Declutter Your North Shore Home

If you’re running out of ways to fill your time this summer, how about decluttering your North Shore home? There are so many great reasons to declutter your home, and if you plan on selling your North Shore home anytime soon, it’s imperative that you do this. If you’re moving soon, you’ll be happy you did when it’s time to fill those boxes!

As your North Shorereal estate agent, allow me to fill you in on some great reasons to declutter, and to offer you some tips. The hardest part is beginning the process.

Why should you declutter? Aside from home sellers and movers, all homeowners could benefit from the process. Once you have less stuff lying around, clogging up your spaces, you’ll have less to keep organized, less to clean, less to stress about, more space to enjoy, and more financial freedom if you also stop purchasing stuff you don’t really need!

Here are some great tips to get you started on the decluttering process:

1.  Start with what you can manage. If it’s only five minutes you can spare each day, start with that. If you can spare a half hour or hour each day, do that, but plug it into your calendar and stick to the schedule. If it’s only one weekend day you can lend to the process, do that. Just stick with it!

2.  Donate items you no longer need. This way, you’ll feel good about giving the items to someone else who might get more use and value from them. Give one item away a day, or if you’re on a time crunch, fill boxes as you go. Find a great organization to donate to. You could always sell items as well. Extra money always comes in handy and gives you motivation!

3.  Spend time on closets, drawers, cabinets, etc. Anywhere you’ve stuffed/stored stuff will take some time to go through. Try clothes on and get rid of anything that you haven’t worn or that hasn’t fit for the last six months to a year. Same goes for kitchen appliances. If you haven’t used them, time to give away!

4.  Take photos. Take photos of a space before you declutter it, and then after you declutter and organize it. This will give you inspiration to keep going, once you see how much better a space looks and how much potential it has when it isn’t stuffed to the brim!

5.  View your home as a first-time visitor. This is especially smart if selling soon. See the house from the eyes of potential buyers. You’ll notice eyesores that you’ve gotten used to and glazed over. Spend time on those areas. If this is hard for you to do, ask a friend to point out areas in your home that need help.

These tips will get you started on the decluttering process! When ready to buy and/or sell real estate in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! I am always here and ready to answer any questions you have, or to get you started on your goals in the North Shore real estate market.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Mortgage Loan Documents Needed as North Shore Homebuyer

North Shore Mortgage Tips

If you’d like to buy a North Shore home this summer or fall, now is the time to start gathering your mortgage loan documents. In today’s competitive market, it’s more important than ever for a homebuyer to have a pre-approval letter from a mortgage lender before they start their home search.

Which documents you need will depend on what type of loan you get. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to fill you in on the basics, so you can start collecting documentation now.

If you are employed, get a regular W-2 every year, and are applying for a conventional mortgage loan, here are the documents you typically need:

1.  ID of some sort, such as driver’s license or passport.

2.  Proof of income. This could include pay stubs for last 30 days, last two federal tax returns, last two W-2s, and proof of any additional income, such as social security, alimony, etc.

3.  Proof of accounts. Last two statements for all bank accounts, including statements for investment or retirement accounts.

4.  Property. Bring settlement statement from any previous home sales, if applicable.

5.  Other. If you rent, bring contact information for your landlord for the last two years. If applicable, bring a divorce/separation agreement or property settlement agreement.

6.  If a family member is gifting you money for your home purchase, a mortgage lender will have a gift letter for them to fill out.

7.  A letter of explanation for late payments, collections, etc. in your credit history, if applicable.

For an FHA loan, the same documentation is needed. If you have 1099s instead of W2s, bring the last two of those.

If you are applying for an investment property loan, bring all of the above, plus settlement statements on any recent home sales, recent mortgage statements on all properties you own, proof of insurance for all properties, and current leases for all rental properties.

If you are self-employed or own a business, bring all of the same documentation, plus the last two years’ Corporate, S-Corp, LLC or partnership tax returns. You also may need the last two months’ profit-and-loss statements, balance sheet if applicable, and current business license.

If applying for a VA loan, you’ll need all of the above, plus a certificate of eligibility (COE) from the Veteran’s Administration. This may require form DD-214 for certificate of release or discharge, statement of service if still on active duty, or form 26-1817 or form 21-534 for surviving spouses.

For a USDA loan, there are many additional forms involved. You can find more information on all of these document requirements in this House Logic article. 

Start going through your documents and gathering them together, so when you make an appointment with a mortgage lender for a pre-approval, the process will be quick and painless! If you wish your credit score was higher or your debt was lower, spend some time working to improve those numbers before applying for a loan.

