5 New Year's Resolutions to Make as a North Shore Homebuyer

Have you sat down and made a list of your new year's resolutions yet? It's always a fun exercise to take stock of your goals for the year ahead and make a plan on how to achieve them. For many on Chicago's North Shore, you might find that they are personal or health related, but one of them might be buying a home!

There are dozens of steps to take to successfully become a homeowner in 2019 and as your local North Shore real estate expert, I am happy to help you make that a reality! Below are 5 new year's resolutions to make in order to buy a home in the new year:

Eliminate indulgences
It might not be your favorite path to homeownership, but cutting indulgences can be a quick and simple way to save for a down payment. For instance, could you stand to cut cable and instead use Netflix? Or on the same note, is there a streaming service you could cancel? You might want to cut dining out and your morning coffee runs, instead packing your lunch and brewing coffee at home. These little indulgences can mean big savings if they're avoided!

Start a home savings account
You can't save specifically for your home if you don't have anywhere for it to go! Open a savings account specifically for your new home. Get into the habit of making weekly or monthly deposits—whatever you can afford—and watch your down payment grow!

Do a mortgage test run
The only way to truly know if you can swing being a homeowner in Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook, Evanston, Lake Forest, Wilmette, and the surrounding areas, is to do a test run. Try saving like a homeowner—meaning you set aside your monthly housing expenses and an amount for your emergency fund—and see if you can live with your new budget. 10% of your mortgage payment is a good rule of thumb to account for maintenance fees, so start there.

Pay all bills on time
There is nothing that can raise a red flag quicker to a lender than unpaid bills. If you intend to get approved for a mortgage in 2019, it is best to make sure you pay all of your bills on time. Not only does this keep your credit score high, but it shows lenders you are capable of managing a monthly payment.

Visit open houses
This may seem counterintuitive if you're not yet ready to buy a home on the North Shore, but attending open houses allows you to see what properties are available in your price range. This gives you a more realistic approach to the market and could even motivate you to save more!

Ready to make your dream of owning a home a reality this year? Give me a call today!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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What You Should Know Before Refinancing Your North Shore Home

The idea of cutting your monthly mortgage payment down by refinancing your loan may sound intriguing to you as a homeowner on Chicago's North Shore, but there is much more to consider before diving in. In fact, there are cases in which refinancing does not truly pay off for the homeowner. But don't worry! As your local North Shore real estate expert, you can count on me to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Below are four factors to consider before making the decision to refinance your mortgage:

Refinancing is not free
Just as you likely paid some closing costs when you purchased your home in Northbrook, Winnetka, Evanston, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and the surrounding areas, you will be required to again with refinancing. Closing costs are typically 2 to 5 percent of your loan amount and will need to be paid up front when you refinance. While your lender may offer a no closing costs refinance, be aware that it may come packaged with a higher interest rate. It's always wise to consider all of your options!

The savings should pay off quickly
When deciding if a refinance is right for you and your North Shore home, you need to look at the savings. Refinancing makes the most sense when your interest rate is more than 100 points above the current interest rates. The savings from your refinance should also recoup itself in under two years. For example, if your refinance cost you $2,800 and you end up saving $179 per month, the savings would be recouped in 15 months. It pays to crunch the numbers!

You may be able to cancel PMI
As we've talked about in the past, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required for buyers that put down less than 20 percent on their new home. However, if you've gained enough equity in your home over the past years, a refinance may mean you're able to cancel your PMI. Just remember the loan balance needs to be 80 percent or less of your home's value.

Refinancing resets your loan
Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider is that a refinance is essentially hitting the reset button on your home loan. If you've had your loan for many years and have reached the point where you're paying down the principal instead of interest, refinancing may not be the best idea as you will likely reverse this dynamic.

Whether you're ready to tackle the home selling process on Chicago's North Shore or are simply looking to refinance to save a bit more each month, I am here to help! You can call on me to provide everything from a list of available North Shore homes to home seller tips and lender recommendations.

