A Look at the North Shore Housing Market for 2013!

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is behind us and we’re embarking on a new year!  I hope you all enjoyed a great holiday season with loved ones whether you traveled far or  created a cozy and welcoming environment in your North Shore home. 

As with each year in working as a North Shore Real Estate agent, I always anticipate what the new year will bring for Chicago’s North Shore Real Estate market.  The past few years in the national housing market have been a little rocky, but it looks as though 2013 will continue the upward movement and growing stability of the housing market as a whole.

Recently, MoneyCNN reported on the S&P/Chase-Shiller index noting that home prices posted the largest percentage gain in more than two years, with prices up 4.3% in October compared to last year.  These trends are expected to continue with other factors playing into the housing market boost.  Things such as a five year low in foreclosures, lower unemployment and the still low mortgage rates will result in more active buyers.  This, in turn, will drive up home prices.

Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Realtors chief economist commented on the recovering market for 2013 by adding that "sellers will smile more, and buyers will need a more concentrated focus.”  Buyers will find greater competition and will need to act quickly when they find a home they like.  

Of course this also results in great news for sellers in the new year.  The demand of buyers will result in higher home prices, which will give sellers an opportunity to put a larger down payment on their new home.  This is just the cycle that needs to happen for the market to continue its improvement in 2013, and it looks like it’s already picking up speed.

The bottom line?  If you’re considering buying a North Shore home this coming year; don’t wait until the spring market to do so!  Get a jump start on the competition by following these helpful tips:

1. Get Your Financials in Order- You don’t want to wait until you find your dream home on the North Shore to start getting your financials together.  Meet now with your lender, know your credit score and determine your home buying budget and down payment.

2.  Begin Your Search Online- If you’re new to the area or are relocating to the North Shore, starting your North Shore home search online can help give you an idea of the types of homes available in the North Shore.  

3.  Find an Experienced North Shore Real Estate Agent- Having an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent by your side will ensure you receive the best service possible.  You want someone who knows the ins and outs of the market and can guide you with the advice needed for navigating through the home buying process.

As always, I’m here to answer your questions and guide you each step of the way!  2013 will be an exciting time for the housing market and I’m looking forward to working with you to buy or sell your North Shore home!

Happy New Year!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Tips for Slowing Down this Holiday Season on the North Shore

Anticipation is growing as Christmas is less than a week away!  For many of you, this means taking care of last minute shopping, party arrangements and preparing your North Shore home for out of town guests.

It can be easy to become busy this last week before the biggest holiday of the year, but it’s also important to take some time to reflect on the past year and the true meaning of the holiday season.  

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy providing helpful home tips, buying and selling advice and updates on the current North Shore Real Estate market.  However, I also know that a large part of living in a North Shore home is enjoying the excellent quality of life the North Shore has to offer.  Here are just a few ideas that you can do to slow down the pace and truly soak in this festive holiday season with loved ones.

1. Candlelight Night- There’s something very calming about candlelight.  Why not get together with friends or family, light a few candles and have your fireplace glowing and take time to share your favorite Christmas memories!

2. Slow Down- Feel that you have a million thoughts running through your head and a long list of things to do before Christmas Eve?  Sit down and just take a minute to relax.  Find a quiet place in your home, enjoy the coziness of a fire in the fireplace in your North Shore home and just block out all the noise.  Being able to take a few minutes to do this will help you to enjoy the holiday more as you feel relaxed and more focused on the true meaning of the holidays.

3. Potluck- Instead of trying to do it all and take on hosting a large Christmas dinner in your home on the North Shore; have a potluck!  Whether you’re gathering with your neighbors or are expecting a large group of family and friends; sharing the cooking will take the pressure off of you!  This also gives others the opportunity to share their favorite holiday recipes!

4. Movie Night- Looking for something to do for a fun holiday event?  Host a movie night with holiday treats and your favorite holiday movies!  This inexpensive gathering will be fun for children and adults alike!

5. Cocktail Party- Try hosting a cocktail party in place of a sit down dinner.  If you want to keep things simple, and don’t have an entire evening free- this can be a way to gather with friends over a little Christmas cheer.  Have an under $10 gift exchange for added fun!

6. Hot Chocolate Tasting- This classic winter drink is loved by many and with all the new flavors out there, a hot chocolate tasting may be just the thing for a fun holiday idea!  The tasting can take place for the children while the adults enjoy their cocktail party, or can become part of your Christmas Eve traditions!

