Wednesday, December 26, 2018

What You Should Know Before Refinancing Your North Shore Home

The idea of cutting your monthly mortgage payment down by refinancing your loan may sound intriguing to you as a homeowner on Chicago's North Shore, but there is much more to consider before diving in. In fact, there are cases in which refinancing does not truly pay off for the homeowner. But don't worry! As your local North Shore real estate expert, you can count on me to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Below are four factors to consider before making the decision to refinance your mortgage:

Refinancing is not free
Just as you likely paid some closing costs when you purchased your home in Northbrook, Winnetka, Evanston, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and the surrounding areas, you will be required to again with refinancing. Closing costs are typically 2 to 5 percent of your loan amount and will need to be paid up front when you refinance. While your lender may offer a no closing costs refinance, be aware that it may come packaged with a higher interest rate. It's always wise to consider all of your options!

The savings should pay off quickly
When deciding if a refinance is right for you and your North Shore home, you need to look at the savings. Refinancing makes the most sense when your interest rate is more than 100 points above the current interest rates. The savings from your refinance should also recoup itself in under two years. For example, if your refinance cost you $2,800 and you end up saving $179 per month, the savings would be recouped in 15 months. It pays to crunch the numbers!

You may be able to cancel PMI
As we've talked about in the past, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required for buyers that put down less than 20 percent on their new home. However, if you've gained enough equity in your home over the past years, a refinance may mean you're able to cancel your PMI. Just remember the loan balance needs to be 80 percent or less of your home's value.

Refinancing resets your loan
Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider is that a refinance is essentially hitting the reset button on your home loan. If you've had your loan for many years and have reached the point where you're paying down the principal instead of interest, refinancing may not be the best idea as you will likely reverse this dynamic.

Whether you're ready to tackle the home selling process on Chicago's North Shore or are simply looking to refinance to save a bit more each month, I am here to help! You can call on me to provide everything from a list of available North Shore homes to home seller tips and lender recommendations.

I look forward to hearing from you in 2019!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for November 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 276 properties actively on the market with the average price of $799,823 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 45 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $632,116. The average time on market for these properties was 85 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


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Northbrook Real Estate Market Stats for November 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 311 properties actively on the market with the average price of $634,386 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 58 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $540,197. The average time on market for these properties was 60 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


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Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for November 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 112 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,971,822 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 17 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,574,600. The average time on market for these properties was 106 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


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Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for November 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 92 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,519,760 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 8 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $913,058. 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 Glencoe market statistics

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for November 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 139 properties actively on the market with the average price of $587,727 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 28 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $459,602. The average time on market for these properties was 45 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


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Wednesday, December 12, 2018

What Not to Do When Buying a North Shore Home

Buying a home on Chicago's North Shore can be an overwhelming decision, especially if it's your first time navigating the real estate market. And since this is likely the largest purchase you will ever make, it's important that you try to avoid the common mistakes that homebuyers have encountered before you. That's where I come in! I have included a list below of five things not to do when buying a home in Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, Deerfield, and Winnetka, so you can enjoy a smooth process and settle into your new home with no worries!

Don't shop without an agent
Navigating the real estate market can be tricky, so why go it alone? Let me be your guide to homes for sale on the North Shore! You will want an agent who has your best interests in mind, who knows the in's and out's of the market, and has the knowledge of the industry to find you the best home, at the best possible price, in the most efficient amount of time. Buying a home can be a full-time job in itself if you consider all of the parties involved in the transaction, so it never hurts to leave it to the pros!

Don't ignore your budget
One of the worst things you can do when shopping for homes in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield is ignoring your budget and looking at homes you cannot afford. Not only does this waste your time and your agent's time, but it gives you unrealistic expectations. First you'll need to get pre-approved with a lender, then move on to your home search when you know exactly how much home you can afford. When you know what your budget is, stick to it! You won't be disappointed down the road.

Don't meet with just one lender
In order to get pre-approved for a home loan, you'll need to meet with a lender. You will provide documentation such as tax returns, income statements, and proof of funds for your downpayment before you go move forward with the buying process. While it may seem like a lot of work on your end to provide the necessary paperwork, in this case, it pays to meet with more than one lender. Gather at least three different quotes from lenders before you decide on the best loan for you.

