Psst. Want to Know a Secret?

Well, it's not a secret exactly...but it's a fabulous, fun way to find some amazing items. Send an e-mail to Candy at cew244antiques@aol.com and ask to be added to the 244 Antiques mailing list.

Candy and her husband, Ed, host estate sales and moving sales in some of the region's finest homes throughout the year.

Saturday and Sunday, May 17 & 18, they will be at #1 Hickory Knoll in Edwardsville. (Take 157 to Esic Drive to Berkshire to Hickory Knoll -- behind the YMCA.) Hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon until 4 p.m. on Sunday.

You'll get the best selection on the sale's first day, but prices drop on day two. See you there!

New Stats Paint Market Picture

It's the question everyone is asking nationally. How bad is the real estate market? Never forget the old saw: "All real estate is local." And statistics released today can help put everything in perspective.

According to the Southwestern Illinois Regional MLS, the average sale price on a home in our region fell by just two percent between April 2007 and April 2008. The average number of days a home stayed on the market rose from 122 in 2007 to 130 in 2008 and the list-to-sell ratio is at 95 percent versus 97 percent in 2007. All in all, not the dire drop discussed in the media.

So what are you waiting for? Call me and let's buy or sell something!

NEW PRICE $119,000

Make an appointment today for your own private tour of this Granite City home.

It's located close to everything Granite has to offer including shopping, dining and easy access to I-270, I-55 and I-70. The three-bedroom, two-bath home boasts many tasteful updates throughout its 1,440 square feet, including fresh paint and upgraded floors.

The air conditioning is new in 2007 and the roof was replaced in 2006. The furnace, kitchen countertops and fixtures debuted in 2005. A private owner's retreat is located on the lower level and includes a 3/4 bath and large walk-in closet. Also on the lower level -- a big family room and gas ventless fireplace.

Upstairs a spacious dining room leads to the remodeled kitchen with generous cabinet space and a bright, clean decor. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath complete the main level.

Outside, you'll enjoy views of the nearby pond from the large 16 x 16 deck and huge back yard. The two-car garage is equipped with a built-in workbench and shelves.

Good news: Surrounding streets have been renewed and upgraded with sidewalks, storm sewers and new street lights, a major neighborhood improvement.

Want to know more? Call me at 618-791-8007 or e-mail Nancy.Milton@ColdwellBanker.com. Click on Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors to see this listing and all the details.