Deerfield Real Estate Market Stats for June 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 184 properties actively on the market with the average price of $718,101 in Deerfield.

City Sold Listings: 44 properties closed last month in Deerfield with an average sales price of $449,645. The average time on market for these properties was 47 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
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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. 

Red Flags When Shopping for Homes on Chicago's North Shore

There are many features that can be easily changed in homes on Chicago's North Shore— paint colors, flooring and fixtures, to name a few. However, there are also a set of home features that can be more costly than you think and should be reason enough to keep moving with your home search.

Below are three elements that should raise red flags when house hunting in Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park and the surrounding areas. And when in doubt, it is always best to defer to your real estate agent with any questions!

Location
There's a reason the real estate phrase location, location, location is so popular. Homes located near busy intersections, major highways, noisy areas or across from shopping centers tend to have lower values than similar properties away from the chaos. Be aware of the location of the home as you are house-hunting as even if you love everything about it, this is not something you can change and will greatly affect your resale value.

Lot placement
Older homes are notorious for being placed close to the street or on busy roads simply due to the fact that walking to one's destination was commonplace. Newer homes are often set back on a lot for more privacy and even afford North Shore buyers with more yard space both in front and back of a home. Consider the placement of the property on the lot in your home search and if it does not grant you the privacy you desire, keep looking.

Floor plan
You have likely seen many reality television shows that make knocking down any wall inside a home look easy, but the truth is, it can be costly and much more of a project than you realize. Depending on how you'd like to rework the floor plan, you may be required to install overhead beams to distribute some of the load. If the floor plan of the home in Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Northbrook, Highland Park is not ideal for your needs, it may be best to move on with your search.

Give me a call today with any questions about buying a home on the North Shore, information about available homes or what to look for when considering a property.

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. 

What to Know Before Buying a Fixer Upper on Chicago's North Shore

While television shows on HGTV may make it look easy, buying a fixer upper home is not for everyone. There is much more time, dedication, money and labor that goes into bringing a property in need of repair back to life— or back to your standards. As your real estate expert on Chicago's North Shore, I am sharing a few essential things to keep in mind before you seal the deal on a home in need of TLC.

Hire a home inspector
Hiring a home inspector is one of the most important parts of any home purchase, not to mention the purchase of a property that you know will require remodeling. Bring along an inspector to tell you what needs replacing now, what you can replace later and if there are any structural issues that could raise major red flags with your renovation plans. You will thank yourself later for taking this essential step!

Research zoning
Every community—Glencoe, Deerfield, Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook and the surrounding areas—has zoning districts and restrictions. Check into these before you purchase a home as your specific plans for the property may not be allowed. For example, buying a historic home in certain areas does not always mean you can replace and renovate as you see fit— the renovations will likely need to follow guidelines to maintain the integrity and history of the property.

Look into tax benefits
It is dependent on the location of the home, but some homeowners who improve their property's value are eligible for tax credits. You may want to look into this before you purchase the home and start construction.

But no matter if your dream home in Winnetka, Highland Park, Northbrook, Glencoe or Deerfield is a fixer upper, move-in ready or new construction, do not hesitate to give me a call! I can help you find the perfect property for your needs and walk you through the process of making it your own!

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. 

What Not to Do When Landscaping Your North Shore Home This Summer

Summer has officially begun here on the North Shore and we're all looking forward to spending some much-needed time in the sun! If you're a homeowner, you might even be ready to tackle your yard and landscaping as an activity that lets you enjoy the weather and boosts your curb appeal.

But before you start digging and watering, it's important to mind these few tips that will allow your garden and lawn to flourish without over—or under—doing it.

Don't water unless necessary

While you may be tempted to grab your garden hose and dust off the sprinkler, instead you'll want to reevaluate your strategy. Only water your plants after they've just been planted, when the dirt looks a little dry in your garden or if you see plants wilting or losing leaves.

One rule of thumb to remember: Don't water in the afternoon in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook or the surrounding areas. Watering your plants during the hottest part in the day will cause most of the moisture to evaporate. 

Don't leave the garden alone

Unpredictable weather, heat, pests and other variables can take a toll on your garden and lawn very quickly. Pay attention to the forecast and adjust your watering schedule accordingly, watch for plants that may be overgrowing the rest and if necessary, pull them out.

Don't let weeds bloom

The price to pay for a beautiful garden and lawn this summer is pulling weeds. You will want to pull them as soon as they make an appearance or they could seed and bloom, spreading rapidly all over your hard summer's work!

Don't cut your lawn too short

Another rule of thumb when mowing your lawn is to cut high. Cutting too short will promote weeds, shallow roots, irregular patches and a tendency to dry out.

Don't skip the fertilizer

There is no harm in fertilizing your lawn this summer, in fact, it's encouraged! Find a fertilizer suited for your lawn type and follow the instructions for application using a handheld or spreader. Although, you will want to avoid fertilizing on hot days where temperatures rise above 85.

Summer curb appeal is a major factor for home sellers on Chicago's North Shore and in fact, it can be what attracts buyers to your property in the first place! Give me a call today for more tips and information about selling your home in Winnetka, Glencoe, Deerfield, Highland Park, Northbrook or the surrounding areas!

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 May 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 311 properties actively on the market with the average price of $761,053 in Northbrook.

City Sold Listings: 85 properties closed last month in Northbrook with an average sales price of $501,579. The average time on market for these properties was 50 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 May 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 216 properties actively on the market with the average price of $1,894,620 in Winnetka.

City Sold Listings: 23 properties closed last month in Winnetka with an average sales price of $1,261,739. The average time on market for these properties was 67 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. 

Highland Park Real Estate Market Stats for May 2016

City Active Listings: There are a total of 346 properties actively on the market with the average price of $962,041 in Highland Park.

City Sold Listings: 47 properties closed last month in Highland Park with an average sales price of $608,032. The average time on market for these properties was 74 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.