Wednesday, August 31, 2011

10 Tips for Selling Your North Shore Home this Fall!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by my North Shore blog! I’m sure you’re getting ready to celebrate the extended Labor Day weekend and your fall routine is underway.


Fall in Chicago’s North Shore is a favorite time of year for many of its residents! Whether you live in Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park or Deerfield; you’re sure to enjoy the crisp, fall air, local football games and cooler evenings that are just around the corner!


For many North Shore residents, they hold off on selling their home until the fall season as summer schedules seem to have buyers preoccupied with enjoying the long summer days. Consequently, the North Shore Real Estate market will pick up in the early fall as buyers want to find a beautiful North Shore home and be completely settled before the holiday season.


If you are considering selling your North Shore home this fall, take a few minutes to review these ten tips that can help your home stand out from amongst the competition!


1. Focus on curb appeal- Selling your North Shore home during the fall certainly comes with one advantage: the season's beautiful foliage which can automatically make your home more attractive for showings. However, you still need to do your part to keep your home looking its best. Start by sprucing up your lawn, keep falling leaves at bay with frequent raking and patch up any brown spots in the grass.


2. Appeal to the senses- As the weather cools down in the North Shore, make your home a warm, welcoming space where buyers will want to stick around. If you encourage them to stay awhile during showings, you give them more time to admire your home's best features.


3. Flaunt your fireplace- A warm, inviting fireplace is a great selling point as the weather gets cooler. Highlight this fall-friendly feature by arranging your furniture to make your fireplace a focal point. Place a mirror, artwork, vases or other tasteful decor on top of the mantel to make it even more prominent.


4. Update your listing photos- If your North Shore home was listed last winter or spring, talk with your North Shore Real Estate agent about updating your home’s marketing with brand new fall shots. Pictures from the previous season make your listing seem dated.


5. Think like a buyer- Fall house hunters are looking for great deals on North Shore homes, so be prepared for lowball offers and possible non-serious buyers. Manage your expectations and negotiate accordingly, depending on your motivation.


6. Hire a reliable real estate professional- As if selling your home isn't stressful enough, you're probably thinking ahead for the holidays or helping the kids ease into a new school year. During this hectic season, you definitely want a great North Shore Real Estate agent to take some of the pressure of selling your home off your shoulders. If you are still searching for an agent; I’d love to help you sell your North Shore home!


7. Price it right- If you want to grab the attention of North Shore buyers in this competitive market, you need to price your home correctly from the start - possibly slightly lower than comparable homes in your neighborhood. Setting your listing price just right could lead to a bidding war, resulting in a higher sales price for you. Work with your North Shore Real Estate agent to price your home correctly.


8. Watch your timing- Put your North Shore home on the market well in advance of looking for a new home. And don't place an offer on your next home until you have solid offers on the one you have to sell now. The last thing you want to do is juggle two mortgage payments.


9. Beware of TMI (too much information)- Buyers think most sellers these days are in dire straits, so don't do anything to add to that perceived advantage and lower your potential selling price. For instance, if you are moving from the North Shore due to a job transfer, it's best not to offer up that information or at the very least, downplay the urgency. While you are obligated to disclose everything about the property's condition, you aren't obligated to disclose your personal situation.


10. Be flexible- We are currently in a buyers market in the North Shore so be willing to work with buyers to help your chances of making a quick sale. Offer to pay for closing costs or repairs, and be adaptable when it comes to showing your home and holding open houses. If you really need to sell your North Shore home, you need to accommodate buyers' busy schedules as well. This might mean opening your home on weeknights and weekends. Be flexible!


I know you probably have a lot on your mind right now, but I would enjoy answering any questions you have about the North Shore Real Estate market! I have been working as a North Shore Real Estate agent for over twenty five years and have a proven track record of getting homes sold.


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


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

5 Great Reasons to Buy a North Shore Home!

If you’ve been considering buying a home in Chicago’s North Shore, you may be wondering if now is a good time to buy. You’ve heard countless stories about the current national housing market and are leery of how that translates in the North Shore Real Estate market.


As a North Shore Real Estate agent for over twenty years, I’ve seen the market ebb and flow and understand the precautions potential buyers are currently taking. However, while the market is still working on stabilizing itself, now is proving to be an excellent time to buy a home.


Whether you’re interested in one of the beautiful homes in Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, Winnetka or Deerfield; you’ll want to take a few minutes to read these five reasons why now is a great time to buy!


