Real Estate Outcomes April2013: Chicago’s North Shore

Property Sales

April 2013 Chicago- North Suburban Glencoe real estate property sales were up 163.6% compiled against market action data in April of 2012 and topped 50.0% higher than sales performance last month. April 2013 sales totals were at their highest level compared to April of 2012 and 2011. April YTD sales are running 20.0% ahead of last year’s year-to-date sales production reports.

 Prices

The Median North Shore Sales Price in April was up 15.1% from totals released in April of 2012 and up 22.4% from last month. The Average Sales Price in April was up 4.1% compared to outcomes in April of 2012 and up 16.0% from last month. April 2013 ASP (average sales price) was at a mid-range compared to April of 2012 and 2011.

 

Inventory & MSI

The Total Inventory of Properties available on Chicago’s North Shore for sale as of April was equal to last month and down -34.3% from totals in April of last year. April 2013 real estate Inventory was at the lowest level compared to April of 2012 and 2011.

A comparatively lower MSI is more beneficial for North Shore sellers while a higher MSI is better for North Shore buyers. The April 2013 MSI (months’ supply of inventory) of 3.7 months was at its lowest level compared with April of 2012 and 2011 inventory rank.

 Market Time

The average Days on the Market (DOM) shows how many days the average 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 April was 50, down -16.7% from 60 days last month and down -56.1% from 114 days in April of last year. The April 2013 DOM was at its lowest level compared with April of 2012 and 2011 analysis.

Inventory / New Listings / Sales

The summary view of the market above combines monthly inventory of Chicago North Shore Properties for sale along with New Listings and Sales. The graph shows the basic annual seasonality of the North Shore market as well as the relationship between these items. The number of New Listings in April 2013 was up 8.7% compared to last month and down -7.4% from totals ranked in April of last year.

Highest performing Chicago-North Shore Realtor by rank, and within the top 1% of real estate professionals nationwide; Gloria Matlin is your source for optimal service along with an extensive experience base spanning 25+years.  She can be found in the North Suburb’s best producing real estate office-Coldwell Banker in Glencoe, Ill-640 Vernon Ave,60022. Feel free to stop in for questions on this report and other real estate market indicators, analysis, home/property values, projections, conditions, and forecasts. More information HERE and HERE

 

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update April-May2013

North Shore Chicago Real Estate is off to a HOT start for spring!…..According to the Illinois Association of REALTORS®, Illinois home sales increased 13.6% over previous-year data in March and median prices increased 3.6%. Statewide home sales including the North Suburban area in March 2013, totaled 10,992 homes sold, up from 9,679 in March 2012. Statewide real estate market action reports showed monthly year-over-year gains since July 2011.

This period traditionally marks the busiest time in a year for the North Shore real estate market. Currently, listings under Contract were up 36.1%. Inventory levels shrank 40.4% to 2,608 units. Two factors to highlight are the reduced market times before a home sells, along with reduced inventory levels. They support the current intense interest home-buyers have to take advantage of low prices that will ultimately increase, and locking in a desirable interest rate. This is an ideal time for sellers to list homes and sell quickly if priced right. The North Suburban Chicago Spring real estate market is thriving and benefiting buyers and sellers alike. See supporting data from The North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors and Midwest Real Estate Data LLC  in the image below (Click to enlarge):

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central-North Suburban region was 3.54 percent in March 2013, up from 3.49 percent during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Last March it averaged 3.99 percent.

Director of the Regional Economics Applications Laboratory of the University of Illinois, Dr. Geoffrey J.D. Hewings stated: “The inventory in both the state and Chicago markets suggest that demand has begun to return to the housing market.” Forty-four (44) of 102 Illinois counties, including the north suburbs of cook and Lake Counties, showed year-over-year home sales increases in March 2013.

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 April 7, 2013 for the period March 1 through March 31, 2013 and will continue with real estate updates in April 2013. 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.

Find Illinois housing stats, data and the University of Illinois REAL forecast atwww.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats

Gloria Matlin a real estate professional with a long-standing and compelling record of top producing accomplishments in the North Suburbs of Chicago.  She has been a trusted resource providing unparalleled Chicago-North shore real estate insight, performance, knowledge, expertise, and sound guidance for over 25 years. Visit her home base-Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office located in Glencoe: 640 Vernon Ave, 60022; or find her HERE for the latest trends, market reports, data, relocation options-designations, and information on her unique client driven approach to real estate.

