Wednesday, June 19, 2013

5 Tips for Buying a North Shore Home this Summer


Summer on the North Shore is an exciting time, especially if you’re considering buying a home in Winnetka, Deerfield, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook or any of the other North Shore communities.  There are new homes coming on the North Shore Real Estate market each week and there’s always a buzz of activity as people are out in the great weather looking at available homes.

If you’re considering buying a home this summer, there are a few things you’ll want to know about purchasing a home during this busy real estate season.  As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I always want to ensure my buyers are fully prepared to enter the North Shore Real Estate market with appropriate expectations.  Here are a few tips for navigating through the summer North Shore market.

1. Look past curb appeal- Summer is a great time for sellers as their home is being shown in the best light possible.  Budding flowers, lush trees and green grass set the stage for a home to show well.  Buyers see beautiful curb appeal and can instantly fall in love with the appearance of the home and its charming setting.  Yet, it’s important to look past curb appeal and focus on what’s going on inside the home.  Take note of any major updates or repairs you’ll have to do to make the home move in ready and take those factors into serious consideration.

2. Start your search early- If you have children that will be starting school in the fall, you’ll want to find and be settled into your new North Shore home before the school year starts.  Moving early to mid summer will allow your children to meet others in the neighborhood and feel less nervous about starting at a new school in the fall. 

3. Act quickly- On average, 30-40% of homes sell in the summer months.  This means that competition is tight.  If there’s a great home that fits your style, budget and your wants; move quickly or someone else will!  Of course you still want to weigh the decision carefully and talk with your North Shore Real Estate agent, but delays can lead to bidding wars or someone snatching up the home first. 

4. Have your financials in order- Because you’ll need to act quickly on a North Shore home in the summer, you’ll want to be sure to have your financials in order. This means being pre approved and making sure you’re prepared with a down payment.

5. Don’t be fooled by nice weather- A dry summer can hide a moisture problem in a home.  Look for clues of excessive moisture by checking the ceiling and walls for water marks.  Mildew is also another sign of moisture issues and will need to be dealt with immediately. You’ll naturally want a home inspection before purchasing the home, but these are a few clues to look for when viewing the home for the first time as they can tip you off to potential issues.

Hopefully these tips will help prepare you for what to expect and will help as you begin your North Shore home search.

If you have any questions about buying a North Shore home this summer, or are looking for a North Shore Real Estate agent to guide you each step of the way; please let me know!  I’d be happy to talk with you and help you find, and buy, the North Shore home of your dreams!



Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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