Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Winter Maintenance Tips for Your North Shore Real Estate!

If you're like most of us on Chicago's North Shore, then you've probably been worried about the extremely cold temperatures this month and the effect that they're having on your home. While January can seem like an odd time to perform routine property maintenance, the difference between being proactive and lax at this time of year can have opposite consequences! If you've been curious how you can help protect your North Shore real estate from the harm that winter can cause, there are several tips that I relay to all of my clients. As a North Shore Realtor, I am vigilant when it comes to my property and my listings. Here is what you can do to ensure that your North Shore real estate is protected throughout winter!

-Insulate any pipes, particularly ones in attics, basements, crawl spaces or against exterior walls, to protect them from freezing. Many major home improvement stores offer DIY packages and materials to easily insulate pipes throughout your home. 

-Seal any leaks that may be letting cold air inside your home while allowing heat to escape. Leaks can commonly be found around dryer vents, pipes and windows and doors. 

-When temperatures plummet to negative numbers, it is always recommended to open cabinet doors below sinks in the kitchen and bathroom(s). This ensures that your home's heat will reach these pipes and prevent them from freezing. It is also encouraged to allow faucets to trickle during these icy snaps to release pressure in your pipes so they are less likely to burst. 

-Know where your home's water shut off valve is located and understand how to quickly and effectively shut the water off should you find yourself in a flooding situation. This will help to minimize damage by stopping the water flow into your North Shore real estate immediately. 

-While it can be tempting to lower the temperature in your home while you're away or at work during the day, it is imperative to keep temperatures at 55 degrees or above - Even while you're not home. This will ensure that there is sufficient heat throughout your home to prevent the freezing of pipes and other structural materials. 

With a proactive attitude and a sense of responsibility for your investment, your North Shore real estate can be protected from the worst of winter! Should you have any questions about buying or selling on Chicago's North Shore, please contact me directly. I offer many years of experience as a North Shore Realtor and am always available for past, present and future clients. 

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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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, January 22, 2014

3 Reasons to Team Up With a North Shore Realtor On YOUR Home Purchase!

As many potential buyers begin to contemplate a home purchase in 2014, it becomes essential to weigh your options and decide if this is something you want to seriously pursue in the new year. If so, teaming up with a reliable, knowledgable North Shore Realtor should be tops on your list of to-dos! While the majority of home searches are conducted online, in the comfort of your own home, there are still many important reasons as to why a real estate professional is imperative for exploring North Shore real estate. Whether you're searching on Chicago's North Shore for a hip high-rise development somewhere in the center of everything or you're more interested in finding a family home in a quiet, safe community, here are just a few ways I can help:

1. Better Access to Listings. Sure, you can surf nearly any nearby listing online, view photos, take visual tours and find out basic information - But very rarely will a homeowner or real estate professional allow you into the home to see it for yourself without a North Shore Realtor at your side. This, of course, is primarily due to safety reasons. However, real estate professionals work for YOU - They can find other homes that meet your strict criteria, make showing appointments at properties that strike your fancy and use their connections to discover what homes may not yet be on the market but are being readied for sale, so their clients can have first crack at them. They can also find out information about a property that might not be as readily available on the internet and call the listing agents to discuss concerns or issues on your behalf. 

2.  Contract Handling and Negotiating. Some might go so far as to say that there is an art form to the many contracts that come with real estate buying and selling. It is essential to keep these documents organized and kept safely, and a real estate professional does just that. Additionally, they negotiate the purchase on your behalf - Anything from price to things that may have come to light during a home inspection. Acting as a liaison between the buyers and sellers, a good North Shore Realtor works alongside their clients to ensure as stress-free of a process as possible. 

3. Those in the Real Estate Business are Held to High Professional Standards. From the National Association of Realtors (R) to local chapters, real estate professionals are held to high ethical standards. This means that not only is it their job to ensure a transaction goes smoothly, it is their duty. As licensed professionals, our very career and livelihood depends on our professional standards and ethics as we are bound by license law. Additionally, many real estate professionals rely on personal recommendations and referrals from past clients - So we want to ensure that every job is one well done! 

If you've been considering talking to a North Shore Realtor this year, I encourage you to contact me. I'm always available to discuss your North Shore real estate needs, from selling to buying. I look forward to working with you and creating a smooth, seamless real estate transaction for all involved. 

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, January 15, 2014

Upcoming Winter Fun on Chicago's North Shore!

It's always a great time to be living on the North Shore, even during the notoriously cold winter months! The wonderful thing about living in such a happening area, convenient to a big city, is that there are always activities, events and things to do in nearly all of Chicago's North Shore communities. Whether you're shopping North Shore real estate to find that perfect area for you, or you're a longtime resident, here is just a handful of upcoming events planned throughout the region!