Real Estate Outcomes March2013: Chicago’s North Shore

Property Sales

The Market is heating up!! Chicago North Shore-Glencoe March real estate property sales were up 14.4% from market action reporting in March of 2012 and 27.4% higher than North Suburban sales last month. March 2013 sales figures were at their highest level compared to March of 2012 and 2011. March YTD sales are running 23.4% ahead of last year’s year-to-date final real estate data.

 Prices

The Median Glencoe Sales Price in March was up 2.7% from March of 2012 and up 11.8% from last month. The Average North Shore-Glencoe Sales Price in March was up 3.2% compared to March of 2012 and up 11.2% from last month. March 2013 ASP (average sales price) was at a mid-range compared to March of 2012 and 2011.

 Inventory & MSI

The Total Inventory of Glencoe-North Suburban Properties available for sale as of March was down -10.1% from sales figures calculated last month and down -42.2% from North Shore real estate totals in March of last year. March 2013 Inventory was at the lowest level compared to March of 2012 and 2011.

A comparatively lower real estate MSI is more beneficial for Chicago-North Shore sellers while a higher MSI is better for Chicago-North Shore buyers. The March 2013 MSI of 4.6 months was at its lowest level compared with March of 2012 and 2011.

 Market Time

The average Days on Market (DOM) shows how many days the average North Shore-Glencoe real estate property is on the Market before it sells. An upward trend in North Shore 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 March was down -3.4% compared to last month and down -19.0% from 105 days in March of last year. The March 2013 DOM was at its lowest level compared with March of 2012 and 2011.

 Inventory / New Listings / Sales

The view above of the Glencoe-North Shore real estate market combines monthly inventory of Properties for sale along with New Listings and Sales. The graph outlines the basic annual seasonality of the market as well as the relationship between these items. The number of New Chicago North Shore-Glencoe Listings in March 2013 was up 13.8% from last month and down -10.2% from data calculated from March of last year.

Gloria Matlin is a sustained real estate resource, ranking nationally within the top 2% of Realtors for over 20 years. She is among Coldwell Banker’s elite group of 2012 highest performing real estate professionals.  Chicago’s North Suburbs, also known as the North Shore, is where she calls home.  Visit Gloria HERE and HERE for additional real estate news, reports, forecasts, tips, and insight.

Ready to Sell? Top 5 Spring Prep Tips Before Listing: North Shore Real Estate

Chicago North Shore real estate is well within the spring buying and selling season.  North Shore Realtors may often advise clients of five basic principles to get your home in top “list ready” condition. Buyers and sellers alike are out right now (on-line and in-person) perusing real estate options on places like Zillow and Trulia. Using these tips can promote a competitive standing in the market and make buyers appreciate the thoughtful preparation by doing the following:

1. Clean and Organize. Eliminate any clutter and pack up your least-used items, such as large pictures or photos, out-of-season clothes, non-used kitchen items, toys, and exercise equipment. Store items off-site or in boxes neatly arranged in the garage or even the basement. Clean the windows, carpets, walls, flooring, lighting fixtures, and baseboards to make the house sparkle. Having a garage sale may even be an option if time permits.

2. Go crazy on the curb appeal. Spring and summer mean getting out and enjoying the weather. It also means every detail of the outside of your home is far more noticeable.  Just put yourself in a potential buyers shoes and stand outside of your home. As you approach the front door, what is your impression of the property? Do the lawn and bushes look neatly displayed? Is the address clearly visible from where you are? Are pretty flowers or plants framing the entrances? Is the walkway free from debris and impediments?

3. Collect needed replacement estimates. Do you have big-ticket items that are worn out, out dated, or will need to be replaced soon, such your roof or carpeting? Get estimates on how much it would cost to replace those things, even if you don’t plan to do it yourself. The figures will help buyers determine if they can afford the home, and will be a helpful guide for both parties when negotiations begin.

