North Shore Moving Tips

If you are ready to accomplish your North Shore real estate market goals this summer, in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, I am here to help! As your North Shore real estate agent, I can assist you in selling, buying or both. The market is picking up! Home sales are up, mortgage rates are low and buyers are eager.

Whether selling or buying, a move is in your future. You should feel excited about your move, not anxious! To help with that, here are a few moving tips to help you feel prepared when the time comes:

1.  Have a packing plan, and get started. Even if your house isn’t listed yet, or you haven’t applied for a mortgage loan yet, it’s never too early to have a packing plan! As soon as possible, start decluttering and donating, recycling, selling or tossing anything you no longer need or want. The less stuff you have to move, the better! If there is stuff you know you won’t need before the move, like winter clothes or holiday decorations, get those boxed and stored early. Create a plan for each week, so you don’t get caught with everything to do last minute.

2.  Choose a moving date. When planning your move, whether across town or across country, it’s wise to plan ahead with your work schedule and to schedule with a moving company as soon as you know when you can move. Summer tends to be the busiest moving season, so aim for mid-week and mid-month if you can. Weekends and the beginning or end of the month are the busiest times.

3.  Research moving companies. Before scheduling with a moving company, do your research to find one that is professional, reliable and experienced! Ask around for recommendations, and read reviews. Determine if you’ll need full-service, self-service or specialized, depending on what you have to move, how much, and what your budget is. Full-service will handle everything. Self-service handles only transportation. Specialized handles items like antiques, art, pianos, etc.

4.  Consider moving insurance. By law, all moving companies must provide some sort of insurance. Ask your moving company what they offer and what is included in the insurance. Most insurance reimbursement is by weight, so if you have a valuable that doesn’t weigh a lot, that won’t help you much. Consider third-party moving insurance if you have many valuables. Another option, if you don’t have too many valuables, and they aren’t too heavy or large, is to pack them in your own vehicle and transport them yourself.

5.  Budget accordingly. Ask moving companies what they charge, and be sure to ask what is included in that price and what isn’t. Get a not-to-exceed estimate so you know what the max is that you’ll pay. If your belongings weigh less than estimated, you’ll pay less. It’s wise to have a moving company come out and give you an estimate based on your belongings, so you aren’t surprised. Also, don’t forget to tip your movers. It adds up, so best to be prepared!

Good luck planning your move! When ready to buy, sell or both in the North Shore real estate market, I am ready to help! Give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent!

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!

Stay Connected during COVID-19 on Chicago’s North Shore

North Shore Family Dinners

If you’re experiencing cabin fever, boredom or loneliness at your North Shore home during this COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay connected with your community and loved ones, and ways to get involved in virtual offerings with others who share your interests and passions. As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to offer you some suggestions, so we can all get through this difficult time together!

1.  Reach out to family, friends and neighbors. Even though we have to social distance right now, we don’t have to stop talking. Call or text at least one friend, neighbor or family member each day. Set up at least one video chat each week. If you’re not good with technology, reach out for help. If you are good with it, create a tutorial for others to follow who aren’t as tech-savvy.

2.  Connect with those around you. If you’re lucky enough to live with others, consider yourself fortunate, and spend time connecting with them. Rather than everyone hanging out in their own rooms, set up game nights, movie nights, family dinners and baking nights, where everyone participates. Have a picnic in the backyard, play hide-and-seek, have daily or weekly check-ins to see how everyone is doing. If you have to be around each other, you might as well get along and connect!

3.  Join a virtual class. There are lots of free and low-cost offerings right now online, and this is a great way to connect to others you might not know, but who share in your interests. From virtual open mic nights and writing workshops to online yoga classes and free ivy league courses, there is something for everyone. Often these offerings have forums or comment sections, where you can share and connect with others who are taking the class as well. These help you feel connected to community, even from home!

4.  Help out in your community. This is a great way to feel connected to your neighbors and to do whatever you can to help those around you. If you’re healthy, make an appointment to donate blood. Reach out to seniors or those immunocompromised to see if you can help them with grocery shopping, or bring them cooked meals. Give a shelter animal a temporary foster home. Call your local food bank to see if they need donations. Order food, shop online or purchase gift cards from a local business.

