Wednesday, April 27, 2011

5 Tips for Buying a North Shore Home This Spring

It’s an exciting time in Chicago’s North Shore as we’re beginning to see the effects of the spring season. Trees are filling in with green leaves and flowers are finding their way to the earth’s surface causing a beautiful, fresh backdrop for us to enjoy. As a North Shore Real Estate agent, it’s a favorite time of year as the spring also tends to be the most vibrant in the housing market!

For those of you who have been waiting for this season to buy a North Shore home, you’ll be happy to know that now is an ideal time to buy! Chicago’s North Shore had long been a sellers market until the national housing market downturn. The last five years have been leaning towards the North Shore buyer’s favor, with this year seeing additional benefits for the home buyer.

The surplus of North Shore homes for sale has given those hoping to buy a home in Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe or any of the surrounding cities an upper hand. Even though buyers are coming to the table with less money to work with due to tighter lending regulations, sellers are having to price competitively in order to sell. These “perfect” market conditions for buyers make now a great time to jump into the North Shore Real Estate market!

If you are ready to begin your house hunt on Chicago’s North Shore, take a few minutes to go over these five tips that will help you throughout the home buying process!

1. Think Long-Term- When buying a home in today’s market, you want to plan for the future. Consider your basic needs such as security, proximity to your job and other daily activities, the school system and room to grow if need be. You want to plan to be in a home for a minimum of three to five years.

2. Research and Take Advantage of Low Rates- Many lenders are encouraging buyers to lock in a long-term loan, such as a 30-year mortgage, to ensure taking full advantage of the historically low interest rates. An adjustable rate mortgage can work for some buyers, but you’ll want to discuss with your North Shore Real Estate agent which option is best for you.

3. Be Prepared to Make an Offer- Before you even begin searching for your North Shore home, you’ll want to get pre-approved for a loan. This not only helps you determine your home buying budget, but will make the process run much more quickly once you’re ready to make an offer. This will also force you to get your credit in order and gives you the opportunity to correct any credit issues before entering the North Shore Real Estate market.

4. Find a Recommended North Shore Real Estate Agent- Having the right agent journey with you through the home buying process will make all the difference. Conduct research online or talk with family and friends to get their recommendations. Many North Shore Real Estate agents have testimonials on their websites that will give you a good indication of other buyer’s and seller’s experience with that agent. You’ll want to find an agent who has experience in the North Shore Real Estate market and with whom you feel you can work with for however long it takes for you to find your North Shore home.

5. Live Within Your Means- This is a lesson that our country seems to be learning collectively. We’ve seen the damage that can come from buying homes we can’t afford and digging ourselves further into debt. Buying a North Shore home that fits your budget as it stands now will give the home a chance to appreciate. In the long run, your finances will be healthier and you’ll more than likely be able to afford your dream home next time around.

If you are ready to jump into the North Shore Real Estate market and find your new North Shore home, please let me know! I’d enjoy walking with you each step of the way through the home buying experience. There are many beautiful North Shore homes currently on the market from which to choose! Feel free to contact me today to get started!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Hunt for Easter Eggs or a New Home This Weekend in the North Shore!

There are a few sure signs that spring has officially arrived in Chicago’s North Shore. The first is the busy North Shore Real Estate market! You probably know of a few people who are looking to buy a home in one of the North Shore cities such as Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook, Glencoe or Highland Park. Or perhaps you’ve seen “for sale” signs springing up throughout the North Shore. As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I can attest that the lively market is in full swing and it brings a sense of excitement to the area.

If you have been considering selling your North Shore home, now is an excellent time as buyers have waited for this season to begin their home search. While there may be more competition between those hoping to sell their North Shore home, a home that’s perfectly priced and well marketed will be sure to sell quickly! Hoping to buy a North Shore home this spring? As mentioned, with new homes budding onto the market each week, you’ll have an even better chance of finding the North Shore home that meets your needs and lifestyle!

Another sign of spring is the upcoming Easter holiday, and the North Shore is full of fun activities to celebrate! Living in Chicago’s North Shore is ideal for many who enjoy convenient suburban living with close proximity to Chicago’s vibrant downtown. Each community throughout the North Shore has its own unique vibe and provides a variety of ways to interact within the community throughout the year. Below are a few events that you may want to hop on over to enjoy! Whether you and your little loved ones enjoy coloring eggs or are in the mood to hunt for candy filled eggs, you’ll want to take advantage of one (or all) of these events this weekend.

Saturday, April 23

Egg Hunt
West Elm Street Park
Glendale Ave & Spruce St, Winnetka
www.winpark.org

10:00am–10:15am

- Children ages 3 through 8 are invited to join the fun and excitement of hunting for goody-filled eggs in Winnetka’s annual Egg Hunt. The Bunny himself will be there to help! The Winnetka Park District and the Winnetka Chamber of Commerce co-sponsor this FREE event. Please bring your basket and get ready for some Easter fun!

Egg Coloring Workshop
Leoleno
976 Green Bay Rd, Winnetka
www.leoleno.com

11:00am–12:00pm

- Easter is just around the corner! Join in for a morning full of fun where children ages 5-6 can color eggs by using all-natural coloring kits. For $15 kids will enjoy tapping into their creative spirit and making their own Easter baskets.

