Looking for a Home in Chicago's North Shore?

The Chicago North Shore area is an amazing place to live with endless things to do, arts and culture, not to mention close proximity to Chicago’s downtown! If you are hoping to dive into the North Shore Real Estate market; I’d love to answer any questions you may have! After living in the North Shore for over 25 years; I am very familiar with each unique area and can you find a home and neighborhood that fits your needs and lifestyle!

Please feel free to take a peak at some of the stunning homes that are currently on the market in Chicago’s North Shore. Again, I’m always ready to help in any way I can- contact me today!



Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Rejuvinate Your North Shore Home for Spring!

Spring in Chicago’s North Shore is right around the corner as we see temperatures rising and winter’s white blanket slowly melting away. It’s an exciting time as we begin to take in hints of the fresh air of the coming season.

You may be thinking of all the things you want to do with your North Shore home to give it that rejuvenated look that will carry through the warmer months. One of the best ways to dig into Spring is through prepping for this year’s garden. Even if you’ve never planted a garden before, below are ten easy steps to get you on the right track and your North Shore home will have a refreshed look in no time!

1. Survey the Yard- Make note of tree limbs that should be removed. Rake mulch from beds planted with bulbs before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after soil warms. Check fences, steps, and pathways for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing.

2. Order Tools and Plants- Take note of tools that are missing or broken, and order tools for the new growing season. Choose new plants for the garden and order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting.

3. Get Ready to Mow- Send the mower or leaf blower in for repair if needed. Refill the mower with oil and make sure all parts are in working order. Clear the lawn of winter debris, and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.

4. Prune Trees and Shrubs- Remove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants. Prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth. Prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees after flowering.

5. Take a Soil Test- Check soil pH with a home soil- test kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary.

6. Prepare New Beds- Clear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.

7. Plant- Plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials such as hostas and daylilies by early spring. Transplant container-grown plants anytime during the growing season except midsummer; be sure to water them thoroughly. Sow seeds of cool-season flowers like sweet peas, poppies, and calendula, and vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach.

8. Fertilize- Apply balanced fertilizer or other soil amendments recommended by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.

9. Start a Compost Pile- Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Chop these up first to speed decomposition. Turn regularly. Continue adding to the pile throughout the season for rich, homemade compost next spring.

10. Clean Bird Feeders and Baths- Disinfect the feeders and bird baths by scrubbing with weak bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach: 2 gallons warm water). Rinse and dry before refilling them. Clean birdbaths and feeders regularly throughout the season and change birdbath water once a week. Read the full article.

I hope these tips are helpful as you begin to welcome in spring in the North Shore! It’s a great time of year so be sure to get a jump start on this season. If you have any questions about the Chicago’s North Shore Real Estate market; please let me know! I look forward to talking with you!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Arts and Culture in Chicago's North Shore!

One of the many benefits in living in Chicago’s North Shore is the endless list of things to do! No matter what your style; it seems that one is never at a loss when it comes to art or entertainment. If you have been searching for something exciting to do that breaks the mold of “the usual”, why not try these events that are taking place this month in the North Shore area!

For those of you who love the theatre, check out the following:

OH COWARD! at Writers' Theatre
Now - March 21, 2010

You're invited to a marvelous party! Oh Coward! celebrates one of the theatre's greatest entertainers-Noël Coward-who gave us the beloved works Blithe Spirit, Private Lives and Hay Fever. His effervescent music and charming quips now combine for an unforgettable evening of the most memorable tunes of the 20th century.

Writer's Theatre
664 Vernon Avenue
Glencoe, IL
(847) 242-6000

THE OLD SETTLER at Writers' Theatre
Now - March 21, 2010

It's Harlem in the spring of 1943. Elizabeth and Quilly are sisters of a certain age sharing their quiet lives together, but when they take in Husband Witherspoon, a handsome young boarder, their entire world changes abruptly. Husband, fresh from the country and adjusting to life in the big city, is on a desperate search for his missing fiancée, but ends up finding love in the most unlikely of places. Told with heartwarming sincerity, humor and a touch of poetry, The Old Settler paints a poignant picture of two women testing bonds of sisterhood and finding the strength and forgiveness only family can offer.

