Opportunities for city views, serene setting running out as Optima Old Orchard Woods enters final phase

There are new Skokie condos, and then there is Optima Old Orchard Woods.

Few condominium communities in the greater Chicagoland area can boast the sophistication of city views and the serenity of a woodland setting. Few, if any, front a vast forest of oaks, elms and maples. Until now, none could claim the imprimatur of award-winning architect David Hovey and his esteemed colleagues. Bordering on the eastern edge of Harms Woods -- hundreds of acres of indigenous forestland preserved against future development -- Optima beckons you home.

First-time buyer opportunities abound at Optima Old Orchard Woods. The community is in its final phase and condos are available for purchase in time to take advantage of the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit contract deadline of April 30. Prices start at $240,000, with incentives for quick deliveries.

In addition to the extended $8,000 first-timer credit and the new $6,500 tax credit for repeat buyers, Optima offers FHA loans to qualified buyers with 3.5 percent down and VA loans to qualified veterans with 0 percent down. Jumbo conventional 30-year fixed-rate loans are available with just 5 percent down.

The condominiums feature flexible floor plans with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies or green roof sky gardens, luxury baths, hardwood flooring, stainless-steel appliances including washers and dryers, designer cabinetry and granite countertops in kitchens, and window treatments.

Prices start at $234,700 for one-bedrooms, from $267,000 for two-bedrooms, and from $489,500 for three-bedrooms. Penthouses are available starting at $665,000.

The Optima Old Orchard Woods sales center is located at 9739 Woods Dr in Skokie. To visit, take the Edens Expressway, exit at Old Orchard Road, gp west to Harms Road, south to Golf Road (Route 58), east to Woods Drive, and north one block to the sales center.

The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Please call 847-583-4700 or visit OptimaWeb.com for more information.