Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Celebrate a North Shore New Year's Eve!

Ready or not, here comes 2012! Our North Shore communities offer some of the best fine dining and entertainment to be found in the Chicago area. For those of you needing last-minute ideas for a North Shore New Year’s Eve, here’s a sampling of events!

 The Chicago/Northbrook Hilton hosts a spectacular bash featuring a four-course dinner, wine service, live music and dancing. This upscale night out includes overnight accommodations. $325 per couple includes tax and gratuity.

The Benjamin Restaurant in Highland Park is hosting a Frank Sinatra-themed New Year’s Eve, with prices starting at $99 per person. The four-course prix fixe dinner menu allows you to choose your combination of appetizer, soup/salad, entrée, and dessert. How about the Double Chocolate Toffee Mousse Torte? Live piano music featuring Sinatra tunes and 50’s-era jazz.

The Westin North Shore in Wheeling has several party and accommodation offerings starting at $199 for single occupancy. You can go ala carte, or include a full evening of dining and festivities according to your preference.

If you’re looking for a family outing, the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe has a Wonderland Express exhibit that will enthrall kids of all ages. With 750,000 holiday lights greeting you from the outside, and 10,000 square feet of elaborate miniature trains and landmark displays inside, you’ll be immersed in visual splendor. Exhibit runs through Jan 1, 2012.

As your North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy sharing our local lifestyle and all it has to offer. Whether you are new to the area, or you have lived here for years, there is always something new to experience! And when it’s time to buy or sell a home in Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook or Winnetka, I will be here to help you. Contact me for North Shore market expertise.

Wishing you the very best in 2012,

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Applying a Cash Gift to Your North Shore Home Purchase

Is it better to give than receive? If you are looking to buy a North Shore home, a cash gift from family could help you fund the down payment. It would certainly be good to receive! But there are a few points that you and the gift-giver need to know. Here’s the latest on the subject, quoted from the New York Times:

“If you are giving a cash gift for a down payment, the giver must remember that under Federal law, each individual is permitted to give away money/valuables worth up to $13,000 to a single recipient in a calendar year. A married couple could jointly bestow up to $26,000 to a recipient in a calendar year. Anything above the annual maximum could be considered a taxable gift, and must be reported to the IRS.”

In other words, consult your tax preparer before moving any funds around!

Cash gifts are a hot topic in Newsday as well. Here’s a quick look at how different mortgage types treat cash gifts:

FHA – the entire 3.5% down payment can consist of gifted funds. Because of the loan amount limits on FHA-backed mortgages, you’ll want to ask your lender if an FHA loan would be an option for the price range you’re in.

Freddie Mac – if 80% of the property value is being financed, the buyers would have to produce at least 5% of the down payment from their own funds; the rest could come from gifts.

Fannie Mae – the entire down payment may be from gifts.

Speak to your mortgage lender in advance of receiving gift funds from family. Each mortgage type has conditions about the documentation needed for cash gifts. Knowing the underwriting criteria in advance will help you satisfy the paper trail.

Home ownership is truly the gift that keeps on giving! As your North Shore Real Estate agent, I’m happy to share industry news and information about the Chicago North Shore Real Estate market.

Our North Shore communities are a wonderful place to live! If you would like to buy or sell a home in Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook,Winnetka or nearby locales, Contact me for North Shore market expertise. You can trust my 25 years of experience for all your real estate needs.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Simplify Your North Shore Home Search!

Overwhelmed by information? You’re not alone! As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I see firsthand the ton of real estate information that floods the media. It can sidetrack a home search and cost you valuable time.

If you’re looking for homes in the North Shore Real Estate market, you can simplify your search with these tips from RISMedia:

List the important must-haves; school district, number of bedrooms and baths, ect.

Obtain a mortgage pre-approval and know your purchase power. This is essential in our current market.

Now that you know your priorities and price range, use the criteria to narrow your home search. Start with my Featured Listings to see examples of beautiful North Shore homes. Personalize your search according to your own criteria on the “Search All Listings” page.

Stay focused on the priorities! Interior photos may not do a home justice, and décor can always be changed. Make a list of the homes that meet your needs and price, in the location you most desire.

Contact me for North Shore market expertise! Having an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent on your side will make for a smooth home buying process.

