How to Start Fresh for the New Year in Your North Shore Home

With the new year here, it's time to turn over a new leaf and start fresh in your North Shore home. If you haven't made a list of New Year's Resolutions yet, you might like to make one specifically to help you start with a clean slate at home.

As your North Shore real estate expert, I'm happy to share some suggestions with you for a happy, healthy new year!

Organize your closet
There is no better way to begin fresh for 2016 than by following the classic "out with the old, in with the new" strategy. Make it a point to clean out your closets, donating what you no longer wear or use and toss any items that may be broken. Move every item that you use on a daily basis to the front where you can quickly access them.

It pays to do this with every closet in your Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook home, not just where you store your clothes. Coat closets, pantries and storage closets all need attention too!

Brighten up your home
Do you have light bulbs in your home that seem to be dim? Not enough light for reading or working in the kitchen? It's time to upgrade your lighting! Replace light bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives and use the maximum wattage allowed. Consider adding more lighting to your living spaces— a new desk lamp, floor lamp or ceiling fixture can help your home instantly feel airier and more open!

Add colorful accessories
During the winter months, your North Shore home may tend to feel dark and dreary, so consider adding a few pops of color! Work in colorful throw pillows, blankets, exciting artwork or a new rug. If you're ready for a complete change in your home, bringing in new furniture can give your spaces a fresh feel!

Paint the front door
Just as I mentioned above, adding color to your home during the first few months of the new year can be just the update you need. Why not give the front door a fresh coat of paint? This project requires minimal work and will be one of the first things both you and your guests notice about your home. The front door also makes a statement about who you are as a North Shore homeowner, so choose something that makes you smile!

Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about moving on to a new home for the new year, information about the real estate market or available properties in Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook and the surrounding areas!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for November 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 147 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,817,894 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $791,481. The average time on market for these properties was 38 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
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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 Real Estate Market Stats for November 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 248 properties actively on the market with the average price of $702,148 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 54 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $481,351. The average time on market for these properties was 37 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
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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. 

Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for November 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 263 properties actively on the market with the average price of $994,044 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 27 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $658,769. The average time on market for these properties was 140 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
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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. 

Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for November 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 114 properties actively on the market with the average price of $660,289 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 13 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $320,185. The average time on market for these properties was 61 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
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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. 

Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for November 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 76 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,404,051 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 10 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $919,227. 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
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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. 

Do's and Don'ts for First-time Homebuyers on Chicago's North Shore

When December rolls around, many North Shore residents begin thinking about the new year and what it will have in store. For instance, are you starting a new job? Will you move to a new home or community? Of course, these are all important milestones, but if buying a home for the first time is on your list of new year to do's, it's time to start planning ahead!

First-time homebuyer mistakes are quite common, but can easily be avoided with a bit of early research and preparation. Consider the following your Guidebook to Do's and Don't of Buying a Home on the North Shore:

Do— Work with a real estate agent
There are many complex decisions and negotiating with different parties involved with buying a home and if you haven't done so before, it can feel overwhelming. The right real estate agent can be invaluable to you as you navigate this journey, helping with everything from finding the best home to recommending a lender to explaining closing costs.

Do— Think long term about your home
As you tour homes on the North Shore, keep the long term in mind. The school districts or proximity to parks may not be important to you if you don't have children, but the number of bedrooms will affect your resale value. Think about how easily you could sell the home if you needed to move or how changing the home to suit your needs might affect resale.

Don't— Make a decision based on emotions
Buying a home is a big step for a North Shore resident or those relocating to the area, but it is one that should be made with a clear mind. Don't allow yourself to form emotional attachments to a property or its details prior to the purchase as this could keep you from making a smart financial decision.

Don't— Overlook the cost of improvements
As I mentioned above, it's always wise to keep resale in mind when you purchase a home. You'll also want to factor in the costs of making the home suit your needs or style— home improvement projects, for example. Buying a fixer upper home could likely cost more and take longer to finish than expected, so be sure you have the budget before you make the purchase.

As your real estate expert in Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Glencoe, Northbrook and the surrounding communities, I'm here to help with your first home purchase! Give me a call today with any questions you might have about the real estate market for the coming year!

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. 

Don't Let Holiday Shopping Ruin Your Chances of Buying a Home on Chicago's North Shore

The holiday season often means hectic schedules for many North Shore residents— from visiting with friends and family to the festive events I shared in my previous blog post to hours of holiday shopping. But did you know that the latter can really take a toll on your pre-approval for a mortgage if you're not careful?