Mortgage rates are at record lows right now, so don’t wait to apply! When ready to buy in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, give me a call. I am your North Shore real estate agent, here and ready to help!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

North Shore Beaches & Parks

Chicago North Shore Beaches/Parks

If you’ve been cooped up inside for too long this summer, allow me to fill you in on fun outdoor options on Chicago’s North Shore! Whether you live in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, there is a nearby North Shore beach or park for you to enjoy. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to fill you in on these locations and COVID-19 updates for each one.

Evanston Beaches – Evanston has four public swimming beaches that are open for the season. You must present a daily pass or season token for beach admission. These include Lighthouse Beach, Clark Street Beach, Lee Street Beach and South Boulevard Beach. Other Evanston beaches are currently closed, but this could change at anytime. Beach hours are 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. through Sept. 7. 

Glencoe Beach – Only season passes are allowed this season, there is no daily admission. Season passes are sold out, but there is a wait list you can be added to. There is limited attendance as well, to maintain social distancing. Hours for season pass holders are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The beach is open to walkers only from 6 to 9 a.m. The Sprayground and playground are now open as well. 

Winnetka Beaches – Winnetka has several beaches. Lloyd Beach and Elder Lane Beach are closed due to storm damage. Tower Road Beach is open to season pass holders only. Daily passes are not available this year. Maple Street Beach is also open for season pass holders, for swimming and for non-motorized boat launching. Centennial Beach is open as a dog beach this season. When lake conditions are hazardous, the gate will be locked. 

Heritage Park – This park in Wheeling has over 100 acres of nature and recreation options. Take the 1.3 mile path that loops around beautiful Lake Heritage. Play pickleball or basketball at the courts. Book a tee time for golf at Chevy Chase or Rob Roy Golf Course. Head to the playgrounds, or pack a picnic and find shade in the open space. Practice social distancing while there. 

River Trail Nature Center – These grounds, trails and bathrooms have reopened in Northbrook from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Exhibit buildings remain closed. Parking will be limited to 50 percent capacity, so get there early! Pack a picnic or just walk the wooded grounds, trying to spot animals while learning about native plants and animals on these self-guided nature trails. 

 

These are some of your great outdoor options on Chicago’s North Shore this summer! Where do you love to spend time outdoors? Even just enjoying your own backyard is a blessing, with plenty of fun options, like grilling, playing lawn games, having s’mores around a fire pit, etc.

Wish you lived in a better community, or wish you had a bigger backyard? When ready to achieve your North Shore real estate goals this summer, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! I am here to help make your goals a reality!

  

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Now is Time to Buy and Sell on Chicago’s North Shore!

If you haven’t been keeping up with real estate market news, as your North Shore real estate agent, let me fill you in on some key factors. This summer is the ideal time to both buy and sell, so I wouldn’t want this news to slip under your radar! If you want to buy and/or sell a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, now may be your perfect opportunity.

For North Shore homebuyers, the great news is that mortgage rates are hovering near historic lows, and signs show that they will remain low for awhile. Freddie Mac said they predict an average mortgage interest rate of 3.4 percent for 2020. This week they were as low as 3.13 percent! By locking in a low rate, you can save thousands of dollars over the life of your loan, and even hundreds per month! So, whether you are buying your first home, buying a second home, or selling your current home to buy a new home, low mortgage rates will work in your favor.

The less positive news for buyers is that the inventory of homes for sale is still low. So, to better your chances at having one of your offers accepted, you should be preapproved by a mortgage lender before you start your home search, to give you a competitive advantage and accelerate the home-buying process. You should also work with a trusted real estate agent, so you know about homes as soon as they are listed, or even before they are listed to the public, so you get in to see a home as soon as possible, so you have a professional negotiator on your side when making offers, and so you have a professional to guide you through a bidding war if it comes to that.

For North Shore home sellers, low mortgage rates are also good news, because so many buyers are out and eager to buy while rates are low! Many listings are flying off the market because of supply and demand. In May, listings fetched nearly three offers each. The demand is high from buyers, the supply of homes for sale is low. These are perfect conditions for a home seller to sell their home fast, and for a great price.

The sooner you list, the better, because more homes are likely to enter the North Shore real estate market as the summer season continues, and as more COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. You can feel safe and secure showing your house now, as many safety guidelines are in place to protect homeowners and their space, even during live showings.

