Thursday, April 24, 2014

Tips for Making Your North Shore Real Estate More Green!



Earth Day can be an excellent reminder to evaluate your North Shore Real Estate for any potential upgrades that will make it more environmentally friendly.  Beyond just protecting the environment, these improvements can also help you save money and increase the value of your home as well.  As a North Shore Realtor, I come across many buyers today who desire these improvements.  While there are plenty of things you can do to make your North Shore home more green, here are a few that are easy to implement.

Upgrade Your Appliances:  If the time comes when you have to replace one of the appliances in your North Shore home, purchase one with an ENERGY STAR rating.  This rating indicates that the appliance uses 20-30% less energy than the federal limit, and that means reduced electric bills for you.  

Use a Programmable Thermostat:  While many homes already have these thermostats, a lot of Chicago’s North Shore homeowners do not utilize the programmable feature.  In the winter, set your thermostat to a lower temperature while you’re out and higher in the summer.  In the winter, every one-degree reduction will save you approximately 1% over an eight hour period on your energy bill.  While that doesn’t seem like much, a five-degree reduction while you’re at work could really make a difference!

Swap Your Light Bulbs:  Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have become an increasingly popular alternative to the standard incandescent light bulb.  While these bulbs tend to cost a bit more upfront, they will save you money in the log run.  Not only do they last significantly longer than a “regular” light bulb, they also use far less energy.  

Conserve Water:  Consider switching your faucets and shower heads to low-flow replacements.  In addition, you may want to look into upgrading your toilets to low-flow models if your North Shore home doesn’t already have them  Low-flow toilets can save up to 3000 gallons of water per year compared to standard models.

Choose Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Supplies:  With the rise of building “green”, there are now a multitude of sustainable and environmentally friendly options for home improvement supplies.  If you are contemplating a flooring replacement in your North Shore Real Estate, explore the bamboo choices on the market.  Bamboo is available in a wide variety of styles and colors and is a sustainable building material. You can also opt for a more eco-friendly paint that emits less toxic fumes and pollution into the air.  Pick those that are zero- or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) as a healthier alternative.

This is just a small sampling of the many upgrades you can do to your North Shore home to make it more green and energy efficient.  If you are considering selling your home in the near future, these improvements will be valuable in attracting potential buyers!  Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, please contact me.  It would be my pleasure to assist you with your North Shore Real Estate transaction. 

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.

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Spring is in the air! Get out and experience Chicago’s North Shore!


Now that winter is officially over, it’s time to get out and experience all that Chicago's North Shore has to offer.  As the weather begins to warm, the local neighborhoods begin to buzz with activity.  Since I have over 25 years of North Shore real estate experience, believe me when I tell you that there’s something for everyone to partake in this spring.

Eggs to Chicks Exhibit
Kohl Children's Museum 
2100 Patriot Blvd. 
Glenview, IL 
(847) 832-6600

Now - May 16, 2014 
Spring is for new beginnings, and the Kohl’s Children’s Museum demonstrates just that to North Shore children with an exhibit that contains over 100 hatching eggs.  Children will be able to witness the cycle starting in an incubator that is just their viewing height through new born chicks running about in a pen.  They can also enjoy all of the permanent exhibits including Adventures in Art, Powered by Nature, and the Ravina Festival Music Makers.  Plan a visit for a delightful and educational family experience.

A Midsummer Night's Dream
Piccolo Theatre at Evanston Arts Depot 
600 Main Street at the Metra Station 
Evanston, IL 60202 
(847) 424-0089

Now - May 3, 2014 
Why not experience a Shakespearian classic in the intimate 50-person setting of a local North Shore theater while you have the chance?  Located at the Evanston Main Street Metra Station, Piccolo Theatre, Inc. is a professional performing ensemble that focuses on performing contemporary and classic comedic works.  The Chicago’s North Shore historic venue was almost demolished in 1999, but Piccolo Theatre Inc. was at the front of the effort to preserve and restore the venue.  It is now also home to the Custer Fair and Piccolatté Cafe as well.

