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15981 N Hillcrest Dr, Effingham, IL, 62401

5beds
2baths
3,070sqft
$515,000
$168price/sqft
$4,276/moest. monthly cost
$171,040/yrincome needed

About This Home

Price Reduced! Priced below recent appraised value, offering a strong opportunity for buyers seeking immediate value. Offering over 3,000 square feet, this expansive Lake Sara home is truly something special. Located on one of the best fishing spots on the lake, this property sits over spring-fed water, meaning it consistently maintains 6-8 feet of depth even during low-water or dry summer months-a rare and valuable feature on the lake. The home features a fully finished basement, five bedrooms, and two bathrooms, providing ample space for family, guests, or entertaining. The sizable kitchen, centered around an island with cabinetry, flows seamlessly into the formal dining room, where two large sliding glass doors open to a deck overlooking the water-perfect for enjoying sunsets, meals, and lake life views. Recent updates include the boat dock and seawall, adding peace of mind and functionality. New flooring in parts have also been updated. Throughout the home, it's evident this property has been well cared for and thoughtfully maintained over the years, something you can immediately see in both the condition and layout. Location is everything. You can't recreate this setting-you can only buy the land beneath it when it becomes available. Opportunities like this on Lake Sara don't come around often.

Getting Around

3
WalkingCar-Dependent
0
TransitVery Limited Transit
19
BikeSomewhat Bikeable

Schools

6/10
Beecher City Grade SchoolGrades PK-58.0 mi
4/10

Construction

Condition

  • Year built: 1968

Materials

  • Foundation: Concrete Perimeter
  • Construction materials: Vinyl Siding,Frame

Type & Style

  • Home type: SingleFamily
  • Property subType: Single Family Residence

Interior

Appliances

  • Appliances included: Dishwasher,Dryer,Microwave,Range,Refrigerator,Washer

Basement

  • Has basement: Yes
  • Basement: Egress Window,Full

Bedroom2

  • Features: Flooring (Carpet)
  • Level: Basement
  • Area: 506
  • Dimensions: 23X22

Bedroom3

  • Features: Flooring (Carpet)
  • Level: Main
  • Area: 90
  • Dimensions: 9X10

Bedroom4

  • Features: Flooring (Carpet)
  • Level: Main
  • Area: 120
  • Dimensions: 10X12

Bedroom5

  • Features: Flooring (Carpet)
  • Level: Main
  • Area: 80
  • Dimensions: 10X8

Bedrooms & Bathrooms

  • Bedrooms: 5
  • Bathrooms: 2
  • Full bathrooms: 2

Heating & Cooling

  • Heating features: Natural Gas
  • Cooling features: Central Air

Interior Area

  • Total structure area: 4,560
  • Total interior livable area: 3,070 sqft

Kitchen

  • Features: Flooring (Luxury Vinyl)
  • Level: Main
  • Area: 216
  • Dimensions: 18X12

Master Bedroom

  • Features: Flooring (Carpet),Bathroom (Full)
  • Level: Basement
  • Area: 110
  • Dimensions: 10X11

Property

Accessibility

  • Accessibility features: No Disability Access

Details

  • Parcel number: 1126026001
  • Special condition: None

Features

  • Stories: 2
  • Has view: Yes
  • View description: Back of Property
  • Water view: Back of Property
  • On waterfront: Yes

Lot

  • Lot size: 0.39 Acres
  • Lot size dimensions: 142x184

Parking

  • Total spaces: 7
  • Parking features: Parking Lot,Yes

Climate Risk is Financial Risk

Every home has a financial story beyond the listing price. Below, you’ll see the climate risks that could affect this property — and in Bills & Affordability, how those risks may influence repairs, insurance, utilities, and long-term value.

Biggest Threats for This Home

  • Cold Wave
    Cold WaveRelatively High
  • Drought
    DroughtRelatively High
  • Strong Wind
    Strong WindRelatively High
  • Tornado
    TornadoRelatively High
  • Winter Weather
    Winter WeatherRelatively High
  • Earthquake
    EarthquakeModerate
  • Hail
    HailModerate
  • Heat Wave
    Heat WaveModerate
  • Inland Flooding
    Inland FloodingModerate
  • Ice Storm
    Ice StormModerate

How This Home’s Risks Compare

Cold Wave
Drought
Strong Wind
Tornado
Winter Weather
Earthquake
Hail
Heat Wave
Inland Flooding
Ice Storm

FEMA Declared Disasters Across Illinois Counties

Flood
Other
Severe Storm
Straight Line Winds
Tornado

Understanding the Costs

Financial advisors generally recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross household income on housing costs. In practice, many households stretch to 35% or beyond — especially in high-cost markets.

Estimated Costs Today

MonthlyAnnual
Mortgage $2,604$31,248
Home Insurance *$367$4,404
Property Taxes $1,069$12,828
Electricity $236$2,833
Total$4,276$51,312
*Does not include cost of any FAIR Plan premiums

Income You'd Need if You Spent...

35% on housing$146,605/yr
40% on housing$128,280/yr
45% on housing$114,026/yr

Illinois FAIR Plan Programs

Illinois FAIR Plan Association

Covered
WildfireWildfire
Add-on available
HailHail
WindWind
Visit Website →
Current Policies
Residential: 1,961Commercial: 62
Total Premiums$4.35M
Total Exposure$370.02M

How Costs Could Change Over Time

Climate risk is quickly impacting all of the major home ownership costs. Adjust the growth rates and percentage of income spent on housing below to see how your housing costs could change over the next 10 years — and what income you'd need to keep up.

Insurance Growth Rate5-year average: 11.4%
11.4%
0%30.0%
Electricity Growth Rate10-year average: 5.5%
5.5%
0%15.0%
Property Taxes Growth Rate2-year average: 0.9%
0.9%
0%15.0%
Income Spent on Housing
30%
30%45%

Comparing Against the Market

Price Per Sq Ft

$168This listing

vs Other Active Listings

Avg $/sqft

ZIP 62401$173
Effingham County$143

vs Homes Sold Last Month

Median $/sqft

ZIP 62401$118
Effingham County$103

Current Market Trends

Median Price Per Square Foot

The median price per square foot of homes sold in this area each month. Compare this to this listing's price per square foot to gauge whether the home is priced in line with recent sales.

Historicals for This Listing

Zestimate History ($/sqft)

Price History

DateEventPrice
2026-05-01Price change$560,000
2025-12-16Listed for sale$625,000

For Sale by Agent

AgentColton Durre
BrokerageWILEY REALTY GROUP

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