If you are feeling lonely or emotional, reach out! We are all in this together, and we will get through this together. If you have North Shore real estate goals you’d like to accomplish, reach out to me! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am still here to help you accomplish your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities. Real estate never stops, so let’s set up a virtual meeting and discuss your needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Sell Your North Shore Home This Holiday Season

If you need to sell your North Shore home this holiday season, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! I am here to help year-round with your North Shore real estate market needs. Even if you’d just like to sell your home soon, the holiday season might be the ideal time to do so. Did you know there are many perks to selling during the holidays? Here are a few of them:

1.  There is less competition. The biggest perk of all is that the holidays are typically the time of year with the least number of listings. Most homeowners don’t want to deal with staging, showings and open houses during the holiday season. However, if looking for a fast sale, it pays to sell now! There are only serious buyers looking right now. With less competition, you’ll have more buyers checking out your home and hopefully putting in strong offers. (This is true after the holidays as well, all winter long, until the spring market arrives.)

2.  You can use the holidays to your advantage. After the holidays are over, we’ve still got a few dark months with short, cold days ahead of us. At least during the holidays, you can liven up your North Shore home with neutral holiday décor and holiday aromas, making your home seem extra cozy and bright! You shouldn’t go too crazy with décor, but some well-placed garland, white lights, door wreaths and a staged Christmas tree can go a long way.

3.  The process will go faster. Because there is less activity in the North Shore real estate market during the holidays (and the winter season as a whole), the home-selling process may go faster. Once you accept a buyer’s offer, the mortgage loan process should go faster for the buyer, along with scheduling a home inspection, appraisal, closing, etc.

4.  It’s better if buying, too. If you are buying another home while selling your home, the holidays and winter season have advantages for buyers, too. You will score tax advantages sooner by purchasing before year’s end. The home-buying process will go faster for you with less competition and activity from other buyers. You might be able to negotiate a great deal. Mortgage rates are low right now. You could be settled into your new living space by the time the holidays arrive if you act fast!

If you’d like to sell your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, you must have a good reason for wanting or needing to move. Why put it off? As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help! Give me a call with home-selling questions, or to get started on the home-selling process. The sooner we begin, the sooner you will be settled into your new living space! I look forward to helping you out, this month or in the New Year.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Renovations to Do & Not Do Before Selling North Shore Home

North Shore Home Renovations

When you sell your North Shore home, you want to ensure that you’re getting the best price possible for your home! This might mean making some upgrades, if your home is outdated. As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to inform you which renovations are smart, and which are smarter to skip.

It’s important to realize that not all home upgrades are equal! Some have impressive returns on investment, or ROI, meaning you’ll get back most of what you put in. Others don’t have great ROI and could actually hurt your home value.

So, before renovating and selling your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, check out the best and worst home renovations:

Renovations to DO for your North Shore Home

Kitchen upgrades – Buyers love their kitchens! This is a make-it-or-break-it room for buyers. While an entire kitchen remodel costs a lot of money and might not pay off, small upgrades can go a long way, such as fresh paint, new counters or backsplash, or energy-efficient appliances.

Bathroom upgrades – Buyers love bathrooms and put a lot of their focus here as well. Create a space of tranquility and sensibility. An upgraded vanity is one great option, especially one that adds extra cabinet space or double sinks.

Paint – Freshly painted walls is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make for the best return on investment! Neutral, light colors appeal to most buyers. If you have wallpaper, you might want to consider taking it down and painting instead. Buyers don’t want to deal with this hassle.

Doors – Upgrading the doors of your house is a great way to modernize it, especially the outdoor doors, such as the front door or garage doors. A new front door yields the best ROI of all upgrades! If your door is already pretty new, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint.

Renovations to NOT DO for your North Shore Home

Sunroom – While some buyers will appreciate a sunroom, it’s more of a novelty than a utility. Most would rather have more outdoor space to enjoy. The ROI is only 45 percent for a sunroom. 

