Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Enjoy the 4th of July along Chicago's North Shore!

Summer is in full swing here in Chicago’s North Shore and many of the communities are getting ready to celebrate our nation’s freedom this coming 4th of July! For many living in the North Shore, it’s a highlight of the season as friends and family gather together and enjoy local festivities!


I have enjoyed living and working as a real estate agent in the North Shore for over twenty years, and believe strongly that where your home is located is just as important as what it looks like. Finding a home in Chicago’s North Shore means not only finding a place to call home, but being surrounded by a great community in which you can be involved.


Whether you’re just visiting Chicago’s North Shore for the holiday weekend, or are a current resident in Evanston, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield or any of the other surrounding areas; you’ll enjoy all the festivities that the North Shore has to offer this 4th of July!



Glenview 4th of July Celebration


- On the beautiful grounds of the Glenview Park Golf Club, the twilight fireworks show begins with a patriotic concert by the 100-piece North Shore Concert Band. The show is highlighted by fireworks synchronized to patriotic music.

When: July 4, 2011

Times: Parade at 11 a.m., fireworks at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Glenview Park Golf Club, Glenview

Cost: free

Website: www.glenviewparks.org/index.php/home-links/glenview-july-4th-celebration



Highland Park Fourth Fest


- Featuring carnival games, inflatables, train and pony rides, petting zoo, food and live entertainment.


When: July 4, 2011

Times: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: Sunset Woods Park, Highland Park

Cost: Free, tickets for games and rides 3 for $1

Website: www.pdhp.org


Deerfield Family Days


- From fireworks on July 3 at 9:15pm at Brickyards Park, to a 10k race, bike parade, pancake breakfast and much more; you'll enjoy this fun-filled weekend in Deerfield! Check out the website below for more information.


When: July 3-4, 2011

Times: Begins at 12pm on July 3, Begins at 8am on July 4

Where: Various location around Deerfield

Cost: Free

Website: www.deerfield.il.us/residents/familydays


Evanston 4th of July Parade and Fireworks

- The parade starts at 2 p.m. and runs along Central Street to Ryan Field at Ashland Avenue. Lakefront fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. Tune your radio to 90.5 FM


When: July 4, 2011

Times: Festivities begin at 8am, Fireworks begin at 9:15pm.

Where: Evanston Lakefront

Cost: Free

Website: www.evanston4th.org



Northbrook 4th of July Celebration

From pancakes in the park, live music and family games, to a Police vs. Fire Department baseball game, a bike parade and fireworks; this all day celebration is one you won’t want to miss!


When: July 4, 2011

Times: Festivities begin at 7am, Fireworks begin at 8:45pm

Where: Village Green & throughout Northbook

Cost: Free

Website: www.northbrookjuly4th.org/index.htm


I hope you’re able to take advantage of one of these great events throughout the North Shore! You’ll enjoy being with family and friends, and getting to know your neighbors and community better!


As always, if you have any questions about living in the North Shore, or would like to look at some of the current homes available on the North Shore Real Estate market, please don’t hesitate to contact me! I would be happy to show you around and help you through each step of the home buying process.


I look forward to hearing from you and hope you have a safe and happy 4th of July!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

5 Tips for Selling Your North Shore Home!

Selling your home in Chicago’s North Shore may seem like a challenge in today’s buyers market, but it’s not impossible. We’re all aware that our nation is still recovering from our economic situation the past few years, and that the national housing market is still leaning towards today’s buyers. Selling your North Shore home, however, can be a smooth and efficient process if you’re ready to make it happen.


As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I have clients come to me who need to sell their home whether due to a job transfer or other extenuating circumstances. Their first questions are focused around selling in today’s market and what they can do to help their home stand out. While nothing can be guaranteed, there are five great tips that sellers can do to help their home sell more quickly.


1. Understand What a Buyers Market Means- It’s important to understand what kind of market you’re about to enter and to look at some of the hard facts. Being in a buyers market means:

- There are more homes on the market than there are buyers.

- Homes are staying on the market longer.

- Homes are selling for less than they’re worth.


