What's the best way to start your homeownership journey? First you have to understand your own particular capabilities. Start with a budget. If you are good at a spreadsheet, use it to list all of your monthly expenses to the penny. Be very detailed and don't cut corners. This will not only be a good first step to finding out if you can afford your own home, but will also help get your financial house in order. Once you have all of your monthly expenses listed, add a cushion. I can't tell you what that cushion should be. I can recommend at least $500, but more is better. Things always come up when you own a home and this money will be always be needed. Now that you have an itemized list of expenses look at it carefully. Do you see any additional bills coming down the road: Healthcare, r... 04/26/2014

Greenbrier Park, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Greenbrier Park Greenbrier Park is a single family home neighborhood built in the mid 1990's by Burkart and Oehlerking. Greenbrier Park is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois on Pingree north of Route 14. Average taxes in Greenbrier Park $8,078 Average association fees in Greenbrier Park $50 ($0 - $50) Average home size in Greenbrier Park 2,728 ft2 Average lot size in Greenbrier Park 0.25 acres Average year built in Greenbrier Park 1991 Homes for sale in Greenbrier Park Address Beds Baths Built Price 868 Oak Valley Dr. 4 3.1 1991 $279,000 257 Forest Dr. 5 2.1 1991 $254,000 306 Greenview Dr. 4 2.2 1991 $259,000 Sales Summary for Greenbrier Park  (Apr 14, 2013 - Apr 14, 2014) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 ... 04/13/2014

Richard F Bernotas Middle School, Crystal Lake, IL About Richard F Bernotas Middle School Richard F Bernotas Middle School is a 6-8 school in District 47, and is located at 170 N Oak St in Crystal Lake, IL. It services homes in Crystal Lake, Lake in the Hills, Lakewood, and Woodstock. Single-FamilyHomes 67 Condos &Townhomes 9 Foreclosures for Sale 5 NewConstruction 3 AdultCommunities 0 Homes for sale in the Richard F Bernotas Middle School area Address Beds Baths Built Price 6722 New Hampshire Tr., Crystal Lake, IL 4 3.1 1971 $349,900 1334 Royal Oak Ln., Lake In The Hills, IL 4 2.1 1992 $225,000 9517 Lenox Ln., Lakewood, IL 2 2.0 2000 $149,900 7185 Bannockburn Cir., Lakewood, IL 3 3.1 2003 $424,795 9426 Lenox Ln., Crystal Lake, IL 2 2.1 2000 $149,000 1145 Heavens Gate, Lake In The Hill... 02/02/2014

South Elementary School, Crystal Lake, IL About South Elementary School South Elementary School is a P-5 school in District 47, and is located at 601 Golf Rd in Crystal Lake, IL. It services homes in Crystal Lake and Lakewood. Single-FamilyHomes 22 Condos &Townhomes 17 Foreclosures for Sale 5 NewConstruction 1 AdultCommunities 0 Homes for sale in the South Elementary School area Address Beds Baths Built Price 973 Golf Course Rd. #3, Crystal Lake, IL 2 2.0 1982 $102,000 455 Nash Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 3 2.0 1957 $197,000 815 Villa Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 2 2.0 2001 $249,700 981 Golf Course Rd. #2, Crystal Lake, IL 2 1.0 1979 $69,900 1050 Plantain Ct., Crystal Lake, IL 3 3.1 1995 $299,000 844 Wimbleton Ln., Crystal Lake, IL 3 2.0 1975 $142,800 1675 Lake Ave., Crystal Lake, IL 3 1.1 0 $299,9... 02/02/2014

West Elementary School, Crystal Lake, IL About West Elementary School West Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 47, and is located at 100 Briarwood Dr in Crystal Lake, IL. It services homes in Crystal Lake, Lakewood, and Woodstock. Single-FamilyHomes 33 Condos &Townhomes 5 Foreclosures for Sale 2 NewConstruction 3 AdultCommunities 0 Homes for sale in the West Elementary School area Address Beds Baths Built Price 9517 Lenox Ln., Lakewood, IL 2 2.0 2000 $149,900 7185 Bannockburn Cir., Lakewood, IL 3 3.1 2003 $424,795 9426 Lenox Ln., Crystal Lake, IL 2 2.1 2000 $149,000 3410 Country Club Rd., Woodstock, IL 4 4.1 2005 $575,000 1308 Barlina Rd., Crystal Lake, IL 5 3.0 1996 $299,900 9095 Edinburgh Ct., Lakewood, IL 4 3.1 2004 $415,000 7114 Cottage Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 3 2.1 2001 $1... 02/02/2014