I look forward to hearing from you in 2019!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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How to Buy a North Shore Home Before the Holidays

Tis the season for holiday chaos— festive gatherings, tree trimming, traveling to visit with friends and family near and far. Probably the last thing on your mind this time of year is whether or not to buy a new North Shore home and settle in before the new year. But don't be so quick to write off the task! Buying a new home in Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Highland Park, or Deerfield is indeed possible— you just need an expert agent a handful of tips to get the job done!

Below are four tips to help you buy a North Shore home before the holidays:

Get pre-approved
You never want to begin your home search by touring homes that are outside of your budget. Instead, take the time to get pre-approved with a mortgage lender so you know exactly how much home you can afford, as well as whether or not you even qualify to make the purchase.

Find an expert agent
Your real estate agent should know the market well, as well as have a large network and know how to leverage technology to get the job done. For instance, when you have a specific timeline in mind to buy a home, your agent should know exactly which local professionals to bring in to complete the transaction, from the lender to the inspector.

Sort your documents
A successful homebuyer is an organized homebuyer! Keep all of your documents organized in a folder designated solely for your home purchase. Put together all of the documents you will need to buy a home— tax returns from the past two years, W2's or pay stubs, as well as two months worth of bank statements from all accounts. This will speed up the process when the documents are needed!

Keep everyone on track
If you're under contract to buy a home on Chicago's North Shore, you will want to stay on top of everyone to keep the transaction moving. When you work with the right real estate agent, they should play an important role in this as well. There is a lot of down time considering all of the parties involved in the transaction and it can be a while before someone gets the document they need or answers a question. If you haven't heard back in a timely manner, always check in!

We're wrapping up 2018, but that doesn't mean you have to wait any longer to buy a new home in Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Highland Park, or Deerfield! Give me a call today for more information about available properties and getting started on your home search or home sale!

I look foward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Celebrate the Holidays with These North Shore Events!

After all of the turkey is put away, it's time to deck the halls for the holidays and better yet, make plans for painting the town red (and green!) with all of the festive events popping up on Chicago's North Shore. I've highlighted several of the holiday happenings in December so you can take advantage of all that Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, and Winnetka have to offer!

Breakfast with Santa
December 1, 2018
Maggiano's Little Italy
Skokie IL

Annual Holiday Open House
December 2, 2018
Evanston History Center at the Charles Gates Dawes House
Evanston IL

Frances Willard Holiday House Tour
December 2, 2018
Frances Willard House Museum
Evanston IL

Red Invitation Sunday Holiday Sale
December 2, 2018
Varying merchants in Winnetka
Winnetka IL

Sunday Brunch with Santa
December 2, 2018
Pinstripes
Northbrook IL

Holiday Cheers
December 5, 2018
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe IL

Downtown Evanston Tree Lighting
December 8, 2018
Fountain Square
Evanston IL

It's a Wonderful Life— Live Radio Play
Through December 30, 2018
Oil Lamp Theater
Glenview IL

Wonderland Express
Through January 6, 2019
Chicago Botanic Garden
Glencoe IL

Ready to call the North Shore your home? Or ready to move on to a new home for the new year? Give me a call today! I'd be happy to help you find the perfect home for you and your family in Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, or beyond.

Have a happy holiday season!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Janie Bress Named 2018 Five Star Real Estate Agent

I am thrilled to share that I have won the 2018 Five Star Real Estate Agent Award!



Five Star Real Estate Agents represent those who are outstanding in their field. Winning agents are selected as a result of a rigorous and objective research process. For any market, each year's field of winners represents no more than 7% of agents within the market.

My Five Star designation allows buyers and sellers on Chicago's North Shore—just like you—to choose a professional that others recommend for exceptional client satisfaction and service.

If you're looking for a real estate expert on Chicago's North Shore in Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, or beyond, do not hesitate to contact me! As a Five Star agent, you can rest assured that you are working with a top tier professional dedicated to serving your specific needs in the real estate market!

