Wednesday, April 29, 2015

North Shore Homebuyers Should Shop Around for Mortgage Rates This Year

Just as it would in any other purchase scenario on the North Shore, shopping around can be a major benefit to today's homebuyers.

Home prices and sales are rising and as a result, the real estate market is getting busy and seeing more buyer demand. But that doesn't mean you should rush into a home purchase in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook or Deerfield! Taking the time to research mortgage rates could save you more than you think on your new North Shore home.

Below are some common questions homebuyers on Chicago's North Shore may be wondering about rate shopping this year:

How long should I shop around?
As you know, mortgage rates are known to rise and fall daily and could change as much as .25 in a single day. In order to accurately compare lenders, you need to get quotes from each lender on the same day. Homebuyers will need to gather these rates before making a home offer and if the North Shore seller accepts, you will then choose one.

How do I know if the rate is accurate?
Your comparison of rates should consider the relationship between closing costs and the rate itself. The higher the closing costs, the lower the rate and vice versa. When you receive your rates from lenders, compare the rates with fees and APRs. You won't know which is best until you compare each summary given from each lender and look at these factors.

What happens if rates drop after I lock in my mortgage?
Every lender will have their own policy on how to tackle this subject. Many of them will give you some leeway when re-negotiating a previously locked in rate. For instance, if you just locked in your mortgage at 3.75 and mortgage rates drop to 3.5, the lender may allow you to re-negoiate your rate to 3.625. As you gather quotes, simply ask the lenders about their policy.

With years of experience in all things North Shore real estate, I understand how overwhelming the homebuying process can feel— from home shopping to mortgage rate shopping to home closings. I can recommend area professionals to assist you with rate shopping and am happy to answer any questions about buying a home on the North Shore!

I look forward to hearing from 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. 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Preparing Your Home to Sell on Chicago's North Shore This Spring

The weather is getting warmer every week and spring is in full bloom on the North Shore. Homebuyer demand is increasing, homeowners are taking to sprucing up their homes in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park and the busy real estate season is kicking off.

But there is still one thing left to do this spring— prepare your North Shore home to sell! Listing your home now is a great idea with more buyers coming into the market, but it must be ready to show and grab buyer attention to be successful.

Below are three suggestions for preparing your home to sell on Chicago's North Shore this spring:

Start spring cleaning
If you haven't already, begin de-cluttering your home, editing down furniture to allow spaces to feel bigger and airier, clean windows and consider a fresh coat of paint. Even small items like the furnace filter can make a difference to North Shore homebuyers— if you passed over something small, buyers may wonder how well you have taken care of other things in the home.

Boost curb appeal
Now that spring is here, North Shore buyers will begin driving by properties for sale and visiting open houses— where the exterior and landscaping are the first things they notice. Make sure your home stands out in a good way with updated, fresh landscaping, clear sidewalks and driveways and house numbers that are easily visible. You might even consider giving your front door a coat of paint or replacing it altogether if necessary and flanking the entry with plants or flowers.

Price the property well
The success of selling your home in Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Deerfield, or Highland Park has much to do with the price at which its listed. I am a seasoned real estate professional in the area and can help you arrive at a price you're happy with as well as one that will get buyers to your door.

As your North Shore real estate expert and Top Trulia Agent, I am happy to share ideas for piquing homebuyer interest this season. Whether you are ready to list your home now or sprucing in anticipation of summer, do not hesitate to give me a call!

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 15, 2015

Deerfield Market Statistics for March 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 130 properties actively on the market with the average price of $685,263 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 25 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $482,370, the average time on market for these properties was 58 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.

Glencoe Market Statistics for March 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 68 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,554,947 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 8 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,313,313, the average time on market for these properties was 43 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.

Northbrook Market Statistics for March 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 207 properties actively on the market with the average price of $718,623 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 51 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $418,190, the average time on market for these properties was 72 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 Statistics for March 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 221 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,025,848 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 43 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $463,315, the average time on market for these properties was 92 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.

Winnetka Market Statistics for March 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 168 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,928,141 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 16 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,131,363, the average time on market for these properties was 81 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.

Friday, April 10, 2015

Spring and Summer Inspiration for Your Home on Chicago's North Shore

Now that the weather is getting warmer on the North Shore, homeowners are venturing outside to spruce landscaping, plant gardens and even bring in new furniture for a fresh look. But instead of going with your usual spring and summer routine to boost curb appeal, it's time to inspire yourself! The upcoming Antiques Garden and Design Show April 17 through 19th at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe provides just the atmosphere to do so. 

Formerly known as the Antiques and Garden Fair, the 2015 show is offering a whole new format for inspiring stylish living and homes on the North Shore. This year is all about showing North Shore homeowners the new and extraordinary, featuring beautiful gardens and objects that you may have never seen before.

The Antiques Garden and Design Show in Glencoe will display indoor gardens, a horticulture section (new this year!) and an opportunity to enjoy shopping, local cuisine and complimentary valet parking at the Preview Evening on Thursday, April 16th. 

The following are just some of the highlights you can expect to find at this year's show:
  • Display gardens
New, indoor gardens in the spring colors of green and chartreuse are a breath of fresh air after the long, winter.
  • Lectures
Lecturers include an internationally-acclaimed interior designer and garden journalist and historian to share tips on decorating your North Shore home this season and creating simplicity in your outdoor spaces. 

Held April 17-19, 2015; 10 AM to 5 PM, Friday through Sunday, this popular show on Chicago's North Shore is an excellent opportunity to get inspired to create fresh, new spaces in your home

If you are ready for a fresh start in a new home this spring and summer, do not hesitate to contact me! I am a seasoned North Shore real estate expert and am happy to help you navigate the market to find your dream home.

I look forward to hearing from 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

Friday, April 3, 2015

Choosing the best paint color for your North Shores area home

Selecting paint colors for your North Shores home can be fun!
Now that spring is here and you can actually open the windows of your North Shore home, you may be considering working on some painting projects in your home. Choosing a paint color can be a daunting task! Here are some tips on finding one that is right for the room you are painting.

Draw from a shade you enjoy in something tangible. For example, maybe you have a set of dishes with the perfect shade, or a piece of artwork, or an area rug. These are great things to draw a shade from and you can take these items with you to the paint store to help you select a shade.

Consider the mood or feeling you want in the room you’re painting. This is really important to keep in mind! If you want a restful, soothing feeling when you’re spending time in a room, you’ll want to choose a soft, cool color (for example a soft blue or green). If you want more energy or drama in a room, choose a bold color. Oftentimes people go with bold colors for children’s rooms because they are more “fun” but keep in mind, these bold colors can also lead to children being unrested and irritable so consider the child’s age and temperament when considering using a bold color. One way to add some fun to a room without dousing the room in bright color is to use a bold color on just an accent wall and have more of a neutral or softer color on the other walls.

Consider the lighting in the room. For instance, does the room have windows and let in a lot of natural light or are there mainly table lamps in the room, or fluorescent lights? Natural lighting shows the true colors of the lighting, fluorescent lighting casts more of a blue tone, and incandescent brings out yellows and warm tones.

Test out your color. Before painting an entire room, test out your color on an inconspicuous area, like a wall in the powder room. But realize, the lighting in the room you are painting will make your paint color look different than a different room with different lighting. So testing in an area with similar lighting or a small area in the room you will be painting is important.

If you are looking to find a new North Shores home, spring is a great time to look and I’m a seasoned North Shores real estate agent. Give my office a call today!

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