Downers Grove, a vibrant gem in the heart of Illinois, perfectly merges small-town charm with modern-day amenities. Just west of Chicago, this welcoming community offers the best of both worlds for families, professionals, and retirees alike. With a rich history dating back to 1832, the town showcases beautiful tree-lined streets, adorned with
stunning historic homes and an architectural elegance that warms the heart.
The heart of Downers Grove beats strongest in its bustling downtown area. Here, you'll find an enticing array of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and delectable dining options catering to all tastes and preferences. Known for its lively community spirit, the town hosts an array of events throughout the year, from vibrant farmers' markets to
4 | HelloDowners Grove, Illinois • Fall Issue
Hello Downers Grove, Illinois • Fall Issue |5
Discover the Allure of Life in Downers
exciting music festivals, offering an opportunity to connect and celebrate together.
Committed to education and wellness, Downers Grove boasts top-notch schools, picturesque parks, and an abundance of recreational facilities. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through Lyman Woods or a playful afternoon at Fishel Park, outdoor enthusiasts find their paradise here. With an easy commute to Chicago and excellent public transportation options, it's no wonder residents proudly call Downers Grove home, a place filled with potential and endless possibilities.
Discover the Allure of Life in Downers Grove, Illinois
Downers Grove, a vibrant gem in the heart of Illinois, perfectly merges small-town charm with modern-day amenities. Just west of Chicago, this welcoming community offers the best of both worlds for families, professionals, and retirees alike. With a rich history dating back to 1832, the town showcases beautiful tree-lined streets, adorned with stunning historic homes and an architectural elegance that warms the heart.
The heart of Downers Grove beats strongest in its bustling downtown area. Here, you'll find an enticing array of boutique shops, cozy cafes, and delectable dining options catering to all tastes and preferences. Known for its lively community spirit, the town hosts an array of events throughout the year, from vibrant farmers' markets to exciting music festivals, offering an opportunity to connect and celebrate together.
Committed to education and wellness, Downers Grove boasts top-notch schools, picturesque parks, and an abundance of recreational facilities. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through Lyman Woods or a playful afternoon at Fishel Park, outdoor enthusiasts find their paradise here. With an easy commute to Chicago and excellent public transportation options, it's no wonder residents proudly call Downers Grove home, a place filled with potential and endless possibilities.
What Buyers Should Know About Green Building Features
Green building features have become increasingly popular in both new construction and renovations. Buyers are drawn to the promise of lower utility bills, reduced environmental impact, healthier indoor environments, and comfort. However, while these homes often provide long-term savings and comfort,
they can also come with higher upfront costs. Understanding the details before making an offer can help buyers make an informed decision.The first step is to verify that the property’s energy-efficient claims are supported by recognized certifications. Common examples include ENERGY STAR, LEED
6 | HelloDowners Grove, Illinois • Fall Issue
What Buyers Should Know About Green Building Features
Green building features have become increasingly popular in both new construction and renovations. Buyers are drawn to the promise of lower utility bills, reduced environmental impact, healthier indoor environments, and comfort. However, while these homes often provide long-term savings and comfort, they can also come with higher upfront costs. Understanding the details before making an offer can help buyers make an informed decision.
The first step is to verify that the property’s energy-efficient claims are supported by recognized certifications. Common examples include ENERGY STAR, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and Passive House ratings. Each certification has its own standards for energy use, insulation, air quality, and materials. A home may advertise itself as “green,” but without official certification, those claims can be difficult to measure. Buyers should review documentation from the certifying organization and confirm that it reflects the current condition of the home.
Once certification is confirmed, buyers should examine the property’s historical utility costs. Some sellers will provide energy bills for the past 12 to 24 months. Reviewing these records can reveal how the home performs in different seasons and whether the energy-saving features are making a noticeable difference. If utility costs are only slightly lower than average for the area, it may suggest that certain systems are not performing as efficiently as intended.
A detailed home energy audit can provide even more insight. Conducted by a trained professional, an audit evaluates insulation, windows, heating and cooling systems, and potential areas of air leakage. In some cases, the audit will include infrared imaging to detect hidden gaps in insulation. The results can help buyers decide whether to move forward with a purchase as-is or request upgrades before closing and help owners prioritize interventions.
Incentives and rebates are another factor to explore. Many local governments, utility companies, as well as state and federal programs, offer financial rewards for energy-efficient improvements. These can include rebates for solar panel installation, tax credits for high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, and grants for upgrading insulation. Buyers should research what programs are available in their region and determine whether the property already qualifies or could qualify with future improvements.
Energy-efficient features often pay for themselves over time, but only when they are maintained properly. Systems like geothermal heating, solar panels, and high-efficiency HVAC units require regular servicing to maintain performance. Buyers should request maintenance records to confirm that these systems have been cared for according to manufacturer recommendations. Neglecting routine maintenance can reduce efficiency and shorten the lifespan of expensive equipment.
Indoor environmental quality is another important aspect of green building. Features such as low-VOC paints, advanced air filtration systems, and non-toxic flooring materials can create a healthier living space. Buyers with allergies, asthma, or other sensitivities may find these improvements particularly valuable. However, they should still verify that materials and systems are functioning as intended, since even high-quality products can degrade over time.