I hope to speak with you soon!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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North Shore Yard Projects That Could Help Sell Your Winnetka or Glencoe Home

There is still plenty of summer weather left to enjoy and trust me, buyers are still out in droves searching for their dream homes! So does that mean all you need to do is stick a For Sale sign in the yard and sit back to wait? Absolutely not! There are a few projects that can help you increase your chances of landing a buyer and some of the most important are outdoors!

Below are five yard projects that could help you sell your home in Deerfield, Highland Park, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, and the surrounding areas:

Remove Debris and Overgrowth
There is nothing that can stop a North Shore homebuyer from coming to your door quicker than the appearance of an overgrown yard. Set aside a weekend to simply clear away debris like weeds, sticks and dead flowers, as well as give the lawn a good mowing.

Clean the Driveway
The elements can take a serious toll on your driveway and leave signs of dirt, grime, and even oil or grease from vehicles. Consider renting a power washer to clear away the stains from the driveway and pathways outside your home.

Remove Yard Clutter
Your home should present its best possible self when buyers arrive for a showing, so start by removing all clutter. This includes picking up kids toys from the yard, storing all lawn tools like rakes, hedge trimmers, and shovels, and even moving your vehicles to the garage. This helps your property to look as tidy as it possibly can.

Cater to the Buyer
If your home is in a great area, note that families may be looking to move in with their children and do your best to cater to them. Do you have a play set in the backyard? Now is the time to clean it up, so these family buyers can envision themselves living in your home.

Set the Scene
Buyers want to imagine entertaining their family and friends in the property and you can help them do so by setting the scene. Arrange your deck furniture in an inviting manner, complete with a clean grill, and maybe even a simple table setting with a candle and flower pot.

Ready to sell, but don't know if your home is ready? As your North Shore real estate expert, I will be your guide to prepping your home and seeing it through the sale! Give me a call today to get started on the selling process!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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. 

Your North Shore Home Summer Maintenance Checklist

Now that summer is here (at least the temperatures!) on Chicago's North Shore, we're all eager to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. But even if you plan to spend your time boating, gardening, swimming, or vacationing, there are a few tasks to check off of your home maintenance to-do list to ensure everything runs smoothly this season.

Protect your deck
When the weather warms up, your deck becomes a popular place! However, if you haven't sealed it properly, it can absorb all of the summer rain and excess moisture from your hose and watered plants, paving the way for wood rot. Test a patch by pouring a small amount of water and if the water beads up, it's ready for the season. If not, you'll want to purchase a sealant.

Clean your patio furniture
Months of being covered or—worse yet—standing out in the elements likely took a toll on your patio furniture. You might even find some resident cobwebs hanging around! Before you invite anyone over for summer gatherings, or lounge by yourself, give your furniture a good cleaning and spray down with the garden hose.

Inspect your AC
Did you AC unit have a cover over it this winter? If not, it may be covered with debris and dust. Now is the time to brush it off and replace your air filter before you run the machine all summer long.

Add mulch
Plants and flowers need to absorb as much moisture as possible in the summer heat to grow and thrive— which can be hard to do if you don't give them a little extra care. Consider adding mulch in your flower beds to allow the moisture to get to your plants and hydrate them without the sun interfering.

Ready to start your North Shore home search or sell your current home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield? Give me a call today!

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 Things You Don't Need to Fix Before Selling Your North Shore Home

In my last blog post, I shared the answer to the common North Shore homeowner question of whether or not you should sell your home or simply renovate this spring. This week, I'm elaborating for those homeowners in Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, or Winnetka who choose to list their property and take advantage of the numerous buyers in the market.

But does everything need to be fixed before you can officially place that For Sale sign in the yard? Read on for four things that you can pass on this spring:

Half updates
Unless you plan to renovate your entire kitchen or bathroom, you don't need to bother making partial updates. For instance, don't bother placing an expensive new stone like a marble or granite on top of your old cabinets. Making these half updates tends to only accentuate what still needs fixing.

Cosmetic repairs
If your North Shore home has good bones, the foundation is solid, the roof doesn't need replaced right off the bat, and the running systems are in decent shape, smart buyers will know that the necessary cosmetic work is not a big deal. Things like chipped paint or even scuff marks on the floor can all be easily fixed by the buyer and shouldn't hinder your home sale.

