Erickson Tribune

Sedgebrook

UPDATED: Thursday, March 02, 2006

Overwhelming Response Causes Excitement, Concerns

Posted on Wednesday, March 01, 2006
 

As Reservation Rate Soars, Personal Visits Grow Increasingly Tougher to Get

By Tracy Dellaria
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

We’re overwhelmed by the recent response to Sedgebrook! This winter alone has seen a recordbreaking number of reservations. Our phones start ringing at 8:30 in the morning and just don’t stop.

While I’m delighted that so many people are recognizing the value of Sedgebrook, I’m a little worried that those people who wait to call might miss out altogether. With so many people reserving, our apartment designs are selling quickly. And with so many people calling to schedule a time to see our remaining floor plans and tour our model apartment homes, personal visits are becoming tougher to get.

Feeling the Pinch of Energy Costs

To try and account for Sedgebrook’s soaring popularity, I’ve spoken at length to our new reservists. They point to three factors that motivated them.

Despite a mild midwinter, energy prices continue to climb. And Chicagoland residents— myself included—are just about fed-up. Like me, you may be wondering why your energy bills haven’t reflected those mild mid-winter temperatures.

Well, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), demand for energy has been increasing steadily, which causes a pinch in the energy market and higher prices for oil and natural gas. According to the EIA, people who heat their houses with oil paid 23 percent more this winter than last, while those who heat with natural gas paid 35 percent more.

And there’s no end in sight. The EIA projects that energy costs will keep on climbing through 2006 and 2007.

Sedgebrook’s Solution to Soaring Bills

At Sedgebrook, however, community members are happy to say goodbye to those soaring energy bills. “The monthly service package is most welcome,” says Leonard Goldin, who moved to Sedgebrook from Skokie. “It’s a comfort knowing I’ll write one reasonable check a month, as opposed to several checks.”


writing.jpg

Sedgebrook
Image
More Sedgebrook

Chicago winter:75° and sunny

Sedgebrook opens outpatient rehabilitation center to public

Last-minute holiday shopping?

A day just for grandparents

Read or Add a Comment?

A call to end Erie Pa.'s relationship with "sister city" Zibo, China, and all Chinese imports.

No URL for Riderwood Blog

Laughter Yoga

Happy hour hot spots?

Model yacht clubs

Your thoughts on Reflexology

Tools

Write a Comment on Story

Print

Email Story

Add to Favorites

Heating, electric, home maintenance, yard care—all of those unpredictable costs that Leonard previously wrote a dozen checks a month to cover are now accounted for in his fixed monthly service package. No matter how cold it gets or how high energy costs soar, Leonard’s monthly service package remains stable all year-round.

Won’t it be a relief to know exactly what you’ll spend every month?

Selling in a ‘Historically Strong’ Market

The current healthy real estate market is another reason so many people have decided to reserve at Sedgebrook. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), house sales were “historically strong” in 2005 and are expected to remain strong in 2006.

But the real estate bubble won’t last forever, which  is why so many people are taking advantage of the current market to sell their houses and move to Sedgebrook.

In addition, Sedgebrook has a wealth of moving resources to help you out along the way. Whether you haven’t moved in 40 years and don’t know where to start, or whether you just need a little extra help with packing and decluttering, we have the resources to help make your move as easy as possible.

Discovering the Limitations of a House

Finally, many of our reservists say they chose Sedgebrook when they realized how much they could do here that they couldn’t do in their house.

Mary Bazell, who moved from Vernon Hills, says she has far more opportunity to socialize at Sedgebrook than when she lived in her house. She also has more opportunity to do the things she enjoys.

“When you’re living in a house by yourself, you tend to have to push yourself  to get out,” says Mary. “Here, I joined the computer club, I joined the entertainment committee, I do exercises. The Fitness Center you don’t have in your house.”

Not only has Mary’s social calendar booked up since her move to Sedgebrook, but she also feels more secure. “The security is very, very good here. It’s good to know there’s someone around all the time.”

But Mary isn’t just talking about the gated guardhouse or the 24/7 security team. Mary likes the fact that she’s not alone. Last year, she suffered through an illness alone in her house. “I had two good girlfriends come visit me. But when they leave, you’re alone.”

That experience is part of what prompted Mary to move to Sedgebrook. She doesn’t want to have to go through that again. Should she become ill at Sedgebrook, Mary says it will be a comfort to have so many friends around. That’s peace of mind she just didn’t have in her house.

How to Beat the Crowd

Won’t it be a relief to finally have the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’re part of a safe and secure community, where you’ll never have to worry about those soaring energy costs or unpredictable bills again?

Hundreds of Chicagoland residents think so. That’s why they’re calling to reserve their spot at Sedgebrook.

I’d love to say that if you call today, you’ll get an appointment for tomorrow. But due to the overwhelming volume of calls, the next time may not be until two weeks.