Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Discover Chicago's North Shore This Weekend!

Spring is a beautiful time of year along Chicago’s North Shore.  Budding trees, warm breezes and vibrant colors have brought a fresh sense of excitement to cities such as Winnetka, Northbrook, Glencoe, Highland Park and Deerfield.  If you live in one of these great communities you’re probably already finding ways to get out and enjoy the latest season.


For those of you who haven’t yet settled into Chicago’s North Shore, but are considering buying a North Shore home this spring; you may be planning a trip to discover what the North Shore has to offer.  As a North Shore Real Estate agent for a number of years, I can attest that spring is one of the best times to buy a North Shore home.  Given the current buyers market, as well as low mortgage rates and home prices; now is an ideal time to begin searching for a home in the North Shore.
If you’re planning on visiting the North Shore this weekend to get a better feel for this north of Chicago area, or you’re a North Shore resident and looking for something to do this weekend; I’ve listed a few events you may want to check out!
Eco-friendly Lawn & Landscape Summit
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Rd, Glencoe
Saturday, March 31 at 8am
- If you have a green thumb or just want to learn more about caring for your lawn and garden, don’t miss the Lawn & Landscape Summit at the beautiful Chicago Botanic Garden this Saturday.  You’ll learn eco-friendly and natural methods for lawn and landscape care, as well as being able to hear from landscape experts during question and answer sessions.  A naturally healthy lawn will be the theme of this event which is co-presented by Calcium Products and the Lawn to Lake program.  Purchase tickets and learn more at the Lawn & Landscape Summit website
Doggy Egg Hunt
Centennial Park
225 Sheridan Rd, Winnetka
Saturday, March 31 at 9am
- The Doggy Egg Hunt is a great way to meet other dog owners and pups in the North Shore!  Winnetka’s Park District is hosting this even for the first time this coming Saturday and will be great fun for pooches and people alike!  Plastic eggs filled with dog treats will be hidden all over Centennial Park for canines to find.  Dogs participating will receive a “doggy bag” to commemorate this fun filled morning.  The under 30 lb part will begin at 9am and the over 30 lb at 10am.  The cost for this event is $5 for current Centennial Dog Beach passholders and $10 for non passholders. For more information contact the Winnetka Park District at 847-501-2040.
Both of these fun events are worth taking part in and will be sure to give you insight into the North Shore culture and community!  I always enjoy pointing out events taking place in the North Shore since buying a home is much more than the home itself; it’s also about the lifestyle of the area in which you live.
If you have any questions about North Shore living or are ready to take the next towards buying a home in the North Shore; please contact me!  I would enjoy helping you discover the North Shore and find the home that fits your needs and lifestyle perfectly.
I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, March 21, 2012

A Fresh Look at Why Now is a Great Time to Buy a North Shore Home


As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I often get questions about the current state of the national housing market, and if now is really a good time to buy a North Shore home.  In keeping very much in the loop of what’s happening in the national housing market, as well as the North Shore Real Estate market; I can attest that now may be one of the best times to buy a North Shore home!
Recently, Capital Economics came out with an article noting that 2012 could very well be the end of the housing crisis.  The reason being that lenders are loosening their credit requirements, allowing more home buyers to qualify for home loans.  Because of the number of homes currently on the real estate market, more buyers equates more activity on the market, resulting in more homes being sold!  
In their study, Capital Economics shows that banks are lending up to 3.5 times borrower earnings, which is up from 3.2 times borrower earnings at the low of the housing crisis.  The loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are also being loosened by banks which, according to Capital Economics is, “the clearest sign yet of an improvement in mortgage credit conditions.”  If you’ve been turned down for a home loan within the past few years; now is a great time to try again!
In fact, loosening credit requirements are not the only reason why now is an ideal time to buy a North Shore home.  Below are just a few of the additional reasons, as pointed out by Quicken Loans, that you’ll want to seriously consider buying a North Shore home this spring!  
Appreciation- Buying a North Shore home now (at the current rates) can almost ensure your home’s appreciation in the future.  Mortgage rates are near historic lows and home prices are the lowest the nation has seen in 10 years!  If you hold on to the home until after the market improves, this can result in a significant return on investment!
Property Tax Deductions- For income tax purposes, real estate property taxes for a vacation home and first home are fully deductible.  The IRS (Publication 530) provides detailed tax information on and answers questions on what deductions for which home owners are eligible. 
Preferential Tax Treatment- If you own your home for over a year and receive more profit than the allowable exclusion after the sale of your home, the profit will be considered a capital asset, which are given preferential tax treatment. 
Equity Building- There are many factors that play into the final decision of which mortgage loan works best for you such as credit qualification, loan flexibility and annual percentage rate (APR).  However, there’s a new trend towards equity building among today’s buyers which means paying more on a loan each month in order to decrease the principle balance more quickly.  This trend, called equity building, allows borrowers to:

