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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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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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

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Pricing Your North Shore Home to Sell

If you’d like to sell your North Shore home this fall, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! Together, we can come up with a listing price for your home and begin the home-selling process. There is a lot to think about when choosing a listing price wisely. Here are some considerations:

1.  Research the local market and recent sales. This is the most important step in determining the value of your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities. I have the most recent stats on your local market and can find homes that have sold in the area that are similar to yours in age, size and location. I can see what they were listed for, what they sold for, how long they were on the market, and who the interested buyers were. This will help us determine a price range for your house.

2.  Determine your timeline. If you are eager to sell fast, pricing a bit on the lower end of the value range will attract the highest number of buyers. When they look at listings that include your home and homes similar to yours, if yours is priced a bit lower, they’ll flock to you. If it’s priced too low, they’ll wonder what’s wrong with it. We’ve got to get the number just right.

3.  Price it as an odd number. If we determine that your North Shore home is worth $500K, we might list it as $499K or some other similar number. Why not just list it as $500K? It’s psychology. The $499K looks like a smaller number to buyers, and if they search for houses below $500K, your home will come up in the search. You’ll notice that most listings aren’t given an even number.

4.  Listen to your agent. As long as you choose a North Shore real estate agent with years of experience and sales, you should feel confident in her pricing strategy. It’s our job as agents to know what works and what doesn’t. However, your sale price is an ongoing discussion, not a one-way street. You get a say. A lot of factors play in, so be ready to discuss and be flexible. The price may also change over time.

5.  Understand the appraisal process. Whether you get an appraisal before listing, or your appraisal comes in after you’ve accepted an offer from a buyer, don’t be surprised if it is different than what you expected, especially if you price high. Appraisers focus on many factors, such as the age of the home, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the lot, location and so on.

For more information on pricing a home to sell, check out this MSN Money article. If you have questions about pricing, listing or selling in the North Shore real estate market, give me a call! As an experienced North Shore real estate agent, I can answer your questions and guide you through the entire home-selling and/or home-buying process.

This fall is a great time to achieve your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities Contact me today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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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

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Why You Should Not FSBO Your North Shore Home This Spring

If you've been thinking about selling your home on Chicago's North Shore, spring is the perfect time to do so! Many buyers, both first-time and seasoned, are beginning to enter the real estate market in search of their dream home, but are being met with less inventory than there has been in the past.

North Shore home sellers are in high demand, but you may be contemplating the best route to take— FSBO (For Sale by Owner) or work with a real estate agent? The perks of working with an experienced agent are numerous and if your motive for considering FSBO is simply to save money, you might like to think again!

Your agent will do the negotiating
Think of all of the parties involved in a North Shore home sale, from the buyer and their agent to the appraiser and inspection company. There are dozens of parties to negotiate with and if you choose to go the FSBO route, you will be responsible for this all on your own. Remember that your real estate agent has done this before and they know how to interact with the many different parties involved with the sale.

Your agent has a strategy
An experienced agent, especially Your North Shore Real Estate Expert, has a strategy for selling homes in Deerfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook and beyond. And since the majority of buyers start their home search online, it is no longer as easy as placing a sign in your front yard or an ad in the paper. Your real estate agent knows where the buyers are looking and how to catch their eye.

You will net more money with an agent
Studies have shown working with a real estate agent can help you sell your home for more money than if you choose to do so without. For instance, a house sold by a homeowner sells on average for $210,000, while the house sold by an agent sells for $249,000. In terms of securing the best deal, working with a real estate agent makes more financial sense.

If you are thinking about selling your home on the North Shore this year and have questions about how I can help you achieve a successful sale, do not hesitate to reach out! I am happy to help you move on to your next dream home in Deerfield, Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook or the surrounding area.

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. 

Staging Your Home on Chicago's North Shore During the Holidays

In a recent blog post, I mentioned not to wait until after the holidays to sell your home on the North Shore. This time of year is not only ideal for homeowners to find the right buyer and take advantage of a lack of competition, but the holiday season can actually help move your sale along.

How so? The holiday decor present during November and December evokes cozy feelings and emotions in buyers that no other season can. North Shore home sellers can actually prepare to wow buyers in the winter months with classic lights, simple wreaths and a clean and clutter-free mantle, to name a few.

Keep Your Home Free of Clutter
When you list your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield or the surrounding areas, it's important to remember that buyers will be trying to visualize themselves and their own belongings inside. With too much holiday decor, this can be complicated! You can, of course, deck the halls with garland perhaps and your Christmas tree, just stick to classic, white lights and ornaments in one color or color scheme.

Your home itself should be the one drawing attention, not your bold tree ornaments, so keep them to a minimum.