Friday Night Flights
Sips On Sherman 
1741 Sherman Ave 
Evanston, IL 
(847) 328-4400

April 25, 2014 - Ongoing
Fridays from 6pm-8pm, Sips on Sherman offers weekly wine and cheese pairings.  Discover your new favorite wine or learn something new to add to your next North Shore soirée.  Sips on Sherman is Evanston’s first and most awarded wine shop.  They offer a wide variety of events, as well as a monthly wine club.  No reservation required, just show up!

Northbrook On Ice
Northbrook Sports Center 
1730 Pfingsten Road 
Northbrook, IL 
(847) 291-2993

May 9, 2014 - May 11, 2014 
Go see the 45th anniversary of this North Shore event!  You will experience a wide array of figure skaters of all ages and levels.  The Northbrook Sports Center is home to some of the most talented amateur skaters in the country.  Take this opportunity to see some of the North Shore’s most promising local athletes.  

Chicago’s North Shore has so much to offer, regardless of which neighborhood suits your fancy.  I have assisted so many in locating their perfect North Shore home, I would love to assist you in doing the same.  Please contact me if I am able to help you in either buying or selling in the area.  

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.


Thursday, April 10, 2014

Winnetka Market Stats for March 2014

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 117 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,210,786 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 13 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,230,654, 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 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 March 2014

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 162 properties actively on the market with the average price of $783,706 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 37 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $436,650, the average time on market for these properties was 60 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 March 2014

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 149 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,425,594 in Highland Park.


Highland Park Sold Listings: 25 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $453,076, the average time on market for these properties was 99 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 March 2014

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 62 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,746,384 in Glencoe.


Glencoe Sold Listings: 4 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,403,000, the average time on market for these properties was 124 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 March 2014

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 80 properties actively on the market with the average price of $672,326 in Deerfield.


Deerfield Sold Listings: 20 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $443,075, 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 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 2, 2014

Carpet Maintenance Tips for Your North Shore Real Estate!

It's no secret that you'll find carpet in at least one or two rooms in practically every house around! From specialty carpets, such as Berber and shag, to the traditional plush carpets, this type of flooring is a staple in most North Shore real estate and beyond. However, even the most well taken care of carpets can eventually become stained and worn over time. As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I can attest to the fact that cleaned or recently replaced carpets are quite noticeable compared to their worn or threadbare counterparts. However, if you've been considering selling North Shore real estate this spring, replacing a house full of carpet isn't necessary! Oftentimes, a bit of maintenance and a proactive attitude can go far in livening up those carpets and ensuring that they are clean and appealing for potential buyers seeing your home. Here are just a few tips for those with carpeted rooms in their North Shore real estate:

-Blot stains instead of rubbing. Whether you're dealing with a tough beverage stain or a pet stain, blotting at the soiled area is key to ensuring that you don't accidentally work the stain further into the carpet fabric. Use a cleaning solution and gently blot at the stain with a towel, sponge or rag. Be sure to blot from the outside in, instead of vice versa, as blotting outwards can inadvertently cause the stain to spread.

-Use club soda or shaving cream on stains. Many people know to use club soda on particularly tough stains, such as wine spills. Start by blotting the stain with club soda on a cloth and, for bad stains, spray one part white vinegar with one part water and let it soak into the stain for about fifteen minutes. Rinse with warm water and watch as those tough stains fade with the extra care. Additionally, shaving cream can remove nearly any carpet stain! Simply spray the shaving cream onto the stain, let it set for about thirty minutes, gently wipe it away and follow up with the vinegar and water mixture if necessary.

-Schedule regular steam cleans. Having carpeted areas of your North Shore real estate steam-cleaned by professionals on a regular basis is essential to keeping the flooring appearing new, clean and fresh. Steam cleaning allows water and a specially formulated cleaning solution to penetrate the carpet fiber to the bottom, and is an excellent way to remove dirt, debris, built-up oil and grease, and other particles that can take their toll on your carpet.

Chicago's North Shore is filled with picturesque communities and beautiful homes - Keep your North Shore real estate looking as wonderful on the inside as it does on the outside! If you've been considering selling or buying, contact me to begin the first step. As an experienced North Shore Realtor, I've helped many homeowners achieve their real estate goals.

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.