1. Low Home Prices- In this buyers market, the competition for sellers is high. North Shore homes are selling at record low prices making now a perfect time to cash in on a great deal.


2. Low Mortgage Rates- Buyers are able to begin building equity right after they close on a home because of today’s lower mortgage rates. There’s hope that these low rates will encourage potential buyers to jump in to the real estate market and help with the healing process.


3. Move-in Ready Homes- According to recent studies by the Harvard Joint Center on Housing, there have been many home owners who have held off on selling their home. They’ve been waiting for the market to pick back up, and while waiting have either put money into remodeling or have kept their home in good repair. They wanted to make sure that their North Shore home was in ideal condition before listing since it is a buyer’s market with many other homes from which buyers can choose. That’s great news for those who are buying as most homes are in move-in ready condition!


4. Low Down Payment Mortgages Available Low-down-payment financing through Federal Housing Administration-insured mortgages is available as an additional incentive to buy a house now. Down payment minimum requirements also fluctuate and may increase as the market heats up, so potential buyers with less cash to close on a deal may be well-advised to buy now.


5. Lenders Offer No-Fee Mortgages Many banks and other lending institutions are waiving mortgage loan generation and other fees and points (each point represents 1% of the loan amount), thereby reducing the cost of buying.


Buying a home in the North Shore can be a very smart financial decision given the current real estate market! If you have questions about buying a North Shore home or would like to view some of the homes currently available on the North Shore Real Estate market, please feel free to contact me!


I would love to help you find your next home!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Back to School in the North Shore-10 Tips for an Easy Transition!

Moving to Chicago’s North Shore is a great decision as you’ll enjoy a beautiful setting near Lake Michigan, vibrant communities, excellent school systems and a wide variety of things to do year round. If you’ve just relocated to the area this summer, I’d like to welcome you! You’ll find the North Shore lifestyle and community in which you live to be well worth the change!


It’s hard to believe that the summer is coming to a close and that the start of school is quickly approaching. As you settle into your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park or Northbrook, you may feel that it’s already beginning to feel like home. However, if you have children, they may have some mixed emotions about the idea of starting at a new school. While other children are eager to see friends and get back into the swing of the school year, transfer students can feel a little misplaced and unsure of what to expect.


As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy helping people not only find a North Shore home, but I also take the time to make sure they feel well-acclimated to their new environment. With schools starting next week, I thought these ten tips would be helpful in making sure your child’s transition goes as smoothly as possible. Take a look!


1. Make it a team effort- Visit the school with your child and take a tour to ensure they have an idea of where to go and what to expect. When it comes time to select specific classes, make sure your child is part of the process.


2. Keep a positive focus- As the first day draws near, begin talking to your child about their expectations, hopes and fears for the upcoming school year. Reassure them that other children are having the same feelings and present school as a place where they'll learn new things and make friends.


3. Encourage school involvement- Though you don't want your teenager to become over-committed, it's important to encourage participation in one or two activities that particularly interest them. They’re more likely to engage academically if they feel connected through a school activity, club or sport. Talk to them about his goals for the school year and how they might like to be involved in school outside of the classroom.


4. Get enough z's- If your child has enjoyed a vacation of late nights and lazy mornings, getting them up for school on the first day can be difficult. Help make this transition easier by starting their school-year sleep routine now.


5. Take a trial run- Take some time before the start of school to make sure you and your child know where to go and what to do on that first morning. Show your child where the bus stop is, or, if they walk to school, map out the safest route. You may even want to call the school in advance to find out about any special first-day procedures.


6. Stock up on supplies- On or before the first day of school, make sure you or your child finds out what school supplies and materials are required. Most schools should provide a handy list for the lower grades, but if not, take it upon yourself to ask and then purchase the items as soon as possible.


7. Prepare the night before- To avoid the morning rush, organize what you can the night before. Lay out clothes, make a lunch and assemble any supplies your child may need. Be sure to get everyone up extra early so you'll have plenty of time to calmly get ready and get out the door on time as to avoid adding to the first day nervousness.


8. Get a healthy start- Encourage your child to eat a good breakfast and pack a healthy snack to help them get through the day.


9. Accompany your little one- Even if your elementary school child will be riding the bus regularly or walking to school, you may want to take them yourself on the first day, particularly if they seem nervous.


10. Introduce yourselves- Young children are often shy with a new teacher. If you take your child to school on the first day, you might want to go into the classroom and introduce your child to the teacher. Let the teacher know about any special interests or challenges that your child has.


