Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Discover the Chicago North Shore this Weekend!



I enjoy helping buyers navigate through a wide variety of homes on the North Shore Real Estate market and walking with them through the home buying process.  Yet, there’s something about a communities lifestyle that you can just sense... what makes it feel like “home.”  

If you’re searching for your ideal North Shore community, you may want to take some time this weekend to venture out and see what each neighborhood has to offer!  You may just find the perfect fit!  Here are a few events taking place this weekend through the North Shore that will help you experience what each community and hopefully hone in on which one you like best!  (Of course if you’re already a North Shore resident, you won’t want to miss these fun events either!)

Highland Park Restaurant Week
Various Highland Park Restaurants

Now through April 28

The Downtown Highland Park Alliance proudly presents Highland Park’s second annual Restaurant Week beginning April 18 and continuing through April 28. Beyond the traditional prix-fixe and tasting menus, Restaurant Week offers additional specials that are sure to tempt any diner’s taste buds. Whether you’re craving a martini ‘neat’ or something sweet, head to Highland Park to take a break and dine out!  Here are a few sneak peeks of the deals you’ll find, but be sure to visit the Highland Park Restaurant Week website to view all the menus!  
Blue Cat Café enjoy a 20% discount on beer and wine
Café Central is offering a dessert tasting plate consisting of an apple tart, profiterole and chocolate mousse for $9.50
At The City Park Grill enjoy $5 house martinis over the weekend and on Saturday enjoy house wine bottles for $14


Free Poetry Workshop for Kids
with Author Tamara Will Wissinger
The Book Stall at Chestnut Court
811 Elm St, Winnetka

Saturday, April 27 at 3pm
- Chicago-area writer Tamara Will Wissinger, author of Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse, leads a poetry workshop for ages 9-12 this Saturday!  This free event has limited space, so registration is required.  Ms. Wissinger will be happy to autograph her book for workshop participants and the general public at 4 PM that day.  For more information or to register your child, please call 847-446-8880.  You can learn more about Tamara Wissinger by visiting her website
Wine Tasting to Benefit Heartland Animal Shelter
Heartland Animal Shelter
2875 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook
d’Vine Wine and Gifts(event location)
742 E Dundee, Palatine
Saturday, April 27 at 4pm
- Don’t miss out on Saturday’s wine tasting for a great cause at d’Vine Wine and Gifts!  d’Vine Wine, a wine boutique which mainly carries short production wines and small winemakers’ products, is hosting a wine tasting fundraiser to benefit the homeless animals of Heartland Animal Shelter.  The cost for the event is $25, with $20 of each ticket sold going to support the Heartland Animal Shelter (a no-kill humane organization based in Northbrook and serving the Chicagoland North and Northwest communities).

To secure a wine tasting entry or for more information about this event, adoption or volunteer opportunities call Heartland Animal Shelter at 847-296-6400. 
You’ll find that, no matter your style, there is a North Shore community that fits your lifestyle!  Better yet?  There are a number of beautiful homes in each area as well, so you’re sure to find the community and home that “just feels right!”
If you have questions about the current North Shore Real Estate market, or would like to  sit down and discuss what you’re looking for in a North Shore home; please contact me today!
I look forward to helping you settle in to Chicago’s North Shore!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Tips for Entering the Vibrant Spring North Shore Real Estate Market

If you’ve visited my blog in the past, you know that I enjoy bringing you up to date North Shore Real Estate market information with my monthly market statistics.  As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I feel it’s imperative to educate my clients on the market and allow them to see the reality of the market for themselves.

It’s been encouraging to see the market continue to improve through the first part of this year, and it’s on a trajectory to continue its’ upward climb!  The best recipe for a successful real estate market is when it’s beneficial to buyers as well as sellers, and we’re seeing this in our current North Shore market!

Recently, Coldwell Banker noted that the North Shore Real Estate market is “off to its fastest start since the last century!”  Homes on the North Shore are selling at their quickest pace since 1998, with more homes going under contract from January to March of this year.  In fact, there would be more homes selling if there was a higher market inventory. 

These statistics are great news for sellers, but buyers are also finding good news in today’s market.

Interest rates are still low, but are expected to continue to climb meaning that now is also an ideal time to buy.  With an increase of 4% in the median sales price over the same period as last year, those interested in buying will not find home prices this low and should consider acting with confidence before it’s too late.

Of course as with any home sale or purchase, the decision requires careful consideration.  Here are a few key tips that buyers and sellers will want to note before jumping into the North Shore Real Estate market.

Buyers

1. Think Long-Term- When buying a home in today’s market, you want to plan for the future. Consider your basic needs such as security, proximity to your job and other daily activities, the school system and room to grow if need be. You want to plan to be in a home for a minimum of three to five years.

