4 Ways to Give and Share on the North Shore-Happy New Year!

I have pledged to continue supporting the community that has given back to me many times over. I volunteer for various North Shore village events and am proud to be associated with such organizations as the Glencoe Chamber of Commerce, American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association and Josselyn Center for Mental Health.

Below are various ways and sources to contribute to the North Shore community, marking the end of a year and/or the beginning of a new:

1. Find a cause that speaks to you- Emily Marshall, President of Junior League of Evanston-North Shore suggests to start by donating to causes to which you have personal connections—an issue that affected a loved one or an organization that helped them/you in the past. You will find plenty of groups that focus on everything from homelessness to the environment to women’s equality, working right here on Chicago’s North Shore. Marshall reminds donors not to forget smaller community organizations. “Since 2008, the changes in economy have impacted smaller non-profits, which rely heavily on individual donations,” Marshall says. Small organizations usually don’t have big budgets to create a brand image like a large not-for-profits such as Red Cross, but many are doing meaningful work right in our own backyard. For a comprehensive listing of local non-profits, Marshall recommends The Volunteer Center.

2. Do a little charity due diligence- Treat your charitable contributions like your investment portfolio. That means that once you identify not-for-profits you want to help, you should research them. Begin by checking organizations’ websites, then research them on sites like CharityWatch.org and CharityNavigator.org, watchdog groups that evaluate non-profits’ on metrics like financial health, leadership and program effectiveness.

3. Roll up your sleeves- The best way to make sure your money is being put to good use is to become actively involved with the organization(s) you’ve selected. Match your dollars with some sweat equity. Volunteer, join the board of directors, or consider donating your professional ”know-how” like legal or accounting services on a pro bono basis.

4. Don’t forget Coldwell Banker- Some may only associate our local Glencoe Coldwell Banker office with North Shore homes for sale, North Shore homes for rent, North Shore real estate or the latest housing report, analysis, data list or high-ranking performance award; but we are also a contributor to several charitable foundations that include places like Ronald McDonald House. Below is a list of other charities we help to raise funds for to provide financial assistance to housing-related causes that directly benefit the needs of the people and communities we are privileged to serve:

COLDWELL BANKER CHARITY LIST

The Glencoe-North Shore Coldwell Banker office can be found at 640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, Illinois nestled within the town’s downtown area. We serve Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Deerfield, Northfield, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Glenview and Skokie communities.  Feel free to stop by.  MORE INFO HERE

Just Listed-840 Sheridan Rd.,Glencoe-North Shore Home For Sale

THIS NEWLY LISTED NORTH SHORE PROPERTY FOR SALE HAS GRACIOUS ROOMS AND STUNNING ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS INCLUDING HARDWOOD FLOORS, MOLDINGS AND ORIGINAL WINDOWS.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE AN UPDATED KITCHEN, 4 CAR ATTACHED GARAGE AND YOUR OWN PRIVATE PARK WITH POOL AND POOL HOUSE–THE NORTH SHORE REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS!

See the VIRTUAL TOUR or visit: 840sheridan.info

 

Coldwell Banker North Shore-Glencoe Office:640 Vernon Ave

Your North Shore Home’s Worth in 2012-Real Estate Trends

Everyone, even I would like a crystal ball to see into the future. What investments should we look into? Who should we marry? Should we order the cold cuts? Everyone from fortune tellers to mortgage brokers act as though they know—and of course we listen to them. When the North Shore real estate predictions come true, we go back for more insight. When they don’t—well, some of us go back looking for what the future holds and a revised outlook anyway.

Housing prices in the year 2012; based on the findings from the research firm Fiserv,  historical data is weighed against current trends to get a sure bet on which way the markets might jump at one-year increments.

With that said, there has been a recent increase in Chicago’s North Shore mortgage applications, while mortgage delinquencies are expected to decline during 2012. This forecast comes as potential homebuyers become more confident in the nation’s housing market.

National mortgage loan application volume, spiked 12.8 percent in the week ending December 2. Meanwhile, the Refinance Index rose 15.3 percent from the previous week and now makes up 76 percent of total loan applications. Across the board,  it’s estimated that real estate prices will drop before rising by the fourth quarter of 2012. Why is that important? Both homeowners and potential buyers might be better able to make an informed decision about when, and whether, they should move or stay put.

