Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Another Look at the North Shore Real Estate Market- Is Now the Time to Buy?

Buying a home in the North Shore Real Estate market, or anywhere for that matter, may seem like risky business amidst our current recession. Since 2005, the market has seen a slow decline which has brought us into our current housing situation. It’s hard to wade through a sea of Real Estate information to get a clear picture if diving into a North Shore home purchase is the right choice.

I could go on about Chicago’s beautiful North Shore. The great communities, excellent school systems, close proximity to a world metropolis, scenic landscapes, stunning homes and having everything you need right at your fingertips are just a few of the things that contribute to the North Shore’s appeal. But, are all of these factors enough to make you or other buyers decide to start your North Shore home search? A recent article by Karl E. Case from The New York Times highlights a few key reasons why now is the ideal time to buy!

“For people with a realistic version of the American dream, buying a house now can make a lot of sense.. Think of it as an investment. The return on that investment comes in two forms. First, you live in the house and so it provides you with a real flow of valuable services. The second part of the yield on investment is the capital gain you receive if the home appreciates and you sell. Gains are excluded from taxation if the property is a primary residence and the gain is less than $250,000 for a single filer or $500,000 for a married couple filing jointly.

Four years ago, the monthly payment on a $300,000 house with 20% down and a mortgage rate of about 6.6% was $1,533. Today that $300,000 house would sell for $213,000 and a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with 20% down would carry a rate of about 4.2% and a monthly payment of $833. In addition, the down payment would be $42,600 instead of $60,000.

While demographic trends are uncertain, one important reason for the recent downturn is clear: The steady drip of bad news about the economy has sapped the confidence of buyers, sellers and lenders. And there is no understating the importance of expectations and confidence in this industry. The housing market has never been a better bargain, and sooner or later buyers will regain faith, inventories will shrink to reasonable levels, prices will rise and we’ll even start building again.” View the full article on The New York Times website.

If you have been thinking about beginning your North Shore home search, but still have questions regarding the market; let me know! I’ve been involved with the North Shore Real Estate Market for years and can direct you in finding the best neighborhood and home to fit your needs and lifestyle. Buying a home in Chicago’s North Shore can be a stress free and smooth process, and I would be more than happy to guide you each step of the way!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Buying a Home This Fall in Chicago's North Shore

Buying a home in Chicago’s North Shore this fall can be a smooth process if you have an idea of what to expect. The fall is a great time of year to buy a home as it is the second busiest real estate season (with spring being the first), and there are homes going on the market each week. Fall in Chicago’s North Shore is a wonderful time of year with vibrant leaves of red, orange and yellow, crisp blue skies and fun fall activities that bring a spirit of warmth to the chilled air and provide a beautiful backdrop for homes in the North Shore.

As many get back into the swing of school and settle into a routine after summer vacations, buyers and sellers alike begin to test the waters of the North Shore Real Estate market and all seem to benefit. Many sellers are hoping to get a quick home sale before the busy holiday season begins and buyers would be more than happy to move in before that time as well!

If you’re looking to buy your dream home on the North Shore; the market is still leaning slightly in your favor. There are many beautiful homes in Glencoe, Highland Park, Winnetka, Northbrook, Deerfield or any of the other North Shore communities, and since there are a number to choose from, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Be aware that you don’t have to play the bidding war game. If the price is at your limit and other buyers are bidding on this home, while it may be a great property, you can step away; there are many North Shore homes from which to choose. On the other hand, if you do find your ideal home; don’t wait to put in an offer. Because the North Shore market is busy in the fall, other buyers will be soon be vying for the home and a single day can make all the difference.

Buying a home will require some leg work on your end. You have to be willing to take time each weekend to go to open houses throughout the North Shore communities. For a more focused approach, your North Shore Real Estate agent will be able to find guide you in homes that fit your style, needs and price range and can show you around the North Shore area as well! It will take time and dedication, but it will be worth it once you’re settled into your home and can cozy up in front of the fireplace just in time for the cooler weather. Plus, venturing around the beautiful North Shore communities with leaves crunching under your feet as you visit available homes gives you another reason to enjoy the outdoors this season.

If you have any questions about Chicago’s North Shore market, or would like to set up a time to visit any of the available North Shore homes; please let me know! I’d be happy to show you around and help you in the home buying process. I look forward to hearing from you soon!



Janie Bress

Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Experience the Rich History of Northbrook!

