Value at The Woods at Countryside too good to pass up

Mallory Aiello purchased her first home at The Woods at Countryside in Palatine.

Mallory Aiello had some basic requirements for her first home purchase that seemed like an impossible dream until she stumbled upon The Woods at Countryside, a $105-million condominium conversion in Palatine.

She wanted to live in Palatine in a place that was affordable and well-built with attractive amenities.

Aiello, 24, who teaches third grade in Palatine Township Elementary District 15, was keen on living in Palatine because she grew up there and now is working there. But she didn't expect to find something she could afford in her hometown.

"I actually was looking outside of Palatine because this municipality is so expensive," she said. "So, I shopped in the Wauconda area, Algonquin and Lake in the Hills. But I really wanted to stay in Palatine."

Then fate stepped in.

"My mom reads the Palatine and suburban papers, and she learned that The Woods at Countryside apartments had been sold and was going condo," Aiello said. "So, I learned about it and actually was one of the first people to buy a unit."

After determining that The Woods at Countryside had it all -- the perfect location, the perfect price and an excellent value relative to price and location, Aiello was sold.

"This was exactly what I was looking for. Buying a two-bedroom, two-bath home with a garage and laundry for under $200,000 is pretty much unheard of in Palatine. So that's ultimately why I chose it," she said about the Willow model she chose.

Aiello is not alone.

"With nearly 400 units already purchased, sales have been strong since our sneak preview opening in late spring," said Cornelia Miller, executive vice president of American Dream Inc., the exclusive sales and marketing agent for The Woods at Countryside.

"All residences feature spacious living rooms with adjoining private terrace, and open, eat-in kitchens finished with a full appliance package," said T.J. Wojtas, co-owner of the Woods at Countryside, along with partner Vince Manglardi.

Base prices range from $156,400 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 have already been converted and sold as condominiums.

Aiello purchased her condominium last April and moved in soon afterward.

"Renting was never an option," Aiello said. "That's my dad's opinion. He's always said renting is like throwing away money because you're not building any equity or credit. When you're paying a mortgage, you may pay more each month because of real estate taxes, but all that money will eventually come back to you in the form of tax deductions when it's a good investment."

Buyers at The Woods at Countryside have a choice of purchasing already upgraded units "as is" or adding additional upgrades, including hardwood floors, and granite countertops and stainless steel kitchen appliances.

Aiello opted for a package of upgrades, even though she was impressed with the things that came standard.

"My Willow unit came with newer cabinets," she said. "They had redone the bathroom and kitchen already, which was nice. I had all my appliances. I added granite countertops in my kitchen and bathrooms. I added wood floors throughout. My unit also came with a really nice paver stone patio."

Fully upgraded condominiums at the Woods at Countryside feature open kitchens with eat-in area and granite countertops. The kitchen appliance package includes refrigerator, stove, microwave, dishwasher and disposal.

Other 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 Woods at Countryside is situated on 52 acres of rolling landscaped property. The community features a large clubhouse, oversized resort-style outdoor swimming pool with multi-tiered lounging deck, kiddie pool, fitness center and tennis court. Monthly assessments range from $125 to $175.

The Woods at Countryside is located at 975 Sterling Avenue on the far northwest side of Palatine. A sales center and four professionally furnished model condominiums are on display at 1010 Sterling Ave. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 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.