If you feel ready to buy and/or sell on Chicago’s North Shore this summer, or you’ve got questions about the local market or the home-buying and/or home-selling process, give me a call! As your local North Shore real estate agent, I can answer all of your questions and get your started just as soon as you’re ready. Don’t let this excellent opportunity pass you by!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Show Off Outdoor Space As North Shore Home Seller

North Shore Home-Selling Tips

If you are gearing up to sell your North Shore home this summer, now is the time to spruce up your outdoor space. While outdoor space has been a growing selling point for most homebuyers, studies are finding that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, buyers are more interested in outdoor space than ever before. When ready to sell, you’ll want to show off this space in listing photos and details!

Here are some ways you could spruce it up now before listing:

1.  Spend time on your lawn. Keep it mowed, but not too short, which dries out the grass and could kill it. Keep it watered when not raining, fertilize, do what you need to do to keep it lush and green for photos. Prune your trees and bushes, and pull weeds from gardens, so everything looks clean. If you don’t have gardens, fill a few pots with flowers to flank your front entry with.

2.  Spruce up your curb appeal. Aside from your landscaping, power wash your siding, sidewalks, driveway, etc. Fill in any cracks in the cement of driveway or walkways. Restain your deck. Clean everything from your address numbers to your mailbox, and consider giving a fresh coat of paint to these areas, or your front door or garage door.

3.  Create a sitting area. Buyers are looking for outdoor areas to enjoy this summer, so stage your patio or deck with outdoor furniture that is clean and inviting. Set the table for photos with bright outdoor dishware. If you have a fire pit, clean it up and set it up so it looks ready to go. If you have a pool, keep it sparkling clean. Even if you only have a small backyard or a balcony, you could still set up social areas with a bistro set or a couple lounge chairs.

4.  Add features to your yard. If you really want to make your North Shore home stand out in listings right now, consider what you could add to your outdoor space to make it more desirable. Families with kids are looking for fences, pools, fire pits, play sets, bounce houses and basketball hoops. Upscale buyers are looking for outdoor kitchens, in-ground pools, hot tubs and cabanas.

However, keep in mind that the pandemic won’t last forever and that buyer interests are always changing. Talk to your North Shore real estate agent about what buyers are looking for most right now in your area, and how much an added feature would add to your listing value.

When ready to sell your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, give me a call! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to answer any questions you may have and to guide you through the entire home-selling process. Mortgage rates are hovering near record lows, so buyers are eager to take advantage. Now is a great time to sell, despite the circumstances of the times. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Curb Appeal Tricks for North Shore Home Sellers

North Shore Home Seller Curb Appeal Tips

When selling a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, curb appeal is always an important factor. Most buyers browse listings online, with the first photo usually the front of the house, and the front of the house is the first thing buyers will see in person. However, with buyers ‘window shopping’ online now more than ever, curb appeal has never been more important!

As your North Shore real estate agent, I’ve put together some tips on making your home’s curb appeal really grab buyer interest this spring:

1.  Keep your lawn green and pristine. Buyers will notice the lawn, and a green lawn this time of year is a beautiful contrast to your home’s exterior, adding a pop of color to the listing photos! Water your lawn when need be, and keep it mowed and groomed, trimming along the edges and around trees and driveway/walkways.

2.  Give driveways/walkways attention. They are what lead the buyer into your house. If they are dirty, full of debris after a storm, or contain cracks or weeds growing out of them, buyers will notice. You can easily pull weeds, fill cracks with caulk, and power wash. You can even end with a glossy sealer or coat of paint if you want to go all out.

3.  Add bursts of color. Your green lawn doesn’t have to be the only color in the photo. Bursts of color really help make photos and first viewings memorable. Add a couple flower pots to your front entry, or plant flowers in gardens or along bushes. Give your mailbox a coat of paint, or your front door, or add bright-colored window shutters around your windows.

4.  Pay attention to nighttime, too. Whether showings are scheduled at night, or potential buyers drive by at night, keep this curb appeal tip in mind. Clean your lighting fixtures and replace the bulbs. Make sure the bulbs are all the same wattage so no light outshines the others. Consider solar lights for the walkway. Give your home a warm glow.

5.  Spruce up the garage. This may be a big part of your home’s curb appeal, so spend some time there. Replace the garage door with a more modern one, or paint it the same color as the trim on the house. Purchase a DIY garage window kit to add windows to your door. Replace the lighting inside the garage, and keep it organized and clean for showings.