Trendy charm
Even though you may feel your home needs a modern edge to hook today's homebuyers, don't feel obligated to add trendy touches before you list. Most importantly, don't spring for a bold, trendy color on the walls. It's still best to keep a neutral palette as bright colors tend to deter buyers more often than not.

Kitchens and baths
While it may be true that these two rooms in your North Shore home can sell the property, you don't need to plan a full-fledged renovation in order to list. The idea of the perfect kitchen or bathroom differs for every buyer and you can never be sure that the design choices you make in your renovation would appeal to them. It's best to err on the side of smaller, neutral changes like a fresh coat of white paint rather than put money into all new fixtures.

Contact me today for more information about selling your home in Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, Glencoe, or Winnetka this spring! I'm here to walk you through the entire process, from home prep to home closing.

I look forward to hearing from 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. 

How to Tell If You're in a Seller's Market in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook IL

It's no secret that the real estate market on Chicago's North Shore is always changing. Some years it leans in favor of buyers, others it's in favor of sellers— but how do you know which is which? What are the signs to watch for? There are specific factors to identify in the local real estate market to determine the best time to buy or sell and I'm happy to help you point them out!

As your local North Shore real estate expert, I'm sharing below three ways you can tell if you're in a seller's market:

Days on Market
The average days on market, sometimes referred to as DOM, shows the average age of the listing. If homes are selling quickly in your area—anywhere from 7 to 10 days—you are likely in a seller's market. This means sellers on the North Shore can expect their home to sell quickly and at a favorable price due to the number of buyers present in the market.

Home Prices
If you notice home prices on Chicago's North Shore are rising steadily over time, it is a good sign you're in a seller's market. I am always happy to share home prices in your area as well as what your property may be worth today— just give me a call!

Final Home Price vs. Asking Price
If the final sales prices of homes in you area are typically the seller's asking price or even more due to a bidding war, you can assume you're in a seller's market. It is when a property sells for below asking price that you are in a buyer's market as this would favor the buyer.

Ready to make a move in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Evanston, Northbrook, or the surrounding areas? Give me a call today! No matter the type of market, I'm available to answer your questions, big or small!

I look forward to hearing from 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. 

Tax Benefits of Owning a Home on Chicago's North Shore

There are many benefits to living on Chicago's North Shore— and even more if you're a homeowner! If you own a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, Deerfield, or the surrounding areas, you are entitled to a specific set of deductions on your tax return. But don't get too comfortable with them, not all will be returning next year!

Below are five tax benefits of owning a home on Chicago's North Shore:

Mortgage Interest
As of now, homeowners are able to deduct the interest on a mortgage loan of up to $1 million. Next year, those who closed on a home after December 15, 2017 will only be able to deduct their mortgage interest on a loan of up to $750,000— a new cap. Those who closed prior to that date can continue deducting interest up to $1 million as usual.

Property Taxes
If you own a home on the North Shore, your taxes are likely built into your mortgage payment each month and you will be able to deduct those on your tax return. Next year, this will no longer be a separate deduction. Homeowners can take one deduction that will encompass their property taxes, state, and local sales and income taxes.

Energy Efficient Upgrades
If you've made improvements to your home, you may be eligible for the energy efficiency upgrade credit. While many of these credits expired after December 2016, there are still credits available for solar electric and solar water heating equipment through December 31, 2021.

Home Office
Work from home? You can deduct your office expenses and your office space on your tax return! There are strict rules about what exactly makes an office space, but the deduction is typically $5 per square foot for up to 300 square feet of office. Next year, the deduction will be eliminated for those who have an office to go to, but only occasionally work from home.

HELOC Interest
For those North Shore homeowners who have a home equity line of credit (HELOC) taken out in 2017 or before, you can deduct the interest on that loan, no matter what you used it for— college, home repairs, you name it. Next year, however, you can only use this deduction if the loan was used specifically to "buy, build, or improve a property," says the IRS.

