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

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Local Expert... with National Connections!

North Shore Home Tasks to Check Off Your List Before Fall

Fall is nearly here! But before the leaves begin to drop from the trees and we finally turn down the AC, there are a few tasks to tackle around your Glencoe, Highland Park, Winnetka, Deerfield, and Northbrook area homes. From cleaning the gutters to turning off the water to the garden hose, I've compiled a list of fall home maintenance tasks to add to your to-do list.

Clean out the gutters
To make room for the leaves and debris that will fall into your North Shore yard this fall, it's important to clean out your gutters now. While you're on the roof, you can also check for any damaged shingles that may have occurred over the summer and take the necessary steps to repair them.

Turn off outdoor water
You probably have your garden hose hooked up and have used it all summer, but you'll want to turn off that outdoor water supply as the weather begins to get cooler. Of course we can have summer-like temperatures well into October here on Chicago's North Shore, so just keep an eye on the dropping temps to determine when to disable the outdoor plumbing.

Clean and store outdoor furniture
You likely won't be entertaining or lounging on your outdoor furniture during the autumn months, so now is the time to clean your outdoor chairs, tables, and other garden fixtures and put them into storage for the winter. At the very least, consider investing in a cover to shield your furniture from the elements over the next few months.

Inspect your furnace
When the temperatures drop, we'll reach for the thermostat, but make sure yours has been inspected by a professional and is in excellent working condition before you throw it into overdrive. Now is the perfect opportunity to make an appointment as HVAC experts' schedules will quickly fill up as we get closer to winter.

Organize a mudroom
If you don't have your entryway stocked with floor mats for dirty (and wet!) shoes, coat hooks, and an umbrella stand, take a weekend and organize accordingly. With wet weather and colder air comes the need for bulkier clothing and footwear, so you'll want to have a space to keep it stored and easily accessible.

Questions about buying or selling a home on Chicago's North Shore? Do not hesitate to contact me! I'm here to help with everything from finding your home value to starting a new home search!

Happy fall!

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 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
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. 

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
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. 

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
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. 

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
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 Home Selling Advice to Ignore

As a North Shore homeowner, you've probably heard dozens of real estate myths bouncing around from family and friends— running the gamut from when to sell your home to how much buyers are willing to pay. However, it's important to note that these should be taken with a grain of salt—unless they come from a trusted real estate expert—and in some cases, ignored entirely.

If you plan to sell your home on Chicago's North Shore this year, you will want to ignore the following home selling advice:

You will sell at the open house
Open houses can be beneficial for North Shore homeowners in that they attract many eyes to your property at once— but that doesn't mean it will always end in a sale. While many buyers may come through your home, don't expect all of them to make an offer. Private showings can be just as lucrative as open houses and may even signal a more serious buyer.

You should only sell in spring
With smartphones, online listing alerts, and home search websites galore, buyers are constantly searching for properties— no matter the season! You might be surprised by how motivated buyers are to secure their dream home in the beginning of the year, for instance. Be careful not to prioritize one season too much when it comes to listing.

Pricing high will make you the most money
You can only make a profit if you sell and pricing too high is a great way for your property to "sit" on the market for longer than necessary. In fact, if it sits too long, you could end up settling for less than you'd like. The key is to price your home according to supply and demand to allow for the most successful sale.

You can save money without a Realtor
While cutting out the commission factor may seem like a great way to save money, the opposite is actually true. Did you know that homes sold with a Realtor sell for more money than those without? Not to mention all of the correspondence involved in a single transaction that the Realtor handles on your behalf— including the buyer's agent, lender, title company, inspection company, and more!

Questions about selling your Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook home this year? Give me a call today!

I'm here to help!

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 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
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. 

Should You Renovate Your North Shore Chicago Home Or Sell?

Every year, spring tends to bring out much-anticipated warmer weather, beautiful flowers, greener grass, and of course, more homebuyers! But before you decide to list your home on Chicago's North Shore—determined to get your property in front of today's motivated buyers—it is important to consider whether it may be better to renovate and stay put for a while longer.

Below are four questions to ask yourself to decide if you should renovate your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Evanston, Northbrook, or Deerfield area home this spring or sell:

How long have I been in my home?
If you have lived in your North Shore home for many years and are feeling the need to either upsize to a more spacious property or downsize, it may be best to sell and move on. However, if you've only been in your home for a short time, you may like to consider staying at least five years and decide what improvements you could make to allow the home to better suit you.

Is this the best location?
Location is everything in real estate! Take a look at your neighborhood, your North Shore community, your neighbors— Do you love your location? If so, it is likely wise to stay put and make a few improvements to the home, perhaps updating the kitchen or bathrooms. If you could think of somewhere else you'd rather be, now is a great time to sell and make a move!