Pool – This entirely depends on the buyer. Some families with kids would love a pool. But, per the price of installing and maintaining a pool, the return on pools is less than 25 percent and could deter buyers who don’t want the hassle. 

Flooring – With so many options these days, flooring is a very personal choice. There’s a good chance your buyer will rip out your new flooring for their own choice, and buyers feel very strongly for or against carpeting. Your best bet is to clean or polish what you already have.

Converted garage – It sounds like a good idea, because buyers appreciate extra living space, but more buyers appreciate a place to store their cars, especially in the winter.

For more examples of renovations to make or skip, check out this MSN Money article. For help selling your North Shore home, contact me, your North Shore real estate agent! I am here to answer any home-selling questions you may have, and to help you achieve your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities. Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

North Shore Curb Appeal with a Fall Flair

If you’d like to sell your North Shore home this fall, or you’re just looking to decorate your home for the season, take advantage of fall décor options! As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to fill you in on some excellent options for your exterior this time of year.

1.  Use pumpkins to your advantage. Everybody loves pumpkins this time of year, along with gourds, mums, haystacks, etc. Use these fall items to your advantage by decorating your front entryway with them. Prop some pumpkins on the steps leading to your front door, or flank your door with pots of mums. Create a scene of hay, pumpkins and gourds. Don’t overdo it, just a few well-placed items will do.

2.  Upgrade current items with fall replacements. Rather than cluttering your front entryway with fall décor, just replace items you already have with ones that have a fall flair. For example, take down your summery door decoration and replace with a fall wreath made of pinecones, fall leaves or anything in a fall hue. Replace your doormat with one that has fall colors or outlines of fall leaves.

3.  Paint and clean. Sometimes all your curb appeal needs is some refreshing. Clean and repaint your front door to give it a real pop. You can opt for a fall color, such as bright red, yellow or orange, or go with whatever color suits you most. Clean your address numbers, front porch, siding, driveway, garage door, mailbox, etc., and give these a fresh coat of paint if need be.

4.  Don’t overdo it with the Halloween décor. Some homeowners just love to go all out on their Halloween décor, with fake spider webs, gravestones, Halloween-colored lights, motion-activated props and so on. If you are selling your North Shore home, you don’t want your listing photos to forever display a Halloween house, and you don’t want to turn buyers off. If you do decorate for Halloween, do so lightly, such as replacing your front porch light with a red or purple one. But sticking to neutral fall décor is best.

5.  Weatherproof your outdoor space. Show buyers that your outdoor space can also be enjoyed in the colder temperatures this fall. Hang curtains on a front porch to insulate it. Apply beautiful slipcovers to your outdoor furniture, and add rugs, pillows or throw blankets for added comfort. Play around with fall hues as color accents. Display lanterns, space heaters or candles for extra lighting and heat.

For more outdoor curb appeal ideas this fall, check out this House Beautiful article. When ready to sell your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, contact me! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to answer your questions and to guide you through the home-selling and/or home-buying process. Fall is a great time to accomplish your real estate goals, before the chaos of the holiday season arrives. Don’t hesitate to give me a call!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Real Estate Lingo for North Shore Homebuyers

If you are gearing up to buy a North Shore home for the first time, or it’s been awhile since you have bought, you may need a quick real estate lingo 101 course. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help! Here’s a rundown of the most common words you will hear as a buyer, so when you go to purchase a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, you’ll feel knowledgeable and prepared!

Real estate agent – This is the professional who will help you purchase a home. I am an agent on Chicago’s North Shore. I will help you find homes for sale in the area, I will help you set up showings to see the homes, I will help you negotiate a price and contingencies, I will help you understand the paperwork, I can offer suggestions for other professionals you need help from, etc.

Appraiser/appraisal – Once you have your offer accepted on a home, you will have an appraisal done. Usually the bank with your mortgage loan will require this to secure financing. It’s a professional analysis used to determine the current value of the home. The appraiser is the person who completes the appraisal.

