e're "Back Yard" Vacation Spend the summer in ^ --^- -- «r healthful,relaxing,fun v ~ \\~rr" *n y°ur new in"groun^ lL IT COSTS LESS THAIS \ _ YOUTHIM! Call us for a free estimate! We carry a full lLie of Spas, pool chemicals and supplies. ARADISE ryg, wUVv Division of HALDEMAIN EXCAVATIING 815/338-2380 815/338-5106 Woodstock We will design and draw plans for your new home or remodeling needs NO JOB TOO OR TOO SMALL Page 24 Spring Home Living Home search need not be a pain in the neck By Herb Lawrence Copley New Service Searching for the right new home or condominium can be a sharp pain in the neck. After all, the newly built homes or condos aren't all in the same spot. Hiey are at different locations, in various configurations, of a variety of qualities and selling for different prices.. And there is a large variety of financing plans. Instead of one clear picture, it's a kaleidoscope. So Jdin E. Thill, a veteran of selling residential units, detailed the best way an individual or family can go about finding the unit to meet its needs and dreams. He said that the home seeker should approach his quarry (the detached single-family home or condo) in a scientific fashion. The first step in looking for a house or condo may be obvious-but a lot of people overlook it. "Find out what you really can af ford," he said. "It's a good way not to waste time with units you can't af ford." Thill estimates that people prudently can spend from 30 to 35 percent of their gross monthly individual or family income to buy a unit. "It all depends on how many overall financial obligations you have," he said. "The 30 percent to 35 percent range is designed not to get you in over your head." The monthly payments, of course, don't include a down payri usually required. The down payment situation for a first-time buyer is different than for a payment that is repeat buyer. A repeat buyer normally has the equity from a previous house to use as a down payment for the new unit. And a larger down payment can cut down monthly payments. But Thill said the situation isn't all that bleak for first-time buyers. "You have to figure out what you can pay," he said. "In many cases the down payment is 5 percent to 10 per cent, so a $100,000 unit will require $5,000 to $10,000." "That isn't chopped liver. But the way rents are now going, using this for a down payment isn't that huge." The next thing to determine is what SEARCH--Page 25 J.S. BLAKE CONSTRUCTION •Remodeling ̂ Custom Built Homes Paint now and you'll paint again . . . but T-lok® Vinyl is Final!® T-lok Vinyl Siding never needs painting. It also resists denting, cleans easily, won't show scratches, won't rust or corrode like metal, and resists damage * from industrial pollution and salt air. It's so tough that the manufacturer, Mastic Corporation, a subsidary of Bethelehem Steel, backs it with a lifetime non-prorated transferable warranty.* Our skilled professional applicators have installed T-lok Vinyl Siding on many homes in this area, and we'd be happy to show the result to you. Just give us a call! * Warranty available on request. Turn on the music. \nd slip into something comfortable. Install Whirlpool Central Air Conditioning System early and pay only $C)fA95 for a complete Magnavox Audio System! ^ Turn up the sounds on your new Mignavox audio system while you relax in the cool comfort of your Whirlpool air conditioned home. Enjoy big Magnavox sound with AM/FM receiver, built-in turntable, cassette deck with play and record mode, and dual bass speakers. It regularly retails for $189.95. But, it's yours for only $29.95 when you install one of the many great Whirlpool Central Air Systems during our Pre-Season Premium Days. So pick up the phone and call today. We'll make you a cool offer that sounds too good, to resist. Whirlpoo Hi Ai !»•(, 4 C OOl MO JL PftOOuC l S MODERN HOME PRODUCTS & SERVICES 3321 Rt. 31-Crystal Lake 815-4551661 REASONABLE RATES FREE ESTIMATES Call John Blake 385-5593 -- McHenry Fully Insured •Carpentry "Garages *Siding *Rec Rooms •Wood Decks "Basements • Additions