Following a national and local surge in employment in January, the Rockford housing market also experienced a significant gain.

Rockford Area Realtors (RAR) sold 216 homes in January, the highest total for the month of January since the housing recession began five years ago, when 351 properties were sold in 2007. Sales this January jumped an astonishing 35 percent from 160 home sales in January 2010.

January also marked the eighth straight month of year-to-year increases. The last such sales streak occurred more than a decade ago, ending in October 2001.

“A combination of unseasonably mild weather, historically low mortgage rate and attractive market pricing lead to an eighth straight month of increases in home sales,” said Steve Bois, CEO of RAR.

RAR’s latest report shows market-wide home sale prices fell 3.8 percent from a three-month rolling average price of $98,076 in December to $94,371 in January, the lowest monthly average price since the housing recession started in 2007.

However, when bank foreclosures and property short sales (a home sold for less than the current amount owed to the lender) were discounted, the average sale price rose to $117,146.

“While home prices continue to be a concern, largely due to the continuing effect foreclosures and short sales are having on the market,” Bois said, “the continued trend of month-over-month increases in the number of home sales is really encouraging news. Buyers are finding deals that are simply too good to pass up, and coupled with stronger consumer optimism, this is making an excellent way to start 2012.”

The monthly average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage Feb. 2 fell to 3.87 percent, down from 3.98 percent the week of Jan. 26, according to Freddie Mac. These are the lowest mortgage rates in Freddie Mac records dating to 1971.

“For consumers looking at the big picture, especially first-time homebuyers, now is the time to get a new mortgage,” Bois said. “If you are able to qualify for a mortgage and have job security, it means now is a great time to buy a home.”

Housing market forecasts for first quarter 2012 for Illinois by the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois and other January housing statistics suggest sales in the first quarter of this year will be significantly higher than the same period last year, although prices will still be lower than a year ago.

Upward trending January statistics including strong sales pending for February, a drop in housing inventory to 2007 levels, an increase of up to 15 percent in showings reported by Realtors and a significantly higher number of unique users on the association’s website (levels usually seen in the higher-selling spring market).

In a long-awaited wave of hiring, companies added 243,000 jobs nationally in January.

Locally, Chrysler announced the creation of 1,800 upcoming jobs being added to a third shift, some 200 more than expected, as the Belvidere plant begins production of the new Dodge Dart.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — A combination of unseasonably mild weather, historically low mortgage rates and attractive market pricing led to a sixth straight month of increases in home sales, according to data released by the Illinois Association of Realtors (IAR).

IAR’s latest report shows statewide home sales (including single family and condominiums) in December 2011 totaled 8,828 homes sold, up 14 percent from 7,746 home sales in December 2010. The statewide median price in December was $125,500, down 10.4 percent from $140,000 in December 2010. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half sold for less.

For the year, Illinois home sales were nearly even with the previous year, down 0.1 percent with 103,785 homes sold in 2011 compared to 103,899 homes sold in 2010. The year-end statewide median price for 2011 was $137,500, down 9.2 percent from $151,500 in 2010.

“While median home prices continue to be a concern in much of the state, the continued trend of month-over-month increases in the number of home sales is encouraging news,” said Loretta Alonzo, CRB, GRI, president of the IAR and broker-owner of Century 21 Alonzo & Associates in La Grange Park. “Buyers are finding deals that are simply too good to pass up, and that, coupled with stronger consumer optimism, is making this an excellent way to start 2012.”

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central region was 3.94 percent in December 2011, down from 4 percent during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Last year in December, it averaged 4.8 percent.

In the nine-county Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), home sales (single family and condominiums) in December 2011 totaled 6,090 homes sold, up 17 percent from December 2010 sales of 5,204 homes. The median price in December 2011 was $145,000 in the Chicago PMSA, down 13.6 percent compared to last year in December when it was $167,850.

For the year, home sales made gains in the Chicago PMSA, up 1.3 percent to 69,900 homes sold compared to 69,009 homes sold in 2010. The year-end 2011 median price for the Chicago PMSA was $163,000, down 11.9 percent from $185,000 in 2010.

Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois, said there are signs the economy is improving, although the number of unresolved foreclosures continues to be a drag on the housing market.

“Housing market forecasts for January, February and March 2012 for Illinois and the Chicago PMSA suggest that sales volume will be significantly higher than the same period last year, although prices will still be lower than a year ago,” Hewings said. “Until these foreclosed properties and additions expected in 2012 clear the market, sustained upward movement in prices will be unlikely.”

More than half of Illinois counties reporting (52 of 100) showed year-over-year home sales increases in December 2011. Forty-three counties showed year-over-year median price increases including Champaign, up 12.2 percent to $131,000; Grundy, up 3.7 percent to $140,000; Kankakee, up 10.5 percent to $114,900; Peoria, up 0.9 percent to $118,000; Saint Clair, up 5.5 percent to $115,000; Sangamon, up 1.2 percent to $119,375; and Woodford, up 8.5 percent to $147,575.

In the city of Chicago, December 2011 home sales (single family and condominiums) totaled 1,536, up 6.4 percent from 1,444 homes sold in December 2010. The city of Chicago median home sale price for December 2011 was $156,000, down 6.2 percent compared to December 2010 when it was $166,250.

For the year, home sales totaled 17,715 in the city of Chicago, down 7.2 percent from 19,089 sales in 2010. The year-end statewide median price for 2011 was $175,000, down 13.8 percent from $203,000 in 2010.

Realtor Bob Floss, president of the Chicago Association of Realtors and broker-owner of Bob Floss and Son Realty, said: “December ended the year with an optimistic showing of buyers coming out and making decisions about investing in a home. While the year-end numbers for 2011 were down over 2010, a positive uptick in sales toward the end of the year is a great indicator of a strong winter and spring season for buyers and sellers, alike, looking to get off the fence. Still problematic is the downward pressure distressed properties are putting on the market and a trend we will continue to monitor this year as we observe changes in median pricing throughout the city.”

Sales and price information is generated by Multiple Listing Service closed sales reported by 31 participating Illinois Realtor local boards and associations including Midwest Real Estate Data LLC data as of Jan. 7, 2012, for the period Dec. 1-31, 2011. The Chicago PMSA, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, includes the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

The IAR is a voluntary trade association whose 41,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the IAR works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the interest of real property ownership.

Find Illinois housing stats data and the University of Illinois REAL forecast at www.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

If your home’s exterior has been beset by paint problems, it pays to do a little detective work and determine the cause. That can help you avoid the same outcome when you paint again.

According to Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert for the Paint Quality Institute, the clues can be found in the way your paint is failing. “The evidence is right there, you just need to know how to interpret it,” she says.

Peeling

If your exterior paint is peeling, the culprit is probably moisture. Peeling occurs when wet wood swells underneath the paint, causing the paint film to loosen, crack and ultimately, peel.

Water can reach the wood through un-caulked joints or a leaky roof. Another possibility: water being forced underneath the roofing shingles because of clogged rain gutters.

Moisture coming from inside the home can also create problems, whether from a leaky pipe or shower, or even excessive humidity caused by an improperly vented clothes dryer.

Blistering

Bubbles or blisters in your paint can eventually lead to peeling, so they can’t be ignored. This problem can usually be traced to either heat or moisture.

If your house was originally painted on a very hot day in direct sunshine, for example, blistering can result, especially if a dark-color paint was applied.

Sometimes, moisture is to blame. Excess moisture from within the home can build up behind the paint and cause blisters (this is less likely with latex paint, which is vapor permeable); rain or heavy dew can also produce blisters if the surface preparation wasn’t done properly or if a low-quality latex paint was used.

Checking

Horizontal and vertical cracks that create a checkerboard pattern in your paint is evidence that the paint has lost its elasticity.

Checking typically occurs on surfaces with several layers of oil-based paint. With age, oil-based paint gets brittle. When temperatures rise or fall dramatically, siding can expand or contract, but the inflexible paint simply cracks and checks.

Chalking

This condition occurs when a fine powder forms on the painted surface. Although light chalking is a desirable way for paint to wear over time, excessive chalking can cause the color of the paint to fade very quickly — evidence that the protective paint film is rapidly eroding.

Cases of extreme chalking can usually be traced to the use of a lower-quality, highly-pigmented paint, or use of an interior paint on an outdoor surface.

Discoloration

Often, discoloration is the result of mildew, a fungus resembling dirt that thrives in warm, moist conditions. Thick shrubbery near the home can make the problem worse by shading the siding and restricting the flow of air.

A second type of discoloration is “bleed-through,” which can occur with staining woods like cedar and redwood. Failure to apply a primer before painting can allow tannins within the wood to seep through the paint and mar its appearance.

What to do if your home experiences one of these problems? If you can determine the cause, Zimmer advises you correct any condition that may have led to the paint failure. If you’re stumped, call in a professional painter to do some sleuthing.

Then, when you repaint, do proper surface preparation (including the application of a primer when necessary), and use only top-quality coatings.

“Top-quality, 100-percent acrylic latex paints have excellent adhesion and tremendous flexibility, so they help prevent blistering, peeling and other failures,” she said. “They even offer an extra measure of protection against mildew.”

As you can see, with a little detective work, you can get to the bottom of any paint problem. And by following Zimmer’s suggestions, you can help prevent mysterious paint failures from ever haunting you again!

To learn more, visit blog.paintquality.com or www.paintquality.com.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

Dickerson & Nieman Realtors, the largest residential real estate firm in the Rockford market, and Doyle Woodhouse & Moore Realtors, the area’s leading commercial real estate broker, merged Jan. 12.

The newly-expanded real estate business will be marketed under the Dickerson & Nieman Realtors brand. Frank Wehrstein is president of the Residential Division and Steve Clark is the new president of the Commercial Division.

“At a time when the real estate industry is slowly recovering from a five-year-old housing recession, we decided to get aggressive and expand our real estate product,” said Wehrstein. “This makes it that much more convenient for sellers, buyers, landlords and tenants to go to one location for all these resources.”

Combined, the two firms now hold the largest overall market share of real estate listings in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. Dickerson & Nieman lists 483 of 2,621 residential properties on the market, 18.4 percent of Rockford market residential listings. On the business side, Dickerson & Nieman lists 122 of 378 commercial property listings, 32 percent of the market, and 87 of 217 land offerings listed for sale, 40 percent of that segment.

Dickerson & Nieman and Doyle Woodhouse & Moore have a history of holding joint commercial real estate investment. The new Dickerson & Nieman Commercial Division will have 12 commercial broker agents, led by Clark, the only commercial agent in the Rockford market certified with both the prestigious Certified Commercial Investment Member of the Realtors National Marketing Institute and a Society of Industrial and Office Realtors designation.

“If you want someone who gets right to the meat of a customer’s commercial need, Steve Clark is the guy,” said Wehrstein. “Steve is recognized as the area’s expert in commercial and industrial space, a reputation he built in Rockford during the last 35 years. Customers have faith in his integrity and his wide breadth and depth of knowledge of the commercial side of the business.”

Wehrstein said the expanded Dickerson & Nieman is positioning itself for upcoming growth in the Rockford market. He said: “As we get our schools in balance, and the business community continues its aggressive pursuit of new business to Rockford, the move we’re making today will position us for the growth that lies ahead.”

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

PATTERSON, N.Y. — The National Fire Sprinkler Association (NFSA), the longest-tenured fire sprinkler advocacy organization in the U.S., reminds families to take time during the winter months to review the dangers of fire with their loved ones. Incidents of fire occur frequently during the winter months, largely because of heating sources in homes.

“With the increased use of fireplaces and home heating systems during the winter months, families need to take the proper precautions to prevent potentially dangerous fire situations,” said John Viniello, president of the NFSA. “We believe that if everyone takes a few moments to review fire safety techniques and protocols with their loved ones, lives will be saved and potential tragedies avoided.”

With winter just beginning, the NFSA provides the following fire safety tips to keep families and loved ones safe all season long:

• Keep a watchful eye on space heaters, and make sure there is at least 3 feet of clear space around them when in operation. Do not leave a space heater on unattended.

• Keep flammable liquids free from heating sources, and store them in a cool location. Also, keep them separate from other stored items such as paper products and cloth materials.

• Check smoke detectors to ensure they are working properly and have full battery power. It’s recommended that you check the batteries in your smoke alarms when it’s time to turn the clocks forward or backward.

• Keep an up-to-date list of emergency fire, police and medical phone numbers near your telephone. Show every member of your family where this information is kept, and teach all children how to call for help in case of an emergency.

• Develop an escape plan with your family from multiple rooms within your home, both upstairs and downstairs. Take time to review the escape plan with your family, including a practice fire drill.

• Consider installing residential fire sprinklers to protect your family and property. To date, there has never been a multiple loss of life in a structure that had a competently installed and properly-maintained fire sprinkler system.

• Make sure windows of children’s rooms are well marked to indicate them to firefighters.

For more about how to protect yourself and loved ones this winter from the dangers of fire and to learn more about the life-saving benefits of residential fire sprinklers, visit www.NFSA.org.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

LINCOLN, Neb. — Spring-Green Lawn Care, a three-year Arbor Day Foundation partner, has committed to donating $10,000 to plant 10,000 trees in 2012. With every new customer, Spring-Green will make a donation toward tree planting in a forest damaged by wildfire, insects or disease.

Last year, Spring-Green Lawn Care and the Arbor Day Foundation jointly planted 4,000 trees at Pere Marquette State Forest in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, contributing to the habitat needed to save the Kirkland’s warbler songbird from extinction. Spring-Green also helped plant 8,000 trees in Wisconsin’s Florence County Forest and 3,000 trees near Alabama’s Lake Tuscaloosa.

To date, Spring-Green has planted nearly 20,000 trees. The company will announce the locations of its 2012 tree planting efforts in the coming weeks.

“Thanks to Spring-Green Lawn Care’s continued support, we will be able to plant much-needed trees in critical areas around the country,” said Ben Nelson, director of Corporate Partnerships with the Arbor Day Foundation. “These trees will provide cleaner air and water, habitat for wildlife and beauty for everyone to enjoy for years to come. By planting trees, Spring-Green is demonstrating their commitment to helping the environment for this and future generations.”

James Young, president of Spring-Green Lawn Care, added: “Sustainable tree care is our day job, so working with the Arbor Day Foundation on replanting trees in America’s forests was a logical step for us. We are very happy to have been a part of some great successes with the Arbor Day Foundation in the past two years and look forward to many more.”

Jason Jordan is the owner of Spring-Green Lawn Care in the Rockford, Freeport and Belvidere area servicing Ogle, Stephenson, Winnebago and Boone counties. He can be reached at (815) 282-0580.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit conservation and education organization of more than 1 million members, with the mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. More information can be found at arborday.org.