Before you get carried away with gift-buying this year, it's important to keep the following in mind as a potential North Shore homebuyer:

Pay all of your bills on time
Holiday shopping can come with large bills and putting them off until your schedule calms down may seem like a great option, but in reality, it can compromise your chances of being approved for a loan. A payment over 30 days late can lower your credit score anywhere from 60 to 110 points, which can be a major loss even if you have a high score to begin with.

Even if you've already been pre-approved for a mortgage on the North Shore, that is not a free pass to fall behind on your bills. In fact, it's now more important than ever to pay bills on time and in full! You will not want to give a lender any reason to deny your loan altogether.

Don't take on new debt or credit cards
With online shopping, it's easy to reach for your credit card and keep those holiday purchases "out of sight, out of mind." However, acquiring more debt can impact your "Debt to Income Ratio" or DTI and raise a red flag to a lender that you may be more high risk than they previously thought.

The same goes for opening new credit cards. Opening a new card triggers a "hard inquiry" on your credit score and can impact your score in the process. As many lenders monitor debt during this time, new debt may cause them to rethink your qualifications.

Be careful moving around money
Transferring money from one account to another to fund holiday purchases may seem trivial, but it can create a hassle for lenders. They will need to monitor large sums of money going in and out and if they cannot track the funds, it may raise another red flag. North Shore buyers should be able to explain unusual deposits or withdrawals to keep their approval status on the right track.

Buying a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park or the surrounding areas is a big step and as your trusted real estate expert, I'm happy to provide you with the steps to keep the process moving ahead, as seamlessly as possible.

Give me a call today!

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. 

Where to Celebrate the Holidays on Chicago's North Shore

The holiday season is here! December has arrived, snow has fallen and many North Shore homeowners are decking the halls and trimming the tree. So what comes next? Holiday-themed events to bring the spirit of the season to Winnetka, Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas! And lucky for us, there is no shortage of festivities on the North Shore!

Below are just a few ways you can plan to celebrate the holidays in the area:

Breakfast with Santa
December 5, 2015
Winnetka Community House
Winnetka IL

Kick off the season with Breakfast with Santa in the newly-transformed Winter Wonderland at Winnetka Community House! This annual event is popular with the whole family and will include a breakfast buffet, a meet and greet with Santa, complimentary photo, personalized crafts and a book to take home from Mrs. Claus' library. Admission is $25 per person, kids under 2 are free.

Wonderland Express
December 5, 2015
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe IL

The Wonderland Express exhibition at the Chicago Botanic Garden offers much to enjoy! The kids will love the trains and indoor snow, the adults will love the city sights and of course, everyone will love the lights!

3rd Annual Holiday Sing Along 
December 6, 2015
Winnetka Community House
Winnetka IL 

The Some Assembly Required 3rd Annual Holiday Sing Along will take place this weekend in Winnetka. $5 per person, $10 per family.

Clara and the Nutcracker
Through December 20, 2015
Piccolo Theatre
Evanston IL

A performance of the Nutcracker is the perfect way to celebrate the holidays on the North Shore! Join Clara on her adventure into dreamland, filled with songs, dancing and memorable characters. But don't be mistaken, this performance is not your average ballet— in fact, there are no tutus and no ballet moves at all! It's a unique show the whole family will love.

It's A Wonderful Life Live Radio Play
Through December 20, 2015
Oil Lamp Theater
Glenview IL

This presentation of "It's A Wonderful Life" is done entirely with the help of a sound effects artist! The story begins on Christmas Eve 1946 at WSTG Radio and reenacts the memorable story of George Bailey. $35 admission includes cookies.

I wish you a happy holiday season and as always, do not hesitate to reach out with any questions about buying or selling a home yet this year or in 2016!

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. 

Staging Your Home on Chicago's North Shore During the Holidays

In a recent blog post, I mentioned not to wait until after the holidays to sell your home on the North Shore. This time of year is not only ideal for homeowners to find the right buyer and take advantage of a lack of competition, but the holiday season can actually help move your sale along.

How so? The holiday decor present during November and December evokes cozy feelings and emotions in buyers that no other season can. North Shore home sellers can actually prepare to wow buyers in the winter months with classic lights, simple wreaths and a clean and clutter-free mantle, to name a few.

