RE: Bravo to the Brave Buyers

I've been off-line for a while. I've been mourning the loss of so many great and memorable celebrities: Ed McMahon.....heeeeeeeeere's Johnny; Farrah Fawcett, who proved to be so much more than a stunningly beautiful Charlie's Angel (RIP), Billy Mays, whose enthusiasm made me buy cleaning products I didn't want to, and the never to be forgotten, man-child Michael Jackson.
I could devote an entire column to the greatness of Michael, and the alternate reality in which he existed. Let others sort out what this means, my life has been enriched by each and every song that Michael wrote, sang and danced through....God Bless.

Here's a story that's all too rare for these times: Designer/Builder Diane Wilson from Wilmette sold her lovely new creation in East Wilmette during the construction stage. This beautiful cedar shake exterior home with front gazebo was originally listed for $1,679M. It closed yesterday for $1,597M.
Diane acknowledges that several changes were made to meet the Buyer's specifications. A first floor walk-in shower was added to what had previously been designated as a powder room. The center hall closet was sacrificed in the process. French doors were added to the living room entry, so that it could also be used as a guest room for an aging parent. The Buyers also made their own selections of color, lighting and granite.

During the housing boom, the house might not have been listed until all of these choices were in place...that is how quickly new construction sold. Now, Diane's house was listed shortly after the permits were issued. A longer market time, more concessions and possibly more negotiation on the price are also factors that have changed the dynamics of home buying in this economy. Fortunately, Diane was able to attract qualified buyers and work successfully with them.

On the other hand, kudos to these buyers and all others who are purchasing homes. Since they are relocating, renting is option this family could have chosen, but instead, they bought a home. In return, they were able to customize the home to the accomodate their lifestyle. Welcome to Wilmette!