Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for May 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 171 properties actively on the market with the average price of $663,374 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 32 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $463,944. The average time on market for these properties was 36 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

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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. 

Glencoe Real Estate Market Stats for May 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 115 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,449,869 in Glencoe.

City Sold Listings: 18 properties closed last month in Glencoe with an average sales price of $1,528,556. The average time on market for these properties was 48 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. 

The Extra Costs of Buying A Home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook IL

The two major costs associated with buying a home on Chicago's North Shore are the down payment and the monthly mortgage. However, there are a few others that buyers tend to overlook— causing both surprise and shock when the time comes to sign on the dotted line.

It is always wise to do your homework prior to house-hunting in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook and the surrounding communities, to ensure that you understand each and every one of the costs involved. Below are four hidden costs of buying a home and to avoid disappointment later, it is important to factor them into your budget before you find the one.

Closing Costs
North Shore buyers can expect closing costs to span anywhere from 2 to 5 percent of the home's value. Your mortgage lender will go over all of the fees and costs with you, but be sure to consider closing costs in your research. And while the seller may cover some of these costs—depending on how you work your offer—you may have to contribute toward the grand total that can add up to a few thousand dollars.

Home Inspection
Although the home inspection can cost up to $500, it ultimately provides buyers with peace of mind, knowing that they are not purchasing a property with major issues or one that requires extensive repair.

Home Warranty
A home warranty provides extra security to buyers who may be purchasing an older home, with older appliances and operating systems (plumbing, electrical, HVAC). Warranties can be paid for at times by the seller, but if taken on by the buyer, they can cost around a few hundred dollars per year.

Maintenance
A large yard may be on your wish list for a home in Deerfield, Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park or Northbrook, but that also requires timely upkeep— and the tools to do so. Do you have a lawn mower? A snowblower? Take these expenses into account before you are faced with having to buy them quickly.

If buying a home on the North Shore is on your agenda this summer, do not hesitate to contact me! I have years of experience in helping buyers find their dream homes!

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 Reasons to Never Buy A North Shore Home Without an Agent

When it comes to buying a home on Chicago's North Shore, you have many options laid in front of you— from the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, to the location, to your initial offer. However, one option you will want to avoid altogether is the decision to go it alone, without a real estate agent on your side.

Purchasing a home may seem like something you can handle yourself, but after doing all of the research, you will find the process is best left to the pros. Below are five reasons why you should never buy a home without the help of a real estate agent:

They have the experience
You could be on the brink of purchasing your second, maybe even fifth, home, but keep in mind that real estate agents have been doing this for years, some maybe even decades. Navigating the real estate market, home purchases and home sales day in and day out means agents know every possible step and hiccup that can arise in the process.

They have access
You can search for homes online, but did you know that real estate agents have access to even more homes? A real estate agent can find your dream home that may be hiding in plain sight. After all, it is our job to know the in's and out's of every neighborhood.

They do the negotiating
As you move further into the home buying process on Chicago's North Shore, you will notice that there are dozens of parties to negotiate with. And with the market heating up, those negotiations are going to be a bit more heated than they have been in the past. A Realtor knows how to seal the deal with your best interests in mind— Remember, we've done this before!

They have connections
With my years of experience as a real estate agent on the North Shore, I can help direct you to the best lenders, inspectors, moving companies and more. Realtors have a wide net of contacts that can help you with just about everything in your home buying journey.

They can provide advice
Your real estate agent is indeed searching listings for you, negotiating contracts and marketing your home (if you're selling also)— but they are also here to provide advice and listen to your concerns. This is the biggest purchase you will make, don't you want someone in your corner who knows the ropes?

Contact me today with any questions you have about buying a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park or the surrounding areas this year!

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. 

Outdoor Features That Could Sell Your North Shore Home This Summer

Spring is a wonderful time of year on Chicago's North Shore, but summer will be here before we know it! And if you're planning to list your home while the weather is warm, there is one area that you may want to turn your focus to in order to boost buyer interest— the outdoors!

Late spring and summer are ideal for spending days outside in the yard, gathering on the patio or entertaining on the deck and homebuyers will be looking for North Shore properties with outdoor spaces to offer. According to a new study, there are several outdoor trends that can help to sell your home this summer and I'm happy to share some of them with you below!

Privacy
In a past blog post, I shared how you can add privacy to your backyard in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas— and for a great reason! Homebuyers are looking for their outdoor spaces to have an element of privacy, whether that means tall shrubs or hedges or even a gazebo.

Lighting
There is nothing like spending a summer night under the stars on the North Shore, but you'll also want to light up the space if you have evening gatherings. Add lights to the backyard or deck—solar lights are also an option if wiring is not available—to make your home more inviting in addition to safe.

Easy landscaping
Landscaping is a major part of curb appeal, which is known to pique buyer interest when searching for homes. However, it's not just any landscaping— it's low maintenance and easy upkeep that could seal the deal. Mulch and rocks will keep weeds away, while also reducing water evaporation, and perennials will provide color and charm without needing to be replanted every year.

Fire features
Does your North Shore backyard have a fire pit or outdoor fireplace? This could be a huge selling point for buyers house-hunting this summer! Consider staging your outdoor fireplace or fire pit with chairs around it to suggest the perfect entertaining spot.

It's going to be a beautiful summer here on the North Shore and I'm here to help you both sell your current property and purchase your next dream home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas!

Give me a call today!

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. 

This Is the Best Month to Sell Your North Shore Home

It seems once spring rolls around that the calendar begins to fill up. Holidays like Mother's Day, warm weather activities, end of the year school functions and graduations keep us busy, but there is just one more item you might like to add to your to-do list this time of year— Selling your home.

With housing inventory trending much lower than it has been in the past, the ball is in the home seller's court this spring— but you could gain an additional edge just by listing this month. May is one of the best times to list your home on Chicago's North Shore as homes typically sell quicker and for more money than any other time of year.

But if you're still on the fence about listing your North Shore home this month, below are three reasons to move ahead:

The school year
Homebuyers on Chicago's North Shore tend to time their move to a new property around the school year. They begin their home search toward the end of the school year to avoid changing districts, move during the summer months and settle in before the new term begins in the fall. Listing your home now will allow you to catch the eye of these buyers looking to stick to the summer moving timeline.

The busy season 
It is no secret that the real estate market picks up in the spring and summer. By listing your home in May, you are able to market your property to the eager and motivated buyers just beginning their search. Buyers are excited and ready to buy at the start of the busy season, but toward the end of the summer, many decide to put their house-hunting efforts on hold until the following year.

The weather
The weather in Glencoe, Winnetka, Deerfield, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas is beautiful this time of year. Not only are more buyers out and about looking for homes when the temperatures are warmer, but the weather is ideal for moving. Remember, not many buyers (or you, as a homeowner) like to move during the winter, so now is a great opportunity!

As your North Shore real estate expert, I can help you with every step of the home selling process. Contact me today to discuss what your home might be worth and for a list of available properties in the area!

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. 

Winnetka Real Estate Market Stats for April 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 214 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,768,772 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 18 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,504,125 The average time on market for these properties was 89 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.