Keep Your Home Free of Clutter
When you list your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield or the surrounding areas, it's important to remember that buyers will be trying to visualize themselves and their own belongings inside. With too much holiday decor, this can be complicated! You can, of course, deck the halls with garland perhaps and your Christmas tree, just stick to classic, white lights and ornaments in one color or color scheme.

Your home itself should be the one drawing attention, not your bold tree ornaments, so keep them to a minimum.

Allow the Features To Shine
Just as I suggested to keep the decor streamlined and simple, it's especially important around your North Shore home's best features. A picturesque fireplace or large bay window should not be blocked by your tree, stockings on the mantle or a giant wreath. Remove any decor around these elements and allow area buyers to really see their beauty.

Emphasize Curb Appeal
The snow on the ground pairs beautifully with strands of twinkling lights and a cheery, welcoming front door. Just like indoors, keep your lights either white or one single color. Try not to mix both white and multi-color holiday lights outside your home or it could begin to look like a hodgepodge of decor.

Place a simple live wreath on the front door and add a large red or green bow if you want to amplify the holiday tone. Outdoor decor like inflatable Santa Clauses, seasonal signs and lawn figures should be avoided as these can turn off North Shore buyers. If you feel a wreath just isn't enough, drape garland above the doorframe or consider placing topiaries on either side of the front door. Natural greenery will bring a more sophisticated feel to your home's exterior decor than any inflatable snowmen.

These next two months have been named the best times to both buy and sell homes on the North Shore, so do not hesitate to give me a call with any questions! From providing a list of available homes to finding your home value, I'm here to help!

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. 

5 Easy Ways to Prepare Your North Shore Home for Thanksgiving

As I mentioned in my past blog post, North Shore homeowners should not wait until after the holiday season is over to list their homes. It is indeed a busy season, but there is one more thing you need to get a head start on— preparing your home for guests!

If you will be opening your home to friends and family in Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield or the surrounding areas this Thanksgiving, keep these five easy tasks in mind that will save you later as you welcome the holiday hustle and bustle inside.

Clean the silverware

Thanksgiving is a holiday built around feasting, so take some time to clean the silverware. Instead of chemicals to make them shine, try placing them in a pot of water, salt and baking soda. Bring to a boil for a few minutes and then place the silverware into warm, soapy water. Each piece should clean up nicely with a bit of scrubbing. 

Dust ceiling fans and blades

Your living spaces in your North Shore home are one place you'll want to focus on this holiday season. Clean the windows and reach up high to dust ceiling fans and blades. You may find your home getting warmer as more people gather inside and if you haven't checked your fan recently, turning it on may spread the dust around. Slide each fan blade into a pillowcase and wipe clean; this traps the dust inside instead of pushing it into the air.

Think about your guests

Go over your guest list for Thanksgiving. Will you have small children in attendance? You may like to childproof the areas of your home where they will be spending the most time— living room, dining room and bedrooms. Use outlet caps to keep little fingers out, move electrical cords out of reach and consider blocking off stairways with a gate.

Test the heating system

The holidays do tend to bring colder weather to the North Shore and if you haven't had your HVAC system inspected, now is the time to do so. You can even go a step farther to test where airflow is heaviest and lightest in your home by closing vents in rooms you don't often use. 

Clean your oven

There is no harm in cleaning your oven with a bit of baking soda, lemon juice and vinegar, but avoid self-cleaning the oven at all costs. Self-cleaning increases the risk of the oven breaking, blowing a fuse or thermostat and putting a damper on your holiday cooking plans.

I wish you a happy Thanksgiving, whether you're staying put here on the North Shore or traveling for the holiday. As always, feel free to reach out for more information about buying a home or selling your current property.

The fall and winter are great times to make a move!

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. 

Don't Wait Until After the Holidays to Sell Your Home in Winnetka, Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park, Glencoe

We are embarking on one of the busiest times of year, the holiday season! Schedules can fill up quickly with travel, holiday gatherings, local activities and gift shopping, oftentimes leaving little time for thinking about selling your North Shore home. But does that mean you should wait until after the holidays?