Whether you’re looking for a home in Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook,Winnetka or any of the North Shore communities, I can help you find the perfect home. Contact me to arrange a personal showing of any home in the North Shore area!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Deerfield Market Stats for November 2011


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 176 properties actively on the market with the average price of $500,991 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 21 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $297,879, the average time on market for these properties was 74 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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Glencoe Market Stats for November 2011


Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 96 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,454,759 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 8 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,301,563, the average time on market for these properties was 223 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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Highland Park Market Stats for November 2011


Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 327 properties actively on the market with the average price of $845,146 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 20 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $621,720, the average time on market for these properties was 122 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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Northbrook Market Stats for November 2011


Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 318 properties actively on the market with the average price of $534,916 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 25 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $263,920, the average time on market for these properties was 86 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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Winnetka Market Stats for November 2011


Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 135 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,923,818 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 11 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,164,963, the average time on market for these properties was 107 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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Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Buy a North Shore Home this Holiday Season!

With the holidays now in full swing, the next few months are sure to be filled with North Shore festivities and your own gatherings with loved ones. If you’re one who’s interesting in relocating to Chicago’s North Shore or have been hoping to buy your dream home in Northbrook, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park or Glencoe you may be surprised to learn that buying a home during the holidays can be an ideal time to do so!


Last week we talked about the benefits of homeownership in the North Shore, but this week I wanted to point some of the highlights of buying a home during this festive season. As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I understand that buying a home is a large decision, but the process can be stress free and efficient when you have an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent to walk with you each step of the way!


1. Lower Prices- With the lack of people searching during the holidays for a home in the North Shore; prices soften a bit. You can view my website, www.JanieBress.com, to see a list of my current North Shore homes for sale. You’ll notice these homes are priced to sell and are a great deal for buyers.


2. Less Competition- Many buyers don’t think to take advantage of house hunting during the holidays, so you’re sure to avoid any bidding wars that would occur at a peak point on the North Shore Real Estate market. This will mean a less stressful home buying experience for you!


3. Motivated Sellers- Sellers dread not being able to sell their homes before the holidays get under way. They’re very aware that most are not in the market to buy a home until Spring rolls around, which means; they’re motivated. They know showings of their home will greatly decrease, so any activity on their home is good news. Oftentimes they’re willing to come down on the price or be flexible with closing dates, and other extras.


4. Favorable Mortgage Terms- Mortgage lenders may be willing to lower interest rates or let go of some of their fees in order to gain your business. With fewer people shopping for homes; they will be experiencing a slower time in their business as well. Be sure to shop around to get the best possible deal. Your North Shore Real Estate agent will help point you in the right direction.


5. Tax Deduction- Closing before the end of the year can mean you are eligible to deduct the interest component of your first monthly mortgage payment from your taxable income for this year. You may also be able to deduct any money you pay for points to reduce your interest rate. Of course you’ll want to consult with a North Shore tax advisor to talk over the full details.


As you can see, there are substantial reasons to take the next step towards buying a North Shore home this holiday season! There are many beautiful homes currently on the North Shore Real Estate market, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs and lifestyle. I’d be happy to meet with you and help you find your next home!


Not interested in buying until next year? You’ll be happy to know that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) just announced that conforming loan limits will remain unchanged for 2012! A conforming mortgage is one that, literally, conforms to the mortgage guidelines as set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. While the conforming loan limits rose with the increasing home prices each year from 1980 to 2006, 2012 will mark the 7th year that the single family conforming mortgage loan limit will remain at $417,000.


If you have any questions about conforming loans or about buying a North Shore home this year, feel free to contact me today!



Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

5 Great Things About Owning a North Shore Home!

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I’ve talked with those who are interested in buying a home in one of the North Shore communities such as Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park or Winnetka. While there are a wide variety of stunning homes on the North Shore Real Estate market, these interested buyers are reluctant to jump in to the market.


It could be that these buyers don’t want to deal with buying a home during the holiday season, or they’ve heard negative reports from the media and aren’t willing to take a risk. However, now is a great time to buy a North Shore home! Not only is there less competition during the holidays, but the current buyers market is an ideal backdrop for taking the plunge!


Recently, Carla Hill from Realty Times, pointed out five great things about homeownership that I feel are well worth sharing. Take a look!


