Models showcase Wood condo conversion

Four professionally decorated models have opened at The Woods at Countryside, a $105-million condominium conversion at 975 Sterling Ave. in Palatine.

They showcase 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom garden-style floor plans with 1 or 2 baths and 735 to 1,100 square feet of living space. They terraces that adjoin the living rooms and open, eat-in kitchens. Grand opening base prices range from $149,900 to $189,900.

The condominiums are clustered in 18 two-story garden-style buildings on landscaped grounds. The Woods at Countryside is part of a 1,200-unit rental apartment development where nearly 500 apartments already have been converted to condominiums and sold.

Buyers have a choice of purchasing already upgraded units "as is" or adding additional upgrades, including hardwood floors, and granite counter tops and stainless-steel kitchen appliances.

Through October 31, the developers are offering a $10,000 grand opening cash incentive. The incentive is cash-back to the buyer at closing, and the developer pays the real estate broker an additional 2.5 percent commission.

First-time buyers may qualify for the Assist Bond Program, which helps with cash assistance for down payment and closing costs of up to 4.25 percent of the mortgage amount. Long-term fixed-rate mortgages with low monthly payments may be provided through conventional or FHA-insured or VA-guaranteed mortgages.

The development has landscaped courtyards on 52 acres of rolling landscaped property.

The community features a clubhouse, oversized outdoor swimming pool with multi-tiered lounging deck, kiddie pool, fitness center and tennis court. Monthly condominium assessments range from $125 to $175.

The Evergreen model features a 2-bedroom layout with 2 full baths and 1,070 square feet of living area. It is base priced from $179,900.

Visitors to the condominium enter a foyer area which leads the eye all the way back to the living room at the far end of the residence.

Directly to the left of the foyer is an open eat-in kitchen. The kitchen, which opens to the 15- by 23-foot living room, is defined by a pass-through breakfast bar.

The living room has sliding glass doors opening to a private terrace. The bedrooms, two full baths, a walk-in closet and the utility closet are to the right of the living room.

The master bedroom (11 by 14 feet) has a walk-through dressing area and private shower bath. The second bedroom (11 by 13.5 feet) has access to the second bath. Sliding glass doors open from the second bedroom to the terrace.

• The Oak is a one-bedroom, one-bath model with 735 square feet. It is base priced from $149,900.

• The Elm is a one-bedroom, one-bath model with 830 square feet. It is base priced from $157,900.

• The Maple is a two-bedroom, one-bath model with 920 square feet. It is base priced from $169,900.

• The Willow, the top-of-the-line two-bedroom, two -bath model with 1,100 square feet is not shown as a model. It is base priced from $189,900.

Amenities included in the purchase price are a private patio or balcony, washer and dryer (per plan), walk-in closets, a state-of-the art fire suppression system, basement storage area and individual air-conditioning and heating systems. Garage parking also is available.

The developers also are offering a new "turnkey" investor program at the Woods at Countryside, Wojtas said.

"The investor program provides a guaranteed rental for three years," he said. Under the program, the developer screens tenants, collects rents, coordinates repairs and provides professional management. And, the investor receives a rent check each month, he said.

Palatine is 28 miles from Chicago's Loop and 14 miles from O'Hare International Airport. Residents also can access public transportation via Pace and the Metra train station or drive and get easy access to Interstate 90.

The Woods at Countryside is located at 975 Sterling Avenue on the far northwest side of Palatine. Entry to the community is west of Quentin Road and north of U.S. 14.

A sales center and four professionally furnished model condominiums are on display at 1010 Sterling Ave. from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

For more information on the Woods at Countryside, call Cornelia Miller of American Dream, Inc. at (847) 776-7656 or visit www.woodsatcountryside.com.