These tips will get you started on curb appeal this spring! When ready to sell your home in Chicago’s North Shore real estate market, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent. Whether selling, buying or both, I can answer any questions you may have about the process, and fill you in on changes to the process due to COVID-19. We can talk virtually and discuss your options. 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!

How To Sell Your North Shore Home Virtually

North Shore Virtual Home-Selling Tips

If you need or want to sell your North Shore home this spring, as your North Shore real estate agent, I can help! Real estate isn’t exactly business as usual yet, but homes are still getting bought and sold, thanks to the plethora of technology available in today’s world. If you’d like to sell, there are plenty of ways to make that happen. I am here to fill you in what you can do to prepare!

1.  Prepare your home for a sale. This step is mostly the same as it always has been. You still want your home to be as clean, organized and clutter-free as possible. Spend time going through each room and removing as much clutter as possible. Take belongings you no longer use to drop-off donation sites. Organize everything, from inside closets and cabinets to every corner of your basement. Scrub your entire house until it is spotless, inside and out. Trim bushes and trees, mow and water lawn.

2.  Stage your home to sell. You want your North Shore home to impress buyers from photos and virtual tours, so staging to sell is key. Since most sellers won’t be using a professional stager right now, you and I can discuss in a phone call or video chat the steps you can take to stage on your own. For example, you can set your kitchen table with matching dishware and a vase of spring flowers. Remove all clutter from kitchen counters except a bowl of bright, fresh fruit. Remove all personal photos, artwork, etc. and hang neutral scenery art. Hang crisp, white towels in bathrooms.

3.  Have an online marketing strategy in place. This is what I will do for you, but we can discuss over the phone or a video chat session! I will ensure high-quality photos, a detailed and accurate listing description, detailed neighborhood information and a virtual tour of the home. If a buyer still wants to see the home in person, we can discuss what steps you’d like to take next.

4.  Ensure a safe environment. Safety for everyone involved is my top concern right now, so if you decide that you are comfortable allowing an interested buyer to view your home in person, all guests must wash their hands or use alcohol-based sanitizer before entering the home, they must leave shoes at the door or cover with booties, they must wear a mask, and they must follow CDC guidelines on social distancing. You can also choose to just allow your agent in for a live video chat with the buyer, or we can talk about other virtual-only options.

It’s possible that once the stay-at-home order is lifted, home sellers in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities will come out in droves. Beat the competition, because mortgage rates are still low and buyers are still out! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help. Give me a call and let’s discuss your home-selling options this spring.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

How You Can Help on Chicago's North Shore during COVID-19 Pandemic

How to help on Chicago's North Shore

If you find yourself healthy, financially secure and wanting to help individuals or businesses on Chicago’s North Shore during this difficult time, numerous local businesses and organizations have created ways to do just that. As your North Shore real estate agent, I’ve put together a list for you to check out.

1.  Evanston officials have launched a new online portal to connect those who want to help with those who need help. Volunteers are needed at soup kitchens, to pack food for delivery to residents in need, for tutoring, to transport medicine and food, to distribute printed materials and more. You can also give monetary donations to cover the costs of these services. 

2.  NorthShore Foundation is asking for monetary donations to their NorthShore’s COVID-19 Response Fund to help caregivers continue to deliver expert care, to expand COVID-19 testing in the community, to increase availability of much-needed supplies, to hire and train additional staff and more. 

3.  Assembly Creators Market in Evanston partners with small business fashion and professional sewers to keep designers working. They are now creating face masks and 70 percent of each sale goes to the small business owner making the mask. You can donate or purchase masks from these small businesses. 

4.  Curt’s Cafe in Evanston has prepared and delivered over 3,500 meals to three different agencies serving individuals in need over the past two weeks. Students, staff and volunteers have helped make this happen. Donate a monetary amount to help keep those in need fed. 

5.  Northern Fork Catering Company is helping keep medical and first responder personnel well fed during this time. Just donating $10 provides an individually packaged meal and snack to doctors, nurses, EMTs and other critical responders.

6.  Toffee Break Desserts in Northbrook is offering a win-win solution. With every chocolate dipping kit purchased, a sweet treat will be donated to the local food pantry. You get to enjoy a delicious treat, and so does someone in need! 

7.  Zoup! in Glenview is offering a free cup of soup to ever frontline responder or medical worker every Monday in April. Share with those you know who could use this! 

8.  Village Inn Pizzeria is asking that every time you order a pizza, you also try to donate a canned food item. All items are donated to the Niles Food Pantry. 