Allow the Features To Shine
Just as I suggested to keep the decor streamlined and simple, it's especially important around your North Shore home's best features. A picturesque fireplace or large bay window should not be blocked by your tree, stockings on the mantle or a giant wreath. Remove any decor around these elements and allow area buyers to really see their beauty.

Emphasize Curb Appeal
The snow on the ground pairs beautifully with strands of twinkling lights and a cheery, welcoming front door. Just like indoors, keep your lights either white or one single color. Try not to mix both white and multi-color holiday lights outside your home or it could begin to look like a hodgepodge of decor.

Place a simple live wreath on the front door and add a large red or green bow if you want to amplify the holiday tone. Outdoor decor like inflatable Santa Clauses, seasonal signs and lawn figures should be avoided as these can turn off North Shore buyers. If you feel a wreath just isn't enough, drape garland above the doorframe or consider placing topiaries on either side of the front door. Natural greenery will bring a more sophisticated feel to your home's exterior decor than any inflatable snowmen.

These next two months have been named the best times to both buy and sell homes on the North Shore, so do not hesitate to give me a call with any questions! From providing a list of available homes to finding your home value, I'm here to help!

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. 

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
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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.

Carpet Maintenance Tips for Your North Shore Real Estate!

It's no secret that you'll find carpet in at least one or two rooms in practically every house around! From specialty carpets, such as Berber and shag, to the traditional plush carpets, this type of flooring is a staple in most North Shore real estate and beyond. However, even the most well taken care of carpets can eventually become stained and worn over time. As a longtime North Shore Realtor, I can attest to the fact that cleaned or recently replaced carpets are quite noticeable compared to their worn or threadbare counterparts. However, if you've been considering selling North Shore real estate this spring, replacing a house full of carpet isn't necessary! Oftentimes, a bit of maintenance and a proactive attitude can go far in livening up those carpets and ensuring that they are clean and appealing for potential buyers seeing your home. Here are just a few tips for those with carpeted rooms in their North Shore real estate:

-Blot stains instead of rubbing. Whether you're dealing with a tough beverage stain or a pet stain, blotting at the soiled area is key to ensuring that you don't accidentally work the stain further into the carpet fabric. Use a cleaning solution and gently blot at the stain with a towel, sponge or rag. Be sure to blot from the outside in, instead of vice versa, as blotting outwards can inadvertently cause the stain to spread.

-Use club soda or shaving cream on stains. Many people know to use club soda on particularly tough stains, such as wine spills. Start by blotting the stain with club soda on a cloth and, for bad stains, spray one part white vinegar with one part water and let it soak into the stain for about fifteen minutes. Rinse with warm water and watch as those tough stains fade with the extra care. Additionally, shaving cream can remove nearly any carpet stain! Simply spray the shaving cream onto the stain, let it set for about thirty minutes, gently wipe it away and follow up with the vinegar and water mixture if necessary.

-Schedule regular steam cleans. Having carpeted areas of your North Shore real estate steam-cleaned by professionals on a regular basis is essential to keeping the flooring appearing new, clean and fresh. Steam cleaning allows water and a specially formulated cleaning solution to penetrate the carpet fiber to the bottom, and is an excellent way to remove dirt, debris, built-up oil and grease, and other particles that can take their toll on your carpet.

Chicago's North Shore is filled with picturesque communities and beautiful homes - Keep your North Shore real estate looking as wonderful on the inside as it does on the outside! If you've been considering selling or buying, contact me to begin the first step. As an experienced North Shore Realtor, I've helped many homeowners achieve their real estate goals.

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.

Post-Winter Repairs to Consider for Your North Shore Real Estate!

It's no secret that this winter has been a brutal one for the Midwest! Between sub-zero temperatures and record snowfall, it's no surprise that this winter may have done a number on your North Shore real estate. With the worst of the weather behind us and spring on the horizon, you may want to do a thorough interior and exterior inspection of your home to see if there is any visible damage. If you've been considering selling your North Shore real estate this season, a few minor repairs will have your home looking fresh for the spring market! Here are just a few post-winter repairs to consider for your property:

-Roofing, gutters and siding. Ice damming can take a massive toll on your roof and gutters while strong winds oftentimes do a number on even the strongest siding. Inspect for missing shingles, frozen gutters, leftover ice dams and other signs that winter was particularly rough on your North Shore real estate. It is imperative to get any damage, no matter how minor it may seem, taken care of right away to avoid it progressively becoming worse over time.

-Heaters and furnaces. With the freezing cold temperatures, our furnaces have been working overtime to keep our homes heated and comfortable! Have an HVAC professional inspect your furnace, heater and duct system to identify any issues that may cause something as serious as the appliance going out on you or something as minor as an increase in your utility bills. By ensuring proper maintenance of your HVAC system, particularly rough seasons won't be as detrimental to the appliances.

