Outdoor Trends to Avoid When Selling Your North Shore Home

With the weather warming up, it seems obvious that buyers would be looking more closely at outdoor spaces when shopping for homes on Chicago's North Shore. That much is true— however, they may be more specific when it comes to what they want.

Buyers in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas have a wish list and as the spring market heats up, their outdoor wants will become more important. Below are a few outdoor trends to avoid when selling your North Shore home this season:

Geometric or straight layouts
It used to be a popular trend in outdoor design to have crisp, clean, straight or geometric borders— planting your flowers in neat lines. But those days are gone and buyers today are looking for more freeform, natural gardens and yards.

Standard trees
Be sure to choose your landscaping wisely, including your trees! Don't opt for the same cheap plants that everyone has; buyers will notice. Avoid planting trees with leaves and needles that clutter your yard and make a point not to plant them near the foundation of your home or the fence line of your neighbor's property.

Bright colored mulch
If you must use mulch, the best idea is to use a natural bark or subtle colored filler. Buyers are easily turned off by outlandishly colored mulch like orange, red or black. You want your yard to be the envy of the neighborhood which starts with creating a neutral landscape.

Water features
You may love your koi pond, but water features can read as high maintenance to North Shore buyers. What's more, they may long for the yard space that the said feature is taking up. It's also worth noting that water features can attract more creatures and insects than the new buyers may appreciate.

Curious about what buyers are looking for in your North Shore community? Give me a call today! As your local real estate expert, I am happy to share insights, provide a list of comparable properties and help you find your home value!

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. 

How to Make Your Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park Kitchen Look Expensive

It's no secret that two of the spaces that help to sell a home on Chicago's North Shore are the bathroom and the kitchen. Buyers today want to see updated baths and kitchens that they can simply step into and use efficiently without having to make drastic changes. But don't worry, home sellers— that doesn't mean you need to plan a massive remodel to please North Shore buyers.

Below are five easy ways you can make your Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park kitchen look expensive, without breaking the bank or your back!

1. Pick a luxurious color palette
Muted colors like creams and greys can do wonders for your North Shore home! Brighter, bolder colors can turn off buyers and make it difficult for them to envision their belongings in the space which may not pair so well with a harsh red, for instance.

2. Incorporate texture
Before you take to coating the walls in one coat of flat paint, consider your options. Varying high gloss and matte finishes can help to make the space interesting and feel more high-end. You can also bring in textured elements like plants and distressed hardware to add additional layers.

3. Add new hardware
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel fresh and new is by simply changing out your cabinet hardware! Toss out your outdated cabinet pulls, opting for clean lines in a brass or nickel finish— and don't be afraid to mix metals!

4. Add new light fixtures
If your kitchen in the Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park areas is sporting a chandelier from decades ago, it may be time to splurge on something new. Simple fixtures like glass pendants or globes can help to modernize the space while making it feel more open and airy.

5. Add a new backsplash
Tile is one of the features that can make a home feel dated— especially if your home was built mid-century and boasts a pastel color scheme. Set aside some time to remove the old tile from your backsplash and replace it with something new!

There are dozens of ways you can show off your home in its best possible light this spring— and not just in the kitchen or bath! Give me a call today for more information about how you can attract buyers to your North Shore home. As your local real estate expert, I can help you find the right buyer and sell your home for a price you love!

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. 

Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for March 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 173 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,845,037 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 24 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,317,594. 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 Winnetka market statistics! 

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Northbrook Real Estate Market Stats for March 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 301 properties actively on the market with the average price of $782,907 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 56 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $534,457. 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 Northbrook 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!

Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for March 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 314 properties actively on the market with the average price of $911,159 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 48 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $437,007. 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!

Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for March 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 100 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,454,438 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 5 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $727,400. The average time on market for these properties was 91 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!

Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for March 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 158 properties actively on the market with the average price of $782,683 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 22 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $412,447. The average time on market for these properties was 65 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!

Common North Shore Earnest Money Mistakes to Avoid

Once you have found your dream home on Chicago's North Shore, the next step is to put down a sum of money to show your commitment to making the purchase. This amount is called your earnest money deposit and if not done correctly, could end up costing you thousands of dollars.

I've included below a few common earnest money mistakes that North Shore buyers have made to help you enjoy a smoother, more stress-free home purchase and avoid losing more money than necessary!

Misunderstanding the deposit
It is important to understand what the earnest money deposit is when you make an offer on a North Shore home. The purpose is to provide proof to the seller that you are committed to finishing the sale of the home. It is negotiable between the buyer and seller, but typically earnest money deposits range from 1 to 2 percent of the home's purchase price; it can also be used as a credit toward your closing costs or down payment.

Not offering enough
The earnest money deposit shows you are serious about the purchase, so not offering enough could force a seller to think twice. Remember that as we head into spring, the market begins to heat up and a home could see multiple offers. If your earnest money deposit is less than the next offer, the seller may skip over yours.

Ignoring the risks of an "As Is" home
When you purchase a home "As Is," you are essentially taking on all of its problems and imperfections. These homes typically require a nonrefundable earnest money deposit, therefore you need to be extra cautious. Should you need to cancel the sale, you will not get your initial deposit back.

Agreeing to remove contingencies
It is always wise to keep contingencies in place until you are absolutely certain that you are able to close on the home. Removing loan contingencies may mean you lose the extra room you need to negotiate the sale and your earnest money.

It is essential to have an expert to lead you through the homebuying process in Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Glencoe and Highland Park this spring. Give me a call today to clear up any questions you may have or for a list of available homes on the North Shore!

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.