Wednesday, May 27, 2015

How to Prepare Your Home for Storm Season on Chicago's North Shore

Whether you've just moved into a new home on Chicago's North Shore, are planning to stay put this summer or have just started house-hunting, one thing is certain— summer tends to add a little more chaos to the mix!

Not only are North Shore residents ready to take on busier schedules, but the warmer weather always brings a storm or two to our area that can put a damper on plans. Homeowners would do well to prep for storm season now to avoid surprises down the road and of course, added stress and hassle that we could all do without!

Take the weekend to secure your home in Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook and you'll be ready to take on the summer with no worries:
  • Prepare an emergency plan for your family and designate a room in your North Shore home in which all of you will meet during a storm.
  • Cut and haul away any loose or hanging tree limbs that could cause damage during a storm.
  • Check all shutters and gutters on your home to ensure they are properly secured. If not, reattach.
  • Install surge protectors for expensive or sensitive electronics and appliances in your North Shore home.
  • Compile an emergency kit for storms, including batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, snacks, a weather radio and bottled water.
  • Take photos of your home (both inside and out), your cars, boat and valuables. You could need them later for insurance claims.
  • Store or secure your outdoor furniture as heavy winds can blow these into your home, causing serious damage.
  • Move all potted plants and outdoor items like bicycles, motorcycles and toys indoors or, if necessary, carefully secure them. 
Summer is a wonderful time on Chicago's North Shore, with fun events, warm temperatures and time for outdoor recreational activities. Don't let storms get in the way of your enjoying the season! 

As your real estate expert in Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe and Northbrook, I am happy to walk you through the home buying and home selling processes. Summer is perfect for making a move to your dream home! Have questions? Do not hesitate to give me a call!

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, May 20, 2015

Deerfield Market Stats for April 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 139 properties actively on the market with the average price of $723,535 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 26 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $411,009. The average time on market for these properties was 55 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.

Northbrook Market Stats for April 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 246 properties actively on the market with the average price of $706,509 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 52 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $504,095. The average time on market for these properties was 77 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.

Glencoe Market Stats for April 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 87 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,506,905 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,123,333. 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 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.

Highland Park Market Stats for April 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 277 properties actively on the market with the average price of $925,079 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 30 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $493,624. The average time on market for these properties was 89 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 Stats for April 2015

City Active Listings: There are a total of 181 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,942,126 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 18 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,318,750. The average time on market for these properties was 100 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.

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka Home Sellers: Staging Tips for Your North Shore Home

Warmer weather typically brings busy schedules to North Shore residents and when selling your home, your to-do list is bound to grow! Now is the time to spring clean from top to bottom, toss out old furniture and knick-knacks, work with your real estate agent to ensure you're on the right track and get ready to welcome North Shore buyers inside.

Staging your home is key to allowing buyers to visualize themselves and their belongings inside the property. As you clean out the clutter this month and begin to set the scene for homebuyers, take into account these must-do's and absolute do-not's of home staging.

Say goodbye to the old
Picture yourself walking into a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook or Highland Park and find that the homeowners have old, worn-out furniture. It will likely have an impression on your opinion of the home overall— just for that one reason. When staging your own home to sell, choose the furniture that showcases your home well!

Focus on the home itself
One of the best ways to showcase the features of your home is to allow them to speak for themselves. Don't overwhelm buyers with wallpaper, dozens of knick-knacks or loud decor or distracting wall colors. Keep it simple and when in doubt, do an edit of the space! Anything you feel might take away from a space should be removed.

Be consistent
Think of your North Shore home as a book— every room should be a part of the same story. If you leave one space in disarray while the rest of the home is clean, tidy and updated, buyers will notice. Consistency from room to room is key! Every space should feel comfortable and reflective of the love you have for the property.

Say no to themes
Using themes or bright, bold colors can be a distraction for North Shore homebuyers. In fact, one of the main rules of staging is to stick to a neutral palette. Soft, calming tones allow a buyer to envision their own furniture inside and harmonize with the home, instead of overpowering it.

Remember, there is always a chance North Shore homebuyers will not like your staging job. If you have questions about what buyers are looking for this year, always feel free to reach out to me! With years of experience in area real estate, I can provide you with insight into local buyer's minds!

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, May 6, 2015

Buy Local, Eat Local at North Shore Farmers Markets

The North Shore of Chicago is a hub of culture, history, entertainment and shopping. This spring, there is so much to do and see locally that there is no need to even leave the area! One of those treasured events returning to North Shore communities this spring and summer is the farmers market.

Many North Shore locales— like Glencoe, Northbrook and Evanston—host farmers markets featuring their own home-baked goodies, flowers, fruits and vegetables, in addition to local wares. As the weather continues to warm up, be sure to make plans to visit one of the following farmers markets nearby:

  • Evanston Farmers Market
Begins third week of May

When: Open Saturdays, 7:30 AM to 1 PM
Where: Held on University and Oak Streets

  • Glencoe Farmers Market
Begins first Sunday in June

When: Open first Sundays in June through November,  9 AM to 2 PM
Where: Chicago Botanic Garden

  • Glenview Farmers Market
Begins first week of June

When: Open Saturdays, 8 AM to 12 PM
Where: Wagner Farm, Lake Avenue and Wagner Road

  • Northbrook Farmers Market
Begins first Wednesday in mid-June

When: Open Wednesdays, 7 AM to 1 PM
Where: Our Lady of Brook, Dundee Road

As your North Shore real estate expert, I am happy to share the many reasons why our area is such a great place to call home. Contact me today with any questions you have about buying a home on the North Shore or selling your current property!

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.