Writer's Theatre
664 Vernon Avenue
Glencoe, IL
(847) 242-6000

A Life at Northlight Theatre
March 18, 2010 - April 25, 2010

John Mahoney stars in this evocative play about the evolution of friendships in a small Irish town. As Desmond Drumm nears retirement, his memories come to life, reminding him of the triumphs and tragedies of his youth and prompting him to mend relationships with a childhood friend and the love interest that had charmed them both. But as scenes from the past shed light on the misunderstandings of today, Desmond must realize that his lifelong ability to use his great intellect and acerbic wit as a means of self-defense has come at a cost. Prices Vary.

Northlight Theatre
9501 Skokie Blvd
Skokie, IL
(847) 673-6300

If you prefer Visual Art, there are an abundance of galleries and places to view great art, and other visually interesting topics. Below are a few of the events happening this month:

A Room of Their Own: The Bloomsbury Artists in American Collections
Now - March 14, 2010

Exploring intersections between visual art, literature, and social reform, this exhibition brings together more than 150 objects that reflect the creative vision and collaborative journeys of the Bloomsbury group, a collective of British artists and writers active during the first half of the 20th century. Free.

Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, Main Gallery and Alsdorf Gallery
40 Arts Circle Drive
Evanston, IL
847-491-4000

Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World
Now - April 4, 2010

The traveling exhibition, "Losing Paradise? Endangered Plants Here and Around the World," seeks to draw attention to plants that are in danger of disappearing from the planet. Curated by the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA) and developed in collaboration with the Smithsonian s National Museum of Natural History and the Center for Plant Conservation, the exhibition will next appear at the New York Botanical Garden. Free Admission (does not include parking fees).

Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL
(847) 835-5440

With all that Chicago’s North Shore has to offer; it’s no wonder that many are seeking to make it their home! Please let me know if you have any questions about the North Shore real estate market or if you would like to look around at the many gorgeous homes in the area. I’m here to help!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Round 3? A Look at the Home Buyers Tax Credit & What's in Store for North Shore Real Estate

They said it wouldn’t happen again, but as lobbyists begin converging on the steps of Washington’s most decisive building; it’s time to wonder if the Home Buyers Tax Credit will be extended once again. Many have asked if the whole process has been effective thus far and after viewing the North Shore real estate market; I would say it has been!

First time home buyers have gotten the chance to dive into the real estate market at a time when they would have otherwise stayed clear of the mirky waters. Although the market has been improving, the thought of buying a home in today’s market would have been non-existent for new home buyers had it not been for the tax credit.

With that said it seems only reasonable to keep this trend on a roll and offer the extension again to both first time buyers and existing buyers as well. However, many would disagree. Senator Johnny Isakson, who originally helped push the deal through Congress by making it clear that it would not be extended again, notes that doing so would be a “nonstarter.” It’s said that he currently does not have any plans to offer any legislation to ask for an extension. Isakson’s spokeswomen added that, “Part of the benefit of the tax credit is the urgency of its sunsetting.”

So, what will this mean for the North Shore Real Estate market? It seems that we will have to wait and see what Congress decides. However, being optimistic, I feel that the North Shore market is on the rise. With or without the tax credit being extended again, now is a great time to buy!

It’s a buyers market and I know of many beautiful homes in Chicago’s North Shore area that I would enjoy showing you! There is still time, ten weeks to be exact, to cash in on the current tax credit offer. First time buyers and current home owners can all take advantage of this deal. Since the future of another extension has yet to be determined, don’t waste any time in starting your search. Please contact me today to find your new North Shore home!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Cure Your Winter Blues with Chicago's North Shore Jazz Festival!

You may feel that Chicago’s North Shore winter is never going to end as thoughts of Spring are left under a blanket of snow. Yet one of the great things about the North Shore area is that there is always something exciting to do! If winter blues have you down, why not check out one of the North Shore’s most anticipated events?

This year marks the 22nd Annual Gorton Center Cabin Fever Jazz series, which features amazing jazz concerts up until the first day of Spring on March 21. As the longest running jazz festival, these concerts feature swing, cabernet, ragtime, fusion and vocal ensembles ensuring that all jazz tastes are represented (Dee Alexander pictured right). Held at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest, there are five concerts being offered for this years festival. Four will be held on Sundays at 4 pm and one Friday evening concert will take place at 6pm. Read the full article or visit the Gorton Center website for more information.

Being a cultured area, Chicago’s North Shore is a fantastic place for all types of lifestyles. Whether you’re a young professional who wants to take advantage of city life, retired and want to enjoy great community events or a family who wants to expose their children to endless opportunities to learn and grow- this area has it all!

As always, I’d love to answer any questions you may have about the North Shore community. If you’re new to the area, or are considering a transfer to the North Shore please let me know. I have an extensive list of new homes on the market and would enjoy showing them to you! Let me know how I can make your transition a smooth one!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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10 Tips for Going Green in Your North Shore Home!