I've shared North Shore Tax Deduction Mistakes to Avoid and now the perks of owning a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, and Deerfield. Give me a call today for more information about buying a home this spring or how you can sell your North Shore property for top dollar!

I look forward to hearing from you!

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. 

6 Hidden Costs of Owning a Home on Chicago's North Shore

Owning a home on Chicago's North Shore certainly has its perks— from tax benefits to design freedom and everything in between. But if you're making the transition from renter to homeowner this year, it's important to note that there may be a few home-related costs that you didn't plan for or even know about before you began house-hunting.

As your local real estate expert in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, and the surrounding areas, it is my job to make sure you are prepared for every aspect of homeownership— including the following hidden costs:

Property Taxes
When you use a mortgage calculator prior to buying a home on the North Shore, it is essential that you input estimated property taxes. You can typically find this amount on any listing, or ask your real estate agent to find it for you, so you can see how your monthly payment will change adding them in.

Insurance
Homeowner's insurance will vary depending on your home, your pets, your neighborhood, and a host of other different factors. Research average costs in your area and add them into your potential monthly mortgage payment to avoid any surprises down the road.

Yard Upkeep
If you've been a renter, you likely did not have to deal with the upkeep and maintenance that a yard requires. Once you become a homeowner, you will be responsible for buying all of your own tools, including snowblowers, lawn mowers, shovels, and rakes. Not to mention, the time you will need to free up to keep your yard looking well-manicured in every season!

HVAC
Furnaces and air conditioning units can be a major cost that homeowners do not account for when buying a property. For instance, if you don't have a home warranty, and your furnace breaks down, only you are responsible for covering the repairs or replacement which can cost you thousands! It's best to begin saving for a rainy day fund at the start of your homeowner journey to prepare for things like this, or even small expenses like replacing furnace filters every month or so.

Pest Control
Homes on the North Shore can look appealing to small pests like mice, raccoons, possum, birds, ants, you name it! As a homeowner, you may encounter a pest removal situation which can cost hundreds or more in damage repair and preventative maintenance.

Utilities
As a renter, you were likely use to much smaller utility bills than you will have as a homeowner on Chicago's North Shore. You can ask the previous homeowner—once you've found a home you're interested in—for the average utility costs in order to factor them into your overall budget and avoid surprises later.

Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about buying a home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, or Highland Park! I am here to help you find your dream home with as little stress and surprise as possible!

I look forward to hearing from 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. 

4 Ways to Increase Your Winnetka or Glencoe Home Value Before Selling This Spring

Spring is upon us here on Chicago's North Shore and the real estate market will soon begin to buzz with more activity as it does every year around this time. More buyers will enter the local market, searching for their dream home, and yours could be it! But if you've been mulling over selling your Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook or Evanston area home, you might like to consider boosting your home value first in order to get the most from your sale.

Below are four ways you can boost your home value before listing this spring:

Paint your bathroom or kitchen blue
You may have heard of choosing a neutral paint color to appeal to the majority of buyers, but you likely have not considered blue. According to Zillow's 2017 Paint Color Analysis, which analyzed photos from over 30,000 sold properties, homes with blue kitchens ultimately sold for $1,800 more than those without. The same goes for blue bathrooms, as the analysis found that properties with blue bathrooms sold for $5,400 more.

Incorporate trendy features
Chalk it up to those renovation reality TV shows everyone loves to watch, but listings with farmhouse sinks and even trendy items like barn doors and tongue and groove paneling (or shiplap) have proved to sell for more money than their more traditional counterparts.

Add smart technology
To stand out in today's real estate market and pull a higher price tag, homeowners might consider installing smart features like digital thermostats and even smartphone-enabled security cameras. Not only do these items add interest, but they help a buyer feel more in control and safe at home— which will prompt them to pay more when they feel their home is light years ahead of the rest on the block.

Replace appliances
One simple way to boost your North Shore home's value is to say goodbye to your old appliances and bring in more energy-efficient models. Today's buyers in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, Wilmette, Skokie, Lake Bluff, and Evanston are looking for stainless steel appliances that cut down on energy bills and allow them to live a more "green" lifestyle.