Home inspection/inspector – A buyer should have a home inspection done on a home before closing. This will allow you to know of any issues with the home, such as with the foundation, electricity, plumbing, etc. The inspector is the person who completes the inspection. If a lot comes up, you can back out if there are too many expensive issues, or you can try to renegotiate the price.

Closing costs – There are costs involved in completing a real estate transaction. These costs include title insurance, financing costs, taxes and more. Ask your mortgage lender for a complete list of closing cost items and an estimate of how much they will cost. Buyers need to be prepared to pay these.

Down payment – This is how much money you have to put down on the house upfront. Down payments are usually between 3 and 20 percent of the price of the home, depending on what type of loan you take out. Ask your lender what options are available to you.

Mortgage rate – Interest rates for mortgage loans fluctuate, but the lower yours is, the less you’ll pay over the long run. The interest rate gets added to your monthly mortgage payment over the lifetime of the loan. Right now, rates are very low, which is great news for buyers!

Pre-approval letter – This is a letter from a mortgage lender, proving that you do qualify for a mortgage loan for a specific amount. It is smart to get this before beginning your home search, so you have proof for the seller that you can afford their home.

Credit score – Everyone has a score between 300 and 850 that shows how good or poor your credit history is. The higher the number, the better it looks to mortgage lenders. It proves how likely it is you can and will pay back your mortgage debt.

If you have questions, or you’re ready to buy in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, give me a call! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am 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!

Moving Tips for North Shore Buyers & Sellers

Once you sell, buy or both in the North Shore real estate market, it’s an exciting feeling of accomplishment! Unfortunately, the stress of moving can get in the way of your celebration. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to share some moving tips with you, so you can plan ahead and make the process as least stressful as possible!

Plan ahead in twos – Moving experts recommend that you think in terms of twos before moving. Start planning your move two months beforehand, and start packing two weeks before. This isn’t always possible, as you don’t know when exactly you will sell or buy, but start planning early.

Make a timeline – Create a timeline for yourself, such as packing up one room each week, or packing up items you know you won’t need before the move, or at least decluttering and getting rid of items you don’t want to move with. Consider hosting a yard sale or donating.

Follow a checklist – There are a lot of things to keep in mind, so don’t try to remember them all without a checklist. Write down what needs to happen before or right after the move, such as hiring a moving company, cancelling or changing utility services, changing mailing address, changing locks, scheduling cable and internet installation, etc. These are all things you’ll want to do quickly.

Treat moving like a marathon – Don’t leave everything last minute like a sprint. Start early and take your time, going through each room, starting with small tasks, getting rid of anything you no longer need, packaging everything to keep it safe, and marking all the boxes clearly with what is in them and which room they belong in.

Plan for the new space – Once you know where you’ll be moving, study the floor plan and square footage of each room, to determine if your current furniture will fit in the rooms and through the doorways. If something won’t fit, there’s no use in bringing it. If something needs to be taken apart to fit, that is something you can do ahead of time.

Contact moving company – Spend time reading reviews and asking for recommendations on a moving company, so you find one that is trustworthy and reliable. Check in two weeks ahead to confirm what time they are showing up on moving day, and check again the day before. Find out what you are responsible for doing ahead of time.

Pack a suitcase – You don’t want to feel rushed and anxious about unpacking, or lost without your essentials in your new home. Pack a suitcase with all of the things you will need your first few days in the new home, such as clothes for a few days, sheets and pillows, toiletries, medications, etc.

Good luck with the move! If you still need to sell and/or buy in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, I am here to help! Contact me, your North Shore real estate agent, for help accomplishing your real estate goals this summer!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Is It Time to Upsize or Downsize Your North Shore Home?

If you are a current North Shore homeowner or renter, now may be the time to consider if your living space is suitable for your current and future needs. This summer is a great time to sell your North Shore home, as buyer demand is high and prices have continued to increase at a steady rate. It’s also a great time to buy again after you sell, because mortgage rates have remained low!

As your North Shore real estate agent, I understand that homeowners and renters sometimes have to move, even if they love their home, so that it better fits their needs. If you’re considering a relocation in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, now is the time to contact me and get started!

