How to Prep Your North Shore Home for Winter Right Now

While we haven't even made it to Halloween yet, we've seen temperatures dropping rapidly and here on Chicago's North Shore, certain forecasts have even called for flurries as early as next week. Even if you're not fully ready to accept that winter is just around the corner, there are a few quick and easy steps you can take to ensure your home is when the time comes.

Below are top tips for preparing your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook and the surrounding areas:

Clean out the gutters
The last thing you want to do when temperatures really take a dive is climb up on the roof and empty the gutters, so cross that off of your list now! You want to have clean gutters, free from leaves and debris, to allow for water to flow away from your home and avoid water damage.

Have the HVAC inspected
If you've already turned up the heat, don't worry, it isn't too late to have your HVAC system inspected! A technician will check that all parts are in working order so you don't have to worry about a break down during the frigid North Shore winter months and if you haven't already, replace the furnace filter.

Seal gaps and cracks
Have you found any cracks in windows or gaps around doorways? Now is the time to seal them! In order to keep your energy bill down and the warm air inside your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook home, there should be no where for cold air to enter! Feel questionable areas with your hand, noticing any drafts, and seal them with a bead of caulk.

Clean the chimney
If you plan to use your fireplace this winter, it wouldn't hurt to have it professionally cleaned. Not only does this allow for proper ventilation and ridding the chimney of any animals that have taken up residence there, but it lessens your risk of a fire from creosote build-up.

Protect your pipes
To keep pipes from freezing this winter, you will need to insulate any exposed piping that may be in an attic, crawlspace or on the exterior of your North Shore home. Foam insulation works best for protecting pipes and if you haven't already, remember to disconnect your garden hoses, drain, and store them properly.

Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about buying or selling a home on Chicago's North Shore yet this year! I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Why You Should Buy a Home in Winnetka, Glencoe, or Highland Park IL This Fall

Once the summer has come to a close, many residents on Chicago's North Shore think the home buying season has ended along with it. While it is true that the summer months bring a wave of activity for the local real estate market, it is not the only time to buy a home— fall can be just as lucrative for North Shore buyers!

Below are five reasons why you should consider buying a home in Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Northbrook, Northfields, Riverwoods, Skokie, Willamette or Winnetka:

You could find a deal
Many home sellers first list their properties in the spring, some much too high for the market. By the time fall arrives, there is a chance that there will be leftover inventory from these spring sellers and you could find a deal!

There are fewer buyers
Your competition in the fall is significantly less than you had during the summer months. In fact, many families with children have halted their home search due to the school year, or have already found a home.

Motivated sellers
Homes that are listed in the fall could signal a home seller that wants to move on before the start of the new year— and thus, do what it takes to sell the property. As the holidays get closer, you may find that homes still for sale are a great deal in the making! No homeowner wants to deal with trying to sell during the holidays.

Sellers want to close before the new year
As I said above, when you buy a home during the fall, you may encounter a motivated seller who wants to sell before the end of the year. You could negotiate a better offer during this time of year simply because of the tax advantage (or disadvantage) the seller will have if they close quickly enough.

Homes don't show as well
The fall colors are beautiful on Chicago's North Shore, but homes don't tend to sell as well as they do during the summer months. With the weather slightly cooler and the lush landscaping losing its glamour, buyers aren't as drawn to homes this time of year, thus reducing your competition. It's also a great opportunity for a home inspection as all of the home's flaws will be exposed.

As your local real estate expert in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook and Deerfield IL, I will be your guide no matter the time of year! Contact me today for more information about available properties 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. 

Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for September 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 107 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,473,424 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 6 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $943,333. The average time on market for these properties was 134 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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Northbrook Real Estate Market Stats for September 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 340 properties actively on the market with the average price of $713,768 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 61 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $467,269. The average time on market for these properties was 47 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 September 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 353 properties actively on the market with the average price of $966,235 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 38 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $557,021. The average time on market for these properties was 79 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
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for September 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 183 properties actively on the market with the average price of $660,688 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 27 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $394,954. The average time on market for these properties was 42 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!

Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for September 2017

City Active Listings: There are a total of 158 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,833,951 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,816,500. The average time on market for these properties was 94 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!

5 Places to Visit This Fall on Chicago's North Shore

Fall is here on Chicago's North Shore and that means cooler temperatures, changing colors, falling leaves, and a variety of fun, festive events to add to your calendar! In fact, no matter where you live—from Winnetka to Glencoe to Deerfield, Northbrook, or Highland Park—you have plenty of places to visit to enjoy the season, one of the most beautiful in our area!

Below are five places to visit this fall on Chicago's North Shore:

The Farmers Market
There are dozens of farmers markets open on Chicago's North Shore where you can pick some of the season's best fruits, vegetables, plants, arts, crafts, you name it!

• Evanston Farmers Market— Saturdays through November 4th
• Northbrook Farmers Market— Wednesdays through October 11
• Glencoe French Market— Saturdays through October 14
• Glenview Farmers Market— Saturdays through October 28
• Skokie Farmers Market— Sundays through November 5 

Chicago Botanic Garden

With 385 acres and 27 gardens to explore in every season, the Chicago Botanic Garden is the perfect place to spend a fall day! This weekend, October 7, you can shop the Fall Bulb Sale, and on October 22, the garden will host a Trains, Tricks, and Treats event in the Model Railroad Garden! Plus, you won't want to miss the Night of 1,000 Jack-o-Lanterns from October 26-29 where more than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins, some weighing as much as 150 pounds, will light up the night!

The Grove National Historic Landmark

Take in the beauty of fall outdoors at the Grove National Historic Landmark in Glenview! There are 145 acres of nature preserve with trails winding through woodland, prairie and natural wetlands, and throughout October and November you can enjoy free trail walks and an arts and crafts fair! 

Winnetka's Haunted History

The Museum at 411 Linden will host a fun Halloween event for the whole family on October 21 from 6:30 to 8 PM! The cost is $5 per person and will offer the chance to learn about Winnetka's haunted history, hear ghost stories, have your fortune told, and grab a treat or two! Costumes encouraged! 

Haunted Halloween Extravaganza

Celebrate at the Winnetka Community House on October 27 with a Monster Bash from 1 to 2 PM! There will be a costume parade, Halloween puppet show, doughnut holes, drinks and more! From 7 to 9 PM, there will be a showing of Hotel Transylvania along with popcorn and apple cider!

As your local North Shore real estate expert, you can count on me to share the best ways to explore and enjoy the communities of Deerfield, Northbrook, Glencoe, Highland Park, Winnetka, Evanston, Glenview, Skokie, Wilmette, and beyond!

Contact me 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.