First-time buyer finds future in condo
The writing was on the wall.
Andrea Murdock needed to find a new place to live because her roommate/landlord was getting married and the newlyweds certainly weren't going to need a third person in their home.
So Murdock explored her options, checked her bank account and decided to become a homeowner, rather than renting any longer.
The 24-year-old sign language interpreter had already fallen in love with West Chicago, where she had paid rent to live in her friend's home, and that was where her new job was located, too. So she decided to look for a condominium within the city's limits.
Eventually, her search brought her to The Gallery at Gateway Centre, a community of 78 new condominiums in the heart of town. Consisting of two four-story elevator-equipped residential buildings situated on the north side of Main Street, the community houses 39 traditionally styled condominiums in each building.
"I loved the location right away," said Murdock. "It was right across the street from the local Metra station, I-88 was close by and the church I attend is but a 20-minute drive from my condo."
It was also convenient to her new job at a local school.
Murdock was particularly impressed, however, with how much home she could get for the price.
"It makes so much more sense to own a home and build equity than to continue paying rent to someone else," she said. "I got a great deal on a brand new condo, and the interest rates are still favorable, so now was a terrific time to buy."
Murdock says that she is especially pleased with the condominium model she chose -- the Altman, which features two bedrooms, two baths and 1,142 square feet of living space. Murdock worked with the builder to customize her Altman slightly. She upgraded some of the woodwork, hardware and lighting fixtures and raised the bathroom cabinets. She also added an island to her kitchen -- where she plans to spend a lot of time pursuing her second love, cooking.
"The kitchen is my favorite room in the home, but I enjoy the entire layout," she said. "I like the fact that I have a separate bath for the guest room and a master bath all to myself."
Gateway Centre Development "made sure that the home met with my total satisfaction and took care of all my requests," Murdock added. "They worked hard to finish my unit early so that I could move in quickly, for which I'm so grateful."
By spring 2008, construction will begin on the second Gallery at Gateway Centre mid-rise building, which is anticipated to be finished by late 2008.
Like Murdock, homeowners there can expect an elegant entrance lobby and vestibule, landscaped grounds, a fire sprinkler system and a video monitored surveillance system. A monthly assessment fee covers common area maintenance, lawn care, snow removal and other included perks.
Murdock and her neighbors are looking forward to the opening of "The Texan Bar B Q" adjacent to The Lofts at Gateway Centre. This will be the company's third restaurant, with the others in Lombard and Algonquin.
The Gallery at Gateway Centre sales information center is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. To reach the community and visit the furnished model, take I-88 west, exit at Route 59, head north five miles to Main Street and turn left to the sales office at 515 Main St. Or take Route 64 (North Avenue) west to Route 59, head south 1ˆ¨ miles to Main Street and west one block to the sales office. For more information, call (630) 562-1880 or visit the Web site at www.wegocondos.com.