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First-time buyers get fired up in Grayslake

January 9, 2005

BY BILL CUNNIFF Real Estate Reporter

Matt and Christen Bing, both from Lake County, are buying their first home at Village Station, a town-house development in Grayslake. When it was time to move from their apartment in Elmwood Park, they decided to go back to Lake County.

"Village Station really matched our needs," Matt said. "The convenience of having the train just steps away was a major reason for our decision, but certainly not the only one. We have a very busy schedule, and the freedom from exterior maintenance was key." Christen is a teacher in Gurnee, and Matt works, and goes to law school too.

"The exteriors at Village Station have the look of the homes in the Lincoln Park area, and we really liked that," he said. "We wanted a location close to family and friends."

The Bings selected the 1,619-square-foot Berkshire design. It features a living room with a fireplace/entertainment center. In fact, that was a non-negotiable item -- a must-have -- on their wish-list.

"That had been decided: Our home would have a fireplace and entertainment center," Matt said.

The Berkshire also has a separate dining room. The breakfast nook opens to the deck.

Upstairs, the master bedroom hosts a walk-in closet, a private bath and an optional box bay window. The lower level includes a bonus room, suitable for a fitness room, an office or a theater room.

The Bings moved into their new home in August. "The staff continually informed us about the progress of our home and the other details of our transaction," he said.

"We're very pleased. We feel that our first home has some great luxuries," he said. "Village Station is proving to be a great place to live, with many professional couples like ourselves," he said.

Residential Homes of America, the builder plans about 140 units; about half have been sold already. Prices start in the $180,000s. Units have 2 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and 2-car attached garages. Sizes range from 1,471 to 1,944 square feet.

Some plans have lofts. One plan features dual master bedrooms.

Four decorated models are open.

Central air conditioning and decks are standard.

Village Station, on Lake Street, one-half mile south of Illinois 120 (Belvidere Road), Grayslake. Residential Homes of America, (847) 231-5200.

WEST CHICAGO. Two models are open at Prestonfield, a development of single-family homes in West Chicago.

Lennar Chicago, the builder, plans 75 houses. Base prices range from $414,900 to $482,100. Sizes range from 2,700 to 3,177 square feet.

Houses have 4 bedrooms, 2-1/2 or 3 baths and 3-car attached garages.

A dual-access staircase, a two-story foyer and a first-floor den are highlights of the Rousseau model. The dining room features a decorative ceiling and a bay window. The kitchen hosts an island and a walk-in pantry. The breakfast nook opens to the family room.

The master-bedroom suite is highlighted by a sitting room and his and hers walk-in closets. The 2,974-square-foot Rousseau is priced from $446,900.

A two-story family room with a fireplace anchors the Matisse model. The 3,177-square-foot Matisse -- with 5 bedrooms and 3 baths -- is priced from $461,900. One of the bedrooms, with a full bath, is on the first floor. The master-bedroom suite -- with his and hers walk-in closets -- is set off from the other bedrooms by a bridge overlooking the family room and two-story foyer.

Both models feature second-floor laundry rooms.

Prestonfield, southwest of the intersection of Illinois 59 and Illinois 64, West Chicago. Lennar Chicago, (630) 876-9047.

SHOREWOOD. About 150 single-family homes are planned in the first building phase at Edgewater, a development in Shorewood.

Sales are scheduled to commence in February. Prices will start in the high $200,000s. Eleven floor plans are sized from 1,806 to 3,635 square feet.

Altogether, 325 homes are planned.

The 3,052-square-foot Bristol floor plan has 4 bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and a 2- or 3-car attached garage. A fifth bedroom is optional instead of a loft. Highlights include a two-story foyer, a formal living room, a dining room, a family room and a breakfast nook. Upstairs, the master bedroom has his and hers walk-in closets.

Edgewater, Shorewood. Kimball Hill Homes, (800) 544-0290.

MONTGOMERY. Models are open at Fieldstone Place, a town-house development in Montgomery.

Grand Pointe Homes, the developer, plans 110 units. Prices begin at $173,900. Sizes range from 1,566 to 1,613 square feet. Units have 2 or 3 bedrooms, 1 to 3 baths and 2-car garages.

In one option, buyers can opt for two master-bedroom suites (both with walk-in closets) on the second floor.

Fieldstone Place, Montgomery. Grand Pointe Homes, (630) 859-2800.