Round 3? A Look at the Home Buyers Tax Credit & What's in Store for North Shore Real Estate

They said it wouldn’t happen again, but as lobbyists begin converging on the steps of Washington’s most decisive building; it’s time to wonder if the Home Buyers Tax Credit will be extended once again. Many have asked if the whole process has been effective thus far and after viewing the North Shore real estate market; I would say it has been!

First time home buyers have gotten the chance to dive into the real estate market at a time when they would have otherwise stayed clear of the mirky waters. Although the market has been improving, the thought of buying a home in today’s market would have been non-existent for new home buyers had it not been for the tax credit.

With that said it seems only reasonable to keep this trend on a roll and offer the extension again to both first time buyers and existing buyers as well. However, many would disagree. Senator Johnny Isakson, who originally helped push the deal through Congress by making it clear that it would not be extended again, notes that doing so would be a “nonstarter.” It’s said that he currently does not have any plans to offer any legislation to ask for an extension. Isakson’s spokeswomen added that, “Part of the benefit of the tax credit is the urgency of its sunsetting.”

So, what will this mean for the North Shore Real Estate market? It seems that we will have to wait and see what Congress decides. However, being optimistic, I feel that the North Shore market is on the rise. With or without the tax credit being extended again, now is a great time to buy!

It’s a buyers market and I know of many beautiful homes in Chicago’s North Shore area that I would enjoy showing you! There is still time, ten weeks to be exact, to cash in on the current tax credit offer. First time buyers and current home owners can all take advantage of this deal. Since the future of another extension has yet to be determined, don’t waste any time in starting your search. Please contact me today to find your new North Shore home!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Cure Your Winter Blues with Chicago's North Shore Jazz Festival!

You may feel that Chicago’s North Shore winter is never going to end as thoughts of Spring are left under a blanket of snow. Yet one of the great things about the North Shore area is that there is always something exciting to do! If winter blues have you down, why not check out one of the North Shore’s most anticipated events?

This year marks the 22nd Annual Gorton Center Cabin Fever Jazz series, which features amazing jazz concerts up until the first day of Spring on March 21. As the longest running jazz festival, these concerts feature swing, cabernet, ragtime, fusion and vocal ensembles ensuring that all jazz tastes are represented (Dee Alexander pictured right). Held at the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest, there are five concerts being offered for this years festival. Four will be held on Sundays at 4 pm and one Friday evening concert will take place at 6pm. Read the full article or visit the Gorton Center website for more information.

Being a cultured area, Chicago’s North Shore is a fantastic place for all types of lifestyles. Whether you’re a young professional who wants to take advantage of city life, retired and want to enjoy great community events or a family who wants to expose their children to endless opportunities to learn and grow- this area has it all!

As always, I’d love to answer any questions you may have about the North Shore community. If you’re new to the area, or are considering a transfer to the North Shore please let me know. I have an extensive list of new homes on the market and would enjoy showing them to you! Let me know how I can make your transition a smooth one!


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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10 Tips for Going Green in Your North Shore Home!

Do you love your North Shore home and have been looking for ways to make your place more environmentally friendly? We all want to do our part in “going green”, but oftentimes it’s hard to know where to start. You’ve perhaps seen the TV shows in which gorgeous homes are built completely eco-conscious from the ground up or have been remodeled to save energy. And while these are ideal, not everyone has the resources to do so.

Well, there’s good news! Below are 10 No-Cost Energy Saving Tips that you can implement into your lifestyle today! These ideas will make your North Shore home life even more enjoyable and you’ll feel great about doing your part for our earth.

Tip # 1: Lock your windows - Don’t just close them, but lock them to create an airtight seal that keeps out air leaks and drafts.

Tip # 2: Turn off power strips - Plug power-draining computers and electronic equipment into a power strip with a switch, so they can all be easily turned off when not in use.

Tip # 3: Turn off lights - Anytime you leave a room, make sure all lights are shut off.

Tip # 4: Get free solar heat - Open the blinds and shades on your windows during the day.

Tip # 5: Chill out - Do your laundry in cold water and in the evening hours.

Tip # 6: Add a sweater and lower the thermostat - For every degree you lower your thermostat, you may be able to save 5% on heating costs.

Tip # 7: Run only full loads – Make sure your dishwasher or washing machine have full loads, and to save more money, only during evening hours.

Tip # 8: Remove lint – Make sure dryer and outside vent are free from lint. Run your dryer in the evening, when the extra heat helps warms the house.

Tip # 9: Close the doors and the heating vents - For rooms with minimal use, like walk-in closets, laundry rooms, and guest bedrooms, be sure to close the doors and heating vents to reduce heat use in those areas.

Tip # 10: Snuggle up – At night, curl up under more blankets and turn your heat down lower to reduce energy costs.

Tips provided by: Kathy Ziprik, Ziprik Consulting

Put these into practice today and begin to see results within a month! You’ll be glad you did! If you are still searching for a home in the North Shore area, please let me know. My passion is to help people find North Shore homes that fit their lifestyle and budget and there are many beautiful homes from which to choose! Contact me today so we can begin the search in finding your ideal North Shore home.


Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Positive Trends in Chicago's North Shore Real Estate Market

The media has been bombarded the past few years with tales of real estate woes and facts of how the market is suffering. And you begin to wonder if the North Shore market will ever change. Well, there’s good news! It seems that some positive insights that bring about a hope for the market’s future.

