Things to Love This Valentine's Day on the North Shore!

Now that we’ve entered into February, many of us are thinking about Valentine’s Day that’s just around the corner!  It’s a great time to reflect on the things that we love whether it’s a significant other, family, friends, your job or your favorite hobbies.

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, living and working on the North Shore is on the top of my list!  I love the various communities, the people I interact with on a daily basis and couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else!  

If you’re looking for ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day on the North Shore, here are just a few highlights you won’t want to miss!

North Shore Restaurant Week

Participating Locations in the North Shore

Now through February 28

- Chicago’s North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau (CNSCVB) celebrates its 4^th Annual Chicago’s North Shore Restaurant Month spanning the entire month of February – a great way to cure the winter doldrums.  Nearly 55 area restaurants offer awe-inspiring, meals prepared for our guests suffering from cabin fever!  Valentine’s Day is a great time to check out a restaurant that you haven’t had a chance to dine at or visit a North Shore favorite. Check out the North Shore Dining Deal website for a list of participating restaurants.

YMCA Daddy Daughter Dance

North Suburban YMCA

2705 Techny Rd, Northbrook, IL

February 9 from 4-6pm

- This annual “Valentine’s Prom” is hosted by the North Suburban YMCA and includes dancing, dessert, a raffle and a professional photograph to take home. Cost is $20/father-daughter and $5 for each additional girl. For more information, please visit the North Suburban YMCA website. 

Champagne & Chocolate

The Winnetka Wine Shop

726 Elm St, Winnetka

- Looking for that perfect gift?  Find your way into the Winnetka Wine shop where you’ll discover a variety of wines along with perfectly paired champagnes and chocolates!  These make an ideal gift for your special someone, or while you’re there, pick out a fantastic bottle of wine for a cozy Valentine’s night in!  Find out more on the Winnetka Wine Shop website.

Getting out in the community and enjoy what there is to offer is a great way to fall even more in love with the North Shore lifestyle!

If you’re interested in learning more about what it’s like to live on the North Shore, or you’re ready to take the next step and begin your North Shore home search; please contact me today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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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.

Tips for Downsizing in Your New North Shore Home

We’ve probably all made a few resolutions for the new year, and it could be that you’re visiting my blog because one of your goals for 2013 is to buy a North Shore home!  It’s an exciting time in the North Shore as we see home prices rising and more buyers and sellers entering the real estate market. 

In working as a North Shore Real Estate agent for over twenty years, one of my goals is to provide the service and information that clients deserve.  The North Shore Real Estate market can seem overwhelming, but having a trusted North Shore agent by your side can ensure a smooth experience whether you’re buying or selling a North Shore home.

For some of you, you’re hoping to downsize in your new North Shore home.  You’ve either come to a point in your life where the home you’re currently in is too big, or you’re hoping to simplify by choosing a North Shore townhome or condo.  Either way, downsizing in a home can be quite the process.  If you’ve lived in your home for some time, you may have storage filled with many items that have been passed down through your family or things you’ve collected throughout your lifetime.

I thought it may help to highlight seven tips for downsizing that will help you clear out, declutter and maybe even cash in on some of the items you have!  Take a look!

1. Accept that downsizing is tough- You’ll find when going through your things, there are some very personal items that will be hard to get rid of.  Whether a set of furniture passed down in your family or a collection of dolls from your grandmother; you’ll have to be willing to let go of those items that may not fit in your new space.  

2. Find trusted experts- If you’re planning on conducting a large house sale on most of your items; you’ll want to ask the experts.  You can stop by a local antique store or do your own search online. These are personal items so make sure you know monetary value before selling.

3. Call in an appraiser- If you don’t have any idea of what you’ve got, consider paying an hourly fee to an appraiser of “household contents” or “decorative arts” who will visit your home. The appraiser should be disinterested, meaning they shouldn’t be bidding for your items or working on commission.  This will help give you a better idea of what’s in your home.

4. Be wary of family lore- Just because grandma believed something was valuable doesn’t mean it is. On the other hand, family members may have something that they use daily and don’t recognize the value of.  The rule of thumb is to figure out an items worth for yourself.

5. Don’t throw out items prematurely- Many people throw out things that appear to be junk, but actually have extreme value.  This is where calling in the experts becomes necessary!  Throw away items should include things like old newspapers, moldy clothing, cracked everyday china, stuffed animals, bed linens and other items that take up space and that you know are not sellable. 