Founded in 1977, Plainfield, Ill.-based Spring-Green Lawn Care has been delivering both traditional and organic lawn and tree care services nationwide for more than 35 years. Its service is centered on the beautification of local neighborhoods and communities with both residential and commercial customers. Spring-Green has approximately 75 franchisees operating more than 120 territories in 27 states.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

URBANA, Ill. — Today’s tightly sealed homes are less drafty and more energy efficient, but that tightness can also mean that more pollutants are trapped indoors. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Greg Stack said houseplants can help make the air inside healthier by absorbing pollutants.

“Fewer drafts and energy efficiency are good, but today’s new homes and upgraded older homes have become so tight that natural air exchange is greatly reduced or virtually eliminated, trapping more indoor air pollutants such as formaldehydes, benzenes and other gases from carpeting, paints, laminates, furniture and other manmade materials,” said Stack.

Stack quoted a recent study conducted by NASA that suggests houseplants can help improve indoor air quality.

“NASA has been researching ways to clean up the air in space stations and make the environment suitable for humans to live and work,” Stack said. “While dong this research, NASA found that many common houseplants can do some interesting things when it comes to cleaning up indoor air pollution.

“Plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen during the normal process of photosynthesis,” Stack explained “They are also very efficient at absorbing things like benzene, formaldehyde and lots of other air pollutants associated with today’s energy-efficient, ‘tight’ homes. They not only clean the air, but also help interior humidity.”

Stack said many of the houseplants NASA has found to be particularly good at cleaning the air are also houseplants that are commonly suggested for low-light interior spaces because they can adapt and grow very well inside the home.

NASA’s recommendations start with a plant almost everyone seems to have, Stack said, the spider plant. “We see it in baskets, on top of tables, and especially in dorm rooms.”

The peace lily or Spathiphyllum is a durable houseplant and can grow to an impressive size indoors and provide flowers as well, Stack said. The Pothos, with its variegated leaves, makes a nice basket plant, and Philodendron selloem, or split-leaf philodendron, has large impressive leaves. Dracaena, or corn plant, with its narrow corn-like leaves, provides a nice vertical accent. The cultivars that work very well are Massangeana and Janet Craig. And two very common, widely-used house plants, snake plant and weeping fig, round out the list.

“Weeping fig can very easily become an indoor tree,” he said.

Stack said that this list of plants is great because they are all readily available and commonly found at garden centers, home improvement stores and florists. They aren’t exotic.

NASA’s studies also suggest a 6- to 8-inch-size house plant (pot size) is capable of cleaning the air in about 100 square feet of living space.

“To keep your clean air machine working efficiently, it is a good idea to keep the leaves clean,” he said. “Occasionally wiping the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and debris will make sure the plant is in top operating form.”

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

If you’re a person with a penchant for seasonal decorating, why not fashion the interior of your home with change in mind? By planning ahead, you can make it easy to modify your surroundings to be seasonally- or even holiday-appropriate.

To accommodate changing décor, you should paint your walls a light neutral color, such as off-white, pale taupe or a subtle gray, advises Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “To help guide your color selection, think of your wall color as a blank canvas against which to feature your seasonal items,” she says.

Once your wall color is in place, you can focus on other elements in the room that can be rotated in or out as the seasons dictate. Inexpensive area rugs are great in this regard, even when placed on top of wall-to-wall carpeting, as are easy window treatments that can simply be thrown over decorative curtain rods.

Even a small area rug with red or gold in the pattern will warm up a room in the dead of winter; when spring arrives, replace it with a light green rug. You’ll be surprised how big a difference this one change will make.

“When it comes to interior décor, it’s always best to repeat key colors to create a cohesive color scheme,” says Zimmer. So, take your area rug to a fabric store and find a bolt of material that matches color-wise. Pay attention to the weight: Heavier fabrics work well in fall and winter, while sheers are best for spring and summer. You’ll quickly find an appropriate curtain material.

If you want to go further, consider purchasing inexpensive slipcovers in “warm” (deep red, orange or gold) and “cool” (light blue or green) colors to use in colder and warmer months, respectively. A more economical way to achieve a similar result is to rotate warm- and cool-colored pillows or cushions at different times of the year.

Another easy way to render a room more seasonal is with accent pieces placed on the mantel, on shelving or on other furnishings. One way to do this is to display items with seasonally-appropriate accent colors; or go all-in and display collections of seashells in the summer and pine cones in the winter. Of course, you can always set out fresh flowers or cuttings that bespeak the season.

In the interest of seasonal decorating, don’t forget that art can imitate life. To that end, you can hang representational paintings or illustrations to reprise the seasonal items you have on display. As an example, think about repeating the fresh flower cuttings in a room with botanical prints of the same plant.

“If you’re especially ambitious, you might even dare to do more with your paint color,” says Zimmer. “Not that you’d want to repaint an entire room with each new season, but you actually might be willing to repaint a small accent wall once or twice a year. Assuming that the wall is easy to access, you could complete the job in just a few hours — a small price to pay if you’re really seasonally-driven.”

Use these ideas as thought-starters, and invest a little time contemplating your own décor. You’re bound to come up with many more great ways to visually usher in any new season!

To learn more, visit blog.paintquality.com or www.paintquality.com.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

ELGIN, Ill. — The chances of turning a home sales contract into a completed sale increase substantially when the real estate agents successfully overcome obstacles that can block the path to the closing table, according to a RE/MAX analysis of trends in the northern Illinois real estate market.

RE/MAX agents say there is no question that more contracts fall through these days than in the past because of challenges in today’s real estate marketplace.

“Traditionally, it was the rare contract that didn’t close, usually not more than one or two out of 100,” said Tim McCaslin, broker/owner of RE/MAX Sauk Valley in Sterling, Ill.

McCaslin estimated that in 2011, the failure rate was closer to 5 percent in his market area, while at the same time many more contracts ended up requiring extensions, but did close eventually.

“We see the same trend in our area,” said Pam Jacobs, an agent with RE/MAX of Barrington in Barrington, Ill. She said no single issue is primarily responsible for making it more challenging to close contracts. Rather, she cited a combination of factors that include regulatory changes, increased scrutiny by lenders, greater anxiety on the part of many buyers, and added complications that can come with buying a foreclosure or short sale.

According to Paul Fasold of RE/MAX Signature in Chicago, the keys to closing a contract are for both the buyer and the building to be qualified. A real estate agent’s job, he said, is to make sure both are true.

“First, it needs to be established that the buyer is financially qualified to undertake the purchase being contemplated,” Fasold said. “That means making sure buyers are working with a lender and have been pre-approved for a loan that will allow them to purchase the property on which they are making an offer. Lenders today are extremely cautious, and each has its own set of loan criteria. That’s why I like to be sure buyers are working with a good mortgage broker who has access to a range of financing sources and can match each buyer with a suitable lender.”

Cindy Banks, broker/owner of RE/MAX Cornerstone in West Chicago, Ill., works extensively with banks, helping them sell foreclosed homes. She said the financing of real estate transactions has become more complicated in recent years.

“Lenders have more detailed requirements, higher standards and less tolerance for any deviation,” Banks said. “Even though we typically represent the seller in these transactions, I view it as part of our job to be proactive in making sure each buyer’s lender has the information it needs. Otherwise, the transaction is at risk.”

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is one major lender with specific contractual requirements that are clearly spelled out on its website, according to Kathy Dames, broker/owner of RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals in Shorewood, Ill.

“Homes that HUD resells and finances after foreclosure often are great values, but to get that value, HUD insists buyers adhere to its rules,” Dames said. “So, when buying a HUD home, the buyer and the buyers’ agent need to go over every line of the contract and abide by the letter of the requirements, or the transaction may not close.”

As for being sure each building also is properly qualified, Fasold said the most common issue these days is when the appraisal required by the lender comes back with a value below the agreed sales price. That usually happens either because the price is too high relative to recent sales in the area, or the appraiser lacks the information needed to develop an accurate value estimate.

Fasold said: “It has always been part of my job as an agent to make sure a property goes under contract at a price supported by other recent nearby sales, but today that is more important than ever. And it’s equally vital to give the appraiser the information needed to understand the full value of the property.”

It’s also a good idea, contends Cindy Banks, for the listing agent to meet the appraiser at the property so they can walk through it together.

“An agent isn’t supposed to talk to the appraiser, but you can be present, and you can provide data on comparable properties,” she said. “My goal, in those situations, is to make it as easy for the appraiser as we can.”

A related issue involves home inspections because “even the most perfect home will have minor flaws,” said Pam Jacobs. For that reason, “both buyers and sellers need to have realistic expectations when it comes to home inspections,” she said. “Buyers shouldn’t treat every cosmetic imperfection as an opportunity to renegotiate the price. At the same time, finding a serious problem, such as one that would cost $1,000 to address, certainly is an appropriate subject for discussion. Agents must educate their clients about the entire purchase process, including the inspection.”

Perhaps the most common stumbling blocks in today’s real estate market are short sales, where the seller’s outstanding mortgage debt exceeds the market value of the home. In some cases, there may be several lenders involved, and all lenders must sign off on the purchase price if the seller is to be released from further financial obligations.

“Ten years ago, I doubt I did one short sale a year,” said McCaslin. “Now, banks have entire departments that do nothing but work on this type of transaction, and our office handles dozens of them annually.”

With such a large volume of transactions and with multiple lenders frequently involved, short sales can take months to complete. As a result, some buyers lose patience and walk away. In other instances, the lenders will decide not to grant the short sale.

To minimize that risk, noted McCaslin, it’s crucial to know upfront what documentation the lender requires, what the lender’s criteria are for approval, and how the documentation should be delivered. Most of all, he noted, agents have to follow up to make sure lenders come to a decision as promptly as possible.

When pursuing a short sale, Dames advises buyers to put together an experienced team, including a real estate agent and an attorney who are both familiar with the short sale process.

“If you do that and are dealing with just one lender and can get the seller to immediately provide a complete package of documentation, it actually is possible to close a short sale in as little as 30 days,” she said.

RE/MAX has been the leader in the northern Illinois real estate market since 1989. The RE/MAX Northern Illinois network consists of 2,200 sales associates and 105 individually owned and operated RE/MAX offices that provide a full range of brokerage services throughout the northern one-third of Illinois.

The www.illinoisproperty.com and www.remax.com websites are leaders in consumer visits among real estate franchise brands.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

Rockford Area Realtors (RAR) sold 3,213 homes and condos in 2011, 3.8 percent lower than the 3,341 properties sold in 2010 in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. This marks the smallest year-over-year decrease since the housing recession began in 2007, signaling what many housing economists expect is the beginning of a gradual housing recovery in 2012.

RAR reported December 2011 sales of 255 properties, an 11.4 percent increase above 229 sales in 2010. This was the seventh-straight month of year-over-year increases. The last significant run of year-over-year increases dates back to January 2006, a similar string of seven monthly year-over-year increases.

“The headwinds are strong heading into 2012,” said Steve Bois, CEO of RAR. “There are indications the economy and the housing market are slowly gaining ground.”

While home sales have been robust over the last seven months, a mix of positive and negative December sales statistics point to a still struggling housing recovery, mirroring the national economy.

The three-month average rolling price hit $98,076, the lowest monthly average dating back to April 1998, with a large number of foreclosures still taking their toll on the current average sales price.

Positive markers show a decreasing absorption rate, the average time it takes to sell a home, the seventh-straight monthly drop. And the monthly inventory of homes for sale dropped 6.4 percent from 2,800 properties in November to 2,621 properties for sale in December of this year. This is the lowest monthly inventory level since June 2006, when 2,609 properties were available on the market.

What does 2012 hold for the Rockford area housing market?

“Mortgage rates are expected to hold at near record lows through the middle of the year,” Bois said. “Housing affordability conditions, based on the relationship between mortgage interest rate, average home prices and family income, has been at a record high this year. And we’ll most likely record the second-best housing affordability year since 1970.”

He added, “We anticipate that home sales will steadily increase, but will not be robust. And with falling inventory, the average home price should rise in 2012 — there likely will be moderate appreciation in the coming year.”

Bois said consumer confidence has been shaky recently and the uneven economic recovery has been holding back a significant number of homebuyers all year.

“Nonetheless, there is a sizeable pent-up demand based on population growth, employment levels, local economic gains in the manufacturing industry and a doubling-up phenomenon that can’t continue indefinitely,” he said. “This demand could quickly stimulate the market when conditions improve.”

Following are RAR’s full-year housing statistics for 2005-2011:

2011 — 3,213 total sales, a 3.8 percent decrease

2010 — 3,341 total sales, an 8.3 percent decrease

2009 — 3,642 total sales, an 8.4 percent decrease

2008 — 3,978 total sales, a 31.9 percent decrease

2007 — 5,844 total sales, an 18.7 percent decrease

2006 — 7,192 total sales, a 0.5 percent increase

2005 — 7,151 total sales

In times of economic stress, we all look for ways to cut back on expenses. But if you’re thinking about having a contractor apply a cheap paint to the exterior of your home, you may want to reconsider. A careful analysis shows that in the long run, it’s actually less expensive to apply the very best quality paint, despite its higher initial cost.

Debbie Zimmer, spokesman for the Paint Quality Institute, explains: “Most of the cost of exterior painting goes for labor, not for paint. Paying somewhat more for top-quality paint won’t greatly increase the overall cost of the job, but the better performance you get will greatly extend its life.”

In fact, field tests at the Paint Quality Institute show that while ordinary exterior paint lasts about four years, top-quality 100 percent acrylic latex paint can last 10 years or more when applied to a properly prepared surface, resulting in a lower cost per year of service. That explains how you can save money by spending more for better paint.

To make the point clearer, Zimmer offers an example for an average-size, single-story home: Labor cost for painting would typically be about $2,500, regardless of the type of paint that is applied. About 20 gallons of paint would be needed for a two-coat paint job.

If an ordinary paint were used, costing $25 a gallon, the cost for the 20 gallons of paint would be $500. Add in $2,500 for labor, and the total cost of the job would be $3,000. Assuming, as the field tests show, that the job will last four years, the cost per year of service would be $750.

Now, assume that top-quality 100 percent acrylic latex paint was used instead of ordinary exterior paint. At a cost of perhaps $50 a gallon, the cost for 20 gallons of paint would be $1,000. The labor would again be $2,500, and the total cost of the job would be $3,500, just a little higher than before. But, since this paint job is likely to last 10 years or more, the cost per year of service would be only $350, less than half the yearly cost of the “economy” paint job.

Zimmer says that even this example may not tell the whole story. If your house needs repair work or extensive surface preparation prior to painting, the labor component could be much higher, producing an even greater return on an investment in top-quality paint.

“Plus, professional painters might charge higher rates in your area, further skewing the math in favor of the highest quality, longest-lasting paint,” she says.

Bottom line: By spending more up front for top-quality paint, you can stretch the life of your paint job and end up saving a lot of money. As a bonus, you’ll avoid the hassle and inconvenience of repainting again after only a few years.