I hope you find these tips helpful as you and your child make the transition to life in the North Shore! Each school in Chicago’s North Shore provides the best care and quality education. There are also a wide variety of activities and ways to get involved, so your child will be sure to quickly get accustomed to their new school.


If you have further questions about living in the North Shore or you’re considering a move to one of the North Shore communities; please let me know! I would enjoy taking the time to answer your questions about the North Shore Real Estate market, show you homes that are currently available on the North Shore and can help guide you through each step of the home buying process. Feel free to contact me today to get started!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Winnetka Market Stats for July 2011


Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 186 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,832,025 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 23 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,252,962 the average time on market for these properties was 65 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 July 2011


Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 377 properties actively on the market with the average price of $566,168 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 55 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $424,087 the average time on market for these properties was 89 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

Highland Park Market Stats for July 2011


Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 380 properties actively on the market with the average price of $928,399 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 36 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $494,671, the average time on market for these properties was 109 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

Glencoe Market Stats for July 2011


Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 126 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,5155,934 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $685,050, the average time on market for these properties was 71 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 July 2011


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 192 properties actively on the market with the average price of $512,845 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 34 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $450,326, the average time on market for these properties was 108 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

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Get Involved in Your North Shore Community This Weekend!

No matter where you live on Chicago’s North Shore, you’ll find a fantastic lifestyle! Whether you choose to settle down in Glencoe, Highland Park, Winnetka, Deerfield or Northbrook, you’ll discover the best school systems, communities, restaurants, events and local resources that offer convenience and comfortable living. As a North Shore Real Estate agent who’s lived and worked in the North Shore for over twenty years, I can assure you that you’ll enjoy living on the North Shore!


One of the things I love about the North Shore communities is their emphasis on and investment in the community. The North Shore as a whole wants to provide the best for their residents and wants each person to feel as though they’re an integral part of the community in which they live. Providing great events throughout the year is just one of the ways the North Shore encourages neighbors to get together, and family and friends to get out and experience their community.


If you are looking for something to do this weekend and currently live in the North Shore; you won’t want to miss out on these special events listed below! If you’re thinking about moving to the North Shore and want to get a feel for what the North Shore lifestyle has to offer, attending an event is a great way to do so. Take a look at what’s happening this weekend around the North Shore!


Winnetka


Family Movie Night on the Beach

Tower Road Park

Sheridan Rd & Tower Rd, Winnetka
http://www.winpark.org


Saturday, August 6 at 7:30pm


- This FREE Family Movie Night is a favorite for Winnetka residents! Family, friends and neighbors can bring their lawn chairs, blankets and food to the park and enjoy a movie on the big screen! This Saturday they’re showing Toy Story 3, so you won’t want to miss out! Grills are also provided for those who want to cook out before the movie begins.


Evanston


Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival

Dawes Park

Sheridan Rd at Church St, Evanston

www.cityofevanston.org/festivals-concerts/lakeshore-arts-festival


Saturday & Sunday, August 6 & 7 from 11am-6pm


- You don’t want to miss out on the annual Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival! Since 1973, this festival has been a favorite of Evanston residents as it allows for a chance to meet local artisans, musicians, food vendors and to hang out with neighbors, family and friends. This year is highlighted by live jazz and classical music, the Children’s Craft tent, a silent art auction and much more!


Northbrook


Northbrook Days Festival

Village Green
Shermer Rd & Meadow Rd, Northbrook
www.northbrookdays.com



Friday - Sunday, August 5-7 from 6pm-11pm; Noon-11pm; 1pm-9pm


- This annual event is in its 87th year and is hosted by and raises funds for The Northbrook Civic Foundation. This non-profit organization seeks to enhance the quality of life for Northbrook residents through hosting and supporting various events. The Northbrook Days Festival is highlighted by live music, local artisans, local food vendors, carnival rides, games and prizes! You can view the entire schedule and more information on the Northbrook Days Festival website.


As you can see there’s an array of activities and ways to get involved in the North Shore communities this weekend. I hope you’re able to take advantage of a few of these events and enjoy part of what makes Chicago’s North Shore such a great place to call home.


For those of you who are considering relocating to the North Shore and have questions regarding the North Shore Real Estate market or would like to know more about the homes currently available in the North Shore; please let me know! My goal is to provide the best service and help you walk through each step of buying a home in the North Shore.


I would love to help you find your North Shore home!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website