Wednesday, August 25, 2010

How to Sell Your North Shore Home in a Down Market

Whether your job is calling you to relocate or you are hoping to move into your dream home in Chicago’s North Shore; the thought of selling your home right now can be daunting. You’ve heard the market reports and know that there are a lot of homes for sale from which buyers can pick and choose.

Not only that, but home sales took a downward turn last month as being the lowest in fifteen years. The National Association of Realtors noted that July sales fell by more than 27% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.83 million. This is the largest decrease on record since 1968. The good news is, there are still buyers out there who are looking to get in on the low home prices and mortgage rates.

So, how do you make your North Shore home shine among all the other options? Below are five key elements that you can do to make sure your home is on the top of buyers lists.

1. Price Competitively- In a world of REO’s and short sales, you need to make sure your home is priced competitively. It’s sometimes hard for sellers to face the facts regarding the market and they want to stick with their ideal sales price. Be sure to start with prices that are comparable to other regular listings on the North Shore Real Estate market, or even better yet, the foreclosures in the area. Buyers will be less likely to want to fight for a lower price when they can find a similar home within their reach.

2. Avoid Foreclosure At All Costs- There’s something to be said for today’s traditional sellers who have not gone into short sale or foreclosure. Many North Shore buyers are still looking for homes that are not “distressed” as they can avoid the headache of additional paperwork, longer waiting periods and the stress of buying a bank owned home. Buyers are also aware that traditional home sales means the property will be kept in the best shape and oftentimes will have recent upgrades. The home is move-in ready and they can even negotiate closing costs or a home warranty with the seller.

3. Spruce it Up- The traditional rules of home selling still apply and should even be kicked up a notch! Make sure your North Shore home exudes curb appeal. This is the first thing buyers will see and will set the tone for the rest of the showing. Make sure the interior is clean and organized. If you are not currently in your home, hiring someone to stage your home might be the added touch that your home needs!

4. Hire a Professional- This may seem obvious, but there are still those who are attempting to sell their home on their own, which will rarely work. Find a Real Estate agent that knows the area and has a proven track record for success. Ask what type of marketing they do, especially online since this is the first place buyers will look for a home.

5. Consider Leasing- While it may not be ideal, if you absolutely can’t find a buyer for your home; leasing may be the best option. Your North Shore Real Estate agent can help you determine when and if leasing should take place and can help you with the leasing process.

If you have more questions about selling your North Shore home or are looking for an experienced agent; please let me know! I understand it’s a tough market and am equipped to get your home in the North Shore sold as quickly as possible at a price that works for you! I look forward to hearing from you!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Eat Your Way Through Chicago’s North Shore!

One of the great things about living in Chicago’s North Shore is the endless choice of food! From Indian, Thai and Italian to all-American, French and Mediterranean the melting pot of Chicago’s metropolis finds its way to the suburbs and we get to enjoy the greatest fare from around the world! Whether you currently reside in one of the beautiful North Shore homes or are hoping to find the home of your dreams in the North Shore Real Estate market and are just visiting the area; I have gathered a few of the great restaurants options throughout the North Shore area that I want to share!

Northbrook

- Zapatista
992 Willow Rd. | Northbrook, IL 60062 | 847-559-0939
Zapatista is one of the Chicagoland area's best Mexican restaurants. Favorite dishes include made-to-order guacamole and unique fajitas which are served sizzling hot in lava stone molcajetes. Featuring a wide variety of meat and seafood dishes in both traditional and modern Mexican preparations, alongside a seemingly endless list of tequilas to be enjoyed by themselves or in one of our fresh squeezed margaritas.

- Francesca's North
1145 Church St. | Northbrook, IL 60062 | 847-559-0260
www.francescarestaurants.com
Part of the popular chain of Francesca restaurants that began in 1992 with the original Mia Francesca in Chicago, the menu features the same generous portions of Northern Italian food with dishes from Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria and Lazio. The menu changes daily to utilize seasonal ingredients, and there are additional off-the-menu specials.

- Pinstripes, Inc.
1150 Willow Rd. | Northbrook, IL 60062 | 847-480-2323
www.pinstripes.com
Pinstripes features a distinctive entertainment and dining venue. Celebrate ‘sophisticated fun' in our warm and inviting 45,000 square foot indoor/outdoor facility complete with eighteen bowling lanes, six bocce courts, exceptional Italian-American bistro and wine cellar, outdoor patio and fireplace and beautifully appointed event and party rooms.

Skokie

- Tandoor India Restaurant and Lounge
5300 W. Touhy Ave. | Skokie, IL 60077 | 847-679-8900
Fragrant spices from the four corners of India are blended to create subtle tastes and exotic flavors.