To learn more about exterior painting, visit the Paint Quality Institute website at www.paintquality.com, or its blog at blog.paintquality.com.

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue

URBANA, Ill. — Poinsettias represent 80 percent of all potted plant sales in the United States during the holiday season, said University of Illinois Extension educator Ron Wolford.

“There are more than 100 varieties of poinsettias available today,” Wolford said. “And they come in a myriad of colors like red, white, pink and burgundy. Keeping your poinsettias healthy during the holiday season can be a challenge, considering the dry indoor environments in many homes.”

Following are a few tips from Wolford to help you keep your poinsettia healthy.

• Purchase a poinsettia with fully-colored bracts (modified leaves) and tightly-closed flower buds. The plant will start to decline after the flower buds have completely opened.

• After you have purchased your poinsettia, make sure it is wrapped completely, because exposure to cold temps below 50 degrees in just the short walk to your car can damage the bracts and leaves.

• Place the poinsettia near a south-, west- or east-facing window. Six hours of indirect light is ideal. Placing the plant in direct light may cause the colorful bracts to fade.

• Indoor temperatures between 65 to 70 degrees are ideal for long plant life. Placing the plant in a room a few degrees cooler at night will extend the color show of the poinsettia. Temperatures above 80 degrees will shorten the life of the colorful bracts.

• Keep your poinsettia away from warm or cold drafts. Drafts can cause premature leaf drop.

• Overwatering is the No. 1 poinsettia killer. Water the plant when the soil is dry to the touch. After watering, thoroughly empty any water in the pot’s saucer. Be sure to punch holes in the decorative foil to allow water to drain through.

• Do not fertilize when the poinsettia is in bloom. Apply a houseplant fertilizer once a month after it blooms.

“Research at The Ohio State University has shown that poinsettias are not poisonous,” Wolford noted. “Some people are sensitive to the plant’s sap, causing skin irritation.

“For pets, the poinsettia sap may cause mild irritation or nausea,” Wolford added. “It’s probably best to keep pets, especially puppies and kittens, away from the plant.”

For more about poinsettias, Wolford recommended the University of Illinois Extension website, “The Poinsettia Pages,” at www.urbanext.illinois.edu/poinsettia.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Habitat for Humanity of Boone County is seeking a partner family for 2012.

A Habitat partner family must meet the following criteria:

• Demonstrates a need for adequate shelter;

• Is willing to form a partnership with Habitat, and performs at least 300 hours of sweat equity work on the home;

• Is a Boone County resident for a minimum of one year; and

• Is able to pay affordable monthly mortgage payments.

Habitat representatives will answer questions and assist everyone in filling out applications.

Attend a Habitat presentation at the Salvation Army Building at 422 S. Main St., Belvidere, Ill. Presentations run 8:30-10 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 7, and 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 11. Call John Cover at (815) 288-6382 for details.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

ELGIN, Ill. — If your home will be for sale this winter, it is important to master certain seasonal issues that are less significant or even non-existent at other times of the year. Here are 10 bits of sage advice from RE/MAX agents that can help put a “Sold” sticker on that yard sign.

Let those lights shine

The best way to combat winter’s short and frequently cloudy days is to turn on your house lights. For a showing, every single light in the house must be on, even in the closets and utility/mechanical rooms, according to Marlene Granacki of RE/MAX Exclusive Properties, Chicago.

“Make sure all the bulbs are working, and stock up on all the right bulbs for lamps and fixtures so burned-out bulbs can be replaced immediately,” she advised. “Also, it’s a great idea to keep the lights on in the front of the house, even if no showings are scheduled. People are always driving past the house, and keeping it lighted makes it look happy and welcoming.”

She also advises opening the drapes and blinds during the day to let in light and let visitors enjoy the view.

Provide convenient parking

It’s vital buyers have a convenient place to park. They won’t want to walk very far in cold weather or be forced to climb over a snow bank to exit their vehicle. Because parking is often more restricted around condominiums, sellers should make sure their agent can pass along parking details to buyers.

Make it easy to enter

Winter showings can get off to an awkward start if prospective buyers arrive with snow or salt on their shoes.

“Make it easy for buyers to deal with their shoes when they arrive,” said Barbara Hibnick of RE/MAX Showcase, Long Grove, Ill. “Put a festive area rug at the front door for a great first impression and so visitors can wipe their feet. Have slippers or disposable booties available, along with a bench or chair, if there is room for one, where a visitor can sit and easily remove or put on their boots.”

Keep odors under control

Any home tends to be stuffy in winter when windows are opened rarely. That can allow odors to build up, which can be a turn-off to buyers.

“Pet odors can be especially worrisome in winter,” said Mike Mondello of RE/MAX Synergy in Orland Park, Ill. “Use a room fragrance if needed, but nothing too strong, and I recommend that in winter sellers clean more often.” For example, change the cat litter daily, rather than every third or fourth day, or even consider using an air purifier.

If pets are in the house, consider setting the thermostat control so that the furnace fan runs constantly during the day to keep air moving through the house and dissipate odors. Also, try to avoid strong cooking odors, especially if a showing is scheduled that day.

Cultivate a festive look

Appropriate decorations for Thanksgiving, Christmas and even St. Valentine’s Day help give a home a cheerful look during the winter months.

“I really believe that holiday decorations can help homes sell, but don’t go to excess,” said Starr Zook of RE/MAX On Track in Aledo, Ill. “Keeping small, decorative white lights on trees and bushes pretty much through the winter season is fine, but other decorations should be taken down quickly once the holiday passes.”

Don’t ignore the outdoors

Make a good first impression on buyers with a neatly maintained yard. Walks and steps should be kept clear, especially of snow and ice.

Look after condo common areas

If the home you are selling is a condominium, your job as a seller may be relatively easy in winter, with no snow to shovel or yard work to worry about. However, that is only the case if your condominium association does its job well.

If the association isn’t doing it, the homeowner may have to take responsibility for keeping the entrance area and hallways clean. If the association isn’t getting snow shoveled promptly, consider buying some de-icing salt and sprinkling it judiciously around the building entry.

Don’t roast buyers

We all tend to prefer a specific temperature for our homes during the winter, but don’t blast buyers with hot air. Keep the temperature at a comfortable 65 degrees for all showings. Remember, buyers are likely to be wearing their coats even as they walk through the house.

Keep seasonal clothing under control

“One major challenge of selling a home during the winter months is the overabundance of cold-weather gear that must be stored,” said Mondello. “A buyer doesn’t want to find the mudroom filled with boots or the hall closet overflowing with heavy coats. Shift some winter coats to another closet and put anything not needed in the closet into storage.”

To keep gloves and scarves from piling up in the front hall or mudroom, put a special container for them, such as a decorative chest, where the family typically enters the home.

Encourage daytime showings

A home shows to its best advantage during daylight hours, which are relatively scarce in winter.

“Encourage your agent to show your home before 3 p.m. and have it ready to show by 9 a.m. if you want the best results,” Granacki said.

Despite the special challenges of marketing a home during winter, there also are benefits, notes Laura Ortoleva, a spokesman for the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network.

“Buyers out looking at homes in December or January are, as a group, quite serious about buying,” Ortoleva said. “Therefore, sellers tend to benefit because each showing is more productive, and fewer showings are needed to sell the property.”

Visit www.remax.com for more details.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Staff Report

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity learned recently it has been awarded $34,815 to build a home in Rockford.

This grant, providing 55 percent of the cost of construction, comes from Minneapolis-based Thrivent Financial for Lutherans’ unique partnership with Habitat for Humanity International: Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity.

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity is celebrating their award in conjunction with an international announcement made Dec. 5 in Minneapolis when the partnership’s $160 million mark was surpassed with a $9.2 million commitment for 2012, the seventh year of a strong alliance between the two organizations.

Habitat for Humanity’s relationship with Thrivent Financial brings the financial, volunteer and advocacy resources of Thrivent Financial together with the affordable housing construction leadership of hundreds of local Habitat for Humanity affiliates. To date, more than 480,000 volunteers have donated more than 3 million hours to construct 1,600 homes in the U.S.

The 2012 commitment will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 142 Habitat for Humanity homes in 32 U.S. states, including the home built by Rockford Area Habitat in Rockford.

“The Thrivent Builds alliance is helping Rockford Area Habitat increase the number of families served in our community,” said Tonya Thayer, executive director of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity. “We are so grateful for Thrivent’s support of our efforts to provide decent, affordable homes in partnership with families in need.”

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical, Christian housing organization that builds simple, decent and affordable homes with low-income families through partnerships with the community.

Homes are sold to first-time homebuyers with a zero percent interest, 20- to 30-year mortgage. The organization has been serving Winnebago County since 1988 and has built 94 homes in partnership with families in need.

Visit rockfordhabitat.org for more details.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Rockford Area Realtors sold 281 homes in November, 19 percent more than 236 properties sold in November 2010, moving from 232 homes sold in 2010 to 281 homes in November 2011. This is the sixth straight month of significant year-over-year increases.

The three-month rolling average price fell slightly from last month, down 1.7 percent from $103,281 in October to $101,553 in November. Prices are still behind 2010 levels; the November 2010 average price was $116,767.

Steve Bois, CEO of Rockford Area Realtors, said: “Foreclosure and short sale inventories are working through the market, with buyers in the market favoring lower-priced homes. The continued gain in housing sales with six months of increases shows that buyers are seeing real value in the market.”

Through the first 11 months of the year, a total of 2,958 properties have been sold, compared to 3,112 sold from January to November 2011, a difference of 154 properties, or just 5 percent off last year’s total. If that pace holds, it will be the lowest annual drop in sales since the housing downturn began in 2007.

From 2009 to 2010, sales dropped 8.3 percent from 3,642 sold in 2009 to 3,341 sold last year. From 2008 to 2009, sales dropped 8.4 percent from 3,978 in 2008 to 3,642 in 2009. From 2007 to 2008, sales dropped 31.9 percent from 5,844 sold in 2007 to 3,978 sold in 2008. From 2006 to 2007, sales dropped 18.7 percent from 7,192 sold in 2006 to 5,844 sold in 2007.

Have sales bottomed out in fourth quarter 2011, or can they still go down?

“I’d say it’s too close to call this one,” Bois said. “Based on these trends, it doesn’t appear that we will have major price swings in either direction in the near future. We need to continue to move the inventory of distressed properties, which will help stabilize prices.”

Another positive statistic is that the monthly housing inventory hit a four-and-a-half-year low. In November, 2,800 properties were for sale, the lowest monthly inventory since February 2007, when 2,771 properties were available. Bois said the drop in inventory levels historically shows a positive upcoming trend on seller prices.

Economists from the National Association of Realtors say gradual improvement in the economy is expected next year. Bois said: “Tighter mortgage credit conditions have been holding back homebuyers all year, and consumer confidence has been shaky recently. However, we know there is a sizeable pent-up demand based on population growth, employment levels and a doubling-up phenomenon (kids leaving home and coming back), that can’t continue indefinitely.”

Meanwhile, The Wall Street Journal reported in October that economic indicators of house buying are turning in buyers’ favor. First, the nation’s ratio of house prices to yearly rents is nearly restored to its pre-bubble average. Second, when mortgage rates are taken into consideration, houses are the most affordable they have been in decades.

Friday, Dec. 2, U.S. rates for 30-year mortgages increased from 3.98 to 4 percent, based on an optimism that Europe’s debt crisis will be contained, pushing up yields for the treasuries that guide home loans. The 30-year rate has been at or below 4 percent for five straight weeks, extremely low rates by historic standards, the lowest in Freddie Mac records dating to 1971.

From the Dec. 7-13, 2011, issue

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — According to the Illinois Association of Realtors’ (IAR) latest report, statewide home sales (including single-family and condominiums) in October 2011 totaled 8,536 homes sold, up 15.3 percent from 7,402 home sales in October 2010.

The statewide median price in October was $130,000, down 10.3 percent from $145,000 in October 2010. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half sold for less.

“Foreclosure and short sale inventories are working through the market, and buyers in the market are favoring lower-priced homes with close to 70 percent of homes sold in October priced below $200,000 statewide,” said Realtor Loretta Alonzo, CRB, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of Realtors and broker-owner of Century 21 Alonzo & Associates in La Grange Park. “The best prescription for the housing market is a robust economy that creates jobs and improves consumer confidence combined with removing over-reaching barriers to home financing that turn away some qualified buyers who want to make a move at this opportune time.”

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central region was 4.07 percent in October 2011, down from 4.09 percent during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Last year in October, it averaged 4.21 percent.

In the nine-county Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), home sales (single-family and condominiums) in October 2011 totaled 5,778 homes sold, up 23.7 percent from October 2010 sales of 4,670 homes. The median price in October 2011 was $149,900 in the Chicago PMSA, down 15.3 percent compared to last year in October, when it was $177,000.

Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois, said: “The continued expectation of some gains in housing sales after several months of positive activity suggest that some buyers are seeing value in the market, especially in properties priced below $200,000. The economy continues to be a drag on the housing market recovery with U.S. recovery affected by the turmoil in Europe.

“As we look to the Illinois economy, there is some good news,” Hewings added. “For example, the last 12 months we have matched U.S. job growth, and we haven’t done that for some time. In fact, since 1980, Illinois has only outperformed the nation three times, and all that was before 1990. Also, our Midwest neighbors are recovering faster than the U.S., and 40 percent of Illinois exports go there, so if they are creating jobs, it will create more demand for Illinois products.”

Forty-seven percent of Illinois counties reporting (47 of 100) showed year-over-year home sales increases in October 2011. Forty-six percent (46 of 100) showed year-over-year median price increases including Boone, up 18.2 percent to $130,000; Coles, up 40.3 percent to $91,200; Iroquois, up 7.1 percent to $75,000; Macon, up 9 percent to $84,500; Ogle, up 9.8 percent to $101,000; Whiteside, up 8.9 percent to $86,500; and Woodford, up 18.8 percent to $164,000.

In the city of Chicago, October 2011 home sales (single-family and condominiums) totaled 1,312, up 7.9 percent from 1,216 homes sold in October 2010. The city of Chicago median home sale price for October 2011 was $162,000, down 11.5 percent compared to October 2010, when it was $183,000.

Realtor Bob Floss, president of the Chicago Association of Realtors and broker-owner of Bob Floss and Son Realty, said: “The increase in units sold in the city of Chicago continues to show the absorption of distressed properties in the market. Prospective buyers in the market are making investments that make sense long-term. Those who haven’t considered buying are encouraged to work with a Realtor to assess their individual buying power in today’s market and plan how they may make a purchase given historically low interest rates and their own financial ability.”

Sales and price information is generated from a survey of Multiple Listing Service sales reported by 31 participating Illinois Realtor local boards and associations including Midwest Real Estate Data LLC data as of Nov. 7, 2011, reported for the period Oct. 1-31. The Chicago PMSA, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, includes the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

The Illinois Association of Realtors is a voluntary trade association whose 44,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry.

