Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Host a "Green" Party in Your North Shore Home this Holiday Season!

With Thanksgiving tomorrow, you’re probably busy preparing to get together with family and friends to celebrate!  It’s a wonderful time of year to host loved ones in your North Shore home and enjoy the season.

For those of you who have lived on the North Shore for even a short amount of time, you know that the North Shore is committed to creating an eco-friendly environment.  Throughout the year you’ll find workshops, events and initiatives that promote going green as a community, as well as in your North Shore home.  

If you are hosting a dinner party this holiday season and are looking for ways to be environmentally conscious, I’ve gathered a few tips below that may seem simple, but will go a long way!  Take a look!

1. Switch to Convection- Now, we don’t expect that you’ll run out and buy a new oven before your holiday party, but this is something to consider for the very near future!  Switch from a conventional oven to a convection oven.  The difference?  A convection oven continually circulates heated air, which means food cooks more quickly and reduces energy usage by 20%!  Imagine being able to prepare food faster and save on energy- all from one appliance!

2. Cloth Napkins- These “things of the past” are making a comeback!  The average American will use around 2,200 paper napkins per year- which are never recycled!  Using cloth napkins will cut down drastically on waste and will make any event feel more special.

3. Buy Local- Shopping locally from farmers and other various growers for ingredients for your holiday party (or any time!) is a great way to cut down on our carbon footprint as well as help support sustainable growing in the North Shore communities.

4. Reusable Towels- When cleaning up after your holiday party; be sure to use reusable towels instead of paper towels.  Microfiber towels will hold on to dust, dirt and food particles since the fibers act like a magnet.  After cleanup, throw them in the wash and you’ll be able to reuse them over and over!

5. Nix the Microwave- As much as possible, reheat or cook items in the oven or on the stove.  Certain plastics can produce harmful fumes when put in the microwave and, while not overtly harmful, microwaves do leak radiation.  It’s just better for your health and for the environment to use other options as often as you can!

6. Glass Containers- Storing leftovers or dried foods in glass containers with lids are much safer than the plastic alternative.  When heated, certain plastics can break down and put chemicals into your food.  Learn more about harmful and safe plastics. 

7. Chill Out- Be sure to put a pitcher of water in your fridge at least an hour before your party to ensure it’s completely chilled.  Those that prefer water won’t have to stand at your sink and let the water run until it gets cold.  The average kitchen faucet flows at a gallon per minute!  Thinking ahead can help to chill water before will reduce the waste that a running faucet will produce!

8. No-Cook Dishes- Save energy and give your oven a rest by preparing dishes that don’t have to be cooked. Think: salads, fruit dishes, veggie dips, yogurts and much more!  You’ll find yourself being more creative and spending less time in the kitchen!

9. Fill the Dishwasher- To avoid wasting water and energy, be sure to have a full load each time you use your dishwasher.  Surprisingly, new energy efficient dishwasher can be more eco-friendly than washing dishes by hand!  Be sure to air dry and skip the pre-rinse cycle as most newer models are effective enough to get your dishes clean without the added step!

I hope these tips inspire you to take an eco-friendly approach to the holiday season!  You’ll not only love spending time with your guests, but will feel good about what you’re doing to help the North Shore environment!


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! 

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Kick Off the Holiday Season with These Upcoming Events on The North Shore!

There’s a growing anticipation of the holiday season here on the North Shore as we see decorations going up all around us and the chill in the air.  It’s a beautiful time of year on the North Shore whether you live in Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe or any of the other unique North Shore towns.  

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I enjoy living and working on the North Shore and being a part of these vibrant communities, which is why I love to highlight what’s happening around town!  If you’re planning on hosting loved ones within the next week or two for the Thanksgiving holiday, you may be wondering what you can do to create even more holiday cheer.  Here are a few upcoming events you won’t want to miss!