2. Price Your Home Correctly from the Beginning- This is a vital factor in selling your North Shore home. If you enter the market with an overpriced home, North Shore buyers will immediately cross it off their list and move on to a more affordable option. They have that luxury in a buyers market. The longer your North Shore home sits on the market; the less interest it will receive. You’ll find that waiting for that to happen and then reducing your price will not generate the same excitement that a ideally priced home would in the beginning.


3. Make Your Home Irresistible- North Shore buyers expect only the best, especially if they have the option to be picky. You’ll want to make sure your home shows like a model home and that its irresistible to buyers. Take care of any issues that you know of in your home, spend time updating your home (even if it’s just a fresh coat of paint), and spruce up your North Shore home’s curb appeal. All of these little details will add up to a home that buyers can’t refuse!


4. Find a Trusted North Shore Real Estate Agent- You’ll want to do your research and find an agent who has years of experience in the North Shore Real Estate market. Your real estate agent will play a key role in getting your North Shore home sold. Look at their home selling record, client testimonials and ask them to give you a detailed plan of what they will do to sell your North Shore home.


5. Make Sure Your Home is Getting Ultimate Exposure- The main element in getting your home sold is exposure. Did you know that over 80% of people search for homes online? Getting online exposure for your home is vital for home selling success. Talk with your North Shore Real Estate agent about how your home will be presented online and the types of sites they use to market your home. An online presence for your home is a service your real estate agent should be providing for you.


If you have questions about selling your North Shore home this summer, or about my marketing plan for getting your home sold; please feel free to contact me! My years of experience in the North Shore Real Estate market ensures that you’re getting the knowledgeable North Shore Real Estate agent you deserve. I also have a marketing team that places your home on top real estate websites and helps your home get ultimate exposure.


I would love the opportunity to sell your North Shore home and hope to hear from you soon!


Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Get Involved in Deerfield's Vibrant Community!

Living in Chicago’s North Shore allows you to be involved in a great community atmosphere. Whether you choose Deerfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook or Highland Park; you’re sure to find, not only a beautiful home, but a great sense of belonging. As a North Shore Real Estate agent serving the North Shore Real Estate market for over twenty years, I am thrilled to be able to show those relocating to the area what these communities have to offer.


While it seems that summer is just getting underway, our country’s 4th of July celebration is just around the corner and the North Shore is busy preparing for the highlight of the summer months. Today I wanted to focus on the great city of Deerfield and the ways you can get involved in their upcoming 4th of July events!


Deerfield is a favored community just 25 miles north of downtown Chicago. It’s home to the headquarters for companies like Walgreens, Consumers Digest, and Fortune Brands to name a few. Known as one of the top high schools in Illinois, Deerfield High School and the entire Deerfield school system is a determining factor for many moving to the area. There area also a wide variety of homes from which to choose in Deerfield, so you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and lifestyle!


Many decide to move to Deerfield for its vibrant community and enjoy getting involved with non-profit organizations, city care initiatives and a wide range of events that take place throughout the year. If you’re new to the area, have been a resident for a while, or would just like to get a feel for the great city; you won’t want to miss Deerfield’s 4th of July celebration. Here are a few ways you can get involved.



Deerfield Family Days
Wristband Pre-Sale
Now-July 1


Don’t miss your chance to purchase your wristbands to be a part of the Deerfield Family Days taking place July 3-4. Mark your calendar to spend time with family and friends at this 48th annual event! Fireworks, games, rides, a pancake breakfast, arts and crafts, live music and much more will fill these days with endless fun! Be sure to get your wristbank early by stopping Village Hall or Jewett Park Community Center now through July 1!


Deerfield’s 45th Annual July 4th 10k Race/ 5k Walk

Registration Now Open
Now-July 4


This annual 10k Race/ 5k Walk is a great way to get fit, meet new neighbors and raise money for Deerfield Rotary charities. Sponsored by the Deerfield Rotary Club, the July 4th Run/Walk’s proceeds will go to support the Deerfield Family Days and other notable charities that the Rotary supports. The race will begin at 8am on July 4th at the Walden Elementary School and trophies are awarded for Top Man & Top Woman as well as the first 3 Women & Men in each age group. Fun for the every age group, you’ll want to be a part of this great event!