Find Illinois housing stats data and the University of Illinois REAL forecast at www.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats.

From the Nov. 23-29, 2011, issue

Unless you’ve been living on a desert island, you know how tough it is to sell a home these days. In some neighborhoods, “For Sale” signs are as common as mailboxes. And the challenge is the same whether you live in a small row house or a McMansion.

Still, there are ways to get a competitive edge: Realtors know that well-maintained homes tend to sell faster, sometimes for a much higher price … and there are some inexpensive ways to spiff up a house.

“One of the best ways to get your home to stand out from the crowd is to apply a fresh coat of paint in psychologically important areas,” said Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert for the Paint Quality Institute. “At the top of the list are the front door and key parts of the home interior.”

You’ve no doubt heard the phrase “falling in love with a home.” That feeling starts at the entranceway, so your front door should create a favorable first impression. Fresh-looking paint on your front door tells potential buyers you care about your home, giving them a comfort level even before entering.

“Next, take a hard look at the space just inside the door,” said Zimmer. Is it warm and welcoming? Is it well maintained? If you can’t honestly answer “yes” to both questions, it’s important to do something about it. Zimmer advises home sellers to repair any imperfections in the walls and paint the space in a “quiet” color, such as white or off-white. “Studies show that these colors appeal to most people, and they’ll enable potential buyers to more easily picture their own furnishings in your home,” she said.

As for the rest of your interior, Zimmer advises repainting any room with loud or overly bright walls in a neutral paint color. You should also critically evaluate the condition of rooms where your children or pets spend time — as adorable as they may be, they can take a toll on your home interior. Fresh paint can quickly and easily restore these areas.

Should you find it necessary to take on several of these painting projects, don’t be put off. You can probably handle most of the work yourself; and even if you need to hire a professional painter, the jobs shouldn’t be too costly.

Things get more complicated when it comes to your home’s exterior. As with the front door, the overall condition of your outside walls and trim are part of a home’s “curb appeal” … or lack thereof. Touch-ups can be helpful here. However, if your entire exterior is in need of a new paint job, you’ll have to decide how much you’re willing to invest to improve its appearance prior to sale.

If you’re the handy type and your home isn’t too large, doing your own exterior painting can be relatively economical, potentially returning much more than the cost involved. But the calculus of hiring a professional painter is different, so weigh your options carefully. In doing so, you may want to consult with a knowledgeable Realtor who can offer valuable advice about the wisdom of painting the exterior.

Whether you do your own exterior painting or hire a contractor, it’s best to complete the work before putting your home on the market. Then, when you do, be sure to promote your brand-new paint job. Not needing to paint for a while will be a big plus in the eyes of prospective buyers, and could help you seal the deal!

To learn more, visit blog.paintquality.com or www.paintquality.com.

From the Nov. 23-29, 2011, issue

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS (IAR) third quarter 2011 report, Illinois home sales (which include single-family homes and condominiums) totaled 29,644 in the third quarter, up 19.9 percent from 24,719 home sales in the same period a year ago.

The third quarter statewide median home sale price was $145,500, down 4.9 percent from $153,000 in the third quarter of 2010. The median is a typical market price where half the homes sold for more, half sold for less.

Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois, said: “While median prices continue to trend downwards, there is some indication of increased demand as inventory levels in certain price ranges have been shrinking. In the third quarter, 64.1 percent of homes were sold in the price range under $200,000.

“On the jobs front, the three-month moving average of jobs was up by 5,400 jobs per month for the state of Illinois through September,” Hewings added. “Uncertainty remains about the economy, and if we had six or nine months of robust growth, something in the order of 150,000 to 250,000 jobs nationally, then we would see some real uptick in the housing market.”

In the Chicagoland Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), total home sales (single-family and condominiums) were up 20.2 percent in the third quarter of 2011 to 19,847 homes sold, compared to 16,518 home sales in the same period a year ago. The nine-county region’s third-quarter 2011 median price was $174,500, down 7.5 percent from $188,666 in the third quarter of 2010.

The third quarter 2011 interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 4.31 percent in the North Central Region, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. It was down from 4.69 percent in the second quarter of 2011 and down from 4.45 percent a year ago in the third quarter of 2010.

REALTOR Loretta Alonzo, CRB, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS and broker-owner of Century 21 Alonzo & Associates in La Grange Park, said: “Sales growth in the third quarter is due in part to significant pent-up demand from homebuyers waiting on the sidelines of this economy’s slow recovery. Given the historically low mortgage interest rates, it’s a good time to do a comparable analysis for those looking to get away from rising rents with these affordability conditions.

“We are still looking for stronger economic signals and more jobs to restore consumer confidence, all key factors for the housing market,” Alonzo added.

Seventy of 98 Illinois counties reporting showed year-over-year home sales increases in the third quarter of 2011. Forty-five of 98 counties reported median price increases, including Adams, up 7.4 percent to $112,750; Macon, up 8.2 percent to $94,900; McLean, up 3.2 percent to $160,000; Peoria, up 8.3 percent to $124,500; Tazewell, up 8.9 percent to $135,000; Vermilion, up 12.1 percent to $60,000; and Whiteside, up 3.3 percent to $82,500.

In the city of Chicago, total home sales (single-family and condominiums) in the third quarter were up 10.3 percent to 4,940 sales, compared to 4,477 sales in the third quarter of 2010. The city of Chicago median price in the third quarter was $198,000, up 2.6 percent from $193,000 in the same period for 2010.

REALTOR Bob Floss, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS and broker-owner of Bob Floss and Son Realty, said: “First-time homebuyers are finding great homes to make their first purchase, while other buyers are finding tremendous opportunities to become investors. Chicago real estate remains stable considering national economic conditions, and still a marketplace where residents or investors can make their dreams of homeownership a reality.”

Sales and price information is generated from a survey of Multiple Listing Service sales reported by 31 participating Illinois REALTOR local boards and associations, including Midwest Real Estate Data LLC data as of Oct. 7, reported for the period July 1-Sept. 30. The Chicagoland PMSA, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, includes the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS is a voluntary trade association whose 44,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of REALTORS works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation that safeguards and advances the interest of real property ownership.

Detailed third-quarter 2011 Illinois home sales data can be accessed at the IAR website, www.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats.

URBANA, Ill. — It is time for the annual pesky ladybug invasion. Every fall, it happens: as the weather turns cooler, there is another outbreak of critters that want to come inside where it’s warm. Rhonda Ferree, horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension, said to take time now while the weather is still amenable to prepare your home.

“Spiders, box elder bugs, Asian lady beetles, and mice would all like to share your home with you this winter,” Ferree said. “Fall cleaning activities such as sweeping spider webs away from windows and corners and raking accumulated leaves and grass away from the foundations help eliminate hiding places, eggs and easy access to your house by the pests.”

Ferree said the best way to keep critters out of your home is to prevent their entrance by caulking around windows and doors and at the top of the foundation.

“This will help keep out drafts, too,” Ferree said. “Be sure weather seals at the bottoms of doors are tight. To keep mice from entering the house, cover all holes that are at least as big as the diameter of a lead pencil. Place one-quarter-inch wire mesh, smaller screening, or sheet metal around pipes and over ventilators or other holes.”

Most pests that come indoors die in a few days, she said. However, box elder bugs, ladybugs, and spiders may live indoors all winter.

“After they’ve come inside, the simplest way to eliminate them is to vacuum them up, rather than spraying,” Ferree said. “Try not to crush box elder bugs and ladybugs, as they leave a stain and odor. These insects do not feed or reproduce indoors, and are only seeking shelter. Spiders, on the other hand, will continue their normal habits, but only if they have insects on which they can live.”

When dealing with mice, Ferree recommended trapping as the most effective method of eliminating small numbers of mice, but sanitation is equally important.

“Store food in tightly closing containers,” she said. “Do the dishes daily, and always wipe up crumbs from tables and counter tops. Remove nesting sites in garages and around the home or other buildings.”

For more about this or other horticultural issues, visit www.extension.illinois.edu. Ferree also welcomes questions on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ferree.horticulture.

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

Have you ever wanted to have professional-looking faux-painted walls, but just couldn’t afford to have it done? It’s not as hard to do as you think.

If you’ve ever thought of doing this yourself, set aside Saturday, Nov. 19, on your calendar. That’s when Rock Valley College (RVC) brings Linda Coffman, from Gilbert, Ariz., to teach her very popular class, “Fabulous Faux for Boring Walls.”

This one-time seminar is all you need to get started with affordable wall decorating.

The class is taught with two styles in mind. “Fabulous Faux-Classic,Tuscan, Metallics,” from 9:30 a.m. to noon, covers the basic looks-faux marble, granite and old plaster walls.

“Fabulous Faux-Suede, Rustic, Modern,” from 1 to 3:30 p.m., is taught on the same day, immediately following the first class. Both classes feature money-saving tips, hands-on practice, and a faster, easier way compared to ragging or sponging.

Coffman’s method reveals secrets of the pros. She has been in the wallpapering and faux-painting business for more than 18 years. Her work is featured in businesses, hotels, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and fine homes throughout the Minnesota area, and now in Arizona. Hundreds are now using her basecoat tool technique to create their own professional-looking faux-painted walls.

By taking this class, students will be able to achieve perfect edges, make their own glaze, and know how to “rescue” a wall from seeming mistakes. Each class has a kit with the tool for that style and a 60-minute DVD of what was covered that day. A sample of the class can be seen at twistonwalls.com.

For more information, including the cost and location of the classes, visit rockvalleycollege.edu/ce or call (815) 921-3900.

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

“Shred fall leaves with your mower and leave them on the lawn. As long as you can see the grass blades for the leaf pieces, your lawn will be fine. Those shredded leaves will break down, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.” — Melinda Myers (Photo courtesy of Melinda Myers LLC)

By Melinda Myers
Gardening Expert, TV & Radio Host, Author and Columnist

Go green, or should I say, brown. Recycle fall leaves into compost, a soil amendment or a nutritious topdressing for the lawn. It saves time, improves your landscape and is good for the environment.

Shred fall leaves with your mower and leave them on the lawn. As long as you can see the grass blades for the leaf pieces, your lawn will be fine. Those shredded leaves will break down, adding nutrients and organic matter to the soil.

It is also a good time to make your last application of fertilizer for your lawn. Use a slow-release organic nitrogen fertilizer, like Milorganite, that won’t burn the lawn. Plus, the phosphorous is non-leaching, and recent research found when the micro-organisms break down this fertilizer, some of the phosphorous and potassium tied up in the soil is released for plants to use.

Northern gardeners with bluegrass, fescue and rye grass lawns can make their last application in late fall before the ground freezes. Those in the South growing Bermuda, St. Augustine and other warm-weather grasses can make their last fertilization about one month before the lawn goes dormant. That’s about the time of the first killing frost. Fertilizing later can result in winter damage.

Bag any leaves you don’t want to leave on the lawn, and dig them into annual flower and vegetable gardens. They will break down over winter, improving the soil.

Use any remaining shredded leaves as mulch on the soil around perennials, trees and shrubs. The shredded leaves help conserve moisture, moderate temperature extremes and reduce weed problems. And once decomposed, help improve the soil.

Still leaves left? Start a compost pile by mixing fall leaves with other yard waste. Don’t add aggressive weeds or those gone to seed. Leave insect- and disease-infested or chemically-treated plant debris out of the pile. Don’t add fat, meat and other animal products that can attract rodents. Moisten and occasionally turn the pile to speed up the process. Soon, you will have a wonderful soil conditioner to put back into your landscape.

Nationally-known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and The Garden Book for Wisconsin. She hosts the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments, which air on 89 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. Visit www.melindamyers.com.

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

Rockford Area Realtors sold 30.2 percent more homes this October than in October 2010, moving from 232 homes sold in 2010 to 302 homes in October 2011. This is the largest increase in year-over-year sales in 2011, the largest such increase since April 2010, and the fifth-straight month of year-over-year increases.

The three-month rolling average price fell slightly from last month, down 2.6 percent from $106,022 in September to $103,281 in October. Prices are still behind 2010 levels; the October 2010 average price was $119,968.

“The equity markets are see-sawing, while we see more of a stable progression in housing,” said Steve Bois, CEO of Rockford Area Realtors. “Home sales are up significantly from last year, and we expect to see even more people taking advantage of these excellent affordability conditions with low mortgage interest rates.”

Rockford-area sales for the first 10 months of the year are at 2,677 properties, just 7 percent off 2,876 homes sold in the same period in 2010, a difference of 199 properties.

Bois predicts that if the average increase of 21 percent in sales for third quarter 2011 over 2010 holds, total housing sales for 2011 will end up just below 2010 totals. Annual sales would end up in the range of a 3 to 5 percent drop, which would make that the smallest drop in housing sales since the housing recession began in 2007.

“The housing market is showing some positive signs in terms of sales volume with more sales expected in the category of homes priced less than $100,000,” Bois said.

The Regional Economics Applications Laboratory of the University of Illinois forecasts that total home sales will be positive for November and December on a month-to-month and year-over-year basis, an unexpected outcome for the last quarter of the year when the market typically cools down.

Other October statistics by the Association also indicate good news. The absorption rate, the time it takes to sell an average home, decreased for the fourth month in a row, and the total inventory of properties for sale dropped for the fourth month in a row, now at 2007 inventory levels.

“This is good news for the housing recovery, and especially first-time buyers,” Bois said.

National Association of Realtors stats show the number of female first-time homebuyers increased from 20 to 23 percent from 2009 to 2010, and male first-time homebuyers increased from 12 to 15 percent from 2009 to 2010, the highest share of males in 11 years. Both groups are also trending up in 2011.

From the Nov. 9-15, 2011, issue

A dedication ceremony for the Boone County Habitat for Humanity home of Ana Moreno and her three children Yatzari, Lizette and Alaksis Galvez will be at the family’s new home (pictured), 707 Pearl St., Belvidere, beginning at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5. (Photo provided)

Staff Report

Boone County Habitat for Humanity and the Boone County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans will hold a dedication ceremony for the Moreno family home at 707 Pearl St., in Belvidere, Ill., at 2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 5.

Boone County Habitat for Humanity and the Boone County Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans have made the dream of owning a beautiful home a reality for the Moreno family.

Habitat for Humanity volunteers, Thrivent Financial representatives, Belvidere Mayor Frederic C. Brereton, local dignitaries, and members of the Moreno family will participate in the dedication ceremony. Hard work, generous financial backing, and community support made this home possible.

The new homeowner, Ana Moreno, and her three children, Yatzari, Lizette and Alaksis Galvez, are eager and excited to move into their new home. They have completed more than 300 hours of “sweat equity” work while helping to build the home, which is a basic requirement of Habitat for Humanity. They will repay the nonprofit mortgage over a period of 30 years, illustrating Habitat for Humanity’s objective to give families a “hand up” rather than a “hand out.”

