5 Signs It's Time to Sell Your North Shore Home

Every North Shore homeowner's reason for selling their property will be different, but there are a few significant signs that will ultimately show you it's time to move on. Perhaps you've outgrown the space or your job is taking you to a different Chicago area community— regardless of the reasoning, you can count on me to help you through the process!

Below are five signs it's time to sell your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook home and move on:

Your costs are too high
Not all homeowners on Chicago's North Shore are prepared for the costs that come with managing a property. If you find yourself in this position and need to reduce your monthly maintenance costs or mortgage payment, it is likely time to list your home and find a property better suited to your financial situation.

You've outgrown the home
If your family is growing (or for empty-nesters, the opposite), but your home is not, that is a great sign you're ready to sell and move on! Whether you're looking for a larger home or one with fewer bedrooms as your children fly the coop, you can count on me to provide a list of available properties that fit the bill.

The market is booming
Sellers still have an edge in today's real estate market, so why not take advantage? Especially if buyer demand continues to increase and you have built up equity in your property, chances are great that you will be able to find a buyer quickly and settle into your next dream home ASAP.

Your value is favorable
As I mentioned earlier, it may be time to move on if market conditions are favorable and you've built up equity in your home. You may even notice that your neighbor got a great price for their home and you'd like to sell and reap the same rewards!

You've been in the home five years
It is often recommended that homeowners stay in their property at least five years to allow themselves to build equity. After all, when you begin paying your mortgage, the first payments are almost always all interest. Unless you have an urgent need to move, consider staying put for five years and then make your decision.

Curious about your home value or have questions about getting the listing process started? Give me a call today! I'm happy to help just as I have with numerous other North Shore homeowners!

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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What is a Bump Clause in North Shore Chicago Real Estate?

Let's face it, every seller on the North Shore wants to get top dollar for their home. Even when you receive your first offer on your property, you might find yourself wondering if a better one will come along. But can you entertain other offers if you already accepted one? Is there a way to ensure you're maximizing your potential profit as a seller?

There is— and it's called the bump clause. This clause allows sellers to enter into a contract with a buyer while still marketing their property  to others. If a better offer comes along, you will essentially be able to "bump" the original offer you accepted.

These clauses are typically used when a buyer has a contingency attached to their offer. For instance, they need to sell their current home in order to purchase the property or have made the offer contingent upon the home inspection or appraisal. The bump clause will allow the seller to potentially move forward with another buyer who does not have such contingencies attached to their offer or one who would offer a higher price.

So how does it work? The bump clauses can only go into effect if the seller notifies the original buyer that they would like to take a "better" offer. The buyer has a specific number of days to respond, either letting the seller know they have sold their home (thus removing the sale contingency) or that they are removing the contingencies altogether. If they cannot remove the contingencies, their original contract is void. The seller is then able to enter into a new contract with the new buyer. However, if the buyer informs the seller that they did sell their home, their contract stands and the seller can no longer market the property to other buyers.

Bump clauses can be a wise choice for home sellers in today's fast-paced real estate market on Chicago's North Shore, offering a sense of security and control. As I mentioned above, every seller wants to maximize their home sale profits, and this is one way to do so.

As your North Shore real estate expert, I am here to walk you through the selling process from home prep to home closing and everything in between. Give me a call today for more information about selling your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook, Deerfield and beyond.

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. 

4 North Shore Home Renovations to Make for Maximum Return

Summer is a popular time for North Shore homeowners to tackle home improvement projects from installing new landscaping to new front doors— or even a whole new kitchen! However, before you take those first steps or plan full-scale remodels, it's important to consider what will bring you the greatest return on your investment (ROI).

According to real estate news outlet Keeping Current Matters, the following four projects will net North Shore homeowners the greatest ROI:

Minor Bathroom Remodel
The #1 return on investment for homeowners is a minor bathroom remodel including a tub replacement, tile replacement, new toilet, sink, vanity, and other fixtures. This project will return homeowners an average of 102 percent!

Curb Appeal
This improvement project, including upgrading landscaping, adding shrubs, trees, and other flowers, walkways, planters, and mulch will yield homeowners 100 percent of their investment. The cost may be around $4,900, but you will likely recoup all of the investment at resale.

Minor Kitchen Remodel
A minor kitchen remodel is the project with the third highest ROI for homeowners, recouping 98.5 percent of the investment! Minor cosmetic upgrades like new countertops, flooring, refacing cabinets, or adding new lighting could cost as much as $15,000, but homeowners will see a high return at resale.

Exterior Improvements
Making updates to your North Shore home's exterior, such as new siding, a new front door, or even new light fixtures comes in at #4 for projects with the highest return. Homeowners can expect to recoup 95.5 percent of their investment.