Woods Creek Elementary School, Crystal Lake, IL About Woods Creek Elementary School Woods Creek Elementary School is a K-5 school in District 47, and is located at 1100 Alexandra Blvd in Crystal Lake, IL. It services homes in Crystal Lake and Lake in the Hills. Single-FamilyHomes 10 Condos &Townhomes 2 Foreclosures for Sale 4 NewConstruction 0 AdultCommunities 0 Homes for sale in the Woods Creek Elementary School area Address Beds Baths Built Price 1664 Driftwood Ln., Crystal Lake, IL 4 3.1 2000 $334,500 1081 Cedar Crest Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 4 3.1 1982 $250,000 1515 Autumncrest Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 4 2.1 1996 $239,900 3155 Henry Ln., Lake In The Hills, IL 4 2.1 2010 $329,900 1444 Alexandra Blvd., Crystal Lake, IL 4 3.1 2002 $374,500 1200 Boxwood Dr., Crystal Lake, IL 4 2.1 1991 $214,... 02/02/2014

Kings Gate, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Kings Gate Kings Gate is a single family home neighborhood built in the ealry 2000's. Kings Gate is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois on Miller west of golf course. Average taxes in Kings Gate $9,326 Average association fees in Kings Gate $0 Average home size in Kings Gate 2,908 ft2 Average lot size in Kings Gate 0.25 acres Average year built in Kings Gate 2000 Homes for sale in Kings Gate Address Beds Baths Built Price 1664 Driftwood Ln. 4 3.1 2000 $334,500 Sales Summary for Kings Gate  (Feb 3, 2013 - Feb 3, 2014) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 99 $363,267 $350,417 96.5% Recent home sales in Kings Gate Address Beds Baths Sold 1318 Village Rd. 4 2.1 $310,000 1783 Kings Gate Ln. 3 2.1 $245,000 1796 Andover Ln... 02/02/2014

727 Savannah Ln., Crystal Lake, IL 60014 List Price: $132,000 Beds Baths Built Sq.Ft. Garage Taxes On Market 3 3.1 1994 1,526 ft2 2 $5,516 4 days Tons of living space w/3 bdrms & 3.1 bths! Full finished basement offers in-law arrangement w/2nd kitchen, fam rm, bdrm & full bth! Bright 2 story living rm w/fireplace! 1st flr mstr suite w/walk in closet! Large loft perfect for office or playrm! Patio & 2 car garage too! Great home just needs your decorating ideas! Fannie Mae Homepath Property approved for Homepath mortgage, purchase for as little as 5% down! Subdivision Mistwood Model Elmwood MLS # 08494707 Room Size Level Flooring Loft 12x14 2nd Level Carpet 3rd Bedroom 11x11 Lower Wood Laminate 2nd Bedroom 13x14 2nd Level Carpet Dining Room 11x15 Main Level Carpet Living Room 12x15 Main L... 11/30/2013

New Construction Homes For Sale in Crystal Lake, Illinois Currently for Sale   For Sale Avg. List Min. Max Avg. Days All 37 $329,880 $20,000 $799,900 180 0 bedrooms 6 $130,633 $20,000 $249,900 299 3 bedrooms 2 $352,250 $325,000 $379,500 272 4 bedrooms 29 $369,561 $245,990 $799,900 149 View All New Construction For Sale in Crystal Lake New Construction Homes for Sale by Subdivision Subdivision Description For Sale Ashton Pointe Ashton Pointe is a subdivision of townhomes and single family homes built in the mid to late 2000's by Kennar. Ashton Pointe feature 49 town homes with floor plans ranging from from 1,835 to 2,012 square feet of living space. There are 71 single family homes with floor plans ranging from 2,364 to 3,099 square feet. Ashton Pointe is located in Crystal Lake, Illinoi... 07/09/2013

Single Family Home Stats for Crystal Lake, Illinois Currently for Sale   For Sale Avg. List Min. Max Avg. Days All 426 $274,650 $44,900 $1,995,000 134 2 bedrooms 20 $135,550 $50,000 $269,500 162 3 bedrooms 125 $193,847 $44,900 $1,995,000 128 4 bedrooms 245 $311,872 $65,000 $1,650,000 135 5 bedrooms 36 $379,175 $94,500 $1,150,000 123 View All Single Family Homes For Sale in Crystal Lake Sale Averages - By Month   Sales Avg. List Avg. Sale Ratio% Avg. Days Apr 2013 60 $246,418 $218,520 90.6% 136 Mar 2013 49 $242,271 $218,741 91.3% 186 Feb 2013 33 $218,309 $202,339 93.1% 122 Jan 2013 31 $187,558 $162,816 88.4% 195 Dec 2012 48 $194,482 $173,532 88.2% 171 Nov 2012 40 $199,748 $180,998 90.3% 150 Oct 2012 46 $222,393 $198,111 91.2% 151 Sep 2012 36 $225,436 $203,900 90.4% 119 Aug 2012 61 $226,5... 05/19/2013

