How to Make Your Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park Kitchen Look Expensive

It's no secret that two of the spaces that help to sell a home on Chicago's North Shore are the bathroom and the kitchen. Buyers today want to see updated baths and kitchens that they can simply step into and use efficiently without having to make drastic changes. But don't worry, home sellers— that doesn't mean you need to plan a massive remodel to please North Shore buyers.

Below are five easy ways you can make your Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park kitchen look expensive, without breaking the bank or your back!

1. Pick a luxurious color palette
Muted colors like creams and greys can do wonders for your North Shore home! Brighter, bolder colors can turn off buyers and make it difficult for them to envision their belongings in the space which may not pair so well with a harsh red, for instance.

2. Incorporate texture
Before you take to coating the walls in one coat of flat paint, consider your options. Varying high gloss and matte finishes can help to make the space interesting and feel more high-end. You can also bring in textured elements like plants and distressed hardware to add additional layers.

3. Add new hardware
One of the easiest ways to make a space feel fresh and new is by simply changing out your cabinet hardware! Toss out your outdated cabinet pulls, opting for clean lines in a brass or nickel finish— and don't be afraid to mix metals!

4. Add new light fixtures
If your kitchen in the Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park areas is sporting a chandelier from decades ago, it may be time to splurge on something new. Simple fixtures like glass pendants or globes can help to modernize the space while making it feel more open and airy.

5. Add a new backsplash
Tile is one of the features that can make a home feel dated— especially if your home was built mid-century and boasts a pastel color scheme. Set aside some time to remove the old tile from your backsplash and replace it with something new!

There are dozens of ways you can show off your home in its best possible light this spring— and not just in the kitchen or bath! Give me a call today for more information about how you can attract buyers to your North Shore home. As your local real estate expert, I can help you find the right buyer and sell your home for a price you love!

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. 

What Not to Do When Landscaping Your North Shore Home This Summer

Summer has officially begun here on the North Shore and we're all looking forward to spending some much-needed time in the sun! If you're a homeowner, you might even be ready to tackle your yard and landscaping as an activity that lets you enjoy the weather and boosts your curb appeal.

But before you start digging and watering, it's important to mind these few tips that will allow your garden and lawn to flourish without over—or under—doing it.

Don't water unless necessary

While you may be tempted to grab your garden hose and dust off the sprinkler, instead you'll want to reevaluate your strategy. Only water your plants after they've just been planted, when the dirt looks a little dry in your garden or if you see plants wilting or losing leaves.

One rule of thumb to remember: Don't water in the afternoon in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook or the surrounding areas. Watering your plants during the hottest part in the day will cause most of the moisture to evaporate. 

Don't leave the garden alone

Unpredictable weather, heat, pests and other variables can take a toll on your garden and lawn very quickly. Pay attention to the forecast and adjust your watering schedule accordingly, watch for plants that may be overgrowing the rest and if necessary, pull them out.

Don't let weeds bloom

The price to pay for a beautiful garden and lawn this summer is pulling weeds. You will want to pull them as soon as they make an appearance or they could seed and bloom, spreading rapidly all over your hard summer's work!

Don't cut your lawn too short

Another rule of thumb when mowing your lawn is to cut high. Cutting too short will promote weeds, shallow roots, irregular patches and a tendency to dry out.

Don't skip the fertilizer

There is no harm in fertilizing your lawn this summer, in fact, it's encouraged! Find a fertilizer suited for your lawn type and follow the instructions for application using a handheld or spreader. Although, you will want to avoid fertilizing on hot days where temperatures rise above 85.

Summer curb appeal is a major factor for home sellers on Chicago's North Shore and in fact, it can be what attracts buyers to your property in the first place! Give me a call today for more tips and information about selling your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook or the surrounding areas!

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. 

North Shore Curb Appeal Projects That Pay Off At Resale

When it comes to impressing homebuyers, one area you will want to focus on this spring and summer is your outdoor space. Buyers are looking for a place to relax outside and if your North Shore home has just the place, don't miss your opportunity to play it up!

However, not everyone's green spaces are picture perfect. Many North Shore homeowners would agree that their yard could stand to be cleared of weeds, branches and leaves and their landscaping could use a spruce— in fact, the projects may already be on your to-do list!

So before you boost your home's appeal from the curb this season, take into account those projects that will both impress buyers and pay off at resale. I have decided to share a few with you below:

Tend to your current landscaping
That means pruning trees and trimming hedges, shrubs, bushes and any overgrown landscaping that is bringing down the outward appearance of your North Shore home. Take extra care removing weeds from garden beds and yards as this is one of the simplest tasks you can do that will have a major (and immediate) impact! You can also re-mulch around your existing landscaping if it's looking outdated or worn or flip it with a rake if it's able to be salvaged.

Plant trees
Did you know a mature tree can add anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 to the value of your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas? According to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, planting a tree is one of the best returns on investment you will see in the long run!

If you are planning to stay in your home for a while, you can plant inexpensive saplings that will grow large and tall over time, but if you're planning to sell within the next few years, consider planting larger trees to see the effects earlier.

Create an outdoor living space
Outdoor living spaces are one major selling point for buyers on the North Shore this spring! If you don't already have one, group together patio furniture in a way that promotes entertaining and conversation, add pavers underfoot and consider installing a fire pit.

Listing your home may be the best decision you ever make this spring and I am happy to help you move on and find your next dream home! Give me a call today to discuss your current home's value and your goals for a future property on the North Shore!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

Locally or across the country, think of me as your national connection. I can help you with all your real estate needs anywhere in the United States.