Knowing where to invest your money wisely for resale is key for homeowners in Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, or Winnetka. Contact me today for more information about your home value or listing your home this year!

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. 

Why You Should Sell Your North Shore Chicago Home This Month

As a homeowner on Chicago's North Shore, making the decision to sell your home should not be taken lightly. In fact, there are a number of factors that should go into your decision— from the right price to pique buyer interest right down to the time that you list. Timing is key in the local real estate market and if you've been on the fence about listing, you'll be glad to note that now is one of the best possible times you can sell!

According to a Zillow survey of real estate markets across the country, May is the best month to sell your home. Not just for the financial gains you can yield, but also for the time it takes to land a buyer!

Fewer Homes for Sale, More Buyers

One of the main reasons May has been heralded as an ideal time to sell is due to the lack of inventory we've seen during the beginning of this spring season. There are fewer homes for sale, but no shortage of buyers which means more competition and more of a chance that they will pay over asking price to secure their dream home.

Quicker Sale

Just as North Shore buyers are willing to pay more to land their dream home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, and Northbrook, you can bet they aren't willing to wait. Home sellers who listed this month can expect to see an offer 18.5 days sooner than homes listed during any other time of the year, according to the survey.

Timing is Everything

I mentioned above that timing is key to the success of your North Shore home sale, but that does not simply mean the month that you list. The day is equally as important and in the Chicago area, Friday is said to be one of the best days for your home to hit the market.

Ready to take advantage of everything the real estate market in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, and Northbrook has to offer? As your North Shore real estate expert, I am here to help you sell your home quickly and for top dollar!

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. 

Getting Ready for Your Home Appraisal in Glencoe, Winnetka, and Northbrook IL

When it comes to selling your home on Chicago's North Shore, one of the first things to pop into your head will be the listing price. How much can you sell the property for? Many factors go into determining this key number, but the appraisal is what can really make or break the home sale. As your North Shore real estate expert, I've listed four ways to prepare for your appraisal so you can showcase your home in its best light.

Below are four ways to get ready for your home appraisal in Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park and beyond:

1. Check off maintenance tasks
If your home still has a long list of repairs to make, you will want to complete them before the appraisal. Even tasks like cleaning out the gutters should be marked off your list before the appraiser arrives. Remember these may not always add value to the home, but will help to show your home at its best.

2. Remove clutter and clean
Just as you would before a potential buyer arrives to tour your home, the property should be free of clutter and cleaned thoroughly before an appraisal. The appraiser's opinion of your home is what could make or break the sale—if the appraised value is too far off from the listing price your deal could fall through—so be sure to make a good impression.

3. Put on your buyer hat
Before you decide that all is said and done with your North Shore home, put on your buyer hat and take a walk around the property. Use your critical eye to notice things like leaky faucets, a toilet that constantly runs, or nails that have poked through or left marks on the walls. It's best to make a list of all of these items that could leave a negative impression on the appraiser and then start to tackle them one by one.

4. Work with your agent
Your real estate agent on Chicago's North Shore is a wealth of resources, so don't be afraid to talk to them! What your home appraises for is somewhat impacted by what other homes in the area have sold for in the past few months and your agent can provide you with those statistics. Your agent can often pull a list of comparable properties to give to the appraiser.

Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions you have about selling your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park and beyond— now is a great time to list your property and move on to your next dream home!

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. 

5 Mistakes That Can Keep You From Selling Your North Shore Home

Selling your North Shore home this time of year can be very lucrative given the number of buyers in the market and the little competition among other sellers. However, there are several mistakes that can keep you from selling your home successfully and in fact, let your home "sit" on the market for longer than necessary.

As your North Shore real estate expert, I've included 5 mistakes that will hold you back from selling your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, and Northbrook this year:

1. Overpricing
Every home seller wants to earn top dollar for their home, but overpricing your home from the beginning could have the opposite effect. Remember that even if your neighbor's home sells for a certain amount, that doesn't mean your home is worth the same. It's always best to ask your real estate agent about your value!

2. Not being flexible
If you hold firm at your price, especially if you've overpriced, you may not attract as many buyers as you would like. In fact, you will likely turn them away. Always consider making a counter instead of rejecting if you receive offers.

3. Using poor photos
As many homebuyers begin their search online, it is crucial to hook them in the first place they look! Your listing photos should be crisp, clean, and bright, highlighting your home in its best possible condition.

4. Not cleaning up
Clutter can instantly turn off a buyer on Chicago's North Shore. Before you list your home, especially before you take photos and allow buyers inside, take the time to clean from top to bottom. A buyer wants to envision themselves living there, not focus on your knick knacks.

