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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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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
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Preparing Your Home to Sell on Chicago's North Shore This Spring

The weather is getting warmer every week and spring is in full bloom on the North Shore. Homebuyer demand is increasing, homeowners are taking to sprucing up their homes in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park and the busy real estate season is kicking off.

But there is still one thing left to do this spring— prepare your North Shore home to sell! Listing your home now is a great idea with more buyers coming into the market, but it must be ready to show and grab buyer attention to be successful.

Below are three suggestions for preparing your home to sell on Chicago's North Shore this spring:

Start spring cleaning
If you haven't already, begin de-cluttering your home, editing down furniture to allow spaces to feel bigger and airier, clean windows and consider a fresh coat of paint. Even small items like the furnace filter can make a difference to North Shore homebuyers— if you passed over something small, buyers may wonder how well you have taken care of other things in the home.

Boost curb appeal
Now that spring is here, North Shore buyers will begin driving by properties for sale and visiting open houses— where the exterior and landscaping are the first things they notice. Make sure your home stands out in a good way with updated, fresh landscaping, clear sidewalks and driveways and house numbers that are easily visible. You might even consider giving your front door a coat of paint or replacing it altogether if necessary and flanking the entry with plants or flowers.

Price the property well
The success of selling your home in Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Deerfield, or Highland Park has much to do with the price at which its listed. I am a seasoned real estate professional in the area and can help you arrive at a price you're happy with as well as one that will get buyers to your door.

As your North Shore real estate expert and Top Trulia Agent, I am happy to share ideas for piquing homebuyer interest this season. Whether you are ready to list your home now or sprucing in anticipation of summer, do not hesitate to give me a call!

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. 

Evaluating Your North Shore Home for Pet Damage Before Selling

4 Area of Pet Damage to Address Before Listing Your North Shore Home

Pet Damage & Selling Your North Shore Home

For pet owners, Fido the dog or Mittens the cat are a part of the family. The issue with these family members when it comes to selling your North Shore home is that they can lead to lost home value if there is pet damage to your home. According to the American Pet Products Association, it's estimated that 37-47% of all households in the United States have a dog, and 30-37% have a cat. This means that one-third to one-half of home sellers of Chicago’s North Shore may be contending with pet damage needing remedy prior to listing and selling their homes. Here are 4 areas to evaluate for pet damage and address when deciding to sell your home on Chicago's North Shore:

Odors

A popular home air freshener brand has recently coined the phrase “nose blind”. Unfortunately, many pet owners succumb to this dreaded nose blindness. Since you spend a lot of time in your home, it gets to a point where you no longer recognize smells that may be offensive to those who do not have pets. While anyone who is listing their home should do a thorough deep cleaning, pet owners should especially dive deep into every nook and cranny. Cleaning carpeting and upholstery is very important, as both tend to retain smells. Don’t be afraid to ask a close friend or a family member for an honest opinion. Remember, a stinky home could be the difference between getting an offer and not, so don’t take it personally!

Stains

It is very important that you do your best to remove any pet stains from your flooring. No matter the cause, pet stains will be a turnoff to potential buyers. Even if there isn’t a lingering odor, pet stains still give a home an unclean feeling. If the stains can’t be removed with spot treatment, have them professionally addressed. If they can’t be professionally removed, it’s then time to consider replacement.

Scratches / Chew Damage

This can be a costly one, depending on the extent of the damage. Inspect your flooring, doors, and trim carefully. If the damage can not be buffed or sanded away, it may be necessary to consider replacement. If there is damage to hardwood flooring, you should consider having the flooring refinished.  While this type of damage doesn't necessarily lend to an unsanitary feeling to the home, buyers will see the damage as an expense that will be incurred immediately upon moving in.

Landscaping

First and foremost, your lawn. It’s almost inevitable that owning a dog will lead to yellow or bare spots in your lawn. If you have ample time, over-seeding may be a possibility. If not, invest in sod to address the dead area. Beyond just your lawn, you should also inspect plants, shrubs, and fencing. If your pet has created wear on any of these items, it’s time to repair or replace them.

As much as we love our pets, they can definitely add to the wear and tear on your North Shore home — especially if your pet is young or you have been in the home for some time. Unfortunately, potential buyers do not share in your attachment to your pet and therefore will notice every ounce of damage caused by said pet. The best thing to do is to be proactive in addressing pet damage before listing your home, and these are 4 areas that you will definitely want to assess. Taking the time to repair any pet damage will result in a higher sale price and potentially a quicker sale. If you’re in debate of what should and should not be repaired based on the cost, your North Shore realtor can be a great resource. Please contact me if you would are considering selling your North Shore home. I will help you prepare your home for listing so that you can get the most out of your investment.

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 Financial Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a North Shore Home

Are you financially prepared to buy a home on Chicago's North Shore?