Do you know what renovation entails?
It is easy to dream of all of the changes you could make to your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, or Deerfield, but mapping out everything that requires is another topic entirely. Before you decide to renovate your home, go over every permit necessary, your timeline, and of course, your budget. You don't want to get in over your head this spring!

Will your renovation over-improve your property?
One other factor to consider in the question of renovating or selling is whether you will over-improve your home once all is said and done. Remember that home prices are based on comparable properties in the area, so it's important to make sure you won't price yours right out of the neighborhood when you're done.

Need more information to help you decide to renovate or sell? Give me a call today! As your North Shore real estate expert, I have helped numerous homeowners do the same!

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 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
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. 

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
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. 

What Not to Do When Staging Your North Shore Home

There are a lot of moving parts when selling your home on Chicago's North Shore. From finding the best listing price to making any necessary repairs and of course, staging the home to pique buyer interest. Staging can go a long way for home sellers as staged properties oftentimes sell quicker and for more money than those that skip this step. However, that is if you do it correctly.

Below are five things to avoid when staging your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, and beyond:

Over-designing the home
The best mindset to adopt when selling your North Shore home is to keep it simple. Even though you think the home would look great by filling every corner with thought-out trinkets and knick knacks, it's best that you leave it clean and neutral. Buyers will want to envision themselves living there and it can be difficult when every room is filled to the brim with decor and furnishings.

Using the wrong size furniture
If you have a beautiful, sprawling dining room or open living space that is really one of the highlights of your North Shore home, use your furniture wisely when staging. Don't place a small round table or a petite sofa in a grand space and move on to the next room. You may think this creates the illusion of more space, but in fact, it tells the buyers that it could be difficult to decorate or that there isn't enough room to live in the space. Think about the size of your furniture thoroughly before staging.

Closing doors
Remember that buyers are not familiar with your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook. They don't know that the closed door is not just a closet, but the stairway to the basement. Open the doors before buyers arrive to view your home to ensure they are getting the best impression of the property.

Being too artificial
As I mentioned above, you want buyers to be able to imagine themselves living in your home, so refrain from using too many artificial decor elements. Faux plants and fruit give the illusion that a home is cold and not easily lived in. Do your best to incorporate real plants to give off cozy, realistic vibes.

Over-neutralizing the home
In the same way that over-designing is wrong when staging your home, so too is over-neutralizing. It is true that a neutral palette will appeal to the most buyers, but your home should also have unique characteristics that allow it to stand out in a buyer's mind. Now that doesn't mean that you should paint a wall a bold, red hue, but it is fine to bring in subtle pops of color here and there.

Ready to sell your North Shore home and move on this year? Give me a call today! I'm here to guide you through the entire process and prepare your home to attract the most buyers.

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. 

Your Winter Checklist for Your North Shore Chicago Home

In a past blog post, I shared How to Brighten Your Glencoe, Winnetka Home in the Winter, but that is just one of many tasks to tackle during this time of year! There are dozens of steps to take to ensure your North Shore home is protected for the cold season ahead and I've listed the top must-dos below!

Inspect your chimney
The last thing you want during the winter months is a chimney fire! If you use your fireplace often in your North Shore home, it is key to have the chimney inspected and creosote build up removed. A good rule of thumb is to have a professional clean and inspect after every 70 fires.

Replace smoke detector batteries
Especially if you like to have fires roaring and keep the place cozy by cranking the heat, you will need to make sure smoke detector batteries are fresh. Take care to place a smoke detector in every bedroom and on every floor of your home to be safe.

Keep ice melt handy
Don't risk slips and falls outside of your North Shore home this winter! Keep a bucket of ice melt or salt handy by the front door or garage and sprinkle it if you suspect snow or the temperatures have dropped. You won't be sorry!

Cover the air conditioner
Excess moisture from snow and wet debris can take a toll on your air conditioning unit. Use a breathable cover to shield the unit from winter conditions and you will eliminate the risk of rust!

Install weatherstripping
If your home feels colder than it should, you might be losing warm air through gaps around windows and doors. Apply weatherstripping around these points of entry to keep the heat indoors where it belongs!

Bring in floor mats
The winter months make it easy to track snow and dirt all over your North Shore home. Use floor mats both indoors and out to protect your flooring and keep the wetness contained on a waterproof mat for boots and shoes.

Insulate pipes
Burst pipes can wreak havoc on your Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, Highland Park, Evanston, and Deerfield area home. Insulate any exposed piping with heat tape or foam rubber to protect against freezing.