I hope you’re able to get involved in one or both of these events as a way to celebrate the freedom of our country! You’ll enjoy getting to know your neighbors and feeling connected to the Deerfield community! If you have further questions about living in Deerfield or are ready to begin searching for a home in Deerfield, please feel free to contact me today. I would be happy to talk with you, answer any questions you may have, and even show you some of the homes currently available on the Deerfield Real Estate market.


I hope to hear from you soon!


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Top 5 Questions to Ask when Searching for a North Shore Home

Chicago’s North Shore has long been a desirable place to call “home”, and for current residents and even those who have visited; it’s easy to see why! As a North Shore Real Estate agent for over twenty years, I enjoy being able to show prospective buyers the uniqueness of North Shore cities such as Deerfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park and Northbrook. Whether you’re a first time home buyer, looking for a place to retire, are a young professional or a family hoping to find a great school system for your children; you’ll find a perfect fit in Chicago’s North Shore.


Perhaps you’ve been considering buying a North Shore home and, like 80% of home buyers, you’ve started searching online to find a house that will fit your needs and lifestyle. You’re off to a great start! Making a list of what you want in a home and getting an idea of what’s currently available on Chicago’s North Shore market are good first steps.


However, you’ll soon want to find a North Shore Real Estate agent that can help answer your questions about the North Shore Real Estate market, who can keep you updated on new homes that have just come on the market, and who can ensure you are on track with the various aspects of buying a North Shore home. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you have about my services or view my testimonial page to view comments from my past buyers and sellers.


Whether you’ve found a North Shore Real Estate agent yet or not, a great way to really get a feel for a home is by attending an open house. Being in the home and seeing the details of the property in person will give you an sense of the home that you won’t be able to get from pictures online. When attending an open house, you’ll want to do more that just look at the home; you’ll want to ask questions.


Below are five questions that will give you more insight into the home and if it’s the right house for you.


1. Have you had any offers on the property? This will let you know what type of competition you’ll have if you decide to put in an offer on the home. You’ll also want to know if the seller has rejected any offers as this will give you insight into what the seller is expecting from the sale.

2. Has this house been in escrow? If the home has been in escrow and didn’t sell, it’s important to find out why. It could be that the funds fell through on the buyers end, but if it’s an issue that came up in the home inspection; you’ll want to know what you’re dealing with if you decide to buy the home.

3. How long has the property been on the market? The longer a home sits on the market, the less activity it gets. If the North Shore home has been on the market for some time, it could mean the seller is more willing to be flexible on the price.

4. Why are the owners selling? The agent who is showing the house may not want to answer this question if the seller is anxious to sell quickly. A sellers agent will want to get the best price for the home and offering up this type of information may mean lower offers on the table. However, if you find that the seller is in financial straits or is moving soon, this can play in your favor. Of course you’ll want to be sensitive to the sellers situation and not present an offer that is offensive or much lower than you know the home is worth. Your North Shore Real Estate agent will help point you in the right direction when it comes to placing an offer on a home.

5. Are there any other costs of ownership? This is much more common in buying a condo or townhome, but there are some North Shore neighborhoods that have additional Home Owners Association (HOA) fees. Be sure you find out what they are and what they cover so that you’re not surprised by them after buying the home.

Again, if you have questions about buying a North Shore home, need an agent or are ready to get started; please let me know! I would be happy to meet with you to discuss your needs and assist you throughout the entire home buying process. I hope to hear from you soon!

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Winnetka Fast Stats for April 2011

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 193 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,857,666 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 16 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,551,219, the average time on market for these properties was 147 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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Northbrook Fast Stats for April 2011

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 410 properties actively on the market with the average price of $579,405 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 39 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $346,929, the average time on market for these properties was 138 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
Email Me

Highland Park Fast Stats for April 2011

Highland Park Sold Listings: 35 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $612,813, the average time on market for these properties was 132 days.

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 379 properties actively on the market with the average price of $899,212 in Highland Park.


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
Email Me

Deerfield Fast Stats for April 2011

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 195 properties actively on the market with the average price of $558,597 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 22 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $395,889 the average time on market for these properties was 134 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
Email Me

Glencoe Fast Stats for April 2011

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 114 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,542,969 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 14 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,071,804, 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
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me