Toys for Tots
Winnetka
Now through December 20th
- Take the opportunity to give back this holiday season by being a part of the Toys for Tots gift drive!  Residents are invited to drop off new, unwrapped items for the annual Marine Corps Toys for Tots from November 18th through December 20th at the following Winnetka locations: 
Police Department- Lobby 410 Green Bay Road at any time 
Public Works Yards- 1390 Willow Road, Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 
This is a great way to keep with the spirit of giving this season and provide joy for those children who need it most!  For more information on the gift drive, visit the Toys for Tots website
Light up the Tree-mendous Holiday Season in Downtown Highland Park
Downtown Highland Park
Saturday, November 23rd from 3-5:30pm
- Don’t miss the Annual Holiday Lighting this Saturday in Downtown Highland Park!  This is the perfect way to kick off the season as you’ll be surrounded by festivities such as performances by Highland Park High School Marching Band and the Lake Forest Country Day Middle School Choir, as well as performances by Irina Makkai Ballet at Uncle Dan's and readings of the Nutcracker by Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy at Sprout.  The fun continues with a scavenger hunt with prizes, the arrival of Santa and the official tree lighting of over 275 trees!  For more information, please visit the Downtown Highland Park website
Light the Village Lights
Park and Vernon Ave, Glencoe

Friday, November 29th from 5-9pm

- Glencoe will be hosting its’ annual Light the Village Lights the Friday after Thanksgiving and is another fun way to experience kicking off the holiday season!  Everyone is invited to attend this event hosted by the Village of Glencoe and the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce.  The lighting will take place at the Northwest Corner of Park and Vernon Avenues.  To learn more, visit the Village of Glencoe website.

I hope you’re able to begin your holiday season by attending one of these events!  It’s fun for residents and guests alike to experience the cheer and community atmosphere here on the North Shore!


If you don’t currently live on the North Shore, but have been interested in learning more about the North Shore Real Estate market, please feel free to contact me today!  I would be happy to answer your questions and show you homes currently available on the North Shore!

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, November 13, 2013

5 Benefits of Buying a North Shore Home During the Holiday Season!

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us are anticipating the festive holiday season!  It’s hard to believe that soon this year will be coming to a close, yet there’s still time to jump into the North Shore Real Estate market if you’re hoping to buy a North Shore home before the end of the year!

Buyers oftentimes will feel that their best bet is to hold off until the spring because of the holiday season.  However, there are those that find themselves needing to purchase a North Shore home now and, in fact, it can be a great time to do so!

Here are a few of the perks of buying a North Shore home during the holidays!

1. Lower Pricing- With the lack of people searching during the holidays for a home in the North Shore; prices soften a bit. You can view my website, www.JanieBress.com, to see a list of my current North Shore homes for sale. You’ll notice these homes are priced to sell and are a great deal for buyers.

2. Less Competition- Many buyers don’t think to take advantage of house hunting during the holidays, so you’re sure to avoid any bidding wars that would occur at a peak point on the North Shore Real Estate market. This will mean a less stressful home buying experience for you!

3. Motivated Sellers- Sellers dread not being able to sell their homes before the holidays get under way. They’re very aware that most are not in the market to buy a home until Spring rolls around, which means; they’re motivated. They know showings of their home will greatly decrease, so any activity on their home is good news. Oftentimes they’re willing to come down on the price or be flexible with closing dates, and other extras.

4. Favorable Mortgage Terms- Mortgage lenders may be willing to lower interest rates or let go of some of their fees in order to gain your business. With fewer people shopping for homes; they will be experiencing a slower time in their business as well. Be sure to shop around to get the best possible deal. Your North Shore Real Estate agent will help point you in the right direction.

5. Tax Deduction- Closing before the end of the year can mean you are eligible to deduct the interest component of your first monthly mortgage payment from your taxable income for this year. You may also be able to deduct any money you pay for points to reduce your interest rate. Of course you’ll want to consult with a North Shore tax advisor to talk over the full details.

Hopefully these perks will help you take the next step in your North Shore home search this holiday season! 

I’m always available to answer your questions and, as an experienced North Shore Real Estate agent, can walk you through the home buying process with ease!  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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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, November 6, 2013

Winnetka Market Stats for October 2013

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 103 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,318,445 in Winnetka.


Winnetka Sold Listings: 21 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,482,823, the average time on market for these properties was 71 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.

Northbrook Market Stats for October 2013

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 176 properties actively on the market with the average price of $672,637 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 51 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $403,066, the average time on market for these properties was 36 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.

Highland Park Market Stats for October 2013

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 174 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,332,845 in Highland Park.


Highland Park Sold Listings: 53 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $566,449, the average time on market for these properties was 92 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.

Glencoe Market Stats for October 2013

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 76 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,739,909 in Glencoe.


Glencoe Sold Listings: 11 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $798,727, the average time on market for these properties was 47 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.

Deerfield Market Stats for October 2013

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 77 properties actively on the market with the average price of $666,614 in Deerfield.


Deerfield Sold Listings: 26 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $420,270, the average time on market for these properties was 44 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.