Holiday Buying and Selling Benefits: North Shore Real Estate

As with the rest of the nation, the holidays are upon us on Chicago’s North Shore. Places like Bannockburn, Deerfield, Fort Sheridan, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lincolnshire, Northbrook, Northfield, Riverwoods, Wilmette, Winnetka, as well as Lake Forest; will be buzzing with good cheer, places to go, things to do, holiday events and festivals all around. But, real estate still has its place in the hustle and bustle of the season. Now may be one of the best times to buy or sell a North Shore home. The benefits, hows and whys are outlined below:

Tis’ the season for BUYERS during the holidays

Commonly there’s a wider selection of homes to choose from. A peak season for the real estate market, buyers will find there are many more beautiful homes to choose from during the fall and holiday season. There’s no better time to find your dream home! Utilize vacation time to act on your desire to research online or even visit Chicago North Suburban open houses.

Don’t forget year-end tax breaks. Buying property before years’ end yields some great benefits; including property taxes and mortgage interest, both deductible from gross income.

 For SELLERS, the season brings good things

Beautifully decorated homes are certainly more appealing to potential buyers. What is more beautiful and inviting than a North Shore home that’s elegantly decorated for the holidays? The warmth and spirit of the season makes many homes seem even more stunning during this special time of year. With that comes more exposure for your home. Many people enjoy hosting holiday parties for friends, family and co-workers. When you have a “for sale” sign in your yard, it will likely grab the attention of those who are visiting your neighbors or attending holiday parties, including  yours. Usually the serious buyer will shop for a home during the holidays. The fact is if someone is interested in your home during one of the busiest seasons of the year, chances are they are serious. If your home is priced appropriately, the likelihood is high for getting an offer!

An example of North Shore luxury at its best is presented below. The property is an exceptional East Northbrook, IL listing currently for sale. Feel free to contact Gloria Matlin for a private holiday showing!

Click the image to view:

Halloween: Places to Go and Things to Do-North Shore Chicago

Here on Chicago’s North Shore, real estate reports, data, and analysis are just as important as All Hallow’s Eve, Hallow E’en, or the classic Halloween. Whatever name you may choose, this unique time has been considered for centuries as one of the most magical nights of the year.

Below is a list of the latest and greatest places to go and things to do on the North Suburban Shore of Chicago; this special week of fall festivals, events and Halloween outings:

Glencoe Halloween & fall functions

 

North Shore options all around

 

Chicago and surrounding area events

 

Even more North Shore-Chicago happenings

Our top ranking Glencoe Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office will be participating in the Halloween Celebration. We are located at 640 Vernon Ave-60022 in the downtown area. Have a happy and safe Halloween week!

What a great way to take in the beauty of autumn-Chicago’s North Shore-Glencoe

What a great way to take in the beauty of autumn on Chicago’s North Shore-Glencoe…. http://ht.ly/eeNKy

New Listing – 1020 Bluff Rd., #Glencoe-North Shore Real Estate

New Listing – 1020 Bluff Rd., #Glencoe….3/4 acre, English Tudor exudes vintage charm.. See Tour! http://ow.ly/i/KzbM http://ht.ly/c3SlA

4th of July Events and Fireworks: North Shore Real Estate

Real estate is great and so is celebrating the 4^{th of} July on Chicago’s North Shore! This year’s July 4th holiday falls smack in the middle of the week, potentially causing getaways to get a little tricky, especially for those working a full-time job. Local North Shore sights, sounds and events may be the cure for a mid week holiday. Below are top rated ways to celebrate Independence Day, as well as a list of North Shore community happenings..Enjoy!

Find a Fireworks Show
Instead of driving neighbors and dogs crazy this year with at-home fireworks, attend a public display.

 July 4^th Events/Fireworks Shows for Glencoe, Winnetka, and Northfield:  

North Suburban and Chicago holiday events:

Shop ‘Til You Drop
There’s no better time to shop than on the 4th of July when North Shore retailers offer firework-worthy sales and other merchandise incentives; one of the best ways to avoid a battle with the crowd at the mall or outlet center:

Local shopping options

Plan a Cook-out or Picnic
Take your family or significant other on a picnic, by a lake or at the park near your home. Prepare your own finger foods and side dishes with traditional 4th of July grub. Download a few printable games to pump up the fun, which may include Independence Day trivia and a scavenger hunt for the kids.

Get Active
Organize a fun day of softball at a local field or park with family and friends. Assign blue and red (or white) teams and request that members wear the appropriate colors. Otherwise, pick up some cheap tees, pack a cooler with beverages, sandwiches and snacks, and let the games begin!

Parks and recreation options  

More info HERE

Thinking of Selling? Top 5 Musts Before Listing: North Shore Real Estate

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. 

1. 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?

2. 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.

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 base for Gloria Matlin and other top Glencoe realtors. The office has been a best performing real estate resource for the North Shore community for well over 4 decades.  Stop by today to discover how we can assist with home buying, home selling, home rentals, reports, or just to get info on Chicago’s North Shore area things to do/ places to go or eat!

Top Ideas for Spring Break 2012: North Shore-Chicago Real Estate

With spring on our doorstep the specific focus on North Shore real estate shifts slightly to subjects like places to go, places to stay, and things to do for spring break! Some will start looking at destination clubs or specific places to travel; others will embrace a “staycation” concept and explore all that Chicago’s North Shore has to offer. Provided below are options to satisfy everyone:

 

Staycation-North Shore/Chicago, Illinois Style!

Restaurants

Top Things to do Around Illinois/Chicago

One day deals

Local activities/deals

Top Destination Clubs & Travel!

Recommended club locations

Travel for students

Travel for families

Travel options for all  

Our North Shore Coldwell Banker office located in downtown Glencoe, Illinois-60022, can provide help with vacation homes for rent, homes for sale, local directions, maps, events happening for spring break, places to visit, or simply just to recommend places to eat around the North Shore communities.  Our 45 years of neighborhood service can be put to use to help plan and sustain a wonderful spring break for 2012.  We look forward to seeing you!