The answer is no! There are many reasons to sell your home during the holidays, one being the motivated buyers in the real estate market. Home sellers can truly reap the rewards and as your real estate expert on Chicago's North Shore, I'm here to fill you in on why you shouldn't waste any time listing your home this time of year:

Lack of competition
One reason to list your home during the holidays? There are simply fewer homes for sale. Inventory tends to be lower during the time of year as many homeowners in Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Highland Park and Northbrook will wait until spring arrives to sell. The holiday season allows North Shore sellers to give their home time in the spotlight that it may not receive as more homes hit the market.

Buyers are motivated
Homebuyers shopping for properties during the holiday season often have a motivating factor behind them— a job relocation, a move to a new community, the need to upgrade or even downsize. Buyers will want to settle down before the new year and as a result, will be starting their home search now.

Spring is on the horizon
As you may have heard, the start of spring brings a wave of new buyers and sellers to the real estate market. More homes pop up for sale, more buyers start visiting open houses and real estate activity picks up! Listing your home now allows you to avoid all of that and move on before the "busy season" even begins.

The holiday decor
The holiday season evokes cozy feelings, beautiful lights and decor. Staging your home this time of year can help potential North Shore buyers feel more at home and welcomed to your property. Homes tend to show better during the holidays and stagers suggest it is one of the best times to instill an emotional connection in area buyers.

If you have questions about selling your home this time of year, do not hesitate to give me a call!

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. 

Important Things to Do After Closing on Your New North Shore Home

After your home closing on Chicago's North Shore, you may be eager to settle in, put your feet up and simply enjoy the new property. But not so fast! There are a few important projects to handle before you can truly relax and some even before you move in!

Here is a list of things to do once you have the keys to your new home on the North Shore:

Plan your work ahead of time
If you have renovation plans in your head, it's time to put them to work! Don't wait until after closing to start coordinating with a painter or contractor. You can begin getting bids for work during your final walk-through or at a special appointment after all contingencies have been removed. And if you need a referral, do not hesitate to ask!

Set up utilities
Waiting until your moving day to think about utility set up can be a big mistake— don't assume everything will be turned on when you arrive with your moving truck! Many utility companies have a grace period from when a homeowner cancels and the new owner calls, but that isn't always the case. The best course of action is to call and set up utilities well in advance of closing.

Change the locks
It's best to assume everyone has a key to your new home, so it's time to change the locks! Real estate agents, neighbors, maintenance or cleaning crews could all have keys and you'll sleep better at night knowing you've taken this security precaution.

Hire a cleaning crew
Showing up on moving day only to find the home has yet to be cleaned can be a homeowner headache. Start with a clean slate and allow a cleaning crew to start scrubbing the minute after you close. The bonus is that you'll be able to arrange furniture without having to mop the floors first.

You can consider me your go-to resource for all things North Shore real estate, from how to prepare to sell your home to finding the perfect property in Northbrook, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Highland Park and beyond!

Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have about buying or selling a home on Chicago's North Shore! I'm here to help!

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. 

5 Tips to Get Your North Shore Chicago Home Ready for Winter

The temperatures have been slowly dropping on the North Shore and we all know snow is on its way! It won't be long before we're bringing out the shovels and lighting a fire to stay warm inside, but there are just a few steps to take to ensure your home is fully ready for the winter ahead.

In order to maximize energy efficiency in your Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park home and lessen the chances of emergency repairs when the weather takes a toll, now is the time to take care of the following maintenance tasks:

Assess insulation 
There should not be any gaps in insulation or crawl spaces that expose pipes to cold air. If pipes are left exposed, North Shore homeowners run the risk of freezing and bursting!

Look into heating
Your home's heating system is never more important than in the winter months! It is wise to invite a licensed technician to inspect your heating elements this fall before the cold weather requires you run the system every day.

Block out the cold
Older homes can be drafty, especially as the blustery, winter wind picks up. Take precautions to block any drafts around doors, windows and baseboards with weather stripping or caulk to prevent heat loss and what every North Shore homeowner desires to avoid— higher energy costs.

Inspect your fireplace
You'll likely be using your home's fireplace often this winter, so it's time you call your local chimney sweep. An experienced chimney sweep can clean your fireplace to prevent the risk of fire from blockages or years of buildup.

Re-route your fans
Did you know you can set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to force the rising warm air back down? Not only does this keep your home warmer during the winter months, but it also helps you keep heating costs on the lower side.

You can count on me to provide helpful tips for homeowners, sellers and buyers alike! As your North Shore real estate expert, I am here to make your real estate journey run as smoothly as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out!