If you’re not sure if you need to upsize or downsize your home, here are some questions to ask:

1.  Is there enough space for you? If you have a growing family, you may have started to notice that your kids are outgrowing their shared bedrooms, or that the kitchen or dining space feels crammed at mealtime.  If your family is continuing to grow, your North Shore home may need to grow, too.

2.  Is there too much space for you? On the other hand, perhaps you are retired or will soon be retiring, and your adult children have moved out. Your home is bigger than you know what to do with. If the stairs are becoming a nuisance, or the cleaning seems endless, it may be time to downsize.

3.  Is the yard too big or small? Buyers are seeking outdoor space, so if you have a growing family, with either kids or pets, you may be wanting a larger yard to enjoy. If you’re thinking of downsizing, keeping up with the mowing and gardening in your large yard might feel like too much work now.

4.  Could you use a location improvement? If you are growing your family, you may be seeking a new location with a more family-friendly neighborhood, community amenities, safety and better schools. If downsizing, you may be seeking a location closer to family or in walking distance to restaurants, stores or public transportation.

5.  Has your financial situation changed? If you recently got a better paying job or a promotion, you may be ready to move up to a bigger, better home. If you recently lost a job or had an unforeseen expense arise, or you’re retiring and want to do some traveling, you may be wanting to lower your mortgage.

Our needs are constantly changing in life, so it’s only normal for our real estate needs to change as well! If you think you might be ready to upsize or downsize your North Shore home soon, give me a call. As your North Shore real estate agent, I can answer your questions, help you sell, and help you find a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, that better suits your current and future needs!

     

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Why to Work With a North Shore Real Estate Agent

If you’d like to sell in the North Shore real estate market this spring, it is best that you work with a real estate professional when doing so. Since I am a North Shore real estate agent, you don’t have to take my word for it! Here are some reasons that Inman News gives for sellers to definitely work with an agent when trying to sell:

1.  Reality vs. Knowledge. We have the internet at our fingertips, and therefore many homeowners in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities might feel like they can research the home-selling process and know as much as an agent will. However, free instant valuation tools on the internet may not be accurate. What you think you know about your local market might not be accurate. Even if you find stats, they might be at least a month old. The market is constantly changing! Only an agent will know what houses like yours are selling for, how long they were on the market, who the interested buyers were, what features the buyers were interested in most, etc.

2.  Problem-Solving. Again, you can research how to deal with issues that arise during the home-selling process, but every situation is different, and no amount of research will help you make fast decisions that won’t make a buyer go running. If an inspection reveals the worst, or an appraisal comes in less than the contract sales price, it’ll feel like the end of the world to the seller, but agents face these issues regularly and will know how to handle them.

3.  Negotiations. Real estate professionals are full-time, professional negotiators. Overcoming objection is what we excel at! You may have a personal attachment to your home and take every criticism personally. We won’t. We will carefully gather the data and let you know if themes emerge as to why buyers walk away, or what buyers purchase instead. We will also know how to negotiate on your behalf, and whether you should counter an offer or reject a low offer. Buyers will be working with buyer’s agents, also professional negotiators. You’ll want a seller’s agent on your side!

4.  Marketing. Agents will get your North Shore home seen far more than you will alone! Signs in the front yard don’t cut it anymore. Most buyers find their home online. This means that you need professional photographs and description of your home, you need it listed in as many places as possible, you need it shared on social media, and you need an agent who has mad connections. All of this combined will ensure that your home is seen by as many potential buyers as possible!

Read more about what an agent can do for you as a North Shore home sellers in this Inman News article. If you’ve got questions, or you’re ready to begin the home-selling process in the North Shore real estate market, give me a call! As an experienced North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help in every way that I can!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Why to Sell Your North Shore Home This Spring

If you’ve been wanting to sell your North Shore home, but have been putting it off, you’re not alone. There is a lot of pent-up seller demand! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help you understand why this spring season might be the ideal time for you to sell and accomplish your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities.

In the latest Seller Traffic Index released by the National Association of Realtors, home seller activity is weak nationwide, with only 11 states showing stable levels of seller traffic. The number of people that moved last year was half of what it was in the 1980s.