For more examples of how businesses and organizations are helping out in the North Shore community, and how you can help, check out this North Shore Unites page. 

If you need assistance, or you know another way to help out that wasn’t mentioned, share in the comments! We are in this together, so let’s continue to find ways to reach out and help. Even just checking in on your neighbors, family members and friends is a great way to help.

If you have real estate goals you need to accomplish this spring in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, reach out to me, your North Shore real estate agent! There is a lot we can do virtually, so don’t hold off. Let’s discuss your needs and see how we can bring them to fruition. Stay healthy!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

4 Things to Expect From Your North Shore Chicago Real Estate Agent When Buying A Home

When buying a home on Chicago's North Shore, the last thing you should be worrying about is whether or not you chose the right real estate agent. After all, it is the agent's job to walk you through the process and put their expertise to work. But do you know what to really expect from your agent?

As your North Shore real estate expert, I'm sharing four things you can expect from your agent when buying a home in Northbrook, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Highland Park and the surrounding areas:

They will make it as easy as possible
Buying a home in Northbrook, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Highland Park can come with its fair share of obstacles, but it is your agent's duty to eliminate them for you! The right agent will know which challenges can arise at what time and will negotiate on your behalf to make the process run as smoothly as possible.

They will find you the right home
It is no secret that inventory is limited in today's real estate market. However, your real estate agent will take into account your needs and deciding factors for moving and use them to find the best property. If there is an issue that will bar you from achieving your homebuyer goals, your agent will talk it through with you and discuss next steps.

They will honor your timeline
Many homebuyers today have a timeline in which they'd like to purchase and settle into a new home on Chicago's North Shore. For instance, if you're shopping for a home now, maybe it's because you want to be moved before the holidays. Your agent cannot always control the date of your move or speed up the loan approval process, but they will do everything in their power to honor your wishes and make it happen if possible.

They will be honest about prices
When you make an offer on a home, it is your agent's responsibility to talk over how they plan to have that price accepted by both seller and bank. You should trust your agent enough to help you formulate the best offer up front, being honest about what price may or may not win in the end.

Have more questions about what a real estate agent can do for you or the current market? Give me a call today! I'm here to help!

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. 

Mortgage Pre-Approval When Purchasing a North Shore Home?

Should I get pre-approved for my mortgage when buying North Shore real estate?

Mortgage Pre-Approval

In today’s market, seeking a pre-approval for a home loan is vital! While the real estate market on Chicago’s North Shore is continuing to improve, lending guidelines are still tight. Having a pre-approval for a mortgage will help to set you apart from other North Shore buyers. Here are 3 things that a mortgage pre-approval will do for you in your home buying process:

1) Establish your price range

By completing the pre-approval process before you begin your search, you will save yourself the time and energy of looking at homes for which you will not qualify. Establishing a price range will allow your realtor to quickly narrow down your options so that you can spend more time focusing on the features that you would like to have in your home.

2) Give you a competitive edge over other buyers.

It is not uncommon for sellers to get multiple offers on their homes. By having a pre-approval for a mortgage, it let’s the seller know that you are serious about purchasing the home and that you are also qualified to do so. If a seller is evaluating offers from a pre-approved buyer and one who is not, the pre-approved buyer will probably win.

3) Streamline your home buying process. 

From the moment that you view your first home through the day that you sign on the dotted line, having a pre-approval can make the process much smoother and less stressful. Once you find the perfect home, you’re not going to want to wait days or weeks to find out if you are approved for a loan while worrying that another buyer is going to come in a scoop it up in the meantime.

Getting a pre-approval for a North Shore home loan can really help to simplify your home buying process. You will have to go through the approval process at some point no matter what, so why not get it out of the way early on? Please contact me if I can be of assistance in buying or selling your North Shore real estate!

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 August 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 144 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,288,740 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 44 properties closed last month in City with an average sales price of $1,370,381, the average time on market for these properties was 44 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

Northbrook Market Stats for August 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 271 properties actively on the market with the average price of $742,182 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 67 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $551,648, the average time on market for these properties was 58 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 August 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 87 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,780,582 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 12 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,470,417, 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 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 August 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 235 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,053,532 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 65 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $630,918, 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 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

Deerfield Market Stats for August 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 127 properties actively on the market with the average price of $678,266 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 35 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of 596,013, the average time on market for these properties was 41 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

5 Common North Shore Home Buyer Questions

With over 25 years of experience in North Shore real estate, I have encountered many home buyers.  So often North Shore home buyers have many questions regarding the process, especially first time buyers.  It’s always a good idea to educate yourself as much as you can when making a major life purchase, a home or otherwise.  I make it a priority to keep my clients informed at each step of buying their North Shore homes.  If you are considering the purchase of a home on Chicago’s North Shore, here are 5 questions that may be weighing on your mind.

