North Shore Curb Appeal Projects That Pay Off At Resale

When it comes to impressing homebuyers, one area you will want to focus on this spring and summer is your outdoor space. Buyers are looking for a place to relax outside and if your North Shore home has just the place, don't miss your opportunity to play it up!

However, not everyone's green spaces are picture perfect. Many North Shore homeowners would agree that their yard could stand to be cleared of weeds, branches and leaves and their landscaping could use a spruce— in fact, the projects may already be on your to-do list!

So before you boost your home's appeal from the curb this season, take into account those projects that will both impress buyers and pay off at resale. I have decided to share a few with you below:

Tend to your current landscaping
That means pruning trees and trimming hedges, shrubs, bushes and any overgrown landscaping that is bringing down the outward appearance of your North Shore home. Take extra care removing weeds from garden beds and yards as this is one of the simplest tasks you can do that will have a major (and immediate) impact! You can also re-mulch around your existing landscaping if it's looking outdated or worn or flip it with a rake if it's able to be salvaged.

Plant trees
Did you know a mature tree can add anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 to the value of your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas? According to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, planting a tree is one of the best returns on investment you will see in the long run!

If you are planning to stay in your home for a while, you can plant inexpensive saplings that will grow large and tall over time, but if you're planning to sell within the next few years, consider planting larger trees to see the effects earlier.

Create an outdoor living space
Outdoor living spaces are one major selling point for buyers on the North Shore this spring! If you don't already have one, group together patio furniture in a way that promotes entertaining and conversation, add pavers underfoot and consider installing a fire pit.

Listing your home may be the best decision you ever make this spring and I am happy to help you move on and find your next dream home! Give me a call today to discuss your current home's value and your goals for a future property on the North Shore!

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. 

Debunking Common Real Estate Myths on Chicago's North Shore

Whether you're thinking about buying a home on Chicago's North Shore this spring or selling your current property, you likely have a few reservations in the back of your mind or ideas about the real estate market that are holding you back. However, there are dozens of real estate myths floating around that are entirely untrue!

As your local real estate expert in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and the surrounding communities, I have sharing a few of those myths below and debunking them so you can feel free to take advantage of the excellent opportunities available for buyers and sellers this spring!

1. Myth: You Need 20 Percent Down to Buy A Home
Perhaps one of the most common real estate myths is regarding the down payment. No longer do you need 20 percent down to purchase a home! It is true that lending requirements have been strict in past years, but now you can even obtain a mortgage with as little as 3 percent down!

Do keep in mind there are other factors that will allow you to do so, like your credit score and verifiable income, but this common misconception should not keep you from purchasing a home on the North Shore this year!

2. Myth: You Don't Need A Real Estate Agent to Sell
Many homeowners on the North Shore are motivated to sell their own properties simply to avoid paying a real estate agent's commission, but that should not be all you consider in making that decision!

There are numerous parties involved in the sale of a home—from the inspector to the appraiser to the buyer and their agent—that you will be required to negotiate and correspond with throughout the process. You will also be responsible for the marketing strategy of your home! With an agent, you don't have to worry about any of the above! In fact, homes sold with a real estate agent sell for more money on average than those sold by the owner.

3. Myth: Spring Is the Only Time to Sell 
Spring is indeed the beginning of the busy real estate season, but it is not the only time to successfully sell your home. Summer and even winter can be equally as lucrative for North Shore homeowners! If you have questions about the best time to list in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook and the surrounding communities, it is always best to consult your agent!

Do you have a question about the real estate market that isn't listed here? Do not hesitate to contact me! I am happy to walk you through the process of buying or selling a home on the North Shore this 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. 

Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for March 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 92 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,450,253 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 11 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $771,046. The average time on market for these properties was 52 days. 

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

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. 

Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for March 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 164 properties actively on the market with the average price of $675,432 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 16 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $380,203. The average time on market for these properties was 72 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

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. 

Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for March 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 289 properties actively on the market with the average price of $975,490 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 32 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $519,942. The average time on market for these properties was 86 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

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. 

Northbrook Real Estate Market Stats for March 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 256 properties actively on the market with the average price of $750,563 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 48 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $445,858. The average time on market for these properties was 41 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
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. 

Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for March 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 186 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,845,222 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 15 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,138,667. The average time on market for these properties was 71 days. 

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

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.