Don't ignore closing costs
Did you know that the majority of homebuyers today aren't aware of closing costs? Now is the time to research how much you may owe at closing, which could be anywhere from one to seven percent of the purchase price of the home. You'll want to be aware of these additional costs or you could risk being blindsided before you can get your keys.

Don't make unreasonable lowball offers
Every North Shore homebuyer wants to get a great deal on a property, but that does not mean you should make the lowest offer possible. Not only will your offer likely be outbid by someone else, but the seller may not even counter yours back. According to real estate industry resource Inman, the third largest mistake people make when buying a home is offering too little for a property.

Give me a call today for a list of available homes in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield! I'm here to walk you through the entire buying process in 2019!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, December 5, 2018

How to Buy a North Shore Home Before the Holidays

Tis the season for holiday chaos— festive gatherings, tree trimming, traveling to visit with friends and family near and far. Probably the last thing on your mind this time of year is whether or not to buy a new North Shore home and settle in before the new year. But don't be so quick to write off the task! Buying a new home in Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Highland Park, or Deerfield is indeed possible— you just need an expert agent a handful of tips to get the job done!

Below are four tips to help you buy a North Shore home before the holidays:

Get pre-approved
You never want to begin your home search by touring homes that are outside of your budget. Instead, take the time to get pre-approved with a mortgage lender so you know exactly how much home you can afford, as well as whether or not you even qualify to make the purchase.

Find an expert agent
Your real estate agent should know the market well, as well as have a large network and know how to leverage technology to get the job done. For instance, when you have a specific timeline in mind to buy a home, your agent should know exactly which local professionals to bring in to complete the transaction, from the lender to the inspector.

Sort your documents
A successful homebuyer is an organized homebuyer! Keep all of your documents organized in a folder designated solely for your home purchase. Put together all of the documents you will need to buy a home— tax returns from the past two years, W2's or pay stubs, as well as two months worth of bank statements from all accounts. This will speed up the process when the documents are needed!

Keep everyone on track
If you're under contract to buy a home on Chicago's North Shore, you will want to stay on top of everyone to keep the transaction moving. When you work with the right real estate agent, they should play an important role in this as well. There is a lot of down time considering all of the parties involved in the transaction and it can be a while before someone gets the document they need or answers a question. If you haven't heard back in a timely manner, always check in!

We're wrapping up 2018, but that doesn't mean you have to wait any longer to buy a new home in Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Highland Park, or Deerfield! Give me a call today for more information about available properties and getting started on your home search or home sale!

I look foward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for October 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 136 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,924,725 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 18 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,247,778. The average time on market for these properties was 60 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


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Northbrook Real Estate Market Stats for October 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 329 properties actively on the market with the average price of $654,385 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 58 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $475,429. The average time on market for these properties was 54 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


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Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for October 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 322 properties actively on the market with the average price of $820,582 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 41 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $549,441. The average time on market for these properties was 75 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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Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for October 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 95 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,456,279 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 13 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,522,660. The average time on market for these properties was 78 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
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Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for October 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 161 properties actively on the market with the average price of $583,283 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 25 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $439,386. The average time on market for these properties was 56 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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Wednesday, November 21, 2018

Celebrate the Holidays with These North Shore Events!

After all of the turkey is put away, it's time to deck the halls for the holidays and better yet, make plans for painting the town red (and green!) with all of the festive events popping up on Chicago's North Shore. I've highlighted several of the holiday happenings in December so you can take advantage of all that Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, and Winnetka have to offer!

Breakfast with Santa
December 1, 2018
Maggiano's Little Italy
Skokie IL

Annual Holiday Open House
December 2, 2018
Evanston History Center at the Charles Gates Dawes House
Evanston IL

Frances Willard Holiday House Tour
December 2, 2018
Frances Willard House Museum
Evanston IL

Red Invitation Sunday Holiday Sale
December 2, 2018
Varying merchants in Winnetka
Winnetka IL

Sunday Brunch with Santa
December 2, 2018
Pinstripes
Northbrook IL

Holiday Cheers
December 5, 2018
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe IL

Downtown Evanston Tree Lighting
December 8, 2018
Fountain Square
Evanston IL

It's a Wonderful Life— Live Radio Play
Through December 30, 2018
Oil Lamp Theater
Glenview IL

Wonderland Express
Through January 6, 2019
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe IL

Ready to call the North Shore your home? Or ready to move on to a new home for the new year? Give me a call today! I'd be happy to help you find the perfect home for you and your family in Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, or beyond.