1. Equity- When you pay rent, you never see that money again. Yes, buying a home can come with some initial costs, but you will make that money back over time in equity built in the home. Historically, homes appreciate by about 4% to 6% a year.


2. Relationships- Renters tend to see their neighbors come and go quickly. Neighbors stay put much longer with homeownership, which means you have more time to develop relationships within the community. Research has shown that people with healthy relationships have more happiness and less stress.


3. Predictability- Well, as long as you have a fixed-rate term on your mortgage; it’s predictable. Most people buying homes today know that a fixed-rate is the way to go. Homeownership generally also comes with a predictable table of expenditures, such as you’ll need to pay for the gutters to be cleaned, etc...


4. Ownership- Okay, this is a given. Homeownership means you “own” your home. That comes with some incredible perks! You can renovate, update, paint and decorate to your heart’s desire. The bottom line is this is your home and you can personalize it to your taste.


5. Great Deals- It’s a great time to buy! Interest rates are at historic lows such as 4% rather than 6% or higher. This means big savings for today’s buyers! Home prices have also taken a dip since the recession, which means homes are more affordable than ever.


I’m sure many of these reasons for homeownership you’re very aware of, but it’s always good to be reminded! Buying a North Shore home is a large financial investment and not one to be taken lightly. However, it’s also important to act when you have your financing in order and the market conditions are right.


The real estate market is currently primed for buyers, so if you are considering moving within the area or are relocating to Chicago’s North Shore; please let me know! I’d enjoy the opportunity to meet with you and discuss your real estate needs!


Have a Happy Thanksgiving!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

A Closer Look at Baby Boomers and the North Shore Real Estate Market

As a Chicago North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy keeping up on current real estate trends as it helps me stay in tune with what’s going on in my field! A recent survey was conducted by Coldwell Banker which polled their real estate agents on what they’re seeing in the day in day out market. It may come as a surprise, but the focus of the current real estate market does not lie with first time home buyers.


We often think that those who are purchasing a home for the first time are helping to drive the market because they’re entering the playing field and therefore expanding the numbers of those buying. Yet, the truth is that Baby Boomers are really responsible for much of where the market is going!


The range of ages 47-64 make up this group that’s 79 million strong who are actively buying and selling in today’s market. Although the younger boomers (47-55) and the older boomers (56-64) are buying and selling for various reasons, this generation plays a large role in where the market is headed.


Below are some of the key statistics gathered from the Coldwell Banker Survey that polled 1,300 Coldwell Banker Real Estate agents.


Not surprisingly, 87% of 1,300 agents and brokers polled agree that the economy is delaying baby boomers’ plans to sell their homes.


However, the desire to own one or more homes in this generation remains strong. 87% of the respondents have boomer-aged clients who already own or are looking to own and investment property.


80% of respondents said that older boomers (age 56-64) are more likely to want to downsize than younger boomers, but it’s not all about money: 49% said the primary reason boomers in general are downsizing is for a simpler lifestyle.


More than one-third (34 percent) of agents say younger baby boomers (ages 47-55) are interested in purchasing a second home, and 31% of respondents say they are working with younger boomers who are selling and looking for a larger home.


If you’re a baby boomer who is leery of buying or selling in today’s market; you’re not alone! However, now is actually a great time to buy and sell due to low mortgage rates and an increase in interested buyers.


Whether you’re desiring to downsize to simplify your life or are looking for an opportunity to buy up, your North Shore Real Estate agent can help! If you have any questions regarding the North Shore Real Estate market or would like to talk about your real estate needs; please 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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Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Highland Park Market Stats for October 2011


Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 357 properties actively on the market with the average price of $816,080 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 34 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $545,997, the average time on market for these properties was 99 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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Glencoe Market Stats for October 2011


Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 105 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,538,716 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,012,053, the average time on market for these properties was 112 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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Northbrook Market Stats for October 2011


Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 343 properties actively on the market with the average price of $532,342 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 31 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $331,578, the average time on market for these properties was 112 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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Winnetka Market Stats for October 2011


Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 160 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,056,049 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 15 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,289,305, the average time on market for these properties was 87 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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Deerfield Market Stats for October 2011


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 186 properties actively on the market with the average price of $528,668 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 18 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $411,581, the average time on market for these properties was 72 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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Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Avoid Mortgage Mistakes when Buying Your North Shore Home!

