How to Prepare Your Home for Storm Season on Chicago's North Shore

Whether you've just moved into a new home on Chicago's North Shore, are planning to stay put this summer or have just started house-hunting, one thing is certain— summer tends to add a little more chaos to the mix!

Not only are North Shore residents ready to take on busier schedules, but the warmer weather always brings a storm or two to our area that can put a damper on plans. Homeowners would do well to prep for storm season now to avoid surprises down the road and of course, added stress and hassle that we could all do without!

Take the weekend to secure your home in Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe, Northbrook and you'll be ready to take on the summer with no worries:

• Prepare an emergency plan for your family and designate a room in your North Shore home in which all of you will meet during a storm.

• Cut and haul away any loose or hanging tree limbs that could cause damage during a storm.

• Check all shutters and gutters on your home to ensure they are properly secured. If not, reattach.

• Install surge protectors for expensive or sensitive electronics and appliances in your North Shore home.

• Compile an emergency kit for storms, including batteries, flashlights, first aid kit, snacks, a weather radio and bottled water.

• Take photos of your home (both inside and out), your cars, boat and valuables. You could need them later for insurance claims.

• Store or secure your outdoor furniture as heavy winds can blow these into your home, causing serious damage.

• Move all potted plants and outdoor items like bicycles, motorcycles and toys indoors or, if necessary, carefully secure them. 

Summer is a wonderful time on Chicago's North Shore, with fun events, warm temperatures and time for outdoor recreational activities. Don't let storms get in the way of your enjoying the season! 

As your real estate expert in Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glencoe and Northbrook, I am happy to walk you through the home buying and home selling processes. Summer is perfect for making a move to your dream home! Have questions? Do not hesitate to give me a call!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Upcoming Events on Chicago’s North Shore

North Shore Late Summer Events

Events on Chicago's North Shore

The 4th of July has passed, and the first day of school will be here before you know it. With so many community events, you’ll definitely want to take the opportunity to get out to some of the North Shore’s late summer favorites. Organized events that create a sense of community are something that so many love about Chicago’s North Shore, and here are a few locally renown upcoming choices:

Northbrook Days

Northbrook, IL
July 30th - August 3rd

Head out to the Village Green for five fun-filled days of carnival rides, games, the “Taste of Northbrook”, and a local business expo. There is even going to be a wine and painting event held on Sunday, August 3rd. You won’t want to miss out on this annual family-friendly summertime favorite hosted by the Northbrook Civic Foundation.

Chicago Botanic Garden Kite Festival

Glencoe, IL
August 9th & 10th

Who doesn’t love to fly a kite? This event gives children of all ages the opportunity to do so in the beautiful setting of the meadow west of Evening Island at the Botanic Garden. The Chicago Fire Kite Team will be on hand, along with other professionals, to both demonstrate and teach. Food and treats will be available for purchase at the festival.

2014 American Craft Exposition

Evanston, IL
August 22nd - 24th

This a long-standing event held annually at Northwestern University. One of the most-loved North Shore summer fairs, The American Craft Exposition a highly competitive, juried art event with a wide variety of artistic stylings — metals, jewelry, leather, wood, decorative fibers and ceramics, just to a name some. There will also be a benefit preview to support ongoing breast and ovarian cancer research on the North Shore.

It’s so important to enjoy the community in which you live, and Chicago’s North Shore makes that easy to do. The communities offer such a variety of festivals and fairs, there is definitely something for everyone. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information about Chicago’s North Shore. As a long-time North Shore real estate professional, I love helping people fall in love with it.

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 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.