2. Be Prepared to Make an Offer- Before you even begin searching for your North Shore home, you’ll want to get pre-approved for a loan. This not only helps you determine your home buying budget, but will make the process run much more quickly once you’re ready to make an offer. This will also force you to get your credit in order and gives you the opportunity to correct any credit issues before entering the North Shore Real Estate market.

3. Live Within Your Means- This is a lesson that our country seems to be learning collectively. We’ve seen the damage that can come from buying homes we can’t afford and digging ourselves further into debt. Buying a North Shore home that fits your budget as it stands now will give the home a chance to appreciate. In the long run, your finances will be healthier and you’ll more than likely be able to afford your dream home next time around.

Sellers

1. 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.

2. 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!

3. Make Sure Your Home is Getting Ultimate Exposure- The main element in getting your home sold  and for the highest price possible 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. A strong online presence for your home is a service your real estate agent should be providing for you.

Buyers and Sellers

*Find a Recommended North Shore Real Estate Agent- Having the right agent journey with you through the home buying or selling process will make all the difference. Conduct research online or talk with family and friends to get their recommendations. Many North Shore Real Estate agents have testimonials on their websites that will give you a good indication of other buyer’s and seller’s experience with that agent. You’ll want to find an agent who has experience in the North Shore Real Estate market and with whom you feel you can work with for however long it takes for you to find your North Shore home.

Want to learn more or take the next step?  Please feel free to contact me today to set up a time to meet!

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


Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Highland Park Market Statistics for March 2013


Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 217 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,126,981 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 28 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $434,121, the average time on market for these properties was 122 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


Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Winnetka Market Stats for March 2013

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 112 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,358,498 in Winnetka.


Winnetka Sold Listings: 13 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $855,654, 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 Winnetka market statistics

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website



Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Glencoe Market Stats for March 2013

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 60 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,869,407 in Glencoe.


Glencoe Sold Listings: 11 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $830,464, 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


Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Northbrook Market Stats for March 2013

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 133 properties actively on the market with the average price of $744,998 in Northbrook.


Northbrook Sold Listings: 36 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $400,858, the average time on market for these properties was 86 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


Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Deerfield Market Stats for March 2013


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 83 properties actively on the market with the average price of $618,577 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 33 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $370,324, the average time on market for these properties was 77 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


Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Savor the Warm Weather Seasons in Your North Shore Outdoor Living Space!


With warm weather just around the corner, you may be anticipating spending the longer days outdoors in the North Shore!  After making it through a Chicago winter, the warmer seasons are just the thing needed to help you fall in love with Chicago’s North Shore all over again.

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I’m dedicated to all things related to the home and helping clients truly enjoy their North Shore home. If you are as ready to soak in time outdoors this year as I am, read on!  

Today I wanted to take time to focus on your outdoor living space and what you can do to make it a welcome retreat for your North Shore home.

1. Shield the view- If you find your backyard backs up to a neighbors without any privacy, or the homes on your street are set so that you can easily see multiple neighbors’ yards; consider shielding the view.  Sometimes the most un-relaxing thing is knowing others can see every move you make. Add shrubs or dwarf trees to, not only add green to your outdoor space, but to give yourself the atmosphere of a true respite.

2. Create a focal point- One of the main tips for an outdoor space is having a focal point.  Whether its a water feature, an outdoor fireplace, or an art installation; this can bring the space together and also act as a conversation piece.

3. Offer a variety of seating options- Benches, stools, couches and chairs will offer enough seating for everyone!  Kids will feel included in having their own seating and multiple seating allows you to easily move things around for your needs. 

4. Put everything in its’ place- Organize any outdoor tools such as hoses, watering cans, brooms or garden tools in such a way that is visually appealing and keeps your outdoor area from feeling cluttered.  It will also ensure you know exactly where everything is!

5. Create outdoor “rooms”- If you have the space, be sure to have separate seating arrangements to make your outdoor area feel like a true living space!  Break up the dining area from the lounge space and the kids area, and you’ll give off the feeling of a more spacious area!

I hope these tips help inspire you to begin dreaming up your outdoor space for your North Shore home.  If you’re new to the North Shore area, you’ll see first hand why spring is one of the most anticipated seasons of the year, and you’ll want to make sure your home on the North Shore is outfitted for spending time outdoors!

If you don’t currently live in the North Shore, but have been considering jumping in to the spring North Shore Real Estate market; please let me know!  There are a wide variety of beautiful homes currently on the North Shore market and new ones springing up each week!

I would love the opportunity to talk with you about finding and buying your new North Shore home!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website


Local Expert... with National Connections!
Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.