For more details, contact the Habitat for Humanity of Boone County at (815) 980-6247 or habitatboone@boonecoilhfh.com.

From the Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2011, issue

Don’t miss a chance to color up your spring landscape. Get busy now planting spring flowering bulbs like daffodils, tulips and hyacinths.

Look for creative ways to use bulbs in your landscape. Plant a massive ribbon of blue squills or grape hyacinths to create the illusion of a river in your spring landscape. Or, fill the front lawn with shorter bulbs for added color. Just wait until they are done blooming to mow the grass at its highest possible setting.

Mix bulbs to double the bloom power or extend their flowering beauty. I like to mix the equally assertive daffodils and squills for a double layer of color. Try combining early blooming crocus with mid-spring daffodils, late-spring tulips and even later blooming allium for months of enjoyment.

And force a few to enjoy indoors or outdoors in areas where you can’t plant bulbs in the ground. Give these bulbs 15 weeks of temperatures between 35 and 45 degrees to initiate bloom.

Plant spring flowering bulbs outdoors in fall, so winter’s chill can set the flower buds for the beautiful spring flowers. Those gardening in the South need to look for bulbs that require minimal chilling or are pre-cooled for winter planting. Northern gardeners have until the ground freezes to get their bulbs in the ground.

Plant bulbs two to three times their vertical height, deep in properly-prepared soil. Add a low-nitrogen, slow-release fertilizer like Milorganite to the soil at planting. Water thoroughly, as the bulbs are putting down roots before the ground freezes.

Those tired of battling the animals may want to plant resistant bulbs, such as daffodils, hyacinths, Fritillaria, alliums, Camassia, glory-of-the snow, snow drops, squills and grape hyacinths.

Or, protect animal favorites like tulips, lilies and crocus with a bulb dip of Bobbex. Start with a pair of waterproof gloves for this task. Bobbex is safe and natural, but not a fragrance you want to wear all day long. Carefully remove the papery cover, and soak the bulbs for 3 to 5 minutes in Bobbex. You will have the best results using the concentrated formula of Bobbex-R Animal repellent. Allow the bulbs to dry before planting. The scent of Bobbex masks the smell of the bulbs, protecting them from hungry critters throughout the winter.

Then, next spring, apply Bobbex to your bulbs and other landscape plants as soon as they emerge and leaf out, protecting them from hungry rabbits, deer and other animals.

So, get a jump on the spring season with a bit of fall landscape care.

Nationally-known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and The Garden Book for Wisconsin. She hosts the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments, which air on 89 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. Visit www.melindamyers.com.

From the Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2011, issue

As prices at the pump remain high, it’s making other things look downright cheap. One of them is interior painting. Always inexpensive, the cost of painting a room is now about the same as the cost of a fill-up.

According to Debbie Zimmer, spokesman for the Paint Quality Institute (PQI): “Even the highest-quality interior paint can be purchased for about $50 a gallon, which is often enough to paint a good-sized room, or even apply two coats to a small one. Throw in a brush, roller and paint pan, and the cost is still well under $100 — or roughly the cost of gassing up a minivan.”

The affordability of interior painting has not escaped the attention of consumers, especially in relation to other home projects. In a recent PQI survey, 92 percent of the respondents said they were more likely to paint, rather than do other types of remodeling, given the current economic environment.

“Clearly, low cost is part of the appeal of interior painting, particularly at this point in time, but consumers also know that a fresh coat of paint can greatly beautify a room,” Zimmer said. “That’s the real secret to the popularity of painting — the ability to completely transform a space with minimal cost and effort.”

If you’re one of the many who are planning to paint this season, what should you know before you pick up brush and roller? Zimmer offered some advice.

“Good paint performance depends on good paint adhesion, and paint adheres best to surfaces that are clean and sound,” she said.

So, before painting, remove dust and dirt from walls and other surfaces with a detergent-water solution. Rinse them clean, and allow them to dry. Fill cracks and holes with spackling compound, and sand them smooth after the compound dries. Prime stains with a stain-blocking primer to prevent the discoloration from bleeding through the new paint.

“It’s also wise to use only high-quality brushes and rollers,” Zimmer said. “They apply the paint more evenly and make application almost effortless.”

When applying any latex paint, make sure the brushes and rollers have bristles and covers made of a synthetic material like polyester; they’ll hold up better when exposed to water-based paint.

Most importantly, Zimmer recommended consumers use top-quality, 100-percent acrylic latex paints to make the work easier and to get the best long-term performance.

“In terms of application, top-quality paints spatter less, go on more easily, and tend not to show brush and roller marks,” she said. “They also tend to cover the old color in fewer coats, which can save a lot of time, effort and money.”

But the big payoff is the durability of these paints. According to Zimmer, they resist fading, yellowing and staining, and even if they do get stained, the discoloration can often be washed off, especially if a higher-gloss paint is used.

So, if the cost of gas has you perturbed, purchase some paint instead. You’ll get a lot of mileage out of just a single gallon — very likely, enough to completely transform the appearance of a room in your home.

To learn more, visit blog.paintquality.com or www.paintquality.com.

From the Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2011, issue

Now that Labor Day has come and gone, most of the country is entering the stretch run of the exterior painting season. If your house is in need of a new paint job, there’s little time to waste: “Paint-friendly” weather is fast disappearing.

“Doing exterior painting in the right weather conditions is extremely important,” said Debbie Zimmer, paint and color expert at the Paint Quality Institute. “Fresh paint forms a better protective film when it’s applied in moderate weather like that commonly seen in early autumn. If your house needs to be painted this year, you need to paint it now.”

To appreciate the urgency, it’s important to understand how paint “cures.” While latex paint dries to the touch very quickly, it actually takes many hours for it to form the most protective paint film. If the temperature is very hot when the paint is applied — or more likely as winter approaches, if nighttime temperatures get very cold — that can adversely affect film formation, and even lead to early flaking and peeling of the paint.

This point is vividly demonstrated on test panels at the Paint Quality Institute. More than 40 years of outdoor testing there shows that exterior paint applied in moderate conditions can last many years longer than paints applied in very hot, very cold or even very windy weather.

Those extra years of service can offer homeowners a big return on their investment in an exterior paint job. As an example, let’s say a new paint job costs $3,000. If it lasts only five years, the annualized cost is $600; but if it holds up for 10 years, the annualized cost is only $300 — half as much!

As the days get shorter and winter approaches, painting in moderate weather is one of the most important factors in getting a long-lasting exterior paint job. Other things that can affect the longevity of a coating aren’t so time-sensitive, according to Zimmer.

“To get the most durable paint job, it’s always very important to properly prepare exterior surfaces and to use a top-quality paint,” she said.

Good exterior surface preparation requires that siding and trim be clean and free of dust, dirt and mildew, so that the new paint can adhere properly. Of course, peeling, flaking or otherwise unstable paint should be completely removed, and any bare wood primed before painting.

As for the type of paint to use, studies show that high-quality, 100 percent acrylic latex paints are the most durable coatings for most home exteriors, including wood, masonry, vinyl and aluminum siding. These paints adhere well, they’re tough, and they’re very flexible, so they tend to expand or contract with the home exterior when temperatures rise or fall dramatically.

Which brings us back to the weather: As the song says, “For everything, there is a season.” When it comes to exterior painting, that season is now.

From the Oct. 26-Nov. 1, 2011, issue

The average price of a home sold by Rockford Area Realtors in September rose to $106,492, the highest average price since $111,824 in February of this year, seven months ago. The three-month average rolling price rose 2.4 percent from $103,981 in August to the September average price of $106,492.

Total property sales fell 5.7 percent from 330 sold in August to 311 in September, about half the normal drop of 10.7 percent in sales from August to September, dating back to 1998.

“A strong buyer’s market continues in the Rockford-area housing market, with record low mortgage interest rates and lower home prices,” said Steve Bois, CEO of Rockford Area Realtors. “The view that houses are not selling is totally inaccurate; we have 311 examples to prove that.”

Bois said underlying factors for improving sales are record-high affordability conditions (low interest rates and lower property prices), rising rents and investors buying real estate as a future inflation hedge.

Other September statistics by the association signal longer-term good news. The absorption rate, the time it takes to sell an average home, decreased for the third month in a row, and the total inventory of properties for sale dropped for the fourth month in a row, now at 2007 inventory levels.

“This is good news for the housing recovery,” Bois said. “Cleaning up distressed properties in the marketplace that are typically sold at deep discounts will eventually improve housing prices, which we think is indicated by this month’s rolling average price.”

Rockford-area sales to date for the first three quarters are at 2,375 properties, just 10.2 percent off 2,644 sold in the first nine months of 2010, a difference of 269 properties.

The University of Illinois REAL Forecast predicts that sales for the final three months of the year for Illinois will be significantly higher than the same period last year.

Bois predicts that if the average increase of 21 percent in sales for third quarter 2011 over 2010 holds, total area housing sales for 2011 will end up slightly below 2010 totals, somewhere in the range of a 4 to 6 percent drop. If so, this will be the smallest drop in housing sales since the housing recession began in 2007, and may signal a long-awaited upward turn in the housing recovery in 2012.

From the Oct. 12-18, 2011, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — It’s a common sight across Loves Park — brown patches on lawns. Despite homeowners’ best attempts to keep lawns lush and green, the summer of 2011 was difficult, even for seasoned lawn care pros.

“While grass is a remarkable plant and can handle weather extremes with the best of them, sometimes the pressure is just too great,” said Jason Jordan, owner of Spring-Green Lawn Care in Loves Park.

In the Midwest, the majority of lawns are composed of cool-season grasses: Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, turf-type tall fescue and fine fescue. These grasses grow best at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees and with adequate moisture. When the daytime temperatures approach 85 degrees, cool-season grasses begin to decline, making summer the most stressful time of the year.

“When temperatures exceed 80 degrees for over a month straight, as it did in July, cool-season grasses just can’t cope,” said Jordan. “Worse yet, during the same period of time, many areas in the Midwest experienced record rainfall and elevated humidity levels, which led to increased disease activity.”

When heat, humidity and excessive moisture levels are added together, it often leads to an increase in disease activity. Diseases such as Brown Patch and Dollar Spot, normally only seen on golf courses or on lawns in the Southern part of the country, were, and continue to be, a common occurrence.

As the weather cools, lawns will begin to recover on their own. However, with a little work, damaged lawns can mend more quickly. Following are some tips from Jordan about the best ways to revive a damaged lawn:

• Aerate away: One of the best ways to revive an existing lawn is to first core aerate the lawn. Your lawn care professional will use a machine to remove plugs of soil and thatch, and deposit them back on top of the lawn to allow for more air, water and nutrients to penetrate into the root zone to help develop a stronger root system. The cores that are left behind will dissolve back into the lawn and help break down any thatch that has developed. For maximum effectiveness, the lawn should have adequate moisture to allow the aeration machine to penetrate the soil more easily.

• Seed, seed and more seed: For the best results, invest in a good quality blend of grasses because when choosing seed, you tend to get what you pay for. Because seed needs contact with soil to germinate, just spreading seed over a non-aerated lawn will not produce the desired results. Broadcasting seed over a newly-aerated lawn, however, allows for better soil-seed contact and better germination. One key advantage of seeding after core aerating is that the seed that falls into the holes will be protected and remain moist longer and provide better germination. As the soil collapses within the hole, the new plants will rise to ground level with a stronger, deeper root system.

• Water, water everywhere: Aeration and seeding alone won’t repair a lawn; in fact, one of the main reasons seed doesn’t germinate is because of inadequate watering. Depending on the variety of seed being used, germination rates can vary. For example, it can take anywhere from five to seven days for perennial ryegrass or tall fescue and up to three weeks for bluegrass. Keeping the lawn frequently watered for two to four weeks or longer will ensure the new seed becomes well established. Be careful, though, because watering just enough to get the seed to germinate and then stopping will only result in the death of the new grass plants.

• Don’t forget food before a long winter’s nap: Fall fertilization is critical to help a lawn recover from summer stresses. The lawn’s top growth has slowed, so these nutrients go straight to the roots for a strong start next spring. Your turf actually converts the fertilizer into food reserves and loads up its root system so it’s ready, willing and able to get a quick (and healthy) start in spring. Lawns should be fertilized two or three times during the fall. Most fertilizer bags have instructions about the amount of product to apply per 1,000 square feet. General rule of thumb is to apply no more than 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet.

• Lower the height of your mower: Your lawn should enter winter without any young, tender growth that could make it more appealing to winter diseases, like snow mold. New, soft growth on the lawn is also more prone to dry out after the first winter winds come through, leaving you with a tan or brown lawn all winter. So, as late fall approaches, bring the cutting height down on your mower a notch or two.

For more about Spring-Green Lawn Care and its services, contact Jordan at (815) 885-4866, via e-mail at jjordan@spring-green.net or visit www.spring-green.com/jjordan.

From the Oct. 12-18, 2011, issue

By Paint Quality Institute

Wondering about the hot paint colors for next year? Wonder no more: The 2012 paint palette will draw heavily upon the natural colors in the American landscape, according to Debbie Zimmer, color expert at the Paint Quality Institute.

“Native plants and flowers, oceans and lakes, and rocks and minerals are the sources of inspiration for the paint colors that will be ‘in’ next year,” said Zimmer. “If you’re thinking about repainting your home interior, look to the great American outdoors.”

Here are some highlights:

Blue, the ‘Jewel of the Sea’

Blues gained popularity in 2011 and continue to be red hot in 2012.

“From sparkling sea-glass blue to colonial blue-gray, blues are suitable for all living spaces, being a naturally soothing color that is loved — in one iteration or another — by almost everyone,” Zimmer said.

Green, from farm to forest

Greens, ranging from celery and asparagus to fir and fern, allow homeowners to bring the comforting feelings of the world outside into the world within. According to Zimmer, dining rooms and kitchens are the “natural” spots for in vogue greens, but the hue is also at home in family rooms and bedrooms.

Violet, majestic purple mountains

“A harmonious blend of patriotic blue and red hues, violet can add ‘punch’ to any room when used as an accent color, or serve as the dominant color in a bedroom,” Zimmer said.

But natural hues aren’t the only news for 2012. Zimmer predicts the following three paint and decorating trends will gain prominence next year:

1. Patterns — In 2012, patterned paint will take center stage, with increased interest in hound’s-tooth finishes, lacy designs, and bold color-blocking techniques.

“In some cases, pattern will be the main decorating feature in a room; in others, it will provide a subtle, textured backdrop for fine furnishings and artwork,” Zimmer said.

2. Black and white — The classic combination of black and white isn’t just for Cape Cods anymore. You’ll see much more of it in all sorts of settings, from contemporary apartments to historic homes, Zimmer said.