Buying a North Shore home is a large financial decision and one that you want to be sure you’re fully prepared to take on. Since there are many beautiful homes currently available on the North Shore Real Estate market, it can be easy to get swept up in finding your ideal home. However, it’s important to pay just as much attention to where you are with your finances and ensure those are in order prior to beginning your home search.


Lenders have tightened the reigns on who qualifies for a mortgage loan, and while you may have good credit; there are a few surprising factors that could delay your home purchase. Below are four tips that will help ensure a successful home purchase!


1. Avoid any major purchases before closing your mortgage loan- Just because you have your mortgage approved and lined up doesn’t mean the deal is done. Banks are not afraid to pull out of the deal if they see the homebuyer makes a significant purchase such as a car or another major buy. They see this as a sign of further debt for the homebuyer and are nervous about the potential risks if the buyer can’t come up with the money. To be safe, avoid any major purchases until after your signed the contract on your North Shore home. This goes for cash purchases as well since banks will look at your cash reserve before you get approved for a loan.

2. Don’t make any big career changes- While this may be the reason you’re searching for a North Shore home, it’s better to avoid any career changes during the home buying process. Banks want to know that your financials are stable. If there is a career change pending, try to delay it until after you’ve bought the home. Or, delay the home purchase if at all possible until you can show that your new job is given you the financial resources to pay on your new home.

3. Prepare for a last-minute credit check- This may come as a surprise to some, but with Fannie Mae’s loan quality initiative that came out in June of this year, lenders are likely to do a second credit check right before you close. Make sure that you keep up with your credit card payments and avoid applying for a new credit card during the home buying process as they may see this as a sign of desperation and can call for another credit score check, which could hurt your credit score.

4. Watch out for closing-cost surprises- Avoid putting all of your money into the down payment as you’ll need cash for closing costs. Don’t be caught off guard! At times, closing costs can be as much as 3% of the home price, so be sure to keep this in mind and set enough aside.

Of course your North Shore Real Estate agent will be able to help you throughout your home buying experience, but having these four tips in mind will help you avoid any mishaps along the way!

If you’re considering buying a North Shore home, but have questions about the North Shore Real Estate market or where to start; let me know! As an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent, I would be happy to meet with you and answer any questions you may have.

Contact me today to get started!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, October 26, 2011

7 Tips for a Stress Free Home Buying Experience in the North Shore!

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I often get asked if now is a good time to buy a home. With an array of beautiful homes currently on the North Shore Real Estate market, low mortgage rates and ideally priced homes, I encourage potential buyers that now is a great time to buy a North Shore home.


Whether you’re considering buying your first home in Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, Winnetka or any of the other North Shore cities, or you’re considering buying up in the area; there are many details to consider. While visions of your new home are dancing in your head, it’s also important to take a few minutes to think through your expectations, the current market and your goals.


Buying a home in Chicago’s North Shore can be a very exciting time and can be a enjoyable experience if you are prepared. Take a look at the following seven tips to help ensure a stress free and efficient home buying process.


1. Know when it’s the right time in your life to buy- Decide whether to buy based on your life and what makes sense for you, your family, your plans and your finances. Then, use the news about what’s going on in the market to decide how to buy: what kind of house to buy, what sort of loan to use, how much to offer, and other strategies for executing your home buying plans.


2. Find the right North Shore Real Estate agent- Finding the right North Shore Real Estate agent can make all the difference! Be sure to look for the following: qualifications, experienced in the transaction you envision (short sale, high end property, etc…), great referrals and testimonials, is a problem solver, and appeals to your personality style (you could potentially be spending a lot of time with your realtor, so you want to make sure it’s a good fit).


3. Get a good understanding what to expect- Research as much as possible, but be sure to decide on a trusted North Shore Real Estate agent as soon as possible. They’ll be able to give you a layout of what you can expect from buying a North Shore home. Ask your North Shore Real Estate agent questions such as when you’re expected to show up so you can take time off work, and when you’re expected to write checks so you can be prepared.


4. Know the home you’re buying- You may have nightmares of coming home to a recent home purchase only to find it falling apart. Ways to avoid this are to thoroughly go over the disclosures which are required to list out issues or recent repairs within the home, get a home inspection, have contingencies in place when making your offer, maintain a home warranty policy that will cover many major malfunctions for a service call fee.