The amount of time a homeowner remains in their house has gotten longer as well. It used to be an average of six years from 1985 to 2008; now it is up to 9.5 years.

The economic downturn of 2008 played a big part, when homeowners found themselves in negative equity as home values dropped. Homeowners have been waiting for equity levels to rise. Now that they have, and home values are high, mortgage rates have also been increasing. Sellers have been waiting for interest rates to decrease before buying another home.

The conditions are perfect to sell now! Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages are around their lowest levels since January 2018. For anyone who would like to buy another home after they sell, or anyone buying for the first time, this is great news.

Because of the positive market conditions, 69 percent of people now believe that it’s a good time to sell a home, according to a NAR report. That means that the North Shore real estate market could see a major increase in listings soon!

North Shore homebuyers are ready. With lower interest rates, increased wages and signs of a strong economy, buyers are eager to buy now, before home prices increase more and interest rates increase again. If you list your North Shore home now, before the influx of listings, you could have a fast sale for a great price. If you wait, you might have a lot more competition from other sellers.

If you’d like to move up to your dream home, now is also the best time to sell, so you too can score a great interest rate while they remain low.

If you’d like to sell so you can downsize, retire or move closer to work or family, why wait? Home values are at a great place right now, and buyer demand is high. The sooner you sell, the sooner you could be settled into your new home for summer.

If you’ve got questions about the home-selling process or about market conditions on Chicago’s North Shore, I am here for you! As your North Shore real estate agent, I can answer any questions you may have, and I will guide you through the entire home-selling process. Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Buy A North Shore Home This Spring!

If you put off your home-buying goals this winter in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, I understand! As a North Shore real estate agent, I see that a lot, especially during a cold and snowy winter like we had this year. But now that the spring season has sprung, now may be a great time to purchase your North Shore dream home!

Here are a few reasons to consider buying a North Shore home this spring:

1.  Home prices will continue to rise. The latest U.S. Home Price Insights report from CoreLogic reports that home prices have appreciated 4.4 percent over the last 12 months. These reports predict that prices will increase another 4.6 percent over the next year. The sooner you buy, the more you could save each month on your mortgage payment!

2.  Mortgage rates may increase. Nobody knows what mortgage rates will do for sure, but all major mortgage experts predict that they will rise over the next 12 months, including Freddie Mac, Fannie Made, the National Association of Realtors and more. They are still low compared to historic standards, almost as low as 4 percent right now, so take advantage while you can!

3.  Spring conditions are better for house hunting. The weather here on the North Shore is always a wild card this time of year, but the days are longer, allowing more showings to take place in the evenings after work! There are also fewer days of snow and freezing temperatures. Take advantage now, before summer hits and all the fun that comes with it.

4.  You’re paying a mortgage either way. If you’re currently renting, you’re still paying a mortgage. You’re paying your landlord’s mortgage. Why not invest in your own financial future and start paying your own mortgage? You’ll build equity, and when you sell someday, you’ll get that money back! Homeownership is like forced savings, and your future self with thank you.

5.  It’s time to accomplish your dreams. You have a reason for wanting to buy. You want to invest in your financial future, you want to move to a community you’ve always wanted to live in, you want to be closer to work, or family, or public transportation, or parks. You want to be able to remodel your home however you wish. Whatever your reason is, why wait?

When ready to buy a home in the North Shore real estate market this spring, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! I am here to answer all of your questions about the market and the home-buying process, and then to guide you through the entire process until you have keys in your hand.

Once summer hits and the kids are out of school, or your social calendar fills up, your real estate goals might end up on the back burner. Take advantage of the warmer spring season and contact me! Let’s together accomplish your North Shore home-buying and/or home-selling goals now!

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 Advice to Reconsider As North Shore Buyer

When in the market as a North Shore homebuyer, it’s easy to fall for outdated mortgage advice. After all, we have the internet at our fingertips, filled with information and opinions on all matters, and we have friends and family members, who offer us tips from when they bought a home.