6. Call in an auction house- Auction houses will also send out specialists to review your household contents, and suggest items you might consign. While at an estate sale you have a limited audience and you set the price, at auction you can reach an international audience and the price can be bid up if you’re lucky. Some auction houses, however, will take lower-value items only with no reserve—meaning you must sell the item no matter how little is bid.

7. Donate and deduct- Bags of old clothes and rickety furniture you can be left out for the Salvation Army or Goodwill to pick up. But if you have something special to donate you might want to seek out a local charity that can use the item. Aside from the satisfaction of giving, you get a charitable deduction on your tax return—assuming you itemize. 

Interested in seeing some of the beautiful townhomes, condos and cozy homes currently on the North Shore Real Estate market?  Please let me know!  There are a number of great homes that will offer you the simplified lifestyle you’re after.

Please feel free to contact me today to begin your North Shore home search or to ask questions you have regarding the North Shore Real Estate market.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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A Weekend of Education & Fun on The North Shore!

Living on Chicago’s North Shore means you’re never at a loss for things to do or places to see.  These cities, just north of the thriving metropolis of Chicago, offer the best in suburban life while incorporating their own unique cultures.  Whether you choose to live in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook or Highland Park; you’ll find the arts, excellent restaurants, year round activities, a music scene, fantastic schools and much more.

Not only is the North Shore ideal for families, but young professionals have found these vibrant cities to be irresistible.  Retirees are equally as impressed with the quaint and peaceful lifestyle that the North Shore has to offer.  

As a North Shore Real Estate agent, I can’t say enough about each of the North Shore cities I serve.  If you are hoping to buy a home on the North Shore this year, or are relocating and aren’t sure where to start, I would love the opportunity to talk with you!  I enjoy helping my clients not only find a home, but a lifestyle that fits their needs and personality as well!

Visiting the North Shore this weekend to view some of the homes on the North Shore Real Estate market?  Below are a few great events that are taking place that will help give you a better feel of the community and lifestyle!  Take a look!

Spicy Salsa Social Dance Party
Center for Ballroom & Dance
21540 W Field Parkway, Deerfield

Friday, January 25 at 8-10:30pm

- Warm up this weekend by trying out new moves on the dance floor!  The Deerfield Center for Ballroom & Dance is hosting a Spicy Salsa Social Dance Party that is open to the public.  All skill levels are welcome to join in on this fun event!  The cost of the evening is $15, which includes a group salsa lesson from 8-8:30pm and open dancing with a DJ from 8:30-10:30pm.  Whether you’re a seasoned pro, or have never tried salsa dancing before; this will be a fun evening so gather family and friends and join in!  Learn more at the Ballroom & Dance website. 

Gumballs & Superballs
Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe

Sunday, January 27 from 9:30-11am or 1-2:30pm

- Visit the Chicago Botanic Garden this Sunday to explore secrets of the rainforest!  Learn about rainforest trees and how they’re used to make chewing gum and rubber.  You’ll be able to create your own bouncing ball and a flavorful gum to take home!  Register for this event on the Chicago Botanic Garden website.  

FUNTASTIC Family Fair
Highland Park Country Club
1201 Park Ave W, Highland Park

Sunday, January 27 from 1-4pm

- The 8th Annual FUNtastic Family Fair, presented by Infinity Foundation, is a fun way for children and parents to learn about the latest improved health and wellness information.  Great for children PreK-6th grade, the fair features over 50 hands-on interactive exhibits which teach children about fitness, healthy choices, arts and expression and much more!  Entertainment such as juggling, music, magic, balloon art and face painting are just a few of the things that enhance this fun learning experience.

Admission is $5 per person (children uder age 4 are free).  A portion of the proceeds will go towards the Infinity Foundation, which is a local nonprofit that provides education through over 200 Courses for Life each year, teaching all ages about personal development and holistic health.  To learn more about the FUNtastic Family Fair, please visit the Infinity Foundation website. 

I hope if you are visiting the North Shore, you’ll be able to take part in one of these events!  Or, if you currently live on the North Shore and are looking for a fun way to get out in your community; you won’t want to miss these North Shore happenings!

As always, I’m here to answer any questions you may have about the North Shore and would love to show you some of the homes currently available on the North Shore.

Please feel free to contact me today to get started!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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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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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
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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
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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