5. Learn how to prevent money surprises during escrow- When you first apply for a loan, you’ll receive a good faith estimate which is a standardized list of costs associated with obtaining the mortgage and a breakdown of the monthly mortgage payment due on the mortgage for which you were approved. Keep in mind this is just an estimate. When you close on escrow, you’ll pay prorated mortgage interest and property taxes from the date of closing till the end of the month. The date of closing can make a difference in thousands of dollars required to close. Ask your North Shore Real Estate agent to help you set your closing date in accordance with the cash you have at your disposal.


6. Solve the problem of how much you want to offer- This can be tricky, but there are some ways to determine the price of your offer. Your North Shore Real Estate agent can provide a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) which shows what other homes along the North Shore are selling for. You can also determine the price by the sellers’ motivation to sell as well as the current market factors- which happen to be in the buyers’ favor right now!


7. Know when to remove contingencies or waive objections- Removing contingencies or waiving objections usually puts thousands of dollars on the line, so it’s not a step to be taken lightly. Plus, by removing contingencies or waiving your objections, you are essentially telling the seller that you plan to close the deal — something you just shouldn’t do unless and until you are satisfied with the following items: title, disclosures and inspections, condition issues, appraisal and underwriting. Your North Shore Real Estate agent can help you determine if and when you need to take this step.


I hope these tips help you think through your expectations and will give you some insight into how to approach the current North Shore Real Estate market. Of course, I’m always here to help! Feel free to contact me anytime with any questions you have or to begin your home search.


I look forward to hearing from you!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Enjoy Halloween Festivities Along Chicago's North Shore!

As a Chicago North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy talking about the wonderful things each town has to offer! This fall has been filled with great community festivals and events, and with Halloween just around the corner, there are even more ways to get involved in your city!


Whether you live in Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Glencoe or Northbrook or are considering moving to the area, you’ll find each community has an excellent quality of life and vibrant lifestyle that you’ll enjoy for years to come! Below are just a few of the highlights of this years’ fun Halloween activities. Take a look!


Haunted Hayride
Sunset Woods Park

1801 Sunset Rd., Highland Park


Friday, October 21 from 7-9pm

- Ghosts in the darkness, eerie noises around every corner…what creeps in the trees of Sunset Woods Park? Find out what haunts the hemlocks and lurks in the leaves. Tram rides begin at 7pm from the football field at Sunset Woods Park and depart every 15 minutes until 9pm. Steve Dahlke will be there carving large pumpkins into art for everyone to watch! This program is appropriate for ages 7 and up and is $3.00 per person. Check out the Sunset Woods Park website for more information.

Hallowfest: A Garden of Good…and Evil

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

Friday - Sunday, October 21 & 22 from 6-8:30pm; October 23 from 4-6:30pm

- Enjoy the North Shore’s most beautiful garden where you’ll find eerie entertainment, ride the eerie express through the gardens, walk through the bat cave, get your face painted and more! Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden website for more information!

Halloween Hoopla: Family Daytime Fun & Games; Evening Bonfire, Haunted House & DJ
Jewett Park/Community Center
836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield


October 28th from 7-9pm and Saturday, October 29th from 3-9pm

- There are plenty of fun activities throughout the entire weekend! On Friday evening, brave souls are invited to partake in the thrills and chills of our superbly scary Haunted House. Your whole family will also enjoy a bonfire, DJ and more. On Saturday enjoy family-friendly entertainment, balloon dudes, both indoor and outdoor games, hay rides, a bonfire in the evening and plenty of Halloween treats available for purchase. Children under 7 years of age may take a walk through our haunted house with the lights on! For more information on Halloween Hoopla, please visit the Deerfield Park District website.

I hope that whether you live in the North Shore or just visiting, you’ll take advantage of these fun events and enjoy getting to know more of what your community has to offer! Remember, safety over Halloween is important! Be sure children wear reflective costumes and are accompanied by a trusted adult at all times!

If you have questions about what it’s like to live in Chicago’s North Shore or are interested in beginning your North Shore home search, feel free to contact me today!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Help Sell Your North Shore Home with these Top Projects!

For those of you who are considering selling your North Shore home this fall, you may feel you’re at the mercy of the current buyer’s market. As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I’ve talked with sellers who are concerned they won’t receive a return on investment or that their home will sit on the market for a long period of time. And, while it is important to be realistic about selling in today’s market; it can be a smooth and efficient process!


