include details about layout, materials, colors, and design.
• Manage your expectations.
Again, this speaks to a need for patience with a project but also involves flexibility. Being too rigid when choosing materials can require waiting for backordered supplies to come in. Wanting contractors to bend to your schedule can delay the project even further. Creativity and flexibility are key.
• Establish a budget. It can be easy to spend beyond one’s means, especially when issues crop up. Black House Real Estate stresses the importance of creating a budget before starting a renovation, which may involve working with a local professional to help. Houzz advises preparing for worst-case scenarios by adding anywhere from 1 percent to 20 percent to the budget. Commit to sticking to the budget no matter what comes down the pike.
• Assemble a good team. Thoroughly research all contractors who will be involved with the renovation. These include designers, architects, builders, and more. Be sure they come highly
recommended and research online reviews. A good team removes some stress from the project because you’ll know the work is in experienced hands.
• Prepare the space for the remodel. Any work you can do will help save on labor costs and make it easier for the team to get started on the project. Clear out clutter and personal items. Ask if it would be helpful for you to handle some demolition, whether that’s pulling up old tile, removing drywall or another task.
• Have an escape hatch at the ready. Home renovations can cause upheaval to daily life, and that can mean stress on top of already chaotic schedules. If money and situation allow, plan a getaway during a particularly tough stretch of the project so the noise, mess, and disruptions will not induce headaches. Consider spending a few nights at a hotel or a friend or relative’s house to escape the constant grind of the project. Home renovation projects
add value and functionality to homes. Such undertakings can go more smoothly with some sound planning. HI248169
Dickerson & Nieman Realtors 2011 Rock St., Suite A, Peru
Signs of pest infestation
Pest infestation can occur any time of year, but homeowners may be most likely to see signs of infestation during spring cleaning sessions in areas of the home where they didn’t spend much time in the previous months, such as attics and garages. As spring cleaning season kicks off, individuals can keep an eye open for the following signs of pest infestation.
• Nesting materials: Pests may drag certain nesting materials from outdoor areas into a home. Leaves and grass clippings as well as twigs may be used to construct a warm nest in interior spaces. Pests also transport nesting materials that are inside a home to other areas of a home that are more secluded. Fabric, paper products, including chewed cardboard, and insulation seen in unusual spaces may be left behind by pests nesting in other areas. If there’s a trail of
a range of issues. But pest feces can produce a foul odor, and some pest infestations can lead to mold growth that also produces unpleasant smells.
• Destroyed items: Certain pests may gnaw or chew on items, including electrical wires, home furnishings and food packaging. Homeowners who keep a
• Wide Rear Tires - Wide tires to reduce rutting in soft ground.
• Step-Through Front End - Getting on and off the mower to pick up yard debris and other obstacles is
• Toolless Oil Change - Spend less time maintaining your mower with toolless oil change and filter.
• Pick Your Pace - Take control over your mowing speed, while never sacrificing blade tip speed with Smart Speed® Technology.
stocked pantry of dry goods and notice packages have been damaged or chewed through likely have a pest infestation.
• Droppings: Of course, droppings are a telltale indicator of a pest infestation. Rodent droppings are small, black and shaped like a grain of rice. Pests
such as termites might leave pelletshaped droppings in their wake. Signs of pest infestation may be discovered during spring cleaning sessions. If homeowners suspect pest infestations in their home, they can examine out-of-the-way spaces with a flashlight and contact a pest control specialist to identify and address any issues they uncover. TF254782
