Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Key Elements that Will Help Sell Your North Shore Home!

Selling your North Shore home this spring can seem like a daunting task as you think about all that will need to go into getting your home prepared. While there are many small details that go into selling your home, it can be a smooth process if you focus on those things that really matter.

Those looking to purchase a North Shore home will want to see a home that is well cared for and is in great condition. Chicago’s North Shore is a very desirable place to live, and many who are looking to buy this spring are searching for homes in Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and Glencoe.

So what will set your home apart from the moment potential buyers see your home? Curb appeal. Making necessary updates to the interior of your home is important and usually the first thing those selling their home will consider. However, the exterior of your home will play an important role in the sale of your North Shore home. Buyers will notice your home’s setting and how you have cared for this area of your property. Below are a few key elements you’ll want to focus on as you prepare to sell your home!

Focus on the front door- Creating a deliberate entrance to your home will give people the feeling that they're being welcomed to the home. Make sure the entry to your home is obvious. If your North Shore home’s main entrance is at the side of the house, use a walkway or landscaping to direct people where they need to go. Paint the door a bright color that compliments your home’s finish. Placing a welcome mat out front will set the tone of a cheery and comfortable environment. North Shore buyers will feel that they are arriving at a special place rather than being welcomed by a unimpressive entry.

Come up with a concept for your landscape- You want your North Shore home’s landscape to be deliberate and well cared for. Whether you have a green thumb and an eye for detail, or you would like a professional’s opinion; the difference of investing in your landscape can be the added touch that pushes your home to the forefront. The cost can remain low if you simply add a few plants along the walkway or use mulch or stone to give a more finished look.

Deal with the driveway- This is the first thing potential buyers will see as they approach your North Shore home. Whether your driveway is dirt or pavement, you don’t want the focus to be on this area. You always want to draw the attention to the home. To do this, make sure the driveway is free of clutter or anything that does not need to be there. Lining the driveway with shrubs or creating a walkway leading up to the house will allow the buyer to focus on what matters and not be distracted by the driveway itself.

Pay attention to details- Buyers may not be able to place their finger on what sets your North Shore home apart from the competition; but those little details in the front of your home can make all the difference. Things like brick steps or ceramic tiles that compliment the homes color will pull the look together. Edging the lawn and colorful potted plants also add a nice touch that will draw buyers in especially as spring begins settle in the Chicago area.

These tips should be helpful as you begin to think through selling your North Shore home this spring! If you have any questions about the home selling process, or would like information on the current North Shore Real Estate market; please let me know! Finding a North Shore Real Estate agent that knows the area and has a proven track record of effectively selling North Shore homes can make a major difference in the home selling process. If you are still looking for an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent; I would love to set up a time to meet with you!



Janie Bress

Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

4 Things to Keep in Mind When Buying a North Shore Home!

When it comes to buying a home in Chicago’s North Shore, the possibilities seem endless. Whether you’re looking for an established home with lake views in Winnetka or a modern townhome in Deerfield, you’ll have many options from which to choose!

In working as a North Shore Real Estate agent for over twenty five years, I’ve come to know the culture and unique features of Highland Park, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Glencoe and other great North Shore cities. Finding the area that best fits your needs and lifestyle is important and something that I can help you discover.

Before you begin your North Shore home search; there are four key features that you’ll want to keep in mind! These will help you narrow down your options and hone in on what you’re really looking for in your North Shore home.

1. Location, Location, Location- If you are
buying a home in Chicago’s North Shore you're probably already well aware of the great location of these northern Chicago suburbs! Beautiful views, and close proximity to Chicago’s downtown are what make the North Shore an ideal place to call home! But, even though you can’t go wrong with any of the North Shore cities; you’ll still want to find which one best fits your needs. Ask yourself those important questions and take into consideration your work commute, location to grocery stores or other places you know you’ll be going on a regular basis. Your North Shore Real Estate agent can answer any questions you have about these great cities!

2. Home Features- Think through the home features that are most important to you! Do you dream about a gourmet kitchen or a well-manicured lawn and outdoor living space? Do you want extra bedrooms for weekend guests or are you looking for more of a private getaway? Do you want a fixer upper or a home that’s move-in ready? Make a list of those things that you won’t budge on in your North Shore home and then those things that would be a bonus, but that you don’t necessarily need. This will help you tremendously as you begin your North Shore home search.

3. Ask Questions- While many of the homes in Chicago’s North Shore will have you day dreaming from the moment you enter the home; be sure to not get too carried away. You want to look at a home with an objective eye in order to ask pertinent questions. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you see something that doesn’t seem right and be sure to ask about recent projects on the home, upgrades, and any other problems that may be an issue. You want to know all the facts up front!

4. Scrutinize- Look in cabinets and closets to see how much storage space you’ll have. View everything from windows to baseboards to ensure you’ve taken in as much information you can about the home. This will give you a more appropriate idea of what to expect if you decide to purchase that North Shore home.