Do you love your North Shore home and have been looking for ways to make your place more environmentally friendly? We all want to do our part in “going green”, but oftentimes it’s hard to know where to start. You’ve perhaps seen the TV shows in which gorgeous homes are built completely eco-conscious from the ground up or have been remodeled to save energy. And while these are ideal, not everyone has the resources to do so.

Well, there’s good news! Below are 10 No-Cost Energy Saving Tips that you can implement into your lifestyle today! These ideas will make your North Shore home life even more enjoyable and you’ll feel great about doing your part for our earth.

Tip # 1: Lock your windows - Don’t just close them, but lock them to create an airtight seal that keeps out air leaks and drafts.

Tip # 2: Turn off power strips - Plug power-draining computers and electronic equipment into a power strip with a switch, so they can all be easily turned off when not in use.

Tip # 3: Turn off lights - Anytime you leave a room, make sure all lights are shut off.

Tip # 4: Get free solar heat - Open the blinds and shades on your windows during the day.

Tip # 5: Chill out - Do your laundry in cold water and in the evening hours.

Tip # 6: Add a sweater and lower the thermostat - For every degree you lower your thermostat, you may be able to save 5% on heating costs.

Tip # 7: Run only full loads – Make sure your dishwasher or washing machine have full loads, and to save more money, only during evening hours.

Tip # 8: Remove lint – Make sure dryer and outside vent are free from lint. Run your dryer in the evening, when the extra heat helps warms the house.

Tip # 9: Close the doors and the heating vents - For rooms with minimal use, like walk-in closets, laundry rooms, and guest bedrooms, be sure to close the doors and heating vents to reduce heat use in those areas.

Tip # 10: Snuggle up – At night, curl up under more blankets and turn your heat down lower to reduce energy costs.

Tips provided by: Kathy Ziprik, Ziprik Consulting

Put these into practice today and begin to see results within a month! You’ll be glad you did! If you are still searching for a home in the North Shore area, please let me know. My passion is to help people find North Shore homes that fit their lifestyle and budget and there are many beautiful homes from which to choose! Contact me today so we can begin the search in finding your ideal North Shore home.


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me

Positive Trends in Chicago's North Shore Real Estate Market

The media has been bombarded the past few years with tales of real estate woes and facts of how the market is suffering. And you begin to wonder if the North Shore market will ever change. Well, there’s good news! It seems that some positive insights that bring about a hope for the market’s future.

- The Spring Buying Season Starts Early Due to Tax Credit

Typically, the spring buying season begins in March, but this year will get an early start. The $8,000 tax credit has a deadline of April 30, which means many will search for new homes now in order to go into contract by that time. Jim Gillespie, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker notes, “[Sales] are going to take off in February and March and really take off in April. My concern is that the move-up buyer hasn’t thought what they need to do. Their window is really short. They have to coordinate closing dates.”

Whether you’re buying your first home and want more information on the $8,000 tax credit, or if you’re looking to upgrade and qualify for the $6,500 tax credit- you can begin looking now! The North Shore has many beautiful and available homes, and I would enjoy the opportunity to work with your taste and budget to help you find your ideal home.

- Fitch Ratings Service: More Signs for a Housing Recovery

Although it is likely we will see more foreclosures come on the market due to the adjustable-rate mortgages being reset to new rates; there is an overwhelming sense that the market is on the road to recovery. Fitch Ratings stated in a recent news release that, “More positive signals and developments are emerging for U.S. housing and related industries than at any time in the past three years.” They also note last year’s third quarter trend from recession to expansion, predicting the positive growth will continue its climb this coming year.

This is an exciting time in Real Estate as we see it on the upswing and this is especially true of Chicago’s North Shore! Now is the ideal time to buy, so please contact me with any questions you may have so we can get started!

- Mortgage Applications Rise as Rates Drop

Rising 9.1% last week from the week prior are those submitting mortgage applications. An increase for these filings are due largely in part to those who are refinancing as reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association. However, according to the MBA’s latest survey, the increase is also seen in those applying to buy homes.

All of these trends are bringing about a rejuvenation to the real estate market and many are taking notice. Facts are showing that we’ve come through the worse of the market’s lows and will continue to see improvement this year. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of all the benefits of buying into the market! If you’re hoping to still find a home before the tax credits’ deadline- I can help! Please contact me today to view some amazing homes in the North Shore area.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website
Email Me