Create an emergency kit
Should you lose power or your furnace go out, you will want to have a winter emergency kit handy! Pull together shelf stable food, batteries, flashlights, first aid supplies, blankets, and bottled water just in case!

As your North Shore real estate expert, I will be your guide to preparing your home for sale, finding the right buyer, and moving on to your next dream home! Give me a call today for more information about the real estate market in Glencoe, Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Winnetka, 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. 

How to Brighten Your Glencoe, Winnetka Home in the Winter

It's no secret that winter shortens our hours of daylight on Chicago's North Shore and while it may make for cozy (earlier!) evenings, it can have your home feeling a bit darker than usual. But not to worry! There are dozens of ways to brighten up your Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield or Northbrook home and allow it to feel just as fresh and welcoming as it does in the spring!

Below are five ways to brighten your North Shore home:

Take off the screens
If you have screens on your windows, it's time to take them off and allow more light inside! Without them, you'll let 30 percent more sunlight in and warm your home at the same time! But don't let them go too far, you'll want to put them back up in a few months to avoid running your cooling system too much.

Refresh the paint
Darker paint colors can really emphasize the long, cold nights on Chicago's North Shore in the winter. Opt for a paint refresh with brighter, neutral colors like beige, gray, or of course, white. Especially in your living spaces, you will instantly feel as though the room is more airy and open.

Replace light bulbs
There is nothing like a dim light bulb to make your Winnetka, Glencoe, Evanston, Northbrook, Deerfield IL home feel dark and drab. Replace your light bulbs with energy-efficient models in a cool, white hue.

Bring in mirrors
Did you know that mirrors can make your home feel larger? What's more, they help to reflect any light that comes inside! If your home is lacking mirrors or feeling small and cave-like, it's time to bring in a few! You can bounce the winter light all over your home with even just one.

Trim landscaping
Outdoors you may have overgrown landscaping or trees that could be blocking precious light from streaming inside. Take a weekend to trim back any hedges or bushes in front of entryways and windows and remove branches that might be making your home darker than it needs to be.

Ready to get a jump on the new year with a new North Shore home? Give me a call today! I'm here to  help you find the perfect property to start 2018 in style!

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

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. 

Should You Sell Your North Shore Home During the Holidays?

When you think about the holiday hustle and bustle—shopping, events, decorating—it may seem like the last thing you should add to your plate is selling your home. After all, isn't spring the best time to list your home on Chicago's North Shore? In the past, that may have been the case, but this year is shaping up to be different and the holidays could end up being the best time of year to sell your North Shore home.

Why? A recent Foot Traffic report from the National Association of Realtors shows that there are more buyers out right now than there have been at any time in the last twelve months. This also means that there are more buyers currently looking for homes than there were during last year's spring real estate market!

It all comes down to supply and demand and in today's market, that means supply is currently low (with housing inventory much lower than it has been in past years) and demand is soaring!

Supply
The number of homes currently for sale is much lower than it has been in the past, but as a home seller in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, or the surrounding areas that also means you have less competition. Fewer homes for sale means fewer to compete with and if buyers decide yours is a fit, they might just spark a bidding war to make sure are the ones who get to move in!

Demand
As I mentioned above, demand is high on Chicago's North Shore! Buyers no longer look for homes during one time of the year. In fact, with smartphones, tablets, you name it, buyers can search for available properties 24/7— many even have new listings that meet their criteria emailed to them! Buyers are ready to purchase a home during the holidays if the price is right—not to mention the location and features—so you won't want to wait!

Ready to sell your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park, or the surrounding areas? 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. 

How to Prep Your North Shore Home for Winter Right Now

While we haven't even made it to Halloween yet, we've seen temperatures dropping rapidly and here on Chicago's North Shore, certain forecasts have even called for flurries as early as next week. Even if you're not fully ready to accept that winter is just around the corner, there are a few quick and easy steps you can take to ensure your home is when the time comes.

Below are top tips for preparing your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook and the surrounding areas:

Clean out the gutters
The last thing you want to do when temperatures really take a dive is climb up on the roof and empty the gutters, so cross that off of your list now! You want to have clean gutters, free from leaves and debris, to allow for water to flow away from your home and avoid water damage.

Have the HVAC inspected
If you've already turned up the heat, don't worry, it isn't too late to have your HVAC system inspected! A technician will check that all parts are in working order so you don't have to worry about a break down during the frigid North Shore winter months and if you haven't already, replace the furnace filter.

Seal gaps and cracks
Have you found any cracks in windows or gaps around doorways? Now is the time to seal them! In order to keep your energy bill down and the warm air inside your Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook home, there should be no where for cold air to enter! Feel questionable areas with your hand, noticing any drafts, and seal them with a bead of caulk.