I hope these tips are helpful as you begin the home buying process in Chicago’s North Shore Real Estate market. Again, if you have any questions about the area or have not yet found a North Shore Real Estate agent, please let me know! I would be happy to help you find your new home.

I look forward to hearing from you!



Janie Bress

Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Winnetka Market Stats for December 2010

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 159 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,948,434 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,293,670, the average time on market for these properties was 109days.


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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Northbrook Fast Stats for December 2010

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 366 properties actively on the market with the average price of $ $564,779 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 31 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $404,669, 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 Northbrook market statistics!

Janie Bress

Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Highland Park Fast Stats for December 2010

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 344 properties actively on the market with the average price of $957,176 in Highland Park.
Highland Park Sold Listings: 19 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $426,079, the average time on market for these properties was 132 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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Glencoe Fast Stats for December 2010

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 97 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,092,414 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $869,500, the average time on market for these properties was 96 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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Deerfield Fast Stats for December 2010

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 180 properties actively on the market with the average price of $489,167 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 16 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $353,646, the average time on market for these properties was 124 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, January 5, 2011

Highlights of the North Shore's Highland Park Community!

It’s hard to believe the holidays are over and we’ve reached a new year! Having a fresh start always seems to lift the spirits of the after-the-holidays blues. As winter settles in around Chicago’s North Shore, you may be wondering if there’s anything to do to maintain a vibrant approach to winter’s chill.

Today I’d like to highlight the North Shore town of Highland Park, which has much to offer and will keep you connected and interacting within this charming community all season long! Whether you enjoy live music, shopping, going to the theatre or an evening out at a great restaurant with friends; you’ll find something to fit your lifestyle in Highland Park.

The downtown Highland Park Alliance, founded in 2008, has worked on building an exciting downtown community which also brings local businesses together under the umbrella of building into the area they’re serving. A recent feature that the HPA has promoted is Late Night HP, in which businesses are encouraged to stay open later on Fridays and Saturdays to encourage residents to stay local and enjoy all that Highland Park has to offer. Late Night HP also tries to build into the young artists and musicians in the area as their works and music can be enjoyed at the various shops and restaurants.

If you were hoping to find something to do in Chicago’s North Shore this weekend; Highland Park may be just the place to get together with friends or family! Below are a few options that will give you a taste of this great North Shore city.

Things to Do

Highland Park Pops
www.highlandparkpops.com
- A 17-piece big band that plays swing tunes, jazz favorites, dance music and big band standards, the Highland Park Pops has resided in Highland Park for over two decades. Sponsored by the Park District of Highland Park, they perform frequently throughout the community.

Music Theatre Company
1850 Green Bay Road , Highland Park
www.themusictheatrecompany.org
- The Music Theatre Company is committed to developing new musicals that engage the community of Highland Park in an ongoing social, cultural and political dialogue.

Highland Park Strings
www.highlandparkstrings.com
- A family-friendly orchestra that has been entertaining the people of Highland Park since 1979. To date, the Strings have a repertoire of more than 240 works spanning three centuries!

The Comic Thread: Original Live Sketch Comedy
Highland Park
www.bitterjester.com/tct
-Highland Park's only resident comedy troupe! The Comic Thread (TCT) blends all-original written sketches to creative cohesive, full-length, narrative stories.Bitter Jester Creative, an award-winning film, video, and theatre production company based in Highland Park, produces the troupe.

Places to Eat

Phoenicia Mediterranean Cuisine
1910 First St, Highland Park
www.phoeniciacuisine.com
- Phoenicia Mediterranean Cuisine is a fine dining Mediterranean restaurant offering the hospitality and foods of eastern Mediterranean culture.

Rosebud of Highland Park
610 Central Ave. Suite 177, Highland Park
www.rosebudrestaurants.com
- Experience an extraordinary meal made with authentic Italian recipes passed down from generation to generation at Rosebud. Conveniently located in the heart of Highland Park's downtown shopping and entertainment district!

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant
474 Central Ave, Highland Park
www.laspalmasmexrst.com
- Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant was voted #1 in North Shore Magazine for Best Mexican Cuisine three years in a row. They offer delicious food - homemade daily, including mouthwatering steak, shrimp, and vegetarian fajitas.

The BBQ Pit
589 Elm Pl, Highland Park
www.thebbqpit.net
- The BBQ Pit is a family-owned and -run business established in 1978. The meat on the menu is still the same with additions every so often to keep up with changing habits. All their BBQ items are the house specialty. They also offer sandwiches and a variety of Greek and other specialty salads.

For a list of more restaurants, things to do or a list of stores in downtown Highland Park, visit the Downtown Highland Park website.

Highland Park is just one of the exciting North Shore cities in which to live! If you have any questions about moving to Highland Park or Chicago’s North Shore; please let me know. I enjoy helping people find the North Shore home that best fits their needs and lifestyle. Visiting Highland Park this weekend and taking advantage of the shops, entertainment and restaurants will give you a feel for the environment and lifestyle! Feel free to contact me as well and I can give you a tour of the area and the Highland Park homes that are currently on the market!

I look forward to hearing from you!


Janie Bress

Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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