Townhome & Condo Stats for Crystal Lake, Illinois Currently for Sale   For Sale Avg. List Min. Max Avg. Days All 108 $114,081 $24,900 $359,900 159 1 bedroom 2 $43,950 $34,900 $53,000 22 2 bedrooms 68 $96,713 $24,900 $269,900 159 3 bedrooms 36 $144,683 $35,000 $359,900 172 4 bedrooms 2 $223,900 $147,900 $299,900 78 View All Townhomes & Condos For Sale in Crystal Lake Sale Averages - By Month   Sales Avg. List Avg. Sale Ratio% Avg. Days Apr 2013 18 $74,478 $69,047 93.0% 116 Mar 2013 16 $106,942 $87,992 84.9% 169 Feb 2013 13 $111,563 $96,877 88.2% 142 Jan 2013 15 $109,230 $100,900 90.7% 163 Dec 2012 16 $118,931 $100,909 89.2% 203 Nov 2012 15 $103,153 $94,227 96.4% 104 Oct 2012 16 $111,724 $85,939 80.8% 337 Sep 2012 15 $108,107 $90,733 82.4% 166 Aug 2012 19 $103,384 $88,487 86.8% 144 Jul 20... 05/13/2013

Newhaven, Cary, Illinois About Newhaven Newhaven is a townhouse community built in the late 1990's. Newhaven is located in Cary, Illinois south of Three Oaks Road and west of Cary-Algonquin Road. Average taxes in Newhaven $5,220 Average association fees in Newhaven $145 ($145 - $145) Average home size in Newhaven 1,373 ft2 Average lot size in Newhaven 0.00 acres Average year built in Newhaven 1997 Homes for sale in Newhaven Address Beds Baths Built Price 1240 Danbury Dr. 2 2.1 1997 $109,000 1158 Danbury Dr. 2 2.1 1997 $119,000 1124 Danbury Dr. 2 3.0 1997 $163,500 Sales Summary for Newhaven  (Apr 24, 2012 - Apr 24, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 200 $199,133 $178,417 89.6% Recent home sales in Newhaven Address Beds Baths Sold 1258 W. Danbury D... 04/24/2013

Hidden Pond, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Hidden Pond Hidden Pond is a townhouse subdivision built in the 1990's. Hidden Pond is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois west of McHenry Avenue and north of Ackman Road. Average taxes in Hidden Pond $4,783 Average association fees in Hidden Pond $163 ($150 - $175) Average home size in Hidden Pond 1,993 ft2 Average lot size in Hidden Pond 0.00 acres Average year built in Hidden Pond 1995 Homes for sale in Hidden Pond Address Beds Baths Built Price 653 Kendallwood Ct. 2 3.1 1995 $185,000 633 Kendallwood Ct. 2 3.1 1994 $179,000 Sales Summary for Hidden Pond  (Mar 7, 2012 - Mar 7, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 280 $216,002 $193,583 89.6% Recent home sales in Hidden Pond Address Beds Baths Sold 656 Kendal... 03/07/2013

Heritage Estates, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Heritage Estates Heritage Estates is a single family home subdivision. Heritage Estates is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois north of Terra Cotta Avenue off of Walkup Road. Average taxes in Heritage Estates $0 Average association fees in Heritage Estates $0 Average home size in Heritage Estates 0 ft2 Average lot size in Heritage Estates 0.00 acres Average year built in Heritage Estates 0 Homes for sale in Heritage Estates None Sales Summary for Heritage Estates  (Mar 7, 2012 - Mar 7, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 132 $276,701 $256,776 92.8% Recent home sales in Heritage Estates Address Beds Baths Sold 6401 High Line Rd. 3 2.0 $120,151 4913 Redbird Ln. 4 2.1 $124,000 6308 Redbird Ln. 3 3.0 $120,0... 03/07/2013

Park Place II, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Park Place II Park Place II is townhouse community built by KB Homes in the late 2010's. Park Place II is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois west of Randall Road and north of Village Road. Average taxes in Park Place II $0 Average association fees in Park Place II $0 Average home size in Park Place II 0 ft2 Average lot size in Park Place II 0.00 acres Average year built in Park Place II 0 Homes for sale in Park Place II None Sales Summary for Park Place II  (Jan 18, 2012 - Jan 17, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 205 $179,610 $174,214 97.0% Recent home sales in Park Place II Address Beds Baths Sold 696 Acadia Cir. 2 2.1 $115,900 649 Grand Canyon Cir. 2 2.1 $150,000 1585 Isle Royale Cir. 2 2.1 $146,000 ... 01/17/2013