Have a happy holiday season!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, November 14, 2018

5 Signs It's Time to Sell Your North Shore Home

Every North Shore homeowner's reason for selling their property will be different, but there are a few significant signs that will ultimately show you it's time to move on. Perhaps you've outgrown the space or your job is taking you to a different Chicago area community— regardless of the reasoning, you can count on me to help you through the process!

Below are five signs it's time to sell your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook home and move on:

Your costs are too high
Not all homeowners on Chicago's North Shore are prepared for the costs that come with managing a property. If you find yourself in this position and need to reduce your monthly maintenance costs or mortgage payment, it is likely time to list your home and find a property better suited to your financial situation.

You've outgrown the home
If your family is growing (or for empty-nesters, the opposite), but your home is not, that is a great sign you're ready to sell and move on! Whether you're looking for a larger home or one with fewer bedrooms as your children fly the coop, you can count on me to provide a list of available properties that fit the bill.

The market is booming
Sellers still have an edge in today's real estate market, so why not take advantage? Especially if buyer demand continues to increase and you have built up equity in your property, chances are great that you will be able to find a buyer quickly and settle into your next dream home ASAP.

Your value is favorable
As I mentioned earlier, it may be time to move on if market conditions are favorable and you've built up equity in your home. You may even notice that your neighbor got a great price for their home and you'd like to sell and reap the same rewards!

You've been in the home five years
It is often recommended that homeowners stay in their property at least five years to allow themselves to build equity. After all, when you begin paying your mortgage, the first payments are almost always all interest. Unless you have an urgent need to move, consider staying put for five years and then make your decision.

Curious about your home value or have questions about getting the listing process started? Give me a call today! I'm happy to help just as I have with numerous other North Shore homeowners!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

5 Things in Your North Shore Home That Could Turn Buyers Away

As I explained in my last blog post, selling your North Shore home during the fall and winter months can be just as lucrative as selling during the spring and summer! But remember, that's only if your home is prepared for the market! There are many ways to spruce up your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield home before listing— including removing these common items that have been known to turn buyers away!

Below are five items to consider removing from your North Shore home before listing your property:

Collectibles
Whether you collect stamps or figurines, it may be best to keep them stored away while you're selling your home. Many collections on display in properties can read as clutter to buyers and turn them off of your home. Even if they're just dog accessories, it's best to keep them in storage during this time.

Odors
Food or pet-related odors are one of the quickest ways to send a buyer running out the door. Smells can be the breaking point for buyers, so it's best to be aware of what you're cooking before a showing or if there are any pet odors that need addressing before buyers arrive. It's also best to stay away from strong scented candles as not all buyers will love the same aromas you do.

Pet Damage
You love your pets, of course, but remember that not all buyers are pet people. If your floors are scratched from pet claws or there are stains on your carpet, consider having them re-finished or professionally cleaned or replaced prior to listing your property.

Personal Photos
Have you heard that de-personalizing a home can help it sell? It's true! Buyers want to envision themselves living in the home which can be hard to do when your wedding photos are on the wall. Try to store your personal photos prior to buyers arriving for a showing just to give you that edge over other sellers.

Bugs
Have you spotted ladybugs in the window sills of your North Shore home? Remove them! Bugs can be an easy turn-off for buyers who will get the feeling that the home is not well cared for or clean enough for them to move in.

Need more ideas on how to prepare your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield home for the market? Curious about your home value? Give me a call today! I'm happy to answer your questions!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, October 31, 2018

How to Sell Your North Shore Home During the Holidays


When the busy spring and summer months are over, many North Shore homeowners are left wondering if they can still sell their properties before the end of the year. While it may seem like the market slows down, the short answer is yes! Buyers today are constantly searching for properties on their smartphones, computers, and even have email alerts set up when a new North Shore property becomes available that meets their criteria.

Selling your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield home during the holiday season is still a great idea and as your local real estate expert, I'm sharing a few ways below to achieve that successful sale!