- EJ's Place
10027 Skokie Blvd. | Skokie, IL 60077 | 847-933-9800
www.ejsplaceskokie.com
Great food, attentive service, and a comfortable North woods-inspired decor make EJ's Place a fine choice for dinner. Menu items lean towards red meat, fish and Italian specialties. Portions are enormous and doggy bags virtually de rigueur. Serving fine food and cocktails since 1997, EJ's Place is the North Shore's premiere club.

Winnetka

- Restaurant Michael
64 Green Bay Rd. | Winnetka, IL 60093 | 847-441-3100
www.restaurantmichael.com
Restaurant Michael is culinary adventure of classic haute cuisine presented in a unique and contemporary design with a French country flair. Chef Michael Lachowicz, named Chef of the Year for 2007-2008 by the International Wine and Food Society of Chicago. The recipient of stellar reviews by Chicago Magazine, North Shore Magazine, the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times just to name a few, Restaurant Michael brings the best of Chicago dining to the Chicago's North Shore community of Winnetka.

- Avli
566 Chestnut | Winnetka, IL | 847.446.9300
www.avli.us
Avli Estiatorio, translated as “the courtyard restaurant” in Greek, is a place for enjoying delicious traditional Greek fare surrounded by friendly people in a relaxed atmosphere.

Of course there are many other dining options on Chicago’s North Shore that make this area a great place to live! If you have any questions about the North Shore area or would like to view any of the beautiful homes on the North Shore; please let me know. I would be happy to help you find your North Shore home!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Monday, August 9, 2010

Glencoe Fast Stats for August 2010

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 143 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,905,983 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 8 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,288,688, the average time on market for these properties was 77 days.


To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Glencoe market statistics!



Janie Bress

Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Winnetka Market Stats for August 2010

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 237 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,060,966 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 21 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,222,381 the average time on market for these properties was 100 days.



To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Winnetka market statistics!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Northbrook Fast Stats for August 2010

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 520 properties actively on the market with the average price of $612,638 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 39 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $446,824, the average time on market for these properties was 103 days.



To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Northbrook market statistics!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Deerfield Fast Stats for August 2010

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 248 properties actively on the market with the average price of $541,217 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 22 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $510,018 the average time on market for these properties was 151 days.



To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Deerfield market statistics!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Highland Park Fast Stats for August 2010

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 443 properties actively on the market with the average price of $909,399 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 22 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $487,750 the average time on market for these properties was 127 days.


To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Highland Park market statistics!


Janie Bress

Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Wednesday, August 4, 2010

A Look at the Music Filled Community of Highland Park!


Living in Chicago’s North Shore is a great decision for multiple reasons. Not only are you close enough to experience all that downtown Chicago has to offer, but there are many reasons to stay right where you are in the northern suburbs. From excellent restaurants and shopping to lake front homes and vibrant communities; Chicago’s North Shore is a great place to call home!

One of the perks of working in the North Shore Real Estate market is getting to know each city for all of its’ unique characteristics. Highland Park is one of the areas that I enjoy working with as it features some of the most beautiful North Shore homes as well as offering an array of things to do. If you happen to love music; this is one city you won’t want to miss. Some of the best venues and events for music are in the Highland Park area, and are listed below.

Ravinia
Lake Cook & Green Bay Road Highland Park, IL 60035

This stunning venue features an open-air, covered Pavilion which seats 3,200 offers an seemingly intimate atmosphere. Everything from symphony concerts to dance and pop concerts have taken place at Ravinia. A favorite of this venue is the open lawn seating in which you can bring your own wine and picnic basket while enjoying live music under the stars. This is truly a unique experience that is in Highland Parks own backyard. Ravinia has also been the summer home to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1936!

Highland Park Pops
Performing at various venues throughout Highland Park

If you enjoy big band and jazz, you won’t want to miss hearing a Highland Park Pops concert! For over twenty years, this ensemble has brought upbeat swing dance and jazz favorites to the community.

Taste of Highland Park

Central Ave in Downtown Highland Park

This annual end-of-summer event, taking place this year August 27-29, highlights local restaurants and shops giving residents and visitors a chance to experience all that Highland Park has to offer. The highlight of the event, however, is the endless supply of live music. Musicians perform throughout the weekend at the Taste Entertainment Stage.

Music Institute of Chicago
Highland Park Campus

Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) is a nationally-renowned community music school with 5 Chicago-area campuses, including downtown Highland Park. The school is continually offering classes and performances for the community to get involved in music arts. Be sure to visit the Music Institute of Chicago for more information.

As you can see there are a variety of ways to enjoy the music of the Highland Park community! Perhaps you’ve been considering a move to Chicago’s North Shore, and are interested in learning more about Highland Park. I’d enjoy answering your questions or taking you on a private tour of any of the available homes in Highland Park. Please contact me today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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