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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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
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5 Tips to Get Your North Shore Chicago Home Ready for Winter

The temperatures have been slowly dropping on the North Shore and we all know snow is on its way! It won't be long before we're bringing out the shovels and lighting a fire to stay warm inside, but there are just a few steps to take to ensure your home is fully ready for the winter ahead.

In order to maximize energy efficiency in your Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park home and lessen the chances of emergency repairs when the weather takes a toll, now is the time to take care of the following maintenance tasks:

Assess insulation 
There should not be any gaps in insulation or crawl spaces that expose pipes to cold air. If pipes are left exposed, North Shore homeowners run the risk of freezing and bursting!

Look into heating
Your home's heating system is never more important than in the winter months! It is wise to invite a licensed technician to inspect your heating elements this fall before the cold weather requires you run the system every day.

Block out the cold
Older homes can be drafty, especially as the blustery, winter wind picks up. Take precautions to block any drafts around doors, windows and baseboards with weather stripping or caulk to prevent heat loss and what every North Shore homeowner desires to avoid— higher energy costs.

Inspect your fireplace
You'll likely be using your home's fireplace often this winter, so it's time you call your local chimney sweep. An experienced chimney sweep can clean your fireplace to prevent the risk of fire from blockages or years of buildup.

Re-route your fans
Did you know you can set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to force the rising warm air back down? Not only does this keep your home warmer during the winter months, but it also helps you keep heating costs on the lower side.

You can count on me to provide helpful tips for homeowners, sellers and buyers alike! As your North Shore real estate expert, I am here to make your real estate journey run as smoothly as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out!

I am happy to answer any questions you have about buying or selling a home as well as provide a list of available properties in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park and beyond!

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. 

Winnetka Market Stats for June 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 165 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,231,629 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 27 properties closed last month in City with an average sales price of $1,286,750, the average time on market for these properties was 70 days.

Winnetka Stats June 2014

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!

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 June 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 247 properties actively on the market with the average price of $768,700 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 78 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $491,362, the average time on market for these properties was 43 days. 

Northbrook Stats June 2014

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!

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 June 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 81 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,730,896 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 17 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,339,441, the average time on market for these properties was 36 days.

Glencoe Stats June 2014

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!

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 June 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 238 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,128,781 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 63 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $631,641, the average time on market for these properties was 63 days. 

Highland Park Stats June 2014

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!

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 June 2014

City Active Listings: There are a total of 112 properties actively on the market with the average price of $648,936 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 39 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $433,825, the average time on market for these properties was 52 days.

Deerfield Stats June 2014

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

Tips for Making Your North Shore Real Estate More Green!

Earth Day can be an excellent reminder to evaluate your North Shore Real Estate for any potential upgrades that will make it more environmentally friendly.  Beyond just protecting the environment, these improvements can also help you save money and increase the value of your home as well.  As a North Shore Realtor, I come across many buyers today who desire these improvements.  While there are plenty of things you can do to make your North Shore home more green, here are a few that are easy to implement.

Upgrade Your Appliances:  If the time comes when you have to replace one of the appliances in your North Shore home, purchase one with an ENERGY STAR rating.  This rating indicates that the appliance uses 20-30% less energy than the federal limit, and that means reduced electric bills for you.  

Use a Programmable Thermostat:  While many homes already have these thermostats, a lot of Chicago’s North Shore homeowners do not utilize the programmable feature.  In the winter, set your thermostat to a lower temperature while you’re out and higher in the summer.  In the winter, every one-degree reduction will save you approximately 1% over an eight hour period on your energy bill.  While that doesn’t seem like much, a five-degree reduction while you’re at work could really make a difference!

Swap Your Light Bulbs:  Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) have become an increasingly popular alternative to the standard incandescent light bulb.  While these bulbs tend to cost a bit more upfront, they will save you money in the log run.  Not only do they last significantly longer than a “regular” light bulb, they also use far less energy.  

Conserve Water:  Consider switching your faucets and shower heads to low-flow replacements.  In addition, you may want to look into upgrading your toilets to low-flow models if your North Shore home doesn’t already have them  Low-flow toilets can save up to 3000 gallons of water per year compared to standard models.

Choose Eco-Friendly Home Improvement Supplies:  With the rise of building “green”, there are now a multitude of sustainable and environmentally friendly options for home improvement supplies.  If you are contemplating a flooring replacement in your North Shore Real Estate, explore the bamboo choices on the market.  Bamboo is available in a wide variety of styles and colors and is a sustainable building material. You can also opt for a more eco-friendly paint that emits less toxic fumes and pollution into the air.  Pick those that are zero- or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) as a healthier alternative.