4. Know where to find your warranties. Collect the warranties, guarantees, and user manuals for the furnace, washer and dryer, dishwasher, and any other appliances or equipment that will remain with the house after it’s sold.

 5. A pre-sale home inspection is Key. Be ahead of the game by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good outline of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make needed repairs before an open house begins. The inspection may also be an additional guide for contact negotiation.

The Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage office located at 640 Vernon Ave in Glencoe, Illinois-60022; is home  to Gloria Matlin and other top performing North Suburban Realtors. The office has been a high performing real estate resource for the North Shore area for well over 40 years.  Stop in today to discover how they can assist with home buying, home selling, home rentals, market action reports, or just to get info on Chicago’s North Shore communities and things to do/places to go!

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update March-April2013

Great News! Home sales statewide, including Chicago North Shore have posted monthly year-over-year volume gains since July 2011; per information recently released by the Illinois Association of REALTORS®.

So far North Shore sales volume has been encouraging. The first two months in a year are traditionally slower in terms of real estate progress, but this year to date the market is off to a robust start. North Shore Market appeal is strongly supported by ongoing attractive mortgage rates and ideal turn-around time-frames for sellers; a win-win combination for all involved in the Chicago North Shore real estate transaction process. The future looks bright for April 2013 North Shore home sale projections.

The monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Shore-North Central region was 3.49 percent in February 2013, up from 3.40 percent during the previous month, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Last February it averaged 3.91 percent. In the nine-county Chicago Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), home sales (single-family and condominiums) in February 2013 totaled 5,935 homes sold, up 20.2 percent from February 2012 sales of 4,936 homes.

Forty-seven (47) of 102 Illinois counties reporting to IAR including the North Suburban area showed year-over-year home sales increases in February 2013. Lake, up 7.4 percent Cook, up 4.7 percent.

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 March 7, 2013 for the period Feb. 1 through Feb. 28, 2013. 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.

The Illinois Association of REALTORS® is a voluntary trade association whose 41,000 members are engaged in all facets of the real estate industry. In addition to serving the professional needs of its members, the Illinois Association of REALTORS® works to protect the rights of private property owners in the state by recommending and promoting legislation to safeguard and advance the interest of real property ownership.

Find Illinois housing stats, data and the University of Illinois REAL forecast atwww.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats.

5 Reasons to Buy or Sell in the Spring-North Shore Real Estate

It is no surprise that a fresh start at the beginning of the spring season for some means they are ready to finally put their North Shore house on the market and/or start looking for a new Chicago-North Suburban place to call home.

Spring is commonly the time when everyone awakens from the routine of winter and is often motivated to start something new.  Below are 4 reasons plus 1 tip on why spring can be the ideal time to get moving on buying, selling or both on the North Shore:

1. A house on the market at the beginning of spring sets you up for a perfect timeline to move over the summer! The weather is most likely to cooperate with you during this time. A summer move is also ideal for those who have families where it is better not to disrupt the children during the school year – especially if you’re moving school districts; this will allow them to have a fresh start at the beginning of a brand new school year.

2. Uptick in traffic at open houses means increased probability of a sale. Let’s face it; people don’t generally like to leave the comfort of their warm homes on a Sunday afternoon when it’s too chilly outside.

3. Houses look more appealing in the sunlight with nice curb enhanced greenery and/or flowers out front. Curb appeal is important year round. The spring shines a light on a home’s appearance literally and figuratively. It’s a little easier to make repairs to a home when the weather is mild. Spring is the time to finally stop putting off the little projects that have been building up through the winter. Fix that broken step banister put a fresh coat of paint on that chipped garage door, it can make the difference and have bearing on a buyer the moment they approach a home.

4. Take the fix-up projects a step further….There is certainly no better time to de-clutter than with the windows open for the first time after winter! Deciding to sell might be that extra push you need to finally get rid of those old clothes or an over abundance of toys. More tips and guides HERE and HERE

IMPORTANT TIP:

Find a good Chicago North Suburban Realtor/Broker. Local North Shore luxury real estate agents offer insight you won’t always find online or through a listing/ad. Gloria Matlin has kept a pulse on the market and knows the North Shore communities with over 25 years of  experience. Let her be your guide, and make your real estate dreams a reality for Spring 2013. Stop in her Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office, located at 640 Vernon Avenue in downtown Glencoe, Illinois-60022-for additional information and superb service/attention.

