Nancy Knows Madison County

When I was a child, I remember being bundled up in the winter time and taken to a magical place where my father and the uncles built a roaring bon fire. 

They would lace skates on to all of the kids and themselves and we'd glide across a sparkling frozen lake or find a place on the shore to enjoy hot chocolate and count the times various family members fell down or executed a turn or a spin. This was where I learned that my weak ankles would never support an Olympic dream.

The gorgeous place was called Horseshoe Lake.  Today it is a 2,960-acre Illinois State Park and it is still beautiful.

From portions of the preserve you can see the St. Louis skyline (pictured left) with its soaring Gateway Arch as the centerpiece.

Located along IL-111 near both Granite City and Collinsville, Illinois, the lake sits just east of the Mississippi River.  In fact, the oxbow-shaped lake was formed in prehistoric times when an old river channel was cut off after flooding caused a directional change in the Mississippi's flow.

Native American artifacts from as early as 8000 B.C., the Archaic Period, have been found around the lake as well as items from the Woodland Period from 1000 B. C. to 1000 A. D. when the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site -- the ancient city of Cahokia -- was thriving. It's thought that Cahokia, also called the City of the Sun, used the lake's fish as an important food source.

Here's a map to guide you to Horseshoe Lake. If you're using a GPS, try this address: 3321 Highway 111, Granite City, IL 62040.

Because of its position near the Mississppi River flyway, Horseshoe Lake is filled with both migrating and resident birds. I've seen Snowy Egrets, Great Herons, Coots (old and young!), Ducks, Geese and many feathered friends that send me running to the nearest birding guide to see what they are. 

Birdwatchers report that more than 55 species have been seen at the lake. Here's an Illinois state birding checklist so you can note the birds you see at Horseshoe Lake.

Because it is ancient, Horseshoe Lake is a shallow lake, that has filled with silt over the centuries to leave it with an average depth of approximately three feet according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. It's also the second-largest natural lake in Illinois after its much bigger brother, Lake Michigan.

Fishing enthusiasts will find the lake stocked with crappie, carp, bluegill, channel catfish, bass and buffalo. Boats with motors of less than 50 hp are allowed except during waterfowl hunting season. A state fishing license is required. Stop in at park office for all the details.

The lake is ringed with pavillions that are used by families for birthday parties, reunions and graduation celebrations on a regular basis. If you take a large group to Horseshoe Lake, just register for a shelter as far in advance as possible by calling 618-931-0270.

There is space for nearly 50 campers or tents. The campground at Horseshoe Lake is open from May through October. Playgounds, volleyball courts and four miles of hiking paths around the lake provide plenty to do.

Hi, Sellers:  Our friend Rich from Maryland says it all in the blog post below.

You must price your home based on the realities of 2009 if you want it to sell.

Kristina and I will always give you a price range when we talk with you about listing your home for sale. Depending on your motivation, you can choose a high, mid or low point in that range. The higher price you choose, the longer the house will stay on the market. The greater your motivation for a quick sale, the lower you should place your home in the range. 

Just call, text or email if you'd like to talk about pricing strategies for your home.

--Nancy

Thirty existing homes were sold in Edwardsville, Illinois during June 2009 at an average sale price of $178,187. Resale homes that closed during the month had been on the market an average of 119 days.

New home sales in Edwardsville continue at a low pace with just three sold in June. The average new home price for those sold during the month was $298,333 and they had been on the market an average of 322 days prior to closing.

In July 2009, no new homes were sold in Edwardsville and 33 existing homes closed. The homes that closed during the month had been on the market an average of 139 days prior to selling and sold at an average price of $176,356.

Currently, there are 214 active resale homes on the market in Edwardsville and 20 new construction homes. At July's sales pace, that means there is more than 6 months worth of existing home inventory available in Edwardsville. 

What does this information tell a seller in the current market?  That your home should be priced correctly and be presented in the best possible condition to rise to the top of the choices in your price category. Don't "test" the market with a price higher than recent comparable sales to "see what happens." What will happen is this: buyers will turn to properly priced properties and write offers while your home lingers on the market.

Questions about what your home could sell for today? Email, call or text me and we'll set an appointment to look at your property.

The post below was written by a terrific Realtor named Judy Chapman who sells real estate in the Orlando area, but it is filled with great information and advice that applies to everyone selling a home in my territory of Madison County in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs.

Questions about selling your Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Troy or Collinsville home? Call me at 618-791-8007 or click on www.JustDuckyHomes.com.  --Nancy

Home for Sale: 51 Red Bud Lane, Glen Carbon, Illinois. This immaculate three-bedroom ranch offers you a chance to live in desirable and convenient Glen Carbon for less than $180,000.

The 2,205-square-foot home is filled with extras. From gleaming hardwood floors to a vaulted ceiling in the living room and dining room, 51 Red Bud been updated from top to bottom.

A tasteful color pallet has been used throughout and new tile accents the sunny kitchen where you'll also find an island, a large eat-in space, plenty of cabinets and counter space and a door to the deck.

The soothing master suite includes its own 3/4 bath and dual closets.

In the lower level, which is open to the main floor, two large and flexible rooms can be used as family rooms, game rooms, office space, a media room or anything else that meets your individual needs.

Outside, two decks and extensive landscaping complete the package. Birds and butterflies love the back yard which is adjacent to the Country Meadows subdivision's common land filled with mature trees and peaceful greenspace.

Located near IL-159, just north of I-270, 51 Red Bud Lane is a commuter's dream home, approximately 20 minutes from downtown St. Louis, St. Louis County and all parts of Madison County.

The home is located in the Edwardsville School District and is just minutes from the campus of Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville, SIUE.

Here's a map to 51 Red Bud Lane.  Learn more online and see additional pictures on the Just Ducky Homes web site.

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About the Author: Nancy Milton, GRI, is a Realtor with the Just Ducky Homes team at Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors in Edwardsville, Illinois. She and Kristina Pratt help their customers buy and sell homes and investment properties in St. Louis' Illinois suburbs of Madison and St. Clair counties with special emphasis on real estate in the communities of Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville and Troy. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.JustDuckyHomes.com or e-mail Nancy@JustDuckyHomes.com.