Gary Miller of RE/MAX Email me Tel: 630-306-2998

WELCOME!  Welcome to your resource for real estate information, education and property listings through ALL of the major listing services in our area.  I help people with their real estate needs in the Chicagoland area, including Villa Park IL real estate and Schaumburg IL real estate.  (Here are a few testimonials from others that I have helped.)   I specialize in suburban area foreclosures and real estate that is priced well under market or is already bank owned.  Take a tour.  I think you will like what you see, and learn.  If you register, you can search for and view ALL of the properties available in Northern Illinois, otherwise you will be limited to RE/MAX properties.  So go ahead and register.  Have some fun with this award winning site!

(I have found that many people like the privacy of researching real estate on their own before choosing a Realtor.  I value your privacy and promise not to call you unless you request me to.) 

In today's competitive real estate market, preparation is everything.  If you work within my proven system, you will be prepared.  I guarantee it!

As a buyer...beat other homebuyers to the hottest new homes for sale.  With my Automated Property Search System and New Listings Notification, we can begin building a solid database of homes that meet your unique criteria and price range. Then when the time is right, we can go out and have some fun looking at only the homes that make sense.  But first, you should read this about the importance of being prepared with financing.

As a seller...begin by understanding your own neighborhood...ask me about MARKET WATCH, so you can keep your finger on the pulse of your own area.  Then when the time is right, I will provide you with a FREE Home Evaluation and Analysis to "fine tune" what you learned through MARKET WATCH.  In addition to posting your property in the local Multiple Listing Service (MLS), I have invested in the very best and most popular internet search engines where potential buyers can view your home.  After all, 86% of home buyers today start their search for a new home on the internet from the get-go!

In addition, if you have any questions about buying or selling real estate outside of our area, or other parts of the country, I can help.  I have developed an extensive network of agents throughout the country that I can refer you to.

For more great Real Estate information, visit my other site:  www.buyinghomeswisely.com

If you are interested in finding out more about Villa Park and Schaumburg, take a look at the infomation listed below.  Villa Park is first, with Schaumburg to follow...

Villa Park, IL Historical Information
At the turn of the century, an electric railway called The Aurora, Elgin and Chicago streaked across the prairie farmland. This land was owned by German farmers: the Cables, Meyers, Karnstedt and Biermanns. They had settled here in the 1850's and 1860's.

Two subdivisions sprang up - Villa Park in 1908 and Ardmore in 1910. Summit Avenue was the dividing line. In 1914, the two were incorporated as Ardmore. In 1917, the name was changed to Villa Park.

Two wealthy men, 'Colonel' J.L. Calhoun and Charles C. Heisen, figured prominently in the early development. The Wander Company of Bern, Switzerland opened its only American plant, Ovaltine, in 1917.

The population boomed in the 1920's. The Aurora, Elgin and Chicago Railroad was largely responsible for the rapid growth. Professional and business people were attracted to 'country' living. Buyers of lots were given inducements of 20 apple trees or 200 baby chicks. Schools were built, churches opened, community organizations were formed and a 5¢ newspaper was introduced. Members of the Women's Club gathered books in a little red wagon for a library.
In the 1930's, when many banks closed, the Villa Park Trust & Savings Bank survived. The village grew rapidly during the post World War II period. The population soared from 8,000 to its peak of 25,000 in 1965. New churches came, businesses flourished, parks were created and a beautiful new library was built.

Today, Villa Park provides a good life for its 22,517 residents. They enjoy a 'small town' atmosphere, excellent schools, outstanding police and fire protection, 'state of the art' paramedic service and exceptional recreational facilities. Transportation is good and health services are outstanding. Service clubs are very active.

Villa Park residents are comfortable with a wide variety of housing and convenient shopping. An active society enabled Villa Park to have both Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad stations placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Both railroad stations are located on the Illinois Prairie Path, a national Historic Trail. In 1988, Villa Park received the coveted Governor's Hometown Honorable Mention Award for their three year volunteer campaign to install ornamental memorial lighting on the Villa Park Prairie Path.

Business people and our community leaders continue to address problem areas in the village while planning for the future of Villa Park.

