Thursday, March 27, 2014

Get Involved in the Performing Arts on Chicago's North Shore!



Chicago’s North Shore has long been known for its dedication to the arts, especially the creative performing arts. Whether residents prefer to enjoy a performance from the audience or be a part of it all, this area is a hotbed of arts, culture and expression. There are many local theatres on Chicago’s North Shore to explore and get involved with. Just a few to start with include: 

Adult and Children’s Community Theatre
Auditorium of the Community Recreation Center
3000 Glenview Rd., Wilmette

Wilmette’s very own community theatre offers two branches for those that enjoy being a part of the performing arts – An adult community theatre as well as one for children. Whether you’re someone that has a passion for the performing arts or you’re hoping to involve your children in a safe, creative community environment, Wilmette’s Park District is a great place to start. With auditions typically in the beginning of the year and performances in the spring, community theatre is a fun way to get involved in the community, meet new friends and immerse yourself in the arts – No matter what your experience level may be!

Writer’s Theatre
321 Park Ave., Glencoe

The Writer’s Theatre has long been a staple of the Chicago’s North Shore. Blending theatre with literary classics, performances offer creative interpretations of well-known work. General auditions for each season are typically held during spring of each year and are a great way to get involved in both the local community as well as the Chicago theatre scene. Whether you opt to catch a performance or two during the year or you’d prefer to get involved on stage or backstage, the Writer’s Theatre is one of the area’s top local theatres. 

Northlight Theatre
9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie

A beautiful local theatre featuring a diverse array of performances, Skokie’s Northlight Theatre always has something in the works. From entertaining plays to special concerts, casting information can be found on the Actor’s Equity website. With an emphasis on spectacular sets, beautiful costumes and creative performances, there is always something cooking at the Northlight Theatre and it is a fantastic place to explore your acting bug!

With so many wonderful opportunities to explore the arts, it’s no wonder that North Shore real estate is so desirable! Offering safe, convenient communities, a tangible appreciation of arts and culture as well as a high standard for quality of life, I encourage all those interested in Chicago’s North Shore to contact me. As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I’ve assisted many families and individuals in finding the right home and community for their needs.


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Post-Winter Repairs to Consider for Your North Shore Real Estate!

It's no secret that this winter has been a brutal one for the Midwest! Between sub-zero temperatures and record snowfall, it's no surprise that this winter may have done a number on your North Shore real estate. With the worst of the weather behind us and spring on the horizon, you may want to do a thorough interior and exterior inspection of your home to see if there is any visible damage. If you've been considering selling your North Shore real estate this season, a few minor repairs will have your home looking fresh for the spring market! Here are just a few post-winter repairs to consider for your property:

-Roofing, gutters and siding. Ice damming can take a massive toll on your roof and gutters while strong winds oftentimes do a number on even the strongest siding. Inspect for missing shingles, frozen gutters, leftover ice dams and other signs that winter was particularly rough on your North Shore real estate. It is imperative to get any damage, no matter how minor it may seem, taken care of right away to avoid it progressively becoming worse over time.

-Heaters and furnaces. With the freezing cold temperatures, our furnaces have been working overtime to keep our homes heated and comfortable! Have an HVAC professional inspect your furnace, heater and duct system to identify any issues that may cause something as serious as the appliance going out on you or something as minor as an increase in your utility bills. By ensuring proper maintenance of your HVAC system, particularly rough seasons won't be as detrimental to the appliances.

-Damaged landscaping. Heavy snow and strong wind can ruin any great landscaping, cause trees to fall, branches to break and wreak general havoc on your yard. Trees and their limbs can be particularly dangerous if they fall close to or onto your North Shore real estate. Luckily, there are many great local tree removal companies that can proactively cut down any branches that may cause a threat during the next big storm.

While these are just a few samples of what you can do to fix up your North Shore real estate post-winter, many other proactive maintenance issues should be taken care of as they are discovered. If you've been giving thought to selling in the spring season, I encourage you to contact me today. I am a reputable North Shore Realtor with many years of experience and a high degree of professionalism. I look forward to working with you on your buying and selling needs across Chicago's North Shore soon!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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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, March 12, 2014

St. Patrick's Day Events on Chicago's North Shore!

St. Patrick's Day on Chicago's North Shore is always a lively time, filled with a wide variety of holiday events catering to all different ages and interests. No matter where you live on the North Shore, from Evanston to Lake Forest and beyond, there are plenty of festive events designed to bring the Irish out of you! Whether you'd prefer to see live music with friends or get the whole family out of the house for a kid-friendly event, the North Shore has it all. Here is just a small sampling of what's cooking just outside the door of your North Shore real estate:

Sat., March 15th - 11 A.M. 
Hooley X 2014
The Celtic Knot Public House
626 Church St., Evanston

A three-day St. Patrick's Day celebration that offers party-goers authentic food, Irish dancing, music and, of course, beer. With performances from musicians and artists scheduled throughout the weekend, this St. Patrick's Day celebration is not to be missed! Whether you come for the food and stay for the music or are eager to partake in the festivities with friends or family, this is a premier St. Patrick's Day event on Chicago's North Shore.

Sat., March 15th - 4:30 P.M.
St. Patrick's Day Party 2014
St. Athanasius School
2510 Ashland Ave., Evanston

This annual St. Patrick's Day event is another staple of Chicago's North Shore. Featuring something for everyone - from Irish dancers and bagpipers to live music, Irish food, a cake walk and a stuffed animal walk - this family-friendly event with many activities lined up! Watch the family talent show, indulge in some authentic Irish food and let the kids go wild in the children-only tent (complete with a photo booth). This event is $20 for adults and kids aged 6 - 18. Children between 3 and 5 years of age are $10.

Sun., March 16th - 11 A.M.
St. Patrick's Day Kids' Fair
Whole Foods Market
840 Willow Rd., Northbrook

Bring the kids out for a fun Sunday afternoon of shamrock cookie decorating, face painting, educational games and green smoothies at Northbrook's own Whole Foods Market! Whether you're looking for something fun and festive to do with the kids or you're hoping to get out of the house for a bit as a family, this is a great option to get their creative juices flowing and their energy expended in a healthy and educational manner.

As a longtime North Shore real estate agent, I can attest to the fact that there's plenty of events and community fun to be had when living in the area! If you've been considering buying North Shore real estate and moving to one of the many welcoming communities that make up our beautiful area, please contact me. I am a local expert and experienced professional that works with buyers and sellers of all types to achieve their unique real estate goals.

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, March 5, 2014

Winnetka Market Stats for February 2014

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 104 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,032,269 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $918,900, the average time on market for these properties was 68 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
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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.

Northbrook Market Stats for February 2014

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 139 properties actively on the market with the average price of $738,091 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 30 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $457,736, the average time on market for these properties was 68 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 February 2014

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 140 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,386,693 in Highland Park.


Highland Park Sold Listings: 17 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $555,841, 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 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 February 2014

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 55 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,617,687 in Glencoe.


Glencoe Sold Listings: 3 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $950,500, the average time on market for these properties was 49 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 February 2014

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 68 properties actively on the market with the average price of $673,170 in Deerfield.


Deerfield Sold Listings: 15 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $457,284, 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 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.