Bottom line, indicators point to hardest-hit markets beginning to see improvement by 2012. An added positive is that mortgage rates continue to hover near historic lows and that 85.5 percent of applications for home purchases were for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages, while 6.8 percent were for 15-year…..More here and here

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update Dec-January2012

What a great way to end the year, with continual North Shore real estate news…Illinois home sales were up 14.2 percent in November!!

According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS® (IAR) latest report, statewide home sales (including single family and condominiums) in November 2011 totaled 7,954 homes sold, up 14.2 percent from 6,966 home sales in November 2010.

“Signs are emerging that a recovery in the housing market is underway including the steady uptick in home sales activity, which is expected to continue into the new year. As we move through the distressed properties, predominant in the Chicagoland market, and begin to see more positive reports on the jobs front we will be looking for some stabilization in home prices to coincide with the rising home sales”; said REALTOR® Loretta Alonzo, CRB, GRI, president of the Illinois Association of REALTORS®.

The added bonus, the monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central-North Shore region was 4.0 percent in November 2011, down from 4.07 percent during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Last year in November it averaged 4.30 percent.

In the nine-county Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area including Chicago’s North Shore-Glencoe (PMSA), home sales (single family and condominiums) in November 2011 totaled 5,453 homes sold, up 20.7 percent from November 2010 sales of 4,518 homes. The median price in November 2011 was $150,000 in the Chicago PMSA, down 14.3 percent compared to last year in November when it was $175,000.

“Little by little, there is some accumulating evidence that there may be some measure of recovery in the housing market,” said Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings, director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory (REAL) of the University of Illinois.

Fifty-two percent of Illinois counties reporting (52 of 100) showed year-over-year home sales increases in November 2011. Forty-one percent (41 of 100) showed year-over-year median price increases including Cook county.

“The market is being stimulated by buyers who are doing their homework and buying at the most compelling price they can, while sellers are working aggressively with their REALTORS® to price their homes to sell,” said REALTOR® Bob Floss, president of the Chicago Association of REALTORS®.

Sales and price information is generated by Multiple Listing Service closed sales reported by 31 participating Illinois REALTOR® local boards and associations including Midwest Real Estate Data LLC data as of December 7, 2011 for the period November through December, 2011..ending reflection through January 2012. The Chicago PMSA, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, includes the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will.

For the complete view of stats, analysis, reports, outlook or forecasts visit the Illinois REAL site: HERE

Gloria Matlin’s office is located at 640 Vernon Ave, downtown Glencoe, Illinois.  The top producing, top ranked office has been serving the North Shore real estate market for over 45 years.  We provide up to date-real time and relevant market data, property reports, mortgage resources, things to do and see/events in the community, general area information, inventory lists which can include homes for sale, as well as homes for rent on Chicago’s North Shore.  Stop by today, we look forward to providing optimal service!

NEW LISTING-503 Monroe Ave., Glencoe,Illinois

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED AND UPDATED BLENDING THE INTEGRITY OF VINTAGE WITH TODAY’S LIFESTYLE. UPDATES INCLUDE THE KITCHEN, AND ALL BATHS, PLUS FINISHED LOWER LEVEL AND ATTACHED GARAGE! A MUST SEE CHARMING UPDATED HOME IN A SUPERB LOCATION…

See the VIRTUAL TOUR or visit: 503monroe.info

For more information on this listing or general questions on North Shore real estate, North Shore homes for sale, North Shore homes for rent, Glencoe real estate or the state of the market on Chicago’s North Shore feel free to contact Gloria Matlin. Her top producing office is located at 640 Vernon Ave, in the heart of downtown Glencoe, Illinois.

Top 5 Winter Renovations That Pay Off Big-North Shore Real Estate Trends

There is always something that can be improved upon. When you spend a little time in your North Shore home on vacation or on the weekends, you are bound to find a improvement project or two that can keep you busy. And that’s usually what happens during the winter especially right before or after the holidays, people want their houses to look their best, and any indoor project that doesn’t require windows to be open or walls to be taken down are good ones to think about. More importantly it’s vital to think of the projects that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but will also get a big bang for your North Shore real estate investment buck in the long-term.

While doors and floors fit that category, be warned that any door that’s hung in the winter might be a bit of a tight fit in the summer, when humidity can expand the wood. So, be cautious of starting wood projects.

