Hughes News

Winter Moving Has Hot Advantages
January 27, 2006

The days may be snowy and blustery, but moving in the winter has many hot advantages.

#1 Moving companies are typically less busy, which means customers receive more flexibility and better pricing. According to Rob Kaye of Micro Movers, "Summer is by far the busiest time of the year for us," he said. "We advise people that if they have some flexibility, they'll receive better pricing and more choices during the winter months."

#2 Customers also have more choices among new home inventory. Homebuilders typically pour extra foundations in late fall to keep building humming along. According to Gail Payonk, director of marketing for Wiseman-Hughes Enterprises, home inventory is often highest February through May.

"Chicago's bitter cold winter months often create restrictions for pouring foundations and slabs," she said. "In the winter, a builder can typically pour a foundation when its 40 degrees and rising and we all know Chicago's weather is so unpredictable. We typically pour additional foundations in the fall to have a healthy selection of homes for our customers come spring."

#3 Pricing also is a bit more competitive amongst new home communities. As a result of the additional inventory on homebuilders' books, incentives are typically offered. For example, Wiseman-Hughes has six communities and 50 homes available as part of its N.O.W. inventory homes.

The builder's N.O.W. program, which means "Need-It Or Want-It," comes with the additional incentive of buying a completed home that is in some cases $10,000 below the current price at the community. In addition, the buyer will receive $500 toward closing costs and have a down payment of only $2,500. Or the buyer can opt for 4.5% financing on a 2/1 buydown. More details on these limited time promotions are available from the sales representatives at the following communities:

• Tuttle Estates in Plainfield, where 248 single-family homes have three to six bedrooms, and 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 bathrooms, two, three or four-car garages, first floor dens (per plan) and base prices from $257,400 to $313,400. Full basements are standard in the six plans, which range from 1,843 to 3,500 square feet and walk-out and look-out basements are now available. Six speculative homes and two decorated models are available in the N.O.W. program.

• Reston Ponds, where 193 acres boast 391 single-family homes less than a mile from scenic downtown Sycamore, bordering Somonauk and Bethany Roads. Five single-family floor plans are base priced from $245,900 to $285,900 with 2,003 to 3,761 square feet, three to six bedrooms, 2-1/2 to 4-1/2 baths and two to three-car garages. Many homes feature Jack and Jill baths, dens and two-story foyers. Five homes with savings up to $6,000 are available in the N.O.W. program.

• Windett Ridge in Yorkville where the 277 single-family homes on 1/4 to 1/2 acre homesites include brick exteriors, full basements and opportunities for lookout and walkout basements. Five fully merchandised models are now open for touring. The five single-family plans at Windett offer 2,190 to 3,048 square feet with three to five bedrooms, 2-1/2 to four baths and two or three-car garages. Four-season rooms, mid-level dens and luxury master suites are available. Base prices range from $241,200 to $294,700. Six homes with savings up to $6,000 are available in the N.O.W. program.

• Windsor West in Sugar Grove, where fewer than 30 homes remain for sale in the 147-single-family home community. Eight single-family floor plans are offered with 1,964 to 3,590 square feet and base prices range from $255,900 to $308,500. The homes have three to six bedrooms and 2-1/2 to 4-1/2 baths. Five homes with up to $7,500 in savings are available in the N.O.W. program.

• Windsor West Villas, 88 townhomes nearing sellout, with 1,463 to 1,805 square feet and base prices from $188,900 to $206,900. Homes offer two to three bedrooms, 2-1/2 baths and a two-car garage. Lofts are available per plan. Each home has a private entry and several storage options. Lawn care and snow removal are handled by the homeowner's association making villa living carefree. Seven homes with up to $10,000 in savings are available in the N.O.W. program.

• Devonaire Farms, a community in DeKalb of 330 homes, ranging from 1,614 to 2,992 square feet with three to five bedrooms, 1-1/2 to 3-1/2 baths and attached two and three-car garages, per plan. Base prices range from $214,100 to $255,100; five decorated models are available for viewing and five homes with up to $6,000 in savings are available in the N.O.W. program.

• Ashcroft Place's 209 homes in Oswego offers six single-family home plans with 2,370 to 3,903-square-feet of living space with four to six bedrooms, 2 1/2 to 4 1/2 baths and two to four-car garages. Four seasons rooms, mid-level dens and luxury master suites are available. Base prices range from $279,400 to $379,900. Six homes with up to $6,000 in savings are available in the N.O.W. program.

For a list of the homes available click here.

New-home shoppers might save big on the bottom line, but they'll also save big with the kids by moving during the winter. According to Payonk, they'll save by having fewer headaches from their children. "Moving during the school year means kids will make new friends right away. And happy kids, means happy parents."

To visit Reston Ponds, take Randall Road to North Ave., west to Somonauk, south to the community. Or take Int. 88 west to Peace Road north to Bethany Road. Turn east and drive one mile to site at the corner of Somonauk and Bethany Roads. Call 815-899-6900.

To reach Windett Ridge take Rte. 34 to Rte. 71 west, turn south on Rte. 47 to the site on the east side of Rte. 47. Or take Int. 88 west to Rte. 47, south to the site. Call (630) 553-2510.

To visit the Windsor West single-family and villa models, take I-88 west to Sugar Grove (Route 56). Exit Galena Boulevard and follow 1/2 mile west to site. Call (630) 466-3875 for information on single-family homes; call 630-466-3875 for information on the villas.

Sales for Tuttle Estates are now being held at Ashcroft Place, take Rte 34 to Rte 71 west to Plainfield Road south to the community. Phone 630-551-4058.

Fully decorated models are available for viewing at each community. All Wiseman-Hughes sales offices are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; Sunday and Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For further information visit www.wisemanhughes.com.