Each of the North Shore Chicago towns such as Waukegan, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe and Deerfield are unique in their own way. If you are thinking of buying a home in a North Shore community, you’ll want to read about or experience each area to see which one has the atmosphere and lifestyle for which you’re looking! As they say, “location, location, location!” However, I truly feel that no matter which of the wonderful places you choose on Chicago’s North Shore; you can’t go wrong!

The town that I would like to feature this week is the quaint area of Northbrook. Spanning just thirteen miles, this community, which was settled in 1843 as the Village of Shermerville, was incorporated and renamed Northbrook in 1923. Walking through the downtown area and surrounding streets, you feel a rich sense of history and that Northbrook has something special to offer!

Of course what would a historic town be without a Historical Society? The Northfield Inn, built 1849 and home to the towns most delicious chicken dinners and lemon cream pies, was renovated into the Northbrook Historical Society and History Museum in 1975. As an active and vibrant society, this Northbrook favorite features events and special museum highlights throughout the year.

To really experience the history of Northbrook and to get to know the community better, the society is hosting The 32nd Annual Shermerfest which will be held this Sunday, September 19 from 12-4pm! This event will feature live music, food, a silent auction, a magic show for the children, prize drawings and much more! More information is available on the Northbrook Historical Society and History Museum’s website.

Whether Northbrook is where you are looking for a North Shore home, or if you would like to view any of the beautiful homes for sale in Chicago’s North shore; let me know! I enjoy showing people the various communities around the North Shore area and have years of experience in Chicago’s North Shore Real Estate market! I would be happy to set up a time to meet with you to discuss your needs and to show you around. I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Highland Park Fast Stats for September 2010

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 419 properties actively on the market with the average price of $894,498 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 27 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $626,519 the average time on market for these properties was 129 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
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Deerfield Fast Stats for September 2010

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 240 properties actively on the market with the average price of $554,089 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 14 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $355,629 the average time on market for these properties was 91 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
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Northbrook Fast Stats for September 2010

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 505 properties actively on the market with the average price of $609,702 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 31 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $394,766, the average time on market for these properties was 106 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
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Winnetka Market Stats for September 2010

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 231 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,088,892 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 29 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,331,310 the average time on market for these properties was 110 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
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Glencoe Fast Stats for September 2010

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 128 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,981,931 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,016,950, the average time on market for these properties was 98 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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Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Boost Your North Shore Home's Value with these 5 Home Improvement Tips!

Owning one of the beautiful homes in the North Shore area is a great investment. Whether you’ve chosen Highland Park, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook or any of the other great areas of the North Shore, you know you are in a quality community! From educational systems, to local events and from excellent dining to everything at your fingertips; Chicago’s North Shore is a great place to live.

If you’ve been a resident of the North Shore for a while, you may be thinking about ways to keep your home up to date and in top notch condition. Or, perhaps a job transfer or finally being able to buy your dream home is causing a need to sell your home. Either way, as a homeowner, you want to boost the value of your property! Below are five ways to enhance your home’s value and, while they may seem small, they can do wonders for adding to the quality of your North Shore home.

1. Interior Paint- A fresh coast of light paint can make all the difference for your interior walls. If choose colors that are too dark, the room will seem smaller and closed off.

2. Flooring- Well-maintained flooring can set the stage for your entire home. Whether you need to replace old carpet or wood flooring or simply clean or refinish the flooring; you’ll notice that flooring will make a noticeable.

3. New Windows- Upgrade old single-pane windows, can be drafty and ineffiecient, with Energy-Star quality windows. You’ll save on energy bills along with possibly qualifying for a federal tax credit.

4. Landscaping- Take a good look at your yard. Are there old, dying plants that need to be removed? Do your shrubs need to be trimmed or uprooted? Make sure your flower beds are edged, weeded and mulched for a well-manicured look. Fertilize the lawn and keep up with mowing and weed eating on a regular basis in the warmer months.

5. Final Touches- If your home appears dull from the outside, adding a quick touch of paint to the porch, decorative beams or windows frames can give it the facelift it needs! Powerwash or clean off any exterior brickwork or concrete.

I hope these tips are helpful as you spruce up your North Shore home! If you are just beginning to look into selling your home and don’t know where to start; please let me know. I can help you along each step of the home selling process as it can sometimes be overwhelming. I want to help you get the most value from your home and have years of experience in the North Shore Real Estate market to help you reach your goals! Feel free to contact me anytime. I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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