There are plenty of other home improvement projects that can keep you busy during the winter months. Here are the top 5 suggestions for high REO (return on investment) this season:

1. Install a programmable thermostat: It’s always a bit of a shock when you get that first utility bill in the colder months. If you haven’t already taken steps to save energy, an easy project, is installing a thermostat that allows you to automatically set the temperature for different times of the day. By having the heat programmed to go on when you get up in the morning, then off when you leave for the day, then back on when you arrive home, you can keep the temperature of your home constant. This type of project is an easy do-it-yourself project. It’s just a couple of low-voltage wires, so it’s really something anyone can handle, and some of them cost as low as $25. It can pay for itself in a month or two.

2. Insulate your water heater: Another way to save energy is to lower the temperature of your water heater, and insulate it. The ideal temperature is 120 degrees. It doesn’t cost you anything to turn it down, and by wrapping it in insulation, you can ensure that the water stays hot when it is not being used. You can buy insulation kits at your local North Shore-Glencoe hardware store.

3. Paint a room: This is the greatest winter project, it’s a great cure for the midwinter blues. And a $50 investment in paint can dramatically transform a room. When you are spending more time inside, you have more time to look at what needs to be refreshed. This is a quick, do-it-yourself project and a small investment can make a big difference.

4. Refinish the basement: Need a contractor for a project? Find one in the winter, contractors are slower in the winter, and one project that’s especially popular is refinishing the basement — you can often find someone to take this on. Of course, the ever-popular bathroom and kitchen remodels, are seasonless, and sometimes endless, can also be started in winter (as long as a wall doesn’t need to be knocked out).

5. Get organized: So many people resolve to get organized at the New Year and winter is a great time to actually take action on that resolution. There are so many great modular closet-organizing systems, a project like this is a great antidote to North Shore cabin fever. You can clear up the clutter in a room or a closet, and make it look like you have twice the space you did to begin with; a sure-fire way to attract potential buyers, a total sellers edge…MORE IDEAS

Home Staging During The Holidays: North Shore Real Estate

Don’t let the thought of selling your North Shore home during the winter months dampen your holiday spirit. Create a festive, buyer-friendly environment with these 7 seasonal staging must do’s.

1. Before you start untangling your tinsel, make sure your holiday collection matches your current indoor decor.

2. Too many trimmings can be distracting, but the right accessories can draw attention to your home’s best features. As an example, try hanging a few (no more than five) tasteful ornaments from your mantel to highlight an elegant fireplace.

3. Go light on the lights outside…Leave the giant inflatable snowman in storage this year. One man’s “merry” is another man’s “tacky,” so tone down any over the top light displays.

4.  If you decide on adding a tree make sure the wide base won’t overwhelm the floor space.

5. Crank up the Heat! Cold temps present the perfect opportunity to create an inviting environment for potential homebuyers. Buyers will be grateful for a place to escape from the cold.

6.Offer accessible tasty treats..this is a great way to get buyers to stick around and check out your home.

7. The less-is-more mantra of home staging may tempt you to go without holiday cheer this year. But a few subtle touches like a pine cone centerpiece,  or even an evergreen wreath can add warmth anyone will notice as soon as they come through the door….CONTINUED

Gloria Matlin can reached for questions on staging or North Shore real estate at 640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe, IL. Our office prides itself on being a top real estate resource on the North Shore for over 45 years.  Market trends, reports, lists of homes for sale, homes for rent, and general North Shore housing information is available 24/7 at  www.coldwellbankeronline.com

 

 

North Shore Real Estate Investment Tips: Due Diligence

When buying North Shore real estate, far too many buyers fail to take even the most basic levels of precaution by doing the proper due diligence. This is troubling because real estate is typically the largest and riskiest asset someone will ever buy. We’ve all learned this many times over in the last few years via the housing crisis, and it will continue happening until people better educate themselves on the real estate process and mitigate their risks.

So what issues should a buyer consider? Most of the items are not complicated, however running through the important tasks when you are actually buying property can be time-consuming and tedious. Realize if you fail to do the hard work involved to protect yourself, and something goes wrong, you only have yourself to blame. Doing the proper due diligence to lower your risk is the responsibility of you — the homeowner making the mortgage payment. Finding a real estate agent that can guide you through the maze is key.

Note: There is no risk-free real estate. Even the most diligent of buyers who do all the proper due diligence they know can lose money on some deals due to a variety of unknown, unanticipated, underestimated reasons; or simply bad luck.

