How to Price Your North Shore Real Estate Right to Sell!

With the spring market nearly upon us, many homeowners on Chicago's North Shore are faced with the decision of listing their home on the real estate market this year or waiting a bit longer. As a North Shore Realtor, I often see many homes listed by others fail to sell - Primarily due to not being priced correctly. There are many factors that go into pricing North Shore real estate properly to ensure that it sells quickly and all parties are satisfied with the final sale price. Here are just a few of the ultra-important aspects of selling to consider when deciding on a list price with your North Shore Realtor this year:

-Neighborhood Comps. Comparable homes in your neighborhood, known in the industry as "comps", are similar dwellings nearby that were recently sold, are currently for sale or were for sale on the real estate market but since removed. These figures will dictate the price point at which you should list your North Shore real estate in order to expect a sale. Many potential buyers aren't just looking at your home - They are also looking at similar homes in the nearby area, and if yours isn't priced to compete with your competition then there may not be as much interest. 

-Remember what's important. The price you paid for your North Shore real estate, the amount spent on repairs and renovations and what you may have been able to get for your home years ago are not relevant to today. The real estate market is constantly changing and staying savvy to the factors that sway the market is essential for understanding how to price your home. A major remodeling project may be relevant to your list price, but only if your house was significantly improved or your living space expanded as a result (i.e. finishing the basement, finishing an attic space, building an addition, etc) - Simply adding granite countertops or hardwood flooring doesn't count for a big uptick in your home's price tag. 

-Consider the appraisal. Remember, even after you sign a contract with a potential buyer, your North Shore real estate must appraise for its price. Typically, the only way around an appraisal is if your buyer is a cash buyer or if they are willing to waive any appraisal contingencies. The lending institution can decide against financing your buyer should the home not appraise for its sale price. A good tip to remember is that appraisals are usually based on a myriad of factors, but the sale prices of actual sold comps in your neighborhood are a major driving force behind the figure that your home will come up at. 

As an experienced North Shore Realtor, I can assure you that each step of the selling process will be clear-cut, seamless and stress-free with my team by your side. Please contact me with any questions about selling, buying or Chicago's North Shore real estate market. I look forward to helping homeowners of all types achieve their real estate goals in 2014. 

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.

Great Museums on Chicago's North Shore!

Chicago's North Shore has long had a reputation for being a hotbed of culture, artistic appreciation and intellectual engagement. As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I can attest to the sense of community that the many cities that make up Chicago's North Shore offer due to their focus on arts, culture, entertainment, activities and events. While the nearby City of Chicago offers dozens of great museums, the North Shore features quite a few as well! Here are just a few of the popular museum hotspots throughout the area:  

Kohl Children's Museum

2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview

The unique Kohl Children's Museum offers a hands-on learning environment for youngsters. With exhibits built for children of all ages, from vehicle care and safety to a pet veterinarian office, the museum is both engaging and educational as well as fun and interactive. The museum also offers art, science and math activities that kids complete at the museum and take home. Regularly scheduled drama, fitness and science programs and workshops are also available as well as story time. 

Illinois Holocaust Museum

9603 Woods Dr., Skokie

The 65,000 square foot Illinois Holocaust Museum is an incredibly powerful space designed to preserve the legacy of the Holocaust and remember those that were lost. Visitors can learn firsthand about pre-war European life, concentration camps, the liberation and subsequent resettlement around the globe. Featuring artifacts, photos, documents and other items that have been transported through the generations, a visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum is an educational and powerful experience that is not to be missed!

Block Museum of Art

Northwestern University, 40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston

Northwestern University's very own museum of art offers exhibitions, collections, film screenings and cultural programs and workshops for students as well as the general public. For those that enjoy fine art and culture, the Block Museum of Art is the place to be. Artists in their collection include Mary Cassatt, Andy Warhol, Honore Daumier and more - With such diverse offerings and frequent events, art lovers and appreciators will feel at home here!

As you can see, whether you've recently purchased your North Shore real estate or you're a longtime resident, there are many great options for arts, culture and entertainment. From interactive learning experiences geared towards kids to a fine arts museum, Chicago's North Shore is a great place to be! Should you be interested in buying or selling in any of the North Shore communities, don't hesitate to contact me. I look forward to working with clients of all types to 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.

Winnetka Market Stats for January 2014

Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 91 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,048,099 in Winnetka.

Winnetka Sold Listings: 7 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,558,070, the average time on market for these properties was 78 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 January 2014

Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 137 properties actively on the market with the average price of $688,457 in Northbrook.

Northbrook Sold Listings: 41 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $380,662, the average time on market for these properties was 66 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 January 2014

Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 125 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,465,418 in Highland Park.

Highland Park Sold Listings: 23 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $584,848, 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 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 January 2014

Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 54 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,717,883 in Glencoe.

Glencoe Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $997,766, 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 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 January 2014

Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 73 properties actively on the market with the average price of $653,765 in Deerfield.

Deerfield Sold Listings: 20 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $385,807, the average time on market for these properties was 51 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.

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.

3 Reasons to Consider Refinancing Your North Shore Real Estate!

Refinancing can oftentimes seem like an arduous task, full of questions and "What If" scenarios. Fortunately, as an experienced North Shore Realtor, I can assure you that most refinancing situations take only a few weeks and can offer lucrative benefits that homeowners will see for many years to come. Understanding your mortgage loan and then deciding whether or not refinancing may be right for you can hinge on several factors. Mortgage rates for North Shore real estate and beyond are expected to increase slightly in 2014, but even still are at historically low percentages. Some great reasons to consider refinancing include: 

1. Lower Your Interest Rate and Shorten Your Loan. Compare the current mortgage rate on your North Shore real estate with the low percentages being touted by lenders today. A lower interest rate is always worth looking into as it can save you money in the long-term on your overall loan. Additionally, if you've had your North Shore real estate for some time and have paid down a bit of the mortgage, it may be beneficial to explore what your monthly payments may be if you refinanced into a shorter-term loan. If the payments are easily doable, then you can have your loan paid off much faster AND save a load of money in interest!

2. Combine Current Mortgage Loans. If you have a home-equity loan in addition to your first mortgage, combining the two in an effort to lower your monthly payments and perhaps save money on interest is certainly worth looking into. Home equity lines of credit can vary tremendously in payment terms and loan rules, but getting a good handle on your mortgage loans is the first step of understanding your home and paying it off quickly. As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I am always here for past, present and future clients that may have loan questions. 

3. Cash-In Refinancing Can Lower Your Balance. This method allows homeowners to use cash to pre-pay their loan and qualify for a lower interest rate. Refinancing and pre-paying can help homeowners pay off their mortgage loan much faster. There are many options available to qualifying homeowners and, because interest rates are still extremely low, refinancing may be a great opportunity for those willing to do a little legwork! 

As always, I encourage those with questions to contact me for immediate attention. I am a North Shore Realtor that is fluent in the local community and the real estate and mortgage industries. Talk to me today and find out why Chicago's North Shore is right for you!

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.