Optimists Easter Egg Hunt
Jewett Park Community Center
836 Jewett Park Dr, Deerfield
www.deerfieldoptimist.org

9:45am–10:30am

- Bring your children ( 0-12 yrs) to Jewett Park in Deerfield, near the fieldhouse on Saturday April 23 for the Deerfield Optimists annual Easter egg hunt. Children will hunt in 3 different age groups. This free event is full of fun!

Sunday, April 24

Easter Brunch
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe
www.chicagobotanic.org/calendar/brunch

11:00am–2:30pm

- Enjoy the Chicago Botanic Garden while feasting on an all-you-can-eat buffet includes a carving station and made-to-order omelets! This beautiful setting and delicious brunch will become a favorite holiday tradition! Price: Adults- $49.95-$54.95 Children (ages 3-12)- $24.95-$27.95

As we find ourselves already in the middle of April, I hope you’ve been enjoying the spring season in Chicago’s North Shore! Although we never really know what to expect with the weather, one thing we do know is that this is a great time of year to experience the growing beauty and activity of these great communities. If you are interested in buying or selling this spring in Chicago’s North Shore, please feel free to contact me today! I would love to help you along each step of the way!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Northbrook Fast Stats for March 2011

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 380 properties actively on the market with the average price of $580,499 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 30 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $451,959, the average time on market for these properties was 165days.



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 March 2011

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 184 properties actively on the market with the average price of $560,354 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 18 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $355,358, 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 Deerfield market statistics!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Glencoe Fast Stats for March 2011


Glencoe Active Listings:
There are a total of 104 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,911,175 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 17 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $753,912, the average time on market for these properties was 172 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
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Highland Park Fast Stats for March 2011

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 372 properties actively on the market with the average price of $962,678 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 22 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $489,454, the average time on market for these properties was 113 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
Visit My Website
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Winnetka Market Stats for March 2011

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 176 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,949,854 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,209,167, the average time on market for these properties was 156 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
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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

6 Tips to Ensure a Successful Open House in Your North Shore Home!

Living in Chicago’s North Shore is a great experience for many of its residents! Whether you live in Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park or any of the surrounding cities, you know that the North Shore is a fantastic place to call home. There are great neighborhoods and communities that offer year round events, unique cultural experiences, mouth watering restaurants and much more!

You may have enjoyed living in the North Shore for some time, but perhaps a job transfer, other extenuating circumstances, or the desire to move to a new North Shore location has created the need for you to sell your North Shore home. As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I know that the home selling process can seem overwhelming. You may feel that you’re at the mercy of the current real estate market and that with the busy spring season you’re going to be facing a lot of competition with others who are trying to sell in the North Shore Real Estate market.

While it may be true that there are more homes coming onto the market each week, there are also more buyers who are looking! A great way to help your home stand out to North Shore buyers is through open houses. Your North Shore Real Estate agent will be hosting regular open houses to ensure that your home gets the exposure it deserves. If you’re wondering how to boost your homes’ appeal, below are six great ways to do so!

1. First Impressions- Believe it or not, a nice doormat or attractive porch can really set the tone for the entire open house. If there’s an old doormat, chipped paint or nothing special about the entrance to your home, buyers may feel that you don’t really care. A welcoming setting from the start will instantly let buyers know that your home is cared for and that each area of your home is well-maintained.

2. Make it Generic- It’s great to make your home personal; however your pictures, children’s art or your “to do” list on the refrigerator can be a large distraction to potential buyers. They need to be able to envision themselves in your home, so putting away those personal items will help buyers picture their life in your North Shore home.

3. Clear Counters- Look at your kitchen or bathroom counters from a outsiders viewpoint. Do you have too many appliances cluttering your kitchen counter? Clearing this space will give the appearance of more room for cooking or their own storage. If your bathroom counters are filled with perfumes, toothbrush holders, etc… take time to put them in cabinets or drawers so buyers can see the actual size of the space.

4. Set the Table- This may not seem necessary, but having your dining room table set with nice place settings add a touch of class and can help the North Shore buyer envision hosting their own dinner parties.

5. Get to the Heart- The best way to appeal to the buyers’ heart is through offering something special when they walk in the door. Whether you bake fresh cookies, have coffee or lemonade for them on your counter, these added touches will set your home apart. Lighting a mildly scented candle and having your home appropriately heated for the day’s weather can make your home instantly feel comfortable to the North Shore buyer.

6. Don’t Stick Around- While it may be tempting to want to hear what the potential buyers have to say, it can be awkward when the seller is present. They will feel that they can’t openly express their thoughts to the agent and will not feel as comfortable when looking throughout the home. Even if you take a walk through the neighborhood, being away from the home during an open house can make all the difference.

I hope these tips will help as you prepare to show your home to potential buyers. If you are not sure if now is a good time to sell, or have other questions about the North Shore Real Estate market, please let me know! I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you with the home selling process. My years of experience in selling North Shore homes will ensure that selling your home will be a smooth and stress free transaction.

Please feel free to contact me anytime to get started! I look forward to helping you sell your North Shore home!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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