Ready to make the move to sell your North Shore home? As your local real estate expert, I am here to guide you toward a successful sale! Give me a call today for more information about preparing for buyers and a home valuation.

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. 

How to Compete with Cash Buyers on Chicago's North Shore

When you've found your dream home in Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, Glencoe, or the surrounding areas, you are willing to do what it takes to make sure it becomes yours. The last thing you want is to be outbid (or in some cases, underbid) by another buyer who turns out to have all cash!

To compete with cash buyers in today's real estate market, you will need to have a certain edge and as your local North Shore real estate expert, I'm sharing five ways for you to stand out below:

Don't hide anything
Being upfront with your finances can help a seller feel more confident in choosing your offer. Allow your lender to release financial details like your income, bank statements, and credit report. Providing this information may prompt the seller to consider your offer just the same as a cash buyer.

Accelerate the loan
Cash transactions move quickly and for sellers, that is a major perk. When you use financing to purchase a North Shore home, the closing process is not as swift and therefore, your offer may not look as appealing. However, you can always ask how you can speed up the process. Depending on your lender, they may be able to turn around the loan in as little as 14 days, pending all documents are submitted efficiently and the appraiser is dispatched on time.

Bid higher
Cash buyers tend to offer a lower amount for a property simply because there are fewer hoops to jump through for the seller given there is no financing. If you don't want to lose the home, consider bidding higher. Offering more than you think the home is worth could put you ahead of the cash buyer and in the long run, it likely will not change your mortgage payment much.

Make yourself known
Oftentimes, sellers want to know who their house is going to and including a personal letter could be just what they need to accept your offer over a cash buyer. Make yourself known to the sellers, tell them who you are, what you love about the property, and what you plan to do with it. In today's market, it couldn't hurt!'

Move along the inspection
When a seller accepts your offer over a cash buyer, there is still one more potential hurdle aside from financing and that is the inspection. If you can conduct your inspection within days after your accepted offer, this assures the seller that they made the right decision and you can follow through with the sale.

Ready to start the search for your North Shore dream home or found what you're looking for and want to seal the deal? Give me a call today! I've helped numerous buyers become homeowners in in Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook, and Glencoe and I'd be happy to help you do the same!

Looking 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. 

Why 2018 is the Year to Buy a Home on Chicago's North Shore

If you have a fresh start on your mind, you may have already started browsing homes for sale on Chicago's North Shore— and you're right to do so! 2018 will be a great year to buy a home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and the surrounding communities for many reasons, some of which I've included for you below!

Prices are rising
You have heard over the past few months that prices are rising and that trend is set to continue throughout 2018, just not quite at the rate they were before. Moderate price increases are expected for the real estate market and if you're ready to buy, now is the time to ensure you don't end up spending more than necessary.

Rates are rising
Just as I mentioned above, you will want to act now on your North Shore dream home to avoid paying more down the road. Interest rates are expected to continue rising, with two to four more hikes over the next 11 months. By the end of the year, rates are projected to be at 5 percent, so don't delay your home purchase!

Inventory is coming back
It is no secret that inventory over the last year has been on the lower end of the spectrum— with very few homes for sale on Chicago's North Shore. However, this year we are expected to see a recovery, with the return of inventory to the local real estate market. Middle to upper level price points will show the most growth in inventory, which means your options for available properties will be much wider than in the past.

Ready to make a move for the new year ahead? Give me a call today! As your North Shore real estate expert, I am here to help walk you through the entire process!

Happy 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!

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 Things Not to Do During the Holidays If You Plan to Sell Your North Shore Home

My recent blog posts have had a major focus on the holiday season— For instance, Should You Buy a Home During the Holidays?, Should You Sell Your Home During the Holidays?, and even How to Protect Your North Shore Home During the Holidays. This week, I'm continuing in the holiday spirit with a few tips on what not to do if you plan to sell your North Shore home in the coming year.