Location and climate can influence the effectiveness of certain green features. For example, solar panels may provide excellent returns in sunny climates but less so in areas with frequent cloud cover. Similarly, advanced insulation may have a greater impact in regions with extreme seasonal temperatures than in areas with mild weather year-round. Buyers should consider whether the home’s green features are optimized for the local environment.
Cost is always part of the equation. Green homes can have a higher purchase price due to the investment in energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials. While these upgrades often reduce monthly expenses, the payback period can vary widely. Buyers should calculate both the upfront cost difference and the estimated savings over time to determine whether the purchase makes financial sense and balance financial ROI with comfort
When working with an agent, buyers should communicate their interest in green features early in the search process. Some real estate brokers specialize in sustainable properties and can identify homes that meet specific environmental and efficiency criteria and often hold GREEN certification by the National Association of Realtors. They can also connect buyers with inspectors and contractors who have experience evaluating and servicing green systems.
Buyers should also be prepared for possible differences in the appraisal process. While some appraisers have training in valuing energy-efficient features, others may not give full credit for these improvements unless clear documentation of cost savings and market demand is provided. Having certifications, audit results, and utility histories available can help ensure that the home’s value is recognized accurately.
Finally, buyers should think long-term. A green home is not only about reducing today’s bills, it is about creating a more comfortable, sustainable living environment for years to come. Proper maintenance, occasional upgrades, and staying informed about emerging technologies can help preserve both the home’s efficiency and its resale value.
Green building features can provide a significant advantage, but only when buyers take the time to verify, understand, and maintain them. By combining certification checks, cost analysis, and a realistic view of ongoing care, buyers can enjoy both the environmental and financial benefits of sustainable living.
Elaine Pagels & Brita Pagels
documentation from the certifying organization and confirm that it reflects the current condition of the home.Once certification is confirmed, buyers should examine the property’s historical utility costs. Some sellers will provide energy bills for the past 12 to 24 months. Reviewing these records can reveal how the home performs in different seasons and whether the energy-saving features are making a noticeable difference. If utility costs are only slightly lower than average for the area, it may suggest that certain systems are not performing as efficiently as intended.A detailed home energy audit can provide even more...
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), and Passive House ratings. Each certification has its own standards for energy use, insulation, air quality, and materials. A home may advertise itself as “green,” but without official certification, those claims can be difficult to measure. Buyers should review
Energy-efficient features often pay for themselves over time, but only when they are maintained properly.
About the Author
Elaine Pagels and Brita Pagels lead the Pagels Group at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago, a multi-generational real estate team with more than a century of combined experience. Elaine, Founder and Real Estate Broker, is nationally ranked among the top ½% of BHHS agents. Brita, Real Estate Broker, brings a background in urban planning and art and architecture history, along with extensive knowledge of the Chicago and suburban markets.
HelloDowners Grove, Illinois • Fall Issue |7
Illinois
Downers Grove, Illinois, has cultivated an impressive reputation when it comes to education, offering a nurturing environment where students can thrive intellectually and creatively. This vibrant community is dedicated to fostering a learning ecosystem that prioritizes both academic excellence and the holistic development of its young residents. From the moment children step into one of the district's outstanding schools, they are met with an innovative curriculum and a team of passionate educators who go above and beyond to ignite curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.
Home to highly acclaimed schools such as Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South, the town is renowned for its commitment to academic rigor and achievement. Each institution prides itself on providing personalized and inclusive learning experiences, incorporating cutting-edge technology and an array of extracurricular activities to support diverse interests. The local commitment to education doesn't stop at K-12, as Downers Grove also offers robust community education programs and proximity to prestigious higher education institutions, making lifelong learning attainable for all.
Through strategic partnerships between schools, parents, and the commun...
Education Blooms Bright in Downers Grove,
8 | HelloDowners Grove, Illinois • Fall Issue
Education Blooms Bright in Downers Grove, Illinois
Downers Grove, Illinois, has cultivated an impressive reputation when it comes to education, offering a nurturing environment where students can thrive intellectually and creatively. This vibrant community is dedicated to fostering a learning ecosystem that prioritizes both academic excellence and the holistic development of its young residents. From the moment children step into one of the district's outstanding schools, they are met with an innovative curriculum and a team of passionate educators who go above and beyond to ignite curiosity and inspire lifelong learning.
Home to highly acclaimed schools such as Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South, the town is renowned for its commitment to academic rigor and achievement. Each institution prides itself on providing personalized and inclusive learning experiences, incorporating cutting-edge technology and an array of extracurricular activities to support diverse interests. The local commitment to education doesn't stop at K-12, as Downers Grove also offers robust community education programs and proximity to prestigious higher education institutions, making lifelong learning attainable for all.
Through strategic partnerships between schools, parents, and the community, Downers Grove continually invests in the future of its students. This collective dedication ensures that each learner not only meets but exceeds their potential, creating a brighter tomorrow for everyone. Truly, education in Downers Grove is the key that unlocks endless possibilities.
