Prairie Town Center | Prairie Enjoys Great Success Putting the Customer’s Needs First

OAK LAWN, IL –  When buyers come to the info center at the Arbor Court and Prairie Town Center developments, Director of Sales Barbara Morris and Sales Consultant Cathy Murray treat these new faces like they were family.

Developed by Morningside Group, the two Oak Lawn projects have enjoyed great sales, a success that can be attributed to location, building quality, a wide variety of floor plans, and a team that prides itself on finding the right home for each buyer.

“When buyers first come in, I immediately establish a relationship with them,” says Murray. “I find out about them, talk to them and make them feel at ease and comfortable.”

Chicago Fireman Jim Sutera experienced this when he went with his mother as she purchased her first condo at Arbor Court.

“Mom owned a six-flat in Bridgeport, didn’t want to deal with the hassle of ownership anymore, and was looking to buy a place where she didn’t have to worry about maintenance,” Sutera explains. “She’s lived in Bridgeport for 50 years and was buying her first condo. She was a nervous wreck. But Barb and Cathy were just great and made her feel relaxed about the process. She moved into her new place at the end of August.”

Morris is a 20-year veteran of the real estate sales field, enjoying positions as Director of Sales at Town and Country Real Estate and Tri-K Real Estate before joining Morningside Group. She says that communication is essential throughout the home buying process. “We listen carefully to what the buyer’s needs are. They know what they are looking for, so it’s up to us to ask them the right questions and present them with the best solution.”

Murray adds, “We listen to what the client wants instead of what we want the client to want.”

Accurately describing their new homes is also key to Morningside’s strategy. “We talk to customers so they can envision themselves living in that building,” Morris explains. “Most of our sales are based on floor plans, and because most people are not familiar with floor plans, we describe to them the layout in such a way they can see themselves walking through their home.”

With up to 10 different floor plans to choose from, the Morningside team can find a home to fit each customer’s needs.

“For example, if they previously lived in a home and are downsizing, then we know which of our floor plans to recommend to them,” Morris says. “If they’re coming from a home, they generally like end units, and homes with utility rooms rather than a smaller washer/dryer area. They also prefer an eat-in kitchen, whereas younger people prefer smaller eating areas such as breakfast bars. We listen to their needs and present them with the best options.”

Both Morris and Murray say buyers appreciate the wide variety of floor plans available at the Morningside developments and the mix of buyers the homes attract.

“Our buildings appeal to a wide range of buyers,” Morris observes. “We offer all different size and style floor plans, so with that range of product we’re going to get a wide range of buyers.” First-time homebuyers, families, established professionals and empty nesters all call these developments home.

The downtown Oak Lawn location is also a key selling point to many of the buyers. Within walking distance is the Oak Lawn Metra station, Freshline Grocery, Hollywood Video, Starbucks and more, and the Oak Lawn library is just across the street. “People appreciate that they don’t have to jump into their car for small errands,” Morris says. “They want to use their legs again.”

A 25-year Oak Lawn resident that is now raising her family there, Murray agrees, saying, “The downtown Oak Lawn location is wonderful. People are drawn to the downtown area. There are more restaurants and stores there than ever before. The Village Center is beautiful, especially during the holiday season.”

Since launching sales in late-2006, phase one of Prairie Town Center is more than 80% sold with occupancy set for spring 2008. Due to its overwhelming success, the second phase of Prairie Town Center recently held its grand opening weekend and is slated for occupancy in spring 2009.

At Prairie Town Center, homes range in size from 844 square feet to 1,461 square feet and are one bedroom and one-and-half-baths, two bedroom and two baths, or three bedrooms and two baths. Prices range from $185,900 to $325,900 (prices subject to change without notice). The price includes one heated, indoor parking space and an individual storage locker.  Exterior parking is also available.

Only eight homes remain at Arbor Court and are available for immediate move-in. These are all two-bedroom, two-bath homes (one with a study) and are priced from $265,900 to $315,900.

The Prairie Town Center and Arbor Court Information Center is located at 5239 W. 95th Street in Oak Lawn.  Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information, please call (708) 857-2900.

Click here to visit the Prairie Town Center website!