5. Leaving pets at home
During showings, it is important to take your pets with you or make arrangements for them to stay elsewhere. Sure, you love your pets, but buyers may not and this could be the factor that gives them the wrong feelings when touring your property. Ultimately, this could cost you a sale.

Give me a call today with any questions about listing your North Shore home, your home value or how you can set yourself up for success!

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 Issues to Fix Before Listing Your North Shore Home

Every North Shore homeowner has a successful sale in mind when they list their property, but did you know there are several common issues that can cause the transaction to come apart at the seams? If you are aware of any problems prior to listing your Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, or Northbrook home, it is always wise to remedy them. I've included a few of the common red flags to watch for around your property before you place that For Sale sign in the yard.

Worn, old roof
When searching for homes on Chicago's North Shore, buyers can quickly make a note of those whose roofs look like they may need replacing. If your roof is coming to the end of its road (typically 20 to 25 years), replacing it could help you sell faster.

Old appliances
Today's homebuyers are looking for updated kitchens with newer appliances. They do not want to have this expense upon their move into your home. If you have dated appliances, buyers may also wonder what else you've failed to replace.

Difficult, creaky windows
If buyers cannot open your windows or can hear every car go by while inside, they may consider moving on to the next property. Replace your old, sticky windows with newer, dual-paned models to help eliminate sound and appeal to buyers.

Foundation cracks
There is no greater red flag to North Shore buyers than a crack in the foundation. This can mean larger, more expensive issues down the road and your home may "sit" on the market longer than you'd like. Be ready to fix this issue if you've already listed or speak with someone prior to taking that first seller step.

Unsure if you're ready to list your North Shore home or have questions about your home value? Give me a call today!

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. 

Outdoor Trends to Avoid When Selling Your North Shore Home

With the weather warming up, it seems obvious that buyers would be looking more closely at outdoor spaces when shopping for homes on Chicago's North Shore. That much is true— however, they may be more specific when it comes to what they want.

Buyers in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas have a wish list and as the spring market heats up, their outdoor wants will become more important. Below are a few outdoor trends to avoid when selling your North Shore home this season:

Geometric or straight layouts
It used to be a popular trend in outdoor design to have crisp, clean, straight or geometric borders— planting your flowers in neat lines. But those days are gone and buyers today are looking for more freeform, natural gardens and yards.

Standard trees
Be sure to choose your landscaping wisely, including your trees! Don't opt for the same cheap plants that everyone has; buyers will notice. Avoid planting trees with leaves and needles that clutter your yard and make a point not to plant them near the foundation of your home or the fence line of your neighbor's property.

Bright colored mulch
If you must use mulch, the best idea is to use a natural bark or subtle colored filler. Buyers are easily turned off by outlandishly colored mulch like orange, red or black. You want your yard to be the envy of the neighborhood which starts with creating a neutral landscape.

Water features
You may love your koi pond, but water features can read as high maintenance to North Shore buyers. What's more, they may long for the yard space that the said feature is taking up. It's also worth noting that water features can attract more creatures and insects than the new buyers may appreciate.

Curious about what buyers are looking for in your North Shore community? Give me a call today! As your local real estate expert, I am happy to share insights, provide a list of comparable properties and help you find your home value!

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. 

Why Overpricing Can Hurt Your Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook IL Home Sale

Pricing your North Shore home appropriately is an essential part of a successful sale. Many homeowners are tempted to set the price as high as possible, thinking they will give themselves room to negotiate with sellers, but that is not always the case. You could risk buyers being turned off by the high listing price and your home "sitting" on the market, lowering your chances of selling for that top dollar number.

Below are three reasons why you will want to avoid overpricing your home in Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Skokie, Wilmette, and Winnetka:

First impressions matter
The majority of homebuyers today first look for properties online, so you can imagine how important first impressions are. You will need to hook them right away! Buyers often set search parameters and include their price range in order to find available homes and if you price too high, you could risk them skipping over your property entirely. Buyers also know what homes in their price range look like— if your property is priced too high for its features, size and location, they will notice.

You may have to reduce the price
Homes that sit idly on the market for weeks or months at a time are likely headed for a price reduction. Not only does that mean you have less of a chance of getting top dollar for your North Shore home, but buyers may wonder what is wrong with the property that warranted the drop in price and ignore your listing altogether.

The market may change
As you know, the real estate market changes over time and even if you list now with the intentions of pricing higher, the spring signals a change. More inventory will soon be headed to the market and your high-priced home can get lost in the mix of newer, more realistically priced properties. Keep in mind that the changing economy and interest rates also come into play!

If you are ready to find out how much your North Shore home is worth in today's market, give me a call today! I have helped many homeowners agree on the best listing price and make their properties as intriguing as possible. What are you waiting for?

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. 