Below are five things to avoid as a North Shore home seller this holiday season:

1. Avoid damaging decorations
Before you climb up to the roof with your holiday lights and staple gun in tow, you'll want to remember not to do any damage during your decorating spree. Avoid any decorations that might put holes in the walls, marks on the ceiling or floors, or damage the siding of your North Shore home. While it is nice to add a festive edge to the neighborhood, home buyers will take note of these mishaps when you're ready to sell.

2. Don't display large gifts
The holiday season is indeed filled with gift-giving, but if you plan to give (or happen to receive) any large gifts, it's best to put them away while your home is for sale. Just as you wouldn't want your closets to be filled to the brim, creating the illusion that there isn't ample space, you don't want your home to be cluttered with large presents, including children's toys.

3. Avoid holiday debt
If you plan to buy a new home in the new year, it is important to avoid acquiring any holiday debt. Your chances of being approved for a new mortgage are much better when you haven't made any large purchases or racked up your credit card bills.

4. Don't buy for your current home
You may be tempted to buy appliances or decor that fits with your current home, but if you plan to sell and move in 2018, these items will have nowhere to go. As you check off your holiday shopping list, remember to think of your new home and not just the one you are living in now.

5. Don't buy a new pet
While many would love to get a puppy for the holidays, home sellers would be wise to wait until after their home sale to take in a new pet. The excitement of a new furry friend roaming about, plus house-training, and curious paws on carpet, walls, you name it, can easily make more work for sellers and turn away some buyers.

Ready to start the new year in a new home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield? Need to sell your property to be able to start fresh? Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Should You Buy a Home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park During the Holidays?

In a recent blog post, I shared the answer to the common question— Should I sell my home during the holidays? Now it's time to answer the opposite, Should you buy a home during this time of year? While it may surprise you, the answer is the same for both! The holidays can be a great opportunity to both sell and buy homes on Chicago's North Shore and as your local real estate expert, I'm sharing below a few reasons to buy a new property right now.

1. Less competition
As the holidays come with a great deal of hustle and bustle, not to mention traveling, many tend to put their home searches on the back burner until the spring. In fact, many tend to think spring is the best time to buy a home and as a result, you will have much less competition for homes currently for sale if you buy now!

2. Sellers are motivated
Buying a home on the North Shore during the holidays can allow you to find a great deal. After all, homes that are listed now likely have motivated sellers who need to move on before the new year or the listings are leftover from the fall (sometimes, even summer) market. Unlike buying a home during the busier spring and summer seasons, you may just find flexible more sellers in the current market.

3. You have a clear picture 
During the spring and summer, homes in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, and the surrounding areas look bright, fresh, and appealing with idyllic landscaping and green grass. During the holidays, you have a much clearer picture of what the property will look like the other six (or more!) months out of the year— you are able to see the home for what it truly is, without being distracted by flowers and sun-lit rooms.

4. Easy access
The holidays are not quite as busy for professionals working in the real estate market. Not only does that mean you have better access to lenders and the like, but your home purchase in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Evanston, Glenview, Wilmette, Lake Bluff, or Skokie could move along much faster.

I'm here to help with every aspect of your home purchase on Chicago's North Shore! Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you have!

Happy holidays!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Local Expert... with National Connections!

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

How to Protect Your North Shore Home This Holiday Season

If you're traveling for the holidays—no matter if you're off to a surrounding community on Chicago's North Shore or far away—it's important that you protect your home while you're gone. Whether you keep your lights on a timer or have a neighbor pick up your mail, every step makes a big difference in ensuring your property's safety this time of year.

As your local real estate expert, I have included a few tips for securing your home during the holiday season below:

Don't forget to lock up
Before you head out on your holiday excursions, don't forget to lock all of the doors and windows! This may seem like an obvious home security tip, but with all of the hustle and bustle, it can be easy to forget to turn the lock. Make one trip around your home prior to leaving to make sure each window and door is latched.

Ask a neighbor to help
If you know you'll be gone for a few days (or weeks!), ask a neighbor to get involved. They can pick up your mail, so your full mailbox doesn't tip off any thieves that you may not be home, and also help gather large packages that may be delivered. Remember, package theft picks up this time of year and you don't want to risk having your gifts suddenly disappear from you doorstep!