-Damaged landscaping. Heavy snow and strong wind can ruin any great landscaping, cause trees to fall, branches to break and wreak general havoc on your yard. Trees and their limbs can be particularly dangerous if they fall close to or onto your North Shore real estate. Luckily, there are many great local tree removal companies that can proactively cut down any branches that may cause a threat during the next big storm.

While these are just a few samples of what you can do to fix up your North Shore real estate post-winter, many other proactive maintenance issues should be taken care of as they are discovered. If you've been giving thought to selling in the spring season, I encourage you to contact me today. I am a reputable North Shore Realtor with many years of experience and a high degree of professionalism. I look forward to working with you on your buying and selling needs across Chicago's North Shore soon!

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.

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.

Tips for Creating a Great First Impression of Your North Shore Home This Holiday Season!

Now that we’re in the month of December, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season is well underway!  It’s a beautiful time of year on the North Shore as Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe and the surrounding towns decorate for the season and host fun holiday events.

But, what if your attention is divided between the holidays and selling your North Shore home?  You may be worried that your home won’t sell before the end of the year, but as a North Shore Real Estate agent, I can assure you that there are buyers out there!  In fact, showing your home during the holiday season can be very appealing to buyers who will be able to easily envision hosting their own holidays in your home.

One of the key aspects that will make your home stand out this holiday season to buyers is the first impression they’ll have of your North Shore home.  First impressions make lasting impressions and you want to be sure your home is ready to wow!  Here are seven simple tips for making a great first impression this holiday season with your North Shore home!

1. Safety- You may have open houses or showings soon, so you’ll want to put safety first! Be sure your driveway, sidewalk and front porch are cleared of debris or any snow. It’s always better to be on the cautious side and put down salt, as even rain can freeze and make walking up to your home dangerous.

2. Fresh Paint- Your North Shore home is more visible in the winter months as trees are free from their leaves and your home’s condition is more exposed. Touching up chipped or faded paint is a great way to help your North Shore home look refreshed.

3. Tasteful Decorations- While you can have fun with the season’s bright lights and characters of Christmas, it can be easy for some to get carried away. Try small white lights around your homes’ bushes or front porch post, a simple wreath and garland to enhance your home’s appearance without being too distracting. 

4. A Neat Lawn- Whether there is snow covering your lawn or not; be sure to keep your lawn free from any leaves, twigs, etc… that may have blown through with the harsher winds. Just because your lawn is not expected to be as lush as the summer months, doesn’t mean to ignore the state of your lawn. Keeping it cleaned up will show that you care.

5. Clean Gutters- It’s not too late to make sure your gutters are free from leaves and other debris. You’ll want these cleared so that melting snow or rain can easily run through the gutters and not cause damage.

6. Lighting- The use of lights can really make your home stand out with the shorter winter days. Since there is more time without the suns light, using a variety of lighting can give your home a warm glow. Indoor window lights in each room provides a nice appeal, while lights along the pathway up to your home, a bright porch light and tasteful Christmas lights are all ways in which to enhance your North Shore homes’ curb appeal.

7. Cold Weather Plants- Hearty plants and Evergreen trees can withstand the winter months while adding visual appeal to the outside of your home. Evergreen Holly will add a splash of color with its red berries and can stand up to the cold weather.

Following these tips will help take the curb appeal of your home to the next level and give your North Shore home that boost that will set it a part from other homes on the North Shore Real Estate market.

If you have questions about selling your North Shore home or are ready to put your home on the market; please contact me 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!

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.

Home Values on the Rise- Don't Delay in Selling Your North Shore Home!

The fall season is a great time of year on the North Shore with beautiful changing leaves and crisp weather that makes you want to head out to the nearest pumpkin patch or try a new, autumn recipe.  For many, thoughts of the holidays are beginning to flood their minds and spending time with family and friends.

However, there are those who are needing to sell their North Shore home this fall and the end of October is causing you to stress out about your timeline.  As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I know that some sellers worry about putting their home on the market this time of year because it’s not the busy spring or summer season.  

Yet, the fall can be a great time to sell!  Not only will you have the opportunity to showcase some beautiful autumn curb appeal; you’ll be happy to know that the market is right where you would want it to be!

According to the recent The Case-Shiller Index, market values are up again for the Chicago metro area!  This marks the sixth month in a row that values have risen.  Housing values in the Chicago metro area are now at the February 2003 level and are 8.7% above August 2012.  With these increased market values, sellers can feel confident about potentially getting their asking price for their North Shore home!

Below are five other tips you’ll want to take into consideration as you get your North Shore home ready to sell!

