Wednesday, April 25, 2018

What to Ask a Lender on Chicago's North Shore

Your home on Chicago's North Shore will likely be the largest purchase you ever make and you may need to work with a lender to secure financing to close the deal. However, not all lenders are the same and finding a great one that you trust to see you through the entire process can be a challenge.

It's best to start pursuing lenders as soon as you begin searching for North Shore homes as you'll want to have your lender in place when you find "the one." But how do you know when you've found the right one? Below are three important questions to ask potential lenders in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, and the surrounding areas:

Is now a good time to buy?
An honest, trustworthy lender is just as important as your real estate agent. The right lender will explain if it is a good time to buy for your situation in a way that you understand. For instance, they will share how factors like your debt-to-income ratio and down payment will your buying power now versus next year.

What debts should I pay first to get a good rate?
When asking this question, a good lender will be able to share what they're looking for in your credit score and history and how you might be able to improve it prior to buying a home. They will likely comb through your credit report and point out which debts will have the most impact on your buying power and ability to qualify for a mortgage— and secure a great rate!

How much will I pay at closing?
Closing costs are a new concept to many first-time homebuyers, but no matter how experienced you are in the homebuying world, this question helps you to avoid any surprises at the closing table. Your lender should be able to share what you might pay in closing costs and how it is paid, via check or electronically.

Need a recommendation for a lender on Chicago's North Shore? Give me a call today! As your real estate agent, I have built a large network to assist you with everything from securing a mortgage to scheduling an inspection.

I look forward to hearing from you!

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, April 18, 2018

Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for March 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 150 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,853,323 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 17 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,211,415. 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
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Northbrook Real Estate Market Stats for March 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 284 properties actively on the market with the average price of $749,324 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 51 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $486,949. The average time on market for these properties was 61 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!

Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for March 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 329 properties actively on the market with the average price of $923,943 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 30 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $561,700. The average time on market for these properties was 74 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 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 98 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,359,742 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 14 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $672,429. The average time on market for these properties was 114 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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Local Expert... with National Connections!

Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for March 2018

City Active Listings: There are a total of 150 properties actively on the market with the average price of $655,245 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 25 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $476,040. The average time on market for these properties was 62 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!

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

4 Things You Don't Need to Fix Before Selling Your North Shore Home

In my last blog post, I shared the answer to the common North Shore homeowner question of whether or not you should sell your home or simply renovate this spring. This week, I'm elaborating for those homeowners in Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, or Winnetka who choose to list their property and take advantage of the numerous buyers in the market.

But does everything need to be fixed before you can officially place that For Sale sign in the yard? Read on for four things that you can pass on this spring:

Half updates
Unless you plan to renovate your entire kitchen or bathroom, you don't need to bother making partial updates. For instance, don't bother placing an expensive new stone like a marble or granite on top of your old cabinets. Making these half updates tends to only accentuate what still needs fixing.

Cosmetic repairs
If your North Shore home has good bones, the foundation is solid, the roof doesn't need replaced right off the bat, and the running systems are in decent shape, smart buyers will know that the necessary cosmetic work is not a big deal. Things like chipped paint or even scuff marks on the floor can all be easily fixed by the buyer and shouldn't hinder your home sale.

Trendy charm
Even though you may feel your home needs a modern edge to hook today's homebuyers, don't feel obligated to add trendy touches before you list. Most importantly, don't spring for a bold, trendy color on the walls. It's still best to keep a neutral palette as bright colors tend to deter buyers more often than not.

Kitchens and baths
While it may be true that these two rooms in your North Shore home can sell the property, you don't need to plan a full-fledged renovation in order to list. The idea of the perfect kitchen or bathroom differs for every buyer and you can never be sure that the design choices you make in your renovation would appeal to them. It's best to err on the side of smaller, neutral changes like a fresh coat of white paint rather than put money into all new fixtures.

Contact me today for more information about selling your home in Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, or Winnetka this spring! I'm here to walk you through the entire process, from home prep to home closing.

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 4, 2018

Should You Renovate Your North Shore Chicago Home Or Sell?

Every year, spring tends to bring out much-anticipated warmer weather, beautiful flowers, greener grass, and of course, more homebuyers! But before you decide to list your home on Chicago's North Shore—determined to get your property in front of today's motivated buyers—it is important to consider whether it may be better to renovate and stay put for a while longer.

Below are four questions to ask yourself to decide if you should renovate your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Evanston, Northbrook, or Deerfield area home this spring or sell:

How long have I been in my home?
If you have lived in your North Shore home for many years and are feeling the need to either upsize to a more spacious property or downsize, it may be best to sell and move on. However, if you've only been in your home for a short time, you may like to consider staying at least five years and decide what improvements you could make to allow the home to better suit you.

Is this the best location?
Location is everything in real estate! Take a look at your neighborhood, your North Shore community, your neighbors— Do you love your location? If so, it is likely wise to stay put and make a few improvements to the home, perhaps updating the kitchen or bathrooms. If you could think of somewhere else you'd rather be, now is a great time to sell and make a move!

Do you know what renovation entails?
It is easy to dream of all of the changes you could make to your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield, but mapping out everything that requires is another topic entirely. Before you decide to renovate your home, go over every permit necessary, your timeline, and of course, your budget. You don't want to get in over your head this spring!

Will your renovation over-improve your property?
One other factor to consider in the question of renovating or selling is whether you will over-improve your home once all is said and done. Remember that home prices are based on comparable properties in the area, so it's important to make sure you won't price yours right out of the neighborhood when you're done.

Need more information to help you decide to renovate or sell? Give me a call today! As your North Shore real estate expert, I have helped numerous homeowners do the same!

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.