Spring starts off with a bang on Chicago’s North Shore! Home prices are on the rise and inventory levels are decreasing. This may be one of the best times in history to sell, invest or go on vacation for spring break…you decide the order. To help get your home in tip-top shape, below are 4 easy ways to make your home stand out from the rest. Your property should get noticed for all the right reasons the moment someone passes in front of or past the threshold:
1. Focus on your front door: Updating your door’s handle and deadbolt set with a modern-looking option is a great visual upgrade, and it can be a practical improvement, too. While you’re at it, see if your doorbell, light fixtures and the door’s kick plate could be replaced. And be sure to glance up to check for cobwebs on the front porch.
2. Be the visitor:Stand at the end of the driveway and try to view the home as a buyer or visitor would. Are there oils stains in the driveway? Is there mold on the mailbox? Grime on the front door? Thoroughly clean your home’s exterior. Clean your siding, foundation, patio, walkways, driveways, stairs, decks and porch. Take a bucket and scrub brush to your front door, mailbox and any other areas that need gentler cleaning.
3. Don’t forget your fence:A homeowner may get used to looking at the back fence and not notice discoloration from water and sun. Give it a glance and plan for an update in paint or materials if needed.
4. Use plants, pots, or wreaths in cool colors, and keep them low-maintenance: People will react in a visceral, emotional way to hot colors, such as reds and yellows, it’s best to stick with a cool palette. Use blues, purples, light pinks and whites. Those colors will also make the home look cooler in warmer weather.
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!
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:
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!
On Chicago’s North Shore, next to spring, fall is often the busiest real estate time of the year. Although you can buy and sell houses at any time, the fall North Suburban real estate market offers abundant benefits to home buyers, including year-end tax breaks, pleasant weather conditions for moving, commonly a wider selection of houses, and the beautiful presence of mother-nature all around!
To further provide examples of the North Shore home buying advantages you can enjoy during the autumn months, below is a more detailed look into the benefits of looking for and purchasing a home in the fall.
Mortgage loan year-end tax breaks
By September and October, people are already reviewing year-end tax breaks they may be eligible for. Fortunately for homebuyers, owning a home can yield immense dividends in tax returns. For example, both mortgage interest and property taxes are deductible from gross income. In addition, if you have prepaid ant interest before the due date of your first payment and you close your loan before the year’s end, that amount will also be deducted. Consult a tax professional for specific details and guidelines.
Often more home buying choices
Given that North Shore home buying and selling is at a peak during the fall season, the real estate market often becomes a highly competitive arena. While there may be additional pressure to buy due to the quicker turnaround of houses on the market, at the same time you also benefit from the wider selection of homes available during the fall season. In fact, between the months of September and December, you may be fortunate enough to visit several North Shore open houses in a single day. Therefore, to make sure you don’t miss out on finding your dream house, it’s a good idea to examine on-line ads often since the listings are updated frequently.
Getting ahead of mother mature
Buying a North Shore house in the winter may not be very appealing to most home buyers. Low temperatures and poor weather conditions can potentially make moving more difficult. But by moving in early autumn, you gain the added benefit of eluding the sweltering summer heat.
Autumn home buying TIP:Taking into account that fall is the second busiest season of the year for buying and selling houses on the North Shore, you may be tempted to put a bid on a home for fear that another buyer will better your offer or snatch it up before you. Carefully assess your financial situation ahead of time and before your feet hit the pavement, know what your ceiling is and stick to it. More info HERE
Glencoe, Ill will be the location for the annual Chicago North Shore garage sale, Sunday September 9th between 10-am to 4pm. Sign up by September 5th to reserve a garage sale kit! Sign up will be done at 640 Vernon Ave- Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office. Call 847-835-0236 or 847-727-8700 for additional details!
Remember these top 5 garage sale tips:
Tip 1:
Garage sales can be a great way to get rid of clutter and earn a little extra — especially before buying or selling a home.
Tip 2:
Don’t wait until the final hour. Depending on how long you’ve lived in the home and how much stuff you have to sell, planning a garage sale can demand some prep and setup time.
Tip 3:
See if neighbors want to help or join in. You can turn your garage sale into a block-wide event and lure more shoppers if you team up or talk with your neighbors.
Tip 4:
Create an organized display. Lay out items by category, and display neatly so customers don’t have to struggle to find goods. They will appreciate the thoughtfulness and may return in kind with multiple items to purchase.
Tip 5:
Have bags and newspapers handy. People who buy many small items will appreciate a bag to carry their goods. Newspapers are ideal for wrapping fragile items.
New Listing/Just Listed/For Sale/New on the market - 351 Adams Ave., #Glencoe..NEWER CONSTRUCTION, PERFECT FOR TODAY’S LIFESTYLE, MOVE RIGHT IN! See the North Shore property tour here http://ht.ly/cUsBP and additional information HERE as well as HERE. Contact Broker-Realtor Gloria Matlin for a private showing.
Come experience the amazing open floor plan with natural light filtering in from the abundance of windows all around. Hardwood oak floors are throughout this breathtaking home, along with crown moldings, detailed ceilings and recessed lighting. Feel free to stop by our Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate office to enquire about this Chicago North Suburban property. We are located in the heart of downtown-640 Vernon Ave., Glencoe, Illinois-60022.
Real estate is great and so is celebrating the 4th 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.
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:
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!
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 officelocated 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!
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:
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!