What can afford?  Most lenders prefer that your mortgage payment, including interest, taxes and insurance, is no more than 28% of your gross monthly household income.  Think beyond just your mortgage payment though.  You also must have money for a downpayment and closing costs on hand, which can be as much as 25% of the purchase price of the home and in some situations even more.  Also take homeowner's association dues, maintenance, and utilities into account when determining your monthly housing budget.

Should I get pre-approved?  There are a few good reasons to get a mortgage pre-approval.  First, a pre-approval will allow you to establish a price range, also giving you an idea of how much you will need as a downpayment.  Second, it will make you more appealing a seller when you're ready to make an offer.  Since the seller will know that you are actually able to purchase the home, you will have the upper hand compared to a buyer without a pre-approval.  Finally, it will streamline the buying process by giving you the opportunity to resolve any issues that may arise during the approval process, preventing any holdups in the closing process.

How long does buying a take?  Obviously the time it takes a buyer to find a home varies depending on exactly what the buyer is looking for. With regard to the closing process, it will usually take a month to a month and a half.  Getting pre-approved is a great way to speed up the closing process.

What should I expect to pay in closing costs? Closing costs are usually in the neighborhood of 3% of the purchase price of the home but can vary from one buyer to the next for a variety of reasons.  A day before your closing you will be able to review your HUD-1 Settlement Statement which specifies all of the fees that make up your closing costs,  You will want to review the document for accuracy, and be sure to ask for clarification on anything that you don't understand.

Should I work with a buyer’s agent?  Having an agent on your side while going through the home buying process can alleviate much of the stress that can come along with it.  A buyer’s agent can handle most of your home search for you, supplying you with a list of homes that meet your needs and scheduling showings for you.  A buyer’s agent will also handle negotiations for you, if you would like him or her to do so.  Plus, a buyer's agent works at no cost to the buyer. 

I realize that these are probably only a few of the many questions that you may have, and you will probably have even more once you actually begin searching for your North Shore home.  Please contact me if you are interested in partnering with an experienced North Shore realtor to start your search.  I’m happy to answer all of your questions and will help you to find the perfect home on Chicago’s 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

4 Tips to Prepare Your North Shore Home to Sell!

As a seasoned North Shore real estate professional, I have worked with many sellers to prepare their homes for listing. The first impression your home leaves on buyers is so important!  While thoroughly cleaning your home is the obvious place to start, buyers will see beyond dirty floors and windows.  Here are 4 tips to help make your North Shore home ready for the eyes of buyers.

Start with your exterior.  If buyers like what they see on the outside, they’ll be excited to see the inside.  What impression is the exterior of your home giving?  Is your landscaping fresh?  Is your lawn healthy?  Is your paint or siding showing wear?  Look at your North Shore real estate with a critical eye because buyers most certainly will.  Don’t overspend on your exterior unless necessary, but definitely repair obvious issues.

Organize, organize, organize.  When buyers are viewing your home, they will want to see inside closets, cabinets, and possibly even drawers.  Storage space is important to many buyers, and they're going to want to see how much of it your North Shore home has to offer.  Clean and organize all storage areas.  This may be a good time to purge those items that you’ve been meaning to donate to free up some closet space.  Ensure that your basement and garage are neat and orderly as well.  

Appeal to the Senses:  Bad smells can hinder the sale of a home.  If there is anything in your North Shore home that is creating an unappealing scent, determine the cause and truly eliminate it.  While air fresheners and candles can enhance the buyer experience, don’t use them to simply cover bad smells.  “Floral Litter Box” isn’t a candle scent for a reason.  Common culprits can be water leaks, pets and cooking.   

Your agent knows best:  If your North Shore real estate agent recommends that there are certain belongings you should consider removing prior to showing your home, he or she is trying to make your home appealing to as many buyers as possible.  Depersonalizing your home allows buyers to envision their own belongings in the space.  The more buyers can imagine your North Shore home as their own, the more likely they are to make an offer! 

Taking the time to ready your North Shore real estate for showing can have a definite impact how quickly it sells.  With years of experience, I have developed an eye for what makes a home move in Chicago’s North Shore market.  If you would like assistance in selling or buying in the area, please contact me.  Let my expertise go to work for 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.