Wednesday, October 31, 2012

A Second Look at Overpriced Homes on the North Shore Real Estate Market


If you’ve been considering buying a home on the North Shore this fall with visions of settling in to your new abode in time for the holidays; you may be discouraged at the number of homes that fall just outside of your price range.  You’ve viewed homes online and may have fallen in love with a few that seem to fit your style and needs, but feel as though you need to settle for homes that are a more comfortable fit for your wallet.

As an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent, I have some encouraging news!  Most homes on the market have sellers that are willing to negotiate; especially during the holiday season.  In fact, the homes that seem overpriced may be just the ones at which you want to take a second look!

Of course there are other reasons, such as an issue with the home, as to why the home has been sitting on the market; but oftentimes it’s simply that the price is too high and buyers shy away from putting in a bid on the home.  Below are just a few of the reasons buyers are afraid of putting in a lower offer on an overpriced home. 

- Fear of Offending the Seller- Buyers may feel that a significantly low offer on a North Shore home would completely offend the seller. The buyer may also feel embarrassed that they attempted such a low offer and may be convinced that the seller would never accept.

- The Price is Solid- Buyers may think that they seller is already aware that the home is overpriced. They think that if the seller was anxious to sell, they would have lowered the price and perhaps the seller is solid on the listing price and not willing to budge.

- Offers Have Been Turned Down- If an overpriced home has not moved at all in price, those interested assume that lower offers have been made and the seller has simply turned them down. The reality could be that, in fact, no offers have been made.

All of these factors can lead to a great North Shore home sitting on the market for an extended period of time.  It’s worth taking the time to talk with your North Shore Real Estate agent about a few of the homes that are out of your price range.  Chances are, they are familiar with the homes and will have a better idea of where the seller is at in the home selling process.

If you have any questions about homes you’ve seen on the North Shore Real Estate market, or haven’t yet started your North Shore home search and are ready to begin; please contact me!

You'll be glad you took a second look at the North Shore home of your dreams!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Have a Safe & Happy Halloween on Chicago's North Shore!


It’s hard to believe we’re nearing the end of October and that autumn is in full swing here on Chicago’s North Shore.  I enjoy this time of year as we hang on to the last few warm days and the changing leaves offer scenic views in every direction.

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, it’s easy for me to talk with buyers relocating to Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook, Glencoe and Highland Park and other North Shore communities about what makes this area such a great place to call “home.”  The North Shore’s great location near the metropolis of Chicago, beautiful neighborhoods, an endless supply of restaurants and shops, along with fun festivals and events throughout the year are just a few of the highlights of living on the North Shore.

If you are new to the area, are considering moving to the North Shore or are simply looking for a way to get out in the community and take part in a few fun Halloween events this weekend; you won’t want to miss these family friendly activities!

Halloween Happening in Wilmette
Community Recreation Center
3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette
Friday, October 28 from 5:30-8:30pm

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Filled with chills and thrills, this family-friendly event features carnival games, magician, fortune teller, moonwalk, arts and crafts, face painting, mad scientist’s lab and pony rides. Also, don’t miss the Theater of Terror!  A pizza dinner is included along with a goodie bag and a visit to the Pumpkin Patch.  Wristbands will be issued upon check-in at the event and will be required to participate in all activities. This family event is appropriate for ages 4 and up.  View more information on the Wilmette Recreation Center website
Bug-A-Boo Halloween Walk
Ecology Center
2024 McCormick Blvd. Evanston

Saturday, October 27 at 12pm

- This non-frightening annual Halloween event is hosted by the Evanston Ecology Center. This year’s theme is “Alien Invaders.” It will showcase plants and animals that are invasive to Evanston. Learn about these “aliens” and find out what they like so much about Evanston! You’ll meet these characters (costumed volunteers) outside as you travel around the Ladd Arboretum; then you’ll enjoy snacks at the Ecology Center.  More information is available on the Evanston website

Halloween Hoopla
Jewett Park Community Center
836 Jewett Park Drive, Deerfield

Friday, October 28th from 7-9pm & Saturday, October 29th from 3-9pm
- Friday evening brave souls are invited to partake in the thrills and chills of our superbly scary Haunted House. Your whole family will also enjoy a bonfire, DJ and more. On Saturday enjoy family-friendly entertainment, balloon dudes, both indoor and outdoor games, and hay rides, with plenty of Halloween treats available for purchase. Children under 7 years of age may take a walk through our haunted  house with the lights on! Then, as Saturday evening arrives, once again, enjoy a bonfire, DJ (and corn roast) in the Park. For more information on Halloween Hoopla 2012, please visit the Jewett Park Community Center website
Living on the North Shore has a lot to offer and I hope you and your loved ones are able to get out in the community this weekend to enjoy these events.
As always, I’m here if you’re interested in buying or selling a home on the North Shore!  I’d love to walk with you through any questions you have about the North Shore Real Estate market and how I can help you successfully reach your real estate goals.
Have a safe and happy Halloween!
Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

One Market Statistic You Don't Want to Overlook!