Schaumburg, IL Community Information
VILLAGE GOVERNMENT
The Village of Schaumburg was incorporated in 1956 and operates under the council-manager form of government. Representatives include a Village President and six Trustees, elected at-large by village residents. A professional staff, including a Village Manager appointed by the Village President and Village Board, conduct day-to-day business. Policies are developed by the Village Board and executed by the Village Manager who is responsible for hiring a qualified municipal staff from a diverse range of professional backgrounds. (847.923.4704)

HISTORIC AREAS
Olde Schaumburg Centre, where the flavor of Schaumburg’s early German settlers is preserved, islocated at the intersection of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads, and extends for one-half mile in each direction of the crossroads. A brochure is available that details the significant historic/architectural sites, which includes a walking tour. For information, call 847.923.3852. E-mail: cd@ci.schaumburg.il.us, St. Peter Lutheran Church, the oldest church in Schaumburg and a historic landmark, features an historic cemetery, the village’s first public school house and a museum. For information or tour arrangements,call 847.885.3350. The Barn, 231 S. Civic Dr., just off Carver Lane includes a former farm residence, servant’s quarters and a barn. The buildings now house a girl’s shelter; the Schaumburg Family Counseling Center; Schaumburg Teen Center; and a senior citizens’ nutrition site.
E-mail:humanservices@ci.schaumburg.il.us  An historic farm complex also is located on the grounds of Spring Valley Nature Sanctuary.

LIBRARY
The Schaumburg Township District Library is located in Schaumburg’s landmark Town Square at the cornerof Roselle and Schaumburg Roads. It is the second largest public library in the State of Illinois and is the designated business library for the Chicago suburban area. It is set up to draw on the resources of thousands of other state libraries through the interlibrary loan service. The full-service, state-of-the-art library also presents various programs and classes for all age groups. For additional information, contact the library at 847.985.4000.

OUTDOOR SUMMER CONCERTS
Free Summer Breeze Concerts, featuring a variety of musical performances, are held at the Prairie Center outdoor stage on several Saturday evenings throughoutthe July and August. The stage is located at the intersection of Schaumburg Road and Summit Drive. Residents are encouraged to bring picnic dinners, meet their
friends, and enjoy the music on warm summer evenings. The concerts are co-sponsored by the Village of Schaumburg and the Schaumburg Park District. (847.895.3600) E-mail: prairiecenter@ci.schaumburg.il.us.

SEPTEMBERFEST
Each Labor Day Weekend, Schaumburg sponsors a threeday festival that includes Taste of Schaumburg, a three-day arts and crafts fair, live entertainment, fireworks, food and game booths, and a variety of other activities for all age groups. A parade is a featured attraction on Labor Day. A Friday night kick-off is held at a local hotel and the next three days’ events take place at the Municipal Center grounds. (847.895.3600).
E-mail: prairiecenter@ci.schaumburg.il.us

SHOPPING
Schaumburg is truly a shopper’s heaven. Woodfield, among the world’s largest indoor shopping centers, boasts five “anchor” department stores, and countless others. Many other shopping centers, including large grocery stores, outlets, and specialty shops are conveniently located throughout the village. Town Square, a unique enterprise in the historic heart of the village at the southwest corner of Schaumburg and Roselle Roads, includes the Schaumburg Township District Library, ice-skating pond, shops, an auditorium and restaurants

SPRING VALLEY NATURE SANCTUARY
Schaumburg Park District maintains a unique, 135-acre prairie preserve at 1111 E. Schaumburg Road. A model for natural landscaping and wildlife enhancement and conservation, it contains three-and-a-half miles of handicapped-accessible trails complete with markers, trail-side interpretive exhibits on marsh and prairie land, an historic farm site, Salt Creek, pond observation area, formal historic rest areas, benches, native trees, arboretum and abundant wildlife. A natural history museum features craft and ecology classes, nature library, meeting rooms, greenhouse, changing seasonal exhibits and other nature programs.  Ongoing special events for the public include a Sugar Bush Fair in March, Peony Day in May, Autumn Pioneer Festival in October, Ghost Jaunt for Halloween, and an Old Fashioned Christmas in December. (847.985.2100)