“The pairing is a great way to freshen an interior with something smart and stylish,” she added.

3. Exterior paint combinations — On the home exterior, colors for shutters will begin to shift away from the traditional look of high-contrast green, red or black to a more monochromatic palette.

“You’ll see more shutters that are painted just a shade darker than the siding,” Zimmer said. “Owners of homes with stone exteriors can get in on things by matching the shutter color to the dominant color of the stone.”

Despite all the new colors and trends, Zimmer said some things in the paint world will remain the same in 2012: “Top-quality, 100 percent acrylic latex paint will continue to provide the best performance and the best value to budget-conscious homeowners,” she said.

And since paints are locally produced, consumers can easily support the growing “Made in America” decorating trend.

From the Oct. 12-18, 2011, issue

Public fire departments responded to 1,331,500 fires in the United States during 2010, a slight decrease from the previous year and the lowest number since 1977, according to a new report issued by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

These fires caused an estimated 3,120 civilian fire deaths, a 4 percent increase from a year ago; an estimated 17,720 civilian fire injuries, also a 4 percent increase from the previous year; and more than $11.5 billion in property damage, a significant decrease from the year before.

“Fire Loss in the U.S.” analyzes 2010 figures for fires, civilian fire deaths, injuries, property damage, and intentionally-set fires. Estimates are based on data collected from fire departments that responded to NFPA’s Annual National Fire Experience Survey.

An estimated 482,000 structure fires were reported to fire departments in 2010, a very slight increase from a year ago. The number of structure fires was at their peak in 1977, the first year NFPA implemented its current survey methodology, when 1,098,000 structure fires occurred.

“We have made tremendous progress in reducing the fire problem in the United States since we began looking at these numbers in the late ’70s,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Communications for NFPA. “But this report shows us that more must be done to bring the numbers down even further. We continue to see the vast majority of deaths occurring in homes, a place where people often feel safest. These survey results will be combined with data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) to determine how often specific fire circumstances occur and where we can most effectively focus our efforts.”

Other key findings from the report include the following:

• A fire department responded to a fire every 24 seconds.

• 384,000 fires, or 80 percent of all structure fires occurred in residential properties.

• About 85 percent of all fire deaths occurred in the home.

• 215,500 vehicle fires occurred in the U.S. during 2010, causing 310 civilian fire deaths, 1,590 civilian fire injuries and $1.4 billion in property damage.

• 634,000 outside and other fires occurred in the U.S. during 2010, causing $501 million in property damage.

“USFA is pleased to share in the release of NFPA’s annual fire loss report,” said Deputy U.S. Fire Administrator Glenn Gaines. “NFPA’s survey is greatly valued by USFA and aids in producing national estimates of more detailed fires and losses, as reported to NFIRS. These combined efforts enable us to analyze the fire problem at a more detailed level and develop prevention strategies to reduce the risk of fire and loss of life and property to the American public.”

To download the full report “Fire Loss in the United States during 2010,” visit www.nfpa.org/assets/files/pdf/os.fireloss.pdf.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

As the summer garden season nears an end, don’t let your guard down. Keeping up with a few basic chores can improve your landscape’s beauty and reduce your workload next season.

1. Continue weeding. Removing weeds now before they go to seed will eliminate hundreds of weeds next season. Destroy invasive weeds, those that have gone to seed and perennials that may root in the compost pile. And mulch the soil, if you haven’t already done so.

2. Keep watering new plantings, stressed and young plants, evergreens, and moisture-loving plants as needed throughout the fall. Water thoroughly and whenever the top few inches are crumbly and slightly moist. Check my plant guide for more specifics on your plants’ watering needs. Properly watered plants are better able to survive the rigors of winter.

3. Reduce future workloads and improve your garden’s health and beauty. A layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or woodchips will help suppress weeds, conserve moisture, moderate soil temperatures, and improve the soil as they decompose.

4. Replace faded annuals with cool season annuals, mums and other fall plants, decorative squash and pumpkins. And add a few fall containers to your front entrance, patio or deck. It adds color and a feeling of freshness to the garden.

5. Monitor and manage pests as needed. Keeping plants healthy throughout the growing season increases your overwintering success. Hand-pick small populations of insects, rake and destroy disease-infested leaves, and always use the most eco-friendly products when greater intervention is needed.

6. Keep applying animal repellents. Use a long-lasting, all-natural product like Bobbex. Keeping hungry animals away from your landscape will help reduce the future risk of critters moving in and dining on your landscape.

Nationally-known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author and columnist Melinda Myers has 30 years of horticulture experience and has written more than 20 gardening books, including Can’t Miss Small Space Gardening and The Garden Book for Wisconsin. She hosts the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment segments, which air on 89 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. Visit www.melindamyers.com.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

Kitty Moring (Photo provided)

Staff Report

ELGIN, Ill. — RE/MAX Professional Advantage, a top real estate brokerage in Byron, Ill., moved to a new location in August to help strengthen its leading position in the city.

The real estate agents at RE/MAX Professional Advantage are now doing business from an office at 404 W. Blackhawk Drive, Byron, Ill.

Broker/owner Kitty Moring said the new building offers several advantages. Most notably, the new office is larger than RE/MAX Professional Advantage’s former Byron location. And the brokerage will now be operating out of a true office building instead of the renovated historic house in which the company’s agents had been working.

The move to an office building provides an air of professionalism, Moring said. Even more importantly, it provides more space and updated equipment for her agents.

“People may think that in today’s economy this is a bold move,” Moring said. “But I have confidence in this market. I have confidence in my staff. And I have confidence in the future of real estate in our area. I was willing to take the risk of making a move like this. I think it will pay off.”

Moring and her staff will celebrate the grand opening of the new office from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, during a Business After Hours event sponsored by the Byron Area Chamber of Commerce. Appetizers, refreshments and networking opportunities will be featured at the grand opening celebration.

The new RE/MAX Professional Advantage office measures about 2,000 square feet, an upgrade of 600 square feet from the previous space. The new office also features a larger conference room.

Moring is also excited about working alongside the other businesses in her brokerage’s new location. A title company is located next door, giving the brokerage’s clients the opportunity for one-stop real estate shopping. There is a café in the building, too. This will allow Moring’s agents to take their clients for coffee or a light meal as they discuss area listings or sales.

“They can do some socializing with their clients that way,” Moring said. “It doesn’t have to be all business all the time. The socializing is a good way for agents to build a strong working relationship with their clients.”

The building in which the new office sits is just five years old, while RE/MAX Professional Advantage’s former office was more than 100 years old.

Seven real estate agents are affiliated with RE/MAX Professional Advantage. Now that the office move is complete, Moring is looking toward the future. She is working on a recruiting campaign designed to boost the number of agents in her office.

“My focus now is on bringing more agents to this office,” Moring said. “I think with all the advantages of the RE/MAX name and all the benefits of our new office, I’ll be successful in attracting more top agents to the brokerage.”

RE/MAX is the market share leader in Byron, accounting for 34 percent of all listed properties sold.

RE/MAX has been the leader in the northern Illinois real estate market since 1989. The RE/MAX northern Illinois network consists of 2,300 sales associates and 110 individually-owned and operated RE/MAX offices that provide a full range of brokerage services throughout the northern one-third of Illinois. Its www.illinoisproperty.com and www.remax.com websites are leaders in consumer visits among real estate franchise brands. The northern Illinois network is part of RE/MAX LLC, a global real estate organization with 90,000 sales associates in 84 nations.

From the Sept. 28-Oct. 4, 2011, issue

URBANA, Ill. — Fall is an ideal time to plant many woody trees and shrubs, but before you grab the spade and start digging a hole, consider the suitability of the site where it is to be planted, the species involved, growth characteristics of the tree, the tree’s age, and how the nursery plants were grown. University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Rhonda Ferree offers some general information and tips for planting a tree that will thrive in the fall.

“Nursery stock is usually offered for sale in the following ways: bare root, packaged, potted, container grown, and balled and burlapped,” Ferree said. “These designations relate to the way the plants were grown and how they are being marketed. For example, bare-root stock has exposed roots that are very susceptible to drying out and, therefore, need to be kept moist until planting. Packaged plants are similar to bare-root plants, except they have their roots in a loose, moist organic material. Potted plants are bare-root stock that have been potted into containers and sold shortly thereafter. Potted plants differ from container-grown plants in that they were not grown in the original containers. Balled and burlapped stock are generally more durable than their bare-root counterparts because they contain a large soil ball with the root system relatively intact.”

To plant a tree, Ferree recommends digging a hole about 50 percent wider than the root ball or root spread of your tree. It is extremely important to plant all trees at the same level in the soil at which they were originally growing — no shallower and no deeper. Starter fertilizer can be applied with the first watering after planting.

Once the tree is set into the planting pit, backfilling should be done by shoveling in and firming the soil around the root ball. Ferree recommends a water basin be formed around the base of the plant to hold water, allowing it to soak in rather than run off. When watering new trees, make sure the plants never dry out. Keep the soil moist at all times during the first season.

“It’s also a good idea to mulch newly-planted trees with shredded hardwood bark, compost or coarse peat moss,” she said. “These materials conserve moisture, retard weed growth, and help maintain a more even soil temperature. A 2- or 3-inch mulch is usually plenty for one season.”

Buy only healthy plants. Avoid trees with cracked or ripped bark and disease or insect problems. Make sure the tree is hardy in Illinois. For help in selecting a tree for your yard, visit the U of I Extension Tree Selector site at http://urbanext.illinois.edu/treeselector/.

For more information, contact your local Extension office by visiting www.extension.illinois.edu. Ferree also welcomes questions on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ferree.horticulture.

From the Sept. 14-20, 2011, issue

Staff Report

The foreclosure epidemic in the United States is showing no sign of slowing down, especially since millions of Americans are underwater on their mortgage, owing more than their home is worth.

Facing foreclosure is stressful for families, especially if they do not fully understand the process. To educate homeowners about the options that are available, the Neighborhood Community Foundation will conduct a free foreclosure prevention workshop in Rockford from 7 to 9 p.m., Sept. 28, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 7675 Walton St., Rockford.

An independent, nonprofit organization, the Neighborhood Community Foundation strives to help residents develop a better understanding of the foreclosure process, recognize their legal rights, and learn about their options and potential solutions so they can remain in their home.

To register for the workshop, visit www.neighborhood-community.org or call The Neighborhood Community Foundation at 877-306-5299.

From the Sept. 14-20, 2011, issue

URBANA, Ill. — It has been a tough year to grow grass in Illinois. Heavy spring rains, followed by drought in many parts of the state, caused poor grass growth and death from disease. But there’s hope for a better lawn in 2012, if you start working on it now.

“Most Illinois lawns are made up of cool-season grasses that thrive in late fall, early winter and spring,” said University of Illinois Extension Horticulture Educator Rhonda Ferree. “This means that the cool days and warm nights of fall make a perfect environment for fall lawn care. It’s a great time to aerate and fertilize, dethatch and consider a broadleaf weed control.”

If you only fertilize your lawn once a year, this is the time to do it. Ferree recommends using holidays to remember when to fertilize your lawn. “If you fertilize once a year, do it around Labor Day; twice a year, Labor Day and Mother’s Day; three times a year, Labor Day, Mother’s Day and Halloween.”

Core aerating, dethatching and power raking are useful lawn care activities. Ferree says they help reduce soil compaction and thatch, improve surface drainage, and improve conditions prior to overseeding. It’s best to do this when the grass is actively growing, and that’s usually in spring or early to mid-fall. “The key is to do it early enough in the fall for turf recovery to take place before the onset of severe cold weather,” she said.

Postemergence broadleaf weed control is suited to fall, too, especially for weeds such as dandelions, buckhorn, broadleaf plantains and ground ivy. These weeds are preparing to go into dormancy for the winter.

“There’s a lot of movement of materials within the plant, and that’s when herbicides work best to kill the entire plant,” Ferree said. “When using any lawn or garden chemical, be sure to read, understand, and follow all label instructions for the safest, most effective application of herbicides.”

Visit www.extension.illinois.edu. Ferree welcomes questions on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ferree.horticulture.

From the Sept. 14-20, 2011, issue

URBANA, Ill. — If your lawn hasn’t looked its best this summer, now is the time to do something about it. Seeding in late summer — August to September — has a much higher success rate than seeding in spring.

“Warm days and cool nights, combined with more regular rainfall, are ideal conditions for seedling growth,” said Rhonda Ferree, horticulture educator with University of Illinois Extension. “Also, there is less weed competition at this time of year.”

The first step in seeding a lawn is to prepare the seedbed. A well-prepared seedbed is essential for rapid, successful establishment of a lawn, said Ferree.

Start by removing all debris from the lawn area, including large rocks, gravel, building materials and roofing. Do not bury debris, because it can interfere with water movement.

If needed, add soil amendments to the area. These might include organic matter, topsoil or pH adjusters such as lime or sulfur, based on soil tests. Spread organic matter or topsoil to a minimum of 2 to 3 inches over the area, and rototill the site. Rake the area smooth, again removing any debris that may have surfaced during rototilling.

“If you are overseeding an existing lawn, rake the area by hand or with a vertical mower to remove old plant debris. Then, you can add soil amendments if they are needed,” Ferree said.

Broadcast a complete fertilizer with a 1-1-1 ratio, such as 10-10-10 or 5-5-5. “You will need to apply 1 pound of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Apply it evenly over the entire area, then rake lightly to incorporate the fertilizer into the soil,” she said.

Second, choose a quality seed for your lawn. Ferree said this is particularly important if you had problems with turfgrass disease in the past. Select a grass seed mixture with resistance to various diseases. This is often more expensive, but paying more up front will save you time and money in the future.

Spread the seed in two directions, dividing it into equal portions. This ensures uniform seed distribution. Lightly rake the seed into the soil, and roll the entire area. This is for good seed-to-soil contact.

Third, wait for impending rain, or water it yourself. New lawns are often seen with a layer of straw, but Ferree said it’s not necessary, although a light layer does help keep the seed moist.

“Seeds absorb and hold moisture, reaching a point where they burst open,” Ferree said. “Dry periods can cause reduced germination rates and seedling growth, so you need to keep the seed and young seedlings moist. Light watering two times a day, if not supplied by rainfall, should be sufficient, but every spot is different, so check the area often.”

Finally, start mowing with a sharp mower blade when the grass is between 2 to 3 inches high. Mow regularly and often. “You can lightly rake off the mulch, but be careful,” Ferree said. “If the soil is dry, try not to pull the young seedlings out of the soil.”

For more lawn care information, including recommended grass cultivars, visit http://urbanext.illinois.edu/lawntalk/.

From the Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011, issue

URBANA, Ill. — Although typically very easy to grow, tomatoes can be prone to problems. University of Illinois Extension offices are a good source for answers to questions about how to cope with tomato woes.