7. Winter Walk- The North Shore is beautiful this time of year!  Even though the leaves on the trees are gone, the Pine trees offer that touch of green and holiday spirit.  You’ll also enjoy taking in the sights of the beautiful Christmas decorations adorning North Shore homes. The fresh air will be invigorating and discovering your favorite shops and restaurants around the North Shore is always a great idea!

8. Give Back- Whether it’s your time, money, or donations… give back this season!  There are many who aren’t able to experience the holidays to the fullest due to illness, loneliness or lack of resources to buy gifts for loved ones.  Why not take the time to give back in some way?  Gather your North Shore neighbors or family and come up with creative ways to give back to Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Glencoe, Northbrook or any other of the North Shore communities! You’ll enjoy seeing the smiles on others faces!

I hope these ideas inspire you to step away from the busy schedule of this final week before Christmas and to appreciate the time with family and friends!

If you have any questions about living on the North Shore or are interested in beginning your North Shore home search after the holiday season; please feel free to contact me!  I would be happy to help you through the home buying process!

Happy Holidays!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Deerfield Market Stats for November 2012

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 100 properties actively on the market with the average price of $465,019 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 20 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $502,928, the average time on market for these properties was 60 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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Northbrook Market Stats for November 2012

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 175 properties actively on the market with the average price of $656,678 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 47 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $427,586, the average time on market for these properties was 75 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

Winnetka Market Stats for November 2012

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 107 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,451,506 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $838,208, 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 Winnetka market statistics! 

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Glencoe Market Stats for November 2012

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 73 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,564,734 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $812,208, the average time on market for these properties was 64 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

Highland Park Market Stats for November 2012

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 223 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,072,452 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings:33 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $534,564, 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 Highland Park market statistics! 

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

A Festive Season on Chicago's North Shore!

What a great time of year the holiday season is around Chicago’s North Shore!  I’m sure many of you are busy with shopping, holiday parties and gatherings with friends and family.  

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, this festive time of year allows me to highlight even more of what the North Shore has to offer.  Whether you live in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook or Deerfield; you’re sure to find an event or a local restaurant that will boost your holiday cheer!

Part of the reason that I love what I do is because I don’t just help people buy a home on the North Shore; I help them discover the North Shore lifestyle.  Buying a home is much more than the property itself, as it’s important to look at the community to see if it’s a good fit for you.  

If you are considering relocating to the North Shore, or currently live in a North Shore home and are looking for a few fun ways to enjoy the holiday season; don’t miss out on these upcoming events!

Ravinia’s Christmas Concert- Ravinia Festival

Ravinia Festival - Bennett Gordon Hall 

200 Ravinia Park Rd, Highland Park

December 6, 2012 - December 6, 2012 

- Elisabeth von Trapp joins the Empire Brass for a dazzling program of Christmas music, ringing in the holiday season with their brilliant artistry. Elisabeth is the granddaughter of the legendary Maria and Baron von Trapp, whose story inspired The Sound of Music. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday concert!  Get your tickets by visiting the Ravinia website. 

Shhh....opping Highland Park

Downtown Highland Park

Friday, December 7 from 4-9pm & Saturday, December 8 from 11am-4pm

- This wonderful annual family event is back with build your own gingerbread houses, live reindeer, french crepes, hot cider, roasted chestnuts, caramel corn, s'mores, strolling carolers and more.  Real snow guaranteed!  Learn more about this fun event on Highland Parks' website. 

A Holiday Chocolate Walk
Hubbard Woods Merchants in Winnetka
Shops along Green Bay Road between Scott Road & Tower Road 

Saturday, December 8 

- Join the fun at the Hubbard Woods Design District Holiday Chocolate Walk. Enjoy free tastings of chocolate confections at every stop and enter a raffle to win over $500.00 of Gift Certificates!  Visit 8 locations to have your card stamped and drop them off at Benvenuti and Stein showroom-899 1/2 Green Bay Rd. where the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies await. Special chocolates by Lorilicious will be handed out while quantities last. FREE!  Visit the Benvenuti and Stein website for more information. 

You’ll find that, no matter what event you attend, you’ll experience the fantastic lifestyle of the North Shore.  You’re sure to experience all the warmth and joy of the holidays in any of the North Shore cities!

If you don’t currently live on the North Shore, but have been seriously considering buying a North Shore home; please feel free to contact me!  There are many beautiful homes on the North Shore Real Estate market, and you’ll find many options that fit your needs, lifestyle and budget.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website