The thing is, the North Shore real estate market is constantly changing, so real estate advice can quickly become obsolete. The best advice is straight from a real estate agent and mortgage lender in the area where you’d like to buy. Both keep up with the latest stats and trends in the area, and can help you make the best decisions as a homebuyer and mortgage qualifier.

Here are a few common mortgage myths that might not be true for you anymore:

1.  You need to have a 20 percent down payment. Most homebuyers still believe this to be true, even though in actuality, few first-time buyers can make a 20 percent down payment anymore! There are traditional loans offering 10 percent down or less, and FHA loans require as little as 3 percent. If you don't have 20 percent saved, shop around to see what the best option is for you.

2.  Choose a 30-year mortgage with a fixed interest rate. While this is still the most common type of mortgage, it’s not the only option. If you’re buying a forever home on the North Shore, this may save you the most money over a long period. However, if you’re buying a starter home, but plan to move in the near future, a five or seven-year adjustable rate mortgage might work better. It’s best to check all of your options.

3.  Wait for interest rates to drop. Because interest rates have been at historic lows in the last few years, now that they are on the rise, you’ll often hear the advice that you should wait until they drop again. However, mortgage experts predict that interest rates will increase rather than decrease this year and in the coming years. Right now, they are still near historic lows, though not as low as they were in the past couple years. So while you may have already missed the lowest they will be, the sooner you buy, the sooner you could get a great rate before they increase.

As you can see, you have many mortgage options as a North Shore homebuyer! Your best bet is to meet with a mortgage lender to get pre-qualified and find out what you qualify for, and to meet with a North Shore real estate agent to find out what houses are going for in the area you’d like to buy.

Whether you’d like to buy in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, I can help you out! Give me a call and let’s work toward achieving your North Shore real estate market goals this winter or spring season.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Moving Tips for North Shore Buyers and Sellers

Whether you plan on selling, buying or both on Chicago’s North Shore this winter season, you have a big move ahead of you! Allow me to fill you in on some expert moving tips, so you can plan ahead and be better prepared. The more prepared you are, the easier it will be to transition into your new living space!

1.  Declutter. There is no point in traveling with clutter that you no longer need or use, so first, go through each room and remove anything you could live without. This could be kitchen appliances you never use, clothes you haven’t worn in years, old books, etc. This is especially important if you’re selling your North Shore home, as this is an important step in the home-selling process!

2.  Sell items. If you’re having a hard time parting with some of your stuff, and it has monetary value, don’t just throw it all out! It’s not a good time of year for a garage sale, but if you’ve got time, try selling it online. You can post on Facebook, Craigslist, eBay and so on. You could also donate items, recycle, and toss what is left.

3.  Plan ahead. If you know you have a move ahead of you, start collecting boxes, tools and packing material. If you receive any orders from Amazon, break down the boxes and store them. Stock up on tape, permanent markers to mark the boxes with, and newspaper and bubble wrap for breakable items. If there are items you could start packing ahead of time that you don't need right now, such as summer gear, get that over with early.

4.  Plan for move-out day. Pack room by room while labeling boxes as you go. Write what is in the box and which room it goes in. When unpacking boxes at the new home, place each box in its designated room right away. Leave out anything you’ll need within the first day or two, and pack that in a suitcase you’ll bring with you into your new home.

5.  Pack appropriately. Experts recommend wrapping delicate items with plastic sheets and then bubble wrap, and packing them into boxes so they can’t move around. Wrap plastic sheets around furniture to protect them during the move. Mark fragile boxes so movers know to be extra careful. If very fragile or important, bring with you in your own vehicle.

6.  Keep yourself safe. If you can dismantle furniture and large items, do so to make packing easier and safer for you. Avoid carrying and lifting heavy objects when possible. Keep screws and little pieces in clear Ziploc bags, marked so you don’t lose any important items. Hire movers to help you out if you’ve got a lot of heavy, big stuff!

When ready to achieve your North Shore real estate market goals in Glencoe,Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette,Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, give me a call!

I look forward to guiding your through the home-selling and/or home-buying process, so you can comfortably settle down in your new home this winter!

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 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
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.

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.