Edwardsville and Glen Carbon Real Estate Chat: September 2008

I went for a drive this morning to place directional signs out for my new listing in Brighton.  Along the way, I decided to stop and a take a few minutes to enjoy some of the great scenery along the Madison/Macoupin County line.  Unfortunately, the only camera I had with me was on my cell phone, so the pictures aren't the best quality.

These great yellow and white flowers are all over the sides of the roads in the country.

More wildflower shots...

This farm looks so pretty in person - red buildings against a blue sky really pop.  I'll try and get a picture with a better camera sometime.

One of the winding country roads.

These mushrooms popped up in my front yard from the tropical moisture we're getting from Hurricane Ike.  Coupled with the rain of a recent cool front, I guess conditions were just right.

As you can see from the pictures, both northern Madison and southern Macoupin county are full of great scenery.  You just have to slow down and take a look once in a while to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you.

Living most of my life in northern Madison County, I frequent a lot of the smaller towns that our area has to offer. 

My parents live right on the Madison County/Macoupin County line.  Pick just about any Friday night, and you can find us The Prairietown Inn.  Or, as we affectionately call it - PTI.

A few years ago, the PTI was bought by Sammie.  Usually when a restaurant changes hands, the quality goes down.  Not this time.  This is one of those little bars that relies strictly on word-of-mouth.  In fact, the bar is on the main level of an old house.  It's a tight squeeze for dinner.  I'm not sure what the exact population of Prairietown is - but I think everyone is there on Friday night.   You won't find PTI on the Internet or in the Yellow Pages.  They don't advertise.  So I'm letting you in on a Madison County Secret here.  The fish is delicious.

So where the heck is Prairietown?  Head north from Edwardsville on State Route 159.  About 10 miles up the road you'll see Renken Road on your right side.  Follow this road about 3 miles and you're there.  A little piece of bluegill sandwich heaven awaits you.

I took my in-laws to the PTI when they first visited from Las Vegas.  My father-in-law doesn't even eat fish, yet every time they made a trip back to the Midwest - PTI was the first request he had. 

They offer a variety of things on the menu ranging from garlic chicken wings, steak or burgers.  Their speciality crispy fried fish.  The fish choice ranges from catfish, walleye, bluegill, crappie and buffalo.  Each plate of fish is served with amazing fried onion strips and your choice of two tasty sides.  And of course, the Midwestern staple with all fish dinners - white, rye or wheat bread.

Next time I go to PTI, I'll be sure and take some pictures to share.  It's definitely worth checking out.  I'd say get there early to avoid the crowds, but on Friday that is impossible.

In a buyer's market, everyone selling their home wants to know what they can do to appeal to a large number of buyers.  This listing at 7156 Lebanon Road in Collinsville is a great example of how good landscaping can create amazing curb appeal.

Imagine you are a buyer - walking up to this house for the first time.

Take a look at the house from far away.  Looks nice enough, right?  Well manicured lawn, great porch.  But it's nothing special.

As you get closer, the house really starts to pop.

What buyer wouldn't be excited about seeing what was past this front door? 

The most appealing feature of this landscaping is that all of this beautiful color is seasonal.  These pictures were taken just yesterday.  These hardy plants will continue to look fabulous well into the fall.

If you are selling your home, try to pay as much attention to small details as you can. The more finished and move-in ready your home appears to be, the more likely you are to sell.

For more tips and ideas, visit us at www.JustDuckyHomes.com

If you're ready to sell, give us a call.  Find out why "We're Not Your Grandma's Realtors".

Kristina Pratt, Realtor 618-917-0775
Nancy Milton, Realtor/GRI 618-791-8007
info@justduckyhomes.com
Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors