Hinsdale vs Western Springs (La Grange, Clarendon Hills: mortgage, how much, buying a home)

[Chris_H_2]

All's well that ends well. We waited (not really by choice but by necessity) for some homes that were initially listed well north of something we could afford (that were, frankly, overpriced) and got a great home in northern Hinsdale (Monroe School District). We toured it about 2 months ago and decided that the only way we would make a move is if we could get it at a specific price (which was well below the asking price when we toured it). By a stroke of serendipity, our price range completely dried up at the beginning of May (I'm not sure to what I attribute it -- it couldn't have been the home owners credit because, presumably, people buying in our price range wouldn't qualify for the credit). Therefore, the homes that we liked before but were otherwise too expensive all of sudden began dropping rapidly in price.

So now my wife is happy, which is the most important thing for my sanity.

That is all.

[chet everett]

Originally Posted by Chris_H_2

All's well that ends well. We waited (not really by choice but by necessity) for some homes that were initially listed well north of something we could afford (that were, frankly, overpriced) and got a great home in northern Hinsdale (Monroe School District). We toured it about 2 months ago and decided that the only way we would make a move is if we could get it at a specific price (which was well below the asking price when we toured it). By a stroke of serendipity, our price range completely dried up at the beginning of May (I'm not sure to what I attribute it -- it couldn't have been the home owners credit because, presumably, people buying in our price range wouldn't qualify for the credit). Therefore, the homes that we liked before but were otherwise too expensive all of sudden began dropping rapidly in price.

So now my wife is happy, which is the most important thing for my sanity.

That is all.

I will almost guarantee that the offer you made and was accepted was not all that different from some other other that came in WHILE THE PRICE WAS STILL LISTED AT TOO HIGH A PRICE -- I have this happen time and time again and the folks that insist on making low ball offers really don't seem to understand why I maintain that such offers generally just soften up the sellers to make a reduction and eventually sale to some one that "keeps their cards close to the vest". Sellers have an almost visceral reaction to most low ball offers that simply does not happen when they eventually decide to bring their asking price inline with reality...

Enjoy the neighborhood!

[Chris_H_2]

Originally Posted by chet everett

I will almost guarantee that the offer you made and was accepted was not all that different from some other other that came in WHILE THE PRICE WAS STILL LISTED AT TOO HIGH A PRICE -- I have this happen time and time again and the folks that insist on making low ball offers really don't seem to understand why I maintain that such offers generally just soften up the sellers to make a reduction and eventually sale to some one that "keeps their cards close to the vest". Sellers have an almost visceral reaction to most low ball offers that simply does not happen when they eventually decide to bring their asking price inline with reality...

Enjoy the neighborhood!

We actually considered making the offer that we made 2 months ago. But we knew that there was no way we could negotiate to the price at which we actually ultimately arrived. And there was no way that we could come back after a price drop because the sellers would have soured on us. So we waited until after a price drop, which was the best thing we did.

Thank you kind sir. And your advice was most appreciated.

[Justabystander]

Originally Posted by Chris_H_2

All's well that ends well. We waited (not really by choice but by necessity) for some homes that were initially listed well north of something we could afford (that were, frankly, overpriced) and got a great home in northern Hinsdale (Monroe School District). We toured it about 2 months ago and decided that the only way we would make a move is if we could get it at a specific price (which was well below the asking price when we toured it). By a stroke of serendipity, our price range completely dried up at the beginning of May (I'm not sure to what I attribute it -- it couldn't have been the home owners credit because, presumably, people buying in our price range wouldn't qualify for the credit). Therefore, the homes that we liked before but were otherwise too expensive all of sudden began dropping rapidly in price.

So now my wife is happy, which is the most important thing for my sanity.

That is all.

You made a great choice. We have been very happy in Monroe. Best of luck.

[588swain]

Hi Erin,
I think that Hinsdale is quite a bit different than many affluent communities. While I am sure that there is diversity in attitudes among residents, I know that the culture of much of this community is the epitome of "keeping up with the Jones's". Hinsdale Central High School is a good school, but kids really take a social & academic beating just when they are working developmentally on becoming individuals. There is zero diversity of any kind. The suburbs of Chicago offer so many areas where culture, affluence, great schools, and quality of life converge, that I would seriously try to dissuade anyone from taking on the hollow and elitist, parochial b.s. of Hinsdale. On the other hand, what do I know? Quality of life is different for everyone. Best wishes in finding the right home for your family.

[Lookout Kid]

Originally Posted by 588swain

The suburbs of Chicago offer so many areas where culture, affluence, great schools, and quality of life converge...

Any suggestions?

[ChiBadBoy]

Hinsdale and only Hinsdale.

[wsprings456]

Western Springs is the Middle way between La Grange and Hinsdale. Keep in mind that the beautiful subdivision Springdale in Western Springs has the Highlands Schools which are top-tier.

[emaugust]

The whole snobby argument is supremely relevant here. I remember 10 years ago when I was in LTHS - a very good school that is fed by mostly upper middle class people - Hinsdale Central high school had a spirit day for an upcoming football match with us where they brought baby dolls to school and wore trash bags... To their way of thinking, we were poor.

To most people, I think La Grange is pretty well off.

[knitgirl]

Another old thread resurrected for no apparent reason.