“Many tomato growers are experiencing leaf diseases this year, such as septoria leaf spot and early blight, producing small spots on the lower leaves,” said Rhonda Ferree, U of I Extension educator in horticulture. “In wet weather conditions, they can defoliate plants from the bottom up. When leaves are lost, the tomato fruit is exposed to sunscald, which results in whitish areas on the fruit. To manage these diseases, pick ripe fruit promptly, improve air circulation in the garden, mulch to avoid fruit rots, and remove tomatoes and vines at the end of the season.”

University of Illinois Extension also suggests using a two- to three-year crop rotation to reduce losses from these diseases.

Ferree said there are fungicides labeled for use on tomatoes to control tomato leaf diseases.

“Read the label carefully to be sure you purchase the right product,” she said. “Look for a product that specifically lists that it controls tomato diseases, and follow the directions carefully. These fungicides often need repeated applications at certain intervals to work properly. Most importantly, follow any harvest intervals to be sure the produce is safe when you eat it.”

Later in the season, blossom-end rot may become a problem for some growers.

“Blossom-end rot appears as brown or black areas at the blossom-end of the maturing fruit,” Ferree said. “Tomato, pepper, summer squash and other cucurbit crops may show this problem. This is not a disease, but rather results from low calcium levels in the plant. This usually occurs during dry periods when the plant grows slower and takes up fewer nutrients from the soil. The best way to manage this is to maintain even and adequate soil moisture.”

From the Aug. 31-Sept. 6, 2011, issue

Rockford Area Realtors (RAR) sold 318 homes in July, 27.2 percent higher than a year ago, when 250 homes were sold in July 2010. This marks the third month this year in which monthly sales were higher than the same month in the previous year, with two year-over-year increases in the last two months.

The three-month average rolling price in July of $102,761 was down 2.8 percent from $105,766 in June, and down 14.5 percent from $120,136 in July 2010.

“It’s encouraging to see some continued momentum in the market with sales at levels higher than the past 13 months, driven by high affordability conditions and pent-up demand,” said Steve Bois, CEO of RAR.

Bois said some of the increase is attributed to the decline that took place when the withdrawal of the housing credit in July 2010 resulted in a drop in housing sales, yet area Realtors are seeing increased buyer activity.

Realtors are reporting high interest levels among a variety of homebuyer segments, this buyer activity confirmed by traffic to the RAR website. Last month, 11,898 unique users visited the site to search for open houses, up 11.6 percent from 10,662 unique users in June, and the largest single month of visitors since the site launched in February 2008.

“The housing market has seemed poised for some modest rebound for a number of months — foreclosure activity is slightly down, interest rates are very low, and the variety of properties for sale is extensive,” Bois said.

He said challenges remain for a return to a normalized market, and top among them relate directly to the economy.

“Consumers were unimpressed by the ability of the federal government to come to a timely agreement on the deficit and raising the debt ceiling, further diverting attention from the major issue of regenerating the U.S. economy,” Bois said.

Bois said a fourth-straight month of high sales pending indicates strong sales likely to continue in August, some of that driven by a motivation to take advantage of historically low mortgage interest rates. But Bois warns that interest rates may be soon rising.

“As the government starts to leave the mortgage market and private industry steps in, banks will demand a higher rate of return on their investments,” Bois said. “Several economic sources have said that 30-year mortgage rates could increase perhaps as much as 1 to 2 percent.”

From the Aug. 17-23, 2011, issue

Staff Report

The first home renovated by Jeremiah Development will be open to the public from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 18, shortly before it will be listed for sale. Contributors, supporters, builders and board members will gather to tour the home, located at 809 N. Winnebago St., a few doors south of Whitman Street.

The project has been four years in the making. Downtown churches formed a nonprofit corporation in 2007, acquired a house and began restoring it using volunteer labor and other community resources.

Renovation of the house is now complete after nearly two years of work by volunteer and professional workers. The general contractor, Peter Joachim, and members and officers of Jeremiah Development will be available to answer questions about the house and other projects.

Jeremiah Development is a joint venture of Second Congregational Church, Court Street United Methodist Church, Emmanuel Episcopal Church and First Presbyterian Church, all of which have agreed to work together to “… promote the well-being of the community.”

Jeremiah Development was launched publicly in 2007 with a four-church worship service that has since become an annual event. Other projects include the creation of a community garden to serve area residents and tutoring programs at Haskell School.

The renovated house is across the street from Haskell School. The home has five bedrooms, a living room with a working fireplace, renovated kitchen, two baths, dining room and a full basement. Renovation included installing a new furnace and ductwork, new wiring, new appliances, and a one-car garage. Kay Galloway will be the Realtor.

Visit www.JeremiahDevelopment.com for details.

From the Aug. 17-23, 2011, issue

Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity (RAHFH) will accept applications for potential homeowners at a seminar Aug. 27. The homes will be built during summer 2012.

To be considered for the homeownership program, an applicant must prove a minimum annual household income of at least $19,200 along with a credit score of 525 or higher and debt ratio of 36 percent or less. The homebuyer must complete at least 300 hours of sweat equity labor in the construction of the home.

Upon completion, homes will be sold at-cost. RAHFH offers a zero-interest loan to qualified families. Mortgage payments range from $475 to $525 per month.

To receive details about the seminar and necessary required documentation for consideration, e-mail the office at homes@rockfordhabitat.org or call (815) 636-4573.

RAHFH is a nonprofit, ecumenical, Christian housing organization that builds simple, decent and affordable homes with low-income families through partnerships with the community. RAHFH has been serving Winnebago County since 1988 and has built 94 homes in partnership with families in need. Visit www.rockfordhabitat.org.

From the Aug. 17-23, 2011, issue

DIXON, Ill. — It’s summertime! The sun is shining, the weather is warm. Who’s thinking about mold?

Paul Roe, owner of American Leak Detection Serving Northern Illinois, says that if local homeowners are not thinking about mold, they should be. Summer’s heat and humidity — especially when combined with an undetected or untreated leak — can set the stage for mold to flourish.

“The best way to deal with indoor mold is to prevent it in the first place,” said Roe. “That means you need to recognize the signs that you may have a leak, and locate and repair the leak promptly. Undetected leaks can allow mold to take hold, and that can create a health risk to you and your family, and expensive damage to your home.”

Even without a leak, mold can flourish when summer’s downpours and steamy weather cause heat and humidity to raise moisture levels in basements, crawl spaces, closets and other enclosed, dark places. Roe advises that if homeowners notice any of the following seven symptoms of a plumbing leak, they should take action promptly:

1. The continuous sound of water (like a toilet running) when nothing is turned on.

2. The water meter reading changes when no water is being used. (Mark the indicator on the meter; don’t use any water for an hour; then check the meter. If the indicator moved, there may be a leak. View the  Complete Meter Test at http://www.americanleakdetection.com/tips-meter-test.php.)

3. The water bill escalates over a period of weeks or months. (Compare bills.)

4. The walls or floors have wet, spongy, moist or discolored areas when nothing has been spilled.

5. Foul odors coming from floors or walls near drains or sewers.

6. Cracks in the building foundation, uneven vegetation growth, or the earth shifts for no apparent reason.

7. Warm spots on the floor, particularly on concrete slab floors.

If any of these signs are present, and the homeowner is unable to quickly identify and repair the leak, it’s time to call in a specialist, like the leak detection experts at American Leak Detection Serving Northern Illinois. Their trained technicians specialize in minimally-invasive leak detection to identify not only the source of the leak, but also its origin, which is critical in limiting property damage during repairs.

“We not only save homeowners time, money and stress by locating and, in some cases, repairing plumbing leaks with minimal damage to their home and property,” said Roe, “we also help prevent costly mold damage that an undetected leak can cause and help families limit the health threat posed by indoor mold.”

For more about American Leak Detection, The Original Leak Specialists, Serving Northern Illinois, contact Paul Roe at (815) 652-1000.

From the Aug. 17-23, 2011, issue

RE/MAX Property Source, part of the RE/MAX Northern Illinois real estate network, has expanded into Belvidere, Ill., where it has acquired the local office of RE/MAX Key and renamed it RE/MAX Property Source. The office has been relocated to 411 S. State St. in downtown Belvidere, the former office of State Rep. Ron Wait.

Tom Humpal, broker/owner of RE/MAX Property Source, based in Rockford, made the acquisition in late July and intends to enlarge the staff of affiliated agents to 12 within the next year.

“We plan to grow this office substantially over the next 12 months,” Humpal said. “The office and the Belvidere community offer great potential. This is a wonderful time to buy a home, with great values available, and we want to help people achieve that goal.”

No stranger to the residential real estate business, Humpal began selling homes in 1975, and joined RE/MAX earlier this year when he converted his successful, independent brokerage, Humpal Realtors, into RE/MAX Property Source. That office now has a roster of 17 agents.

Humpal said the timing was right to expand into Belvidere. The city’s Chrysler assembly plant is thriving today as Chrysler enjoys a rebound. At the same time, he noted, housing prices in Belvidere appear to be bottoming out.

“This is a good time for us to establish a stronger presence in Boone County,” Humpal said. “I think Belvidere has an excellent location and a strong housing stock. It’s just a short trip from the Chicago suburbs, which makes it an excellent alternative to the higher housing prices in the Chicago area.”

During his career, Humpal has experienced a range of market conditions, some thriving, others more challenging. Today, as he celebrates his expansion into Belvidere with RE/MAX Property Source, Humpal sees many positive signs in the housing market.

“Activity levels are picking up,” he said. “Investors are starting to explore the market. It seems that people are ready to make a move again when it comes to buying a home. An expansion from Rockford into the neighboring community of Belvidere just made sense for us.”

RE/MAX Property Source in Belvidere can be reached at (815) 227-9000. Their website is http://www.propertysource-belvidere.illinoisproperty.com.

From the Aug. 17-23, 2011, issue

Japanese beetles are invading gardens, flower beds, and crop fields across northern Illinois. Insecticides, parasites, and pathogenic bacteria are used to control them. (Photo by Dom Castaldo)

By Dom Castaldo, Ph.D.

A couple weeks ago, I wandered over to our arbor to check on the progress of our grapes. I was horrified to find the once-lush vines covered with Japanese beetles. They were devouring the grape leaves. I mixed up a batch of carbaryl (Sevin) — a mild insecticide — and sprayed it on my unwanted dinner guests.

Within a few minutes, it was raining — Japanese beetles. With every dead beetle that hit the sidewalk, my smile grew a bit wider. The next morning, I was sporting a very broad grin. At least 100 dead Japanese beetles were on the walk and unknown number of carcasses in the grass. Since my initial assault, I have not observed any more Japanese beetles on the grape vines. Our grapes are safe.

I should mention that after I sprayed our grapes, I noticed that a second army of Japanese beetles were munching on our rose bushes. I sprayed them, too.
Many people are unaware of the history or biology of the Japanese beetle. Japanese beetles are not native to North America. They are an invasive species that arrived in New Jersey in 1916. It is unclear if Japanese beetles were deliberately imported as pets — their iridescent metallic-green wings are attractive — or if they were stowaways on cargo from Japan. Since their arrival, they have spread across the eastern U.S. and Midwest — including northern Illinois — wreaking havoc and destruction in flower and vegetable gardens and crop fields.

After mating in middle to late summer, adult female Japanese beetles lay approximately 50 eggs in the soil. The eggs develop into white larva. These are the grubs homeowners find in the soil as they prepare their gardens in the spring. During early to middle July in northern Illinois, adult Japanese beetles emerge from the soil and begin chewing on plants in preparation for another cycle.

Japanese beetles are not fussy eaters. They have been called “a stomach with wings.” Adult Japanese beetles eat more than 300 species of plants in northern Illinois — including grapes and roses. They will consume the leaves, flowers and other parts of a plant. Japanese beetles eat the soft green part of leaves, leaving a “skeleton” of leaf veins. In severe beetle infestations, Japanese beetles can substantially reduce plant and crop yields.

Some reports suggest Japanese beetle populations follow explosion-crash lifecycle patterns. Each year, numbers of the beetles in a geographical area increase (explosion) until predators or disease causes large numbers of the beetles to die (crash).

One reason non-native species, such as Japanese beetles, thrive in their new homes is because they have few natural predators. However, Japanese beetles do have some predators in northern Illinois. Starlings, robins, catbirds, blue jays and cardinals eat both adult beetles and Japanese beetle grubs. Other birds, such as grackles, meadowlarks, crows and blackbirds, only eat grubs. Ducks, chickens and guinea fowl eat large numbers of adult Japanese beetles.

In addition, skunks, raccoons and moles will dig and consume grubs they find in lawns. Some spiders and ants consume large numbers of Japanese beetle eggs.
Spring tiphia wasps have been imported from China to control Japanese beetles. The wasp larva parasitizes, and eventually kills Japanese beetle grubs.

At the microbiological level, some homeowners use milky spore to keep Japanese beetle populations — and the damage they cause — low. Milky spore is a pathogenic disease of Japanese beetle. It is caused by Paenibacillus popilliae. When the bacteria is added to the soil, it infects and kills the Japanese beetle grubs. The bacteria do not harm humans, pets or plants. Although milky spore is effective, it may take three to five years to reduce or eliminate the grubs from the soil.

Chemically, Sevin — carbaryl — is the most effective insecticide. It easily kills adult Japanese beetles, but does not harm humans or pets when used in recommended concentrations. Permethrin, deltamethrin and spinosad are other insecticides that are effective against Japanese beetles. In the early fall, homeowners should apply imidacloprid, a granular insecticide, to their lawns and flower beds to kill the Japanese beetle larvae living in the soil.

Some homeowners prefer to knock Japanese beetles from leaves and into a soap solution. The soap removes the buoyancy from the insects, and they drown.
Most insect experts do not recommend using traps to control Japanese beetles. Most traps contain pheromones or flower aroma to attract adult beetles. The beetles enter the trap and die. Although traps can kill many Japanese beetles, researchers reported that the traps attracted more Japanese beetles to an area than they kill.

Meantime, I’ll keep patrolling our vegetation for signs of the tiny invader.

Dr. Dom Castaldo lives in Mt. Morris. He is a biology instructor at Sauk Valley Community College in Dixon, and can be contacted via e-mail at critterdoctor@hotmail.com.

From the Aug. 3-9, 2011, issue

URBANA, Ill. — Some weeds in the lawn, such as creeping Charlie and white clover, seem almost impossible to control. University of Illinois Extension offers some tips to give you a fighting chance.

“Creeping Charlie, also called ground ivy, is a mint that forms large mats and is incredibly invasive,” said Rhonda Ferree, U of I Extension educator in horticulture. “It creeps on stems that can grow up to 2-1/2 feet long. The leaves are round to somewhat kidney shaped, with round, toothed margins, and small funnel-shaped purplish-blue flowers from April to June. Ground ivy is typically more of a problem in shaded sites with poorly-drained, fertile soils, although it can spread to sunny locations.”