Keep holiday decor simple
Don't be tempted to install an inflatable snowman on your front lawn! It's best to keep holiday decor simple—staying away from large yard ornaments—outside in order to avoid distracting buyers from the property itself.

Highlight holiday features
Does your home have a great picture window? A cozy fireplace? An inviting dining room? These are all great features to play up during this time of year. Allow buyers to envision themselves entertaining in your home by staging it for the season. Position your Christmas tree in front of the window, light a fire when buyers arrive for a showing, and set the table to let buyers imagine hosting friends and family.

Groom online appeal
The first place buyers will look for homes this time of year is online. Be sure that your listing photos are clear and present your home in its best possible light. When you work with me, you can rest assured your property will have a great online presence and pique buyer interest from the very beginning!

Enhance curb appeal
Your home's exterior is often what will get buyers to the front door, so make sure it feels inviting! Clean your gutters, clear all pathways of debris, touch up the paint, tidy up your yard, and consider adding a wreath to the front door.

Get move-in ready
Since the holiday season can already be stressful, you don't want to make moving into your home another cause for buyer concern. Now is the time to fix any issues that you know exist in your property, especially HVAC as it is imperative that this system be in working order during the colder months! Buyer will be more willing to move into your home if they know they won't run into any problems after closing!

Ready to move into a new North Shore home before the new year? Give me a call today to get started on listing your current property and finding your next dream home!

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.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018

Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for September 2018


City Active Listings: There are a total of 136 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,872,739 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 17 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,575,676. The average time on market for these properties was 109 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
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Northbrook Real Estate Market Stats for September 2018


City Active Listings: There are a total of 358 properties actively on the market with the average price of $659,238 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 59 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $521,166. The average time on market for these properties was 45 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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Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for September 2018


City Active Listings: There are a total of 345 properties actively on the market with the average price of $844,176 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 32 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $591,679. The average time on market for these properties was 48 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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Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for September 2018


City Active Listings: There are a total of 179 properties actively on the market with the average price of $590,511 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 21 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $426,543. The average time on market for these properties was 35 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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Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for September 2018


City Active Listings: There are a total of 96 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,047,500 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 11 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,169,784. The average time on market for these properties was 93 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
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Thursday, October 18, 2018

Boo! 6 Halloween Events on Chicago's North Shore

Halloween is almost here on Chicago's North Shore! It's time to plan your costume, carve a pumpkin, and outfit your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook home in the spookiest decor. But once all of those festive activities are checked off of your list, you'll be ready for some bewitchingly fun events and I've rounded up a few below!

Add the following 6 Halloween Events on Chicago's North Shore to your calendar:

5th Annual Zombie Scramble
Evanston Ecology Center
Evanston IL

Run with your friends and finish with your "lives" (or flag football flags worn around your waist) intact! Zombies will be placed along the course to try to grab your flags!

Spooktacular Halloween Party
October 21, 2018
North Suburban YMCA
Northbrook IL

Enjoy a bounce house, costume contest, pony rides, haunted maze, paint pumpkins, and so much more! All ages are welcome at this North Shore event!

BOOnanza
Wheeling Community Recreation Center
Wheeling IL

Decorate a pumpkin, make crafts, listen to spooky stories, go for a hayride, and watch a magic show! Children 10 years of age and younger encouraged for this FREE event!

Dave Rudolf's Halloween Spooktacular
October 26, 2018
Winnetka Community House
Winnetka IL

Your little ghouls and goblins, no matter their age, are invited to this fun event with songs, stories, and costumes galore! $10 in advance, $15 at the door.

Halloween in Downtown Skokie
October 27, 2018
Start at Crafty Beaver Lumber
Skokie IL

Kids 12 and younger are welcome to participate in trick or treating downtown Skokie! Just pick up your bag at Crafty Beaver and be on your way!

Night of 1,000 Jack-O-Lanterns
October 24-28, 2018
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe IL

Pumpkins as large as 150 pounds will light up the night at the Chicago Botanic Garden! Artists spend hours decorating a single pumpkin to be staged along a festive pathway, so come enjoy a spooky walk, watching live carvings, view the ghostly trains in the Model Railroad Garden, drink cider, and more!

Ready to call the North Shore your home? Contact me today for more information about Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, or Glencoe homes for sale.

I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Halloween!

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.