I am happy to answer any questions you have about buying or selling a home as well as provide a list of available properties in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park and beyond!

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. 

Where to Find Halloween Fun on Chicago's North Shore

The leaves have turned and soon goblins and ghouls will take to the streets gathering candy from North Shore neighborhoods. But trick-or-treating isn't the only fun to be had in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook and Highland Park!

As your North Shore real estate expert, I'm happy to share with you the many ways to celebrate the fall season and find Halloween fun in the area! So grab your calendar and look over the following events on Chicago's North Shore this month— you're sure to find something the whole family will love!

Pumpkins at the Beach

When: October 23, 2015; 5:30 to 7:30 PM

Where: Tower Road Beach, Tower and Sheridan Rd in Winnetka

Tower Road Beach transforms into a pumpkin patch this Friday for Halloween fun! There will be a costume contest at 7 PM, divided into age groups, pumpkin decorating, carnival games, sound effects and Halloween decor galore! 

Halloween Hoopla

When: October 23, 2015, 7 to 9 PM; October 24, 3 to 9 PM

Where: Jewett Park Community Center in Deerfield

Free admission on Friday! The Halloween Hoopla in Deerfield will include a bonfire and movie in the park, face painting, hayrides, inflatables, laser tag, a DJ and much more!

Lloyd Beach's Haunted Trail of Terror

When: October 24, 2015; 6:30 to 9 PM

Where: Lloyd Beach in Winnetka

Middle-schoolers on up will enjoy this haunted trail through the twists and turns of Lloyd Beach. There will be a graveyard of spirits, haunted boathouse and beach of monsters. The perfect, scary Halloween event on the North Shore!

HallowFest: A Garden of Good... And Evil

When: October 24, 2015, 5:30 to 9 PM; October 25, 4 to 7:30 PM

Where: Regenstein Center, Chicago Botanical Garden in Glencoe

Celebrate Halloween at the Chicago Botanic Garden with costumes, face-painting, ghostly lights, ghost trains and a ride around the garden on the Howlin' Express. 

100th Annual Haunted House and Halloween Party

When: October 30, 2015; 10 AM to 9 PM

Where: Winnetka Community House in Winnetka

There will be a traditionally scary haunted house and a not-so-scary haunted house for the younger crowd at this popular Winnetka event! Bring the entire family to enjoy carnival games, costumed characters, inflatables, photo booth and more before the big Halloween party from 6 to 8 PM.

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. 

Next 3 Months Best Time to Buy and Sell Homes on Chicago's North Shore

The real estate market has offered a favorable climate for new homebuyers in terms of low mortgage rates for most of the year— but it will soon get even better! According to Realtor.com's Chief Economist, the next three months could be the best time to buy due to low rates, declining home prices and properties that are sitting on the market longer than usual.

The summer, while known as the "busy season" of North Shore real estate, had little inventory to offer buyers in addition to rising prices. In fact, what some may not realize is that there is quite an advantage to making a move this time of year in the real estate market. Homebuyers in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park and Northbrook who are willing to buy during the fall and winter months will be met with lower prices and less competition.

And while buyers on the North Shore will still have a lower number of homes to choose from this fall—with inventory behind last year's mark—they may actually find time (and money!) saved with fewer properties to overwhelm them in their home search. Not to mention, fewer to trudge through as the weather turns cold!

Home sellers on the North Shore will also benefit from taking advantage of the so-called "slower season" of real estate. There are still motivated homebuyers ready to move before winter rolls around and with the lack of inventory— sellers can ultimately have the upper hand in a transaction!

Sellers have fewer homes to compete with, fewer homes to steal the spotlight in online home searches and potentially more than one buyer finding themselves interested in their property. If you've been on the fence about selling your home, don't think twice! Selling your current home can be just as lucrative of an opportunity as purchasing your next.

The real estate market is expected to stay strong through 2017, according to a new survey, and both sides of the real estate fence have everything they need to come out ahead in either a purchase or sale!

Do not hesitate to contact me today about buying or selling a home in the Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park or Northbrook area. I'm here to help you make the most of this time!

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 Real Estate Market Stats for September 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 88 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,538,459 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,015,722. The average time on market for these properties was 57 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 Real Estate Market Stats for September 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 150 properties actively on the market with the average price of $659,553 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 27 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $451,980. 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
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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.