Mandy Montford Real Estate

06/04/2026

My sellers and I carefully studied the sales comparables for months preceding their listing. Based on the comparables, we listed at $485,000. But... the market spoke (as it always does)! The first weekend we had 8 truly amazing offers to choose from, and landed on one $35,000 over list price. This $520,000 sale price establishes a new bar for prices in the neighborhood. The sellers are HAPPY, the buyers are THRILLED to grab this home, but I think the neighbors may be the HAPPIEST! 💪❤🏠

Mandy Montford
Realtor, CSC, CNC, Baird & Warner
mandymontford.com 🌎
815.245.8195 ☎
[email protected] ✍

06/03/2026

✨ This one is anything but ordinary! ✨
1045 Sugar Maple Dr.
Built in 2019 and loaded with thoughtful upgrades, this Crystal Lake beauty offers the perfect blend of style, function, and fun.
🏡 Backs to a beautiful conservation area with incredible views & wildlife
🌳 Fenced backyard with a two-tier paver patio
💻 Stunning home office with custom built-ins
🔥 Cozy family room with fireplace & designer feature wall
🍽️ Dream kitchen with oversized island, walk-in pantry & luxe finishes
🛏️ 4 bedrooms + convenient second-floor laundry
✨ Gorgeous primary suite with designer bath upgrades & huge walk-in closet
But wait until you see the basement...
🛝 A built-in slide alongside the staircase!
🧗 Rock climbing wall
🎨 Play nook for endless adventures
💪 Home gym space
🛏️ Flex room/guest room
📦 Plenty of storage
Additional upgrades include smart home features, Lutron lighting, Amazon Alexa controls, custom trim work, new Jellyfish exterior lighting, professional landscaping, and so much more.
📍 Top-rated Crystal Lake schools
📍Minutes to Metra, restaurants, shopping, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Lake beaches, parks, and more. Showings begin Thursday, 6/4. Reach out for more information:

Mandy Montford
Realtor, CSC, CNC, Baird & Warner
815.245.8195 ☎
[email protected] ✍
mandymontford.com 🌎

05/30/2026

🏡 NEW LISTING IN CRYSTAL LAKE | $345,000

Looking for space, updates, and a great location? This 4-bedroom Crystal Lake home checks all the boxes!

✨ Updated kitchen with maple cabinetry, Corian countertops & stainless appliances
✨ Beautiful hardwood floors
✨ Finished lower level with huge family room, bonus room & flexible living space
✨ Large fenced backyard with deck for relaxing or entertaining
✨ Extra parking for a boat, RV, or additional vehicles
✨ Roof & windows replaced within the last 10 years

Just minutes from downtown Crystal Lake, Metra, shopping, dining, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Crystal Lake beaches, Veteran Acres, and more!

A fantastic opportunity to enjoy all that Crystal Lake has to offer at an affordable price.

📍 Offered at $345,000

05/24/2026

✨ Timeless architecture, exceptional craftsmanship, and an unforgettable setting. ✨

Set on 1.32 acres overlooking Prairie Isle Golf Course, this extraordinary Orren Pickell-designed estate blends European Manor and French Country influences with over 7,500 square feet of beautifully crafted living space.

From the sweeping curved staircase and dramatic stone fireplace to the chef’s kitchen, luxurious primary suite, radiant heated walkout basement, and breathtaking golf course views — every detail was thoughtfully designed and meticulously maintained by its original owners.

A rare opportunity to own a truly exceptional custom home in one of the area’s most picturesque settings. Offered at $1.15M See more at: MandyMontford.com

Mandy Montford
Realtor, CSC, CNC, Baird & Warner
815.245.8195 ☎
[email protected] ✍
mandymontford.com 🌎

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

Hello friends and clients,

If you’ve been tracking the real estate news today, you might have seen that our local Chicago MLS (MRED) has officially suspended Zillow's data feed due to an industry-wide licensing dispute. Because of this, tens of thousands of local homes for sale have suddenly disappeared from Zillow and Trulia.

If you are only looking at Zillow right now, you are unfortunately missing a massive chunk of the market. I want to make sure your search doesn't skip a beat, so I want to get you set up on my private search platform, Zenlist.

Unlike Zillow, Zenlist has a direct feed straight from our local MLS system, so it is 100% accurate and fully updated. Even better, Zenlist includes private listings (homes being marketed within the private network before they officially hit the public market), which Zillow doesn't show you. Here is the link to sign up for my Zenlist platform: https://zenlist.com/a/mandy.montford
About mid-way down the page, you will see a button that says 'request access.' Please follow the prompts, and it will signal me to allow you access to the platform.

Mandy

05/21/2026

✨ JUST in Crystal Lake ✨

Meticulously maintained, beautifully updated, and totally move-in ready — this spacious Crystal Lake home has so much to love. Offered at $430,000.

SEE FULL DETAILS: http://bit.ly/4nEiKo6

Highlights include:

• 4 bedrooms
• 2.5 bathrooms
• Finished basement
• Recently renovated kitchen with waterfall quartz peninsula
• All new kitchen appliances
• Hardwood floors throughout the main level
• Fresh paint
• 6-panel solid oak doors
• Beautiful Pella windows
• Updated upstairs bathrooms
• Large fenced backyard
• Deck, gazebo, and fire pit
• New driveway in 2020, new roof in 2020
• Plenty of storage space

The location is just as special:

• Indian Prairie Elementary School
• Close to Fetzner Park with walking path, playground, and sport courts
• Access to Crystal Lake beaches, Three Oaks Recreation Area, Veteran Acres Park, and all the amenities Crystal Lake has to offer

Squeaky clean, beautifully updated, and ready for its next owners.
Don’t miss this one!

Mandy Montford
Realtor, CSC, CNC, Baird & Warner
815.245.8195 ☎
[email protected] ✍
mandymontford.com 🌎

05/17/2026

The team at Backe Real Estate Services saved the day, once again. I called Bruce on a Friday and explained that one of my clients was ‘in a pinch’ getting their waste hauled away prior to closing. Bruce had his team there at 9:00am on Saturday to take care of my client. I’m so thankful to Bruce, he’s had my back from day one. Invaluable. And his team can do it ALL. Remodels, decks, bathrooms, etc. they’ve got it covered. Thank you, Bruce and team!!!!!!!!!!!!

05/16/2026

CUTIE PIE!!! Come see me here Saturday, 5/16 from 10:30-12:00.
See more details at: mandymontford.com