Many North Shore sellers wonder if there’s anything they can do to help their home stand out from amongst the competition, and asking this question is a step in the right direction. Sellers can’t expect a home to simply sell itself if there are many other homes just like it on the North Shore Real Estate market. There are some things that you can do to give your home that extra boost it needs to ensure it has those essential elements for which North Shore buyers are searching.


I’ve put together a list of some of the top projects you can do in your home to get it ready to sell. Of course it’d be ideal to do all of these projects in your home, but even picking a few that are within your budget and timeline can help sell your North Shore home.


Top Energy Efficient Project: Add Insulation
- Adding proper insulation will not only add value to your home, but will save you money. This energy efficient project will reduce up to 30% of heating and cooling costs. Those looking to buy a North Shore home will be searching for homes that are more eco-friendly and adding insulation or even replacing old windows with new energy efficient ones will appeal to buyers.

Top Budget Friendly Project: Clean and Conquer Clutter
- The best way to update your home is to remove any excess furniture or knickknacks that don’t serve a purpose. Not only will this make your North Shore home appear larger, but it will give your home a more updated feel. This cost effective project is a great one to do during winter months when you’d prefer to stay indoors. If you’re planning on selling your home, buyers will appreciate this clean and updated look as they’ll be able to better envision their belonging in your home.

Top Kitchen Project: Upgrade Appliances
- Kitchen’s are one of the top places that people will want to see upgrades and where you will get the most return on investment. The top kitchen project is to upgrade your appliances. Of course stainless steel appliances are today’s standard, so if you haven’t upgraded yet, now would be a great time to do so. Another upgrade that’s possible for those who already have stainless steel appliances are energy efficient options. Switching to these “green” appliances will cut down on your energy bill and will be better for the environment as well.

Top Bathroom Project: Refresh Fixtures
- Bathrooms are another space where many will want to see upgrades. An easy way to refresh bathrooms is to change out the fixtures. From lighting to the vanity or even just the cabinetry hardware; there are many cost effective updates that can be made in a bathroom.

The Top Storage and Organization Project: Maximize Storage Space
- Give yourself more space instantly by organizing your closets and cabinets. Clean out things you no longer use and consider investing in a closet or pantry organizer. This will immediately give the appearance of extra room as well as being easier to maintain.

Top Landscaping Project: Tidy Your Lawn

- Curb appeal speaks volumes for how you care for your North Shore home overall. A lawn that is well manicured and aesthetically pleasing will appeal to most no matter what the size. North Shore buyers will want to know they can simply maintain the lawn you’ve cared for rather than having to put in a lot of time and money for updates.

Top Outdoor Living Project: Add Outdoor Living
- This is another project that will have to wait until the North Shore welcomes back warmer weather, but adding outdoor living space is like adding square footage onto your home. Imagine lounging in a new outdoor living space and hosting outdoor dinner parties this summer. Whether you’re going to be living in your North Shore home for the next twenty years or will begin the home selling process soon, this update will add value and character to your home.

Top Big Ticket Project: Finish the Basement
- Finishing our basement, while a seemingly large project, is much less expensive that adding an additional room onto your home. You’ll want to be sure to have a professional inspect your basement for its moisture level before you begin. Adding carpeting or a fresh coat of paint may be all your basement needs to gain a finished appearance. This additional living space may be just the thing for which buyers are searching.

I hope these give you some ideas of what you can do to ensure your home stands out on the North Shore Real Estate market. As always, I’m here to help answer any questions you have or to help you get started in selling your North Shore home!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Glencoe Market Stats for September 2011


Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 107 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,550,801 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 6 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,096,083, the average time on market for these properties was 73 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
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Deerfield Market Stats for September 2011


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 190 properties actively on the market with the average price of $532,756 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 20 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $347,333, the average time on market for these properties was 114 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
Visit My Website

Winnetka Market Stats for September 2011


Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 173 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,010,895 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 26 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,085,842, the average time on market for these properties was 76 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
Visit My Website

Northbrook Market Stats for September 2011


Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 348 properties actively on the market with the average price of $547,265 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 39 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $395,582, the average time on market for these properties was 69 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
Visit My Website