Clean the chimney
If you plan to use your fireplace this winter, it wouldn't hurt to have it professionally cleaned. Not only does this allow for proper ventilation and ridding the chimney of any animals that have taken up residence there, but it lessens your risk of a fire from creosote build-up.

Protect your pipes
To keep pipes from freezing this winter, you will need to insulate any exposed piping that may be in an attic, crawlspace or on the exterior of your North Shore home. Foam insulation works best for protecting pipes and if you haven't already, remember to disconnect your garden hoses, drain, and store them properly.

Do not hesitate to contact me with any questions about buying or selling a home on Chicago's North Shore yet this year! 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. 

Your North Shore Home Improvement Checklist for September

Now that September has arrived on Chicago's North Shore, it's hard not to begin to think about what the fall season has in store. Cooler weather will soon set in and the leaves will start to fall from the trees, meaning—aside from raking—there are a few extra tasks to check off of your home improvement list this month.

Below are five tasks to complete around your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, and Northbrook in September:

Check for air leaks
When the weather gets cooler, your hand will reach for the thermostat and the last thing you want is for warm air to escape through cracks around windows and doors. Take some time to inspect seals around window frames and doors, identifying anywhere air could leak out. If you spot a problem area, you can simply apply a new bead of caulk or weatherstripping to remedy the issue.

Clean the gutters
Autumn is notorious for lower temperatures on the North Shore, as well as wet, windy weather and of course, falling leaves. Make sure your gutters are cleaned and working properly to route water away from your home and catch any new debris that may accumulate during this next season. There should be nothing left over from the summer inside your gutters as we head into fall!

Clean the chimney
It's best to leave this dirty job to the pros, especially as failing to do it well could result in a higher risk for fire inside your home. Schedule an appointment now as chimney cleaning companies can tend to book up quickly as the weeks progress and more homeowners look to cozying up by the fire.

Inspect your HVAC
Just as I mentioned above that chimney cleaners will book up quickly, so too will HVAC specialists. You will want to make an appointment now to have your system inspected and confirm everything is in working order for the cold months ahead. Also, if you haven't already, now is the time to change out your furnace filter.

Put away outdoor tools and gear
We likely have a few more weeks where your yard equipment (like lawn mowers) will come in handy, but you can take the necessary steps to store everything else. Clean garden tools to prevent rust, flush out the garden hose and turn off outdoor water, and clear a place either in your garage or another storage unit to store your patio furniture.

Whether you're ready to start fresh and sell your home on Chicago's North Shore or are a first-time buyer looking to find your dream home, you can count on me as your real estate expert to make your experience as seamless as possible.

Give me a call today for more information about the local real estate market and your next steps to achieve your buyer or seller goals this 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. 

How to Pay Off Your North Shore Mortgage Early

Becoming a homeowner on Chicago's North Shore is exciting, but the thought of paying on your mortgage for the next 30 years may be anything but that. Not to mention, there are many other expenses associated with your home purchase— the inspection, the down payment, the closing costs.

North Shore homeowners can easily feel overwhelmed, but as your local real estate expert, I am happy to provide a few ways to keep those expenses down and pay off your mortgage early!

Below are three ways you can pay down your mortgage in less time, tackling all of the interest you're paying on the loan each month!

Make an extra payment
One of the simplest ways to start paying down your mortgage is to make one extra payment each month. Most lenders today do not have pre-payment penalties and just by making one full additional payment during the year could take about four years off of your loan.

Add onto your payment
If you cannot swing making a complete extra payment during the year, you can begin to add extra to your mortgage payment each month. Even adding as little as $100 onto your payment, applied to your principal, over the life of the loan, you could take five years off and pay tens of thousands less in interest!

Refinance into a shorter term
Refinancing your mortgage from a standard 30-year loan to a 15 or even 10-year term could save you thousands in interest, especially if you locked in a rate when they were much higher. Just keep in mind that these shorter term loans—although packaged with a lower interest rate—do typically require North Shore homeowners to have at least 20 percent in equity in order to avoid private mortgage insurance.

It's also important to note that you will need to pay one-time closing costs again to refinance, and what's more, your payment each month will likely be much higher than you're used to. Why? Because you're spreading out your loan amount over a significantly smaller amount of time. If you don't plan to stay in your home long-term, a refinance may not always be the best option for you, so it's key to talk to your lender in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, or Northbrook.

Feel free to contact me with any questions you have about buying a home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook and beyond this year or for a list of available homes in the area.

I'm here to help!

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.