Your Finances & Buying a Home

When contemplating the purchase of a home on Chicago’s North Shore, you must consider your financial standing very carefully. Evaluating your finances goes beyond just looking at your credit, as there are many other financial considerations involved. But what are those considerations? Here are 4 questions to ask yourself when considering the purchase of a North Shore home:

How much can I afford? Your mortgage payment should not exceed 30% of your net household income. While the amount will vary based on the type loan that you are trying to obtain, you will also need to have liquid cash available for a downpayment as well. There are many mortgage calculators available to help you get an estimate of what you can afford. You will also want to account for additional monthly costs, such as insurance and taxes.

Do I have a firm budget in place? Before purchasing a home, it’s important to have a budget in place. A budget will help you monitor you money more closely, which will be very important as you go through the approval process for a mortgage. It should be reevaluated often to ensure that you are staying on track and that no adjustments need to be made. Maintaining a budget can also help you pay down debt and put more money into savings.

How does my credit look? Your credit rating is highly important when purchasing a home. The second that you begin considering the purchase of a home, you should obtain a copy of your credit report. Verify the accuracy of your report and also evaluate your debt-to-credit ratio. Derogatory marks on your credit or too much  revolving debt can prevent you from getting approved for a loan. A strong credit rating can also help you get a lower interest rate.

Should I get pre-approved? While not required, it is a very good idea to get pre-approved for a mortgage if you feel you are ready to start seriously looking for a home. This is the only way that you will know the actual amount that you will be able to finance. Your offer will also be more appealing to sellers because a pre-approval assures them that you are financially capable of purchasing the home.

Especially into today’s stringent lending environment, having a strong grasp on your finances is incredibly important if you are looking to buy a North Shore home.  Asking yourself these 4 questions will help you determine if you are financially prepared to buy a home on Chicago's North Shore.  If you feel like you and your finances are ready to buy a home, the next step is to find an experienced North Shore realtor to help you through your home search process. It would be my pleasure to assist you in finding the perfect North Shore home to suit your needs, so please contact me today to start your home search!

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

Pricing Your North Shore Home to Sell!

Factors to be Considered Before Listing Your North Shore Home for Sale

There is a careful balance that needs to be achieved when deciding the listing price of your North Shore home. On one hand, you want to get as much money as you can for your home. On the other hand, you must be realistic about what you home is worth based on several factors. With my many years is assisting sellers on Chicago’s North Shore, I have found that this is the best approach.

Know your comps. Get on the internet and look for homes that are comparable to yours — both currently listed and recently sold. When looking for comparable homes, be sure to take your home’s amenities into account, not just the number of bedrooms and the square footage. Many listing websites offer calculators that can help walk you through the process of comparing your home to others. Keep in mind though, what your home is actually worth to buyers depends very much on how your local real estate market is performing.

Seek professional assistance. Your agent will mostly likely complete a comparative market analysis (CMA) for you. Being that an agent who specializes in your area has worked with many buyers and sellers, he or she will know where to find the information and which information is reliable. It’s also a good idea to have your home appraised as early as you can in the selling process. It will definitely have to be done at some point, and a professional appraisal will give you the true market value of your home.

Market factors. As previously mentioned, the state of the housing market in your area will be an important factor of setting your listing price. While an appraisal may determine what your home is worth based on its physical attributes, you may not be able to get that dollar amount if other comparable homes in your area listed for less. The amount of inventory available in your neighborhood can also affect the listing price of your home. If there are many homes available, buyers will have a bit more leverage than if availability is low.

Be strategic. Before listing your home, you must determine what your bottom-line selling price is going to be. Once you determine that number, have a discussion with your realtor to create a pricing strategy around that number. You will want to start at a price point that is higher than your bottom-line but not so high that it’s turning away potential buyers. You also want to be strategic based on the price range of comparable homes in your area so that your home in returned in as many searches as possible. If the average price range for homes in your area is $650,000 to $700, 000, listing $705,000 may end up excluding you from searches. The more visibility your home has on listing sites, the more likely it is that you will find a buyer efficiently.

Evaluating whether or not your home is priced correctly will be a continual discussion with your agent as you go through the selling process. Revisiting your listing price often is a proactive way to help get your North Shore home sold as quickly as possible. When you are working with a realtor who has extensive knowledge and understanding of Chicago’s North Shore real estate market, he or she will ensure that your home is priced to sell while still having your best interest in mind as well. Please feel free to contact me for more information on selling your North Shore home. I would be happy to be at your side to help your through the selling process.

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

Chicago’s North Shore 4th of July Celebrations

Chicago’s North Shore Communities Love the 4th of July!

Independence Day is only a couple weeks away, and many North Shore residents are starting to plan their festivities. While some prefer to remain in the comfort of their own North Shore home’s backyard and throw a barbecue, others can’t wait to get out to their North Shore community’s annual celebrations. Here’s what is going on this 4th of July across Chicago’s North Shore.

Deerfield

July 3rd & 4th
Deerfield Family Days will take place both days, with entertainment and fireworks at Brickyards Park at 9:15pm on July 3rd. On July 4th, Jewett Park will host a pancake breakfast along with activities that will include arts & crafts,  a gourmet food market, bike show, dog show, the rotary 10K race, a petting zoo, pony rides, a parade, a flower show and food concessions.