- The Spring Buying Season Starts Early Due to Tax Credit

Typically, the spring buying season begins in March, but this year will get an early start. The $8,000 tax credit has a deadline of April 30, which means many will search for new homes now in order to go into contract by that time. Jim Gillespie, President and CEO of Coldwell Banker notes, “[Sales] are going to take off in February and March and really take off in April. My concern is that the move-up buyer hasn’t thought what they need to do. Their window is really short. They have to coordinate closing dates.”

Whether you’re buying your first home and want more information on the $8,000 tax credit, or if you’re looking to upgrade and qualify for the $6,500 tax credit- you can begin looking now! The North Shore has many beautiful and available homes, and I would enjoy the opportunity to work with your taste and budget to help you find your ideal home.

- Fitch Ratings Service: More Signs for a Housing Recovery

Although it is likely we will see more foreclosures come on the market due to the adjustable-rate mortgages being reset to new rates; there is an overwhelming sense that the market is on the road to recovery. Fitch Ratings stated in a recent news release that, “More positive signals and developments are emerging for U.S. housing and related industries than at any time in the past three years.” They also note last year’s third quarter trend from recession to expansion, predicting the positive growth will continue its climb this coming year.

This is an exciting time in Real Estate as we see it on the upswing and this is especially true of Chicago’s North Shore! Now is the ideal time to buy, so please contact me with any questions you may have so we can get started!

- Mortgage Applications Rise as Rates Drop

Rising 9.1% last week from the week prior are those submitting mortgage applications. An increase for these filings are due largely in part to those who are refinancing as reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association. However, according to the MBA’s latest survey, the increase is also seen in those applying to buy homes.

All of these trends are bringing about a rejuvenation to the real estate market and many are taking notice. Facts are showing that we’ve come through the worse of the market’s lows and will continue to see improvement this year. Don’t hesitate to take advantage of all the benefits of buying into the market! If you’re hoping to still find a home before the tax credits’ deadline- I can help! Please contact me today to view some amazing homes in the North Shore area.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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A Fresh Start in Your North Shore Home – Inexpensive and Irreplaceable

Are you looking for a way to give your North Shore home a fresh start for the new year, while still maintaining a recession-friendly approach? Perhaps you’re hoping to sell your home in the next twelve months and realize it needs a few updates and an overall rejuvenated feel.

Recently, Remodeling Magazine came out with their yearly Cost vs. Value report in which they give national averages of remodeling projects and their resale value. Using these statistics, Realtor.org posted an article about the Top 10 Low Cost, High Return projects. The Top 10 are listed below, but for further insight you can check out Realtor.org article.

1. Tidy up kitchen cabinets
2. Add or replace tile
3. Add a breakfast bar
4. Install granite tile instead of slab
5. Freshen up a bathroom without retiling
6. Freshen up the basement
7. Add a room
8. Spruce up cabinet fronts
9. Replace light fixtures
10. Tech-up the garage

Hopefully these tips will be useful as you look at ways to freshen up your home! If you are planning to sell your home, but don’t know where to start- I can help! I’d enjoy the opportunity to talk with you and discuss any question you may have about today’s market. If you’re not yet a North Shore resident, but are searching for the perfect home- I can assist you as well! I have a number of beautiful homes and can make the home buying process an enjoyable experience. Contact me today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Take Advantage of Early Voting in Chicago's North Shore!

One of the many things residents love about Chicago’s North Shore is that the weather is sure to keep you on your toes! If you’re already thinking ahead to February 2, which marks the Primary Elections in Chicago, perhaps you’d rather take a nice, sunny day to head out to the polls. After all, you never know what the weather will hold for the “official” day of voting.

For the past four years, Chicago residents have been taking advantage of the option for early voting. Beginning January 11 and ending on January 28, 2010, one can cast their vote at their leisure. There are hopes that this will boost participation in the U.S. Senate, gubernatorial and county race elections.

Below are just a few of the local places around Chicago’s North Shore that host early voting:

Evanston Civic Center
2100 Ridge Ave. Evanston, IL 60201
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Glenview Village Hall
1225 Waukegan R. Glenview, IL 60025
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Northbrook Village Hall
1225 Cedar Ln. Northbrook, IL 60062
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Skokie Village Hall
5127 Oakton St. Skokie, IL 60077
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

If you’re not currently a resident of the North Shore but are looking for a new and exciting place to live; check out some of these beautiful options! I thoroughly enjoy not only living in this area, but showing people all that Chicago’s North Shore has to offer! Feel free to contact me today and begin finding the home of your dreams!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Click here for a complete list of Cook County Early Voting Locations.

North Shore Winter Fun!

It may seem the best thing to do during Chicago's North Shore winters is to stay in and stay warm, but even if you're not a "winter person" there are still many reasons to get out and enjoy the season!

The North Shore is full of beautiful parks and outdoor recreational opportunities to help you continue to enjoy all the North Shore communities have to offer year-round. Take ice skating for instance, it's a fun way to experience the cool, crisp days while getting in a little exercise and enjoying family and friends. Be sure to check out this North Shore Ice Skating Venue.


Centenniel Ice Arena Ice Skating Rink
3100 Trail Way
Highland Park, Lake County
Illinois
(847) 432-4790
www.pdhp.org/


Whether you enjoy ice skating or would rather take advantage of indoor entertainment during the winter months- Chicago's North Shore has plenty to offer! If you are looking for a wonderful community to call home, let me know! I would be happy to answer any questions you may have or show you around the area. I look forward to helping you with all of your real estate needs!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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