Carriage Homes saves best for last

It's been said "he who hesitates is lost."

But here's the exception that breaks the rule: Only nine of 72 homes remain for sale at the Carriage Homes of Ravine Woods, being developed in Channahon. And the developer, Smykal Associates, wants to wrap things up pronto.

"At some point, the overhead involved in operating a sales office does not make sense if the builder doesn't have many homes left to sell," said Peggy Taheri, vice president of sales and marketing for Smykal.

"The Carriage Homes have been a big success for us, but now it makes more sense to wrap things up, so that means nine buyers are going to get great deals," she said. "We intend to be very aggressive in our final sales push."

The nine remaining homes include four furnished models, which Taheri describes as "true bargains. They are loaded with upgrades and amenities," including premium landscaping, granite countertops, fireplaces, luxury baths, upgraded carpeting and built-in bookshelves.

The remaining homes combine great prices and location with single-floor living. Only two of the two-story homes remain for sale, and they have a first-floor master bedroom.

The ranch homes have great rooms, two bedrooms, a den and two baths, while the two-story home has three bedrooms and 2½ baths. All the Carriage Homes include attached two-car garages and full basements.

"Big garages and basements are important for empty-nesters who want to downsize but still need plenty of storage," Taheri said.

The Carriage Home duplexes start at $199,900, but prices on the models will vary depending on whether the buyers want the furnishings included.

For people in a hurry, five of the nine remaining homes -- the four furnished models and one field model -- are available for quick delivery.

"It takes several months to build a home, and some people just can't wait that long, so we can help," Taheri said.

There are four furnished models.

• The Edgewood C, priced at $259,000, is a two-story home with three bedrooms, including a first-floor master, 2½ baths and a lookout basement with deck.

• The Riverton II B, priced at $268,700, is a ranch plan with three bedrooms, two baths, a great room and a lookout basement with deck. Upgrades include carpet and pad, light fixtures, built-in bookshelves, window treatments, and hardwood floors.

• The Riverton I/D, priced at $279,000, has two bedrooms, a den, two baths, and a great room with a fireplace. The master suite includes a bay window, large walk-in closet and super bath. Granite kitchen counters and stainless appliances are included.

• The Edgewater B, priced at $295,000, has three bedrooms, including a first-floor master suite and 2½ baths. The kitchen includes granite countertops, upgraded cabinets and appliances. Full lookout basement is another plus.

Not everybody wants an already decorated model. For those who want some input into the process but still need to move fairly quickly, Smykal also has one field model on a ravine and four lot options on which to build. These homes are priced from $199,900 to $289,900.

"It's great to offer these choices," Taheri said. "Some people will jump at the professional decorated and landscaped models, while others will prefer the field models, which offer more flexibility and lower prices.

"Considering that we're near the end of the community, it's impressive to see how much variety we still have available. Many buyers specifically wait for builders' models to become available, so I don't expect these will stay on the market much longer."

Take Interstate 55 (the Stevenson Expressway) to Route 6, west three miles to the furnished models. Call (815) 467-5002 or visit www.SmykalHomes.com. Smykal Associates