Evanston

July 4th
Evanston's 4th of July Parade will begin at 2pm and will start at Central Park on Central Street through to Ashland Avenue. The Twilight Concert will begin at 7:30pm, with Lakefront Fireworks starting at 9:15pm. The musical fireworks display will be launched from Clark Street Beach and can be viewed from any part of the lakefront area east of Downtown Evanston.

Glenview

July 4th
The celebration will begin with a children's decorated bike parade at 11:15am with the main parade starting at 11:20am. It will be kicking off at the intersection of Harlem and Glenview Road, heading south on Harlem, then marching west on Central before ending at Johns Park. At the Glenview Golf Club at 7:30pm, the Twilight Show will begin with a patriotic concert by the 100-piece North Shore Concert Band. The show ends with fireworks at dusk, synchronized to patriotic music.

Highland Park

July 4th
The festivities will begin with the Children's Bike & Pet Parade at 9:30am, followed by the Independence Parade at 10am. Held in Downtown Highland Park, the parade will be followed by Fourth Fest at Sunset Park featuring a fireworks display at dusk.

Northbrook

July 4th
A pancake breakfast will be held at Village Green Park beginning at 7am, featuring music and family games. The bike parade will begin at 2pm with the main parade following at 2:30pm. It will begin at Cherry and Western and end at the Village Green Park. Fireworks will take place at Meadowhill Park at dusk.

Winnetka

July 4th
The 4th of July parade will begin at 10am at Elm and Glendale. Activities begin on the Village Green at 11am with a children's flag parade and family races. The evening will conclude with Fourthfest at 6 pm at Duke Childs Field with the fireworks show begins at 9:15 p.m.

I’ve always loved how each community has its very own celebration. The communities on Chicago’s North Shore really have a close knit feel about them, encouraging togetherness of the residents. If this sounds like an atmosphere that appeals to you, please contact me for more North Shore real estate information. If you already live in the area but are considering purchasing a new home or selling your current, I would also be happy to hear from you. Have a safe and fun 4th of July!

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

5 Tips for Hosting a Stellar North Shore Barbecue!

Summer is upon us on Chicago’s North Shore!  Time to move the dinner party from your dining room table to the backyard.  What a great way to utilize all of your North Shore real estate while showing off all of the time and effort you’ve put into your yard!  The most important things to focus on are keeping your guests comfortable and engaged.  Here are some tips to help you focus on just that.

Plan your menu:  When choosing the food you will be serving, be sure to consider all the guests who will be in attendance.  While steak and burgers are great cookout staples, be conscious of those who may not eat red meat or maybe even any meat at all.  Keep your side dishes varied as well.  Not everyone loves potato salad!  If you are planning to provide alcohol, have a selection of beer and wine at a minimum.  While you can’t necessarily meet everyone’s preference, providing a wide variety will allow you to come as close as you can to doing so.     

Avoid paper plates and plastic forks:  If you have at least one barbecue a year, invest in a set of inexpensive “outdoor” dishes and cutlery.  Even if they're just plastic, they will not only hold up to heavy grilled food better but also create a more formal feel.  If you really want to avoid dish duty, there are also disposable bamboo options available as well.  While more expensive than their flower-designed, wax-coated cousins, they are both more environmentally friendly and create a unique presentation.

Bring on the games:  Avoid lulls in your party by having lawn games available.  Croquet, bocce ball, and badminton are all great options.  They will allow your guests to have a reason to mingle and can all be played without an abundance experience.  If you have children in attendance, consider having some kid-friendly options readily available as well.  

Keep it bright:  Ensure that your outdoor lighting is sufficient once the sun sets.  Strung outdoor lights can be functional while also adding a decorative flare.  Table top lanterns can also be a great way to add illumination to your outdoor area.  You may also want to consider one or two propane heaters.  Again, the comfort of your guests will great affect their enjoyment of your event.

Beware of bugs:  When dusk arrives, so do the bugs.  Citronella candles or torches around the perimeter of the gathering space are a great way to cut down on the pests.  It’s also a good idea to have some sort of repellant spray or cream available for those who choose to use it.  Nothing can kill the mood of a get-together more than being attacked by mosquitos!

Most of us look forward to summer on Chicago’s North Shore all year long.  Now that it’s here, make the best of it!  Many people enjoy backyard gatherings because they tend to be low key compared to those indoors, but we all still want to “wow” our guests.  If you’ve been considering selling your North Shore home, a barbecue can also be a great time to take in the impressions of others regarding the exterior of your home and your curb appeal, both in the front and back of your home.  I would also be happy to supply you an objective opinion of your North Shore home curb appeal.  My years of experience helping others both buy and sell North Shore real estate have given me an eye for the important details.  If you would like assistance with any of your real estate needs, please contact me.  We’ll find you a home or get your current sold in no time at all!

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.