Real Estate Outcomes January2013: Chicago’s North Shore

Property Sales

Chicago’s North Shore Glencoe January Property sales were equal to volume trends generated in January of 2012 and 14.3% higher than real estate market action reporting last month.

Prices

The Median Glencoe-North Shore Sales Price average in January was down -3.4% compared to real estate reporting in January of 2012 and up 9.6% from last month. The Average Sales Price in January was down -50.6% from real estate data recorded  in January of 2012 and up 26.0% last month. January 2013 ASP (average sales price) was at the lowest level compared to January of 2012 and 2011.

Inventory & MSI

The Total Inventory of North Suburban Glencoe Properties available for sale as of January was up 1.7% from volume reported last month and down -37.1% from figures totaled in January of last year. January 2013 Inventory was at the lowest level compared to January of 2012 and 2011.

A comparatively lower MSI is more beneficial for Chicago North Shore sellers while a higher MSI is better for Chicago North Shore buyers. The January 2013 MSI of 7.6 months was at its lowest level compared with January of 2012 and 2011.

Market Time

The average Days on Market for Glencoe (DOM) shows how many days the average North Shore-Glencoe Property is on the Market before it sells. An upward trend in DOM tends to indicate a move towards more of a Glencoe Buyer’s market, a downward trend a move towards more of a Glencoe Seller’s market. The DOM for January was -21.6% from data reported last month and down -35.0% days totaled in January of last year. The January 2013 DOM was at its lowest level compared with January of 2012 and 2011.

Inventory / New Listings / Sales

‘The graph view provided above of the North Shore Chicago market combines monthly inventory of Glencoe Properties for sale along with New Listings and 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 January 2013 was up 1150.0% from last month and up 13.6% from January real estate reporting provided last year.

For additional market action data, analysis, projections, recommendations, with real estate reporting focused on specific North Shore Chicago communities such as Winnetka, Wilmette, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Deerfield, Northfield, Lincolnshire, Buffalo Grove, Glenview, and Skokie; feel free to stop in to the highest performing residential real estate office in Glencoe-Coldwell Banker at 640 Vernon Ave., 60022-The heart of downtown center. The place Gloria Matlin, Realtor/Broker calls her professional home.

Home Buyers and Sellers in Today’s North Shore Real Estate Market- 3 Things to Know

Here on Chicago’s North Shore the real estate market is favorable for both buyer and seller alike. North shore agents are seeing busier open houses, quicker sales, even multiple offers.
But like houses, no two North shore sellers or buyers are exactly the same. Having a grasp of the mindset of both, can ease the North Shore real estate navigation process a bit. With the help of an experienced solidly performing North Shore Realtor, below are three scenarios sellers and buyers should be aware of in today’s market:

1. Buyers can be sellers and sellers become buyers

Often, sellers feel the same amount of stress or excitement that buyers feel because they’re somewhere in the buying process, too. Though some sellers may want to take additional time and become renters after their sale is complete, many will get back in the homeowner game soon after the sale goes through, sometimes immediately. Sellers, as would-be buyers, want to capitalize on low interest rates and home values. Getting the North Shore home sold quickly and at today’s value may be all a seller needs to make a purchase. Though it may be a “sellers’ market in some areas,” most sellers these days have a sense of empathy. They understand the buyer’s position and likely want to get out cleanly and quickly so that they, too, can buy.

2. Sellers are starting to feel relief but with caution

Even the sellers who have successfully sold are well aware of what happened in real estate markets over the past five years; news that the market is changing, and in their favor can be a welcoming incentive for all involved. They’re more hopeful than they were even six months ago. Generally speaking, however, most sellers are still feeling conservative and cautious. They’re more likely to take a bird in the hand than to risk losing a sale because of a knee jerk instant reaction.

3. Advice for both sides

Real estate is a game, in a sense, in which both sides hope to achieve their goals, which is why it always helps to understand your “opponent. Take a moment to size up who the buyer is, how they got there and why they want to buy. Don’t make assumptions. Take a step back. Put yourself in their shoes.