1. Research- While your North Shore Real Estate agent will provide you with comparables of what other homes in your neighborhood are selling for, taking the time to do a little research on your own will help you prepare for what you can expect. Take note of home prices in your area and what upgrades those homes have to offer.

2. Fix it Up- You’ll want to know what needs to be fixed before buyers begin looking at your home. Having a “pre-inspection” by a home inspector will allow you to fix any necessary repairs so that they don’t come up in the buyers home inspection. This can help speed up the process once you find an interested buyer.

3. Act Like a Buyer- If you were looking at your home as a buyer, what would you see? Are there any updates you’d want to make such as paint, appliances or finishes? Acting like a buyer for your own home will give you insight into what you can do to make your North Shore home more attractive to buyers.

4. Make it Move In Ready- Today’s buyers have the option to be picky and many want a home that’s move in ready. Your home will need to have those key factors that are now considered standard in a North Shore home such as granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

5. Price it Right- This is a key factor that cannot be stressed enough. Pricing a home correctly from the beginning will help you sell your home more quickly. Your North Shore Real Estate agent will work with you to show you what other homes are selling for and to determine a fair market value for your home. If your home is priced too high, it will sit on the market and you’ll eventually have to lower your price. If you decide on a price that is the lowest you’d like to go, be prepared to offer buyers other incentives such as closing costs or a flexible closing date.

More than likely, you’re goal is to sell your North Shore home before the Christmas season.  If you’re ready to put your home on the market; I would love to talk with you more!  We can determine a customized home selling plan that will help your home sell in a timely manner.

Please feel free to contact me today to get started! 

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.

Enhance Your North Shore Homes' Selling Power This Fall!

With Labor Day now behind us, we’re looking forward to the beautiful fall season here on Chicago’s North Shore.  Our charming neighborhoods that dot the Lake Michigan coastline come to life with vivid colors of red, orange and yellow leaves, while the cooler days entice us to soak up every last minute outdoors. 

If this coming season means selling your North Shore home, you may be a little worried about entering the North Shore Real Estate market this time of year.  Unlike the spring and summer seasons, the fall can tend to mean less activity on the market.  However, this doesn’t mean that selling your North Shore home this fall is impossible!

In fact, there are a few reasons why selling your home now can be a great idea!  For instance, you’ll have fewer homes on the market competing for buyers’ attention.  Also, oftentimes those buying a North Shore home in the fall are eager to get settled in their home before the busy holiday season.  

To be sure that your home is as appealing as possible to buyers, I put together a few tips for enhancing the selling power of your North Shore home this fall.  Take a look!

1. Create Beautiful Fall Curb Appeal- As we get more into the fall season, lawns and trees can begin to look drab.  Summer flowers are long gone and creating an eye catching home from the curb can be more of a challenge.  To make a solid first impression, be sure to keep leaves raked and debris off the driveway and sidewalk.  You’ll want to add a simple fall wreath and maybe a few pots with brightly colored mums to your front porch.  Also, don’t neglect your home.  Any siding or paint issues will be more easily seen with less foliage, so be sure to power wash or touch up paint before you begin showing your North Shore home.

2. Don’t Overdo It- It can be easy to want to over decorate your home with fall themed decorations.  However, if a buyer walks into your home and can only see pumpkins, gords, and other harvest decor; it will immediately take away from the focus on your home.  Adding a few simple touches here and there will be enough to enhance your space without overpowering it.

3. Make Comfort a High Priority- As the days get cooler and drearier, you want people to feel instantly cozy when they come into your home.  Keep the thermostat at a comfortable temperature, put out a few unlit fall scented candles, and have a fire in your fireplace.  Continue to help buyers envision themselves enjoying cool fall days by having a cozy throw on your couch and even a table with hot chocolate, cider and fall treats.  This will help your home stand out in a buyers mind as you appeal to all their senses!

4. Lighten Up Your Home- With the sun setting earlier, you’ll want to showcase your home in the best light.  If you host open houses earlier in the day, be sure to have curtains open to let in the natural light and keep your home feeling bright and airy.  If you’re showing your home in the later afternoon or evening, you’ll want to have warm light bulbs in every lamp and have as many lights on as possible.  A dark home can feel dreary and buyers will have a hard time seeing all the great features of your home. 

5. Don’t Stop on the First Floor- As you create a warm and welcoming environment in your home this fall, don’t forget to carry that feeling throughout your entire home.  Make sure bedrooms look fresh and clean by switching out an old comforter for a new fall one,  or add a few accent pillows to enhance the feeling of your bedroom being pulled together.  Each room throughout the home should be clean, free from clutter and feel as welcoming as possible. 

These tips should help your home show beautifully this fall and allow buyers to envision themselves enjoying the cold weather months in your home!  

If you’re ready to begin the home selling process, or would like to learn more about my customized home selling plan; please contact me today!

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.