Here are 10  tips to help guide you in the right direction with the help of a real estate agent:

1. Purchasing process – Understanding the overall purchasing process

2. Cash flows and returns – Penciling out an investment property cash flows and how much you will earn on your money

3. Rent vs. own – Doing a financial analysis to see if purchasing makes sense for you

4. Tax benefits picture – Understanding the tax benefits of owning real estate

5. Mortgage financing – Properly evaluating mortgage financing options and offers

6. Homeowners associations – Reviewing the homeowners association finances, operations and any litigation situation

7. Home inspection – Using the home inspection information to make better decisions

8. Dwelling and liability insurance – Do you have the proper type and amount of insurance in place

9. Title insurance and escrow – Did you read through your title insurance policy and all the sales and escrow documents and ask questions if you did not understand

10. Non-standard investments – understanding and possibly avoiding non-standard investments like land, second homes, vacation rentals, flipping property, etc…..MORE INFO

Real Estate Outcomes November2011: Chicago’s North Shore

Property Sales

November property real estate sales for Chicago’s North Shore were 8, down -27.3% from 11 in November of 2010 and -33.3% lower than the 12 sales last month. November 2011 sales were at their lowest level compared to November of 2010 and 2009. November YTD sales of 126 are running 26.0% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales of 100.

Prices

The Median Sales Price for Glencoe in November for example, was $993,750, up 52.9% from $650,000 in November of 2010 and up 7.5% from $924,500 last month. The Average Sales Price in November was $1,301,563, up 25.8% from $1,035,005 in November of 2010 and up 28.6% from $1,012,053 last month. November 2011 ASP was at highest level compared to November of 2010 and 2009.

Inventory & MSI

The Total Inventory of Properties available for sale as of November was 96, down -9.4% from 106 last month and down -17.9% from 117 in November of last year. November 2011 North Shore real estate Inventory was at the lowest level compared to November of 2010 and 2009 reports. A comparatively lower MSI is more beneficial for sellers while a higher MSI is better for North Shore buyers. The November 2011 MSI of 12.0 months was at a mid range compared with November of 2010 and 2009.

Market Time

The average Days On Market(DOM) shows how many days the average North Shore real estate Property is on the Market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM tends to indicate a move towards more of a Buyer’s market, a downward trend a move towards more of a Seller’s market. The DOM for November was 223, up 99.1% from 112 days last month and up 89.0% from 118 days in November of last year. The November 2011 DOM was at its highest level compared with November of 2010 and 2009.

Inventory / New Listings / Sales

This last view of the market combines monthly inventory of Properties for sale along with New Listings and Chicago’s North Shore Sales. The graph shows the basic annual seasonality of the market as well as the relationship between these items. The number of New Listings in November 2011 was 9, down -57.1% from 21 last month and down -50.0% from 18 in November of last year.

North Shore Homes For Sale: New Real Estate Search Option

In case you may have missed it, I was featured in Chicago Agent Magazine  (“Top Producer Gloria Matlin Imparts Wisdom at Coldwell Business Retreat”) about a month ago.  My professional passion is ensuring my clients and prospective clients are well-informed and can make confident North Shore real estate decisions.  The article mentioned the annual business retreat I attended with Coldwell Banker this fall. There I learned and contributed my knowledge about current market trends and competitive North Shore real estate strategies for 2012.

Real estate agents from around the country had the opportunity to attend breakout sessions focused on new tools and strategies to help increase business. I discussed Coldwell Banker’s online Lifestyle Search tool, which locates the neighborhoods that are best suited to clients’ individual personalities.

The application helps home buyers, especially in today’s economic climate, feel more comfortable that the area they choose to buy a home in matches well with their particular lifestyle. What’s great about  “Lifestyle Search” is that the various Lifestyle criteria are applicable to just about any homeowner’s wants…regardless of one’s station in life. Whether you’re looking at new North Shore or Glencoe  neighborhoods from a real estate investment perspective this winter or if you’re simply wanting to move somewhere that fits perfectly into the type of life you like to lead…Lifestyle Search surely can help.

Just a ping away, Gloria Matlin can assist with North Shore homes for sale, Glencoe homes for sale or North Shore real estate as well as market condition questions.  Her top producing office is located at 640 Vernon Ave, Glencoe Illinois. Stay in touch and/or visit www.gloriamatlin.com for more details.