Winter Events This Month on Chicago's North Shore!

While the temperatures may be colder, that does not mean the calendar comes to a halt on Chicago's North Shore! There are dozens of events to attend this month, from Valentine's Tea Parties to a Winter Farmers' Market and as your local real estate expert, I'm happy to share them with you!

Below are five events you will want to add to your schedule this month in Glencoe, Northbrook, Winnetka, and beyond!

Winter Farmers Market
Saturdays, 8 AM to Noon
2024 McCormick Blvd, Evanston IL

Pick up the best of seasonal fruits, vegetables, meat, flowers, cheese, baked goods, and more at the Evanston winter farmers market! Through April 28, the market is held indoors at the Ecology Center, from 8 AM to Noon.

Victorian Valentine Tea Party
February 12, 2018; 1:30 PM to 3 PM
Winnetka Historical Society Museum and Headquarters
411 Linden St, Winnetka IL

Take a trip back in time with this old-fashioned tea party set in Winnetka's 19th century museum! Participants will make Valentine's Day cards and enjoy an early afternoon tea with treats, parlor games, and vintage toys! Dress-up clothes, hats, stuffed animals and dolls are welcome!

Grand Valentine's Event
February 14, 2018; 5 PM to 7 PM
Max and Benny's; Northbrook IL 

Celebrate Valentine's Day at this Northbrook locale where kids (and grandkids!) can decorate cookies and cupcakes in the party room after dinner! Each will be able to decorate one cookie and one cupcake to enjoy at the restaurant or take home!

Glencoe Skate Night
February 16, 2018; 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Watts Ice Center; 305 Randolph St; Glencoe IL 

The Glencoe Park District is throwing a special Skate Night for the 21+ crowd for Valentine's Day and you're invited! Skate rental is included in the $25 per person cost and mulled wine, hot chocolate, and desserts will be served.

Wine and Beer Tasting
February 23, 2018; 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Winnetka Community House

Back by popular demand, the 2018 Winnetka Wine and Beer Tasting will be held at the Winnetka Community House and feature premium wine, craft beer, and delicious food!

Ready to call the North Shore your home this year? Give me a call today! I've helped numerous buyers become homeowners right here in Glencoe, Highland Park, Evanston, Deerfield, Glenview, Winnetka, and the surrounding areas and I can help you do the same!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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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
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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 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
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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 Sell Your Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield IL Home in the Winter

Before we all begin to think spring here on the North Shore, it's important to note that those who list during the winter may have an advantage this year! Selling your home when the temperatures are low could help you appeal to the motivated buyers in today's market, but there are a few steps you will need to take first.

Not all homes in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, and Northbrook are ready to list in the winter, so I've included below four ways to prepare to show off your property's best features this time of year.

Keep the home accessible
When the snow falls, pathways to your home from driveways to sidewalks can easily become blocked. Take extra precautions to keep your home accessible for buyers visiting during the winter, whether by shoveling, using ice melt or clearing an alternate route to the front door. If you have a back entrance, be sure to clear that path too!

Keep the home warm
Cold homes on Chicago's North Shore can be a major turn-off for buyers. As you can imagine, it's difficult to feel warm and inviting vibes when visiting a chilly property. Keep the heat on for potential buyers, especially if you have a showing scheduled.

Showcase the outdoor features
No matter what time of year it is in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, and Northbrook, your outdoor features are a selling point! Make sure assets like a pool, deck, or patio are visible from indoors and are included in your marketing to buyers. If possible, clear a slice of space in the outdoor area so buyers can step out and get a feel for what your home has to offer.

Showcase the indoor winter features
When the weather is cold, buyers will love to see a working fireplace! If your North Shore home is lucky enough to have one, consider lighting a fire during showings or open houses and ensuring nothing is blocking this major focal point.

Waiting until spring to sell your North Shore home may sound like a great idea, but winter can be just as beneficial! Give me a call today for more information about the local real estate market or finding your home value to get started. I've helped scores of North Shore home sellers find success and move on to their next dream homes and I look forward to helping you do the same in 2017!

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 Ways to Ring in the New Year on Chicago's North Shore

The new year is now just a mere days away, so why not start planning how you'll ring in 2017 on Chicago's North Shore? There are dozens of ways to celebrate the new year in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and the surrounding areas and as your local real estate expert, I'm happy to share a few of them with you below!

It's a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play
December 30, 2016
Oil Lamp Theater, Glenview IL

This classic North Shore event is back again this year! Attend the show for complimentary cookies and hot chocolate and witness a cast of six actors reenact the popular It's a Wonderful Life story with the help of only a sound effects artist— as though it is Christmas Eve 1946 at WBFR Radio.

New Year's Eve at Pinstripes
December 31, 2016
Pinstripes, Northbrook IL

Head out to Pinstripes to watch two balloon drops, the first beginning at 8 PM (ideal for the kids!) and the second at midnight. There will be complimentary champagne, party favors and live music for all to enjoy. You can also try your hand at the pins as both the bowling lanes and bocce courts will be open!