This is just a small sampling of the many upgrades you can do to your North Shore home to make it more green and energy efficient.  If you are considering selling your home in the near future, these improvements will be valuable in attracting potential buyers!  Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, please contact me.  It would be my pleasure to assist you with your North Shore Real Estate transaction. 

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.

How to Price Your North Shore Real Estate Right to Sell!

With the spring market nearly upon us, many homeowners on Chicago's North Shore are faced with the decision of listing their home on the real estate market this year or waiting a bit longer. As a North Shore Realtor, I often see many homes listed by others fail to sell - Primarily due to not being priced correctly. There are many factors that go into pricing North Shore real estate properly to ensure that it sells quickly and all parties are satisfied with the final sale price. Here are just a few of the ultra-important aspects of selling to consider when deciding on a list price with your North Shore Realtor this year:

-Neighborhood Comps. Comparable homes in your neighborhood, known in the industry as "comps", are similar dwellings nearby that were recently sold, are currently for sale or were for sale on the real estate market but since removed. These figures will dictate the price point at which you should list your North Shore real estate in order to expect a sale. Many potential buyers aren't just looking at your home - They are also looking at similar homes in the nearby area, and if yours isn't priced to compete with your competition then there may not be as much interest. 

-Remember what's important. The price you paid for your North Shore real estate, the amount spent on repairs and renovations and what you may have been able to get for your home years ago are not relevant to today. The real estate market is constantly changing and staying savvy to the factors that sway the market is essential for understanding how to price your home. A major remodeling project may be relevant to your list price, but only if your house was significantly improved or your living space expanded as a result (i.e. finishing the basement, finishing an attic space, building an addition, etc) - Simply adding granite countertops or hardwood flooring doesn't count for a big uptick in your home's price tag. 

-Consider the appraisal. Remember, even after you sign a contract with a potential buyer, your North Shore real estate must appraise for its price. Typically, the only way around an appraisal is if your buyer is a cash buyer or if they are willing to waive any appraisal contingencies. The lending institution can decide against financing your buyer should the home not appraise for its sale price. A good tip to remember is that appraisals are usually based on a myriad of factors, but the sale prices of actual sold comps in your neighborhood are a major driving force behind the figure that your home will come up at. 

As an experienced North Shore Realtor, I can assure you that each step of the selling process will be clear-cut, seamless and stress-free with my team by your side. Please contact me with any questions about selling, buying or Chicago's North Shore real estate market. I look forward to helping homeowners of all types achieve their real estate goals in 2014. 

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.

3 Reasons to Consider Refinancing Your North Shore Real Estate!

Refinancing can oftentimes seem like an arduous task, full of questions and "What If" scenarios. Fortunately, as an experienced North Shore Realtor, I can assure you that most refinancing situations take only a few weeks and can offer lucrative benefits that homeowners will see for many years to come. Understanding your mortgage loan and then deciding whether or not refinancing may be right for you can hinge on several factors. Mortgage rates for North Shore real estate and beyond are expected to increase slightly in 2014, but even still are at historically low percentages. Some great reasons to consider refinancing include: 

1. Lower Your Interest Rate and Shorten Your Loan. Compare the current mortgage rate on your North Shore real estate with the low percentages being touted by lenders today. A lower interest rate is always worth looking into as it can save you money in the long-term on your overall loan. Additionally, if you've had your North Shore real estate for some time and have paid down a bit of the mortgage, it may be beneficial to explore what your monthly payments may be if you refinanced into a shorter-term loan. If the payments are easily doable, then you can have your loan paid off much faster AND save a load of money in interest!

2. Combine Current Mortgage Loans. If you have a home-equity loan in addition to your first mortgage, combining the two in an effort to lower your monthly payments and perhaps save money on interest is certainly worth looking into. Home equity lines of credit can vary tremendously in payment terms and loan rules, but getting a good handle on your mortgage loans is the first step of understanding your home and paying it off quickly. As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I am always here for past, present and future clients that may have loan questions. 

3. Cash-In Refinancing Can Lower Your Balance. This method allows homeowners to use cash to pre-pay their loan and qualify for a lower interest rate. Refinancing and pre-paying can help homeowners pay off their mortgage loan much faster. There are many options available to qualifying homeowners and, because interest rates are still extremely low, refinancing may be a great opportunity for those willing to do a little legwork! 

As always, I encourage those with questions to contact me for immediate attention. I am a North Shore Realtor that is fluent in the local community and the real estate and mortgage industries. Talk to me today and find out why Chicago's North Shore is right 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.