Clear a path
Make sure the pathway to your door is clear of any obstacles or large holiday decor. Thieves can often hide behind bushes, trees, and even your Christmas inflatables, so make sure your doorway is visible from the street and to your neighbors.

Don't leave tips
It can be tempting to share your holiday travels on social media, but this could also leave an unnecessary tip that you're not home. Avoid sharing any tips that you're away from the house until after you return.

Install a camera
If you haven't already installed a security camera outside your home, take the time to do so before you leave for the holidays. Not only does this help amp up your home's protection when you're away, but you can keep a watchful eye no matter where you are, right from your phone!

Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about the local real estate market in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, Deerfield and beyond, buying or selling a home! I wish you all a happy holiday 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!

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

3 Ways to Research a Winnetka, Glencoe, or Highland Park IL Home Before You Buy

There is much research to be conducted when buying a home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield. For instance, not only will you need to determine the location or community where you'd like to live, but you will want to look further into the neighborhood and even the street itself.

Before you buy a home on Chicago's North Shore, it is important to do your due diligence in order to avoid any surprises. As your local real estate expert, I've included below three ways that you can research a property prior to signing on the dotted line.

Google Street View
This online tool is easy to use and allows you to see a snapshot of any home on Chicago's North Shore— as it would appear if you were standing in front of it yourself. Be aware that Google Street View's images are not always completely current and can be a few years old, but this tool can help you to understand how a neighborhood has grown or changed and the history of a property. For instance, if new landscaping has been added or exterior improvements made.

Crime Apps
There are dozens of neighborhood crime apps you can download to check on the safety of an area. Prior to buying a home, this is one way to get to know a particular neighborhood better if you are unfamiliar or just how recent crimes have been reported near a specific property.

Building Records
Did you know you can look through building records without even leaving your computer? Much of this information is available online and with a simple search, you can find building permit history, including what work has been been completed on the property. Keep in mind, however, that while most sellers are required to disclose work that has been done, there may be work done earlier that they were not aware of.

Ready to buy a home on Chicago's North Shore? Contact me today for a list of available properties, as well as information about the local market or communities including Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Evanston, Glenview, Wilmette, Lake Bluff, Skokie, and beyond.

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. 

Why You Should Buy a Home in Winnetka, Glencoe, or Highland Park IL This Fall

Once the summer has come to a close, many residents on Chicago's North Shore think the home buying season has ended along with it. While it is true that the summer months bring a wave of activity for the local real estate market, it is not the only time to buy a home— fall can be just as lucrative for North Shore buyers!

Below are five reasons why you should consider buying a home in Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Northbrook, Northfields, Riverwoods, Skokie, Willamette or Winnetka:

You could find a deal
Many home sellers first list their properties in the spring, some much too high for the market. By the time fall arrives, there is a chance that there will be leftover inventory from these spring sellers and you could find a deal!

There are fewer buyers
Your competition in the fall is significantly less than you had during the summer months. In fact, many families with children have halted their home search due to the school year, or have already found a home.

Motivated sellers
Homes that are listed in the fall could signal a home seller that wants to move on before the start of the new year— and thus, do what it takes to sell the property. As the holidays get closer, you may find that homes still for sale are a great deal in the making! No homeowner wants to deal with trying to sell during the holidays.

Sellers want to close before the new year
As I said above, when you buy a home during the fall, you may encounter a motivated seller who wants to sell before the end of the year. You could negotiate a better offer during this time of year simply because of the tax advantage (or disadvantage) the seller will have if they close quickly enough.

Homes don't show as well
The fall colors are beautiful on Chicago's North Shore, but homes don't tend to sell as well as they do during the summer months. With the weather slightly cooler and the lush landscaping losing its glamour, buyers aren't as drawn to homes this time of year, thus reducing your competition. It's also a great opportunity for a home inspection as all of the home's flaws will be exposed.

As your local real estate expert in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook and Deerfield IL, I will be your guide no matter the time of year! Contact me today for more information about available properties on the North Shore!

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.