- Pay off the principle balance faster
- Lock in record low interest rates
- Shorten the length of their home loan
- Own their home faster
- Pay substantially less mortgage interest
Pride- This aspect is still key when it comes to the benefits of owning your own home.  Going through the home buying process, building value into your home and having a place to call your own is still a thriving portion of the American dream. 
If buying a North Shore home is something you’ve been considering, I would encourage you to move forward in the home buying process!  While it can seem like an overwhelming process, having an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent by your side each step of the way can ensure a smooth and efficient home buying experience.
I would love the opportunity to meet with you and discuss any questions you have about buying a North Shore home!  There are a number of beautiful homes currently on the North Shore Real Estate market that are ideally priced, so you’re sure to find a home that fits your needs, budget and lifestyle.
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
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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Winnetka Market Stats for February 2012


Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 156 properties actively on the market with the average price of $41,722,509 in Winnetka.
Winnetka Sold Listings: 8 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,578,688, the average time on market for these properties was 197 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

Deerfield Market Stats for February 2012


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 163 properties actively on the market with the average price of $497,357 in Deerfield.
Deerfield Sold Listings: 11 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $166,000, the average time on market for these properties was 125 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

Highland Park Market Stats for February 2012


Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 290 properties actively on the market with the average price of $909,058 in Highland Park.
Highland Park Sold Listings: 19 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $386,330, the average time on market for these properties was 142 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

Northbrook Market Stats for February 2012


Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 273 properties actively on the market with the average price of $579,728 in Northbrook.
Northbrook Sold Listings: 24 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $361,794, the average time on market for these properties was 80 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

Glencoe Market Stats for February 2012


Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 92 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,599,360 in Glencoe.
Glencoe Sold Listings: 8 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $732,750, the average time on market for these properties was 167 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

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

5 Home Inspection Tips for Your North Shore Home


Buying a North Shore home this spring can be an exciting time as the real estate market begins to bustle with more activity.  Sellers find that the warmer months are the ideal time to put their home on the market, and take the first few weeks of spring to freshen up their home.  Buyers also feel more eager to buy in the spring since they can avoid packing up and moving in the brisk North Shore winters.
If you are considering buying a North Shore home within the next few months; I’m sure you’ll find a great home since there are a wide variety of options on the North Shore Real Estate market!  As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy helping people navigate through the home buying process, as well as ensuring they find the place that fits their style and budget.  
Yet buying a North Shore home is much more than finding your ideal residence.  In fact, there are many important pieces that play into a home purchase.  Today I wanted to take a few moments to highlight the home inspection and give you some great tips to keep in mind as you approach this portion of the home buying process.  While the inspection can be a little nerve wracking as you wonder what the home inspector will uncover, you can be more prepared by doing the following:
1. Attend The Home Inspection- Attending the home inspection will give you the opportunity to learn more about the home and where things are located.  You can also be there if the inspector uncovers any issues.

2. Follow The Home Inspector And Ask Questions- Don’t be afraid to follow the home inspector closely and ask questions, especially if you’re a first time home buyer.  You’ll want to know everything there is to know about your new home and if you’re unsure of anything, the inspection is the perfect time to ask.

3. Be Sure That All Of The Following Points Are Fully Covered- The structure of the home is key to going through with the purchase.  Your licensed home inspector should address the following:

- Heating, plumbing, air-conditioning and all electrical systems: all wires, systems and pipes should be up to date for modern usage.

- All wood throughout the home: wood destroying insects such as termites can cause major damage but can be fixed if dealt with properly.

- Well and/or septic systems: each should be inspected carefully
- Harmful materials: materials should be checked for asbestos

4. Consider Optional Tests- It’s important to test things such as underground storage tanks, as well as testing for lead paint, lead in the drinking water, bacteria in well supplied drinking water, radon gas in the air and other concerns as needed.

5. Obtain A Full Verbal Report At The Time Of The Home Inspection- While the engineering report should be available the day following the inspection; you’ll still want to ask for a full verbal report at the end of the home inspection.

As you think about going into a home inspection, I hope these tips give you a better understanding of what to expect and what you can do to make the most of this important step in the process.  
For those of you who haven’t started searching for your North Shore home or those of you who are still looking for a reliable North Shore Real Estate agent; I would love to talk with you!  My years of experience in the North Shore Real Estate market can ensure that the process runs smoothly and that you find the exact North Shore home for which you’ve been searching!
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