North Shore, Crystal Lake, Illinois About North Shore North Shore is a single family home subdivision. North Shore is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois west of Northwest Highway and north of N. Shore Drive. Average taxes in North Shore $0 Average association fees in North Shore $0 Average home size in North Shore 0 ft2 Average lot size in North Shore 0.00 acres Average year built in North Shore 0 Homes for sale in North Shore None Sales Summary for North Shore  (Jan 18, 2012 - Jan 17, 2013) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 5 120 $152,360 $132,200 86.8% Recent home sales in North Shore Address Beds Baths Sold 132 Edgewood Ave. 3 2.0 $140,000 118 Sunnyside Ave. 3 2.0 $115,000 144 Sunnyside 2 1.0 $75,000 147 Edgewood Ave. 3 1.0 $147,000 111 Lakewood Ave. ... 01/17/2013

Asbury Park, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Asbury Park Asbury Park is a single family home subdivision built in the 1990's. Asbury Park is in Crystal Lake, Illinois north of Crystal Lake Avenue and west of Route 31. Average taxes in Asbury Park $5,855 Average association fees in Asbury Park $0 Average home size in Asbury Park 1,501 ft2 Average lot size in Asbury Park 0.50 acres Average year built in Asbury Park 1947 Homes for sale in Asbury Park Address Beds Baths Built Price 5815 Terra Cotta Rd. 3 2.0 1947 $185,000 Sales Summary for Asbury Park  (Dec 12, 2011 - Dec 11, 2012) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 3 280 $339,633 $272,667 80.3% Recent home sales in Asbury Park Address Beds Baths Sold 612 Blackthorn Dr. 4 2.1 $253,000 581 Blackthorn Dr. 4 3.1 $2... 12/11/2012

Walnut Glen, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Walnut Glen Walnut Glen is a townhome community built in the mid 2000's. Walnut Glen is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois south and east of Route 176 on the west side of the Fox River. Average taxes in Walnut Glen $5,150 Average association fees in Walnut Glen $0 Average home size in Walnut Glen 0 ft2 Average lot size in Walnut Glen 0.50 acres Average year built in Walnut Glen 0 Homes for sale in Walnut Glen Address Beds Baths Built Price 1291 Bard Rd. 0 0.0 0 $29,900 Sales Summary for Walnut Glen  (Dec 4, 2011 - Dec 3, 2012) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 109 $125,367 $102,833 82.0% Recent home sales in Walnut Glen Address Beds Baths Sold 1214 Walnut Glen Dr. 2 2.1 $105,000 1282 Walnut Glen Dr. 2 2.1 $96,00... 12/03/2012

Woodscreek, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Woodscreek Woodscreek is a single family home neighborhood built in the early 1990's. Woodscreek is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois on Golf Course Road south of Ackman. Average taxes in Woodscreek $7,968 Average association fees in Woodscreek $43 ($35 - $50) Average home size in Woodscreek 2,620 ft2 Average lot size in Woodscreek 0.38 acres Average year built in Woodscreek 1993 Homes for sale in Woodscreek Address Beds Baths Built Price 1305 Alexandra Blvd. 4 2.1 1993 $300,000 1513 Dogwood Dr. 4 2.1 1993 $295,000 1520 Tanglewood Dr. 4 4.1 1995 $283,350 1467 Willow Tree Dr. 4 2.1 1992 $244,900 Sales Summary for Woodscreek  (Dec 1, 2011 - Nov 30, 2012) # of Sales Average Days on Market Average List Average Sale Ratio% 6 210 $255,433 $217,167 85.0... 11/30/2012

Wedgewood, Crystal Lake, Illinois About Wedgewood Wedgewood is a duplex and single family home neighborhood built starting in the early 1990's by Calaco Development. Wedgewood is located in Crystal Lake, Illinois off of Lakeview Road east of Huntley Road. Average taxes in Wedgewood $6,217 Average association fees in Wedgewood $332 ($217 - $675) Average home size in Wedgewood 2,865 ft2 Average lot size in Wedgewood 0.25 acres Average year built in Wedgewood 1998 Homes for sale in Wedgewood Address Beds Baths Built Price 735 Wedgewood Dr. 4 3.1 1996 $325,000 899 Wedgewood Dr. 3 3.1 1998 $315,000 1170 Lakeview Dr. 5 3.1 2004 $425,000 815 Wedgewood Dr. 4 2.1 2012 $329,900 951 Wedgewood Dr. 3 2.1 1991 $279,900 1042 Plantain Ct. 3 2.1 1994 $295,000 953 Wedgewood Dr. 3 2.1 1992 $239,000 Sales ... 11/29/2012