Sellers aren’t the same as they were around 2005, when many were driven by other goals as the market’s rise seemed endless. Don’t go into this market, which is very different from even six months ago, assuming the same rules apply. Consulting with your competent North Shore real estate professional, will put you in the right position for a successful and joyful transaction.

Gloria Matlin, a high ranking real estate performer, can be found at the North Suburban Glencoe Coldwell Banker office – 640 Vernon Ave., 60022. More information HERE

Glencoe-North Shore Market Trends: Update January-February2013

Outstanding North Shore real estate conditions for a new year. According to recent reports by the Illinois Association of REALTORS®, home sales surged 15.2% in December compared to previous-year levels and median prices topped off at 5.6% on average, across the state. See the supporting image below provided by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC and North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors (click to enlarge):

In addition, the monthly average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for the North Central region was 3.32% in December 2012. Last December it averaged 3.94%, according to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.

2012 showed stable signs of North Shore real estate recovery. As a result, an uptick in Chicago North Shore housing market figures was sustained across the board. Specifically ownership versus rental generation supported an increase in North Suburban housing sales that have spilled into 2013; with a decrease in market days before a North Shore property is sold. Confidence was seen in December of 2012, normally a slower period surrounding holiday sales performance. New Listings in the North Shore-Barrington region increased 1.0 percent to 407. Listings under Contract were up 56.1 percent to 451. Inventory levels shrank 39.6%. Low mortgage rates provided ongoing incentives to purchase, refinance and sell. All signs of inventory clearing and projected to produce positive figures well into 2013. Image below provided by Midwest Real Estate Data LLC and North Shore-Barrington Association of Realtors (click to enlarge):

 

In the nine-county Chicago-North Shore Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), home sales (single family and condominiums) in December 2012 totaled 7,372 homes sold, up 19.2 percent from December 2011 sales. Fifty (50) of 102 Illinois counties reporting to IAR showed year-over-year home sales increases in December 2012. Thirty-nine (39) counties showed year-over-year median price increases including Chicago North Suburban Cook, up 7.7%.

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 Jan. 7, 2013 for the period Dec. 1 through Dec. 31, 2012, reporting in January 2013. 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.

Find Illinois housing stats, data and the University of Illinois REAL forecast atwww.illinoisrealtor.org/marketstats. 

North Shore Real Estate Trends for 2013-Glencoe Realtor’s Perspective

Now in 2013, optimism and confidence in Chicago’s North Suburban real estate market is increasing. Growth has been seen throughout 2012 and housing recovery is no longer a hush term. 2013 is forecasted to be one of the most productive and best performing real estate years on record. Below are 4 reasons to rejoice and scream out “Happy New Year”:

1. Increase in first-time North Shore home buyers-Recent trends and surveys suggest that growth in demand for North Shore-Chicago homes will likely be driven by first time home buyers. The National Association of Realtor’s released a survey in November of 2012 that showed 39% of borrowers were first-time property purchasers, up 37% from 2011 figures. See Survey HERE.

2. North Shore Home prices are on the rise-Confidence in the North Shore market has fueled demand in homes. The inventory available often gets snapped up quickly. In addition, new home construction may need to increase to keep up with population growth. A recent report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) in October of 2012, showed a slight decrease of 22% in the pace of inventory against population growth and overall inventory availability. This equals higher demand, which results in higher prices.

3. Mortgage rates will rise-Although at a historic low for most of 2012, predictions are betting on the only direction the rates can go…UP! Rates are slated to rise 4% in 2013 according to The NAR. Experts agree that there’s no way the low-interest-rate trend will last forever. Getting into the marketNOW will have the best benefit and create a North Shore real estate asset as interest rates begin to surge again.

4. Rents will rise with young people entering the North Shore market-Many in their twenties and thirties have been waiting, riding out the economy. As the economy picks up, these same groups will look for apartments and rental property, thereby creating greater demand for the rental market. This means a new motivation for North Shore home seekers that may have been on the fence. In recent years rents have been rising nationally at a pace of about 4% based on a Zillow analysis and confirmation that buying beats renting in most metros including North Shore-Chicago. It’s predicted this trend will continue well into 2013. See report HERE.