How to Stage Your Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield IL Home for the Holidays

Did you know that homes tend to show better during the holiday season? It's true! The cozy feelings you feel over these chilly winter months can actually help you sell your home as North Shore buyers feel them too!

But how can you be sure you make an impact and take full advantage of everything the holiday season has to offer home sellers? As your North Shore real estate expert, I've included a few ways to successfully stage your home for the holidays below:

Stick to a color scheme
The holidays may tempt you to overdo it on the decor, with flashing colored lights outside, white lights on the tree and a variety of different ornaments, but don't get carried away. Sticking to a color scheme like metallics or reds or greens inside your North Shore home can feel festive without coming across as showy or busy.

Skip the outlandish outdoor decor
Does your neighbor have a giant, inflatable Santa towering over your yard? Or perhaps a swirling snow globe featuring Frosty himself stares at you from across the street? No matter, if you're selling your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook or the surrounding areas, you will want to skip these large displays as they can turn off buyers.

Set the table
The holidays are a time for hosting, entertaining and gathering— many times over the table! Set your table with a simple holiday centerpiece like a garland table runner and adorn it with candles. Buyers who visit during this time will be able to envision themselves hosting future holidays and could just fall in love!

Make the mantel merry
A fireplace is an excellent focal point for your North Shore home and what's more, a selling point for local buyers! If you have one, consider an elegant garland draped across the mantel or again, stockings hung in a monochromatic color scheme. This is a great place to add holiday magic, but resist the urge to make it too complicated.

If you have more questions about selling your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook or the surrounding Chicagoland areas this time of year, I am here to help! Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

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 Need a Real Estate Agent to Sell Your Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook IL Home

Selling your North Shore home may seem like an easy task— you simply choose a listing price, place a For Sale sign in the yard and sit back and wait for the offers to come in. Not exactly! There is so much more involved in a home sale, from preparation to choosing an offer, and if you want to set yourself up for success, working with a real estate agent is key!

But why should you work with an agent as opposed to going the For Sale by Owner route? Below are three reasons why a listing agent makes the most sense for today's North Shore sellers:

Agents help you price your home
As I shared in a previous blog post, understanding your home value is an important step in pricing your home. Your agent will help you to price your home competitively according to both the market and comparable properties in the area, providing an objective opinion not tied to your feelings about the home. After all, letting your emotions steer the ship of pricing can tempt you to aim too high and risk your home sitting on the market.

Agents recommend improvements
Before you list your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Northbrook, Deerfield, Highland Park and the surrounding areas, you may need to make some improvements or repairs to better attract buyers. However, as the homeowner, it can be more difficult to spot these or even decide if they are worth the investment. Your agent will assist in identifying necessary improvements and suggesting staging techniques to allow you a quicker sale and perhaps a higher price.

Agents take better photos
With a FSBO listing, homeowners often snap photos on their cell phones. However, with the majority of buyers today looking for properties online, it's essential that listing photos wow them or they may lose interest right away. Agents will know how to take photos of your home's best features and could even use a professional photographer to capture buyer interest.

Agents advertise 
Whether that be by including your listing in the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) where buyers and agents can view your property or holding open houses, agents will advertise your property through many outlets.

Ready to list your North Shore home this year? Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

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. 

This Is the Best Month to Sell Your North Shore Home

It seems once spring rolls around that the calendar begins to fill up. Holidays like Mother's Day, warm weather activities, end of the year school functions and graduations keep us busy, but there is just one more item you might like to add to your to-do list this time of year— Selling your home.

With housing inventory trending much lower than it has been in the past, the ball is in the home seller's court this spring— but you could gain an additional edge just by listing this month. May is one of the best times to list your home on Chicago's North Shore as homes typically sell quicker and for more money than any other time of year.

But if you're still on the fence about listing your North Shore home this month, below are three reasons to move ahead:

The school year
Homebuyers on Chicago's North Shore tend to time their move to a new property around the school year. They begin their home search toward the end of the school year to avoid changing districts, move during the summer months and settle in before the new term begins in the fall. Listing your home now will allow you to catch the eye of these buyers looking to stick to the summer moving timeline.

The busy season 
It is no secret that the real estate market picks up in the spring and summer. By listing your home in May, you are able to market your property to the eager and motivated buyers just beginning their search. Buyers are excited and ready to buy at the start of the busy season, but toward the end of the summer, many decide to put their house-hunting efforts on hold until the following year.

The weather
The weather in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas is beautiful this time of year. Not only are more buyers out and about looking for homes when the temperatures are warmer, but the weather is ideal for moving. Remember, not many buyers (or you, as a homeowner) like to move during the winter, so now is a great opportunity!

As your North Shore real estate expert, I can help you with every step of the home selling process. Contact me today to discuss what your home might be worth and for a list of available properties in the area!

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.