Ferree explained that white clover, like ground ivy, grows from seed and creeping stems.

“White clover was formerly a common component of turf mixes, due to its ability to fix nitrogen,” she said. “It is most commonly found in moist, low-fertility soils. The leaves are a typical three-part clover, and it has white ball-shaped flowers from May to September.”

To manage these weeds, and other broadleaves in the lawn, Ferree recommends trying a combination of chemical and non-chemical management options.

“First, find out why the weeds are there,” she said. “Some weeds are indicators of soil problems. For example, ground ivy prefers shady, wet areas, so one management option is to alter the problem area by reducing shade and soil moisture.”

Another non-chemical technique is to make sure your lawn is healthy and competitive.

“Healthy, full grass will out-compete most types of weeds,” Ferree said. “In turf areas, maintain turf density and health through proper lawn care practices, such as proper selection and establishment, watering, mowing, fertilization and related practices.

“Pulling the weeds by hand is one option, but be sure to get as much of the plant and root system as possible,” she said. “Pull up every stem you see and destroy them; do not put them into the compost. Continue routing out the difficult weeds once a month all summer, and again the following year.”

But, in the end, chemical control may be necessary. Ferree warns that weeds must be actively growing for the herbicide to work, so they must be applied in mid-spring to early summer and/or mid-to late autumn. A treatment in mid-summer will not work. For the lawn, use a product containing a combination of two or more products: 2,4-D, mecoprop or MCPP, or dicamba. Difficult weeds, such as ground ivy and white clover, often need more than just 2,4-D in the tank mix.

Ferree cautioned that the chemical products she listed should only be used in turf areas. “They will damage or kill many desirable ornamentals or edible plants in the landscape, and those applications are illegal,” she said.

For more information about controlling weeds in the lawn or other garden areas, contact the local Extension office by visiting www.extension.illinois.edu. Ferree welcomes questions on her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ferree.horticulture.

From the Aug. 3-9, 2011, issue

QUINCY, Mass. — U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 373,900 home structure fires from 2005 to 2009, according to new research from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

According to the report, cooking fires remain the leading cause of home structure fires and home fire injuries, and smoking materials continue to be the leading cause of home fire deaths.

During the five-year period covered by the report, roughly one in every 310 households per year had a reported home fire. Each year, these fires caused an estimated average of 2,650 civilian deaths, 12,890 civilian injuries and $7.1 billion in direct property damage. On average, seven people died in U.S. home fires every day.

One-quarter of the home fire deaths resulted from fires that originated in the bedroom, 24 percent from fires in the family room, living room or den, and 15 percent from fires starting in the kitchen. Though only 20 percent of reported fires occurred between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., half of the deaths were caused by fires reported during this time.

“These statistics are a sad reminder that fire is still a deadly threat, and we must do more to prevent the needless deaths and losses,” said Lorraine Carli, NFPA’s vice president of communications. “Properly installed and maintained fire protection devices, such as smoke alarms and residential fire sprinklers, can help to prevent most fire deaths.”

Almost two-thirds (62 percent) of home fire deaths resulted from fires in which no smoke alarms were present at all (38 percent), or smoke alarms were present but did not operate (24 percent). The report also referenced John Hall’s recent report, “U.S. Experience with Sprinklers,” which found that having wet pipe sprinkler systems in the home reduces chances of dying in a fire by 83 percent.

The report is based on data from the U.S. Fire Administration’s (USFA’s) National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) and the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA’s) annual fire department experience survey.

To view the report, visit NFPA’s website.

Top 10 fire safety tips from NFPA

1. Watch your cooking — Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling or broiling food. If you must leave, even for a short time, turn off the stove.

2. Give space heaters space — Keep fixed and portable space heaters at least 3 feet from anything that can burn. Turn off heaters when you leave the room or go to sleep.

3. Smoke outside — Ask smokers to smoke outside. Have sturdy, deep ashtrays for smokers.

4. Keep matches and lighters out of reach — Keep matches and lighters up high, out of the reach of children, preferably in a cabinet with a child lock.

5. Inspect electrical cords — Replace cords that are cracked, damaged, have broken plugs or have loose connections.

6. Be careful when using candles — Keep candles at least 1 foot from anything that can burn. Blow out candles when you leave the room or go to sleep.

7. Have a home fire escape plan — Make a home fire escape plan and practice it at least twice a year.

8. Install smoke alarms — Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Interconnect smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

9. Test smoke alarms — Test smoke alarms at least once a month and replace conventional batteries once a year or when the alarm “chirps” to tell you the battery is low. Replace any smoke alarm that is more than 10 years old.

10. Install sprinklers — If you are building or remodeling your home, install residential fire sprinklers. Sprinklers can contain and may even extinguish a fire in less time than it would take the fire department to arrive.

Visit nfpa.org for more details.

From the Aug. 3-9, 2011, issue

Adding blue and white colors and patterns to a living room, bath or bedroom can make a striking statement, and give these rooms a fresh, yet timeless look. Pairing blue with white provides a workable and classic palette.

“Blue and white are approachable colors that work well in any part of the home,” says Sabrina Soto, Target style expert for home and HGTV designer. “Together, they look elegant, and when paired with pops of color, like yellow and orange, they can be warm and welcoming.”

Soto recommends looking for decor with fine detailing that adds texture and dimension to a sofa or bed. Decorative pillows with embroidered characteristics, such as the paisley hand-knotted toss pillow from the Target Home collection can tie a room together nicely, for just $19.99. The combination of paisley, floral patterns and stripes in blue and white tones allow the contrasting designs to complement one another.

From the Aug. 3-9, 2011, issue

Rockford Area Realtors sold more homes in June than any other month this year, a total of 378 homes, up 37 percent over 276 homes sold in May. And for the first time in six months, monthly sales were up over 2010 levels (378 compared to 371 homes sold in June 2010, a 1.9 percent increase).

The three-month average rolling price in June of $105,766 also rose from May, up 1.8 percent from $103,916.

“June was the third-highest monthly sales total in the last year-and-a-half,” said Steve Bois, CEO of Rockford Area Realtors. “Yet, there was no homebuyer incentive this year, unlike last year when the largest tax credit ever given to homebuyers expired on June 30, 2010.”

Prices in general remain down from last year, the June 2010 average price was $120,327, 12 percent higher than this June’s average price of $105,766. But Bois said the drop in home price is good news for hundreds of area young families and renters who were once priced out of the housing market.

A new Housing Opportunity Index by the National Association of Home Builders and Wells Fargo — which measures the percentage of American homes sold that are affordable to families earning the national median income — is at an 11-year high. In 2000, nearly 63 percent of homes were affordable by median earners, but only 40.4 percent in 2006.

Today, median earners can afford 75 percent of all homes sold.

As the housing market slump continues, Bois said aspects of homeownership are being debated. According to a June survey by The New York Times/CBS News, owning a home remains central to Americans’ sense of well-being, even though there is roughly an even split between those who consider making an offer on a house a risky versus safe investment.

“Nearly nine of 10 Americans reported that homeownership is still an important part of the American dream,” Bois said. “And they are keen on making sure it stays that way for themselves.”

Meanwhile, it appears the effect of the homebuyer tax credit will finally fade in Illinois during the summer.

“According to our forecast, annual sales rates will turn positive for Illinois in July and August, a 22- to 25-percent increase statewide,” estimated Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois. “Median prices for June, July and August are expected to be higher than May across Illinois.”

From the July 20-26, 2011 issue

URBANA, Ill. — While some consider purslane, Portulaca oleracea, to be an annoying summer annual weed, others may consider it a nutritious green vegetable, said University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Jennifer Fishburn.

“Purslane, also called hogweed, is a summer annual that reproduces from seeds or stem pieces,” said Fishburn. “If you consider purslane a weed, the No. 1 control recommendation is don’t let it go to seed.

“One plant can produce more than 50,000 seeds, which can remain viable for more than 30 years in undisturbed soil,” Fishburn said. “The seeds are often brought to the soil surface by tilling.”

About three weeks after the seedling emerges, the plant flowers and sets seeds. When hand pulling, make sure to remove the weed from the garden, as it can easily re-root itself. Hoeing or tilling this weed results in plant multiplication, rather than plant removal. Purslane seeds germinate best with soil temperatures of 90 degrees. Because seeds don’t germinate well when more than 1/2-inch deep, mulching may help to control germination.

“Many cultures enjoy purslane as a food,” Fishburn noted. “It is popular in many Latin American countries and eaten as a salad green in France and other European countries. In Latin America, purslane is known as verdolaga. It is believed to be native to India or Iran, but can be found throughout the world.

“While the weed form of common purslane can be eaten, gardeners can purchase seeds for a cultivated variety,” Fishburn said. “Golden purslane, Portulaca oleracea sativa, has succulent 1-1/2-inch golden yellow leaves and orange stems on upright plants. The plant is larger than the wild form, growing 12 to 16 inches, and the leaves are crisp and mild.”

Purslane grows well anywhere, but is often found in sunny, fertile garden soil. It has succulent characteristics, and once established, is very drought tolerant.

“The taste is said to be similar to watercress or spinach,” Fishburn said. “Before adding this plant to your salad, make sure to properly identify it. Also, as with any new food, sample a small portion the first time you eat it. Purslane is best eaten fresh and should be washed thoroughly just prior to using.”

For purslane recipes, visit the Prairieland Community Supported Agriculture website at http://www.prairielandcsa.org/recipes/purslane.html.

From the July 20-26, 2011 issue

URBANA, Ill. — Heat, humidity, storms, bugs, weeds and mosquitoes all add to the drama in yards and gardens during the hot summer months, said University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator Ron Wolford. He shared a few tips for coping.

Lawn

Lawns need about 1 to 1-1/2 inches of water per week to maintain their green color, so first decide whether to let your lawn go dormant during hot, dry summer weather.

“Do not let the lawn go dormant and then start watering it again to green it up,” he said. “This practice uses large amounts of the grass’ food reserves. Water lawns early in the day and avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. This is the hottest part of the day, and you will lose 50 percent of the water you apply. Watering in the evening will increase the chances of disease problems. If watering with a sprinkler, place coffee cans in the area to measure water application rates.”

During the summer when grass growth slows, mow the lawn at the 3-inch height. Lawns mowed at a higher height during the summer will have fewer weed problems and deeper roots.

“Mowing too close just invites weeds,” Wolford noted. “Don’t mow the grass when it is wet, and never remove more than one-third of the grass leaf in any one cutting. If you mow your lawn on a regular basis, you do not need to collect the clippings. Clippings are 75 to 80 percent water and will decompose down into the lawn. Clippings have some nitrogen content, so less fertilizer is necessary.”

Late summer is the best time to repair lawns. Seeding bare spots in the lawn during this time period will allow the new growth to have enough time to germinate, grow and harden off before cold temperatures arrive. There is less competition from weeds in the fall because a lot of the annual weeds die out. And the cooler temperatures in the fall are great for growing grass.

Ideally, dig the soil to at least 6 to 8 inches deep, spread grass seed over the area and tamp down. Keep the soil moist until germination. Cover with weed-free straw to conserve moisture. If you are laying down sod, water the new sod several times a day for one to two weeks until it begins to knit or take hold. Be sure that water goes down through the thick sod and moistens the soil underneath for good root development. Do not let sod dry out.

Insects

“Reduce favorable breeding sites for mosquitoes that cause West Nile virus,” he said. “Keep your gutters free of debris because clogged roof gutters make great breeding sites. Clean and freshen water in pet dishes, wading pools and birdbaths. Cut back tall weeds and grass because they can be hiding places for mosquitoes during the day.”

For more information, go to the University of Illinois Extension website: Preventing West Nile Virus (http://urbanext.illinois.edu/westnile/).

Watch for the emerald ash borer. The adult borer is a 1/3- to 1/2-half inch-long emerald green bullet-shaped beetle.

“In June and July, look for the adult beetle on leaves and trunks of ash trees,” he said. “Look for 1/8-inch wide D-shaped emergence holes in the bark of ash trees. Female beetles will lay eggs and after the eggs hatch, larvae will bore through the bark into the cambium.

“The larvae will feed, making winding tunnels under the bark, disabling the tree’s ability to take up food and water,” Wolford added. “Initial symptoms will include dieback at the top of the tree. The tree will usually die within two to three years.”

For more information, go to the University of Illinois Extension website, Emerald Ash Borer Central at (http://bit.ly/EAborer).

Watch for yellowjackets in August. Yellowjackets are 1/2-inch long, yellow and black-banded wasps. Yellowjackets are attracted to open cans of pop, open garbage cans, perfumes and bright clothing. Keep garbage and pop covered with lids. Keep rotting fruit under trees cleaned up and avoid wearing brightly-colored clothes. Above all, do not try to swat yellowjackets away with your hands and arms. Be aware that a yellowjacket can sting repeatedly. They will only sting if they are disturbed.

“Check your roses and other ornamentals for Japanese beetles,” Wolford said. “Adults are copper colored with shiny metallic green heads. They will skeletonize leaves during the day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The beetles may be active well into August. Control them by picking the beetles off by hand. Japanese beetle traps may attract more beetles than they control.”

Trees and shrubs

Apply a 2- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around trees and shrubs. Mulch the area under the tree to its drip line. The drip line is the circle that could be drawn on the soil around a tree directly under the tips of its outermost branches. Keep the mulch 4 to 6 inches away from the base of the tree or shrub to prevent rot. Organic mulches will reduce weeds and conserve moisture. As the mulch decomposes, it can be dug into the soil, thereby adding nutrients to the soil and improving soil structure.

Water trees and shrubs during hot, dry periods. It is especially important to water trees planted this growing season. Established trees will also need water if conditions remain dry. Water the entire root zone. The root zone area extends beyond the drip line or outermost branches of the tree. Avoid overwatering trees, especially those growing in clay soils. Trees have died because of roots sitting in very wet soils.

Edible plants

“Watch for blossom-end rot on tomatoes,” said Wolford. “The blossom ends of tomatoes turn brown to black. Peppers and summer squash can also have this problem. This is not a disease. The condition results from a calcium deficiency caused by wide fluctuations in soil moisture. Maintain even levels of soil moisture to control blossom-end rot. Applying mulch around tomato plants will help.”

During hot weather, pick your tomatoes every couple days. Temperatures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit and higher can speed up the softening process, slow down color development and reduce quality. Picking your ripening tomatoes will also keep the squirrels from snacking on them.

Disease

Powdery mildew is a very common problem, especially during wet summers and at the end of the growing season. Powdery mildew leaves white spots on leaves, shoots, buds and stems. It really doesn’t harm the plant, but it doesn’t look good.

“To avoid mildew, space plants properly for good air circulation,” he said. “Try to avoid wetting the foliage when watering because that can help to spread the disease. Buy varieties of plants that are resistant to mildew.”

From the July 20-26, 2011 issue