Last week, we were able to take a look at market stats across the North Shore.  From Winnetka, Highland Park and Northbrook to Glencoe and Deerfield; the blogs helped to give you an idea of the current housing market, which is vital if you’re hoping to buy or sell this fall or winter.

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, my goal is to provide you with the most up to date statistics and advice that will help you navigate through the North Shore Real Estate market with ease!  I know that buying or selling a home can come with a list of expectations, and providing you with the current statistics will guide you to appropriate ideas of what you’ll be spending on a home or at what price current homes in the North Shore are selling. 

One of the major factors in determining the current market, however, is often overlooked!  Little is said about the average days the home stays on the market and this can be a true indication of how the market is fairing.  

Recently, an article David Siroty of Coldwell Banker, pointed out a statement made by Smithtown, NY Coldwell Banker Real Estate agent, Ronni Tranes.  She noted, “The time on market stat is important since it does show what types of homes, both in price and style, are in demand.  Buyers get a sense that homes are selling, things are improving and they shouldn’t wait to time the market.  And sellers obviously gain a greater understanding that buyers are out there and they can put their homes on the market and find success.”

Being better acquainted with current stats on how long homes are typically on the North Shore market will help you gauge how quickly you need to move when buying, or how long it will take to get your home sold.  We know that the average days on the market is decreasing, meaning the market is picking up and improving!  In fact, The National Association of Realtors just reported that that the median time to sell homes in the U.S. had dropped nearly 30% from a year ago from 98 to 69 days.

Interested in learning more about the average days on market for North Shore homes?  Check out my market statistics blogs from last week to view your area!  

If you have further questions about the current North Shore Real Estate market, or about buying or selling a North Shore home; please contact me!  I would be happy to talk with you more and discuss your real estate needs.

I look forward to hearing from you!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Deerfield Market Stats for September 2012


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 117 properties actively on the market with the average price of $484,902 in Deerfield.
Deerfield Sold Listings: 22 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $374,868, the average time on market for these properties was 115 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
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Glencoe Market Stats for September 2012


Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 79 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,559,735 in Glencoe.
Glencoe Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $803,250, the average time on market for these properties was 79 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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Northbrook Market Stats for September 2012


Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 210 properties actively on the market with the average price of $653,069 in Northbrook.
Northbrook Sold Listings: 54 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $312,783, the average time on market for these properties was 88 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
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Winnetka Market Stats for September 2012


Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 146 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,964,473 in Winnetka.
Winnetka Sold Listings: 13 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $965,346, the average time on market for these properties was 50 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
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Highland Park Market Stats for September 2012


Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 264 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,001,825 in Highland Park.
Highland Park Sold Listings: 38 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $535,211, the average time on market for these properties was 95 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
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Celebrate Fall at the North Shore's Chicago Botanic Garden this Weekend!


It’s hard to believe we’re in October and that fall on the North Shore is in full swing!  As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I love being able to highlights various events and attractions that the North Shore has to offer.  It allows me to offer my clients a full experience of what living on Chicago’s North Shore is all about.  

For those of you who are interested in moving to the North Shore or you currently live in one of its’ charming cities such as Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook or Deerfield; you won’t want to miss this upcoming event at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe.  If you haven’t visited this stunning 385 acre garden, this weekend is the perfect time to do so!  You’ll not only be able to enjoy some of the season’s greatest activites, but can take part in the 13th Annual Bulb sale as well!  Take a look!

Fall Bulb Festival
Chicago Botanic Gardens
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe
Friday- Sunday, October 5th-7th from 10am-4pm

- Visitors are invited to sip cider, wine, and beer, while listening to live music and shopping among more than 20 of the Garden's favorite local vendors. Taste mouth-watering salsas, herbs, and vegetables.  You can also bring home gourmet foods including baked goods, cheeses, and honey. Shop for pumpkins, pottery, soaps, and more. You’ll enjoy this chance to experience the best of the fall harvest!  Children can navigate the straw bale maze, get moving with a fun outdoor fitness activity, enjoy the amazing gourd display, and drop in for such family activities as leaf rubbing, a leaf hunt, and mini-scarecrows.

13th Annual Bulb Sale
- Just a few steps away in the Regenstein Center, visitors will find the perfect bulbs for their gardens at the 13th annual bulb sale, featuring more than 200 varieties of daffodils, tulips, alliums, and other specialty bulbs. The bulbs are from Holland, Scotland, and the United States, brought to you just in time for fall planting. The annual bulb sale is presented by the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society. The Woman's Board is in its first year of "Growing the Future," a $1 million pledge to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Proceeds for 2012 will support the Garden’s Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest community gardening programs.

I hope you’re able to take part in this great event!  You’ll not only be able to visit one of the country’s best gardens, but can celebrate the fall season as well!

As always, I’m here to help you navigate through the North Shore Real Estate market and settle in seamlessly to the North Shore lifestyle.  If you have any questions about the homes currently available on the North Shore or would like to know more about living in one of the North Shore’s vibrant cities; please contact me!

I look forward to being your trusted resource for the North Shore!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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