Congratulations to the Wonder Lake Water Ski Team for finishing in fifth at the NSSA Division 1 National Water Ski Show Tournament in Rockford, […]

2013 is a great year to purchase a new home, especially for buyers in the state of Illinois. As of January 1, all new McHenry County real estate will be 32 percent more energy efficient than those built under the old energy codes put into effect in 2006. What does that mean for you the buyer? Before a home is even built, it must go through a modeling program to determine the energy efficiency and, if necessary, modify the building specifications to make sure it will meet code. Then, before it is occupied, a home must meet a pressurization test to make sure the home is built tight enough to meet the code of five air changes per hour or less.  […]

Leaves changing colors, apple pies, pumpkin patches and hayrides are just a few things that let you know fall is here! This weekend kick off your celebration of the fall season with these two fantastic festivals that are conveniently located near your McHenry County new home. On Saturday, September 29th, the 20th Annual Johnny Appleseed Festival will be bringing communities together at Crystal Lake. This is one of Crystal Lake’s largest events and it is open to everyone from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some great attractions at this fall festival include live music, craft vendors, delicious fair food, children’s games and rides, and of course, an apple pie eating contest. The Great Ball Race on Brink Street is also a ton of fun, with the grand prize winner receiving $1,000! To learn more about this fun event, please visit the website, and don’t forget to look for Johnny Appleseed in the crowd!  […]

McHenry County real estate known for beautiful new homes and fun events Are you looking for a place to call home that boasts more than just beautiful new homes on prime real estate? Around here, McHenry County real estate isn’t just known for its homes. The area is also home to highly-anticipated summer events such as the McHenry County Fiesta Days. The event kicked off last Friday night with music, food and amusement rides, and continues through July 22. The remaining Fiesta Days include a variety of entertainment, so there is something for everyone in your family. Food, amusement rides, music, big wheel races, 3-mile and 6.8-mile runs, comics, master puppeteers, dances, crafts, a parade and children’s ice cream social are just some of the fun events that you’ll find. For more information about the 2012 Fiesta Days, visit the website. In addition to Fiesta Days, McHenry County features top schools, excellent shopping opportunities, lakes, Fox River, parks and beautiful golf courses, providing tons of recreation for families. If this sounds like the place for you, then you must stop by Liberty Trails for a tour. This community is located close to everything that McHenry has to offer. Plus, Liberty Trails boasts a tot park and green space, giving residents even more opportunities to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. […]

Mid-Summer Wheels Festival Near Prime Poplar Grove Real Estate Those looking for Poplar Grove real estate near exciting events can stop their search. That’s because at Gerstad Builders we have beautiful new homes available at The Trails of Dawson Creek, just a short drive from the Poplar Grove Vintage Wings and Wheels Museum’s Mid-Summer Wheels Festival. Co-sponsored by the Northern Illinois Vintage Tractor and Engine Association, the Mid-Summer Wheels Festival starts this Saturday, July 14 at 6 p.m. You can attend this night of the event for FREE. Festivities include a beer tent, live music with Clutch Cargo a cruise night and hot air balloon launch. The fun continues on Sunday, July 15 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tickets for this day are only $5 at the gate and children 12 and under can attend for free. Or, if you buy your tickets in advance, you can purchase five for $20. Sunday’s events include tractor pulls, horse drawn feed races, petting zoo and kids tent, tractor parade, EAA Young Eagle Flights, delicious food and more. For more information about the Mid-Summer Wheels Festival, check out the flyer online. […]

Apple pie contest and more at Heritage Fair in McHenry. If you’re proud of being a McHenry County real estate resident, then make sure to let everyone else know too by representing your hometown at the McHenry County Historical Society’s 2012 Heritage Fair. This year the fair is surrounded around the theme “Hats Off to Your Home Towns,” and all guests are invited to come to the festivities wearing a fun hat with the name of their hometown on it. The family friendly event is taking place this Sunday, July 8 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is packed full of events the whole day. Main events include a home baked pie contest, the Clef Hangers barbershop quartet, vintage quilt bed turnings, a magic show that the kids are bound to love and more. There will also be an antique auction, vintage clothing sale, indoor white elephant sale and free admission to air-conditioned museum exhibits including The James Mobile Museum and the 1843 log cabin and 1895 one-room school house. […]

McHenry County real estate near community events. If you’re interested in making a positive difference in the fight against cancer, then join in with your friendly McHenry County real estate neighbors this weekend at the 2012 North McHenry County Relay for Life. Since cancer never sleeps, Relay for Life is an all night event lasting from 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 to 6 a.m. Sunday, June 24. Spend the evening camping out in McHenry Township Park and take turns walking or running around the track and enjoying a night full of entertainment for a great cause. There is a schedule packed full of events throughout the night, including silent auctions, a musical chairs scavenger hunt and various children’s activities that will be available until 8 p.m., including pick a duck, a baseball toss and mini bowling. […]

Homes on McHenry County Real Estate with Dad in Mind Father’s Day 2012 is right around the corner, which means that it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift for dad. What does every dad want? A place and space within the home, just for him. Sound like the perfect gift? Well, we have you covered! We build fabulous new homes on prime McHenry County real estate full of perfect spaces just for dad! Let him spend the day relaxing in the area of your home that makes him feel best, whether it is the basement, garage or even the deck. The basement is the perfect place for dads to set up their man-caves. A room filled with big, cozy chairs and couches, a big screen and more provides the ideal environment for a movie day, sports day or even a long afternoon nap. For car loving dads or dads that want their own workshop, the garage is a great place to be. Adding a third car garage to your home gives dads the opportunity to tune up and take care of their special cars or work on pursuing a new hobby in their workshop. Decks also provide an excellent escape for dads. They can fire up the grill, relax with family or friends, and just enjoy the beautiful outdoor space of their homes. In addition, the deck can be the perfect location to enjoy a nice Father’s Day meal. […]