New Year's Eve Bash
December 31, 2016
Kohl Children's Museum, Glenview IL

One entire wing of the museum will be transformed into a giant Times Square style party with a huge confetti drop to ring in the new year! The event lineup also includes a children's concert with Wendy Morgan & DB, DJ and dance party, hat making and horns, free hair styling, family photos and more! Kids under 12 months are free.

New Year's Day Skate
January 1, 2017
Winnetka Ice Arena, Winnetka IL

The holiday season may be coming to an end, but the winter fun is still alive and well in Winnetka! Celebrate the new year with an open skate around the ice arena. Admission is $2 and skate rentals are $3.50.

Wonderland Express
Through January 2, 2017
Chicago Botanic Garden, Glencoe IL

Kick off the new year on the North Shore with this light show, greenhouse extravaganza, railroad garden and more! Here you can find the city of Chicago in miniature form, explore while it magically snows indoors and take in every holiday exhibition before it ends on January 2! This display has been called one of the Chicago area's top holiday "must-see's," so you won't want to miss it!

The new year is also an excellent time to consider moving to a new home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and beyond! Give me a call today for more information about available properties and next steps in the buying process.

Have a safe and happy new 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. 

3 Places to Enjoy the Last of Winter on Chicago's North Shore

According to the Groundhog, we're in for an early spring on Chicago's North Shore! But before you start planning your garden and organizing your spring vacation, there are a few places in the area you might like to visit during these final few weeks of the winter season!

We'll all be heading outdoors soon, so why not venture indoors to get away from the cold and enjoy all that the North Shore has to offer? Whether you're dreaming of a weekend staycation or simply a day trip to a spot you've never been, I'm happy to share the following North Shore locales:

Winnetka Ice Arena
490 Hubbard Road
Winnetka, IL 

The Winnetka Ice Arena is the perfect place to show off your ice skating skills or try something new! Public skating is available Monday through Thursday until May 26 and Saturday and Sundays until March 20. Adults can skate for $7 and youth (ages 5 to 17) for $6, both with a $3.50 skate rental per session. You can also catch the Spring Skating Exhibition on March 12 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM to watch the Free Skate program participants demonstrate their skills!

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL

The Chicago Botanic Garden has been a must-visit on Chicago's North Shore for more than 40 years! It is one of the world's great living museums and conservation science centers, including 26 gardens, 4 natural areas, 385 acres and 6 miles of shoreline. Winter hours for the Garden are 8 AM to Sunset through March 31. You can also visit the Garden February 14 through March 14 for their renowned Orchid Show!

Athletico Center
1900 Old Willow Rd
Northbrook, IL

When the temperatures drop, head indoors to the Athletico Center in Northbrook! The Athletico Center is the North Shore's premier sports and event center and offers a variety of activities from leagues to classes to birthday parties. The space is home to the IBJI Fieldhouse (a massive indoor field surface), Basketball Court and Event Center (a 7,300 square foot court), a party and meeting room and an outdoor patio (a 2,600 square foot area with outdoor fireplace and grill).

Let me be your guide to the North Shore this year, whether you're looking to purchase your first home or sell your current property and move on to the home you've always been dreaming of! Give me a call today for more information about the local real estate market and a list of available properties!

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 to Get Your North Shore Chicago Home Ready for Winter

The temperatures have been slowly dropping on the North Shore and we all know snow is on its way! It won't be long before we're bringing out the shovels and lighting a fire to stay warm inside, but there are just a few steps to take to ensure your home is fully ready for the winter ahead.

In order to maximize energy efficiency in your Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook or Highland Park home and lessen the chances of emergency repairs when the weather takes a toll, now is the time to take care of the following maintenance tasks:

Assess insulation 
There should not be any gaps in insulation or crawl spaces that expose pipes to cold air. If pipes are left exposed, North Shore homeowners run the risk of freezing and bursting!

Look into heating
Your home's heating system is never more important than in the winter months! It is wise to invite a licensed technician to inspect your heating elements this fall before the cold weather requires you run the system every day.

Block out the cold
Older homes can be drafty, especially as the blustery, winter wind picks up. Take precautions to block any drafts around doors, windows and baseboards with weather stripping or caulk to prevent heat loss and what every North Shore homeowner desires to avoid— higher energy costs.

Inspect your fireplace
You'll likely be using your home's fireplace often this winter, so it's time you call your local chimney sweep. An experienced chimney sweep can clean your fireplace to prevent the risk of fire from blockages or years of buildup.

Re-route your fans
Did you know you can set your ceiling fans to rotate clockwise to force the rising warm air back down? Not only does this keep your home warmer during the winter months, but it also helps you keep heating costs on the lower side.

You can count on me to provide helpful tips for homeowners, sellers and buyers alike! As your North Shore real estate expert, I am here to make your real estate journey run as smoothly as possible. Do not hesitate to reach out!

I am happy to answer any questions you have about buying or selling a home as well as provide a list of available properties in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park and beyond!

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.