Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Why NOW is the Perfect Time to Sell Your North Shore Home!


As a North Shore Real Estate agent serving the cities of Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Deerfield and Northbrook for over twenty years, I can honestly say that I’m really encouraged about what’s happening in the current housing market.  Last week, we looked at the market statistics for the North Shore and, as I post these each month; it’s great to see home prices on the rise and homes selling more quickly than they have the past few years.

The year ended well with an upswing of 10% on existing home sales and the National Association of Realtors expects the same in 2013.  Another sign that the market is on the rise is that the total housing inventory is the lowest it’s been since 2005!  NAR Chief Economist noted that "Home sales are recovering now based solely on fundamental demand and favorable affordability conditions."

So, what does this mean for you?  

If you’re considering selling your home this coming year, now is a great time to do so!  You’ll find the market working in your favor as home prices are continuing to rise, and the fact that fewer homes on the market increase the competition between buyers.  

Looking for your home to really stand out to buyers?  Putting your home on the market now or in February will mean you’ll get a head start on the spring market.  Oftentimes, sellers will wait to sell their home in the spring when they feel more buyers are looking.  However, I thought I’d give you a few compelling reason to put your North Shore home on the market as soon as possible.  Take a look!

1. Inventory is still low and fewer new homes are coming on the market now than in the Spring.  Your North Shore home will get more attention from buyers!

2. The buyers who are looking now are serious about purchasing a home.  You’ll find this is true because why else would someone be looking for a home when it’s cold?

3. More buyers are financially ready.  They’ve received their year end bonuses and anticipate tax refunds.

4. Studies show that in 2012, homes listed in January and February received, on average, 8% higher sales prices than homes listed in March and April.

So often, sellers are reluctant to put their home on the market because they feel the weight of the home selling process.  However, with the right North Shore Real Estate agent, you’ll find the selling process can be a smooth and efficient experience.

I’ve been priveledged to help many clients throughout Chicago’s North Shore sell their homes, and I would love the opportunity to help you as well!

If you’re interested in learning more about the home selling process and what I will do to help get your home sold; please contact me today!  

I look forward to hearing from you!



Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
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Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Highland Park Market Statistics for December 2012


Highland Park Active Listings: There are a total of 195 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,122,350 in Highland Park.
Highland Park Sold Listings: 36 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $609,272, the average time on market for these properties was 155 days. 




To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Highland Park market statistics!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Winnetka Market Statistics for December 2012


Winnetka Active Listings: There are a total of 91 properties actively on the market with the average price of $2,384,844 in Winnetka.
Winnetka Sold Listings: 23 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $933,391, the average time on market for these properties was 72days. 



To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Winnetka market statistics! 


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Glencoe Market Statistics for December 2012


Glencoe Active Listings: There are a total of 55 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,680,484 in Glencoe.
Glencoe Sold Listings: 7 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $612,286, the average time on market for these properties was 97days. 


To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Glencoe market statistics! 


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Northbrook Market Statistics for December 2012


Northbrook Active Listings: There are a total of 143 properties actively on the market with the average price of $633,072 in Northbrook.
Northbrook Sold Listings: 39 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $308,937, the average time on market for these properties was 82 days. 



To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Northbrook market statistics! 



Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
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Deerfield Market Statistics for December 2012


Deerfield Active Listings: There are a total of 86 properties actively on the market with the average price of $490,773 in Deerfield.
Deerfield Sold Listings: 25 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $335,145, the average time on market for these properties was 97 days. 



To view the complete report including additional detailed data, charts ad graphs, please view the Deerfield market statistics!



Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert


North Shore Real Estate
View North Shore Listings
Visit My Website

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Keep Winter Blues at Bay with These Fun North Shore Events!


Happy New Year!  I hope 2013 is off to a great start for you and that you’re looking forward to all the new year has in store.  As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I get excited about looking ahead at market predictions for North Shore homes and a year filled with the great events and attractions that the North Shore has to offer.

One of the things I enjoy about working in the real estate industry and helping people buy and sell homes along the North Shore is being able to highlight the excellent quality of life that can be found in cities like Winnetka, Glencoe, Highland Park, Northbrook and Deerfield.  Location is one of the largest determining factors in buying a home and I can assure you you’ll be impressed with any North Shore city you choose to call "home."

If you’re new to the area or are considering relocating to Chicago’s North Shore, you’ll want to check out these upcoming events that will give you a good feel for each city and community!  These events are also a great way to stay active and have fun this winter!

The Hobbit: A Special Parent/Child Book Discussion
Glencoe Public Library
320 Park Ave, Glencoe


Saturday, January 5 
- Come join in this celebration of the feature film release of The Hobbit!  Parents and children are welcome for a book discussion of the classic fantasy and adventure story by J.R.R. Tolkien. For children in grades 3 – 6 with parent or caregiver.  While this event is free, registration is required!  Please call the library at 847.835.5056 to register.
Antique Toy Trains VI: Trains of the North Shore
Highland Park Historical Society
326 Central Ave, Highland Park
Saturdays, 11am-3pm & Sundays, 1-4pm now through February 10
Antique Toy Trains VI: Trains of the North Shore and Their Toy Models.  
- Don’t miss this fun, family activity with refreshments in downtown Highland Park!  Venture over to the Highland Park Museum and view the moving model train, see historic antique train models, watch train movies and learn all about Trains of the North Shore!  $5.00 Individuals, $12.00 Families.  (Complimentary tickets for 2 adults and 4 children with Dual/Family Membership)  Also, if you join the Historical Society, you can enjoy the train show for free!  For more information, please visit the Highland Park Historical Society website.  
Winter Carnival
Meadowhill Park
1479 Maple Ave, Northbrook
Saturday, January 12 from 11am - 1:30pm
- Keep the winter blues at bay with the much anticipated, award-winning Winter Carnival in Northbrook!  The Carnival is FREE and open for all to attend.  This fun filled day includes: horse drawn carriage rides, holiday bingo, a sled-decorating contest, ice skating, a bonfire and s’mores and much more!  The Northbrook Park always seeks to provide great events throughout the year to encourage community interaction and growth.   You won’t want to miss this fun event!  Learn more about the Northbrook Winter Carnival.
I hope you have the opportunity to take part in one, or all, of these North Shore happenings!
If you have questions about the North Shore Real Estate market or are ready to begin your North Shore home search, feel free to contact me today!  I would be happy to help you get to know which North Shore city fits your needs and lifestyle, and help you find the North Shore home that’s right for you.
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