Sideswipe Xtreme Martial Arts Performance
Jan. 20th, 2014 | 10 A.M.
Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka

For a gravity-defying, breathtaking show that residents of all ages are sure to be wowed by, the Sideswipe group offers a unique, hour-long performance! Combining intricate martial arts movements from Tae Kwon Do, Wushu and Capoeira with dance and setting their routines to music, this energizing performance is an excellent reason to gather the kids and get out of the house. With stunts featured in action movies of all types, this is a fun performance not to be missed!

Men’s Basketball – Northwest University VS. Purdue
Jan. 21st, 2014 | 8 P.M.
Welsh-Ryan Arena, 2705 Ashland, Evanston

Get your fill of Big 10 sports by checking out a home game at Northwestern University! Cheer on the Wildcats as they play Purdue in an action-packed game of basketball. Another great reason to gather your family and get out of the house for an inexpensive and highly entertaining evening out, Northwestern University has been a longtime cornerstone of Chicago’s North Shore. Support your local team and cheer on your favorite college players!

Three Friends of Winter Bonzai Silhouette Show
Jan. 24th – 26th, 2014 | 10 A.M. – 4 P.M.
Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe

The Chicago Botanic Garden is known for being an excellent year-round destination on Chicago’s North Shore, offering exhibitions, performances and events of all types throughout the seasons. January is no exception, so join the Botanic Garden as they celebrate the winter season in the Japanese tradition. By highlighting the three friends of winter – Bamboo, pine and plum – they will offer an overview of their importance as well as feature many themed hands-on activities for families.

No matter what type of fun-filled activities you prefer, our North Shore real estate is conveniently located near it all! From museums to award-winning schools, shops, dining, arts and culture, Chicago's North Shore has long been a desirable destination for residents of all types to make their home. As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I encourage you to contact me to begin your home search today in one of the Chicagoland area's most desirable spots!    

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, January 8, 2014

Winnetka Market Stats for December 2013

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 84 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,160,499 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,557,520, 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 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 December 2013

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 149 properties actively on the market with the average price of $672,088 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 52 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $463,194, the average time on market for these properties was 39 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 December 2013

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 123 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,463,321 in Highland Park.



Highland Park Sold Listings: 40 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $458,600, the average time on market for these properties was 63 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 December 2013

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 50 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,706,544 in Glencoe.


Glencoe Sold Listings: 11 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $941,955, the average time on market for these properties was 46 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 December 2013

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 62 properties actively on the market with the average price of $684,428 in Deerfield.


Deerfield Sold Listings: 38 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $506,760, the average time on market for these properties was 34 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, January 1, 2014

New Year's Goals for Your North Shore Real Estate!

With 2014 officially here and many of us living on the North Shore and beyond setting our New Year's resolutions, now is a great time to take stock of where you're at with your real estate situation and create attainable goals for all of your affairs related to home ownership. Whether you were recently buying North Shore real estate or you are a longtime resident, performing a New Year's evaluation of your home, financials and insurance will certainly benefit you in the long run. Here are a few points to consider:

-Review your homeowner's insurance policy. There are a wide variety of insurance options available on Chicago's North Shore, from local agents with national companies to individual brokers. Double-checking your coverage limits, deductibles and policy details will prepare you for the coming year and ensure that you have enough insurance to repair or replace your North Shore real estate should an emergency arise. You may also want to consider adding flood insurance, personal property and/or contents insurance or additional structure insurance to your policy as well. 

-Budget for pre-payments. If the monthly mortgage payment on your North Shore real estate is low and you can afford to budget extra money each month to be paid toward the principal balance, now is an excellent time to calculate that. Take each month of the upcoming year into consideration and decide how much extra you plan to put toward the remaining balance to pay it down faster and easier. Doing this on a consistent basis each year can pay off handsomely in the long run by subtracting years off of your mortgage. 

-Take on a proactive attitude with maintenance. One of the great things about living on the North Shore are our beautiful homes in well-maintained communities. Starting the year by taking a proactive attitude toward routine home maintenance and necessary repairs will help you to budget for these expenses, prepare your property and ensure that your investment is in well-kept, safe and livable condition. Additionally, avoiding maintenance and repair issues will only make things much more difficult and costly in the long run as they can quickly spiral into larger, more complex projects. 

As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I am here for you both prior to and during your real estate transaction as well as afterward. Should you have any questions regarding your North Shore real estate or if you're considering buying or selling in the new year, contact me for professional expertise. I look forward to hearing from you soon and discussing your needs on Chicago's 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.